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Lee AH, Snider JM, Moorthi S, Coant N, Trayssac M, Canals D, Clarke CJ, Luberto C, Hannun YA. A comprehensive measure of Golgi sphingolipid flux using NBD C 6-ceramide: evaluation of sphingolipid inhibitors. J Lipid Res 2024; 65:100584. [PMID: 38925252 PMCID: PMC11326893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100584] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Measurements of sphingolipid metabolism are most accurately performed by LC-MS. However, this technique is expensive, not widely accessible, and without the use of specific probes, it does not provide insight into metabolic flux through the pathway. Employing the fluorescent ceramide analogue NBD-C6-ceramide as a tracer in intact cells, we developed a comprehensive HPLC-based method that simultaneously measures the main nodes of ceramide metabolism in the Golgi. Hence, by quantifying the conversion of NBD-C6-ceramide to NBD-C6-sphingomyelin, NBD-C6-hexosylceramides, and NBD-C6-ceramide-1-phosphate (NBD-C1P), the activities of Golgi resident enzymes sphingomyelin synthase 1, glucosylceramide synthase, and ceramide kinase (CERK) could be measured simultaneously. Importantly, the detection of NBD-C1P allowed us to quantify CERK activity in cells, a usually difficult task. By applying this method, we evaluated the specificity of commonly used sphingolipid inhibitors and discovered that 1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol, which targets glucosylceramide synthase, and fenretinide (4HPR), an inhibitor for dihydroceramide desaturase, also suppress CERK activity. This study demonstrates the benefit of an expanded analysis of ceramide metabolism in the Golgi, and it provides a qualitative and easy-to-implement method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen H Lee
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Justin M Snider
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Sitapriya Moorthi
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Coant
- Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Magali Trayssac
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Canals
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | | | - Chiara Luberto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, The Northport Veterans Affairs Hospital, Northport, NY, USA.
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2
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La Monica S, Vacondio F, Eltayeb K, Lodola A, Volta F, Viglioli M, Ferlenghi F, Galvani F, Galetti M, Bonelli M, Fumarola C, Cavazzoni A, Flammini L, Verzè M, Minari R, Petronini PG, Tiseo M, Mor M, Alfieri R. Targeting glucosylceramide synthase induces antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects in osimertinib-resistant NSCLC cell models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6491. [PMID: 38499619 PMCID: PMC10948837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57028-8] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor osimertinib has been approved for the first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients. Despite its efficacy, patients develop resistance. Mechanisms of resistance are heterogeneous and not fully understood, and their characterization is essential to find new strategies to overcome resistance. Ceramides are well-known regulators of apoptosis and are converted into glucosylceramides (GlcCer) by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). A higher content of GlcCers was observed in lung pleural effusions from NSCLC patients and their role in osimertinib-resistance has not been documented. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic potential of inhibiting GCS in NSCLC EGFR-mutant models resistant to osimertinib in vitro and in vivo. Lipidomic analysis showed a significant increase in the intracellular levels of glycosylceramides, including GlcCers in osimertinib resistant clones compared to sensitive cells. In resistant cells, the GCS inhibitor PDMP caused cell cycle arrest, inhibition of 2D and 3D cell proliferation, colony formation and migration capability, and apoptosis induction. The intratumoral injection of PDMP completely suppressed the growth of OR xenograft models. This study demonstrated that dysregulation of ceramide metabolism is involved in osimertinib-resistance and targeting GCS may be a promising therapeutic strategy for patients progressed to osimertinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia La Monica
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Vacondio
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Kamal Eltayeb
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Volta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Viglioli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Galvani
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Maricla Galetti
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, INAIL-Italian Workers' Compensation Authority, 00078, Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Bonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Fumarola
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavazzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Lisa Flammini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Michela Verzè
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Minari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Tiseo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy.
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Marco Mor
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126, Parma, Italy
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3
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Kato D, Aoyama Y, Nishida K, Takahashi Y, Sakamoto T, Takeda I, Tatematsu T, Go S, Saito Y, Kunishima S, Cheng J, Hou L, Tachibana Y, Sugio S, Kondo R, Eto F, Sato S, Moorhouse AJ, Yao I, Kadomatsu K, Setou M, Wake H. Regulation of lipid synthesis in myelin modulates neural activity and is required for motor learning. Glia 2023; 71:2591-2608. [PMID: 37475643 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Brain function relies on both rapid electrical communication in neural circuitry and appropriate patterns or synchrony of neural activity. Rapid communication between neurons is facilitated by wrapping nerve axons with insulation by a myelin sheath composed largely of different lipids. Recent evidence has indicated that the extent of myelination of nerve axons can adapt based on neural activity levels and this adaptive myelination is associated with improved learning of motor tasks, suggesting such plasticity may enhance effective learning. In this study, we examined whether another aspect of myelin plasticity-changes in myelin lipid synthesis and composition-may also be associated with motor learning. We combined a motor learning task in mice with in vivo two-photon imaging of neural activity in the primary motor cortex (M1) to distinguish early and late stages of learning and then probed levels of some key myelin lipids using mass spectrometry analysis. Sphingomyelin levels were elevated in the early stage of motor learning while galactosylceramide levels were elevated in the middle and late stages of motor learning, and these changes were correlated across individual mice with both learning performance and neural activity changes. Targeted inhibition of oligodendrocyte-specific galactosyltransferase expression, the enzyme that synthesizes myelin galactosylceramide, impaired motor learning. Our results suggest regulation of myelin lipid composition could be a novel facet of myelin adaptations associated with learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kato
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Yuki Aoyama
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nishida
- Division of System Neuroscience, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yutaka Takahashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takumi Sakamoto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Ikuko Takeda
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Tsuyako Tatematsu
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiori Go
- Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaro Saito
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shiho Kunishima
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Jinlei Cheng
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Lingnan Hou
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Tachibana
