The Key Role of the WNT/β-Catenin Pathway in Metabolic Reprogramming in Cancers under Normoxic Conditions

Modulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 signaling pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis by natural compounds: a comprehensive and critical review

Tumor cells employ multiple signaling mediators to escape the hypoxic condition and trigger angiogenesis and metastasis. As a critical orchestrate of tumorigenic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is responsible for stimulating several target genes and dysregulated pathways in tumor invasion and migration. Therefore, targeting HIF-1 pathway and cross-talked mediators seems to be a novel strategy in cancer prevention and treatment. In recent decades, tremendous efforts have been made to develop multi-targeted therapies to modulate several dysregulated pathways in cancer angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. In this line, natural compounds have shown a bright future in combating angiogenic and metastatic conditions. Among the natural secondary metabolites, we have evaluated the critical potential of phenolic compounds, terpenes/terpenoids, alkaloids, sulfur compounds, marine- and microbe-derived agents in the attenuation of HIF-1, and interconnected pathways in fighting tumor-associated angiogenesis and invasion. This is the first comprehensive review on natural constituents as potential regulators of HIF-1 and interconnected pathways against cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. This review aims to reshape the previous strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.

USP46 enhances tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells by stabilizing PTBP1 to facilitate glycolysis

Tamoxifen (TAM) is the primary drug for treating estrogen receptor alpha-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC). However, resistance to TAM can develop in some patients, limiting its therapeutic efficacy. The ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family has been associated with the development, progression, and drug resistance of various cancers. To explore the role of USPs in TAM resistance in BC, we used qRT-PCR to compare USP expression between TAM-sensitive (MCF-7 and T47D) and TAM-resistant cells (MCF-7R and T47DR). We then modulated USP46 expression and examined its impact on cell proliferation, drug resistance (via CCK-8 and EdU experiments), glycolysis levels (using a glycolysis detection assay), protein interactions (confirmed by co-IP), and protein changes (analyzed through Western blotting). Our findings revealed that USP46 was significantly overexpressed in TAM-resistant BC cells, leading to the inhibition of the ubiquitin degradation of polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1). Overexpression of PTBP1 increased the PKM2/PKM1 ratio, promoted glycolysis, and intensified TAM resistance in BC cells. Knockdown of USP46 induced downregulation of PTBP1 protein by promoting its K48-linked ubiquitination, resulting in a decreased PKM2/PKM1 ratio, reduced glycolysis, and heightened TAM sensitivity in BC cells. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical role of the USP46/PTBP1/PKM2 axis in TAM resistance in BC. Targeted therapy against USP46 may represent a promising strategy to improve the prognosis of TAM-resistant patients.

Shaping immune landscape of colorectal cancer by cholesterol metabolites

Cancer immunotherapies have achieved unprecedented success in clinic, but they remain largely ineffective in some major types of cancer, such as colorectal cancer with microsatellite stability (MSS CRC). It is therefore important to study tumor microenvironment of resistant cancers for developing new intervention strategies. In this study, we identify a metabolic cue that determines the unique immune landscape of MSS CRC. Through secretion of distal cholesterol precursors, which directly activate RORγt, MSS CRC cells can polarize T cells toward Th17 cells that have well-characterized pro-tumor functions in colorectal cancer. Analysis of large human cancer cohorts revealed an asynchronous pattern of the cholesterol biosynthesis in MSS CRC, which is responsible for the abnormal accumulation of distal cholesterol precursors. Inhibiting the cholesterol biosynthesis enzyme Cyp51, by pharmacological or genetic interventions, reduced the levels of intratumoral distal cholesterol precursors and suppressed tumor progression through a Th17-modulation mechanism in preclinical MSS CRC models. Our study therefore reveals a novel mechanism of cancer-immune interaction and an intervention strategy for the difficult-to-treat MSS CRC.

Glycolytic enzymes in non-glycolytic web: functional analysis of the key players

To survive in the tumour microenvironment, cancer cells undergo rapid metabolic reprograming and adaptability. One of the key characteristics of cancer is increased glycolytic selectivity and decreased oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Apart from ATP synthesis, glycolysis is also responsible for NADH regeneration and macromolecular biosynthesis, such as amino acid biosynthesis and nucleotide biosynthesis. This allows cancer cells to survive and proliferate even in low-nutrient and oxygen conditions, making glycolytic enzymes a promising target for various anti-cancer agents. Oncogenic activation is also caused by the uncontrolled production and activity of glycolytic enzymes. Nevertheless, in addition to conventional glycolytic processes, some glycolytic enzymes are involved in non-canonical functions such as transcriptional regulation, autophagy, epigenetic changes, inflammation, various signaling cascades, redox regulation, oxidative stress, obesity and fatty acid metabolism, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders, and hypoxia. The mechanisms underlying the non-canonical glycolytic enzyme activities are still not comprehensive. This review summarizes the current findings on the mechanisms fundamental to the non-glycolytic actions of glycolytic enzymes and their intermediates in maintaining the tumor microenvironment.

