1
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Song Q, Wang Y, Liu S. Subtype-specific transcription factors affect polyamine metabolism and the tumor microenvironment in breast cancer. CANCER INNOVATION 2025; 4:e138. [PMID: 39629335 PMCID: PMC11612022 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 12/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Polyamines play important roles in cell growth and proliferation. Polyamine metabolism genes are dysregulated in various tumors. Some polyamine metabolism genes are regulated by transcription factors. However, the transcription factors that regulate polyamine metabolism genes have not been completely identified. Additionally, whether any of the transcriptional regulations depend on tumor heterogeneity and the tumor microenvironment has not been investigated. Methods We used bulk RNA-seq data to identify dysregulated polyamine metabolism genes and their transcription factors across breast cancer subtypes. Genes highly correlated with polyamine changes were obtained, and their subtype-specific expressions were checked in tumor microenvironment cells using single-cell RNA (scRNA)-seq data. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was used to explore their molecular functions and biological processes, and survival analysis was used to examine the impact of these genes on therapeutic outcome. Results We first analyzed the dysregulation of polyamine synthesis, catabolism, and transport in four breast cancer subtypes. Genes such as AGMAT and CAV1 were dysregulated across all subtypes, while APRT, SAT1, and other genes were dysregulated in the more lethal subtypes. Among the dysregulated genes of polyamine metabolism, we focused on three genes (SRM, APRT, and SAT1) and identified their transcription factors (SPI1 and IRF1 correspond to SAT1, and IRF3 corresponds to SRM and APRT). With scRNA-seq data, we verified that these three transcription factors also regulated these three polyamine metabolism genes in the tumor microenvironment. Both bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq data indicated that these genes were specifically upregulated in high-risk breast cancer subtypes, such as the basal-like type. High expression of these genes corresponded to worse outcomes in the basal-like subtype under chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Conclusion Our work identified three subtype-specific transcription factors that regulate three polyamine metabolism genes in high-risk breast cancer subtypes and the tumor microenvironment. Our results deepen the understanding of the role of polyamine metabolism in breast cancer and may help the clinical therapy of advanced breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Song
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education and Hubei Province)Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education)WuhanHubeiChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular PharmaceuticsHubei University of TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education and Hubei Province)Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education)WuhanHubeiChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular PharmaceuticsHubei University of TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
| | - Sen Liu
- Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation (Ministry of Education and Hubei Province)Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education)WuhanHubeiChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, National “111” Center for Cellular Regulation and Molecular PharmaceuticsHubei University of TechnologyWuhanHubeiChina
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2
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Hassanein MM, Hagyousif YA, Zenati RA, Al-Hroub HM, Khan FM, Abuhelwa AY, Alzoubi KH, Soares NC, El-Huneidi W, Abu-Gharbieh E, Omar H, Zaher DM, Bustanji Y, Semreen MH. Metabolomics insights into doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil combination therapy in triple-negative breast cancer: a xenograft mouse model study. Front Mol Biosci 2025; 11:1517289. [PMID: 39872164 PMCID: PMC11769812 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1517289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/27/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and a leading cause of death among women worldwide. Among its subtypes, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) poses significant clinical challenges due to its aggressive behavior and limited treatment options. This study aimed to investigate the effects of doxorubicin (DOX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as monotherapies and in combination using an established MDA-MB-231 xenograft model in female BALB/C nude mice employing advanced metabolomics analysis to identify molecular alterations induced by these treatments. Methods We conducted comprehensive plasma and tumor tissue sample profiling using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS). Results Each treatment group exhibited unique metabolic profiles in plasma and tumor analysis. Univariate and enrichment analyses identified alterations in metabolic pathways. The combination treatment of DOX + 5-FU induced the most extensive metabolic alterations disrupting key pathways including purine, pyrimidine, beta-alanine, and sphingolipid metabolism. It significantly reduced critical metabolites such as guanine, xanthine, inosine, L-fucose, and sphinganine, demonstrating enhanced cytotoxic effects compared to individual treatments. The DOX treatment uniquely increased ornithine levels, while 5-FU altered sphingolipid metabolism, promoting apoptosis. Significance This in vivo study highlights TNBC's metabolic alterations to chemotherapeutics, identifying potential biomarkers like L-fucose and beta-alanine, and provides insights for improving treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai M. Hassanein
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yousra A. Hagyousif
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ruba A. Zenati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamza M. Al-Hroub
