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Abo Qoura L, Balakin KV, Hoffman RM, Pokrovsky VS. The potential of methioninase for cancer treatment. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189122. [PMID: 38796027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189122] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells are addicted to L-methionine (L-Met) and have a much greater requirement for L-Met than normal cells due to excess transmethylation, termed the Hoffman effect. By targeting this vulnerability through dietary restriction of L-Met, researchers have been able to achieve promising results in inhibiting tumor growth and eradicating cancer cells. Methioninase (EC 4.4.1.11; METase) catalyzes the transformation of L-Met into α-ketobutyrate, ammonia, and methanethiol. The use of METase was initially limited due to its poor stability in vivo, high immunogenicity, and enzyme-induced inactivating antibodies. These issues could be partially resolved by PEGylation, encapsulation in erythrocytes, and various site-directed mutagenesis. The big breakthrough came when it was discovered that METase is effectively administered orally. The enzyme L-asparaginase is approved by the FDA for treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. METase has more potential as a therapeutic since addiction to L-Met is a general and fundamental hallmark of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louay Abo Qoura
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia; N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, 115478 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037-7400, USA
| | - Vadim S Pokrovsky
- Research Institute of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, People's Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), 117198 Moscow, Russia; N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology of Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, 115478 Moscow, Russia.
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Raboni S, Faggiano S, Bettati S, Mozzarelli A. Methionine gamma lyase: Structure-activity relationships and therapeutic applications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2024; 1872:140991. [PMID: 38147934 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2023.140991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Methionine gamma lyase (MGL) is a bacterial and plant enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of methionine in methanthiol, 2-oxobutanoate and ammonia. The enzyme belongs to fold type I of the pyridoxal 5'-dependent family. The catalytic mechanism and the structure of wild type MGL and variants were determined in the presence of the natural substrate as well as of many sulfur-containing derivatives. Structure-function relationship studies were pivotal for MGL exploitation in the treatment of cancer, bacterial infections, and other diseases. MGL administration to cancer cells leads to methionine starvation, thus decreasing cells viability and increasing their vulnerability towards other drugs. In antibiotic therapy, MGL acts by transforming prodrugs in powerful drugs. Numerous strategies have been pursued for the delivering of MGL in vivo to prolong its bioavailability and decrease its immunogenicity. These include conjugation with polyethylene glycol and encapsulation in synthetic or natural vesicles, eventually decorated with tumor targeting molecules, such as the natural phytoestrogens daidzein and genistein. The scientific achievements in studying MGL structure, function and perspective therapeutic applications came from the efforts of many talented scientists, among which late Tatyana Demidkina to whom we dedicate this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samanta Raboni
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Serena Faggiano
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Bettati
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy; National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Mozzarelli
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
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Javia BM, Gadhvi MS, Vyas SJ, Ghelani A, Wirajana N, Dudhagara DR. A review on L-methioninase in cancer therapy: Precision targeting, advancements and diverse applications for a promising future. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130997. [PMID: 38508568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130997] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer remains a global health challenge, demanding novel therapeutic options due to the debilitating side effects of conventional treatments on healthy tissues. The review highlights the potential of L-methioninase, a pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme, as a promising avenue in alternative cancer therapy. L-methioninase offers a unique advantage, its ability to selectively target and inhibit the growth of cancer cells without harming healthy cells. This selectivity arises because tumor cells lack an essential enzyme called methionine synthase, which healthy cells use to make the vital amino acid L-methionine. Several sources harbor L-methioninase, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and protozoa. Future research efforts can explore and exploit this diverse range of sources to improve the therapeutic potential of L-methioninase in the fight against cancer. Despite challenges, research actively explores microbial L-methioninase for its anticancer potential. This review examines the enzyme's side effects, advancements in combination therapies, recombinant technologies, polymer conjugation and novel delivery methods like nanoparticles, while highlighting the success of oral administration in preclinical trials. Beyond its promising role in cancer therapy, L-methioninase holds potential applications in food science, antioxidants, and various health concerns like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review provides a piece of current knowledge and future prospects of L-methioninase, exploring its diverse therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhumi M Javia
- Department of Life Sciences, Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Khadiya, 362263 Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | - Megha S Gadhvi
- Department of Life Sciences, Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Khadiya, 362263 Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | - Suhas J Vyas
- Department of Life Sciences, Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Khadiya, 362263 Junagadh, Gujarat, India
| | - Anjana Ghelani
- Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Computer Education and Applied Sciences, Surat 395 001, Gujarat, India
| | - Nengah Wirajana
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Jimbaran Campus, Kuta-Badung, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Dushyant R Dudhagara
- Department of Life Sciences, Bhakta Kavi Narsinh Mehta University, Khadiya, 362263 Junagadh, Gujarat, India.
