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Petrovic A, Jovanovic I, Stojanovic B, Dimitrijevic Stojanovic M, Stojanovic BS, Jurisevic M, Simovic Markovic B, Jovanovic M, Jovanovic M, Jovanovic M, Gajovic N. Harnessing Metformin's Immunomodulatory Effects on Immune Cells to Combat Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5869. [PMID: 38892058 PMCID: PMC11172298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115869] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a medication known for its anti-glycemic properties, also demonstrates potent immune system activation. In our study, using a 4T1 breast cancer model in BALB/C WT mice, we examined metformin's impact on the functional phenotype of multiple immune cells, with a specific emphasis on natural killer T (NKT) cells due to their understudied role in this context. Metformin administration delayed the appearance and growth of carcinoma. Furthermore, metformin increased the percentage of IFN-γ+ NKT cells, and enhanced CD107a expression, as measured by MFI, while decreasing PD-1+, FoxP3+, and IL-10+ NKT cells in spleens of metformin-treated mice. In primary tumors, metformin increased the percentage of NKp46+ NKT cells and increased FasL expression, while lowering the percentages of FoxP3+, PD-1+, and IL-10-producing NKT cells and KLRG1 expression. Activation markers increased, and immunosuppressive markers declined in T cells from both the spleen and tumors. Furthermore, metformin decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, along with Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in spleens, and in tumor tissue, it decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, Gr-1+, NF-κB+, and iNOS+ MDSCs, and iNOS+ dendritic cells (DCs), while increasing the DCs quantity. Additionally, increased expression levels of MIP1a, STAT4, and NFAT in splenocytes were found. These comprehensive findings illustrate metformin's broad immunomodulatory impact across a variety of immune cells, including stimulating NKT cells and T cells, while inhibiting Tregs and MDSCs. This dynamic modulation may potentiate its use in cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of immune cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andjela Petrovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojan Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milica Dimitrijevic Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana S Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Jurisevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana Simovic Markovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milan Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mihailo Jovanovic
- Clinic for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Center, Zmaj Jovina 30, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nevena Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Tone M, Iwahori K, Hirata M, Ueyama A, Tani A, Haruta JI, Takeda Y, Shintani Y, Kumanogoh A, Wada H. Tetracyclines enhance antitumor T-cell immunity via the Zap70 signaling pathway. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008334. [PMID: 38621815 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008334] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer immunotherapy including immune checkpoint inhibitors is only effective for a limited population of patients with cancer. Therefore, the development of novel cancer immunotherapy is anticipated. In preliminary studies, we demonstrated that tetracyclines enhanced T-cell responses. Therefore, we herein investigated the efficacy of tetracyclines on antitumor T-cell responses by human peripheral T cells, murine models, and the lung tumor tissues of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with a focus on signaling pathways in T cells. METHODS The cytotoxicity of peripheral and lung tumor-infiltrated human T cells against tumor cells was assessed by using bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) technology (BiTE-assay system). The effects of tetracyclines on T cells in the peripheral blood of healthy donors and the tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC were examined using the BiTE-assay system in comparison with anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody, nivolumab. T-cell signaling molecules were analyzed by flow cytometry, ELISA, and qRT-PCR. To investigate the in vivo antitumor effects of tetracyclines, tetracyclines were administered orally to BALB/c mice engrafted with murine tumor cell lines, either in the presence or absence of anti-mouse CD8 inhibitors. RESULTS The results obtained revealed that tetracyclines enhanced antitumor T-cell cytotoxicity with the upregulation of granzyme B and increased secretion of interferon-γ in human peripheral T cells and the lung tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC. The analysis of T-cell signaling showed that CD69 in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was upregulated by minocycline. Downstream of T-cell receptor signaling, Zap70 phosphorylation and Nur77 were also upregulated by minocycline in the early phase after T-cell activation. These changes were not observed in T cells treated with anti-PD-1 antibodies under the same conditions. The administration of tetracyclines exhibited antitumor efficacy with the upregulation of CD69 and increases in tumor antigen-specific T cells in murine tumor models. These changes were canceled by the administration of anti-mouse CD8 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, tetracyclines enhanced antitumor T-cell immunity via Zap70 signaling. These results will contribute to the development of novel cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari Tone
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kota Iwahori
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michinari Hirata
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Biopharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Azumi Ueyama
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Biopharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Tani
- Compound Library Screening Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Haruta
- Lead Explorating Units, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Takeda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasushi Shintani
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI), Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Diseases for Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development - Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS (CAMaD), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hisashi Wada
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Zhang Y, Yang J, Ouyang C, Meng N. The association between ferroptosis and autophagy in cardiovascular diseases. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3985. [PMID: 38509716 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3985] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is a process in which cells degrade intracellular substances and play a variety of roles in cells, such as maintaining intracellular homeostasis, preventing cell overgrowth, and removing pathogens. It is highly conserved during the evolution of eukaryotic cells. So far, the study of autophagy is still a hot topic in the field of cytology. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of cell death, accompanied by the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides. With the deepening of research, it has been found that ferroptosis, like autophagy, is involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between autophagy and ferroptosis is complex, and the association between the two in cardiovascular disease remains to be clarified. This article reviews the mechanism of autophagy and ferroptosis and their correlation, and discusses the relationship between them in cardiovascular diseases, which is expected to provide new and important treatment strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Junjun Yang
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
| | - Chenxi Ouyang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Meng
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, Jinan, China
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Li Y, Liu B, Cao Y, Cai L, Zhou Y, Yang W, Sun T. Metformin-induced reduction of CCR8 enhances the anti-tumor immune response of PD-1 immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176274. [PMID: 38142852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176274] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy strategies targeting the programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) in clinical treatments have shown limited success in controlling glioblastoma malignancies. Metformin exserts antitumor function, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether metformin could enhance the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 therapy by activating the immune system. Whether combination of an anti-PD-1 antibody or not, metformin significantly increased tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cells while decreased regulatory T (Treg) cells in a mouse GBM model. Additionally, metformin reduced CC motif chemokine receptor CCR8 and elevated Interleukin 17 A (IL-17 A) expressions. Mechanistically, metformin reduces histone acetylation at the CCR8 promotor and inhibits CCR8 expression by upregulating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activated sirtuin 2 (SIRT2). Metformin enhances the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by reducing CCR8 expression on tumor-infiltrating Treg cells, suggesting that metformin has an antitumor effect by alleviating immunosuppression and promoting T cell-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai, China
| | - Yufei Cao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lize Cai
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Youxin Zhou
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection and Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Ting Sun
- Neurosurgery and Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Feng Y, Hu X, Zhang Y, Wang Y. The Role of Microglia in Brain Metastases: Mechanisms and Strategies. Aging Dis 2024; 15:169-185. [PMID: 37307835 PMCID: PMC10796095 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0514] [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: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases and related complications are one of the major fatal factors in cancer. Patients with breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma are at a high risk of developing brain metastases. However, the mechanisms underlying the brain metastatic cascade remain poorly understood. Microglia, one of the major resident macrophages in the brain parenchyma, are involved in multiple processes associated with brain metastasis, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and immune modulation. They also closely interact with metastatic cancer cells, astrocytes, and other immune cells. Current therapeutic approaches against metastatic brain cancers, including small-molecule drugs, antibody-coupled drugs (ADCs), and immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have compromised efficacy owing to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and complex brain microenvironment. Targeting microglia is one of the strategies for treating metastatic brain cancer. In this review, we summarize the multifaceted roles of microglia in brain metastases and highlight them as potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Feng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xueqing Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yingru Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Tu SM, Chen JZ, Singh SR, Maraboyina S, Gokden N, Hsu PC, Langford T. Stem Cell Theory of Cancer: Clinical Implications for Cellular Metabolism and Anti-Cancer Metabolomics. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:624. [PMID: 38339375 PMCID: PMC10854810 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030624] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Although Otto Warburg may be right about the role of glycolysis versus OXPHOS in cancer metabolism, it remains unclear whether an altered metabolism is causative or correlative and is the main driver or a mere passenger in the pathogenesis of cancer. Currently, most of our successful treatments are designed to eliminate non-cancer stem cells (non-CSCs) such as differentiated cancer cells. When the treatments also happen to control CSCs or the stem-ness niche, it is often unintended, unexpected, or undetected for lack of a pertinent theory about the origin of cancer that clarifies whether cancer is a metabolic, genetic, or stem cell disease. Perhaps cellular context matters. After all, metabolic activity may be different in different cell types and their respective microenvironments-whether it is in a normal progenitor stem cell vs. progeny differentiated cell and whether it is in a malignant CSC vs. non-CSC. In this perspective, we re-examine different types of cellular metabolism, e.g., glycolytic vs. mitochondrial, of glucose, glutamine, arginine, and fatty acids in CSCs and non-CSCs. We revisit the Warburg effect, an obesity epidemic, the aspartame story, and a ketogenic diet. We propose that a pertinent scientific theory about the origin of cancer and of cancer metabolism influences the direction of cancer research as well as the design of drug versus therapy development in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Ming Tu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (J.Z.C.); (S.R.S.)