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farman Matloob Khan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Applied and Translational Genomics (CATG), Mohammed Bin Rashid University Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), Dubai Health, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hany Omar
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dana M. Zaher
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Han Y, Dong C, Hu M, Wang X, Wang G. Unlocking the adenosine receptor mechanism of the tumour immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1434118. [PMID: 38994361 PMCID: PMC11236561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1434118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The suppressive tumour microenvironment significantly hinders the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating solid tumors. In this context, stromal cells, such as tumour-associated fibroblasts, undergo changes that include an increase in the number and function of immunosuppressive cells. Adenosine, a factor that promotes tumour growth, is produced from ATP breakdown and is markedly elevated in the tumour microenvironment. It acts through specific binding to adenosine receptors, with A2A and A2B adenosine receptor being primary drivers of immunosuppression. This paper presents the roles of various adenosine receptors in different tumour microenvironments. This review focus on the function of adenosine receptors in the stromal cells and non-cellular components of the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize and discuss recent advances and potential trends in using adenosine receptor antagonists combined with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yecheng Han
- General Affairs Office of Shenyang Hongqiao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
| | - Chenshuang Dong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Mingwang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinmiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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4
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Sahu PN, Sen A. Preventing Cancer by Inhibiting Ornithine Decarboxylase: A Comparative Perspective on Synthetic vs. Natural Drugs. Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202302067. [PMID: 38404009 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202302067] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
This perspective delves into the investigation of synthetic and naturally occurring inhibitors, their patterns of inhibition, and the effectiveness of newly utilized natural compounds as inhibitors targeting the Ornithine decarboxylase enzyme. This enzyme is known to target the MYC oncogene, thereby establishing a connection between polyamine metabolism and oncogenesis in both normal and cancerous cells. ODC activation and heightened polyamine activity are associated with tumor development in numerous cancers and fluctuations in ODC protein levels exert a profound influence on cellular activity for inhibition or suppressing tumor cells. This perspective outlines efforts to develop novel drugs, evaluate natural compounds, and identify promising inhibitors to address gaps in cancer prevention, highlighting the potential of newly designed synthetic moieties and natural flavonoids as alternatives. It also discusses natural compounds with potential as enhanced inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Nanda Sahu
- Department of Chemistry, (CMDD Lab) GITAM (Deemed to be), University, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, 530045, India
| | - Anik Sen
- Department of Chemistry, (CMDD Lab) GITAM (Deemed to be), University, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam, 530045, India
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5
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Bhattacharyya S, Oblinger JL, Beauchamp RL, Kosa L, Robert F, Plotkin SR, Chang LS, Ramesh V. Preclinical evaluation of the third-generation, bi-steric mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-selective inhibitor RMC-6272 in NF2-deficient models. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae024. [PMID: 38476930 PMCID: PMC10929445 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background NF2-associated meningiomas are progressive, highly morbid, and nonresponsive to chemotherapies, highlighting the need for improved treatments. We have established aberrant activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in NF2-deficient tumors, leading to clinical trials with first- and second-generation mTOR inhibitors. However, results have been mixed, showing stabilized tumor growth without shrinkage offset by adverse side effects. To address these limitations, here we explored the potential of third-generation, bi-steric mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors using the preclinical tool compound RMC-6272. Methods Employing human NF2-deficient meningioma lines, we compared mTOR inhibitors rapamycin (first-generation), INK128 (second-generation), and RMC-6272 (third-generation) using in vitro dose-response testing, cell-cycle analysis, and immunoblotting. Furthermore, the efficacy of RMC-6272 was assessed in NF2-null 3D-spheroid meningioma models, and its in vivo potential was evaluated in 2 orthotopic meningioma mouse models. Results Treatment of meningioma cells revealed that, unlike rapamycin, RMC-6272 demonstrated superior growth inhibitory effects, cell-cycle arrest, and complete inhibition of phosphorylated 4E-BP1 (mTORC1 readout). Moreover, RMC-6272 had a longer retention time than INK128 and inhibited the expression of several eIF4E-sensitive targets on the protein level. RMC-6272 treatment of NF2 spheroids showed significant shrinkage in size as well as reduced proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo studies in mice revealed effective blockage of meningioma growth by RMC-6272, compared with vehicle controls. Conclusions Our study in preclinical models of NF2 supports possible future clinical evaluation of third-generation, investigational mTORC1 inhibitors, such as RMC-5552, as a potential treatment strategy for NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srirupa Bhattacharyya
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet L Oblinger
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Roberta L Beauchamp
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lili Kosa
