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Meinert M, Jessen C, Hufnagel A, Kreß JKC, Burnworth M, Däubler T, Gallasch T, Xavier da Silva TN, Dos Santos AF, Ade CP, Schmitz W, Kneitz S, Friedmann Angeli JP, Meierjohann S. Thiol starvation triggers melanoma state switching in an ATF4 and NRF2-dependent manner. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103011. [PMID: 38219574 PMCID: PMC10825660 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.103011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT is an important source of cysteine for cancer cells. Once taken up, cystine is reduced to cysteine and serves as a building block for the synthesis of glutathione, which efficiently protects cells from oxidative damage and prevents ferroptosis. As melanomas are particularly exposed to several sources of oxidative stress, we investigated the biological role of cysteine and glutathione supply by xCT in melanoma. xCT activity was abolished by genetic depletion in the Tyr::CreER; BrafCA; Ptenlox/+ melanoma model and by acute cystine withdrawal in melanoma cell lines. Both interventions profoundly impacted melanoma glutathione levels, but they were surprisingly well tolerated by murine melanomas in vivo and by most human melanoma cell lines in vitro. RNA sequencing of human melanoma cells revealed a strong adaptive upregulation of NRF2 and ATF4 pathways, which orchestrated the compensatory upregulation of genes involved in antioxidant defence and de novo cysteine biosynthesis. In addition, the joint activation of ATF4 and NRF2 triggered a phenotypic switch characterized by a reduction of differentiation genes and induction of pro-invasive features, which was also observed after erastin treatment or the inhibition of glutathione synthesis. NRF2 alone was capable of inducing the phenotypic switch in a transient manner. Together, our data show that cystine or glutathione levels regulate the phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells by elevating ATF4 and NRF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Meinert
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christina Jessen
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anita Hufnagel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Mychal Burnworth
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theo Däubler
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Till Gallasch
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Ancély Ferreira Dos Santos
- Rudolf-Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Patrick Ade
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Werner Schmitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Kneitz
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - José Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf-Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Meierjohann
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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2
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Snyman M, Walsdorf RE, Wix SN, Gill JG. The metabolism of melanin synthesis-From melanocytes to melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024. [PMID: 38445351 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Melanin synthesis involves the successful coordination of metabolic pathways across multiple intracellular compartments including the melanosome, mitochondria, ER/Golgi, and cytoplasm. While pigment production offers a communal protection from UV damage, the process also requires anabolic and redox demands that must be carefully managed by melanocytes. In this report we provide an updated review on melanin metabolism, including recent data leveraging new techniques, and technologies in the field of metabolism. We also discuss the many aspects of melanin synthesis that intersect with metabolic pathways known to impact melanoma phenotypes and behavior. By reviewing the metabolism of melanin synthesis, we hope to highlight outstanding questions and opportunities for future research that could improve patient outcomes in pigmentary and oncologic disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marelize Snyman
- Dermatology Department, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Sophia Nicole Wix
- Dermatology Department, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer Gibson Gill
- Dermatology Department, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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3
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Schartl M, Lu Y. Validity of Xiphophorus fish as models for human disease. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050382. [PMID: 38299666 PMCID: PMC10855230 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Platyfish and swordtails of the genus Xiphophorus provide a well-established model for melanoma research and have become well known for this feature. Recently, modelling approaches for other human diseases in Xiphophorus have been developed or are emerging. This Review provides a comprehensive summary of these models and discusses how findings from basic biological and molecular studies and their translation to medical research demonstrate that Xiphophorus models have face, construct and predictive validity for studying a broad array of human diseases. These models can thus improve our understanding of disease mechanisms to benefit patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Schartl
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
- Developmental Biochemistry, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg 97074, Germany
| | - Yuan Lu
- The Xiphophorus Genetic Stock Center, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA
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4
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Ascenção K, Szabo C. Emerging roles of cystathionine β-synthase in various forms of cancer. Redox Biol 2022; 53:102331. [PMID: 35618601 PMCID: PMC9168780 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of the reverse transsulfuration enzyme cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS) is markedly increased in many forms of cancer, including colorectal, ovarian, lung, breast and kidney, while in other cancers (liver cancer and glioma) it becomes downregulated. According to the clinical database data in high-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. colon or ovarian cancer), high CBS expression typically predicts lower survival, while in the low-CBS-expressor cancers (e.g. liver cancer), low CBS expression is associated with lower survival. In the high-CBS expressing tumor cells, CBS, and its product hydrogen sulfide (H2S) serves as a bioenergetic, proliferative, cytoprotective and stemness factor; it also supports angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in the cancer microenvironment. The current article reviews the various tumor-cell-supporting roles of the CBS/H2S axis in high-CBS expressor cancers and overviews the anticancer effects of CBS silencing and pharmacological CBS inhibition in various cancer models in vitro and in vivo; it also outlines potential approaches for biomarker identification, to support future targeted cancer therapies based on pharmacological CBS inhibition.