- Division of System Neuroscience, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shouta Sugio
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Reon Kondo
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Eto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Japan
| | - Shumpei Sato
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Andrew J Moorhouse
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ikuko Yao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Japan
| | - Kenji Kadomatsu
- Institute for Glyco-core Research, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Setou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Anatomy, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Wake
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Cell Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Multicellular Circuit Dynamics, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Center of Optical Scattering Image Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Graduate University for Advanced Studies, SOKENDAI, Hayama, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
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4
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Mubariz F, Saadin A, Lingenfelter N, Sarkar C, Banerjee A, Lipinski MM, Awad O. Deregulation of mTORC1-TFEB axis in human iPSC model of GBA1-associated Parkinson's disease. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1152503. [PMID: 37332877 PMCID: PMC10272450 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1152503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GBA1 gene are the single most frequent genetic risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). Neurodegenerative changes in GBA1-associated PD have been linked to the defective lysosomal clearance of autophagic substrates and aggregate-prone proteins. To elucidate novel mechanisms contributing to proteinopathy in PD, we investigated the effect of GBA1 mutations on the transcription factor EB (TFEB), the master regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP). Using PD patients' induced-pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we examined TFEB activity and regulation of the ALP in dopaminergic neuronal cultures generated from iPSC lines harboring heterozygous GBA1 mutations and the CRISPR/Cas9-corrected isogenic controls. Our data showed a significant decrease in TFEB transcriptional activity and attenuated expression of many genes in the CLEAR network in GBA1 mutant neurons, but not in the isogenic gene-corrected cells. In PD neurons, we also detected increased activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex1 (mTORC1), the main upstream negative regulator of TFEB. Increased mTORC1 activity resulted in excess TFEB phosphorylation and decreased nuclear translocation. Pharmacological mTOR inhibition restored TFEB activity, decreased ER stress and reduced α-synuclein accumulation, indicating improvement of neuronal protiostasis. Moreover, treatment with the lipid substrate reducing compound Genz-123346, decreased mTORC1 activity and increased TFEB expression in the mutant neurons, suggesting that mTORC1-TFEB alterations are linked to the lipid substrate accumulation. Our study unveils a new mechanism contributing to PD susceptibility by GBA1 mutations in which deregulation of the mTORC1-TFEB axis mediates ALP dysfunction and subsequent proteinopathy. It also indicates that pharmacological restoration of TFEB activity could be a promising therapeutic approach in GBA1-associated neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad Mubariz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Afsoon Saadin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicholas Lingenfelter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Chinmoy Sarkar
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Aditi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Marta M. Lipinski
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ola Awad
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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5
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Roy KR, Uddin MB, Roy SC, Hill RA, Marshall J, Li Y, Chamcheu JC, Lu H, Liu Y. Gb3-cSrc complex in glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains contributes to the expression of p53 mutant protein and cancer drug resistance via β-catenin-activated RNA methylation. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:653-667. [PMID: 33205006 PMCID: PMC7655095 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a key enzyme catalyzing ceramide glycosylation to generate glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which in turn serves as the precursor for cells to produce glycosphingolipids (GSLs). In cell membranes, GSLs serve as essential components of GSL-enriched microdomains (GEMs) and mediate membrane functions and cell behaviors. Previous studies showed that ceramide glycosylation correlates with upregulated expression of p53 hotspot mutant R273H and cancer drug resistance. Yet, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. We report herewith that globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) is associated with cSrc kinase in GEMs and plays a crucial role in modulating expression of p53 R273H mutant and drug resistance. Colon cancer cell lines, either WiDr homozygous for missense-mutated TP53 (R273H+/+) or SW48/TP53-Dox bearing heterozygous TP53 mutant (R273H/+), display drug resistance with increased ceramide glycosylation. Inhibition of GCS with Genz-161 (GENZ 667161) resensitized cells to apoptosis in these p53 mutant-carrying cancer cells. Genz-161 effectively inhibited GCS activity, and substantially suppressed the elevated Gb3 levels seen in GEMs of p53-mutant cells exposed to doxorubicin. Complex formation between Gb3 and cSrc in GEMs to activate β-catenin was detected in both cultured cells and xenograft tumors. Suppression of ceramide glycosylation significantly decreased Gb3-cSrc in GEMs, β-catenin, and methyltransferase-like 3 for m6A RNA methylation, thus altering pre-mRNA splicing, resulting in upregulated expression of wild-type p53 protein, but not mutants, in cells carrying p53 R273H. Altogether, increased Gb3-cSrc complex in GEMs of membranes in response to anticancer drug induced cell stress promotes expression of p53 mutant proteins and accordant cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik R. Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Mohammad B. Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Sagor C. Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Ronald A. Hill
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Rare Genetic Disease ResearchSanofi‐Genzyme R&D CenterGenzyme, FraminghamMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yu‐Teh Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Jean Christopher Chamcheu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyTulane University School of MedicineNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Yong‐Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of Louisiana at MonroeMonroeLouisianaUSA
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6
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Ishibashi Y, Ito M, Hirabayashi Y. The sirtuin inhibitor cambinol reduces intracellular glucosylceramide with ceramide accumulation by inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2264-2272. [PMID: 32705968 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1794785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The accumulation of glucosylceramide (GlcCer), which is synthesized by UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), is associated with several diseases, including Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. Since the inhibition of UGCG can be used to treat diseases caused by GlcCer accumulation, several UGCG inhibitors have been developed. In this study, we report on the inhibition of UGCG activity by cambinol, a sirtuin inhibitor. Unlike conventional UGCG inhibitors, cambinol has no structural similarity to GlcCer. LC-ESI MS/MS analysis revealed that the cellular GlcCer levels were reduced by cambinol with an increase in ceramide, the GlcCer precursor. Histidine 193 plays an important role in the inhibition of UGCG via a known UGCG inhibitor, D-PDMP. However, cambinol was found to inhibit UGCG activity in a histidine 193-independent manner. This study provides insights into the mechanism of inhibition of UGCG activity by cambinol, and provides a basis for the development of a cambinol-based novel UGCG inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Ishibashi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University , Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Makoto Ito