| | - Jim Z. Chen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (J.Z.C.); (S.R.S.)
| | - Sunny R. Singh
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (J.Z.C.); (S.R.S.)
| | - Sanjay Maraboyina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Neriman Gokden
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Ping-Ching Hsu
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Timothy Langford
- Department of Urology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
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Zhou R, Ding RC, Yu Q, Qiu CZ, Zhang HY, Yin ZJ, Ren DL. Metformin Attenuates Neutrophil Recruitment through the H3K18 Lactylation/Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway in Zebrafish. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:176. [PMID: 38397774 PMCID: PMC10886385 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020176] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Beyond its well-established role in diabetes management, metformin has gained attention as a promising therapeutic for inflammation-related diseases, largely due to its antioxidant capabilities. However, the mechanistic underpinnings of this effect remain elusive. Using in vivo zebrafish models of inflammation, we explored the impact of metformin on neutrophil recruitment and the underlying mechanisms involved. Our data indicate that metformin reduces histone (H3K18) lactylation, leading to the decreased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a muted neutrophil response to both caudal fin injury and otic vesicle inflammation. To investigate the precise mechanisms through which metformin modulates neutrophil migration via ROS and H3K18 lactylation, we meticulously established the correlation between metformin-induced suppression of H3K18 lactylation and ROS levels. Through supplementary experiments involving the restoration of lactate and ROS, our findings demonstrated that elevated levels of both lactate and ROS significantly promoted the inflammatory response in zebrafish. Collectively, our study illuminates previously unexplored avenues of metformin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions through the downregulation of H3K18 lactylation and ROS production, highlighting the crucial role of epigenetic regulation in inflammation and pointing to metformin's potential in treating inflammation-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zong-Jun Yin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (R.Z.); (R.-C.D.); (Q.Y.); (C.-Z.Q.); (H.-Y.Z.)
| | - Da-Long Ren
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; (R.Z.); (R.-C.D.); (Q.Y.); (C.-Z.Q.); (H.-Y.Z.)
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Glorieux C, Enríquez C, González C, Aguirre-Martínez G, Buc Calderon P. The Multifaceted Roles of NRF2 in Cancer: Friend or Foe? Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:70. [PMID: 38247494 PMCID: PMC10812565 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010070] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play vital roles in various normal cellular processes, whereas excessive ROS generation is central to disease pathogenesis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a critical transcription factor that regulates the cellular antioxidant systems in response to oxidative stress by governing the expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes that shield cells from diverse oxidative alterations. NRF2 and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) have been the focus of numerous investigations in elucidating whether NRF2 suppresses tumor promotion or conversely exerts pro-oncogenic effects. NRF2 has been found to participate in various pathological processes, including dysregulated cell proliferation, metabolic remodeling, and resistance to apoptosis. Herein, this review article will examine the intriguing role of phase separation in activating the NRF2 transcriptional activity and explore the NRF2 dual impacts on tumor immunology, cancer stem cells, metastasis, and long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs). Taken together, this review aims to discuss the NRF2 multifaceted roles in both cancer prevention and promotion while also addressing the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations associated with modulating NRF2 therapeutically in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Glorieux
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Cinthya Enríquez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Programa de Magister en Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Constanza González
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
| | - Gabriela Aguirre-Martínez
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
| | - Pedro Buc Calderon
- Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile; (C.E.); (C.G.); (G.A.-M.)
- Instituto de Química Medicinal, Universidad Arturo Prat, Iquique 1100000, Chile
- Research Group in Metabolism and Nutrition, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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Repas J, Peternel L, Sourij H, Pavlin M. Low glucose availability potentiates the effects of metformin on model T cell activation and exhaustion markers in vitro. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1216193. [PMID: 38116319 PMCID: PMC10728603 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1216193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Modulation of immune cell metabolism is one of promising strategies to improve cancer immunotherapies. Metformin is an anti-diabetic drug with potential anti-cancer effects, ranging from normalization of blood glucose and insulin levels, direct anti-proliferative effects on cancer cells to emerging immunomodulatory effects on anti-tumor immunity. Metformin can reduce tumor hypoxia and PD-L1 expression, as well as normalize or improve T cell function and potentiate the effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors, making it a promising adjuvant to immunotherapy of tumors with poor response such as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, although the effects of metformin on cancer cells are glucose-dependent, the role of glucose in modulating its effect on T cells has not been systematically studied. We thus investigated the effect of metformin as a function of glucose level on Jurkat cell and PBMC T cell models in vitro. While low metformin concentrations had little effect on T cell function, high concentration reduced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion in both models and induced a shift in T cell populations from memory to effector subsets. The PD-1/CD69 ratio was improved by high metformin in T cells from PBMC. Low glucose and metformin synergistically reduced PD-1 and CD69 expression and IFN-γ secretion in T cells from PBMC. Low glucose level itself suppressed Jurkat cell function due to their limited metabolic plasticity, but had limited effects on T cells from PBMC apart from reduced proliferation. Conversely, high glucose did not strongly affect either T cell model. Metformin in combination with glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) reduced PD-1 in Jurkat cells, but also strongly suppressed their function. However, low, physiologically achievable 2DG concentration itself reduced PD-1 while mostly maintaining IL-2 secretion and, interestingly, even strongly increased IFN-γ secretion regardless of glucose level. Overall, glucose metabolism can importantly influence some of the effects of metformin on T cell functionality in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, we show that 2DG could potentially improve the anti-tumor T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Repas
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Peternel
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Harald Sourij
- Trials Unit for Interdisciplinary Metabolic Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Group for Nano- and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Huang Y, Yan H, Zhang B, Zhu G, Yu J, Xiao X, He W, Chen Y, Gao X, She Z, Li M, Yuan J. Ascomylactam C Induces an Immunogenic Cell Death Signature via Mitochondria-Associated ER Stress in Lung Cancer and Melanoma. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:600. [PMID: 38132921 PMCID: PMC10744434 DOI: 10.3390/md21120600] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascomylactam C (AsC) is a new 13-membered-ring macrocyclic alkaloid, which was first isolated and identified in 2019 from the secondary metabolites of the mangrove endophytic fungus Didymella sp. CYSK-4 in the South China Sea. AsC has been found to have a broad-spectrum cytotoxic activity. However, the antitumor effects in vivo and mechanisms of AsC remain unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of AsC on lung cancer and melanoma cells and to explore the antitumor molecular mechanism of AsC. In vitro, we used plate colony formation experiments and demonstrated the ability of AsC to inhibit low-density tumor growth. An Annexin V/PI cell apoptosis detection experiment revealed that AsC induced tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo, AsC suppressed the tumor growth of LLC and B16F10 allograft significantly in mice, and promoted the infiltration of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Mechanistically, by analyses of Western blotting, immunofluorescence and ELISA analysis, we found that AsC increased ROS formation, induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, activated the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2α)/activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)/C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) signaling pathway, and induced immunogenic cell death (ICD) of tumor cells. Our results suggest that AsC may be a potentially promising antitumor drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
| | - Hongmei Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
| | - Bingzhi Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (B.Z.); (X.G.)
| | - Ge Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianchen Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
| | - Xuhan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenxuan He
- School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China;
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China;
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Xiaoxia Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (B.Z.); (X.G.)
| | - Zhigang She
- School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China;
| | - Mengfeng Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.H.); (H.Y.)