Mitochondrial leak metabolism induces the Spemann-Mangold Organizer via Hif-1α in Xenopus

An instructive role for metabolism in embryonic patterning is emerging, although a role for mitochondria is poorly defined. We demonstrate that mitochondrial oxidative metabolism establishes the embryonic patterning center, the Spemann-Mangold Organizer, via hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif-1α) in Xenopus. Hypoxia or decoupling ATP production from oxygen consumption expands the Organizer by activating Hif-1α. In addition, oxygen consumption is 20% higher in the Organizer than in the ventral mesoderm, indicating an elevation in mitochondrial respiration. To reconcile increased mitochondrial respiration with activation of Hif-1α, we discovered that the "free" c-subunit ring of the F1Fo ATP synthase creates an inner mitochondrial membrane leak, which decouples ATP production from respiration at the Organizer, driving Hif-1α activation there. Overexpression of either the c-subunit or Hif-1α is sufficient to induce Organizer cell fates even when β-catenin is inhibited. We propose that mitochondrial leak metabolism could be a general mechanism for activating Hif-1α and Wnt signaling.

NOX2 control over energy metabolism plays a role in acute myeloid leukaemia prognosis and survival

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease, however the therapeutic approaches have hardly changed in the last decades. Metabolism rewiring and the enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are hallmarks of cancer. A deeper understanding of these features could be instrumental for the development of specific AML-subtypes treatments. NADPH oxidases (NOX), the only cellular system specialised in ROS production, are also involved in leukemic metabolism control. NOX2 shows a variable expression in AML patients, so patients can be classified based on such difference. Here we have analysed whether NOX2 levels are important for AML metabolism control. The lack of NOX2 in AML cells slowdowns basal glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), along with the accumulation of metabolites that feed such routes, and a sharp decrease of glutathione. In addition, we found changes in the expression of 725 genes. Among them, we have discovered a panel of 30 differentially expressed metabolic genes, whose relevance was validated in patients. This panel can segregate AML patients according to CYBB expression, and it can predict patient prognosis and survival. In summary, our data strongly support the relevance of NOX2 for AML metabolism, and highlights the potential of our discoveries in AML prognosis.

Unlocking the potential of the tumor microenvironment for cancer therapy

The tumor microenvironment (TME) holds a crucial role in the progression of cancer. Epithelial-derived tumors share common traits in shaping the TME. The Warburg effect is a notable phenomenon wherein tumor cells exhibit resistance to apoptosis and an increased reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production. Recognizing the pivotal role of the TME in controlling tumor growth and influencing responses to chemotherapy, researchers have focused on developing potential cancer treatment strategies. A wide array of therapies, including immunotherapies, antiangiogenic agents, interventions targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), and therapies directed at the extracellular matrix, have been under investigation and have demonstrated efficacy. Additionally, innovative techniques such as tumor tissue explants, "tumor-on-a-chip" models, and multicellular tumor spheres have been explored in laboratory research. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the intricate cross-talk between cancer-associated signaling pathways and the TME in cancer progression, current therapeutic approaches targeting the TME, the immune landscape within solid tumors, the role of the viral TME, and cancer cell metabolism.

Biomimetic Alveoli System with Vivid Mechanical Response and Cell-Cell Interface

Alveolar microenvironmental models are important for studying the basic biology of the alveolus, therapeutic trials, and drug testing. However, a few systems can fully reproduce the in vivo alveolar microenvironment including dynamic stretching and the cell-cell interface. Here, a novel biomimetic alveolus-on-a-chip microsystem is presented suitable for visualizing physiological breathing for simulating the 3D architecture and function of human pulmonary alveoli. This biomimetic microsystem contains an inverse opal structured polyurethane membrane that achieves real-time observation of mechanical stretching. In this microsystem, the alveolar-capillary barrier is created by alveolar type 2 (ATII) cells cocultured with vascular endothelial cells (ECs) on this membrane. Based on this microsystem, the phenomena of flattening and the tendency of differentiation in ATII cells are observed. The synergistic effects of mechanical stretching and ECs on the proliferation of ATII cells are also observed during the repair process following lung injury. These features indicate the potential of this novel biomimetic microsystem for exploring the mechanisms of lung diseases, which can provide future guidance concerning drug targets for clinical therapies.

E3 ubiquitin ligase neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4 motivates FOXA1 ubiquitination and restrains proliferation of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway

Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated gene 4 (NEDD4) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that recognizes substrates via protein-protein interactions and takes part in tumor development. This study aims to clarify NEDD4's functions in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its downstream mechanisms. Collection of 53 DLBCL tissues and adjacent normal lymphoid tissues, and detection of NEDD4 and Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) in the tissues were conducted. The selection of DLBCL cells was for FARAGE, and test of cells' advancement was after transfection. Analysis of NEDD4 and FOXA1's link, and test of Wnt/β-catenin pathway were implemented. In vivo tumor xenograft experiments were put into effect. Detection of the pathological conditions of tumor tissues and the positive Ki67 in the family was implemented. It came out NEDD4 was reduced in DLBCL tissues and cell lines, and FOXA1 was elevated; Enhancing NEDD4 or repressing FOXA1 refrained DLBCL cells' advancement; NEDD4 could combine with FOXA1 and trigger its ubiquitination and degradation; NEDD4 inactivates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by motivating FOXA1 ubiquitination; NEDD4 enhancement refrained DLBCL growth in vivo. In conclusion, the E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4 accelerates FOXA1 ubiquitination but refrains DLBCL cell proliferation via the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway.