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University , Fukuoka, Japan
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7
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Chen J, Khiste SK, Fu X, Roy KR, Dong Y, Zhang J, Liu M, Liu YY, Liu Z. Rubusoside-assisted solubilization of poorly soluble C 6-Ceramide for a pilot pharmacokinetic study. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 146:106402. [PMID: 31841664 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.106402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although C6-Ceramide has attracted much attention as a possible tumor suppressor, the delivery of C6-Ceramide is still challenging due to its inherent hydrophobicity and insolubility. In this study we explored the use of a natural compound rubusoside (RUB) as a solubilizer to enhance the solubility of a fluorescence-labeled C6-Ceramide (NBD C6-Ceramide) and to characterize its pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in an animal model. RUB significantly enhanced the solubility of NBD C6-Ceramide by forming nanomicelles, and efficiently delivered NBD C6-Ceramide in rats by oral and intravenous administration. RUB loaded 1.96 % of NBD C6-Ceramide in the nanomicelles and solubilized it to a concentration of 3.6 mg/mL in water. NBD C6-Ceramide in nanomicelles remained stable in aqueous solutions, allowing intravenous administration without the use of any organic solvents or surfactants. After oral administration, NBD C6-Ceramide rapidly rose to peak plasma concentrations within the first 90 min, distributed to tissues, and remained in vivo for more than 24 h. Tissular levels of NBD C6-Ceramide from high to low were associated with heart, lung, cerebellum, testicle, spleen, liver, kidney, and brain. Altogether, our study demonstrated that RUB-assisted nanomicelles can serve as an efficient and convenient delivery system for short-chain C6-Ceramide and enable in vivo evaluation of potential new cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Xiaomei Fu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Kartik R Roy
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Yixuan Dong
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Mei Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 330004, China
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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8
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Kao LP, Morad SAF, Davis TS, MacDougall MR, Kassai M, Abdelmageed N, Fox TE, Kester M, Loughran TP, Abad JL, Fabrias G, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Claxton DF, Spiegel S, Fisher-Wellman KH, Cabot MC. Chemotherapy selection pressure alters sphingolipid composition and mitochondrial bioenergetics in resistant HL-60 cells. J Lipid Res 2019; 60:1590-1602. [PMID: 31363040 PMCID: PMC6718434 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.ra119000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The combination of daunorubicin (dnr) and cytarabine (Ara-C) is a cornerstone of treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML); resistance to these drugs is a major cause of treatment failure. Ceramide, a sphingolipid (SL), plays a critical role in cancer cell apoptosis in response to chemotherapy. Here, we investigated the effects of chemotherapy selection pressure with Ara-C and dnr on SL composition and enzyme activity in the AML cell line HL-60. Resistant cells, those selected for growth in Ara-C- and dnr-containing medium (HL-60/Ara-C and HL-60/dnr, respectively), demonstrated upregulated expression and activity of glucosylceramide synthase, acid ceramidase (AC), and sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1); were more resistant to ceramide than parental cells; and displayed sensitivity to inhibitors of SL metabolism. Lipidomic analysis revealed a general ceramide deficit and a profound upswing in levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) in HL-60/dnr cells versus parental and HL-60/Ara-C cells. Both chemotherapy-selected cells also exhibited comprehensive upregulations in mitochondrial biogenesis consistent with heightened reliance on oxidative phosphorylation, a property that was partially reversed by exposure to AC and SPHK1 inhibitors and that supports a role for the phosphorylation system in resistance. In summary, dnr and Ara-C selection pressure induces acute reductions in ceramide levels and large increases in S1P and C1P, concomitant with cell resilience bolstered by enhanced mitochondrial remodeling. Thus, strategic control of ceramide metabolism and further research to define mitochondrial perturbations that accompany the drug-resistant phenotype offer new opportunities for developing therapies that regulate cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Pin Kao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Traci S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Matthew R MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Miki Kassai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC
| | - Noha Abdelmageed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA; Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jose' L Abad
- Instituto de Quimica Avanzada de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Fabrias
- Instituto de Quimica Avanzada de Cataluña, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David J Feith
- University of Virginia Cancer Center Charlottesville, VA; Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | | | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
| | - Kelsey H Fisher-Wellman
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC.
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC.
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9
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Pashikanti S, Afrin F, Meldrum TC, Stegelmeier JL, Pavek A, Habashi YA, Fatema K, Barrott JJ. Quantifying Fluorescently Labeled Ceramide Levels in Human Sarcoma Cell Lines in Response to a Sphingomyelin Synthase Inhibitor. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:mps2030076. [PMID: 31480447 PMCID: PMC6789850 DOI: 10.3390/mps2030076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism is an important process in sustaining the growth needs of rapidly dividing cancer cells. Enzymes that synthesize sphingolipids have become attractive targets in cancer pharmacology. Ceramide is a precursor for synthesizing sphingolipids such as sphingomyelin, sphingosine-1-phosphate, and glucosylceramide. Sphingomyelin synthase (SMS) is the enzyme that transfers a phosphatidylcholine to ceramide to generate sphingomyelin. To test the inhibition of SMS, scientists assess the buildup of ceramide in the cell, which is cytotoxic. Because ceramide is a small lipid molecule, there are limited tools like antibodies to detect its presence. Alternatively, designated machines for small-molecule separation coupled with mass spectrometry detection can be used; however, these can be cost-prohibitive. We used a commercially available NBD-ceramide to apply to human cancer cell lines in the presence or absence of a known SMS inhibitor, jaspine B. After short incubation times, we were able to collect cell lysates and using solvent extraction methods, run the cellular material on a thin-layer chromatography plate to determine the levels of intact fluorescently labeled ceramide. Brighter fluorescence on the TLC plate correlated to greater SMS inhibition. Small molecules can then be screened quantifiably to determine the biological impact of inhibiting the sphingolipid metabolism pathways involving ceramide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinath Pashikanti
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Farjana Afrin
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Trevor C Meldrum
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - John L Stegelmeier
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Adriene Pavek
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Yashar A Habashi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Kaniz Fatema
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA
| | - Jared J Barrott
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
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10
