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Chen J, Cui L, Lu S, Xu S. Amino acid metabolism in tumor biology and therapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:42. [PMID: 38218942 PMCID: PMC10787762 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06435-w] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism plays important roles in tumor biology and tumor therapy. Accumulating evidence has shown that amino acids contribute to tumorigenesis and tumor immunity by acting as nutrients, signaling molecules, and could also regulate gene transcription and epigenetic modification. Therefore, targeting amino acid metabolism will provide new ideas for tumor treatment and become an important therapeutic approach after surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent progress of amino acid metabolism in malignancy and their interaction with signal pathways as well as their effect on tumor microenvironment and epigenetic modification. Collectively, we also highlight the potential therapeutic application and future expectation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Likun Cui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Shaoteng Lu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology, Naval Medical University/Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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2
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You S, Han X, Xu Y, Yao Q. Research progress on the role of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT) family members in malignant tumors and immune microenvironment. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1213-1222. [PMID: 37572157 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03313-1] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Amino acids are essential for the survival of all living organisms and living cells. Amino acid transporters mediate the transport and absorption of amino acids, and the dysfunction of these proteins can induce human diseases. Cationic amino acid transporters (CAT family, SLC7A1-4, and SLC7A14) are considered to be a group of transmembrane transporters, of which SLC7A1-3 are essential for arginine transport in mammals. Numerous studies have shown that CAT family-mediated arginine transport is involved in signal crosstalk between malignant tumor cells and immune cells, especially T cells. The modulation of extracellular arginine concentration has entered a number of clinical trials and achieved certain therapeutic effects. Here, we review the role of CAT family on tumor cells and immune infiltrating cells in malignant tumors and explore the therapeutic strategies to interfere with extracellular arginine concentration, to elaborate its application prospects. CAT family members may be used as biomarkers for certain cancer entities and might be included in new ideas for immunotherapy of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijing You
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Xiahui Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Yuance Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Qin Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
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3
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Chu YD, Lai MW, Yeh CT. Unlocking the Potential of Arginine Deprivation Therapy: Recent Breakthroughs and Promising Future for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10668. [PMID: 37445845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that supports protein synthesis to maintain cellular functions. Recent studies suggest that arginine also promotes wound healing, cell division, ammonia metabolism, immune system regulation, and hormone biosynthesis-all of which are critical for tumor growth. These discoveries, coupled with the understanding of cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, have led to renewed interest in arginine deprivation as a new anticancer therapy. Several arginine deprivation strategies have been developed and entered clinical trials. The main principle behind these therapies is that arginine auxotrophic tumors rely on external arginine sources for growth because they carry reduced key arginine-synthesizing enzymes such as argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1) in the intracellular arginine cycle. To obtain anticancer effects, modified arginine-degrading enzymes, such as PEGylated recombinant human arginase 1 (rhArg1-PEG) and arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG 20), have been developed and shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. They have been tried as a monotherapy or in combination with other existing therapies. This review discusses recent advances in arginine deprivation therapy, including the molecular basis of extracellular arginine degradation leading to tumor cell death, and how this approach could be a valuable addition to the current anticancer arsenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-De Chu
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Wei Lai
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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4
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Zhu X, Fu Z, Chen SY, Ong D, Aceto G, Ho R, Steinberger J, Monast A, Pilon V, Li E, Ta M, Ching K, Adams BN, Negri GL, Choiniere L, Fu L, Pavlakis K, Pirrotte P, Avizonis DZ, Trent J, Weissman BE, Klein Geltink RI, Morin GB, Park M, Huntsman DG, Foulkes WD, Wang Y, Huang S. Alanine supplementation exploits glutamine dependency induced by SMARCA4/2-loss. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2894. [PMID: 37210563 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