Toxoplasma gondii excretory/secretory proteins promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via aerobic glycolysis mediated by Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway

Toxoplasma gondii excretory/secretory proteins (TgESPs) are a group of proteins secreted by the parasite and have an important role in the interaction between the host and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). They can participate in various biological processes in different cells and regulate cellular energy metabolism. However, the effect of TgESPs on energy metabolism and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has remained elusive. In the present study, TgESPs were extracted from the T. gondii RH strain and used to treat BMSCs to observe the effect of TgESPs on energy metabolism and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and to explore the molecular mechanisms involved. The osteogenic differentiation and energy metabolism of BMSCs were evaluated using Alizarin Red S staining, qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and Seahorse extracellular flux assays. The results indicated that TgESPs activated the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway to enhance glycolysis and lactate production in BMSCs, and promoted cell mineralization and expression of osteogenic markers. In conclusion, the present study uncovered the potential mechanism by which TgESPs regulate BMSCs, which will provide a theoretical reference for the study of the function of TgESPs in the future.

Hypoxia-inducible factor upregulation by roxadustat attenuates drug reward by altering brain iron homoeostasis

Substance use disorder remains a major challenge, with an enduring need to identify and evaluate new, translational targets for effective treatment. Here, we report the upregulation of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression by roxadustat (Rox), a drug developed for renal anemia that inhibits HIF prolyl hydroxylase to prevent degradation of HIF-1α, administered either systemically or locally into selected brain regions, suppressed morphine (Mor)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). A similar effect was observed with methamphetamine (METH). Moreover, Rox also inhibited the expression of both established and reinstated Mor-CPP and promoted the extinction of Mor-CPP. Additionally, the elevation of HIF-1α enhanced hepcidin/ferroportin 1 (FPN1)-mediated iron efflux and resulted in cellular iron deficiency, which led to the functional accumulation of the dopamine transporter (DAT) in plasma membranes due to iron deficiency-impaired ubiquitin degradation. Notably, iron-deficient mice generated via a low iron diet mimicked the effect of Rox on the prevention of Mor- or METH-CPP formation, without affecting other types of memory. These data reveal a novel mechanism for HIF-1α and iron involvement in substance use disorder, which may represent a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of drug abuse. The findings also repurpose Rox by suggesting a potential new indication for the treatment of substance use disorder.

The Apoptotic and Anti-Warburg Effects of Brassinin in PC-3 Cells via Reactive Oxygen Species Production and the Inhibition of the c-Myc, SIRT1, and β-Catenin Signaling Axis

Though Brassinin is known to have antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects in colon, prostate, breast, lung, and liver cancers, the underlying antitumor mechanism of Brassinin is not fully understood so far. Hence, in the current study, the apoptotic mechanism of Brassinin was explored in prostate cancer. Herein, Brassinin significantly increased the cytotoxicity and reduced the expressions of pro-Poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP), pro-caspase 3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) in PC-3 cells compared to DU145 and LNCaP cells. Consistently, Brassinin reduced the number of colonies and increased the sub-G1 population and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the PC-3 cells. Of note, Brassinin suppressed the expressions of pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as glycolytic proteins in the PC-3 cells. Furthermore, Brassinin significantly reduced the expressions of SIRT1, c-Myc, and β-catenin in the PC-3 cells and also disrupted the binding of SIRT1 with β-catenin, along with a protein-protein interaction (PPI) score of 0.879 and spearman's correlation coefficient of 0.47 being observed between SIRT1 and β-catenin. Of note, Brassinin significantly increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the PC-3 cells. Conversely, ROS scavenger NAC reversed the ability of Brassinin to attenuate pro-PARP, pro-Caspase3, SIRT1, and β-catenin in the PC-3 cells. Taken together, these findings support evidence that Brassinin induces apoptosis via the ROS-mediated inhibition of SIRT1, c-Myc, β-catenin, and glycolysis proteins as a potent anticancer candidate.

The Warburg effect drives cachectic states in patients with pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma

We have studied whether the Warburg effect (uncontrolled glycolysis) in pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma triggers cachexia in the patient. After 74 pancreatobiliary adenocarcinomas were removed by surgery, their glucose transporter-1 and four glycolytic enzymes were quantified using Western blotting. Based on the resulting data, the adenocarcinomas were equally divided into a group of low glycolysis (LG) and a group of high glycolysis (HG). Energy homeostasis was assessed in these cancer patients and in 74 non-cancer controls, using serum albumin and C-reactive protein and morphometrical analysis of abdominal skeletal muscle and fat on computed tomography scans. Some removed adenocarcinomas were transplanted in nude mice to see their impacts on host energy homeostasis. Separately, nude mice carrying tumor grafts of MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells were treated with the glycolytic inhibitor 3-bromopyruvate and with emodin that inhibited glycolysis by decreasing hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Adenocarcinomas in both group LG and group HG impaired energy homeostasis in the cancer patients, compared to the non-cancer reference. The impaired energy homeostasis induced by the adenocarcinomas in group HG was more pronounced than that by the adenocarcinomas in group LG. When original adenocarcinomas were grown in nude mice, their glycolytic abilities determined the levels of hepatic gluconeogenesis, skeletal muscle proteolysis, adipose-tissue lipolysis, and weight loss in the mice. When MiaPaCa-2 cells were grown as tumors in nude mice, 3-bromopyruvate and emodin decreased tumor-induced glycolysis and cachexia, with the best effects being seen when the drugs were administered in combination. In conclusion, the Warburg effect in pancreatobiliary adenocarcinoma triggers cancer cachexia.