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5
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Yamaga T, Suehiro J, Wada Y, Sakurai H. Induction of CTH expression in response to amino acid starvation confers resistance to anti-LAT1 therapy in MDA-MB-231 cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1021. [PMID: 35046465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04987-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
L type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is an attractive molecular target for cancer therapy because of its overexpression in many cancer cells. JPH203, a selective LAT1 inhibitor, causes amino acid deprivation and suppresses cancer cell proliferation. However, several cancer cells showed resistance to amino acid deprivation. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of different sensitivity between 2 breast cancer cells to anti-LAT1 therapy. MDA-MB-231 cells were more resistant to growth suppression effect of JPH203 than T-47D cells (IC50 was 200 ± 12.5 μM for MDA-MB-231, and 5 ± 1.1 μM for T-47D cells; p < 0.05). Transcriptome and biochemical analysis were done in these cells in the presence/absence of JPH203. JPH203 induced intracellular amino acid deprivation stress in both cells, but it upregulated cystathionine γ lyase (CTH), an enzyme for synthesis of antioxidants, only in MDA-MB-231 cells. Moreover, siRNA-mediated CTH knockdown induced oxidative stress in response to JPH203 leading to decreased cell viability in MDA-MB-231 cells. These results suggest that activation of anti-oxidation pathways in response to amino acid deprivation confers resistance to anti-LAT1 therapy.
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San Juan L, Cagigal ML, Fernandez-Flores A, Mayorga M, Gandarillas A. Protooncogene MYC drives human melanocyte melanogenesis and senescence. Cancer Gene Ther 2022. [PMID: 35022520 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00424-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In spite of extensive research and advances on the molecular biology of melanoma, the process of melanocytic differentiation or its relationship with proliferation is poorly understood. The role of proto-oncogenes in normal melanocyte biology is also intriguing. Proto-oncogene MYC is overexpressed in 40% of melanomas. It has been suggested that MYC can mediate senescence bypass in malignant melanocytes, an important event in melanoma development, likely in cooperation with other oncogenic pathways. However, despite the apparent importance of MYC in melanoma, its functions in normal melanocytes are unknown. We have overexpressed MYC in freshly isolated human primary melanocytes and studied the effects on melanocytic proliferation and differentiation. MYC promoted a transient activation of melanocytes including cell cycle entry, DNA damage and cell migration. Subsequently, MYC induced melanogenesis, increased cellular size and complexity and senescence. Interestingly, we also found strong expression of MYC in regions of human nevi displaying high pigmentation and high expression of senescence marker p16. The results altogether show that MYC drives melanocytic differentiation and suggest that senescence is associated with differentiation. We discuss the implications into the mechanisms governing melanocytic differentiation and the development of melanoma.
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7
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Bhingarkar A, Vangapandu HV, Rathod S, Hoshitsuki K, Fernandez CA. Amino Acid Metabolic Vulnerabilities in Acute and Chronic Myeloid Leukemias. Front Oncol 2021; 11:694526. [PMID: 34277440 PMCID: PMC8281237 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.694526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Amino acid (AA) metabolism plays an important role in many cellular processes including energy production, immune function, and purine and pyrimidine synthesis. Cancer cells therefore require increased AA uptake and undergo metabolic reprogramming to satisfy the energy demand associated with their rapid proliferation. Like many other cancers, myeloid leukemias are vulnerable to specific therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dependencies. Herein, our review provides a comprehensive overview and TCGA data analysis of biosynthetic enzymes required for non-essential AA synthesis and their dysregulation in myeloid leukemias. Furthermore, we discuss the role of the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways of AA sensing on metabolic vulnerability and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aboli Bhingarkar
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Hima V. Vangapandu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sanjay Rathod
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Keito Hoshitsuki
- Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Christian A. Fernandez
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Xiao Q, Xiong L, Tang J, Li L, Li L. Hydrogen Sulfide in Skin Diseases: A Novel Mediator and Therapeutic Target. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2021; 2021:6652086. [PMID: 33986916 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6652086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Together with nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is now recognized as a vital gaseous transmitter. The ubiquitous distributions of H2S-producing enzymes and potent chemical reactivities of H2S in biological systems make H2S unique in its ability to regulate cellular and organ functions in both health and disease. Acting as an antioxidant, H2S can combat oxidative species such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and protect the skin from oxidative stress. The aberrant metabolism of H2S is involved in the pathogenesis of several skin diseases, such as vascular disorders, psoriasis, ulcers, pigment disorders, and melanoma. Furthermore, H2S donors and some H2S hybrids have been evaluated in many experimental models of human disease and have shown promising therapeutic results. In this review, we discuss recent advances in understanding H2S and its antioxidant effects on skin pathology, the roles of altered H2S metabolism in skin disorders, and the potential value of H2S as a therapeutic intervention in skin diseases.
