1
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Lamme TD, Smit MJ, Schafer CT. Signal termination of the chemokine receptor CCR9 is governed by an arrestin-independent phosphorylation mechanism. J Biol Chem 2025; 301:108462. [PMID: 40154615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2025.108462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2025] [Accepted: 03/24/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025] Open
Abstract
The C-C chemokine receptor type 9 (CCR9) coordinates immune cell migration from the thymus to the small intestine along gradients of the chemokine CCL25. Receptor dysregulation is associated with a variety of inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's and ulcerative colitis, whereas aberrant CCR9 overexpression correlates with tumor metastasis. Despite being an attractive therapeutic target, attempts to clinically antagonize CCR9 have been unsuccessful. This highlights the need for a deeper understanding of its specific regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways. CCR9 is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and activates Gi and Gq pathways. Unexpectedly, live-cell bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays reveal only limited G protein activation, and signaling is rapidly terminated. Truncating the receptor C terminus significantly enhanced G protein coupling, highlighting a regulatory role of this domain. Signal suppression was not because of canonical arrestin-coordinated desensitization. Rather, removal of GPCR kinase phosphorylation led to sustained and robust G protein activation by CCR9. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we identified specific phosphorylation motifs that attenuate G protein coupling. Receptor internalization did not correlate with G protein activation capabilities. Instead, CCR9 phosphorylation disrupted the interaction of G protein heterotrimers with the receptor. This interference may lead to rapid loss of productive coupling and downstream signaling as phosphorylation would effectively render the receptor incapable of G protein coupling. An arrestin-independent, phosphorylation-driven deactivation mechanism could complement arrestin-dependent regulation of other GPCRs and have consequences for therapeutically targeting these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Lamme
- Faculty of Science, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J Smit
- Faculty of Science, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher T Schafer
- Faculty of Science, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Pan KS, Wang Z, Pfeil C, Bergkamp ND, Mobach S, Roth S, Rizk A, Lohse MJ, Annibale P, Siderius M, Zimmermann M, Smit MJ, Bosma R. Pharmacological characterization of a clinical candidate, TG-0054, a small molecule inverse agonist targeting CXCR4. Mol Pharmacol 2025; 107:100015. [PMID: 40156952 DOI: 10.1016/j.molpha.2025.100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2025] [Indexed: 04/01/2025] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is an important therapeutic target for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization, which enhances the success of autologous stem cell transplantation for treating blood cancers such as lymphomas and myeloma. As CXCR4 has been shown to be involved in various inflammatory diseases, cancer progression, and cell entry by the human immunodeficiency virus, understanding the molecular mechanism of CXCR4 inhibitors has potential implications in a wide area of diseases. Here, we present an exploratory study which involves the molecular pharmacological characterization of TG-0054 (burixafor, GPC-100), a clinical candidate for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization. TG-0054 inhibited CXCL12 binding at CXCR4, and antagonized both Gαi and β-arrestin2 recruitment as well as the downstream Gαi-attenuation of cAMP signaling pathway, with pIC50 of 7.7, 8.0, and 7.9, respectively. Compared with the clinically used antagonist AMD3100 and the prototypical inverse agonist Isothiourea-1t (IT1t), TG-0054 displayed a unique pharmacological profile. Like IT1t, TG-0054 inhibited the constitutive Gαi signaling of CXCR4. However, in contrast to IT1t and other reported inverse agonists, TG-0054 was not able to induce monomerization of CXCR4 oligomeric complexes. Considering the unique properties of TG-0054 on CXCR4, TG-0054 is an interesting tool compound for studying the relevance of inverse agonism as well as CXCR4 monomerization in various pathologies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: CXCR4-targeted therapeutics hold important potential for the treatment of blood cancers. TG-0054 has inverse agonistic properties and is a non-CXCR4-monomerizing small molecule antagonist, unlike other well studied CXCR4 small molecule antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie S Pan
- InterAx Biotech AG, Villigen, Switzerland; Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ziming Wang
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Cy Pfeil
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nick D Bergkamp
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simon Mobach
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martin J Lohse
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paolo Annibale
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany; School of Physics and Astronomy, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Siderius
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine J Smit
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reggie Bosma
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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3
