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Chaudhry KA, Jacobi JJ, Gillard BM, Karasik E, Martin JC, da Silva Fernandes T, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Attwood KM, Twist CJ, Smiraglia DJ, Long MD, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor is a tumor promoter in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells through suppression of differentiation. iScience 2023; 26:108303. [PMID: 38026169 PMCID: PMC10654598 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108303] [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] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. MYCN amplification is detected in almost half of high-risk cases and is associated with poorly differentiated tumors, poor patient prognosis and poor response to therapy, including retinoids. We identify the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) as a transcription factor promoting the growth and suppressing the differentiation of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. A neuroblastoma specific AhR transcriptional signature reveals an inverse correlation of AhR activity with patients' outcome, suggesting AhR activity is critical for disease progression. AhR modulates chromatin structures, reducing accessibility to regions responsive to retinoic acid. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of AhR results in induction of differentiation. Importantly, AhR antagonism with clofazimine synergizes with retinoic acid in inducing differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we propose AhR as a target for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and that its antagonism, combined with current standard-of-care, may result in a more durable response in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanita A. Chaudhry
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Justine J. Jacobi
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Bryan M. Gillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Karasik
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey C. Martin
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Biochemistry and Neurology, Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Foundation I.R.C.C.S. Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Kristopher M. Attwood
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Clare J. Twist
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dominic J. Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Giordano Attianese GMP, Ash S, Irving M. Coengineering specificity, safety, and function into T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:166-198. [PMID: 37548063 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive T-cell transfer (ACT) therapies, including of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and T cells gene-modified to express either a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), have demonstrated clinical efficacy for a proportion of patients and cancer-types. The field of ACT has been driven forward by the clinical success of CD19-CAR therapy against various advanced B-cell malignancies, including curative responses for some leukemia patients. However, relapse remains problematic, in particular for lymphoma. Moreover, for a variety of reasons, relative limited efficacy has been demonstrated for ACT of non-hematological solid tumors. Indeed, in addition to pre-infusion challenges including lymphocyte collection and manufacturing, ACT failure can be attributed to several biological processes post-transfer including, (i) inefficient tumor trafficking, infiltration, expansion and retention, (ii) chronic antigen exposure coupled with insufficient costimulation resulting in T-cell exhaustion, (iii) a range of barriers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) mediated by both tumor cells and suppressive immune infiltrate, (iv) tumor antigen heterogeneity and loss, or down-regulation of antigen presentation machinery, (v) gain of tumor intrinsic mechanisms of resistance such as to apoptosis, and (vi) various forms of toxicity and other adverse events in patients. Affinity-optimized TCRs can improve T-cell function and innovative CAR designs as well as gene-modification strategies can be used to coengineer specificity, safety, and function into T cells. Coengineering strategies can be designed not only to directly support the transferred T cells, but also to block suppressive barriers in the TME and harness endogenous innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we review a selection of the remarkable T-cell coengineering strategies, including of tools, receptors, and gene-cargo, that have been developed in recent years to augment tumor control by ACT, more and more of which are advancing to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greta Maria Paola Giordano Attianese
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Ash
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Melita Irving
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Diedrich JD, Gonzalez-Pons R, Medeiros HCD, Ensink E, Liby KT, Wellberg EA, Lunt SY, Bernard JJ. Adipocyte-derived kynurenine stimulates malignant transformation of mammary epithelial cells through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115763. [PMID: 37625554 PMCID: PMC10587895 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115763] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Anti-hormone therapies are not efficacious for reducing the incidence of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which lacks both estrogen and progesterone receptors. While the etiology of this aggressive breast cancer subtype is unclear, visceral obesity is a strong risk factor for both pre- and post-menopausal cases. The mechanism by which excessive deposition of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) promotes the malignant transformation of hormone receptor-negative mammary epithelial cells is currently unknown. We developed a novel in vitro system of malignant transformation in which non-tumorigenic human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) grow in soft agar when cultured with factors released from VAT. These cells, which acquire the capacity for 3D growth, show elevated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) protein and AhR target genes, suggesting that AhR activity may drive malignant transformation by VAT. AhR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that generates biological responses to exogenous carcinogens and to the endogenous tryptophan pathway metabolite, kynurenine. The serum kynurenine to tryptophan ratio has been shown to be elevated in patients with obesity. Herein, we demonstrate that AhR inhibitors or knockdown of AhR in MCF-10A cells prevents VAT-induced malignant transformation. Specifically, VAT-induced transformation is inhibited by Kyn-101, an inhibitor for the endogenous ligand binding site of AhR. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrates that adipocytes metabolize tryptophan and release kynurenine, which is taken up by MCF-10A cells and activates the AhR to induce CYP1B1 and promote malignant transformation. This novel hormone receptor-independent mechanism of malignant transformation suggests targeting AhR for TNBC prevention in the context of visceral adiposity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Diedrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Romina Gonzalez-Pons
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Hyllana C D Medeiros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elliot Ensink
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Karen T Liby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Elizabeth A Wellberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Stephenson Cancer Center, Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Sophia Y Lunt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Jamie J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA; Department of Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA.