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Roy KR, Khiste SK, Liu Z, Liu YY. Fluorescence HPLC Analysis of the in-vivo Activity of Glucosylceramide Synthase. Bio Protoc 2019; 9:e3269. [PMID: 33654788 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost all functions of cells or organs rely on the activities of cellular enzymes. Indeed, the in-vivo activities that directly represent the cellular effects of enzymes in live organs are critical importance to appreciate the roles enzymes play in modulating physiological or pathological processes, although assessments of such in-vivo enzyme activity are more difficult than typical test-tube assays. Recently, we, for the first time, developed a direct and easy-handling method for HPLC analyzing the in-vivo activity of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). GCS that converts ceramide into glucosylceramide is a limiting-enzyme in the syntheses of glycosphingolipids and is one cause of cancer drug resistance. In our method developed, rubusoside nanomicelles delivers fluorescence N-[6-[(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]hexanoyl]-d-erythro-sphingosine (NBD C6-ceramide) into mice, tissues uptake the cell-permeable substrate, and GCS converts it into NBD C6-glucosylceramide in all organs simultaneously. Further, HPLC analyzes the extracted NBD C6-glucosylceramide to assess alterations of the in-vivo GCS activities in tissues. This method can be broadly used to assess the in-vivo GCS activities in any kind of animal models to appreciate either the role GCS plays in diseases or the therapeutic efficacies of GCS inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik R Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Resources, Louisiana State University Agriculture Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
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11
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Knapp P, Chomicz K, Świderska M, Chabowski A, Jach R. Unique Roles of Sphingolipids in Selected Malignant and Nonmalignant Lesions of Female Reproductive System. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:4376583. [PMID: 31187044 PMCID: PMC6521305 DOI: 10.1155/2019/4376583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer develops as a result of the loss of self-control mechanisms by a cell; it gains the ability to induce angiogenesis, becomes immortal and resistant to cell death, stops responding to growth suppressor signals, and becomes capable of invasion and metastasis. Sphingolipids-a family of membrane lipids-are known to play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, the response to chemotherapeutic agents, and/or prevention of cancer. Despite the underlying functions of sphingolipids in cancer biology, their metabolism in different malignant tumors is poorly investigated. Some studies showed marked differences in ceramide content between the tumor and the respective healthy tissue. Interestingly, the level of this sphingolipid could be either low or elevated, suggesting that the alterations in ceramide metabolism in cancer tissue may depend on the biology of the tumor. These processes are indeed related to the type of cancer, its stage, and histology status. In this paper we present the unique roles of bioactive sphingolipid derivative in selected gynecologic malignant and nonmalignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Knapp
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Karolina Chomicz
- Ist Medical Faculty with Stomatology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | - Robert Jach
- Jagiellonian University Medical College Gynecology and Obstetrics, Krakow, Poland
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12
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Snider JM, Luberto C, Hannun YA. Approaches for probing and evaluating mammalian sphingolipid metabolism. Anal Biochem 2019; 575:70-86. [PMID: 30917945 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolism plays a critical role in regulating processes that control cellular fate. This dynamic pathway can generate and degrade the central players: ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate in almost any membrane in the cell, adding an unexpected level of complexity in deciphering signaling events. While in vitro assays have been developed for most enzymes in SL metabolism, these assays are setup for optimal activity conditions and can fail to take into account regulatory components such as compartmentalization, substrate limitations, and binding partners that can affect cellular enzymatic activity. Therefore, many in-cell assays have been developed to derive results that are authentic to the cellular situation which may give context to alteration in SL mass. This review will discuss approaches for utilizing probes for mammalian in-cell assays to interrogate most enzymatic steps central to SL metabolism. The use of inhibitors in conjunction with these probes can verify the specificity of cellular assays as well as provide valuable insight into flux in the SL network. The use of inhibitors specific to each of the central sphingolipid enzymes are also discussed to assist researchers in further interrogation of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Snider
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; The Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Chiara Luberto
- The Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Yusuf A Hannun
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; The Stony Brook Cancer Center, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Departments of Biochemistry, Pathology and Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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13
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GPRC5B-Mediated Sphingomyelin Synthase 2 Phosphorylation Plays a Critical Role in Insulin Resistance. iScience 2018; 8:250-266. [PMID: 30343189 PMCID: PMC6197706 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
GPRC5B recruitment of Src family kinases has been implicated in diet-induced insulin resistance. However, the mechanism of this action is not fully understood. Here, we report that GPRC5B-mediated phosphorylation of sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) by Fyn is a crucial step in the development of insulin resistance. Lipid-induced metabolic stress augments SMS2 phosphorylation by facilitating the interaction of GPRC5B and SMS2. SMS2 phosphorylation reduces its ubiquitination, and consequently increases SMS2 protein abundance. Although ceramide and diacylglycerol (DAG) have been known to be central mediators of lipid-induced insulin resistance, the accumulation of these lipids fails to impair insulin signaling in SMS2 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Conversely, exogenous expression of a phosphomimetic SMS2 impairs insulin action in SMS2 knockout MEFs under metabolic stress conditions. We demonstrate that SMS2-generated DAG in sphingomyelin synthesis inhibits insulin signaling through JNK activation. Thus, GPRC5B links sphingolipid metabolism to diet-induced insulin resistance via SMS2-dependent DAG production. Saturated fatty acids enhance interaction between GPRC5B and SMS2 GPRC5B facilitates tyrosine phosphorylation of SMS2 by recruiting Fyn Tyrosine phosphorylation of SMS2 increases its protein abundance SMS2-generated DAG is critical for the development of insulin resistance
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14
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Ishibashi Y, Ito M, Hirabayashi Y. Regulation of glucosylceramide synthesis by Golgi-localized phosphoinositide. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 499:1011-1018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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15
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Abstract
Sphingomyelin synthases 1 and 2 convert the anti-oncometabolite ceramide to sphingomyelin, the most abundant sphingolipid in plasma membrane. CD95L-induced ceramide increase is associated with the caspase-dependent inhibition of sphingomyelin synthesis, which enhances the mitochondrial route to apoptosis. Knocking down sphingomyelin synthase 1 or inhibiting sphingomyelin synthesis facilitates ceramide accumulation, cytochrome c release from mitochondria, and caspase-9 activation in cancer cell upon CD95L treatment. Here, we describe a method to monitor in situ sphingomyelin synthase activity changes triggered by CD95L.