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9
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Meierjohann S. Effect of stress-induced polyploidy on melanoma reprogramming and therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:232-240. [PMID: 33610722 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melanomas and their precursors, the melanocytes, are frequently exposed to UV due to their anatomic location, leading to DNA damage and reactive oxygen stress related harm. Such damage can result in multinucleation or polyploidy, in particularly in presence of mitotic or cell division failure. As a consequence, the cell encounters either of two fates: mitotic catastrophe, resulting in cell death, or survival and recovery, the latter occurring less frequently. However, when cells manage to recover in an polyploid state, they have often acquired new features, which allow them to tolerate and adapt to oncogene- or therapy induced stress. This review focuses on polyploidy inducers in melanoma and their effects on transcriptional reprogramming and phenotypic adaptation as well as the relevance of polyploid melanoma cells for therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Meierjohann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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10
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Novera W, Lee ZW, Nin DS, Dai MZY, Binte Idres S, Wu H, Damen JMA, Tan TZ, Sim AYL, Long YC, Wu W, Huang RYJ, Deng LW. Cysteine Deprivation Targets Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Via Oxidative Stress and Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biogenesis Deficit. Antioxid Redox Signal 2020; 33:1191-1208. [PMID: 32336105 PMCID: PMC8697566 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Current treatment options for ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) are limited to combination of platinum-based and other cytotoxic agents to which patients respond poorly due to intrinsic chemoresistance. There is therefore an urgent need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies for OCCC. Results: Cysteine deprivation suppresses OCCC growth in vitro and in vivo with no apparent toxicity. Modes of cell death induced by cysteine deprivation in OCCC are determined by their innate metabolic profiles. Cysteine-deprived glycolytic OCCC is abolished primarily by oxidative stress-dependent necrosis and ferroptosis, which can otherwise be prevented by pretreatment with antioxidative agents. Meanwhile, OCCC that relies on mitochondria respiration for its bioenergetics is suppressed through apoptosis, which can otherwise be averted by pretreatment with cysteine precursor alone, but not with antioxidative agents. Cysteine deprivation induces apoptosis in respiring OCCC by limiting iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster synthesis in the mitochondria, without which electron transport chain may be disrupted. Respiring OCCC responds to Fe-S cluster deficit by increasing iron influx into the mitochondria, which leads to iron overload, mitochondria damage, and eventual cell death. Innovation/Conclusion: This study demonstrates the importance of cysteine availability in OCCC that is for its antioxidative property and its less appreciated role in mitochondria respiration. Regardless of OCCC metabolic profiles, cysteine deprivation abolishes both glycolytic and respiring OCCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: This study highlights the therapeutic potential of cysteine deprivation for OCCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisna Novera
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zheng-Wei Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dawn Sijin Nin
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Melvin Zi-Yu Dai
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shabana Binte Idres
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J Mirjam A Damen
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tuan Zea Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Arthur Yi Loong Sim
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Chau Long
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Wu
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruby Yun-Ju Huang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lih-Wen Deng
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
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11
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Friedmann Angeli JP, Meierjohann S. NRF2-dependent stress defense in tumor antioxidant control and immune evasion. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2020; 34:268-279. [PMID: 33205526 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor NRF2 is known as the master regulator of the oxidative stress response. Tumor entities presenting oncogenic activation of NRF2, such as lung adenocarcinoma, are associated with drug resistance, and accumulating evidence demonstrates its involvement in immune evasion. In other cancer types, the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway is not commonly mutated, but NRF2 is activated by other means such as radiation, oncogenic activity, cytokines, or other pro-oxidant triggers characteristic of the tumor niche. The obvious effect of stress-activated NRF2 is the protection from oxidative or electrophilic damage and the adaptation of the tumor metabolism to changing conditions. However, data from melanoma also reveal a role of NRF2 in modulating differentiation and suppressing anti-tumor immunity. This review summarizes the function of NRF2 in this tumor entity and discusses the implications for current tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pedro Friedmann Angeli
- Rudolf-Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Meierjohann