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; (G.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.X.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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11
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Cortés M, Brischetto A, Martinez-Campanario MC, Ninfali C, Domínguez V, Fernández S, Celis R, Esteve-Codina A, Lozano JJ, Sidorova J, Garrabou G, Siegert AM, Enrich C, Pintado B, Morales-Ruiz M, Castro P, Cañete JD, Postigo A. Inflammatory macrophages reprogram to immunosuppression by reducing mitochondrial translation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7471. [PMID: 37978290 PMCID: PMC10656499 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42277-4] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute inflammation can either resolve through immunosuppression or persist, leading to chronic inflammation. These transitions are driven by distinct molecular and metabolic reprogramming of immune cells. The anti-diabetic drug Metformin inhibits acute and chronic inflammation through mechanisms still not fully understood. Here, we report that the anti-inflammatory and reactive-oxygen-species-inhibiting effects of Metformin depend on the expression of the plasticity factor ZEB1 in macrophages. Using mice lacking Zeb1 in their myeloid cells and human patient samples, we show that ZEB1 plays a dual role, being essential in both initiating and resolving inflammation by inducing macrophages to transition into an immunosuppressed state. ZEB1 mediates these diverging effects in inflammation and immunosuppression by modulating mitochondrial content through activation of autophagy and inhibition of mitochondrial protein translation. During the transition from inflammation to immunosuppression, Metformin mimics the metabolic reprogramming of myeloid cells induced by ZEB1. Mechanistically, in immunosuppression, ZEB1 inhibits amino acid uptake, leading to downregulation of mTORC1 signalling and a decrease in mitochondrial translation in macrophages. These results identify ZEB1 as a driver of myeloid cell metabolic plasticity, suggesting that targeting its expression and function could serve as a strategy to modulate dysregulated inflammation and immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlies Cortés
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Agnese Brischetto
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M C Martinez-Campanario
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chiara Ninfali
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Verónica Domínguez
- National Center of Biotechnology (CSIC-CNB) and Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CSIC/UAM-CBMSO) Transgenesis Facility, Higher Research Council (CSIC) and Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Fernández
- Medical Intensive Care Unit and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Group of Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function, IDIBAPS, and CIBERER, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Celis
- Arthritis Unit, Dept. of Rheumathology, Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Juan J Lozano
- Biomedical Research Networking Centers in Digestive and Hepatic Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Sidorova
- Biomedical Research Networking Centers in Digestive and Hepatic Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gloria Garrabou
- Medical Intensive Care Unit and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Group of Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function, IDIBAPS, and CIBERER, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna-Maria Siegert
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB1 0QQ, UK
| | - Carlos Enrich
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Belén Pintado
- National Center of Biotechnology (CSIC-CNB) and Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CSIC/UAM-CBMSO) Transgenesis Facility, Higher Research Council (CSIC) and Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), Cantoblanco, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biomedical Research Networking Centers in Digestive and Hepatic Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona and IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Castro
- Medical Intensive Care Unit and Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Group of Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function, IDIBAPS, and CIBERER, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan D Cañete
- Arthritis Unit, Dept. of Rheumathology, Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio Postigo
- Group of Gene Regulation in Stem Cells, Cell Plasticity, Differentiation, and Cancer, IDIBAPS, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- Biomedical Research Networking Centers in Digestive and Hepatic Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III Health Institute, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
- Molecular Targets Program, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, J.G. Brown Cancer Center, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
- ICREA, 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Popović DJ, Popović KJ, Miljković D, Popović JK, Lalošević D, Poša M, Dolićanin Z, Čapo I. Diclofenac and metformin synergistic dose dependent inhibition of hamster fibrosarcoma, rescued with mebendazole. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115528. [PMID: 37738800 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115528] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined whether combinig diclofenac and metformin in doses equivalent to human doses would synergize their anticancer activity on fibrosarcoma inoculated to hamsters and in vitro. Rescue experiment was performed to examine whether the prosurvival NF-κB stimulation by mebendazole can reverse anticancer effects of the treatment. BHK-21/C13 cell culture was subcutaneously inoculated to Syrian golden hamsters randomly divided into groups (6 animals per group): 1) untreated control; treated daily with 2) diclofenac; 3) metformin; 4) combinations of diclofenac and metformin at various doses; 5) combination of diclofenac, metformin and mebendazole; 6) mebendazole. Dose response curves were made for diclofenac and metformin combination. Tumor growth kinetics, biophysical, pathological, histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of excised tumors and hamster organs as well as biochemical and hematological blood tests were compared among the groups. Single treatments had no anticancer effects. Diclofenac (60 mg/kg/day) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) synergistic inhibitory effect with metformin (500 mg/kg/day) on all tumor growth parameters, without toxicity and influence on biochemical and hematological blood tests. The same results were obtained with double doses of diclofenac and metformin combination. The addition of mebendazole to the diclofenac and metformin combination rescued tumor expansion. Furthermore, diclofenac with metformin demonstrated antiproliferative effects in hamster fibrosarcoma BHK-21/C13, human lung carcinoma A549 (CCL-185), colon carcinoma HT-29 (HTB-38) and cervical carcinoma HeLa (CCL-2) cell cultures, with markedly lower cytotoxicity in the normal fetal lung MRC-5 cells. In conclusion, diclofenac and metformin combination may be recommended for potential use in oncology, due to synergistic anticancer effect in doses achievable in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušica J Popović
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, 36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Kosta J Popović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Dejan Miljković
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jovan K Popović
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; Academy of Medical Sciences of the Serbian Medical Society, 19 George Washington str.,11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dušan Lalošević
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mihalj Poša
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Zana Dolićanin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, State University of Novi Pazar, Vuka Karadžića 9, 36300 Novi Pazar, Serbia
| | - Ivan Čapo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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13
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Akce M, Farran B, Switchenko JM, Rupji M, Kang S, Khalil L, Ruggieri-Joyce A, Olson B, Shaib WL, Wu C, Alese OB, Diab M, Lesinski GB, El-Rayes BF. Phase II trial of nivolumab and metformin in patients with treatment-refractory microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007235. [PMID: 37852737 PMCID: PMC10603338 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007235] [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] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical studies showed metformin reduces exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and potentiates programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade. We hypothesized that metformin with nivolumab would elicit potent antitumor and immune modulatory activity in metastatic microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC). We evaluated this hypothesis in a phase II study. METHODS Nivolumab (480 mg) was administered intravenously every 4 weeks while metformin (1000 mg) was given orally, two times per day following a 14-day metformin only lead-in phase. Patients ≥18 years of age, with previously treated, stage IV MSS CRC, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1, having received no prior anti-PD-1 agent were eligible. The primary endpoint was overall response rate with secondary endpoints of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Correlative studies using paired pretreatment/on-treatment biopsies and peripheral blood evaluated a series of immune biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment and systemic circulation using ChipCytometry and flow cytometry. RESULTS A total of 24 patients were enrolled, 6 patients were replaced per protocol, 18 patients had evaluable disease. Of the 18 evaluable patients, 11/18 (61%) were women and the median age was 58 (IQR 50-67). Two patients had stable disease, but no patients had objective response, hence the study was stopped for futility. Median OS and PFS was 5.2 months (95% CI (3.2 to 11.7)) and 2.3 months (95% CI (1.7 to 2.3)). Most common grade 3/4 toxicities: Anemia (n=2), diarrhea (n=2), and fever (n=2). Metformin alone failed to increase the infiltration of T-cell subsets in the tumor, but combined metformin and nivolumab increased percentages of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (p=0.031). Dual treatment also increased Tim3+ levels in patient tissues and decreased naïve CD8+T cells (p=0.0475). CONCLUSIONS Nivolumab and metformin were well tolerated in patients with MSS CRC but had no evidence of efficacy. Correlative studies did not reveal an appreciable degree of immune modulation from metformin alone, but showed trends in tumorous T-cell infiltration as a result of dual metformin and PD-1 blockade despite progression in a majority of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Akce
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Switchenko
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Emory University Winship Cancer institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Biostsatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Manali Rupji
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Emory University Winship Cancer institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sandra Kang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lana Khalil
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Amanda Ruggieri-Joyce
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Brian Olson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Walid L Shaib
- Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers Wellstar, Marietta, Georgia, USA
| | - Christina Wu
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - Olatunji B Alese
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maria Diab
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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14