Machine learning decision tree models for multiclass classification of common malignant brain tumors using perfusion and spectroscopy MRI data

Background

To investigate the contribution of machine learning decision tree models applied to perfusion and spectroscopy MRI for multiclass classification of lymphomas, glioblastomas, and metastases, and then to bring out the underlying key pathophysiological processes involved in the hierarchization of the decision-making algorithms of the models.

Methods

From 2013 to 2020, 180 consecutive patients with histopathologically proved lymphomas (n = 77), glioblastomas (n = 45), and metastases (n = 58) were included in machine learning analysis after undergoing MRI. The perfusion parameters (rCBVmax, PSRmax) and spectroscopic concentration ratios (lac/Cr, Cho/NAA, Cho/Cr, and lip/Cr) were applied to construct Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models for multiclass classification of these brain tumors. A 5-fold random cross validation was performed on the dataset.

Results

The decision tree model thus constructed successfully classified all 3 tumor types with a performance (AUC) of 0.98 for PCNSLs, 0.98 for GBM and 1.00 for METs. The model accuracy was 0.96 with a RSquare of 0.887. Five rules of classifier combinations were extracted with a predicted probability from 0.907 to 0.989 for that end nodes of the decision tree for tumor multiclass classification. In hierarchical order of importance, the root node (Cho/NAA) in the decision tree algorithm was primarily based on the proliferative, infiltrative, and neuronal destructive characteristics of the tumor, the internal node (PSRmax), on tumor tissue capillary permeability characteristics, and the end node (Lac/Cr or Cho/Cr), on tumor energy glycolytic (Warburg effect), or on membrane lipid tumor metabolism.

Conclusion

Our study shows potential implementation of machine learning decision tree model algorithms based on a hierarchical, convenient, and personalized use of perfusion and spectroscopy MRI data for multiclass classification of these brain tumors.

Atherosclerosis, Diabetes Mellitus, and Cancer: Common Epidemiology, Shared Mechanisms, and Future Management

The involvement of cardiovascular disease in cancer onset and development represents a contemporary interest in basic science. It has been recognized, from the most recent research, that metabolic syndrome-related conditions, ranging from atherosclerosis to diabetes, elicit many pathways regulating lipid metabolism and lipid signaling that are also linked to the same framework of multiple potential mechanisms for inducing cancer. Otherwise, dyslipidemia and endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerosis may present common or even interdependent changes, similar to oncogenic molecules elevated in many forms of cancer. However, whether endothelial cell dysfunction in atherosclerotic disease provides signals that promote the pre-clinical onset and proliferation of malignant cells is an issue that requires further understanding, even though more questions are presented with every answer. Here, we highlight the molecular mechanisms that point to a causal link between lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in metabolic syndrome-related atherosclerotic disease with the development of cancer. The knowledge of these breakthrough mechanisms may pave the way for the application of new therapeutic targets and for implementing interventions in clinical practice.

POLRMT over-expression is linked to WNT/beta-catenin signaling, immune infiltration, and unfavorable outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma patients

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) is essential for the expression of mitochondrial genes. In recent studies, POLRMT expression promoted non-small cell cancer cell proliferation in cell lines and xenografts. The present study investigated the impact of POLRMT expression and function on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients.

METHOD

Multi-omics data (genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics) from publicly available databases were used to assess the role of POLRMT expression and function in LUAD. These findings were further verified using cancer tissues from clinical samples.

RESULTS

POLRMT was over-expressed in LUADs, with mutation frequencies ranging from 1.30% to 5.71%. Over-expression of POLRMT was associated with an abnormal clinicopathological condition resulting in a decreased lifespan. Furthermore, gene sets enrich analysis revealed that POLRMT expression was linked to WNT/beta-catenin signaling; the expression of downstream target genes was positively correlated with POLRMT expression. Also, POLRMT expression was positively correlated with immunosuppressive genes, thereby affecting immune infiltration.

CONCLUSION

POLRMT is over-expressed in LUAD, thereby impacting patient survival. It is also involved in WNT/beta-catenin signaling and may affect tumor infiltration.