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Kubota Y, Han Q, Morinaga S, Mizuta K, Bouvet M, Tsunoda T, Hoffman RM. Recombinant-methioninase-producing Escherichia coli Instilled in the Microbiome Inhibits Triple-negative Breast Cancer in an Orthotopic Cell-line Mouse Model. CANCER DIAGNOSIS & PROGNOSIS 2023; 3:649-654. [PMID: 37927811 PMCID: PMC10619576 DOI: 10.21873/cdp.10267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Background/Aim Methionine restriction by diet and recombinant methioninase (rMETase) are effective for cancer therapy by themselves or combined with chemotherapy drugs. We previously showed that oral administration of rMETase-producing Escherichia coli JM109 (E. coli JM109-rMETase) can be installed in the mouse microbiome and inhibit colon-cancer growth in a syngeneic mouse model. In the present report, we investigated the efficacy of oral administration of E. coli JM109-rMETase in an orthotopic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell-line mouse model. Materials and Methods First, we established orthotopic 4T1 mouse triple-negative breast cancer on an abdominal mammary gland in female athymic nu/nu nude mice aged 4-6 weeks. After tumor growth, 15 mice were divided into three groups of 5. Group 1 was administered phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) orally by gavage twice daily as a control; Group 2 was administered non-recombinant E. coli JM109 competent cells orally by gavage twice daily as a control; Group 3 was administered E. coli JM109-rMETase cells by gavage twice daily for two weeks. Tumor size was measured with calipers twice per week. On day 15, blood methionine level was examined using an HPLC method. Results Oral administration of E. coli JM109-rMETase inhibited 4T1 TNBC growth significantly compared to the PBS and E. coli JM109 control groups. On day 15, the blood methionine level was significantly lower in the mice administered E. coli JM109-rMETase than in the PBS control. Conclusion E. coli JM109-rMETase lowered blood methionine levels and inhibited TNBC growth in an orthotopic cell-line mouse model, suggesting future clinical potential against a highly recalcitrant cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Kubota
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Sei Morinaga
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Kohei Mizuta
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Takuya Tsunoda
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
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Bianchi M, Rossi L, Pierigè F, Biagiotti S, Bregalda A, Tasini F, Magnani M. Preclinical and clinical developments in enzyme-loaded red blood cells: an update. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:921-935. [PMID: 37249524 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2219890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have previously described the preclinical developments in enzyme-loaded red blood cells to be used in the treatment of several rare diseases, as well as in chronic conditions. AREA COVERED Since our previous publication we have seen further progress in the previously discussed approaches and, interestingly enough, in additional new studies that further strengthen the idea that red blood cell-based therapeutics may have unique advantages over conventional enzyme replacement therapies in terms of efficacy and safety. Here we highlight these investigations and compare, when possible, the reported results versus the current therapeutic approaches. EXPERT OPINION The continuous increase in the number of new potential applications and the progress from the encapsulation of a single enzyme to the engineering of an entire metabolic pathway open the field to unexpected developments and confirm the role of red blood cells as cellular bioreactors that can be conveniently manipulated to acquire useful therapeutic metabolic abilities. Positioning of these new approaches versus newly approved drugs is essential for the successful transition of this technology from the preclinical to the clinical stage and hopefully to final approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Bianchi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Luigia Rossi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
- EryDel SpA, Bresso, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Pierigè
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Sara Biagiotti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bregalda
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tasini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Urbino, Italy
- EryDel SpA, Bresso, MI, Italy