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francis Robert
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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6
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Wang H, Qin K, Shi D, Wu P, Hao X, Liu H, Gao J, Li J, Wu Z, Li S. A new 68Ga-labeled ornithine derivative for PET imaging of ornithine metabolism in tumors. Amino Acids 2023:10.1007/s00726-023-03250-z. [PMID: 36809562 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03250-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Ornithine metabolism plays a vital role in tumorigenesis. For cancer cells, ornithine is mainly used as a substrate for ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) for the synthesis of polyamines. The ODC as a key enzyme of polyamine metabolism has become an important target for cancer diagnosis and treatment. To non-invasively detect the levels of ODC expression in malignant tumors, we have synthesized a novel 68Ga-labeled ornithine derivative ([68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn). The synthesis time of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn was about 30 min with a radiochemical yield of 45-50% (uncorrected), and the radiochemical purity was > 98%. [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn was stable in saline and rat serum. Cellular uptake and competitive inhibition assays using DU145 and AR42J cells demonstrated that the transport pathway of [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn was similar to that of L-ornithine, and it could interact with the ODC after transporting into the cell. Biodistribution and micro-positron emission tomography (Micro-PET) imaging studies showed that [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn exhibited rapid tumor uptake and was rapidly excreted through the urinary system. All above results suggested that [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-Orn is a novel amino acid metabolic imaging agent with great potential of tumor diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kaixin Qin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzhong Hao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Gao
- National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology (Nonclinical Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals) Research and Development Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianguo Li
- National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology (Nonclinical Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals) Research and Development Center, China Institute for Radiation Protection, Taiyuan, 030006, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Wu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Shanxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Molecular Imaging of Precision Medicine, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Lian J, Liang Y, Zhang H, Lan M, Ye Z, Lin B, Qiu X, Zeng J. The role of polyamine metabolism in remodeling immune responses and blocking therapy within the tumor immune microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912279. [PMID: 36119047 PMCID: PMC9479087 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of metabolism provides important information for understanding the biological basis of cancer cells and the defects of cancer treatment. Disorders of polyamine metabolism is a common metabolic change in cancer. With the deepening of understanding of polyamine metabolism, including molecular functions and changes in cancer, polyamine metabolism as a new anti-cancer strategy has become the focus of attention. There are many kinds of polyamine biosynthesis inhibitors and transport inhibitors, but not many drugs have been put into clinical application. Recent evidence shows that polyamine metabolism plays essential roles in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), particularly treatment of DFMO, an inhibitor of ODC, alters the immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment. Tumor immunosuppression is a major problem in cancer treatment. More and more studies have shown that the immunosuppressive effect of polyamines can help cancer cells to evade immune surveillance and promote tumor development and progression. Therefore, targeting polyamine metabolic pathways is expected to become a new avenue for immunotherapy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachun Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yanfang Liang
- Department of Pathology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Binhaiwan Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, China
| | - Hailiang Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Minsheng Lan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Ziyu Ye
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Department of Pathology, Dongguan Hospital Affiliated to Jinan University, Binhaiwan Central Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, China
- Dongguan Metabolite Analysis Engineering Technology Center of Cells for Medical Use, Guangdong Xinghai Institute of Cell, Dongguan, China
| | - Bihua Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Research for Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Antitumor Active Substance Research and Development, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xianxiu Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Research for Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Antitumor Active Substance Research and Development, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Jincheng Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
- Dongguan Metabolite Analysis Engineering Technology Center of Cells for Medical Use, Guangdong Xinghai Institute of Cell, Dongguan, China
- Key Laboratory of Medical Bioactive Molecular Research for Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Collaborative Innovation Center for Antitumor Active Substance Research and Development, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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8