SMARCA4 (BRG1) and SMARCA2 (BRM) are the two paralogous ATPases of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes frequently inactivated in cancers. Cells deficient in either ATPase have been shown to depend on the remaining counterpart for survival. Contrary to this paralog synthetic lethality, concomitant loss of SMARCA4/2 occurs in a subset of cancers associated with very poor outcomes. Here, we uncover that SMARCA4/2-loss represses expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1, causing reduced glucose uptake and glycolysis accompanied with increased dependency on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS); adapting to this, these SMARCA4/2-deficient cells rely on elevated SLC38A2, an amino acid transporter, to increase glutamine import for fueling OXPHOS. Consequently, SMARCA4/2-deficient cells and tumors are highly sensitive to inhibitors targeting OXPHOS or glutamine metabolism. Furthermore, supplementation of alanine, also imported by SLC38A2, restricts glutamine uptake through competition and selectively induces death in SMARCA4/2-deficient cancer cells. At a clinically relevant dose, alanine supplementation synergizes with OXPHOS inhibition or conventional chemotherapy eliciting marked antitumor activity in patient-derived xenografts. Our findings reveal multiple druggable vulnerabilities of SMARCA4/2-loss exploiting a GLUT1/SLC38A2-mediated metabolic shift. Particularly, unlike dietary deprivation approaches, alanine supplementation can be readily applied to current regimens for better treatment of these aggressive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbing Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Shary Y Chen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Dionzie Ong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Giulio Aceto
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rebecca Ho
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jutta Steinberger
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anie Monast
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Virginie Pilon
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eunice Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Monica Ta
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kyle Ching
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Bianca N Adams
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gian L Negri
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Science Centre, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Luc Choiniere
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Metabolomics Innovation Resource, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lili Fu
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kitty Pavlakis
- Department of Pathology, IASO women's hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Patrick Pirrotte
- Cancer & Cell Biology Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Integrated Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Daina Z Avizonis
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Metabolomics Innovation Resource, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Trent
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Division of Integrated Cancer Genomics, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Bernard E Weissman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gregg B Morin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Science Centre, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Departments of Human Genetics, Medicine and Oncology McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine and Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine and Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yemin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Sidong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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5
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Bench-to-Bedside Studies of Arginine Deprivation in Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28052150. [PMID: 36903394 PMCID: PMC10005060 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28052150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid which becomes wholly essential in many cancers commonly due to the functional loss of Argininosuccinate Synthetase 1 (ASS1). As arginine is vital for a plethora of cellular processes, its deprivation provides a rationale strategy for combatting arginine-dependent cancers. Here we have focused on pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20, pegargiminase)-mediated arginine deprivation therapy from preclinical through to clinical investigation, from monotherapy to combinations with other anticancer therapeutics. The translation of ADI-PEG20 from the first in vitro studies to the first positive phase 3 trial of arginine depletion in cancer is highlighted. Finally, this review discusses how the identification of biomarkers that may denote enhanced sensitivity to ADI-PEG20 beyond ASS1 may be realized in future clinical practice, thus personalising arginine deprivation therapy for patients with cancer.
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6
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Identification of the ultrahigh-risk subgroup in neuroblastoma cases through DNA methylation analysis and its treatment exploiting cancer metabolism. Oncogene 2022; 41:4994-5007. [PMID: 36319669 PMCID: PMC9652143 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastomas require novel therapies that are based on the exploitation of their biological mechanism. To address this need, we analyzed the DNA methylation and expression datasets of neuroblastomas, extracted a candidate gene characterizing the aggressive features, and conducted functional studies. Based on the DNA methylation data, we identified a subgroup of neuroblastoma cases with 11q loss of heterozygosity with extremely poor prognosis. PHGDH, a serine metabolism-related gene, was extracted as a candidate with strong expression and characteristic methylation in this subgroup as well as in cases with MYCN amplification. PHGDH inhibition suppressed neuroblastoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, indicating that the inhibition of serine metabolism by PHGDH inhibitors is a therapeutic alternative for neuroblastoma. Inhibiting the arginine metabolism, which is closely related to serine metabolism using arginine deiminase, had a combination effect both in vitro and in vivo, especially on extracellular arginine-dependent neuroblastoma cells with ASS1 deficiency. Expression and metabolome analyses of post-dose cells confirmed the synergistic effects of treatments targeting serine and arginine indicated that xCT inhibitors that inhibit cystine uptake could be candidates for further combinatorial treatment. Our results highlight the rational therapeutic strategy of targeting serine/arginine metabolism for intractable neuroblastoma.