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Cheng Y, Qu Z, Jiang Q, Xu T, Zheng H, Ye P, He M, Tong Y, Ma Y, Bao A. Functional Materials for Subcellular Targeting Strategies in Cancer Therapy: Progress and Prospects. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2305095. [PMID: 37665594 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies have made significant progress in cancer treatment. However, tumor adjuvant therapy still faces challenges due to the intrinsic heterogeneity of cancer, genomic instability, and the formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Functional materials possess unique biological properties such as long circulation times, tumor-specific targeting, and immunomodulation. The combination of functional materials with natural substances and nanotechnology has led to the development of smart biomaterials with multiple functions, high biocompatibilities, and negligible immunogenicities, which can be used for precise cancer treatment. Recently, subcellular structure-targeting functional materials have received particular attention in various biomedical applications including the diagnosis, sensing, and imaging of tumors and drug delivery. Subcellular organelle-targeting materials can precisely accumulate therapeutic agents in organelles, considerably reduce the threshold dosages of therapeutic agents, and minimize drug-related side effects. This review provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of the research progress in subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy based on functional nanomaterials. Moreover, it explains the challenges and prospects of subcellular organelle-targeting functional materials in precision oncology. The review will serve as an excellent cutting-edge guide for researchers in the field of subcellular organelle-targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiang Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Qu
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Hongyun Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Mingdi He
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Yongqing Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Blood Transfusion Research, Wuhan Blood Center (WHBC), HUST-WHBC United Hematology Optical Imaging Center, No.8 Baofeng 1st Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, P. R. China
| | - Anyu Bao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, No.238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, P. R. China
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15
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Lin X, Hessenow R, Yang S, Ma D, Yang S. A seven-immune-genes risk model predicts the survival and suitable treatments for patients with skin cutaneous melanoma. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20234. [PMID: 37809963 PMCID: PMC10560028 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20234] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Skin cutaneous melanoma is characterized by high malignancy and prognostic heterogeneity. Immune cell networks are critical to the biological progression of melanoma through the tumor microenvironment. Thus, identifying effective biomarkers for skin cutaneous melanoma from the perspective of the tumor microenvironment may offer strategies for precise prognosis prediction and treatment selection. Methods A total of 470 cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas and 214 from the Gene Expression Omnibus were systematically evaluated to construct an optimal independent immune cell risk model with predictive value using weighted gene co-expression network analysis, Cox regression, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator assay. The predictive power of the developed model was estimated through receiver operating characteristic curves and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The association of the model with tumor microenvironment status, immune checkpoints, and mutation burden was assessed using multiple algorithms. Additionally, the sensitivity of immune and chemotherapeutics was evaluated using the ImmunophenScore and pRRophetic algorithm. Furthermore, the expression profiles of risk genes were validated using gene expression profiling interactive analysis and Human Protein Atlas resources. Results The risk model integrated seven immune-related genes: ARNTL, N4BP2L1, PARP11, NUB1, GSDMD, HAPLN3, and IRX3. The model demonstrated considerable predictive ability and was positively associated with clinical and molecular characteristics. It can be utilized as a prognostic factor for skin cutaneous melanoma, where a high-risk score was linked to a poor prognosis and indicated an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, the model revealed several potential target checkpoints and predicted the therapeutic benefits of multiple clinically used drugs. Conclusion Our findings provide a comprehensive landscape of the tumor immune microenvironment in skin cutaneous melanoma and identify prognostic markers that may serve as efficient clinical diagnosis and treatment selection tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixi Lin
- Division of Experimental Radiation Biology, Department of Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Razan Hessenow
- West German Proton Therapy Center Essen (WPE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Siling Yang
- Division of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Dongjie Ma
- Department of Nephrology, 923 Hospital of the PLA Joint Service Support Force, 530219 Nanning, China
| | - Sijie Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Guangxi Medical University, 530021 Nanning, China
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16
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Abdelmoneim M, Aboalela MA, Naoe Y, Matsumura S, Eissa IR, Bustos-Villalobos I, Sibal PA, Takido Y, Kodera Y, Kasuya H. The Impact of Metformin on Tumor-Infiltrated Immune Cells: Preclinical and Clinical Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13353. [PMID: 37686159 PMCID: PMC10487782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a pivotal role in the fate of cancer cells, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells have emerged as key players in shaping this complex milieu. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. The most common standard treatments for cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapeutic drugs. In the last decade, immunotherapy has had a potential effect on the treatment of cancer patients with poor prognoses. One of the immune therapeutic targeted approaches that shows anticancer efficacy is a type 2 diabetes medication, metformin. Beyond its glycemic control properties, studies have revealed intriguing immunomodulatory properties of metformin. Meanwhile, several studies focus on the impact of metformin on tumor-infiltrating immune cells in various tumor models. In several tumor models, metformin can modulate tumor-infiltrated effector immune cells, CD8+, CD4+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, as well as suppressor immune cells, T regulatory cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In this review, we discuss the role of metformin in modulating tumor-infiltrating immune cells in different preclinical models and clinical trials. Both preclinical and clinical studies suggest that metformin holds promise as adjunctive therapy in cancer treatment by modulating the immune response within the tumor microenvironment. Nonetheless, both the tumor type and the combined therapy have an impact on the specific targets of metformin in the TME. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of metformin and to optimize its clinical application in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Mona Alhussein Aboalela
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Yoshinori Naoe
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Shigeru Matsumura
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Itzel Bustos-Villalobos
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Patricia Angela Sibal
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
| | - Yuhei Takido
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- Department of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (M.A.A.); (I.R.E.)
| | - Hideki Kasuya
- Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan (S.M.)
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17
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Gnanaprakasam JNR, Kushwaha B, Liu L, Chen X, Kang S, Wang T, Cassel TA, Adams CM, Higashi RM, Scott DA, Xin G, Li Z, Yang J, Lane AN, Fan TWM, Zhang J, Wang R. Asparagine restriction enhances CD8 + T cell metabolic fitness and antitumoral functionality through an NRF2-dependent stress response. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1423-1439. [PMID: 37550596 PMCID: PMC10447245 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00856-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Robust and effective T cell immune surveillance and cancer immunotherapy require proper allocation of metabolic resources to sustain energetically costly processes, including growth and cytokine production. Here, we show that asparagine (Asn) restriction on CD8+ T cells exerted opposing effects during activation (early phase) and differentiation (late phase) following T cell activation. Asn restriction suppressed activation and cell cycle entry in the early phase while rapidly engaging the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)-dependent stress response, conferring robust proliferation and effector function on CD8+ T cells during differentiation. Mechanistically, NRF2 activation in CD8+ T cells conferred by Asn restriction rewired the metabolic program by reducing the overall glucose and glutamine consumption but increasing intracellular nucleotides to promote proliferation. Accordingly, Asn restriction or NRF2 activation potentiated the T cell-mediated antitumoral response in preclinical animal models, suggesting that Asn restriction is a promising and clinically relevant strategy to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Our study revealed Asn as a critical metabolic node in directing the stress signaling to shape T cell metabolic fitness and effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J N Rashida Gnanaprakasam
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bhavana Kushwaha
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lingling Liu
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Siwen Kang
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tingting Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Teresa A Cassel
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Christopher M Adams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Richard M Higashi
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David A Scott
- Cancer Metabolism Core, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gang Xin
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Andrew N Lane
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Teresa W-M Fan
- Center for Environmental and Systems Biochemistry, Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Ji Zhang
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Ruoning Wang
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Hematology/Oncology & BMT, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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18
