SLC25A21 downregulation promotes KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer progression by increasing glutamine anaplerosis

Crosstalk of glutamine metabolism between cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer cells

Glutamine (Gln), a critical metabolic substrate, fuels the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), essential components of the tumor microenvironment, facilitate tumor progression by supplying Gln to cancer cells and driving drug resistance through metabolic reprogramming. This review highlights the key processes of Gln uptake, transport, and catabolism and explores the metabolic crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells. It also examines the roles of major oncogenic regulators-c-Myc, mTORC, KRAS, p53, and HIF-in controlling Gln metabolism and shaping therapeutic resistance. Current pharmacological approaches targeting Gln metabolism, including enzyme inhibitors and transporter blockers, are discussed alongside emerging therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials. Lastly, we underscore the importance of integrating advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and spatial omics to refine treatment targeting and develop more effective, personalized therapeutic interventions.

Phosphorylation of POU3F3 Mediated Nuclear Translocation Promotes Proliferation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer through Accelerating ATP5PF Transcription and ATP Production

Targeting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) through inhibiting the electron transport chain (ETC) has shown promising pre-clinical efficacy in cancer therapy. Although aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of cancer, emerging evidence suggest OXPHOS is frequently enhanced, providing metabolic advantages for cell proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance in a variety of aggressive cancer types including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here it is reported that POU-domain containing family protein POU3F3 is translocated into the nuclei of NSCLC cell lines harboring mutant RAS, where it activates transcription of ATP5PF, an essential component of mitochondrial ATP synthase and consequent ATP production, leading to enhanced NSCLC proliferation and migration. Moreover, it is further found out that ERK1 phosphorylates POU3F3 at the S393 site in the cytoplasm and promotes the nuclear translocation of POU3F3 via receptor importin β1 in RAS mutant NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing analysis combined with chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay revealed that POU3F3 binds to the promoter of ATP5PF, leading to enhanced ATP5PF transcription and ATP production. Together, this study uncovers a novel RAS-POU3F3-ATP5PF axis in facilitating NSCLC progression, providing a new perspective on the understanding of molecular mechanisms for NSCLC progression.

Colorectal Cancer: Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent malignant neoplasms globally. A growing body of evidence underscores the pivotal roles of genetic alterations and dysregulated epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of CRC. In recent years, the reprogramming of tumor cell metabolism has been increasingly acknowledged as a hallmark of cancer. Substantial evidence suggests a crosstalk between tumor cell metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modifications, highlighting a complex interplay between metabolism and the epigenetic genome that warrants further investigation. Biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis and metabolic characteristics of CRC hold significant clinical implications. Nevertheless, elucidating the genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic landscapes of CRC continues to pose considerable challenges. Here, we attempt to summarize the key genes driving the onset and progression of CRC and the related epigenetic regulators, clarify the roles of gene expression and signaling pathways in tumor metabolism regulation, and explore the potential crosstalk between epigenetic events and tumor metabolic reprogramming, providing a comprehensive mechanistic explanation for the malignant progression of CRC. Finally, by integrating reliable targets from genetics, epigenetics, and metabolic processes that hold promise for translation into clinical practice, we aim to offer more strategies to overcome the bottlenecks in CRC treatment.

The roles of KRAS in cancer metabolism, tumor microenvironment and clinical therapy

KRAS is one of the most mutated genes, driving alternations in metabolic pathways that include enhanced nutrient uptaking, increased glycolysis, elevated glutaminolysis, and heightened synthesis of fatty acids and nucleotides. However, the beyond mechanisms of KRAS-modulated cancer metabolisms remain incompletely understood. In this review, we aim to summarize current knowledge on KRAS-related metabolic alterations in cancer cells and explore the prevalence and significance of KRAS mutation in shaping the tumor microenvironment and influencing epigenetic modification via various molecular activities. Given that cancer cells rely on these metabolic changes to sustain cell growth and survival, targeting these processes may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for KRAS-driven cancers.