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7
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Feng X, Ji Z, Yang G. ASS1 regulates immune microenvironment via CXCL8 signaling in ovarian cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 631:86-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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8
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Lee H, Park G, Kim S, Son B, Joo J, Park HH, Park TH. Enhancement of anti-tumor activity in melanoma using arginine deiminase fused with 30Kc19α protein. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7531-7545. [PMID: 36227339 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12218-0] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arginine deiminase (ADI) is a microbial-derived enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of L-arginine into L-citrulline. ADI originating from Mycoplasma has been reported to present anti-tumor activity against arginine-auxotrophic tumors, including melanoma. Melanoma cells are sensitive to arginine depletion due to reduced expression of argininosuccinate synthase 1 (ASS1), a key enzyme for arginine biosynthesis. However, clinical applications of recombinant ADI for melanoma treatment present some limitations. Since recombinant ADI is not human-derived, it shows instability, proteolytic degradation, and antigenicity in human serum. In addition, there is a problem of drug resistance issue due to the intracellular expression of once-silenced ASS1. Moreover, recombinant ADI proteins are mainly expressed as inclusion body forms in Escherichia coli and require a time-consuming refolding process to turn them back into active form. Herein, we propose fusion of recombinant ADI from Mycoplasma hominis and 30Kc19α, a cell-penetrating protein which also increases stability and soluble expression of cargo proteins, to overcome these problems. We inserted matrix metalloproteinase-2 cleavable linker between ADI and 30Kc19α to increase enzyme activity in melanoma cells. Compared to ADI, ADI-LK-30Kc19α showed enhanced solubility, stability, and cell penetration. The fusion protein demonstrated selective cytotoxicity and reduced drug resistance in melanoma cells, thus would be a promising strategy for the improved efficacy in melanoma treatment. KEY POINTS: • Fusion of ADI with 30Kc19α enhances soluble expression and productivity of recombinant ADI in E. coli • 30Kc19α protects ADI from the proteolytic degradation by shielding effect, helping ADI to remain active • Intracellular delivery of ADI by 30Kc19α overcomes ADI resistance in melanoma cells by degrading intracellularly expressed arginine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haein Lee
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Geunhwa Park
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulha Kim
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Son
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmyoung Joo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Ho Park
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Education and Research Group for Biopharmaceutical Innovation Leader, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tai Hyun Park
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Interdisciplinary Program in Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,BioMax/N-Bio Institute, Institute of Bioengineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Zhang Y, DeBosch BJ. A protocol to induce systemic autophagy and increase energy metabolism in mice using PEGylated arginine deiminase. STAR Protoc 2022; 3:101489. [PMID: 35776644 PMCID: PMC9249829 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101489] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a prevalent metabolic disorder worldwide. Here, we describe a comprehensive protocol using pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-EPG 20) to apply the concept that arginine depletion induces systemic autophagy to drive whole-body energy metabolism and weight loss in mice. We detail the steps for cohort setup, mouse husbandry, and treatment and provide expected results under these conditions. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Zhang et al. (2022a, 2022b). Protocol to study the role of systemic arginine depletion in obesity via ADI-PEG 20 Description of ADI-PEG 20 treatment and mouse husbandry to ensure reproducible results A reference protocol for investigating other physiological effects of ADI-PEG 20 Method for examining other diseases stemming from autophagy insufficiency
Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
| | - Brian J DeBosch
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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10
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Gu I, Gregory E, Atwood C, Lee SO, Song YH. Exploring the Role of Metabolites in Cancer and the Associated Nerve Crosstalk. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091722. [PMID: 35565690 PMCID: PMC9103817 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since Otto Warburg's first report on the increased uptake of glucose and lactate release by cancer cells, dysregulated metabolism has been acknowledged as a hallmark of cancer that promotes proliferation and metastasis. Over the last century, studies have shown that cancer metabolism is complex, and by-products of glucose and glutamine catabolism induce a cascade of both pro- and antitumorigenic processes. Some vitamins, which have traditionally been praised for preventing and inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells, have also been proven to cause cancer progression in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, recent findings have shown that the nervous system is a key player in tumor growth and metastasis via perineural invasion and tumor innervation. However, the link between cancer-nerve crosstalk and tumor metabolism remains unclear. Here, we discuss the roles of relatively underappreciated metabolites in cancer-nerve crosstalk, including lactate, vitamins, and amino acids, and propose the investigation of nutrients in cancer-nerve crosstalk based on their tumorigenicity and neuroregulatory capabilities. Continued research into the metabolic regulation of cancer-nerve crosstalk will provide a more comprehensive understanding of tumor mechanisms and may lead to the identification of potential targets for future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inah Gu