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Bartkeviciene A, Jasukaitiene A, Zievyte I, Stukas D, Ivanauskiene S, Urboniene D, Maimets T, Jaudzems K, Vitkauskiene A, Matthews J, Dambrauskas Z, Gulbinas A. Association between AHR Expression and Immune Dysregulation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Insights from Comprehensive Immune Profiling of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4639. [PMID: 37760608 PMCID: PMC10526859 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), has an immune suppressive environment that allows tumour cells to evade the immune system. The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a transcription factor that can be activated by certain exo/endo ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and other tryptophan metabolites. Once activated, AHR regulates the expression of various genes involved in immune responses and inflammation. Previous studies have shown that AHR activation in PDAC can have both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects, depending on the context. It can promote tumour growth and immune evasion by suppressing anti-tumour immune responses or induce anti-tumour effects by enhancing immune cell function. In this study involving 30 PDAC patients and 30 healthy individuals, peripheral blood samples were analysed. PDAC patients were categorized into Low (12 patients) and High/Medium (18 patients) AHR groups based on gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The Low AHR group showed distinct immune characteristics, including increased levels of immune-suppressive proteins such as PDL1, as well as alterations in lymphocyte and monocyte subtypes. Functional assays demonstrated changes in phagocytosis, nitric oxide production, and the expression of cytokines IL-1, IL-6, and IL-10. These findings indicate that AHR's expression level has a crucial role in immune dysregulation in PDAC and could be a potential target for early diagnostics and personalised therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arenida Bartkeviciene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Aldona Jasukaitiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Inga Zievyte
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Darius Stukas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Sandra Ivanauskiene
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Daiva Urboniene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Toivo Maimets
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Riia 23, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Department of Physical Organic Chemistry, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, LV-1006 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Astra Vitkauskiene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (D.U.); (A.V.)
| | - Jason Matthews
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Zilvinas Dambrauskas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
| | - Antanas Gulbinas
- Laboratory of Surgical Gastroenterology, Institute for Digestive Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (A.J.); (I.Z.); (D.S.); (S.I.); (Z.D.); (A.G.)