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16
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Hosain SB, Khiste SK, Uddin MB, Vorubindi V, Ingram C, Zhang S, Hill RA, Gu X, Liu YY. Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase eliminates the oncogenic function of p53 R273H mutant in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and induced pluripotency of colon cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:60575-60592. [PMID: 27517620 PMCID: PMC5312403 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Missense mutation of tumor suppressor p53, which exhibits oncogenic gain-of-function (GOF), not only promotes tumor progression, but also diminishes therapeutic efficacies of cancer treatments. However, it remains unclear how a p53 missense mutant contributes to induced pluripotency of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in tumors exposed to chemotherapeutic agents. More importantly, it may be possible to abrogate the GOF by restoring wild-type p53 activity, thereby overcoming the deleterious effects resulting from heterotetramer formation, which often compromises the efficacies of current approaches being used to reactivate p53 function. Herewith, we report that p53 R273H missense mutant urges cancer cells to spawn CSCs. SW48/TP53 cells, which heterozygously carry the p53 R273H hot-spot mutant (R273H/+, introduced by a CRISPR/Casp9 system), were subchronically exposed to doxorubicin in cell culture and in tumor-bearing mice. We found that p53-R273H (TP53-Dox) cells were drug-resistant and exhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased numbers of CSCs (CD44v6+/CD133+), which resulted in enhanced wound healing and tumor formation. Inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase with d-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP) sensitized p53-R273H cancer cells and tumor xenografts to doxorubicin treatments. Intriguingly, PDMP treatments restored wild-type p53 expression in heterozygous R273H mutant cells and in tumors, decreasing CSCs and sensitizing cells and tumors to treatments. This study demonstrated that p53-R273H promotes EMT and induced pluripotency of CSCs in cancer cells exposed to doxorubicin, mainly through Zeb1 and β-catenin transcription factors. Our results further indicate that restoration of p53 through inhibition of ceramide glycosylation might be an effective treatment approach for targeting cancers heterozygously harboring TP53 missense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman B Hosain
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Mohammad B Uddin
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Vindya Vorubindi
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Catherine Ingram
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Sifang Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ronald A Hill
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
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17
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Wimalachandra D, Yang JX, Zhu L, Tan E, Asada H, Chan JY, Lee YH. Long-chain glucosylceramides crosstalk with LYN mediates endometrial cell migration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2018; 1863:71-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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18
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Incorporation of Fluorescence Ceramide-Based HPLC Assay for Rapidly and Efficiently Assessing Glucosylceramide Synthase In Vivo. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2976. [PMID: 28592871 PMCID: PMC5462733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03320-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) is a rate-limiting enzyme catalyzing ceramide glycosylation, thereby regulating cellular ceramide levels and the synthesis of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in cellular membranes. Alterations of GCS not only affect membrane integrity, but also closely correlate with stem cell pluripotency, cancer drug resistance, GSL storage disorders and other diseases. Enzyme activities measured conventionally with currently available ex-vivo methods do not enable reliable assessment of the roles played by GCS in vivo. We report herein a substrate-incorporation method enabling rapid and efficient assessment of GCS in-vivo activity. Upon nanoparticle-based delivery, fluorescent NBD C6-ceramide was efficiently converted to NBD C6-glucosylceramide in live cells or in mouse tissues, whereupon an HPLC assay enabled detection and quantification of NBD C6-glucosylceramide in the low-femtomolar range. The enzyme kinetics of GCS in live cells and mouse liver were well-described by the Michaelis-Menten model. GCS activities were significantly higher in drug-resistant cancer cells and in tumors overexpressing GCS, but reduced after silencing GCS expression or inhibiting this enzyme. Our studies indicate that this rapid and efficient method provides a valuable means for accurately assessing the roles played by GCS in normal vs. pathological states, including ones involving cancer drug resistance.
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19
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Morad SAF, Davis TS, MacDougall MR, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Desai DH, Amin SG, Kester M, Loughran TP, Cabot MC. Role of P-glycoprotein inhibitors in ceramide-based therapeutics for treatment of cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 130:21-33. [PMID: 28189725 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The anticancer properties of ceramide, a sphingolipid with potent tumor-suppressor properties, can be dampened via glycosylation, notably in multidrug resistance wherein ceramide glycosylation is characteristically elevated. Earlier works using the ceramide analog, C6-ceramide, demonstrated that the antiestrogen tamoxifen, a first generation P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor, blocked C6-ceramide glycosylation and magnified apoptotic responses. The present investigation was undertaken with the goal of discovering non-anti-estrogenic alternatives to tamoxifen that could be employed as adjuvants for improving the efficacy of ceramide-centric therapeutics in treatment of cancer. Herein we demonstrate that the tamoxifen metabolites, desmethyltamoxifen and didesmethyltamoxifen, and specific, high-affinity P-gp inhibitors, tariquidar and zosuquidar, synergistically enhanced C6-ceramide cytotoxicity in multidrug resistant HL-60/VCR acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) cells, whereas the selective estrogen receptor antagonist, fulvestrant, was ineffective. Active C6-ceramide-adjuvant combinations elicited mitochondrial ROS production and cytochrome c release, and induced apoptosis. Cytotoxicity was mitigated by introduction of antioxidant. Effective adjuvants markedly inhibited C6-ceramide glycosylation as well as conversion to sphingomyelin. Active regimens were also effective in KG-1a cells, a leukemia stem cell-like line, and in LoVo human colorectal cancer cells, a solid tumor model. In summary, our work details discovery of the link between P-gp inhibitors and the regulation and potentiation of ceramide metabolism in a pro-apoptotic direction in cancer cells. Given the active properties of these adjuvants in synergizing with C6-ceramide, independent of drug resistance status, stemness, or cancer type, our results suggest that the C6-ceramide-containing regimens could provide alternative, promising therapeutic direction, in addition to finding novel, off-label applications for P-gp inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Traci S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Matthew R MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - David J Feith
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Dhimant H Desai
- Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University Drive, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shantu G Amin
- Penn State University College of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, University Drive, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Mark Kester
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, East Carolina University, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Greenville, NC, United States.