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Emory Gregory
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
| | - Casey Atwood
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Sun-Ok Lee
- Department of Food Science, Division of Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72704, USA
| | - Young Hye Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
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Shi LY, Wang YY, Jing Y, Xu MH, Zhu ZT, Wang QJ. Abnormal arginine metabolism is associated with prognosis in patients of gastric cancer. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:2451-2469. [PMID: 35116560 PMCID: PMC8797619 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Metabolic disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of tumors. Metabolomics methods can explore a variety of prognostic markers for tumors. Methods The 454 patients included in this study comprised 92 cases of gastric cancer, 51 cases of gastric ulcers, 206 cases of gastric polyps, and 105 cases of gastritis. The plasma levels of 23 amino acids in patients before treatment were detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and t-test was used to determine the difference of amino acids levels between the gastric cancer group and other groups. Shared different amino acids were selected to analyze their relationship with staging, differentiation and prognosis. The TCGA database was used to explore the changes of genes expression related to the synthesis and degradation of different amino acids, and the relationship between the genes and stage, differentiation and prognosis. Results The plasma arginine level in the gastric cancer group was significantly higher than that in the gastric ulcer, gastric polyp, and gastritis groups (P values 0.0065, 0.0306, 0.0004, respectively).The level of plasma arginine in patients with non-metastatic gastric cancer was significantly higher than that in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (P=0.0013). Compared with the normal control, the key metabolic enzyme ASS1 gene was highly expressed in gastric cancer, and the survival time of gastric cancer patients with high expression of ASS1 was longer. Patients with high arginine expression had significantly longer survival (log-rank test P=0.0003). Conclusions Increased plasma arginine level in gastric cancer patients was related to overexpression of ASS1 by TCGA database analysis. High expression of ASS1 prolonged the overall survival of gastric cancer patients, and the arginine level before treatment could be used as a prognostic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yang Shi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Yu Jing
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hao Xu
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Tu Zhu
- Department of Clinical Trial, Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Cancer Center of Jinzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Qing-Jun Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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12
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Long noncoding RNA LINC01234 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through orchestrating aspartate metabolic reprogramming. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2354-2369. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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13
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Johnson RL, Cummings M, Thangavelu A, Theophilou G, de Jong D, Orsi NM. Barriers to Immunotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: Metabolic, Genomic, and Immune Perturbations in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6231. [PMID: 34944851 PMCID: PMC8699358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A lack of explicit early clinical signs and effective screening measures mean that ovarian cancer (OC) often presents as advanced, incurable disease. While conventional treatment combines maximal cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, patients frequently develop chemoresistance and disease recurrence. The clinical application of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) aims to restore anti-cancer T-cell function in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Disappointingly, even though tumour infiltrating lymphocytes are associated with superior survival in OC, ICB has offered limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we discuss specific TME features that prevent ICB from reaching its full potential, focussing in particular on the challenges created by immune, genomic and metabolic alterations. We explore both recent and current therapeutic strategies aiming to overcome these hurdles, including the synergistic effect of combination treatments with immune-based strategies and review the status quo of current clinical trials aiming to maximise the success of immunotherapy in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Racheal Louise Johnson
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Michele Cummings
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
| | - Amudha Thangavelu
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Georgios Theophilou
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Diederick de Jong
- Department Gynaecological Oncology, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (A.T.); (G.T.); (D.d.J.)
| | - Nicolas Michel Orsi
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St. James’s University Hospital, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK; (M.C.); (N.M.O.)