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Jessen C, Kreß JKC, Baluapuri A, Hufnagel A, Schmitz W, Kneitz S, Roth S, Marquardt A, Appenzeller S, Ade CP, Glutsch V, Wobser M, Friedmann-Angeli JP, Mosteo L, Goding CR, Schilling B, Geissinger E, Wolf E, Meierjohann S. The transcription factor NRF2 enhances melanoma malignancy by blocking differentiation and inducing COX2 expression. Oncogene 2020; 39:6841-55. [PMID: 32978520 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor NRF2 is the major mediator of oxidative stress responses and is closely connected to therapy resistance in tumors harboring activating mutations in the NRF2 pathway. In melanoma, such mutations are rare, and it is unclear to what extent melanomas rely on NRF2. Here we show that NRF2 suppresses the activity of the melanocyte lineage marker MITF in melanoma, thereby reducing the expression of pigmentation markers. Intriguingly, we furthermore identified NRF2 as key regulator of immune-modulating genes, linking oxidative stress with the induction of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) in an ATF4-dependent manner. COX2 is critical for the secretion of prostaglandin E2 and was strongly induced by H2O2 or TNFα only in presence of NRF2. Induction of MITF and depletion of COX2 and PGE2 were also observed in NRF2-deleted melanoma cells in vivo. Furthermore, genes corresponding to the innate immune response such as RSAD2 and IFIH1 were strongly elevated in absence of NRF2 and coincided with immune evasion parameters in human melanoma datasets. Even in vitro, NRF2 activation or prostaglandin E2 supplementation blunted the induction of the innate immune response in melanoma cells. Transcriptome analyses from lung adenocarcinomas indicate that the observed link between NRF2 and the innate immune response is not restricted to melanoma.
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13
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Daher B, Vučetić M, Pouysségur J. Cysteine Depletion, a Key Action to Challenge Cancer Cells to Ferroptotic Cell Death. Front Oncol 2020; 10:723. [PMID: 32457843 PMCID: PMC7221143 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are characterized as highly proliferative at the expense of enhancement of metabolic rate. Consequently, cancer cells rely on antioxidant defenses to overcome the associated increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The reliance of tumor metabolism on amino acids, especially amino acid transport systems, has been extensively studied over the past decade. Although cysteine is the least abundant amino acid in the cell, evidences described it as one of the most important amino acid for cell survival and growth. Regarding its multi-functionality as a nutrient, protein folding, and major component for redox balance due to its involvement in glutathione synthesis, disruption of cysteine homeostasis appears to be promising strategy for induction of cancer cell death. Ten years ago, ferroptosis, a new form of non-apoptotic cell death, has been described as a result of cysteine insufficiency leading to a collapse of intracellular glutathione level. In the present review, we summarized the metabolic networks involving the amino acid cysteine in cancer and ferroptosis and we focused on describing the recently discovered glutathione-independent pathway, a potential player in cancer ferroptosis resistance. Then, we discuss the implication of cysteine as key player in ferroptosis as a precursor for glutathione first, but also as metabolic precursor in glutathione-independent ferroptosis axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boutaina Daher
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Monaco, Monaco
| | - Milica Vučetić
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Monaco, Monaco
| | - Jacques Pouysségur
- Medical Biology Department, Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Monaco, Monaco
- Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging (IRCAN), CNRS, INSERM, Centre A. Lacassagne, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
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14
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Salmina K, Bojko A, Inashkina I, Staniak K, Dudkowska M, Podlesniy P, Rumnieks F, Vainshelbaum NM, Pjanova D, Sikora E, Erenpreisa J. "Mitotic Slippage" and Extranuclear DNA in Cancer Chemoresistance: A Focus on Telomeres. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E2779. [PMID: 32316332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitotic slippage (MS), the incomplete mitosis that results in a doubled genome in interphase, is a typical response of TP53-mutant tumors resistant to genotoxic therapy. These polyploidized cells display premature senescence and sort the damaged DNA into the cytoplasm. In this study, we explored MS in the MDA-MB-231 cell line treated with doxorubicin (DOX). We found selective release into the cytoplasm of telomere fragments enriched in telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), telomere capping protein TRF2, and DNA double-strand breaks marked by γH2AX, in association with ubiquitin-binding protein SQSTM1/p62. This occurs along with the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) and DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR) in the nuclear promyelocytic leukemia (PML) bodies. The cells in repeated MS cycles activate meiotic genes and display holocentric chromosomes characteristic for inverted meiosis (IM). These giant cells acquire an amoeboid phenotype and finally bud the depolyploidized progeny, restarting the mitotic cycling. We suggest the reversible conversion of the telomerase-driven telomere maintenance into ALT coupled with IM at the sub-telomere breakage sites introduced by meiotic nuclease SPO11. All three MS mechanisms converging at telomeres recapitulate the amoeba-like agamic life-cycle, decreasing the mutagenic load and enabling the recovery of recombined, reduced progeny for return into the mitotic cycle.