Paeonol represses A549 cell glycolytic reprogramming and proliferation by decreasing m6A modification of Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase

Aberrant glycolytic reprogramming is involved in lung cancer progression by promoting the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells. Paeonol, as a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a critical role in multiple cancer cell proliferation and inflammation. Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (ACADM) is involved in the development of metabolic diseases. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is important for the regulation of messenger RNA stability, splicing, and translation. Here, we investigated whether paeonol regulates the proliferation and glycolytic reprogramming via ACADM with m6A modification in A549 cells (human non-small cell lung cancer cells). Cell counting kit 8, 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation, flow cytometry analysis, western blotting and seahorse XFe24 extracellular flux analyzer assays showed that paeonol had a significant inhibitory effect against A549 cell proliferation and glycolysis. Mechanistically, ACADM was a functional target of paeonol. We also showed that the m6A reader YTH domain containing 1 plays an important role in m6A-modified ACADM expression, which is negatively regulated by paeonol, and is involved in A549 cell proliferation and glycolytic reprogramming. These results indicated the central function of paeonol in regulating A549 cell glycolytic reprogramming and proliferation via m6A modification of ACADM.

On the Role of Glycolysis in Early Tumorigenesis-Permissive and Executioner Effects

Reprogramming energy production from mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis is now considered a hallmark of cancer. When tumors grow beyond a certain size they give rise to changes in their microenvironment (e.g., hypoxia, mechanical stress) that are conducive to the upregulation of glycolysis. Over the years, however, it has become clear that glycolysis can also associate with the earliest steps of tumorigenesis. Thus, many of the oncoproteins most commonly involved in tumor initiation and progression upregulate glycolysis. Moreover, in recent years, considerable evidence has been reported suggesting that upregulated glycolysis itself, through its enzymes and/or metabolites, may play a causative role in tumorigenesis, either by acting itself as an oncogenic stimulus or by facilitating the appearance of oncogenic mutations. In fact, several changes induced by upregulated glycolysis have been shown to be involved in tumor initiation and early tumorigenesis: glycolysis-induced chromatin remodeling, inhibition of premature senescence and induction of proliferation, effects on DNA repair, O-linked N-acetylglucosamine modification of target proteins, antiapoptotic effects, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or autophagy, and induction of angiogenesis. In this article we summarize the evidence that upregulated glycolysis is involved in tumor initiation and, in the following, we propose a mechanistic model aimed at explaining how upregulated glycolysis may play such a role.

HSPA1A ameliorated spinal cord injury in rats by inhibiting apoptosis to exert neuroprotective effects

Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) is a serious nervous system insult, and apoptosis in secondary injury is an important barrier to recovery from TSCI. Heat shock protein family A member 1A (HSPA1A) is a protective protein whose expression is elevated after stress. However, whether HSPA1A can inhibit apoptosis after spinal cord injury, and the potential mechanism of this inhibition, remain unclear. In this study, we established in vivo and in vitro models of TSCI and induced HSPA1A overexpression and silencing. HSPA1A upregulation promoted the recovery of neurological function and pathological morphology at the injury site, enhanced neurological cell survival, and inhibited apoptosis in rats following TSCI. In the in vitro model, HSPA1A overexpression inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, indicating that HSPA1A suppressed the expression of Bax, caspase-9, and cleaved-caspase-3, promoted the expression of Bcl-2. Furthermore, inhibition of HSPA1A expression can aggravate H₂O₂-induced apoptosis. We also found that HSPA1A overexpression activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and that inhibition of this pathway attenuated the inhibitory effect of HSPA1A overexpression on apoptosis. Together, these results indicate that HSPA1A has neuroprotective effects against TSCI that may be exerted through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis.

2-Deoxy-D-glucose simultaneously targets glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling to inhibit cervical cancer progression

Cervical cancer is one of the most common female malignant tumors, with typical cancer metabolism characteristics of increased glycolysis flux and lactate accumulation. 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glycolysis inhibitor that acts on hexokinase, the first rate-limiting enzyme in the glycolysis pathway. In this research, we demonstrated that 2-DG effectively reduced glycolysis and impaired mitochondrial function in cervical cancer cell lines HeLa and SiHa. Cell function experiments revealed that 2-DG significantly inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest at non-cytotoxic concentrations. In addition, we found that 2-DG down-regulated Wingless-type (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling. Mechanistically, 2-DG accelerated the degradation of β-catenin protein, which resulted in the decrease of β-catenin expression in both nucleus and cytoplasm. The Wnt agonist lithium chloride and β-catenin overexpression vector could partially reverse the inhibition of malignant phenotype by 2-DG. These data suggested that 2-DG exerted its anti-cancer effects on cervical cancer by co-targeting glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. As expected, the combination of 2-DG and Wnt inhibitor synergistically inhibited cell growth. It is noteworthy that, down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling also inhibited glycolysis, indicating a similar positive feedback regulation between glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which 2-DG inhibits the progression of cervical cancer in vitro, elucidated the interregulation between glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and preliminarily explored the effect of combined targeting of glycolysis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling on cell proliferation, which provides more possibilities for the formulation of subsequent clinical treatment strategies.