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Liu Z, Jin L, Ma Z, Nizhamuding X, Zeng J, Zhang T, Zhang J, Zhou W, Zhang C. Abnormal kynurenine-pathway metabolites in gout: Biomarkers exploration based on orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 549:117531. [PMID: 37673380 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate serological characteristics of kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites in healthy controls (HC) and gout patients and explore possible differential metabolites. METHODS A total of 191 individual fresh residual sera was collected from 129 HC and 62 gout patients. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was fully validated to measure 6 metabolites, including tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA), and neopterin (NEO). Supervised orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and differential metabolite screening with fold change (FC) were performed to identify intrinsic variations and differential levels of KP metabolites between the HC and gout groups. Logistic regression was used to assess the contributions of KP metabolites to gout. RESULTS There were significant decreases of TRP, 5HT, XA, and NEO and increases of KYN, KA, KA/KYN, and KYN/TRP in gout patients compared to the HC group (all p < 0.05). KP metabolites of the gout group showed good discrimination from those of the HC group (Q2: 0.892). Two distinct different metabolites were identified in gout, i.e., XA (FC: 0.56, p < 0.01) and NEO (FC: 0.34, p < 0.01). Of the KP metabolites, KYN was strongly associated with gout (OR: 7.91, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Abnormal levels of serum KP metabolites were observed in gout. XA and NEO are promising biomarkers that were relevant to the status of gout. The level of KYN could be an attractive checkpoint for the management of gout. Continuous monitoring of KP metabolism in gout provides new opportunities to predict therapeutic efficacy and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenni Liu
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Lizi Jin
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Zijia Ma
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaerbanu Nizhamuding
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jie Zeng
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China
| | - Tianjiao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiangtao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China
| | - Weiyan Zhou
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China.
| | - Chuanbao Zhang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology, PR China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China.
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Blakely B, Shin S, Jin K. Overview of the therapeutic strategies for ER positive breast cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115552. [PMID: 37068524 PMCID: PMC10394654 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115552] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen Receptor is the driving transcription factor in about 75% of all breast cancers, which is the target of endocrine therapies, but drug resistance is a common clinical problem. ESR1 point mutations at the ligand binding domain are frequently identified in metastatic tumor and ctDNA (Circulating tumor DNA) derived from ER positive breast cancer patients with endocrine therapies. Although endocrine therapy and CDK4/6 inhibitor therapy have demonstrated preclinical and clinical benefits for breast cancer, the development of resistance remains a significant challenge and the detailed mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets in advanced breast cancer yet to be revealed. Since a crosstalk between tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role to grow tumor and metastasis, this effect could serve as key regulators in the resistance of endocrine therapy and the transition of breast cancer cells to metastasis. In this article, we have reviewed recent progress in endocrine therapy and the contribution of TME to ER positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Blakely
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Seobum Shin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Kideok Jin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Albany, NY, United States.
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Biswas P, Stuehr DJ. Indoleamine Dioxygenase and Tryptophan Dioxygenase Activities are Regulated through Control of Cell Heme Allocation by Nitric Oxide. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104753. [PMID: 37116709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and Tryptophan-2, 3-dioxygenase (TDO) catalyze the conversion of L-tryptophan to N-formyl-kynurenine and thus play primary roles in metabolism, inflammation, and tumor immune surveillance. Because their activities depend on their heme contents which vary in biological settings and go up or down in a dynamic manner, we studied how their heme levels may be impacted by nitric oxide (NO) in mammalian cells. We utilized cells expressing TDO or IDO1 either naturally or via transfection and determined their activities, heme contents, and expression levels as a function of NO exposure. We found NO has a bimodal effect: A narrow range of low NO exposure promoted cells to allocate heme into the heme-free TDO and IDO1 populations and consequently boosted their heme contents and activities 4- to 6-fold, while beyond this range the NO exposure transitioned to have a negative impact on their heme contents and activities. NO did not alter dioxygenase protein expression levels and its bimodal impact was observed when NO was released by a chemical donor or was generated naturally by immune-stimulated macrophage cells. NO-driven heme allocations to IDO1 and TDO required participation of a GAPDH-heme complex and for IDO1 required chaperone Hsp90 activity. Thus, cells can up- or down-regulate their IDO1 and TDO activities through a bimodal control of heme allocation by NO. This mechanism has important biomedical implications and helps explain why the IDO1 and TDO activities in animals go up and down in response to immune stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Biswas
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA
| | - Dennis J Stuehr
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, The Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA.