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15
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Feuerer L, Lamm S, Henz I, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Haferkamp S, Meierjohann S, Hellerbrand C, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. Role of melanoma inhibitory activity in melanocyte senescence. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2019; 32:777-791. [PMID: 31172672 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The protein melanoma inhibitory activity (MIA) is known to be expressed in melanoma and to support melanoma progression. Interestingly, previous studies also observed the expression of MIA in nevi. Concentrating on these findings, we revealed that MIA expression is correlated with a senescent state in melanocytes. Induction of replicative or oncogene-induced senescence resulted in increased MIA expression in vitro. Notably, MIA knockdown in senescent melanocytes reduced the percentage of senescence-associated beta-Gal-positive cells and enhanced proliferation. Using the melanoma mouse model Tg(Grm1), MIA-deficient mice supported the impact of MIA on senescence by showing a significantly earlier tumor onset compared to controls. In melanocytes, MIA knockdown led to a downregulation of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, after induction of hTERT in human melanoma cells, p21 regulation by MIA was lost. In summary, our data show for the first time that MIA is a regulator of cellular senescence in human and murine melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Feuerer
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Susanne Lamm
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ingmar Henz
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian Haferkamp
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja Katrin Bosserhoff
- Emil Fischer Center, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Coavoy-Sánchez SA, Costa SKP, Muscará MN. Hydrogen sulfide and dermatological diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 177:857-865. [PMID: 31051046 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin diseases constitute a major health problem affecting a high proportion of the population every day and have different aetiologies that include inflammation, infections, and tumours. Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) is a gaseous signalling molecule recognized as a gasotransmitter together with NO and carbon monoxide. Under physiological conditions, H2 S is produced in the skin by enzymic pathways and plays a physiological role in a variety of functions, such as vasodilatation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Alterations of H2 S production are implicated in a variety of dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, melanoma, and other dermatoses. On the other hand, H2 S-releasing-based therapies based on H2 S donor compounds are being developed to treat some of these situations. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of the role of H2 S in the normal skin and its clinical and pathological significance, as well as the therapeutic potential of different H2 S donors for treatment of skin diseases. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on Hydrogen Sulfide in Biology & Medicine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.4/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia A Coavoy-Sánchez
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Soraia K P Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo N Muscará
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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17
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Choi BH, Coloff JL. The Diverse Functions of Non-Essential Amino Acids in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E675. [PMID: 31096630 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Far beyond simply being 11 of the 20 amino acids needed for protein synthesis, non-essential amino acids play numerous important roles in tumor metabolism. These diverse functions include providing precursors for the biosynthesis of macromolecules, controlling redox status and antioxidant systems, and serving as substrates for post-translational and epigenetic modifications. This functional diversity has sparked great interest in targeting non-essential amino acid metabolism for cancer therapy and has motivated the development of several therapies that are either already used in the clinic or are currently in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the important roles that each of the 11 non-essential amino acids play in cancer, how their metabolic pathways are linked, and how researchers are working to overcome the unique challenges of targeting non-essential amino acid metabolism for cancer therapy.