The Role of Mitochondrial Solute Carriers SLC25 in Cancer Metabolic Reprogramming: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Cancer cells undergo remarkable metabolic changes to meet their high energetic and biosynthetic demands. The Warburg effect is the most well-characterized metabolic alteration, driving cancer cells to catabolize glucose through aerobic glycolysis to promote proliferation. Another prominent metabolic hallmark of cancer cells is their increased reliance on glutamine to replenish tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates essential for ATP production, aspartate and fatty acid synthesis, and maintaining redox homeostasis. In this context, mitochondria, which are primarily used to maintain energy homeostasis and support balanced biosynthesis in normal cells, become central organelles for fulfilling the heightened biosynthetic and energetic demands of proliferating cancer cells. Mitochondrial coordination and metabolite exchange with other cellular compartments are crucial. The human SLC25 mitochondrial carrier family, comprising 53 members, plays a pivotal role in transporting TCA intermediates, amino acids, vitamins, nucleotides, and cofactors across the inner mitochondrial membrane, thereby facilitating this cross-talk. Numerous studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial carriers are altered in cancer cells, actively contributing to tumorigenesis. This review comprehensively discusses the role of SLC25 carriers in cancer pathogenesis and metabolic reprogramming based on current experimental evidence. It also highlights the research gaps that need to be addressed in future studies. Understanding the involvement of these carriers in tumorigenesis may provide valuable novel targets for drug development.

SLC25A21 correlates with the prognosis of adult acute myeloid leukemia through inhibiting the growth of leukemia cells via downregulating CXCL8

In recent years, targeting mitochondrial apoptosis has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The SLC25 family of mitochondrial carriers plays a critical role in maintaining mitochondrial function and regulating apoptosis. However, the role of SLC25A21, an oxodicarboxylate carrier, in AML progression and its potential as a prognostic biomarker remain underexplored. This study aimed to further investigate the role, molecular mechanism, and potential clinical value of SLC25A21 in AML progression. The transcript levels of SLC25A21 in bone marrow specimens were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The correlation between SLC25A21 expression and the prognosis of AML was assessed through survival analysis. Findings revealed that SLC25A21 was downregulated in adult AML, and the low expression of SLC25A21 was correlated with worse prognosis for AML patients. Furthermore, overexpression of SLC25A21 inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and was correlated with apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway. C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8 (CXCL8) was identified as a downstream target of SLC25A21. These functions of SLC25A21 could be rescued by the overexpression of CXCL8. Moreover, SLC25A21 overexpression significantly suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors. In conclusion, the low SLC25A21 expression is correlated with poor clinical outcome. The overexpression of SLC25A21 inhibited the AML cell survival and proliferation by dysregulating the expression of CXCL8. SLC25A21 might be a potential prognostic marker and a treatment target for AML.

Current research and future prospects of immunonutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies

Immune nutrition, as an integral component of nutritional support therapy, has garnered significant attention and research in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies. Recent advancements in nutritional formulas containing components such as glutamine, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and arginine have led to the development of what is now termed immune nutrition or pharmacological nutrition. These formulations go beyond traditional nutritional support, functioning more like nutritional supplements with pharmacological effects. Patients with gastrointestinal malignancies often experience malnutrition and metabolic disturbances, resulting in immune dysfunction, cytokine dysregulation, and endocrine abnormalities. These issues can compromise intestinal mucosal barrier function, affecting the efficacy and prognosis of anticancer therapies. Recent studies indicate that immune nutrition can modulate specific mechanisms involved in various immune and inflammatory pathways, thereby improving patients' immune status and treatment outcomes. While optimal patient selection, dosing, and timing of immune nutrition are still under investigation, its potential applications in oncology are promising. This article aims to analyze the existing evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits of immune nutrition in gastrointestinal malignancies, offering insights into its clinical standardization and application.

Cancer Therapeutic Potential and Prognostic Value of the SLC25 Mitochondrial Carrier Family: A Review

Transporters of the solute carrier family 25 (SLC25) regulate the intracellular distribution and concentration of nucleotides, amino acids, dicarboxylates, and vitamins within the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic matrices. This mechanism involves changes in mitochondrial function, regulation of cellular metabolism, and the ability to provide energy. In this review, important members of the SLC25 family and their pathways affecting tumorigenesis and progression are elucidated, highlighting the diversity and complexity of these pathways. Furthermore, the significant potential of the members of SLC25 as both cancer therapeutic targets and biomarkers will be emphasized.