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8
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Kynurenine Pathway in Diabetes Mellitus-Novel Pharmacological Target? Cells 2023; 12:cells12030460. [PMID: 36766803 PMCID: PMC9913876 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway (Trp-KYN) is the major route for tryptophan conversion in the brain and in the periphery. Kynurenines display a wide range of biological actions (which are often contrasting) such as cytotoxic/cytoprotective, oxidant/antioxidant or pro-/anti-inflammatory. The net effect depends on their local concentration, cellular environment, as well as a complex positive and negative feedback loops. The imbalance between beneficial and harmful kynurenines was implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders, psychiatric illnesses and metabolic disorders, including diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite available therapies, DM may lead to serious macro- and microvascular complications including cardio- and cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, chronic renal disease, diabetic retinopathy, autonomic neuropathy or cognitive impairment. It is well established that low-grade inflammation, which often coincides with DM, can affect the function of KP and, conversely, that kynurenines may modulate the immune response. This review provides a detailed summary of findings concerning the status of the Trp-KYN pathway in DM based on available animal, human and microbiome studies. We highlight the importance of the molecular interplay between the deranged (functionally and qualitatively) conversion of Trp to kynurenines in the development of DM and insulin resistance. The Trp-KYN pathway emerges as a novel target in the search for preventive and therapeutic interventions in DM.
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9
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Pal S, Sharma A, Mathew SP, Jaganathan BG. Targeting cancer-specific metabolic pathways for developing novel cancer therapeutics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:955476. [PMID: 36618350 PMCID: PMC9815821 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease characterized by various genetic and phenotypic aberrations. Cancer cells undergo genetic modifications that promote their proliferation, survival, and dissemination as the disease progresses. The unabated proliferation of cancer cells incurs an enormous energy demand that is supplied by metabolic reprogramming. Cancer cells undergo metabolic alterations to provide for increased energy and metabolite requirement; these alterations also help drive the tumor progression. Dysregulation in glucose uptake and increased lactate production via "aerobic glycolysis" were described more than 100 years ago, and since then, the metabolic signature of various cancers has been extensively studied. However, the extensive research in this field has failed to translate into significant therapeutic intervention, except for treating childhood-ALL with amino acid metabolism inhibitor L-asparaginase. Despite the growing understanding of novel metabolic alterations in tumors, the therapeutic targeting of these tumor-specific dysregulations has largely been ineffective in clinical trials. This chapter discusses the major pathways involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids, and lipids and highlights the inter-twined nature of metabolic aberrations that promote tumorigenesis in different types of cancer. Finally, we summarise the therapeutic interventions which can be used as a combinational therapy to target metabolic dysregulations that are unique or common in blood, breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Pal
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Amit Sharma
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Sam Padalumavunkal Mathew
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Bithiah Grace Jaganathan
- Stem Cells and Cancer Biology Research Group, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,Jyoti and Bhupat Mehta School of Health Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India,*Correspondence: Bithiah Grace Jaganathan,
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10
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Song X, Si Q, Qi R, Liu W, Li M, Guo M, Wei L, Yao Z. Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 1: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Malignant Tumor. Front Immunol 2022; 12:800630. [PMID: 35003126 PMCID: PMC8733291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.800630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex multifactorial and multistep process in which tumors can utilize a diverse repertoire of immunosuppressive mechanisms to evade host immune attacks. The degradation of tryptophan into immunosuppressive kynurenine is considered an important immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. There are three enzymes, namely, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (IDO2), involved in the metabolism of tryptophan. IDO1 has a wider distribution and higher activity in catalyzing tryptophan than the other two; therefore, it has been studied most extensively. IDO1 is a cytosolic monomeric, heme-containing enzyme, which is now considered an authentic immune regulator and represents one of the promising drug targets for tumor immunotherapy. Collectively, this review highlights the regulation of IDO1 gene expression and the ambivalent mechanisms of IDO1 on the antitumoral immune response. Further, new therapeutic targets via the regulation of IDO1 are discussed. A comprehensive analysis of the expression and biological function of IDO1 can help us to understand the therapeutic strategies of the inhibitors targeting IDO1 in malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotian Song
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qianqian Si