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20
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Robles-Martinez L, Mendez TL, Apodaca J, Das S. Glucosylceramide transferase in Giardia preferentially catalyzes the synthesis of galactosylceramide during encystation. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 211:75-83. [PMID: 27840079 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The stage differentiation from trophozoite to cyst (i.e., encystation) is an essential step for Giardia to survive outside its human host and spread the infection via the fecal-oral route. We have previously shown that Giardia expresses glucosylceramide transferase 1 (GlcT1) enzyme, the activity of which is elevated during encystation. We have also reported that blocking the activity of gGlcT1 interferes with the biogenesis of encystation-specific vesicles (ESVs) and cyst viability in Giardia. To further understand the role of this enzyme and how it regulates encystation, we overexpressed, knocked down, and rescued the giardial GlcT1 (gGlcT1) gene and measured its enzymatic activity in live parasites as well as in isolated membrane fractions using NBD-ceramide and UDP-glucose or UDP-galactose. We observed that gGlcT1 is able to catalyze the synthesis of both glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and galactosylceramide (GalCer), however the synthesis of GalCer is 2-3 fold higher than of GlcCer. Although both activities follow Michaelis-Menten kinetics, the bindings of UDP-glucose and UDP-galactose with the enzyme appear to be non-competitive and independent of each other. The modulation of gGlcT1 synthesis concomitantly influenced the expression cyst-wall protein (CWP) and overall encystation. We propose that gGlcT1 is a unique enzyme and that Giardia uses this enzyme to synthesize both GlcCer and GalCer to facilitate the process of encystation/cyst production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leobarda Robles-Martinez
- Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥
| | - Tavis L Mendez
- Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥
| | - Jennifer Apodaca
- Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥
| | - Siddhartha Das
- Infectious Disease and Immunology Cluster, Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC), University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968-0519, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W. University Avenue, El Paso, TX 79968-0519/USA, Tel: (915) 747-6896∥
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21
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Ishibashi Y, Hirabayashi Y. AMP-activated Protein Kinase Suppresses Biosynthesis of Glucosylceramide by Reducing Intracellular Sugar Nucleotides. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:18245-18260. [PMID: 26048992 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.658948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane glycolipid glucosylceramide (GlcCer) plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis. Its intracellular levels are thought to be tightly regulated. How cells regulate GlcCer levels remains to be clarified. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a crucial cellular energy sensor, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism to maintain energy homeostasis. Here, we investigated whether AMPK affects GlcCer metabolism. AMPK activators (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside and metformin) decreased intracellular GlcCer levels and synthase activity in mouse fibroblasts. AMPK inhibitors or AMPK siRNA reversed these effects, suggesting that GlcCer synthesis is negatively regulated by an AMPK-dependent mechanism. Although AMPK did not affect the phosphorylation or expression of GlcCer synthase, the amount of UDP-glucose, an activated form of glucose required for GlcCer synthesis, decreased under AMPK-activating conditions. Importantly, the UDP-glucose pyrophosphatase Nudt14, which degrades UDP-glucose, generating UMP and glucose 1-phosphate, was phosphorylated and activated by AMPK. On the other hand, suppression of Nudt14 by siRNA had little effect on UDP-glucose levels, indicating that mammalian cells have an alternative UDP-glucose pyrophosphatase that mainly contributes to the reduction of UDP-glucose under AMPK-activating conditions. Because AMPK activators are capable of reducing GlcCer levels in cells from Gaucher disease patients, our findings suggest that reducing GlcCer through AMPK activation may lead to a new strategy for treating diseases caused by abnormal accumulation of GlcCer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Ishibashi
- Laboratory for Molecular Membrane Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hirabayashi
- Laboratory for Molecular Membrane Neuroscience, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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22
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Wang W, Fromm M. Sphingolipids are required for efficient triacylglycerol loss in conjugated linoleic Acid treated adipocytes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119005. [PMID: 25906159 PMCID: PMC4407960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces adiposity in human and mouse adipocytes. This outcome is achieved through a variety of biological responses including increased energy expenditure and fatty acid oxidation, increased inflammation, repression of fatty acid biosynthesis, attenuated glucose transport, and apoptosis. In the current study, profiling of 261 metabolites was conducted to gain new insights into the biological pathways responding to CLA in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Sphinganine and sphingosine levels were observed to be highly elevated in CLA treated adipocytes. Exogenous chemicals that increased endogenous ceramide levels decreased lipid levels in adipocytes, and activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as well as NF-κB, both of which are typically activated in CLA treated adipocytes. Concurrent inhibition of ceramide de novo biosynthesis and recycling from existing sphingolipid pools attenuated the lipid lowering effect normally associated with responses to CLA, implicating ceramides as an important component of the lipid lowering response in CLA treated adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
| | - Michael Fromm
- Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States of America
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Ponnapakam AP, Liu J, Bhinge KN, Drew BA, Wang TL, Antoon JW, Nguyen TT, Dupart PS, Wang Y, Zhao M, Liu YY, Foroozesh M, Beckman BS. 3-Ketone-4,6-diene ceramide analogs exclusively induce apoptosis in chemo-resistant cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem 2014; 22:1412-20. [PMID: 24457089 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug-resistance is a major cause of cancer chemotherapy failure in clinical treatment. Evidence shows that multidrug-resistant cancer cells are as sensitive as corresponding regular cancer cells under the exposure to anticancer ceramide analogs. In this work we designed five new ceramide analogs with different backbones, in order to test the hypothesis that extending the conjugated system in ceramide analogs would lead to an increase of their anticancer activity and selectivity towards resistant cancer cells. The analogs with the 3-ketone-4,6-diene backbone show the highest apoptosis-inducing efficacy. The most potent compound, analog 406, possesses higher pro-apoptotic activity in chemo-resistant cell lines MCF-7TN-R and NCI/ADR-RES than the corresponding chemo-sensitive cell lines MCF-7 and OVCAR-8, respectively. However, this compound shows the same potency in inhibiting the growth of another pair of chemo-sensitive and chemo-resistant cancer cells, MCF-7 and MCF-7/Dox. Mechanism investigations indicate that analog 406 can induce apoptosis in chemo-resistant cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Cellular glucosylceramide synthase assay shows that analog 406 does not interrupt glucosylceramide synthase in chemo-resistant cancer cell NCI/ADR-RES. These findings suggest that due to certain intrinsic properties, ceramide analogs' pro-apoptotic activity is not disrupted by the normal drug-resistance mechanisms, leading to their potential use for overcoming cancer multidrug-resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adharsh P Ponnapakam
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Jiawang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Kaustubh N Bhinge
- College of Pharmacy Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville, Monroe, LA 71209, United States
| | - Barbara A Drew
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Tony L Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - James W Antoon
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Thong T Nguyen
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Patrick S Dupart
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States
| | - Yuji Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Ming Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- College of Pharmacy Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville, Monroe, LA 71209, United States
| | - Maryam Foroozesh
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana, 1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125, United States.