Butyrate prevents the migration and invasion, and aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling

Gastric cancer (GC) remains a common cause of cancer death worldwide. Evidence has found that butyrate exhibited antitumor effects on GC cells. However, the mechanism by which butyrate regulate GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and aerobic glycolysis remains largely unknown. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were tested by EdU staining, transwell assays. Additionally, protein expressions were determined by western blot assay. Next, glucose uptake, lactate production, and cellular ATP levels in GC cells were detected. Furthermore, the antitumor effects of butyrate in tumor-bearing nude mice were evaluated. We found, butyrate significantly prevented GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (p < .01). Additionally, butyrate markedly inhibited GC cell aerobic glycolysis, as shown by the reduced expressions of GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA (p < .01). Moreover, butyrate notably decreased nuclear β-catenin and c-Myc levels in GC cells (p < .01). Remarkably, through activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling with LiCl, the inhibitory effects of butyrate on the growth and aerobic glycolysis of GC cells were diminished (p < .01). Moreover, butyrate notably suppressed tumor volume and weight in GC cell xenograft nude mice in vivo (p < .01). Meanwhile, butyrate obviously reduced nuclear β-catenin, c-Myc, GLUT1, HK2 and LDHA levels in tumor tissues in GC cell xenograft mice (p < .01). Collectively, butyrate could suppress the growth and aerobic glycolysis of GC cells in vitro and in vivo via downregulating wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling. These findings are likely to prove useful in better understanding the role of butyrate in GC.

Hexokinases in cancer and other pathologies

Glucose metabolism is indispensable for cell growth and survival. Hexokinases play pivotal roles in glucose metabolism through canonical functions of hexokinases as well as in immune response, cell stemness, autophagy, and other cellular activities through noncanonical functions. The aberrant regulation of hexokinases contributes to the development and progression of pathologies, including cancer and immune diseases.

Metabolome-Wide Reprogramming Modulated by Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

A family of signal transduction pathways known as wingless type (Wnt) signaling pathways is essential to developmental processes like cell division and proliferation. Mutation in Wnt signaling results in a variety of diseases, including cancers of the breast, colon, and skin, metabolic disease, and neurodegenerative disease; thus, the Wnt signaling pathways have been attractive targets for disease treatment. However, the complicatedness and large involveness of the pathway often hampers pinpointing the specific targets of the metabolic process. In our current study, we investigated the differential metabolic regulation by the overexpression of the Wnt signaling pathway in a timely-resolved manner by applying high-throughput and un-targeted metabolite profiling. We have detected and annotated 321 metabolite peaks from a total of 36 human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells using GC-TOF MS and LC-Orbitrap MS. The un-targeted metabolomic analysis identified the radical reprogramming of a range of central carbon/nitrogen metabolism pathways, including glycolysis, TCA cycle, and glutaminolysis, and fatty acid pathways. The investigation, combined with targeted mRNA profiles, elucidated an explicit understanding of activated fatty acid metabolism (β-oxidation and biosynthesis). The findings proposed detailed mechanistic biochemical dynamics in response to Wnt-driven metabolic changes, which may help design precise therapeutic targets for Wnt-related diseases.

GPER-mediated stabilization of HIF-1α contributes to upregulated aerobic glycolysis in tamoxifen-resistant cells

Tamoxifen is a first-line therapeutic drug for oestrogen-receptor positive breast cancer; however, like other therapeutics, its clinical use is limited by acquired resistance. Tamoxifen-resistant cells have demonstrated enhanced aerobic glycolysis; however, the mechanisms underlying this upregulation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that G-protein coupled oestrogen receptor (GPER) was involved in the upregulation of aerobic glycolysis via induction of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression and transcriptional activity in tamoxifen-resistant cells. Additionally, GPER stabilized HIF-1α through inhibiting its hydroxylation and ubiquitin-mediated degradation, which were associated with upregulation of C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), downregulation of prolyl hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) and von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor protein (pVHL), induction of HIF-1α/UCH-L1 interaction, and suppression of HIF-1α/PHD2-pVHL association. The GPER/HIF-1α axis was functionally responsible for regulating tamoxifen sensitivity both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between GPER and HIF-1α expression in clinical breast cancer tissues, and high levels of GPER combined with nuclear HIF-1α indicated poor overall survival. High levels of the GPER/HIF-1α axis were also correlated with shorter relapse-free survival in patients receiving tamoxifen. Hence, our findings support a critical role of GPER/HIF-1α axis in the regulation of aerobic glycolysis in tamoxifen-resistant cells, offering a potential therapeutic target for tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer.

Metabolic reprogramming of the tumor immune microenvironment in ovarian cancer: A novel orientation for immunotherapy

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic tumor, with the highest mortality rate. Numerous studies have been conducted on the treatment of ovarian cancer in the hopes of improving therapeutic outcomes. Immune cells have been revealed to play a dual function in the development of ovarian cancer, acting as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors. Increasingly, the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been proposed and confirmed to play a unique role in tumor development and treatment by altering immunosuppressive and cytotoxic responses in the vicinity of tumor cells through metabolic reprogramming. Furthermore, studies of immunometabolism have provided new insights into the understanding of the TIME. Targeting or activating metabolic processes of the TIME has the potential to be an antitumor therapy modality. In this review, we summarize the composition of the TIME of ovarian cancer and its metabolic reprogramming, its relationship with drug resistance in ovarian cancer, and recent research advances in immunotherapy.