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14
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Hajaj E, Sciacovelli M, Frezza C, Erez A. The context-specific roles of urea cycle enzymes in tumorigenesis. Mol Cell 2021; 81:3749-3759. [PMID: 34469752 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the urea cycle (UC) proteins is dysregulated in multiple cancers, providing metabolic benefits to tumor survival, proliferation, and growth. Here, we review the main changes described in the expression of UC enzymes and metabolites in different cancers at various stages and suggest that these changes are dynamic and should hence be viewed in a context-specific manner. Understanding the evolvability in the activity of the UC pathway in cancer has implications for cancer-immune cell interactions and for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Hajaj
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Marco Sciacovelli
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 197, Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Christian Frezza
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Box 197, Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK.
| | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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15
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Tang F, Tie Y, Wei YQ, Tu CQ, Wei XW. Targeted and immuno-based therapies in sarcoma: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188606. [PMID: 34371128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas represent a distinct group of rare malignant tumors with high heterogeneity. Limited options with clinical efficacy for the metastatic or local advanced sarcoma existed despite standard therapy. Recently, targeted therapy according to the molecular and genetic phenotype of individual sarcoma is a promising option. Among these drugs, anti-angiogenesis therapy achieved favorable efficacy in sarcomas. Inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, mTOR, NTRK, metabolisms, and epigenetic drugs are under clinical evaluation for sarcomas bearing the corresponding signals. Immunotherapy represents a promising and favorable method in advanced solid tumors. However, most sarcomas are immune "cold" tumors, with only alveolar soft part sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cellular therapies with TCR-engineered T cells, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and nature killer cells transfer show therapeutic potential. Identifying tumor-specific antigens and exploring immune modulation factors arguing the efficacy of these immunotherapies are the current challenges. This review focuses on the mechanisms, advances, and potential strategies of targeted and immune-based therapies in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong-Qi Tu
- Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xia-Wei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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16
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Chen CL, Hsu SC, Ann DK, Yen Y, Kung HJ. Arginine Signaling and Cancer Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3541. [PMID: 34298755 PMCID: PMC8306961 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine is an amino acid critically involved in multiple cellular processes including the syntheses of nitric oxide and polyamines, and is a direct activator of mTOR, a nutrient-sensing kinase strongly implicated in carcinogenesis. Yet, it is also considered as a non- or semi-essential amino acid, due to normal cells' intrinsic ability to synthesize arginine from citrulline and aspartate via ASS1 (argininosuccinate synthase 1) and ASL (argininosuccinate lyase). As such, arginine can be used as a dietary supplement and its depletion as a therapeutic strategy. Strikingly, in over 70% of tumors, ASS1 transcription is suppressed, rendering the cells addicted to external arginine, forming the basis of arginine-deprivation therapy. In this review, we will discuss arginine as a signaling metabolite, arginine's role in cancer metabolism, arginine as an epigenetic regulator, arginine as an immunomodulator, and arginine as a therapeutic target. We will also provide a comprehensive summary of ADI (arginine deiminase)-based arginine-deprivation preclinical studies and an update of clinical trials for ADI and arginase. The different cell killing mechanisms associated with various cancer types will also be described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Lin Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan;
| | - Sheng-Chieh Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu 30035, Taiwan;
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - David K. Ann
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Research, Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Yun Yen
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hsing-Jien Kung
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan 350, Miaoli County, Taiwan;
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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17
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Howitt BE, Folpe AL. Update on SWI/SNF-related gynecologic mesenchymal neoplasms: SMARCA4-deficient uterine sarcoma and SMARCB1-deficient vulvar neoplasms. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2020; 60:190-209. [PMID: 33252159 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.22922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Our knowledge regarding the role of genes encoding the chromatin remodeling switch/sucrose non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) complex in the initiation and progression of gynecologic malignancies continues to evolve. This review focuses on gynecologic tumors in which the sole or primary genetic alteration is in SMARCA4 or SMARCB1, two members of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex. In this review, we present a brief overview of the classical example of such tumors, ovarian small cell carcinoma of hypercalcemic type, and then a detailed review and update of SMARCB1-deficient and SMARCA4-deficient tumors of the uterus and vulva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Howitt
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Andrew L Folpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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