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rui Qi
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weidan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The People's Hospital, Pingxiang County, Xingtai, China
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mengyue Guo
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiyan Yao
- Department of Immunology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Key Laboratory of Immune Mechanism and Intervention on Serious Disease in Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
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11
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Kubczak M, Szustka A, Rogalińska M. Molecular Targets of Natural Compounds with Anti-Cancer Properties. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413659. [PMID: 34948455 PMCID: PMC8708931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in humans. Despite rapid developments in diagnostic methods and therapies, metastasis and resistance to administrated drugs are the main obstacles to successful treatment. Therefore, the main challenge should be the diagnosis and design of optimal therapeutic strategies for patients to increase their chances of responding positively to treatment and increase their life expectancy. In many types of cancer, a deregulation of multiple pathways has been found. This includes disturbances in cellular metabolism, cell cycle, apoptosis, angiogenesis, or epigenetic modifications. Additionally, signals received from the microenvironment may significantly contribute to cancer development. Chemical agents obtained from natural sources seem to be very attractive alternatives to synthetic compounds. They can exhibit similar anti-cancer potential, usually with reduced side effects. It was reported that natural compounds obtained from fruits and vegetables, e.g., polyphenols, flavonoids, stilbenes, carotenoids and acetogenins, might be effective against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Several published results indicate the activity of natural compounds on protein expression by its influence on transcription factors. They could also be involved in alterations in cellular response, cell signaling and epigenetic modifications. Such natural components could be used in our diet for anti-cancer protection. In this review, the activities of natural compounds, including anti-cancer properties, are described. The influence of natural agents on cancer cell metabolism, proliferation, signal transduction and epigenetic modifications is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Kubczak
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland;
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Szustka
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Rogalińska
- Department of Cytobiochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Pomorska 141/143, 90-237 Łódź, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Studzińska-Sroka E, Majchrzak-Celińska A, Zalewski P, Szwajgier D, Baranowska-Wójcik E, Kaproń B, Plech T, Żarowski M, Cielecka-Piontek J. Lichen-Derived Compounds and Extracts as Biologically Active Substances with Anticancer and Neuroprotective Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121293. [PMID: 34959693 PMCID: PMC8704315 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are a source of chemical compounds with valuable biological properties, structurally predisposed to penetration into the central nervous system (CNS). Hence, our research aimed to examine the biological potential of lipophilic extracts of Parmelia sulcata, Evernia prunastri, Cladonia uncialis, and their major secondary metabolites, in the context of searching for new therapies for CNS diseases, mainly glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The extracts selected for the study were standardized for their content of salazinic acid, evernic acid, and (−)-usnic acid, respectively. The extracts and lichen metabolites were evaluated in terms of their anti-tumor activity, i.e., cytotoxicity against A-172 and T98G cell lines and anti-IDO1, IDO2, TDO activity, their anti-inflammatory properties exerted by anti-COX-2 and anti-hyaluronidase activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-acetylcholinesterase and anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity. The results of this study indicate that lichen-derived compounds and extracts exert significant cytotoxicity against GBM cells, inhibit the kynurenine pathway enzymes, and have anti-inflammatory properties and weak antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase properties. Moreover, evernic acid and (−)-usnic acid were shown to be able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These results demonstrate that lichen-derived extracts and compounds, especially (−)-usnic acid, can be regarded as prototypes of pharmacologically active compounds within the CNS, especially suitable for the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Studzińska-Sroka
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.Z.); (J.C.-P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aleksandra Majchrzak-Celińska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Zalewski
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.Z.); (J.C.-P.)
| | - Dominik Szwajgier
- Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (D.S.); (E.B.-W.)
| | - Ewa Baranowska-Wójcik
- Department of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Human Nutrition, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Skromna 8, 20-704 Lublin, Poland; (D.S.); (E.B.-W.)
| | - Barbara Kaproń
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Marcin Żarowski
- Department of Developmental Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewski 49, 60-355 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Judyta Cielecka-Piontek
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Święcickiego 4, 60-781 Poznan, Poland; (P.Z.); (J.C.-P.)