| | - Barbara S Beckman
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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Mendez TL, De Chatterjee A, Duarte TT, Gazos-Lopes F, Robles-Martinez L, Roy D, Sun J, Maldonado RA, Roychowdhury S, Almeida IC, Das S. Glucosylceramide transferase activity is critical for encystation and viable cyst production by an intestinal protozoan, Giardia lamblia. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:16747-16760. [PMID: 23589290 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.438416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of viable cysts by Giardia is essential for its survival in the environment and for spreading the infection via contaminated food and water. The hallmark of cyst production (also known as encystation) is the biogenesis of encystation-specific vesicles (ESVs) that transport cyst wall proteins to the plasma membrane of the trophozoite before laying down the protective cyst wall. However, the molecules that regulate ESV biogenesis and maintain cyst viability have never before been identified. Here, we report that giardial glucosylceramide transferase-1 (gGlcT1), an enzyme of sphingolipid biosynthesis, plays a key role in ESV biogenesis and maintaining cyst viability. We find that overexpression of this enzyme induced the formation of aggregated/enlarged ESVs and generated clustered cysts with reduced viability. The silencing of gGlcT1 synthesis by antisense morpholino oligonucleotide abolished ESV production and generated mostly nonviable cysts. Interestingly, when gGlcT1-overexpressed Giardia was transfected with anti-gGlcT1 morpholino, the enzyme activity, vesicle biogenesis, and cyst viability returned to normal, suggesting that the regulated expression of gGlcT1 is important for encystation and viable cyst production. Furthermore, the overexpression of gGlcT1 increased the influx of membrane lipids and fatty acids without altering the fluidity of plasma membranes, indicating that the expression of gGlcT1 activity is linked to lipid internalization and maintaining the overall lipid balance in this parasite. Taken together, our results suggest that gGlcT1 is a key player of ESV biogenesis and cyst viability and therefore could be targeted for developing new anti-giardial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tavis L Mendez
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Atasi De Chatterjee
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Trevor T Duarte
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Felipe Gazos-Lopes
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Leobarda Robles-Martinez
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Neuroscience and Metabolic Disorder Clusters, Border Biomedical Research Center, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Debarshi Roy
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Jianjun Sun
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Rosa A Maldonado
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Sukla Roychowdhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808; Neuroscience and Metabolic Disorder Clusters, Border Biomedical Research Center, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Igor C Almeida
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808
| | - Siddhartha Das
- From Infectious Disease and Immunology; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968-5808.
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Zama K, Mitsutake S, Watanabe K, Okazaki T, Igarashi Y. A sensitive cell-based method to screen for selective inhibitors of SMS1 or SMS2 using HPLC and a fluorescent substrate. Chem Phys Lipids 2012; 165:760-8. [PMID: 23063490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemphyslip.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed that sphingomyelin (SM) is involved in metabolic syndrome and is a new target of an anti-metabolic syndrome drug. Deficiencies in the enzyme SM synthase 1 (SMS1) result in severe abnormalities, whereas deficiencies in SMS2 do not. SMS1 and SMS2 synthesize SM under similar conditions, so their respective activities cannot be measured separately. We report here on a sensitive, high-throughput and reliable cell-based method to separately measure each SMS activity and to screen for SMS-specific inhibitors, using HPLC and fluorescent ceramide (Cer) analogs. We isolated SMS-null cells and stably transfected them with SMS1 or SMS2. Using these cells, individual SMS activities could be measured separately. Fluorescent Cer, SM, and glucosylceramide analogs could be separated within 4 min by HPLC using an NH(2) column. SMS activities of SMS1- or SMS2-expressing cells seeded in a single well of a 96-well plate could be measured using HPLC and fluorescent Cer analogs. This method clearly demonstrated that treatment of the cells with their respective siRNA or D609, an inhibitor of SMS, resulted in a significant decrease in each SMS activity. These results indicate that our newly developed method can be utilized for screening therapeutics against metabolic syndrome that target SMS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Zama
- Department of Biomembrane and Biofunctional Chemistry and Developmental Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
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Gupta V, Bhinge KN, Hosain SB, Xiong K, Gu X, Shi R, Ho MY, Khoo KH, Li SC, Li YT, Ambudkar SV, Jazwinski SM, Liu YY. Ceramide glycosylation by glucosylceramide synthase selectively maintains the properties of breast cancer stem cells. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:37195-205. [PMID: 22936806 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.396390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are distinguished from normal adult stem cells by their stemness without tissue homeostasis control. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), particularly globo-series GSLs, are important markers of undifferentiated embryonic stem cells, but little is known about whether or not ceramide glycosylation, which controls glycosphingolipid synthesis, plays a role in modulating stem cells. Here, we report that ceramide glycosylation catalyzed by glucosylceramide synthase, which is enhanced in breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) but not in normal mammary epithelial stem cells, maintains tumorous pluripotency of BCSCs. Enhanced ceramide glycosylation and globotriosylceramide (Gb3) correlate well with the numbers of BCSCs in breast cancer cell lines. In BCSCs sorted with CD44(+)/ESA(+)/CD24(-) markers, Gb3 activates c-Src/β-catenin signaling and up-regulates the expression of FGF-2, CD44, and Oct-4 enriching tumorigenesis. Conversely, silencing glucosylceramide synthase expression disrupts Gb3 synthesis and selectively kills BCSCs through deactivation of c-Src/β-catenin signaling. These findings highlight the unexploited role of ceramide glycosylation in selectively maintaining the tumorous pluripotency of cancer stem cells. It speculates that disruption of ceramide glycosylation or globo-series GSL is a useful approach to specifically target BCSCs specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Gupta
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71209, USA
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27
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Bhinge KN, Gupta V, Hosain SB, Satyanarayanajois SD, Meyer SA, Blaylock B, Zhang QJ, Liu YY. The opposite effects of doxorubicin on bone marrow stem cells versus breast cancer stem cells depend on glucosylceramide synthase. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:1770-8. [PMID: 22728310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2011] [Revised: 04/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Myelosuppression and drug resistance are common adverse effects in cancer patients with chemotherapy, and those severely limit the therapeutic efficacy and lead treatment failure. It is unclear by which cellular mechanism anticancer drugs suppress bone marrow, while drug-resistant tumors survive. We report that due to the difference of glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), catalyzing ceramide glycosylation, doxorubicin (Dox) eliminates bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and expands breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). It was found that Dox decreased the numbers of BMSCs (ABCG2(+)) and the sphere formation in a dose-dependent fashion in isolated bone marrow cells. In tumor-bearing mice, Dox treatments (5mg/kg, 6 days) decreased the numbers of BMSCs and white blood cells; conversely, those treatments increased the numbers of BCSCs (CD24(-)/CD44(+)/ESA(+)) more than threefold in the same mice. Furthermore, therapeutic-dose of Dox (1mg/kg/week, 42 days) decreased the numbers of BMSCs while it increased BCSCs in vivo. Breast cancer cells, rather than bone marrow cells, highly expressed GCS, which was induced by Dox and correlated with BCSC pluripotency. These results indicate that Dox may have opposite effects, suppressing BMSCs versus expanding BCSCs, and GCS is one determinant of the differentiated responsiveness of bone marrow and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh N Bhinge