Recent progress of the tumor microenvironmental metabolism in cervical cancer radioresistance

Radiotherapy is widely used as an indispensable treatment option for cervical cancer patients. However, radioresistance always occurs and has become a big obstacle to treatment efficacy. The reason for radioresistance is mainly attributed to the high repair ability of tumor cells that overcome the DNA damage caused by radiotherapy, and the increased self-healing ability of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Accumulating findings have demonstrated that the tumor microenvironment (TME) is closely related to cervical cancer radioresistance in many aspects, especially in the metabolic processes. In this review, we discuss radiotherapy in cervical cancer radioresistance, and focus on recent research progress of the TME metabolism that affects radioresistance in cervical cancer. Understanding the mechanism of metabolism in cervical cancer radioresistance may help identify useful therapeutic targets for developing novel therapy, overcome radioresistance and improve the efficacy of radiotherapy in clinics and quality of life of patients.

CK2 and the Hallmarks of Cancer

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is commonly dysregulated in cancer, impacting diverse molecular pathways. CK2 is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, constitutively active and ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotes. With over 500 known substrates and being estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of the human phosphoproteome, it is of significant importance. A broad spectrum of diverse types of cancer cells has been already shown to rely on disturbed CK2 levels for their survival. The hallmarks of cancer provide a rationale for understanding cancer’s common traits. They constitute the maintenance of proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling of replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, the activation of invasion and metastasis, as well as avoidance of immune destruction and dysregulation of cellular energetics. In this work, we have compiled evidence from the literature suggesting that CK2 modulates all hallmarks of cancer, thereby promoting oncogenesis and operating as a cancer driver by creating a cellular environment favorable to neoplasia.

Progress on structural modification of Tetrandrine with wide range of pharmacological activities

Tetrandrine (Tet), derived from the traditional Chinese herb Fangji, is a class of natural alkaloids with the structure of bisbenzylisoquinoline, which has a wide range of physiological activities and significant pharmacfological effects. However, studies and clinical applications have revealed a series of drawbacks such as its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and the fact that it can be toxic to humans. The results of many researchers have confirmed that chemical structural modifications and nanocarrier delivery can address the limited application of Tet and improve its efficacy. In this paper, we summarize the anti-tumor efficacy and mechanism of action, anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action, and clinical applications of Tet, and describe the progress of Tet based on chemical structure modification and nanocarrier delivery, aiming to explore more diverse structures to improve the pharmacological activity of Tet and provide ideas to meet clinical needs.

The strategic roles of four enzymes in the interconnection between metabolism and oncogene activation in non-small cell lung cancer: Therapeutic implications

NSCLC is the leading cause of cancer mortality and represents a major challenge in cancer therapy. Intrinsic and acquired anticancer drug resistance are promoted by hypoxia and HIF-1α. Moreover, chemoresistance is sustained by the activation of key signaling pathways (such as RAS and its well-known downstream targets PI3K/AKT and MAPK) and several mutated oncogenes (including KRAS and EGFR among others). In this review, we highlight how these oncogenic factors are interconnected with cell metabolism (aerobic glycolysis, glutaminolysis and lipid synthesis). Also, we stress the key role of four metabolic enzymes (PFK1, dimeric-PKM2, GLS1 and ACLY), which promote the activation of these oncogenic pathways in a positive feedback loop. These four tenors orchestrating the coordination of metabolism and oncogenic pathways could be key druggable targets for specific inhibition. Since PFK1 appears as the first tenor of this orchestra, its inhibition (and/or that of its main activator PFK2/PFKFB3) could be an efficacious strategy against NSCLC. Citrate is a potent physiologic inhibitor of both PFK1 and PFKFB3, and NSCLC cells seem to maintain a low citrate level to sustain aerobic glycolysis and the PFK1/PI3K/EGFR axis. Awaiting the development of specific non-toxic inhibitors of PFK1 and PFK2/PFKFB3, we propose to test strategies increasing citrate levels in NSCLC tumors to disrupt this interconnection. This could be attempted by evaluating inhibitors of the citrate-consuming enzyme ACLY and/or by direct administration of citrate at high doses. In preclinical models, this "citrate strategy" efficiently inhibits PFK1/PFK2, HIF-1α, and IGFR/PI3K/AKT axes. It also blocks tumor growth in RAS-driven lung cancer models, reversing dedifferentiation, promoting T lymphocytes tumor infiltration, and increasing sensitivity to cytotoxic drugs.

How Phosphofructokinase-1 Promotes PI3K and YAP/TAZ in Cancer: Therapeutic Perspectives

Simple Summary

We propose that PFK1 promotes a positive feedback loop with PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways in cancer cells. Therefore, targeting PFK1 (or its product F-1,6-BP) could improve the efficacy of PI3K and YAP/TAZ inhibitors currently tested in clinical trials. To this aim, we suggest the use of citrate, which is a physiologic and potent inhibitor of PFK1.