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Kalyanaraman B, Cheng G, Hardy M, You M. OXPHOS-targeting drugs in oncology: new perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:939-952. [PMID: 37736880 PMCID: PMC11034819 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2261631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drugs targeting mitochondria are emerging as promising antitumor therapeutics in preclinical models. However, a few of these drugs have shown clinical toxicity. Developing mitochondria-targeted modified natural compounds and US FDA-approved drugs with increased therapeutic index in cancer is discussed as an alternative strategy. AREAS COVERED Triphenylphosphonium cation (TPP+)-based drugs selectively accumulate in the mitochondria of cancer cells due to their increased negative membrane potential, target the oxidative phosphorylation proteins, inhibit mitochondrial respiration, and inhibit tumor proliferation. TPP+-based drugs exert minimal toxic side effects in rodents and humans. These drugs can sensitize radiation and immunotherapies. EXPERT OPINION TPP+-based drugs targeting the tumor mitochondrial electron transport chain are a new class of oxidative phosphorylation inhibitors with varying antiproliferative and antimetastatic potencies. Some of these TPP+-based agents, which are synthesized from naturally occurring molecules and FDA-approved drugs, have been tested in mice and did not show notable toxicity, including neurotoxicity, when used at doses under the maximally tolerated dose. Thus, more effort should be directed toward the clinical translation of TPP+-based OXPHOS-inhibiting drugs in cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaraman Kalyanaraman
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Gang Cheng
- Department of Biophysics, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, United States
| | - Micael Hardy
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, ICR, UMR 7273, Marseille 13013, France
| | - Ming You
- Center for Cancer Prevention, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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19
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Hammad M, Raftari M, Cesário R, Salma R, Godoy P, Emami SN, Haghdoost S. Roles of Oxidative Stress and Nrf2 Signaling in Pathogenic and Non-Pathogenic Cells: A Possible General Mechanism of Resistance to Therapy. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1371. [PMID: 37507911 PMCID: PMC10376708 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The coordinating role of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in cellular function is undeniable. Evidence indicates that this transcription factor exerts massive regulatory functions in multiple signaling pathways concerning redox homeostasis and xenobiotics, macromolecules, and iron metabolism. Being the master regulator of antioxidant system, Nrf2 controls cellular fate, influencing cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, resistance to therapy, and senescence processes, as well as infection disease success. Because Nrf2 is the key coordinator of cell defence mechanisms, dysregulation of its signaling has been associated with carcinogenic phenomena and infectious and age-related diseases. Deregulation of this cytoprotective system may also interfere with immune response. Oxidative burst, one of the main microbicidal mechanisms, could be impaired during the initial phagocytosis of pathogens, which could lead to the successful establishment of infection and promote susceptibility to infectious diseases. There is still a knowledge gap to fill regarding the molecular mechanisms by which Nrf2 orchestrates such complex networks involving multiple pathways. This review describes the role of Nrf2 in non-pathogenic and pathogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Hammad
- University of Caen Normandy, UMR6252 CIMAP/ARIA, GANIL, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Mohammad Raftari
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rute Cesário
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rima Salma
- University of Caen Normandy, UMR6252 CIMAP/ARIA, GANIL, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Paulo Godoy
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Noushin Emami
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, London ME4 4TB, UK
| | - Siamak Haghdoost
- University of Caen Normandy, UMR6252 CIMAP/ARIA, GANIL, 14000 Caen, France
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
- Advanced Resource Center for HADrontherapy in Europe (ARCHADE), 14000 Caen, France
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20
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Panaampon J, Zhou Y, Saengboonmee C. Metformin as a booster of cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110528. [PMID: 37364322 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, a biguanide antidiabetic, has been studied for its repurposing effects in oncology. Although a modest effect was observed in a single-agent regimen, metformin can synergize the anti-tumor effects of other modalities. The promising combination for cancer treatment is with immunotherapy. Despite high efficacy for some cancers, immunotherapy could be limited by modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment and the immune exhaustion of cytotoxic immune cells. Combining immunotherapy with metformin, thus, exerted a rescuing effect of immunotherapy and potentiated the anti-tumor effects of each other. Although not fully understood, metformin shows promoting effects of immunotherapy by several mechanisms. Those proposed mechanisms have been partially proven and are suggested for possible therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. In this review, a state-of-the-art of metformin's boosting effects on immunotherapy is reviewed and discussed. The future directions for metformin research in preclinical and clinical immunotherapy are also suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jutatip Panaampon
- Division of Hematologic Neoplasia, Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 8600811, Japan
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Charupong Saengboonmee
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; Center for Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University 40002, Thailand.
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21
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Wang R, Liu Z, Fan Z, Zhan H. Lipid metabolism reprogramming of CD8 + T cell and therapeutic implications in cancer. Cancer Lett 2023:216267. [PMID: 37315709 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Effector, memory and exhaustion are three phenotypes of CD8+ T cell. In tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolism dysfunction of the three should take the blame for immune escape. Against background of CD8+ T cell in normal development, multiple determinants in TME, including nutrition competition, PD-1 signals and other cancer- CD8+ T cell interaction, cause metabolism reprograming, including failure in energy metabolism and other abnormal lipid metabolism. Further, incompatibility of different CD8+ T cell metabolism pattern results in unresponsiveness of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Therefore, combination of ICB and drugs aiming at abnormal lipid metabolism provides promising direction to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxian Wang
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhenya Liu
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhiyao Fan
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hanxiang Zhan
- Division of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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22
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Guo SB, Du S, Cai KY, Cai HJ, Huang WJ, Tian XP. A scientometrics and visualization analysis of oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 in cancer profiles its characteristics and reveals its association with immune response. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17075. [PMID: 37342570 PMCID: PMC10277599 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nrf2, an essential and fascinating transcription factor, enjoys a dual property in the occurrence and development of inflammation and cancer. For over two decades, numerous studies regarding Nrf2 in cancer have been reported, whereas there is still a lack of a scientometrics and visualization analysis of Nrf2 in cancer. Hence, a scientometric study regarding the oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 was implemented. Methods After the quality screening, we defined 7168 relevant studies from 2000 to 2021. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R software, and GraphPad Prism were used for the following scientometric study and visualization analysis, including field profiles, research hotspots, and future predictions. Results The total number of publications and citations are 1058 and 54,690, respectively. After polynomial fitting curve analysis, two prediction functions of the annual publication number (y = 3.3909x2 - 13585x + 1 E+07) and citation number (185.45x2 - 743669x + 7 E+08) were generated. After scientometric analysis, we found that Biochemistry Molecular Biology correlates with Nrf2 in cancer highly, and Free Radical Biology and Medicine is a good choice for submitting Nrf2-related manuscripts. The current research hotspots of Nrf2 in cancer mainly focus on cancer therapy and its cellular and molecular mechanisms. "antioxidant response element (87.5)", "gene expression (43.98)", "antioxidant responsive element (21.14)", "chemoprevention (20.05)", "carcinogenesis (19.2)", "cancer chemoprevention (18.45)", "free radical (17.15)", "response element (14.17)", and "chemopreventive agent (14.04)" are important for cancer therapy study. In addition, "glutathione-S-transferase (47)", "keap1 (15.39)", and "heme oxygenase 1 gene (24.35)" are important for inflammation and cell fate study. More interestingly, by performing an "InfoMap" algorithm, the thematic map showed that the "immune response" is essential to oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 but not well developed, indicating it deserves further exploration. Conclusion This study revealed field profiles, research hotspots, and future directions of oxidative stress modulator Nrf2 in inflammation and cancer research, and our findings will offer a vigorous roadmap for further studies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Bin Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Sheng Du
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Ke-Yu Cai
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Diseases, Guangdong Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, PR China
| | - Han-Jia Cai
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Wei-Juan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, PR China
| | - Xiao-Peng Tian
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
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23
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Finisguerra V, Dvorakova T, Formenti M, Van Meerbeeck P, Mignion L, Gallez B, Van den Eynde BJ. Metformin improves cancer immunotherapy by directly rescuing tumor-infiltrating CD8 T lymphocytes from hypoxia-induced immunosuppression. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005719. [PMID: 37147018 PMCID: PMC10163559 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite their revolutionary success in cancer treatment over the last decades, immunotherapies encounter limitations in certain tumor types and patients. The efficacy of immunotherapies depends on tumor antigen-specific CD8 T-cell viability and functionality within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, where oxygen levels are often low. Hypoxia can reduce CD8 T-cell fitness in several ways and CD8 T cells are mostly excluded from hypoxic tumor regions. Given the challenges to achieve durable reduction of hypoxia in the clinic, ameliorating CD8 T-cell survival and effector function in hypoxic condition could improve tumor response to immunotherapies. METHODS Activated CD8 T cells were exposed to hypoxia and metformin and analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting for cell proliferation, apoptosis and phenotype. In vivo, metformin was administered to mice bearing hypoxic tumors and receiving either adoptive cell therapy with tumor-specific CD8 T cells, or immune checkpoint inhibitors; tumor growth was followed over time and CD8 T-cell infiltration, survival and localization in normoxic or hypoxic tumor regions were assessed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Tumor oxygenation and hypoxia were measured by electron paramagnetic resonance and pimonidazole staining, respectively. RESULTS We found that the antidiabetic drug metformin directly improved CD8 T-cell fitness in hypoxia, both in vitro and in vivo. Metformin rescued murine and human CD8 T cells from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and increased their proliferation and cytokine production, while blunting the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 and lymphocyte-activation gene 3. This appeared to result from a reduced production of reactive oxygen species, due to the inhibition of mitochondrial complex I. Differently from what others reported, metformin did not reduce tumor hypoxia, but rather increased CD8 T-cell infiltration and survival in hypoxic tumor areas, and synergized with cyclophosphamide to enhance tumor response to adoptive cell therapy or immune checkpoint blockade in different tumor models. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a novel mechanism of action of metformin and presents a promising strategy to achieve immune rejection in hypoxic and immunosuppressive tumors, which would otherwise be resistant to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Finisguerra