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Fares S, Krishna BA. Why Are Cytomegalovirus-Encoded G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Essential for Infection but Only Variably Conserved? Pathogens 2025; 14:245. [PMID: 40137730 PMCID: PMC11945030 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14030245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2025] [Revised: 02/25/2025] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) encode viral G-protein-coupled receptors (vGPCRs) that have diverged from their cellular homologues to perform new functions. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) encodes four vGPCRs: UL33, UL78, US27, and US28, which contribute to viral pathogenesis, cellular signalling, and latency. While the role of US28 in chemokine signalling and viral latency is well characterised, the functions of other vGPCRs remain incompletely understood. Rodent cytomegaloviruses only have homologues to UL33 and UL78, while primates have two to five additional GPCRs which are homologues of US27 and US28. Different CMVs appear to have evolved vGPCRs with functions specific to infection of their respective host. As non-human CMVs are used as model organisms to understand clinical cytomegalovirus disease and develop vaccines and antivirals, understanding the differences between these vGPCRs helps researchers understand critical differences between their models. This review aims to address the differences between CMV vGPCRs, and how these differences may affect models of CMV disease to facilitate future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Fares
- Occlutech Holding AG, Feldstrasse 22, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland;
| | - Benjamin A. Krishna
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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4
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Ren H, Wang B, Wang L, Shi Y, Li R, Jiang C, Feng J, Wang J, Yao H, Lan L, Gao G, Li L, Xiang G, Xu F, Zheng X. Human cytomegalovirus UL82 promotes cell cycle progression of colorectal cancer by upregulating AGR2. Commun Biol 2025; 8:251. [PMID: 39962326 PMCID: PMC11833063 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-07674-z] [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: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
The correlation between persistent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has garnered increasing attention. UL82 is a tegument protein of HCMV, and our previous research indicated that the presence of UL82 is significantly associated with reduced overall survival in CRC patients. However, the mechanism by which UL82 affects the prognosis of CRC patients remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of UL82 in CRC progression through both in vitro and in vivo experiments, and revealed its downstream regulatory pathways by integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics. Our findings first revealed that UL82 significantly promoted CRC cell proliferation by increasing the proportion of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Additionally, UL82 enhanced the expression of the oncogene AGR2, while knockdown of AGR2 abolished the proliferative effect of UL82. Interestingly, UL82 interacted with the transcription factor DDX5, which transcriptionally inhibited AGR2 expression. Furthermore, this UL82-AGR2 axis promoted nucleotide metabolism in CRC cells by enhancing the levels of nucleotide synthesis enzymes DTYMK, RRM2, and TYMS. In conclusion, our study suggests that the UL82/DDX5 complex may promote nucleotide metabolism and cell cycle progression of CRC by upregulating AGR2 and UL82 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ren
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Bing Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Lanni Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Ye Shi
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Ruini Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Chaoyi Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Jingxin Feng
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Hanru Yao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Linhua Lan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Guohui Gao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Liyi Li
- General Surgery Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China
| | - Guangxin Xiang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
| | - Feng Xu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
| | - Xiaoqun Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, Zhengjiang, China.
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5
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Mercado NB, Real JN, Kaiserman J, Panagioti E, Cook CH, Lawler SE. Clinical implications of cytomegalovirus in glioblastoma progression and therapy. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:213. [PMID: 39343770 PMCID: PMC11439950 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00709-4] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the deadliest brain cancers with a median survival of only 15 months. This poor prognosis has prompted exploration of novel therapeutic targets for GBM patients. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been implicated in GBM; however, its impact remains poorly defined, and there is conflicting data over the presence of HCMV in tumors. Nonetheless, clinical trials targeting HCMV have shown promising initial data, and evidence suggests that HCMV may negatively impact GBM patient survival by multiple mechanisms including changes in GBM cell behavior and the tumor microenvironment (TME) that potentiate tumor progression as well as therapy-induced virus reactivation. Moreover, HCMV has many effects on host immunity that could impact tumor behavior by altering the TME, which are largely unexplored. The goal of this review is to describe these potential interactions between HCMV and GBM. Better understanding of these processes may allow the development of new therapeutic modalities to improve GBM patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe B Mercado
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Jacqueline N Real
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Jacob Kaiserman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, US
| | - Eleni Panagioti
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Charles H Cook
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, US
| | - Sean E Lawler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, US.
- The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, US.