Abstract

PI3K/AKT is one of the most frequently altered signaling pathways in human cancers, supporting the activation of many proteins sustaining cell metabolism, proliferation, and aggressiveness. Another important pathway frequently altered in cancer cells is the one regulating the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators, which promote the expression of genes sustaining aerobic glycolysis (such as WNT, MYC, HIF-1), EMT, and drug resistance. Of note, the PI3K/AKT pathway can also regulate the YAP/TAZ one. Unfortunately, although PI3K and YAP inhibitors are currently tested in highly resistant cancers (both solid and hematologic ones), several resistance mechanisms may arise. Resistance mechanisms to PI3K inhibitors may involve the stimulation of alternative pathways (such as RAS, HER, IGFR/AKT), the inactivation of PTEN (the physiologic inhibitor of PI3K), and the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL and MCL1 proteins. Therefore, it is important to improve current therapeutic strategies to overcome these limitations. Here, we want to highlight how the glycolytic enzyme PFK1 (and its product F-1,6-BP) promotes the activation of both PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ pathways by several direct and indirect mechanisms. In turn, PI3K/AKT and YAP/TAZ can promote PFK1 activity and F-1,6-BP production in a positive feedback loop, thus sustaining the Warburg effect and drug resistance. Thus, we propose that the inhibition of PFK1 (and of its key activator PFK2/PFKFB3) could potentiate the sensitivity to PI3K and YAP inhibitors currently tested. Awaiting the development of non-toxic inhibitors of these enzymes, we propose to test the administration of citrate at a high dosage, because citrate is a physiologic inhibitor of both PFK1 and PFK2/PFKFB3. Consistently, in various cultured cancer cells (including melanoma, sarcoma, hematologic, and epithelial cancer cells), this “citrate strategy” efficiently inhibits the IGFR1/AKT pathway, promotes PTEN activity, reduces Bcl-xL and MCL1 expression, and increases sensitivity to standard chemotherapy. It also inhibits the development of sarcoma, pancreatic, mammary HER⁺ and lung RAS-driven tumors in mice without apparent toxicities.

The Hallmarks of Glioblastoma: Heterogeneity, Intercellular Crosstalk and Molecular Signature of Invasiveness and Progression

In 2021 the World Health Organization published the fifth and latest version of the Central Nervous System tumors classification, which incorporates and summarizes a long list of updates from the Consortium to Inform Molecular and Practical Approaches to CNS Tumor Taxonomy work. Among the adult-type diffuse gliomas, glioblastoma represents most primary brain tumors in the neuro-oncology practice of adults. Despite massive efforts in the field of neuro-oncology diagnostics to ensure a proper taxonomy, the identification of glioblastoma-tumor subtypes is not accompanied by personalized therapies, and no improvements in terms of overall survival have been achieved so far, confirming the existence of open and unresolved issues. The aim of this review is to illustrate and elucidate the state of art regarding the foremost biological and molecular mechanisms that guide the beginning and the progression of this cancer, showing the salient features of tumor hallmarks in glioblastoma. Pathophysiology processes are discussed on molecular and cellular levels, highlighting the critical overlaps that are involved into the creation of a complex tumor microenvironment. The description of glioblastoma hallmarks shows how tumoral processes can be linked together, finding their involvement within distinct areas that are engaged for cancer-malignancy establishment and maintenance. The evidence presented provides the promising view that glioblastoma represents interconnected hallmarks that may led to a better understanding of tumor pathophysiology, therefore driving the development of new therapeutic strategies and approaches.

Phosphorylation-Dependent Regulation of WNT/Beta-Catenin Signaling

WNT/β-catenin signaling is a highly complex pathway that plays diverse roles in various cellular processes. While WNT ligands usually signal through their dedicated Frizzled receptors, the decision to signal in a β-catenin-dependent or -independent manner rests upon the type of co-receptors used. Canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-dependent, whereas non-canonical WNT signaling is β-catenin-independent according to the classical definition. This still holds true, albeit with some added complexity, as both the pathways seem to cross-talk with intertwined networks that involve the use of different ligands, receptors, and co-receptors. β-catenin can be directly phosphorylated by various kinases governing its participation in either canonical or non-canonical pathways. Moreover, the co-activators that associate with β-catenin determine the output of the pathway in terms of induction of genes promoting proliferation or differentiation. In this review, we provide an overview of how protein phosphorylation controls WNT/β-catenin signaling, particularly in human cancer.

The Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors Improve the Therapeutic Activity of Glycolysis Modulators against Tongue Cancer Cells

Excessive glucose metabolism and disruptions in Wnt signaling are important molecular changes present in oral cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the combinatorial use of glycolysis and Wnt signaling inhibitors on viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis induction, cell cycle distribution and the glycolytic activity of tongue carcinoma cells. CAL 27, SCC-25 and BICR 22 tongue cancer cell lines were used. Cells were treated with inhibitors of glycolysis (2-deoxyglucose and lonidamine) and of Wnt signaling (PRI-724 and IWP-O1). The effects of the compounds on cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated with MTS and CellTox Green tests, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated by MitoPotential Dye staining and cell cycle distribution by staining with propidium iodide, followed by flow cytometric cell analysis. Glucose and lactate concentrations in a culture medium were evaluated luminometrically. Combinations of 2-deoxyglucose and lonidamine with Wnt pathway inhibitors were similarly effective in the impairment of oral cancer cells’ survival. However, the inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway by PRI-724 was more beneficial, based on the glycolytic activity of the cells. The results point to the therapeutic potential of the combination of low concentrations of glycolytic modulators with Wnt pathway inhibitors in oral cancer cells.