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13
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Corsale AM, Di Simone M, Lo Presti E, Picone C, Dieli F, Meraviglia S. Metabolic Changes in Tumor Microenvironment: How Could They Affect γδ T Cells Functions? Cells 2021; 10:2896. [PMID: 34831116 PMCID: PMC8616133 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolic changes that occur in tumor microenvironment (TME) can influence not only the biological activity of tumor cells, which become more aggressive and auto sustained, but also the immune response against tumor cells, either producing ineffective responses or polarizing the response toward protumor activity. γδ T cells are a subset of T cells characterized by a plasticity that confers them the ability to differentiate towards different cell subsets according to the microenvironment conditions. On this basis, we here review the more recent studies focused on altered tumor metabolism and γδ T cells, considering their already known antitumor role and the possibility of manipulating their effector functions by in vitro and in vivo approaches. γδ T cells, thanks to their unique features, are themselves a valid alternative to overcome the limits associated with the use of conventional T cells, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restriction, costimulatory signal and specific tumor-associated antigen recognition. Lipids, amino acids, hypoxia, prostaglandins and other metabolic changes inside the tumor microenvironment could reduce the efficacy of this important immune population and polarize γδ T cells toward IL17 producing cells that play a pro tumoral role. A deeper knowledge of this phenomenon could be helpful to formulate new immunotherapeutic approaches that target tumor metabolisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Corsale
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.C.); (M.D.S.); (C.P.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marta Di Simone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.C.); (M.D.S.); (C.P.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Carmela Picone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.C.); (M.D.S.); (C.P.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.C.); (M.D.S.); (C.P.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (A.M.C.); (M.D.S.); (C.P.); (F.D.)
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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14
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Vyavahare S, Kumar S, Cantu N, Kolhe R, Bollag WB, McGee-Lawrence ME, Hill WD, Hamrick MW, Isales CM, Fulzele S. Tryptophan-Kynurenine Pathway in COVID-19-Dependent Musculoskeletal Pathology: A Minireview. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:2911578. [PMID: 34621138 PMCID: PMC8492288 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2911578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), affecting multiple organ systems, including the respiratory tract and lungs. Several studies have reported that the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway is altered in COVID-19 patients. The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway plays a vital role in regulating inflammation, metabolism, immune responses, and musculoskeletal system biology. In this minireview, we surmise the effects of the kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 patients and how this pathway might impact muscle and bone biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Vyavahare
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Nicholas Cantu
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ravindra Kolhe
- Department of Pathology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Wendy B. Bollag
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Meghan E. McGee-Lawrence
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - William D. Hill
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Mark W. Hamrick
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Carlos M. Isales
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sadanand Fulzele
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Center for Healthy Aging, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
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15
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Walczak K, Kazimierczak P, Szalast K, Plech T. UVB Radiation and Selected Tryptophan-Derived AhR Ligands-Potential Biological Interactions in Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147500. [PMID: 34299117 PMCID: PMC8307169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive UV exposure is considered the major environmental factor in melanoma progression. Human skin is constantly exposed to selected tryptophan-derived aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, including kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA), as they are endogenously produced and present in various tissues and body fluids. Importantly, recent studies confirmed the biological activity of KYN and KYNA toward melanoma cells in vitro. Thus, in this study, the potential biological interactions between UVB and tryptophan metabolites KYN and KYNA were studied in melanoma A375, SK-MEL-3, and RPMI-7951 cells. It was shown that UVB enhanced the antiproliferative activity of KYN and KYNA in melanoma cells. Importantly, selected tryptophan-derived AhR ligands did not affect the invasiveness of A375 and RPMI-7951 cells; however, the stimulatory effect was observed in SK-MEL-3 cells exposed to UVB. Thus, the effect of tryptophan metabolites on metabolic activity, cell cycle regulation, and cell death in SK-MEL-3 cells exposed to UVB was assessed. In conclusion, taking into account that both UVB radiation and tryptophan-derived AhR ligands may have a crucial effect on skin cancer formation and progression, these results may have a significant impact, revealing the potential biological interactions in melanoma cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-814-486-774
| | - Paulina Kazimierczak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, 20093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Karolina Szalast
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20093 Lublin, Poland; (K.S.); (T.P.)
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