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6
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Anbuhl SM, Dervillez X, Neubacher S, Schriek AI, Bobkov V, de Taeye SW, Szpakowska M, Siderius M, Grossmann TN, Chevigné A, Smit MJ, Heukers R. Multivalent CXCR4-targeting nanobody formats differently affect affinity, receptor clustering, and antagonism. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116457. [PMID: 39098732 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The chemokine receptor CXCR4 is involved in the development and migration of stem and immune cells but is also implicated in tumor progression and metastasis for a variety of cancers. Antagonizing ligand (CXCL12)-induced CXCR4 signaling is, therefore, of therapeutic interest. Currently, there are two small-molecule CXCR4 antagonists on the market for the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells. Other molecules with improved potencies and safety profiles are being developed for different indications, including cancer. Moreover, multiple antagonistic nanobodies targeting CXCR4 displayed similar or better potencies as compared to the CXCR4-targeting molecule AMD3100 (Plerixafor), which was further enhanced through avid binding of bivalent derivatives. In this study, we aimed to compare the affinities of various multivalent nanobody formats which might be differently impacted by avidity. By fusion to a flexible GS-linker, Fc-region of human IgG1, different C4bp/CLR multimerization domains, or via site-directed conjugation to a trivalent linker scaffold, we generated different types of multivalent nanobodies with varying valencies ranging from bivalent to decavalent. Of these, C-terminal fusion, especially to human Fc, was most advantageous with a 2-log-fold and 3-log-fold increased potency in inhibiting CXCL12-mediated Gαi- or β-arrestin recruitment, respectively. Overall, we describe strategies for generating multivalent and high-potency CXCR4 antagonistic nanobodies able to induce receptor clustering and conclude that fusion to an Fc-tail results in the highest avidity effect irrespective of the hinge linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Anbuhl
- QVQ Holding BV, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Xavier Dervillez
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Saskia Neubacher
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Incircular BV, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Angela I Schriek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vladimir Bobkov
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Argenx, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven W de Taeye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection prevention, Laboratory of Experimental Virology, Amsterdam UMC, Location University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Marco Siderius
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Incircular BV, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Martine J Smit
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Raimond Heukers
- QVQ Holding BV, 3584 CL Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Janneh AH. Sphingolipid Signaling and Complement Activation in Glioblastoma: A Promising Avenue for Therapeutic Intervention. BIOCHEM 2024; 4:126-143. [PMID: 38894892 PMCID: PMC11185840 DOI: 10.3390/biochem4020007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis due to the lack of effective treatment options. Therefore, new treatment options are required. Sphingolipids are essential components of the cell membrane, while complement components are integral to innate immunity, and both play a critical role in regulating glioblastoma survival signaling. This review focuses on recent studies investigating the functional roles of sphingolipid metabolism and complement activation signaling in glioblastoma. It also discusses how targeting these two systems together may emerge as a novel therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alhaji H Janneh
- Hollings Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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8
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Di Niro L, Linders AC, Glynn T, Pegtel DM, Siderius M, Crudden C, Smit MJ. G protein-coupled receptors: a gateway to targeting oncogenic EVs? EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AND CIRCULATING NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 5:233-248. [PMID: 39698539 PMCID: PMC11648488 DOI: 10.20517/evcna.2024.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 12/20/2024]
Abstract
Dysregulated intercellular communication is a key feature driving cancer progression. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have added a new channel to this dense communication network. Despite solid evidence that EVs are central mediators of dysregulated signaling in onco-pathological settings, this has yet to be translated into clinically actionable strategies. The heterogeneity of EV cargo molecules, plasticity of biogenesis routes, and large overlap with their role in physiological communication, complicate a potential targeting strategy. However, recent work has linked EV biology to perhaps the "most druggable" proteins - G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). GPCR targeting accounts for ~60% of drugs in development and more than a third of all currently approved drugs, spanning almost all areas of medicine. Although several GPCRs have been linked to cancer initiation and progression, relatively few agents have made it into oncological regimes, suggesting that their potential is underexploited. Herein, we examine the molecular mechanisms linking GPCRs to EV communication in cancer settings. We propose that GPCRs hold potential in the search for EV-targeting in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Di Niro
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Amber C. Linders
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Glynn
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - D. Michiel Pegtel
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Siderius
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Caitrin Crudden
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Martine J. Smit
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Medicinal Chemistry, Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
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