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18
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Grimm J, Hufnagel A, Wobser M, Borst A, Haferkamp S, Houben R, Meierjohann S. BRAF inhibition causes resilience of melanoma cell lines by inducing the secretion of FGF1. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:71. [PMID: 30237393 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0082-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of all melanoma patients harbour activating mutations in the serine/threonine kinase BRAF. This is the basis for one of the main treatment strategies for this tumor type, the targeted therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors. While the initial responsiveness to these drugs is high, resistance develops after several months, frequently at sites of the previously responding tumor. This indicates that tumor response is incomplete and that a certain tumor fraction survives even in drug-sensitive patients, e.g., in a therapy-induced senescence-like state. Here, we show in several melanoma cell lines that BRAF inhibition induces a secretome with stimulating effect on fibroblasts and naive melanoma cells. Several senescence-associated factors were found to be transcribed and secreted in response to BRAF or MEK inhibition, among them members of the fibroblast growth factor family. We identified the growth factor FGF1 as mediator of resilience towards BRAF inhibition, which limits the pro-apoptotic effects of the drug and activates fibroblasts to secrete HGF. FGF1 regulation was mediated by the PI3K pathway and by FRA1, a direct target gene of the MAPK pathway. When FGFR inhibitors were applied in parallel to BRAF inhibitors, resilience was broken, thus providing a rationale for combined therapeutical application.
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19
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Orfanidis K, Wäster P, Lundmark K, Rosdahl I, Öllinger K. Evaluation of tubulin β-3 as a novel senescence-associated gene in melanocytic malignant transformation. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 30:243-254. [PMID: 28024114 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma might develop from melanocytic nevi in which the growth-arrested state has been broken. We analyzed the gene expression of young and senescent human melanocytes in culture and compared the gene expression data with a dataset from nevi and melanomas. A concordant altered gene expression was identified in 84 genes when comparing the growth-arrested samples with proliferating samples. TUBB3, which encodes the microtubule protein tubulin β-3, showed a decreased expression in senescent melanocytes and nevi and was selected for further studies. Depletion of tubulin β-3 caused accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase and decreased proliferation and migration. Immunohistochemical assessment of tubulin β-3 in benign lesions revealed strong staining in the superficial part of the intradermal components, which faded with depth. In contrast, primary melanomas exhibited staining without gradient in a disordered pattern and strong staining of the invasive front. Our results describe an approach to find clinically useful diagnostic biomarkers to more precisely identify cutaneous malignant melanoma and present tubulin β-3 as a candidate marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos Orfanidis
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Petra Wäster
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Lundmark
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology and Clinical Genetics, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Inger Rosdahl
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karin Öllinger
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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20
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Wang C, Zhao L, Su Q, Fan X, Wang Y, Gao S, Wang H, Chen H, Chan CB, Liu Z. Phosphorylation of MITF by AKT affects its downstream targets and causes TP53-dependent cell senescence. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 80:132-142. [PMID: 27702651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays a crucial role in the melanogenesis and proliferation of melanocytes that is dependent on its abundance and modification. Here, we report that epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces senescence and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A) expression that is related to MITF. We found that MITF could bind TP53 to regulate CDKN1A. Furthermore, the interaction between MITF and TP53 is dependent on AKT activity. We found that AKT phosphorylates MITF at S510. Phosphorylated MITF S510 enhances its affinity to TP53 and promotes CDKN1A expression. Meanwhile, the unphosphorylative MITF promotes TYR expression. The levels of p-MITF-S510 are low in 90% human melanoma samples. Thus the level of p-MITF-S510 could be a possible diagnostic marker for melanoma. Our findings reveal a mechanism for regulating MITF functions in response to EGF stimulation and suggest a possible implementation for preventing the over proliferation of melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20031, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Rd, Qiao Dong Qu, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050012, China
| | - Qian Su
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20031, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, 361 Zhongshan E Rd, Chang'an, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050017, China
| | - Xiaoyu Fan
- Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, 333 South Binhe Road, Lanzhou 730050, China
| | - Ying Wang
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Rd, Qiao Dong Qu, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050012, China
| | - Shunqiang Gao
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 12 Jiankang Rd, Qiao Dong Qu, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050012, China
| | - Huafei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20031, China
| | - Huaiyong Chen
- Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Jingu Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Chi Bun Chan
- Department of Physiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., BMSB 634a, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, 5N09, Kadoorie Biological Sciences Building, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Zhixue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 20031, China.