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Science and Biotechnology (WELBIO), WEL Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tereza Dvorakova
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Science and Biotechnology (WELBIO), WEL Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matteo Formenti
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Science and Biotechnology (WELBIO), WEL Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Lionel Mignion
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance (REMA) Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard Gallez
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance (REMA) Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benoit J Van den Eynde
- de Duve Institute, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Science and Biotechnology (WELBIO), WEL Research Institute, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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24
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Su Y, Hou C, Wang M, Ren K, Zhou D, Liu X, Zhao S, Liu X. Metformin induces mitochondrial fission and reduces energy metabolism by targeting respiratory chain complex I in hepatic stellate cells to reverse liver fibrosis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 157:106375. [PMID: 36716817 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are critical processes for the treatment of liver fibrosis. It is necessary to identify effective drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis and elucidate their mechanisms of action. Metformin can inhibit HSCs; however, no systematic studies demonstrating the effects of metformin on mitochondria in HSCs have been reported. This study demonstrated that metformin induces mitochondrial fission by phosphorylating AMPK/DRP1 (S616) in HSCs to decrease the expression of α-SMA and collagen. Additionally, metformin repressed the total ATP production rate, especially the production rate of ATP produced through mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of complex I. Further analysis revealed that metformin strongly constrained the transcription of mitochondrial genes (ND1-ND6 and ND4L) that encode the core subunits of respiratory chain I. Upregulation of the mRNA expression of HK2 and GLUT1 slightly enhanced glycolysis. Additionally, metformin increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number to suppress the proliferation and activation of HSCs, indicating that mtDNA copy number can alter the fate of HSCs. In conclusion, metformin can induce mitochondrial fragmentation and low-level energy metabolism in HSCs, thereby suppressing HSCs activation and proliferation to reverse liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Su
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chenjian Hou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Meili Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kehan Ren
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Danmei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shanyu Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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25
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Harnessing epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:318-340. [PMID: 36823234 PMCID: PMC10066239 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-00980-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy is a powerful option for cancer treatment. Despite demonstrable progress, most patients fail to respond or achieve durable responses due to primary or acquired ICB resistance. Recently, tumor epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) was identified as a critical determinant in regulating immune escape and immunotherapy resistance in cancer. In this review, we summarize the emerging role of tumor EMP in ICB resistance and the tumor-intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms by which tumors exploit EMP to achieve immunosuppression and immune escape. We discuss strategies to modulate tumor EMP to alleviate immune resistance and to enhance the efficiency of ICB therapy. Our discussion provides new prospects to enhance the ICB response for therapeutic gain in cancer patients.
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26
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Abdelmoneim M, Eissa IR, Aboalela MA, Naoe Y, Matsumura S, Sibal PA, Bustos-Villalobos I, Tanaka M, Kodera Y, Kasuya H. Metformin enhances the antitumor activity of oncolytic herpes simplex virus HF10 (canerpaturev) in a pancreatic cell cancer subcutaneous model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21570. [PMID: 36513720 PMCID: PMC9747797 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25065-w] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy is a promising cancer immunotherapy, especially for cold tumors by inducing the direct lysis of cancer cells and initiation of potent antitumor response. Canerpaturev (C-REV) is an attenuated oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1, which demonstrated a potent antitumor effect in various preclinical models when used either alone or combined. Metformin is a commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug that demonstrated a potent immune modulator effect and antitumor response. We combined C-REV with metformin in a low immunogenic bilateral murine tumor model to enhance C-REV's antitumor efficacy. In vitro, metformin does not enhance the C-REV cell cytotoxic effect. However, in in vivo model, intratumoral administration of C-REV with the systemic administration of metformin led to synergistic antitumor effect on both sides of tumor and prolonged survival. Moreover, combination therapy increased the effector CD44+ CD8+ PD1- subset and decreased the proportion of terminally-differentiated CD103+ KLRG-1+ T-regulatory cells on both sides of tumor. Interestingly, combination therapy efficiently modulates conventional dendritic cells type-1 (cDC1) on tumors, and tumor-drained lymph nodes. Our findings suggest that combination of C-REV and metformin enhances systemic antitumor immunity. This study may provide insights into the mechanism of action of OV therapy plus metformin combination against various tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Abdelmoneim
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.412258.80000 0000 9477 7793Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mona Alhussein Aboalela
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan ,grid.31451.320000 0001 2158 2757Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Yoshinori Naoe
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsumura
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Patricia Angela Sibal
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itzel Bustos-Villalobos
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Tanaka
- grid.410820.fTakara Bio Inc., Kusatsu, Shiga Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kodera
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Surgery II, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hideki Kasuya
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XGraduate School of Medicine, Cancer Immune Therapy Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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27
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Ventura PMO, Gakovic M, Fischer BA, Spinelli L, Rota G, Pathak S, Khameneh HJ, Zenobi A, Thomson S, Birchmeier W, Cantrell DA, Guarda G. Concomitant deletion of Ptpn6 and Ptpn11 in T cells fails to improve anticancer responses. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55399. [PMID: 36194675 PMCID: PMC9638855 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer T cells acquire a dysfunctional state characterized by poor effector function and expression of inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1. Blockade of PD-1 leads to T cell reinvigoration and is increasingly applied as an effective anticancer treatment. Recent work challenged the commonly held view that the phosphatase PTPN11 (known as SHP-2) is essential for PD-1 signaling in T cells, suggesting functional redundancy with the homologous phosphatase PTPN6 (SHP-1). Therefore, we investigated the effect of concomitant Ptpn6 and Ptpn11 deletion in T cells on their ability to mount antitumour responses. In vivo data show that neither sustained nor acute Ptpn6/11 deletion improves T cell-mediated tumor control. Sustained loss of Ptpn6/11 also impairs the therapeutic effects of anti-PD1 treatment. In vitro results show that Ptpn6/11-deleted CD8+ T cells exhibit impaired expansion due to a survival defect and proteomics analyses reveal substantial alterations, including in apoptosis-related pathways. These data indicate that concomitant ablation of Ptpn6/11 in polyclonal T cells fails to improve their anticancer properties, implying that caution shall be taken when considering their inhibition for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M O Ventura
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Milica Gakovic
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Berenice A Fischer
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Laura Spinelli
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Shalini Pathak
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Hanif J Khameneh
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Zenobi
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Thomson
- Biological Services, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Walter Birchmeier
- Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Berlin, Germany
| | - Doreen A Cantrell
- Cell Signalling and Immunology Division, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Greta Guarda
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Jin Z, Sun X, Wang Y, Zhou C, Yang H, Zhou S. Regulation of autophagy fires up the cold tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018903. [PMID: 36300110 PMCID: PMC9589261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, have revolutionized the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic tumors resistant to traditional therapies. However, the immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment (TME) results in a weak response to immunotherapy. Therefore, to realize the full potential of immunotherapy and obstacle barriers, it is essential to explore how to convert cold TME to hot TME. Autophagy is a crucial cellular process that preserves cellular stability in the cellular components of the TME, contributing to the characterization of the immunosuppressive TME. Targeted autophagy ignites immunosuppressive TME by influencing antigen release, antigen presentation, antigen recognition, and immune cell trafficking, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy and overcoming resistance to immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and components of TME, explore the mechanisms and functions of autophagy in the characterization and regulation of TME, and discuss autophagy-based therapies as adjuvant enhancers of immunotherapy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuefeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaoyao Wang
- Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College/National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
| | - Suna Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xi’an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Suna Zhou, ; HaihuaYang,