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Li Y, Sharma A, Wu X, Weiher H, Skowasch D, Essler M, Schmidt-Wolf IGH. A Combination of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells With PD-1 Blockade and ALK Inhibitor Showed Substantial Intrinsic Variability Across Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines. Front Oncol 2022; 12:713476. [PMID: 35646685 PMCID: PMC9130779 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.713476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer heterogeneity poses a serious challenge concerning the toxicity and adverse effects of therapeutic inhibitors, especially when it comes to combinatorial therapies that involve multiple targeted inhibitors. In particular, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a number of studies have reported synergistic effects of drug combinations in the preclinical models, while they were only partially successful in the clinical setup, suggesting those alternative clinical strategies (with genetic background and immune response) should be considered. Herein, we investigated the antitumor effect of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells in combination with ALK and PD-1 inhibitors in vitro on genetically variable NSCLC cell lines. Methods We co-cultured the three genetically different NSCLC cell lines NCI-H2228 (EML4-ALK), A549 (KRAS mutation), and HCC-78 (ROS1 rearrangement) with and without nivolumab (PD-1 inhibitor) and crizotinib (ALK inhibitor). Additionally, we profiled the variability of surface expression multiple immune checkpoints, the concentration of absolute dead cells, intracellular granzyme B on CIK cells using flow cytometry as well as RT-qPCR. ELISA and Western blot were performed to verify the activation of CIK cells. Results Our analysis showed that (a) nivolumab significantly weakened PD-1 surface expression on CIK cells without impacting other immune checkpoints or PD-1 mRNA expression, (b) this combination strategy showed an effective response on cell viability, IFN-γ production, and intracellular release of granzyme B in CD3+ CD56+ CIK cells, but solely in NCI-H2228, (c) the intrinsic expression of Fas ligand (FasL) as a T-cell activation marker in CIK cells was upregulated by this additive effect, and (d) nivolumab induced Foxp3 expression in CD4+CD25+ subpopulation of CIK cells significantly increased. Taken together, we could show that CIK cells in combination with crizotinib and nivolumab can enhance the anti-tumor immune response through FasL activation, leading to increased IFN-γ and granzyme B, but only in NCI-H2228 cells with EML4-ALK rearrangement. Therefore, we hypothesize that CIK therapy may be a potential alternative in NSCLC patients harboring EML4-ALK rearrangement, in addition, we support the idea that combination therapies offer significant potential when they are optimized on a patient-by-patient basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutao Li
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Amit Sharma
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Xiaolong Wu
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Hans Weiher
- Department of Applied Natural Sciences, Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Rheinbach, Germany
| | - Dirk Skowasch
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pneumology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Essler
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ingo G H Schmidt-Wolf
- Department of Integrated Oncology, Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO) Bonn, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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9
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Nakkina SP, Gitto SB, Beardsley JM, Pandey V, Rohr MW, Parikh JG, Phanstiel O, Altomare DA. DFMO Improves Survival and Increases Immune Cell Infiltration in Association with MYC Downregulation in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13175. [PMID: 34947972 PMCID: PMC8706739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Immune suppression along with chemoresistance are obstacles for PDAC therapeutic treatment. Innate immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages, are recruited to the inflammatory environment of PDAC and adversely suppress cytotoxic T lymphocytes. KRAS and MYC are important oncogenes associated with immune suppression and pose a challenge to successful therapies. Here, we targeted KRAS, through inhibition of downstream c-RAF with GW5074, and MYC expression via difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). DFMO alone and with GW5074 reduced in vitro PDAC cell viability. Both DFMO and GW5074 showed efficacy in reducing in vivo PDAC growth in an immunocompromised model. Results in immunocompetent syngeneic tumor-bearing mice showed that DFMO and combination treatment markedly decreased tumor size, but only DFMO increased survival in mice. To further investigate, immunohistochemical staining showed DFMO diminished MYC expression and increased tumor infiltration of macrophages, CD86+ cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. GW5074 was not as effective in modulating the tumor infiltration of total CD3+ lymphocytes or tumor progression and maintained MYC expression. Collectively, this study highlights that in contrast to GW5074, the inhibition of MYC through DFMO may be an effective treatment modality to modulate PDAC immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Preethi Nakkina
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.P.N.); (J.M.B.); (M.W.R.)
| | - Sarah B. Gitto
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.B.G.); (V.P.)
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jordan M. Beardsley
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.P.N.); (J.M.B.); (M.W.R.)
| | - Veethika Pandey
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Division of Gynecology Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (S.B.G.); (V.P.)
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael W. Rohr
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.P.N.); (J.M.B.); (M.W.R.)
| | - Jignesh G. Parikh
- Department of Pathology, Orlando VA Medical Center, 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827, USA;
| | - Otto Phanstiel
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Parkway, Orlando, FL 32826, USA;
| | - Deborah A. Altomare
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd., Orlando, FL 32827, USA; (S.P.N.); (J.M.B.); (M.W.R.)