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Kubota Y, Han Q, Reynoso J, Aoki Y, Masaki N, Obara K, Hamada K, Bouvet M, Tsunoda T, Hoffman RM. Old-age-induced obesity reversed by a methionine-deficient diet or oral administration of recombinant methioninase-producing Escherichia coli in C57BL/6 mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:204783. [PMID: 37301544 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Obesity increases with aging. Methionine restriction affects lipid metabolism and can prevent obesity in mice. In the present study we observed C57BL/6 mice to double their body weight from 4 to 48 weeks of age and become obese. We evaluated the efficacy of oral administration of recombinant-methioninase (rMETase)-producing E. coli (E. coli JM109-rMETase) or a methionine-deficient diet to reverse old-age-induced obesity in C57BL/6 mice. Fifteen C57BL/6 male mice aged 12-18 months with old-age-induced obesity were divided into three groups. Group 1 was given a normal diet supplemented with non-recombinant E. coli JM109 cells orally by gavage twice daily; Group 2 was given a normal diet supplemented with recombinant E. coli JM109-rMETase cells by gavage twice daily; and Group 3 was given a methionine-deficient diet without treatment. The administration of E. coli JM109-rMETase or a methionine-deficient diet reduced the blood methionine level and reversed old-age-induced obesity with significant weight loss by 14 days. There was a negative correlation between methionine levels and negative body weight change. Although the degree of efficacy was higher in the methionine-deficient diet group than in the E. coli JM109-rMETase group, the present findings suggested that oral administration of E. coli JM109-rMETase, as well as a methionine-deficient diet, are effective in reversing old-age-induced obesity. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that restricting methionine by either a low-methionine diet or E. coli JM109-rMETase has clinical potential to treat old-age-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Kubota
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Internal Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Yusuke Aoki
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Noriyuki Masaki
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Koya Obara
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Kazuyuki Hamada
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Internal Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Takuya Tsunoda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Internal Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA 92111, USA
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Miyake K, Han Q, Murakami T, Kiyuna T, Kawaguchi K, Igarashi K, Lwin TM, Miyake M, Yamamoto J, Bouvet M, Endo I, Hoffman RM. Colon-cancer liver metastasis is effectively targeted by recombinant methioninase (rMETase) in an orthotopic mouse model. Tissue Cell 2023; 83:102125. [PMID: 37320867 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CCLM) is the most frequent cause of death of colorectal cancer. Development of novel new effective therapy is needed for CCLM patients to improve outcome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of recombinant methioninase (rMETase) on a CCLM orthotopic mouse model of liver metastasis established using the human colon cancer cell line HT29 expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP). MATERIALS AND METHODS Orthotopic CCLM nude mouse models were randomized into two groups: control group (n = 6, PBS 200 µl, i.p., daily); rMETase group (n = 6, 100 units/200 µl, i.p., daily). Tumor volume was measured on day 0 and day 15. Body weight was measured twice a week. All mice were sacrificed on day 15. RESULTS rMETase significantly inhibited the increase of the liver metastasis as determined by RFP fluorescence area and intensity (p = 0.016 and 0.015, respectively). There was no significant difference of body weight between either group on any day. CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that rMETase has future potential therapy for CCLM in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Miyake
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| | | | - Takashi Murakami
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tasuku Kiyuna
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kei Kawaguchi
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kentaro Igarashi
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Thinzar M Lwin
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Masuyo Miyake
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Yamamoto
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Itaru Endo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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