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Tang K, Chen Q, Liu Y, Wang L, Lu W. Combination of Metformin and Sorafenib Induces Ferroptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through p62-Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway. J Cancer 2022; 13:3234-3243. [PMID: 36118519 PMCID: PMC9475364 DOI: 10.7150/jca.76618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world. Sorafenib is the first small-molecule multi-kinase inhibitors approved by FDA for treatment of advanced HCC. Metformin has been demonstrated to have benefit for preventing cancer progression. In human recurrent HCCs, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was overexpressed and associated with poor survival. Nrf2 related signaling pathway plays central role to mediate cellular resistance to sorafenib through protecting HCC cells from ferroptosis. The effect of Combination treatment for HCC cells and the intrinsic mechanism have not been reported. In this study, metformin augmented the anti-tumor effect of sorafenib for HCC through ferroptosis induction by inhibiting Nrf2 related pathway. Based on the results of Nrf2 knockdown and p62 knockdown study, the combination of sorafenib and metformin suppressed proliferation of HCC cells through p62-Keap1-Nrf2/HO1 signaling way. Size of xenografts treated with the combination of sorafenib and metformin was smaller than other groups in vivo. Moreover, the combination treatment greatly induced ferroptosis in HCC cells through inhibiting Nrf2 expression. Based on our findings, the combination treatment suppressed proliferation of HCC cells through ferroptosis induction, by p62-Keap1-Nrf2/HO1 signaling way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kezhong Tang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Yanmo Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Sir RunRun Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Lantian Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
| | - Wenjie Lu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, #88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou 310009, PR China
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Ding H, Wang G, Yu Z, Sun H, Wang L. Role of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and IFN-γ receptor 1/2 (IFNγR1/2) in regulation of immunity, infection, and cancer development: IFN-γ-dependent or independent pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113683. [PMID: 36095965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
IFN-γ, a soluble cytokine being produced by T lymphocytes, macrophages, mucosal epithelial cells, or natural killer cells, is able to bind to the IFN-γ receptor (IFNγR) and in turn activate the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and transcription protein (STAT) pathway and induce expression of IFN-γ-stimulated genes. IFN-γ is critical for innate and adaptive immunity and aberrant IFN-γ expression and functions have been associated with different human diseases. However, the IFN-γ/IFNγR signaling could be a double-edged sword in cancer development because the tissue microenvironments could determine its anti- or pro-tumorigenic activities. The IFNγR protein consists of two IFNγR1 and IFNγR2 chains, subunits of which play different roles under certain conditions. This review assessed IFNγR polymorphisms, expression and functions in development and progression of various human diseases in an IFN-γ-dependent or independent manner. This review also discussed tumor microenvironment, microbial infection, and vital molecules in the IFN-γ upstream signaling that might regulate IFNγR expression, drug resistance, and druggable strategy, to provide evidence for further application of IFNγR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Gongfu Wang
- Center for Drug Evaluation, China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA), Beijing, China.
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Huimin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Lu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pharmacy, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Wu Y, Zhang X, Wang Z, Zheng W, Cao H, Shen W. Targeting oxidative phosphorylation as an approach for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:971479. [PMID: 36147929 PMCID: PMC9486401 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.971479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an aggressive tumor that remains to be the most lethal gynecological malignancy in women. Metabolic adaptation is an emerging hallmark of tumors. It is important to exploit metabolic vulnerabilities of tumors as promising strategies to develop more effective anti-tumor regimens. Tumor cells reprogram the metabolic pathways to meet the bioenergetic, biosynthetic, and mitigate oxidative stress required for tumor cell proliferation and survival. Oxidative phosphorylation has been found to be altered in ovarian cancer, and oxidative phosphorylation is proposed as a therapeutic target for management of ovarian cancer. Herein, we initially introduced the overview of oxidative phosphorylation in cancer. Furthermore, we discussed the role of oxidative phosphorylation and chemotherapeutic resistance of ovarian cancer. The role of oxidative phosphorylation in other components of tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinjie Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuewei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wanzhen Zheng
- Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenjing Shen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjing Shen,
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32
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Yin Y, Shen H. Common methods in mitochondrial research (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:126. [PMID: 36004457 PMCID: PMC9448300 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Yin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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Ni W, Wu J, Feng Y, Hu Y, Liu H, Chen J, Chen F, Tian H. Metformin reprograms tumor microenvironment and boosts chemoimmunotherapy in colorectal cancer. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5596-5607. [PMID: 35979933 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00988a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor stroma plays an important role in the occurrence, development, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The dense collagenous stroma forms a physical barrier for antitumor drugs and sustains a highly tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. To address this issue, a spatiotemporal combination of antitumor stroma and nanoscale functional materials was used as an antitumor strategy for reprogramming the tumor immune microenvironment. In this combination, metformin hydrochloride (MET) was intraperitoneally injected to disrupt the dense tumor stroma for promoting drug delivery and remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment. Subsequently, intravenously injected multifunctional drug-delivery materials (MIL-100/mitoxantrone/hyaluronic acid nanoparticles, MMH NPs) were visualized by double imaging (photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence imaging) and generated a robust immune response via immunogenic cell death (ICD). More importantly, the combination treatment also acted synergistically with the anti-OX40 agonist antibody (αOX40), which enhanced the treatment of orthotopic CRC. In summary, the combination strategy of MET/MMH NPs/αOX40 provides a novel and effective clinical option for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China. .,Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, PR China.
| | - Jiayan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Yuanji Feng
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Yingying Hu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Center for Biological Experiment, College of Basic Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
| | - Fangfang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Nanomedicine and Translational Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, PR China.
| | - Huayu Tian
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, PR China.
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Sun N, Tian Y, Chen Y, Guo W, Li C. Metabolic rewiring directs melanoma immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909580. [PMID: 36003368 PMCID: PMC9393691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma results from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and accounts for the most lethal type of skin cancers. In the pathogenesis of melanoma, disordered metabolism is a hallmark characteristic with multiple metabolic paradigms involved in, e.g., glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and autophagy. Under the driving forces of oncogenic mutations, melanoma metabolism is rewired to provide not only building bricks for macromolecule synthesis and sufficient energy for rapid proliferation and metastasis but also various metabolic intermediates for signal pathway transduction. Of note, metabolic alterations in tumor orchestrate tumor immunology by affecting the functions of surrounding immune cells, thereby interfering with their antitumor capacity, in addition to the direct influence on tumor cell intrinsic biological activities. In this review, we first introduced the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment proceedings of melanoma. Then, the components of the tumor microenvironment, especially different populations of immune cells and their roles in antitumor immunity, were reviewed. Sequentially, how metabolic rewiring contributes to tumor cell malignant behaviors in melanoma pathogenesis was discussed. Following this, the proceedings of metabolism- and metabolic intermediate-regulated tumor immunology were comprehensively dissertated. Finally, we summarized currently available drugs that can be employed to target metabolism to intervene tumor immunology and modulate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yangzi Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
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Chao R, Nishida M, Yamashita N, Tokumasu M, Zhao W, Kudo I, Udono H. Nutrient Condition in the Microenvironment Determines Essential Metabolisms of CD8+ T Cells for Enhanced IFNγ Production by Metformin. Front Immunol 2022; 13:864225. [PMID: 35844589 PMCID: PMC9277540 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.864225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin (Met), a first-line drug for type 2 diabetes, lowers blood glucose levels by suppressing gluconeogenesis in the liver, presumably through the liver kinase B1-dependent activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) after inhibiting respiratory chain complex I. Met is also implicated as a drug to be repurposed for cancers; its mechanism is believed identical to that of gluconeogenesis inhibition. However, AMPK activation requires high Met concentrations at more than 1 mM, which are unachievable in vivo. The immune-mediated antitumor response might be the case in a low dose Met. Thus, we proposed activating or expanding tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells (CD8TILs) in a mouse model by orally administering Met in free drinking water. Here we showed that Met, at around 10 μM and a physiologically relevant concentration, enhanced production of IFNγ,TNFα and expression of CD25 of CD8+ T cells upon TCR stimulation. Under a glucose-rich condition, glycolysis was exclusively involved in enhancing IFNγ production. Under a low-glucose condition, fatty acid oxidation or autophagy-dependent glutaminolysis, or both, was also involved. Moreover, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), converting oxaloacetate to phosphoenolpyruvate, became essential. Importantly, the enhanced IFNγ production was blocked by a mitochondrial ROS scavenger and not by an inhibitor of AMPK. In addition, IFNγ production by CD8TILs relied on pyruvate translocation to the mitochondria and PCK1. Our results revealed a direct effect of Met on IFNγ production of CD8+ T cells that was dependent on differential metabolic pathways and determined by nutrient conditions in the microenvironment.