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21
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Chang EY, Chang YC, Shun CT, Tien YW, Tsai SH, Hee SW, Chen IJ, Chuang LM. Inhibition of Prostaglandin Reductase 2, a Putative Oncogene Overexpressed in Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma, Induces Oxidative Stress-Mediated Cell Death Involving xCT and CTH Gene Expressions through 15-Keto-PGE2. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147390. [PMID: 26820738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandin reductase 2 (PTGR2) is the enzyme that catalyzes 15-keto-PGE2, an endogenous PPARγ ligand, into 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGE2. Previously, we have reported a novel oncogenic role of PTGR2 in gastric cancer, where PTGR2 was discovered to modulate ROS-mediated cell death and tumor transformation. In the present study, we demonstrated the oncogenic potency of PTGR2 in pancreatic cancer. First, we observed that the majority of the human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues was stained positive for PTGR2 expression but not in the adjacent normal parts. In vitro analyses showed that silencing of PTGR2 expression enhanced ROS production, suppressed pancreatic cell proliferation, and promoted cell death through increasing 15-keto-PGE2. Mechanistically, silencing of PTGR2 or addition of 15-keto-PGE2 suppressed the expressions of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (xCT) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH), two important providers of intracellular cysteine for the generation of glutathione (GSH), which is widely accepted as the first-line antioxidative defense. The oxidative stress-mediated cell death after silencing of PTGR2 or addition of 15-keto-PGE2 was further abolished after restoring intracellular GSH concentrations and cysteine supply by N-acetyl-L-cysteine and 2-Mercaptomethanol. Our data highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting PTGR2/15-keto-PGE2 for pancreatic cancer.
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22
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Schmitt A, Schmitz W, Hufnagel A, Schartl M, Meierjohann S. Peroxiredoxin 6 triggers melanoma cell growth by increasing arachidonic acid-dependent lipid signalling. Biochem J 2015; 471:267-79. [PMID: 26285655 DOI: 10.1042/BJ20141204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumour cells are reported to display an imbalance in the levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species). Frequently, elevated ROS production goes along with compensatory up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes. Accordingly, we found in a previous study that protein levels of several peroxiredoxins, including PRDX6 (peroxiredoxin 6), are highly elevated in experimentally induced melanomas. In the present study, we investigated the functional role of PRDX6 in human melanoma cells. PRDX6 is a bifunctional enzyme, which harbours iPLA2 (Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A2) activity in addition to its peroxidase function. Our results show that PRDX6 is strongly expressed in most melanoma cells and its expression levels are maintained in a post-transcriptional manner, particularly by EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-dependent signalling. PRDX6 enhances cell viability mainly by enhancing proliferation, which goes along with activation of Src family kinases. Interestingly, we were able to show that the phospholipase activity of the enzyme mediates the pro-proliferative effect of PRDX6. We identified AA (arachidonic acid) as a crucial effector of PRDX6-dependent proliferation and inducer of Src family kinase activation. These results support further the biological importance of the emerging field of lipid signalling in melanoma and highlight the particular functional relevance of PRDX6-dependent phospholipase activity.
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23
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Latina A, Viticchiè G, Lena AM, Piro MC, Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli M, Melino G, Candi E. ΔNp63 targets cytoglobin to inhibit oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes and lung cancer. Oncogene 2015; 35:1493-503. [PMID: 26096935 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During physiological aerobic metabolism, the epidermis undergoes significant oxidative stress as a result of the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To maintain a balanced oxidative state, cells have developed protective antioxidant systems, and preliminary studies suggest that the transcriptional factor p63 is involved in cellular oxidative defence. Supporting this hypothesis, the ΔNp63α isoform of p63 is expressed at high levels in the proliferative basal layer of the epidermis. Here we identify the CYGB gene as a novel transcriptional target of ΔNp63 that is involved in maintaining epidermal oxidative defence. The CYGB gene encodes cytoglobin, a member of the globin protein family, which facilitates the diffusion of oxygen through tissues and acts as a scavenger for nitric oxide or other ROS. By performing promoter activity assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation, reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR and western blotting analyses, we confirm the direct regulation of CYGB by ΔNp63α. We also demonstrate that CYGB has a protective role in proliferating keratinocytes grown under normal conditions, as well as in cells treated with exogenous hydrogen peroxide. These results indicate that ΔNp63, through its target CYGB has an important role in the cellular antioxidant system and protects keratinocytes from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The ΔNp63-CYGB axis is also present in lung and breast cancer cell lines, indicating that CYGB-mediated ROS-scavenging activity may also have a role in epithelial tumours. In human lung cancer data sets, the p63-CYGB interaction significantly predicts reduction of patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Latina
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - G Viticchiè
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - A M Lena
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - M C Piro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | | | - G Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,Medical Research Council Toxicology Unit, Leicester, UK