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Kotulová J, Hajdúch M, Džubák P. Current Adenosinergic Therapies: What Do Cancer Cells Stand to Gain and Lose? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12569. [PMID: 34830449 PMCID: PMC8617980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A key objective in immuno-oncology is to reactivate the dormant immune system and increase tumour immunogenicity. Adenosine is an omnipresent purine that is formed in response to stress stimuli in order to restore physiological balance, mainly via anti-inflammatory, tissue-protective, and anti-nociceptive mechanisms. Adenosine overproduction occurs in all stages of tumorigenesis, from the initial inflammation/local tissue damage to the precancerous niche and the developed tumour, making the adenosinergic pathway an attractive but challenging therapeutic target. Many current efforts in immuno-oncology are focused on restoring immunosurveillance, largely by blocking adenosine-producing enzymes in the tumour microenvironment (TME) and adenosine receptors on immune cells either alone or combined with chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy. However, the effects of adenosinergic immunotherapy are not restricted to immune cells; other cells in the TME including cancer and stromal cells are also affected. Here we summarise recent advancements in the understanding of the tumour adenosinergic system and highlight the impact of current and prospective immunomodulatory therapies on other cell types within the TME, focusing on adenosine receptors in tumour cells. In addition, we evaluate the structure- and context-related limitations of targeting this pathway and highlight avenues that could possibly be exploited in future adenosinergic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Petr Džubák
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; (J.K.); (M.H.)
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Hwang WY, Park WH, Suh DH, Kim K, Kim YB, No JH. Difluoromethylornithine Induces Apoptosis through Regulation of AP-1 Signaling via JNK Phosphorylation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910255. [PMID: 34638596 PMCID: PMC8508876 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), has promising activity against various cancers and a tolerable safety profile for long-term use as a chemopreventive agent. However, the anti-tumor effects of DFMO in ovarian cancer cells have not been entirely understood. Our study aimed to identify the effects and mechanism of DFMO in epithelial ovarian cancer cells using SKOV-3 cells. Treatment with DFMO resulted in a significantly reduced cell viability in a time- and dose-dependent manner. DFMO treatment inhibited the activity and downregulated the expression of ODC in ovarian cancer cells. The reduction in cell viability was reversed using polyamines, suggesting that polyamine depletion plays an important role in the anti-tumor activity of DFMO. Additionally, significant changes in Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax protein levels, activation of caspase-3, and cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase were observed, indicating the apoptotic effects of DFMO. We also found that the effect of DFMO was mediated by AP-1 through the activation of upstream JNK via phosphorylation. Moreover, DFMO enhanced the effect of cisplatin, thus showing a possibility of a synergistic effect in treatment. In conclusion, treatment with DFMO alone, or in combination with cisplatin, could be a promising treatment for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Yeon Hwang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Wook Ha Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
| | - Dong Hoon Suh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kidong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yong Beom Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae Hong No
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Korea; (W.Y.H.); (W.H.P.); (D.H.S.); (K.K.); (Y.B.K.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-31-787-7253
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Hyperglycemic conditions proliferate triple negative breast cancer cells: role of ornithine decarboxylase. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 190:255-264. [PMID: 34529197 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several cancer subtypes (pancreatic, breast, liver, and colorectal) rapidly advance to higher aggressive stages in diabetes. Though hyperglycemia has been considered as a fuel for growth of cancer cells, pathways leading to this condition are still under investigation. Cellular polyamines can modulate normal and cancer cell growth, and inhibitors of polyamine synthesis have been approved for treating colon cancer, however the role of polyamines in diabetes-mediated cancer advancement is unclear as yet. We hypothesized that polyamine metabolic pathway is involved with increased proliferation of breast cancer cells under high glucose (HG) conditions. METHODS Studies were performed with varying concentrations of glucose (5-25 mM) exposure in invasive, triple negative breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231; non-invasive, estrogen/progesterone receptor positive breast cancer cells, MCF-7; and non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cells, MCF-10A. RESULTS There was a significant increase in proliferation with HG (25 mM) at 48-72 h in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A cells but no such effect was observed in MCF-7 cells. This was correlated to higher activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), a rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis pathway. Inhibitor of polyamine synthesis (difluoromethylornithine, DFMO, 5 mM) was quite effective in suppressing HG-mediated cell proliferation and ODC activity in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A cells. Polyamine (putrescine) levels were significantly elevated with HG treatment in MDA-MB-231 cells. HG exposure also increased the metastasis of MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our cellular findings indicate that polyamine inhibition should be explored in patient population as a target for future chemotherapeutics in diabetic breast cancer.
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