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De los Santos-Jiménez J, Rosales T, Ko B, Campos-Sandoval JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J, DeBerardinis RJ, Matés JM. Metabolic Adjustments following Glutaminase Inhibition by CB-839 in Glioblastoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020531. [PMID: 36672480 PMCID: PMC9856342 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020531] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Most tumor cells can use glutamine (Gln) for energy generation and biosynthetic purposes. Glutaminases (GAs) convert Gln into glutamate and ammonium. In humans, GAs are encoded by two genes: GLS and GLS2. In glioblastoma, GLS is commonly overexpressed and considered pro-oncogenic. We studied the metabolic effects of inhibiting GLS activity in T98G, LN229, and U87MG human glioblastoma cell lines by using the inhibitor CB-839. We performed metabolomics and isotope tracing experiments using U-13C-labeled Gln, as well as 15N-labeled Gln in the amide group, to determine the metabolic fates of Gln carbon and nitrogen atoms. In the presence of the inhibitor, the results showed an accumulation of Gln and lower levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, and aspartate, along with a decreased oxidative labeling and diminished reductive carboxylation-related labeling of these metabolites. Additionally, CB-839 treatment caused decreased levels of metabolites from pyrimidine biosynthesis and an accumulation of intermediate metabolites in the de novo purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway. The levels of some acetylated and methylated metabolites were significantly increased, including acetyl-carnitine, trimethyl-lysine, and 5-methylcytosine. In conclusion, we analyzed the metabolic landscape caused by the GLS inhibition of CB-839 in human glioma cells, which might lead to the future development of new combination therapies with CB-839.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan De los Santos-Jiménez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Tracy Rosales
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bookyung Ko
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - José A. Campos-Sandoval
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Alonso
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ralph J. DeBerardinis
- Children’s Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - José M. Matés
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND), Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-952133430
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Campos-Sandoval JA, Gómez-García MC, Santos-Jiménez JDL, Matés JM, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Antioxidant responses related to temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma. Neurochem Int 2021; 149:105136. [PMID: 34274381 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma remains one of the most challenging and devastating cancers, with only a very small proportion of patients achieving 5-year survival. The current standard of care consists of surgery, followed by radiation therapy with concurrent and maintenance chemotherapy with the alkylating agent temozolomide. To date, this drug is the only one that provides a significant survival benefit, albeit modest, as patients end up acquiring resistance to this drug. As a result, tumor progression and recurrence inevitably occur, leading to death. Several factors have been proposed to explain this resistance, including an upregulated antioxidant system to keep the elevated intracellular ROS levels, a hallmark of cancer cells, under control. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of chemoresistance -including the important role of glioblastoma stem cells-with emphasis on antioxidant defenses and how agents that impair redox balance (i.e.: sulfasalazine, erastin, CB-839, withaferin, resveratrol, curcumin, chloroquine, and hydroxychloroquine) might be advantageous in combined therapies against this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Campos-Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - María C Gómez-García
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - José M Matés
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain, and Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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Ojeda-Pérez B, Campos-Sandoval JA, García-Bonilla M, Cárdenas-García C, Páez-González P, Jiménez AJ. Identification of key molecular biomarkers involved in reactive and neurodegenerative processes present in inherited congenital hydrocephalus. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:30. [PMID: 34215285 PMCID: PMC8254311 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00263-2] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periventricular extracellular oedema, myelin damage, inflammation, and glial reactions are common neuropathological events that occur in the brain in congenital hydrocephalus. The periventricular white matter is the most affected region. The present study aimed to identify altered molecular and cellular biomarkers in the neocortex that can function as potential therapeutic targets to both treat and evaluate recovery from these neurodegenerative conditions. The hyh mouse model of hereditary hydrocephalus was used for this purpose. METHODS The hyh mouse model of hereditary hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus with hop gait) and control littermates without hydrocephalus were used in the present work. In tissue sections, the ionic content was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM). For the lipid analysis, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was performed in frozen sections. The expression of proteins in the cerebral white matter was analysed by mass spectrometry. The oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) were studied with immunofluorescence in cerebral sections and whole-mount preparations of the ventricle walls. RESULTS High sodium and chloride concentrations were found indicating oedema conditions in both the periventricular white matter and extending towards the grey matter. Lipid analysis revealed lower levels of two phosphatidylinositol molecular species in the grey matter, indicating that neural functions were altered in the hydrocephalic mice. In addition, the expression of proteins in the cerebral white matter revealed evident deregulation of the processes of oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination. Because of the changes in oligodendrocyte differentiation in the white matter, OPCs were also studied. In hydrocephalic mice, OPCs were found to be reactive, overexpressing the NG2 antigen but not giving rise to an increase in mature oligodendrocytes. The higher levels of the NG2 antigen, diacylglycerophosphoserine and possibly transthyretin in the cerebrum of hydrocephalic hyh mice could indicate cell reactions that may have been triggered by inflammation, neurocytotoxic conditions, and ischaemia. CONCLUSION Our results identify possible biomarkers of hydrocephalus in the cerebral grey and white matter. In the white matter, OPCs could be reacting to acquire a neuroprotective role or as a delay in the oligodendrocyte maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betsaida Ojeda-Pérez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Servicios Centrales de Apoyo a la Investigación (SCAI), Universidad de Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - María García-Bonilla
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain
| | | | - Patricia Páez-González
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain.
| | - Antonio J Jiménez
- Department of Cell Biology, Genetics, and Physiology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Malaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Malaga, Spain.