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209, USA
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28
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Loizides-Mangold U, David FPA, Nesatyy VJ, Kinoshita T, Riezman H. Glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors regulate glycosphingolipid levels. J Lipid Res 2012; 53:1522-34. [PMID: 22628614 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m025692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor biosynthesis takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). After protein attachment, the GPI anchor is transported to the Golgi where it undergoes fatty acid remodeling. The ER exit of GPI-anchored proteins is controlled by glycan remodeling and p24 complexes act as cargo receptors for GPI anchor sorting into COPII vesicles. In this study, we have characterized the lipid profile of mammalian cell lines that have a defect in GPI anchor biosynthesis. Depending on which step of GPI anchor biosynthesis the cells were defective, we observed sphingolipid changes predominantly for very long chain monoglycosylated ceramides (HexCer). We found that the structure of the GPI anchor plays an important role in the control of HexCer levels. GPI anchor-deficient cells that generate short truncated GPI anchor intermediates showed a decrease in very long chain HexCer levels. Cells that synthesize GPI anchors but have a defect in GPI anchor remodeling in the ER have a general increase in HexCer levels. GPI-transamidase-deficient cells that produce no GPI-anchored proteins but generate complete free GPI anchors had unchanged levels of HexCer. In contrast, sphingomyelin levels were mostly unaffected. We therefore propose a model in which the transport of very long chain ceramide from the ER to Golgi is regulated by the transport of GPI anchor molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Loizides-Mangold
- Department of Biochemistry, NCCR Chemical Biology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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29
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Tanaka K, Tamiya-Koizumi K, Hagiwara K, Ito H, Takagi A, Kojima T, Suzuki M, Iwaki S, Fujii S, Nakamura M, Banno Y, Kannagi R, Tsurumi T, Kyogashima M, Murate T. Role of down-regulated neutral ceramidase during all-trans retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 151:611-20. [DOI: 10.1093/jb/mvs033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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30
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Liu YY, Gupta V, Patwardhan GA, Bhinge K, Zhao Y, Bao J, Mehendale H, Cabot MC, Li YT, Jazwinski SM. Glucosylceramide synthase upregulates MDR1 expression in the regulation of cancer drug resistance through cSrc and beta-catenin signaling. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:145. [PMID: 20540746 PMCID: PMC2903501 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug resistance is the outcome of multiple-gene interactions in cancer cells under stress of anticancer agents. MDR1 overexpression is most commonly detected in drug-resistant cancers and accompanied with other gene alterations including enhanced glucosylceramide synthase (GCS). MDR1 encodes for P-glycoprotein that extrudes anticancer drugs. Polymorphisms of MDR1 disrupt the effects of P-glycoprotein antagonists and limit the success of drug resistance reversal in clinical trials. GCS converts ceramide to glucosylceramide, reducing the impact of ceramide-induced apoptosis and increasing glycosphingolipid (GSL) synthesis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying MDR1 overexpression and how it interacts with GCS may find effective approaches to reverse drug resistance. Results MDR1 and GCS were coincidently overexpressed in drug-resistant breast, ovary, cervical and colon cancer cells; silencing GCS using a novel mixed-backbone oligonucleotide (MBO-asGCS) sensitized these four drug-resistant cell lines to doxorubicin. This sensitization was correlated with the decreased MDR1 expression and the increased doxorubicin accumulation. Doxorubicin treatment induced GCS and MDR1 expression in tumors, but MBO-asGCS treatment eliminated "in-vivo" growth of drug-resistant tumor (NCI/ADR-RES). MBO-asGCS suppressed the expression of MDR1 with GCS and sensitized NCI/ADR-RES tumor to doxorubicin. The expression of P-glycoprotein and the function of its drug efflux of tumors were decreased by 4 and 8 times after MBO-asGCS treatment, even though this treatment did not have a significant effect on P-glycoprotein in normal small intestine. GCS transient transfection induced MDR1 overexpression and increased P-glycoprotein efflux in dose-dependent fashion in OVCAR-8 cancer cells. GSL profiling, silencing of globotriaosylceramide synthase and assessment of signaling pathway indicated that GCS transfection significantly increased globo series GSLs (globotriaosylceramide Gb3, globotetraosylceramide Gb4) on GSL-enriched microdomain (GEM), activated cSrc kinase, decreased β-catenin phosphorylation, and increased nuclear β-catenin. These consequently increased MDR1 promoter activation and its expression. Conversely, MBO-asGCS treatments decreased globo series GSLs (Gb3, Gb4), cSrc kinase and nuclear β-catenin, and suppressed MDR-1 expression in dose-dependent pattern. Conclusion This study demonstrates, for the first time, that GCS upregulates MDR1 expression modulating drug resistance of cancer. GSLs, in particular globo series GSLs mediate gene expression of MDR1 through cSrc and β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Yu Liu
- Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana 71209, USA.
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31
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Direct assessment of P-glycoprotein efflux to determine tumor response to chemotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2010; 80:72-9. [PMID: 20298675 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2010.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 03/05/2010] [Accepted: 03/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance is a major impediment to the success of cancer chemotherapy. The overproduced P-glycoprotein that extrudes anticancer drugs from cells, is the most common mechanism detected in multidrug-resistant cancers. Direct measurement of cellular efflux of tumors in vivo, rather than estimation of MDR1 mRNA and P-glycoprotein levels in samples stored or embedded, can functionally characterize the mechanism of drug resistance and determine the choice of anticancer drugs for cancer patients. Herewith, we introduce a new approach to directly determine P-glycoprotein efflux of tumors. Employing Flutax-2 (Oregon green-488 paclitaxel) and fluorescence spectrophotometry, this method has successfully measured cellular transportability including efflux and accumulation in diverse cancer cell lines, tumors and other tissues with high reproducibility. With this method, we have quantitatively determined cellular efflux that is correlated with P-glycoprotein levels and the reversal effects of agents in cell lines of breast, ovarian, cervical and colon cancers, and in tumor-bearing mice. It has sensitively detected these alterations of P-glycoprotein efflux in approximately 5mg tumor or other tissues with high confidence. This direct and quick functional assessment has a potential to determine drug resistance in different types of cancers after surgical resection. Further validation of this method in clinic settings for the diagnosis of drug resistance purpose is needed.
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