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Metformin and Cancer, an Ambiguanidous Relationship. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050626. [PMID: 35631452 PMCID: PMC9144507 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The deregulation of energetic and cellular metabolism is a signature of cancer cells. Thus, drugs targeting cancer cell metabolism may have promising therapeutic potential. Previous reports demonstrate that the widely used normoglycemic agent, metformin, can decrease the risk of cancer in type 2 diabetics and inhibit cell growth in various cancers, including pancreatic, colon, prostate, ovarian, and breast cancer. While metformin is a known adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and an inhibitor of the electron transport chain complex I, its mechanism of action in cancer cells as well as its effect on cancer metabolism is not clearly established. In this review, we will give an update on the role of metformin as an antitumoral agent and detail relevant evidence on the potential use and mechanisms of action of metformin in cancer. Analyzing antitumoral, signaling, and metabolic impacts of metformin on cancer cells may provide promising new therapeutic strategies in oncology.
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Wei J, Hu M, Du H. Improving Cancer Immunotherapy: Exploring and Targeting Metabolism in Hypoxia Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845923. [PMID: 35281061 PMCID: PMC8907427 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although immunotherapy has achieved good results in various cancer types, a large proportion of patients are limited from the benefits. Hypoxia and metabolic reprogramming are the common and critical factors that impact immunotherapy response. Here, we present current research on the metabolism reprogramming induced by hypoxia on antitumor immunity and discuss the recent progression among preclinical and clinical trials exploring the therapeutic effects combining targeting hypoxia and metabolism with immunotherapy. By evaluating the little clinical translation of the combined therapy, we provide insight into “understanding and regulating cellular metabolic plasticity under the current tumor microenvironment (TME),” which is essential to explore the strategy for boosting immune responses by targeting the metabolism of tumor cells leading to harsh TMEs. Therefore, we highlight the potential value of advanced single-cell technology in revealing the metabolic heterogeneity and corresponding phenotype of each cell subtype in the current hypoxic lesion from the clinical patients, which can uncover potential metabolic targets and therapeutic windows to enhance immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfen Wei
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meiling Hu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongli Du
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
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Metformin-ROS-Nrf2 connection in the host defense mechanism against oxidative stress, apoptosis, cancers, and ageing. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2022; 1866:130171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2022.130171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Xiong H, Chen Z, Lin B, Xie B, Liu X, Chen C, Li Z, Jia Y, Wu Z, Yang M, Jia Y, Wang L, Zhou J, Meng X. Naringenin Regulates FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 Axis in Autophagy and Proliferation of Breast Cancer and Differentiation and Maturation of Dendritic Cell. Front Immunol 2022; 12:745111. [PMID: 35087512 PMCID: PMC8786807 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.745111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
NRF2 is an important regulatory transcription factor involved in tumor immunity and tumorigenesis. In this study, we firstly identified that FKBP4/NR3C1 axis was a novel negative regulator of NRF2 in human breast cancer (BC) cells. The effect of FKBP4 appeared to be at protein level of NRF2 since it could not suppress the expression of NRF2 at mRNA level. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments further demonstrated that FKBP4 regulated NRF2 via regulating nuclear translocation of NR3C1. We then reported that naringenin, a flavonoid, widely distributed in citrus and tomato, could suppress autophagy and proliferation of BC cells through FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Naringenin was also found to promote dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and maturation through FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 axis. Therefore, our study found that naringenin could induce inhibition of autophagy and cell proliferation in BC cells and enhance DC differentiation and maturation, at least in part, though regulation of FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 signaling pathway. Identification of FKBP4/NR3C1/NRF2 axis would provide insights for novel anti-tumor strategy against BC among tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanchu Xiong
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zihan Chen
- Surgical Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baihua Lin
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bojian Xie
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou, China
| | - Xiaozhen Liu
- Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoqing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunlu Jia
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhuazhua Wu
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongshi Jia
- Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linbo Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jichun Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Xu Y, He L, Fu Q, Hu J. Metabolic Reprogramming in the Tumor Microenvironment With Immunocytes and Immune Checkpoints. Front Oncol 2021; 11:759015. [PMID: 34858835 PMCID: PMC8632143 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.759015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab and Atezolizumab, have been applied in anti-tumor therapy and demonstrated exciting performance compared to conventional treatments. However, the unsatisfactory response rates, high recurrence and adaptive resistance limit their benefits. Metabolic reprogramming appears to be one of the crucial barriers to immunotherapy. The deprivation of required nutrients and altered metabolites not only promote tumor progression but also confer dysfunction on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Glycolysis plays a central role in metabolic reprogramming and immunoregulation in the TME, and many therapies targeting glycolysis have been developed, and their combinations with ICIs are in preclinical and clinical trials. Additional attention has been paid to the role of amino acids, lipids, nucleotides and mitochondrial biogenesis in metabolic reprogramming and clinical anti-tumor therapy. This review attempts to describe reprogramming metabolisms within tumor cells and immune cells, from the aspects of glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis and their impact on immunity in the TME, as well as the significance of targeting metabolism in anti-tumor therapy, especially in combination with ICIs. In particular, we highlight the expression mechanism of programmed cell death (ligand) 1 [PD-(L)1] in tumor cells and immune cells under reprogramming metabolism, and discuss in detail the potential of targeting key metabolic pathways to break resistance and improve the efficacy of ICIs based on results from current preclinical and clinical trials. Besides, we draw out biomarkers of potential predictive value in ICIs treatment from a metabolic perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolin Xu
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijie He
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The People's Hospital of China Medical University/The People's Hospital of LiaoNing Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Junzhe Hu
- The Second Clinic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Two distinct phenotypes of immunologically hot gastric cancer subtypes. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 28:101167. [PMID: 34786494 PMCID: PMC8579120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2021.101167] [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: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An in-depth understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is required for the development of improved combination immunotherapies for gastric cancer. Recently, we classified these cancers into four main types defined by their immunological attributes, namely Hot 1, Hot 2, Intermediate and Cold. Of these, the T cell-inflamed “Hot” tumors were further divided into Hot 1 and Hot 2 with different clinical outcomes. Thus, overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with Hot 1 tumors were shorter than with Hot 2. In the present study, we re-evaluated RNA-Seq data of 6 Hot 1 and 6 Hot 2 gastric cancers to elucidate the underlying reason for the poor prognosis and T cell dysfunction in the former. In addition, 56 Hot 1 and 27 Hot 2 tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. We report that single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) and differential gene expression analysis identified differences between Hot 1 and Hot 2 tumors involved in metabolism and cell adhesion pathways. Therefore, it is suggested that strategies to modulate active metabolism in Hot 1 tumors should be integrated into the treatment of these gastric cancers. T cell inflamed gastric cancers could be classified into two subtypes. Hot 1 tumors were metabolically active. Hot 1 tumors were enriched for cell adhesion pathways. Modulation of active metabolism is proposed for the treatment of Hot 1 tumors.
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Udono H, Nishida M. Pharmacological effects on anaplerotic pathways alters the metabolic landscape in the tumor microenvironment, causing unpredictable, sustained antitumor immunity. Int Immunol 2021; 34:133-140. [PMID: 34491338 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxab067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
To achieve sustained antitumor immunity, tumor-infiltrating effector CD8 T lymphocytes (CD8 TILs) must be able to produce cytokines, including IFNγ and proliferate robustly within the local tumor tissue upon antigen recognition. IFNγ production by CD8 TILs depends on glycolysis, whereas their proliferation additionally requires oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). The level of OxPhos, and hence the oxygen consumption rate, depends on mitochondrial biogenesis and requires the loading of metabolic precursors into the tricarboxylic acid cycle to keep it functioning. This is referred to as anaplerosis. Recent advances in the field of immuno-metabolism have shown the impact of pharmacological agents on anaplerotic pathways, resulting in metabolic downregulation in tumor cells; in contrast, the agents trigger sustained antitumor immunity by upregulating both glycolysis and OxPhos in CD8 TILs. The opposing effects of pharmacological inhibition (and/or activation) on anaplerosis in tumor cells and CD8 TILs are unpredictable. Careful dissection of the underlying mechanism might confer important knowledge, helping us to step into a new era for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiichiro Udono
- Department of Immunology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Mikako Nishida
- Department of Immunology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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