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer by Chemicals that Target Glutaminase Isoenzymes. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:5317-5339. [PMID: 31038055 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190416165004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming of tumours is a hallmark of cancer. Among the changes in the metabolic network of cancer cells, glutaminolysis is a key reaction altered in neoplasms. Glutaminase proteins control the first step in glutamine metabolism and their expression correlates with malignancy and growth rate of a great variety of cancers. The two types of glutaminase isoenzymes, GLS and GLS2, differ in their expression patterns and functional roles: GLS has oncogenic properties and GLS2 has been described as a tumour suppressor factor. RESULTS We have focused on glutaminase connections with key oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes. Targeting glutaminase isoenzymes includes different strategies aimed at deactivating the rewiring of cancer metabolism. In addition, we found a long list of metabolic enzymes, transcription factors and signalling pathways dealing with glutaminase. On the other hand, a number of chemicals have been described as isoenzyme-specific inhibitors of GLS and/or GLS2 isoforms. These molecules are being characterized as synergic and therapeutic agents in many types of tumours. CONCLUSION This review states the metabolic pathways that are rewired in cancer, the roles of glutaminase isoforms in cancer, as well as the metabolic circuits regulated by glutaminases. We also show the plethora of anticancer drugs that specifically inhibit glutaminase isoenzymes for treating several sets of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Juan A Segura
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Malaga, 29071 Malaga, Spain
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, de Los Santos-Jiménez J, Márquez J. Glutaminases regulate glutathione and oxidative stress in cancer. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:2603-2623. [PMID: 32681190 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02838-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies against cancer have improved both survival and quality of life of patients. However, metabolic rewiring evokes cellular mechanisms that reduce therapeutic mightiness. Resistant cells generate more glutathione, elicit nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activation, and overexpress many anti-oxidative genes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and thioredoxin reductase, providing stronger antioxidant capacity to survive in a more oxidative environment due to the sharp rise in oxidative metabolism and reactive oxygen species generation. These changes dramatically alter tumour microenvironment and cellular metabolism itself. A rational design of therapeutic combination strategies is needed to flatten cellular homeostasis and accomplish a drop in cancer development. Context-dependent glutaminase isoenzymes show oncogenic and tumour suppressor properties, being mainly associated to MYC and p53, respectively. Glutaminases catalyze glutaminolysis in mitochondria, regulating oxidative phosphorylation, redox status and cell metabolism for tumour growth. In addition, the substrate and product of glutaminase reaction, glutamine and glutamate, respectively, can work as signalling molecules moderating redox and bioenergetic pathways in cancer. Novel synergistic approaches combining glutaminase inhibition and redox-dependent modulation are described in this review. Pharmacological or genetic glutaminase regulation along with oxidative chemotherapy can help to improve the design of combination strategies that escalate the rate of therapeutic success in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan de Los Santos-Jiménez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Canceromics Lab, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, 29071, Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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Roza C, Campos-Sandoval JA, Gómez-García MC, Peñalver A, Márquez J. Lysophosphatidic Acid and Glutamatergic Transmission. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:138. [PMID: 31191247 PMCID: PMC6546900 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00138] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling through bioactive lipids regulates nervous system development and functions. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a membrane-derived lipid mediator particularly enriched in brain, is able to induce many responses in neurons and glial cells by affecting key processes like synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, differentiation and proliferation. Early studies noted sustained elevations of neuronal intracellular calcium, a primary response to LPA exposure, suggesting functional modifications of NMDA and AMPA glutamate receptors. However, the crosstalk between LPA signaling and glutamatergic transmission has only recently been shown. For example, stimulation of presynaptic LPA receptors in hippocampal neurons regulates glutamate release from the presynaptic terminal, and excess of LPA induce seizures. Further evidence indicating a role of LPA in the modulation of neuronal transmission has been inferred from animal models with deficits on LPA receptors, mainly LPA1 which is the most prevalent receptor in human and mouse brain tissue. LPA1 null-mice exhibit cognitive and attention deficits characteristic of schizophrenia which are related with altered glutamatergic transmission and reduced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, silencing of LPA1 receptor in mice induced a severe down-regulation of the main glutaminase isoform (GLS) in cerebral cortex and hippocampus, along with a parallel sharp decrease on active matrix-metalloproteinase 9. The downregulation of both enzymes correlated with an altered morphology of glutamatergic pyramidal cells dendritic spines towards a less mature phenotype, indicating important implications of LPA in synaptic excitatory plasticity which may contribute to the cognitive and memory deficits shown by LPA1-deficient mice. In this review, we present an updated account of current evidence pointing to important implications of LPA in the modulation of synaptic excitatory transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Roza
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Edificio de Medicina Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, Málaga, Spain
| | - María C Gómez-García
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Peñalver
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos, Málaga, Spain
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Matés JM, Di Paola FJ, Campos-Sandoval JA, Mazurek S, Márquez J. Therapeutic targeting of glutaminolysis as an essential strategy to combat cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 98:34-43. [PMID: 31100352 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [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: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming in cancer targets glutamine metabolism as a key mechanism to provide energy, biosynthetic precursors and redox requirements to allow the massive proliferation of tumor cells. Glutamine is also a signaling molecule involved in essential pathways regulated by oncogenes and tumor suppressor factors. Glutaminase isoenzymes are critical proteins to control glutaminolysis, a key metabolic pathway for cell proliferation and survival that directs neoplasms' fate. Adaptive glutamine metabolism can be altered by different metabolic therapies, including the use of specific allosteric inhibitors of glutaminase that can evoke synergistic effects for the therapy of cancer patients. We also review other clinical applications of in vivo assessment of glutaminolysis by metabolomic approaches, including diagnosis and monitoring of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Matés
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Floriana J Di Paola
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Sybille Mazurek
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Javier Márquez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, E-29071 Málaga, Spain.