| | - E Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.,IDI-IRCCS, Biochemistry Laboratory, Rome, Italy
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24
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Abstract
Tumor angiogenesis is a process which is traditionally regarded as the tumor’s response to low nutrient supply occurring under hypoxic conditions. However, hypoxia is not a pre-requisite for angiogenesis. The fact that even single tumor cells or small tumor cell aggregates are capable of attracting blood vessels reveals the early metastatic capability of tumor cells. This review sheds light on the hypoxia-independent mechanisms of tumor angiogenesis in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Meierjohann
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Biocenter, University of Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany ; Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg , Würzburg , Germany
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25
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Leikam C, Hufnagel AL, Otto C, Murphy DJ, Mühling B, Kneitz S, Nanda I, Schmid M, Wagner TU, Haferkamp S, Bröcker EB, Schartl M, Meierjohann S. In vitro evidence for senescent multinucleated melanocytes as a source for tumor-initiating cells. Cell Death Dis 2015; 6:e1711. [PMID: 25837487 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Oncogenic signaling in melanocytes results in oncogene-induced senescence (OIS), a stable cell-cycle arrest frequently characterized by a bi- or multinuclear phenotype that is considered as a barrier to cancer progression. However, the long-sustained conviction that senescence is a truly irreversible process has recently been challenged. Still, it is not known whether cells driven into OIS can progress to cancer and thereby pose a potential threat. Here, we show that prolonged expression of the melanoma oncogene N-RAS61K in pigment cells overcomes OIS by triggering the emergence of tumor-initiating mononucleated stem-like cells from senescent cells. This progeny is dedifferentiated, highly proliferative, anoikis-resistant and induces fast growing, metastatic tumors. Our data describe that differentiated cells, which are driven into senescence by an oncogene, use this senescence state as trigger for tumor transformation, giving rise to highly aggressive tumor-initiating cells. These observations provide the first experimental in vitro evidence for the evasion of OIS on the cellular level and ensuing transformation.
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26
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Abstract
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has historically evolved in its classification from a primary immune dysregulatory disorder to what current evidence supports as a dendritic cell neoplasm with an immune-inflammatory component. A key part of the classification of LCH as a neoplasm has been the identification of BRAF V600E mutations in 35% to 60% of cases. Tumor protein p53 (TP53) and RAS mutations have also been identified, albeit in less than 2% of reported cases. Of note, over 50% of patients with another dendritic cell disease, Erdheim-Chester Disease, have also been shown to have BRAF V600E mutations. Although the BRAF mutations have not been shown to be associated with extent of disease, they may still provide a target for a molecularly guided approach to therapy. In cases of LCH in which no BRAF mutations were identified, there was evidence for activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway, suggesting that similar to other tumors, this pathway may be therapeutically exploitable. Anecdotal responses have been reported in a few patients with LCH and Erdheim-Chester Disease to vemurafenib, a BRAF V600E inhibitor. Although these results pave the way for careful, prospective clinical testing, selection of the optimal groups in which to test such inhibitors, alone or in combination, will be critical based on the toxicity profile thus far observed in adults with melanoma and other BRAF mutated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Arceci
- From the Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Hematology/Oncology, Ron Matricaria Institute of Molecular Medicine, Phoenix Children's Hospital, University of Arizona, College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
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27
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Schaafhausen MK, Yang WJ, Centanin L, Wittbrodt J, Bosserhoff A, Fischer A, Schartl M, Meierjohann S. Tumor angiogenesis is caused by single melanoma cells in a manner dependent on reactive oxygen species and NF-κB. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:3862-72. [PMID: 23843609 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.125021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanomas have a high angiogenic potential, but respond poorly to medical treatment and metastasize very early. To understand the early events in tumor angiogenesis, animal models with high tumor resolution and blood vessel resolution are required, which provide the opportunity to test the ability of small molecule inhibitors to modulate the angiogenic tumor program. We have established a transgenic melanoma angiogenesis model in the small laboratory fish species Japanese medaka. Here, pigment cells are transformed by an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase in fish expressing GFP throughout their vasculature. We show that angiogenesis occurs in a reactive oxygen species (ROS)- and NF-κB-dependent, but hypoxia-independent manner. Intriguingly, we observed that blood vessel sprouting is induced even by single transformed pigment cells. The oncogenic receptor as well as human melanoma cells harboring other oncogenes caused the production of pro-angiogenic factors, most prominently angiogenin, through NF-κB signaling. Inhibiting NF-κB prevented tumor angiogenesis and led to the regression of existing tumor blood vessels. In conclusion, our high-resolution medaka melanoma model discloses that ROS and NF-κB signaling from single tumor cells causes hypoxia-independent angiogenesis, thus, demonstrating that the intrinsic malignant tumor cell features are sufficient to initiate and maintain a pro-angiogenic signaling threshold.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian K Schaafhausen
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
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