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Matés JM, Campos-Sandoval JA, Márquez J. Glutaminase isoenzymes in the metabolic therapy of cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:158-164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Peñalver A, Campos-Sandoval JA, Blanco E, Cardona C, Castilla L, Martín-Rufián M, Estivill-Torrús G, Sánchez-Varo R, Alonso FJ, Pérez-Hernández M, Colado MI, Gutiérrez A, de Fonseca FR, Márquez J. Glutaminase and MMP-9 Downregulation in Cortex and Hippocampus of LPA 1 Receptor Null Mice Correlate with Altered Dendritic Spine Plasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:278. [PMID: 28928633 PMCID: PMC5591874 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an extracellular lipid mediator that regulates nervous system development and functions acting through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we explore the crosstalk between LPA1 receptor and glutamatergic transmission by examining expression of glutaminase (GA) isoforms in different brain areas isolated from wild-type (WT) and KOLPA1 mice. Silencing of LPA1 receptor induced a severe down-regulation of Gls-encoded long glutaminase protein variant (KGA) (glutaminase gene encoding the kidney-type isoforms, GLS) protein expression in several brain regions, particularly in brain cortex and hippocampus. Immunohistochemical assessment of protein levels for the second type of glutaminase (GA) isoform, glutaminase gene encoding the liver-type isoforms (GLS2), did not detect substantial differences with regard to WT animals. The regional mRNA levels of GLS were determined by real time RT-PCR and did not show significant variations, except for prefrontal and motor cortex values which clearly diminished in KO mice. Total GA activity was also significantly reduced in prefrontal and motor cortex, but remained essentially unchanged in the hippocampus and rest of brain regions examined, suggesting activation of genetic compensatory mechanisms and/or post-translational modifications to compensate for KGA protein deficit. Remarkably, Golgi staining of hippocampal regions showed an altered morphology of glutamatergic pyramidal cells dendritic spines towards a less mature filopodia-like phenotype, as compared with WT littermates. This structural change correlated with a strong decrease of active matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of KOLPA1 mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LPA signaling through LPA1 influence expression of the main isoenzyme of glutamate biosynthesis with strong repercussions on dendritic spines maturation, which may partially explain the cognitive and learning defects previously reported for this colony of KOLPA1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Peñalver
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Eduardo Blanco
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Carolina Cardona
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Laura Castilla
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martín-Rufián
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Guillermo Estivill-Torrús
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurociencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Varo
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Mercedes Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de OctubreMadrid, Spain
| | - María I Colado
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de OctubreMadrid, Spain
| | - Antonia Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Genética y Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de MálagaMálaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Canceromics Laboratory, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de TeatinosMálaga, Spain
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10
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Márquez J, Alonso FJ, Matés JM, Segura JA, Martín-Rufián M, Campos-Sandoval JA. Glutamine Addiction In Gliomas. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1735-1746. [PMID: 28281102 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2212-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [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: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells develop and succeed by shifting to different metabolic programs compared with their normal cell counterparts. One of the classical hallmarks of cancer cells is their higher glycolysis rate and lactate production even in the presence of abundant O2 (Warburg effect). Another common metabolic feature of cancer cells is a high rate of glutamine (Gln) consumption normally exceeding their biosynthetic and energetic needs. The term Gln addiction is now widely used to reflect the strong dependence shown by most cancer cells for this essential nitrogen substrate after metabolic reprogramming. A Gln/glutamate (Glu) cycle occurs between host tissues and the tumor in order to maximize its growth and proliferation rates. The mechanistic basis for this deregulated tumor metabolism and how these changes are connected to oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways are becoming increasingly understood. Based on these advances, new avenues of research have been initiated to find novel therapeutic targets and to explore strategies that interfere with glutamine metabolism as anticancer therapies. In this review, we provided an updated overview of glutamine addiction in glioma, the most prevalent type of brain tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Márquez
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Alonso
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - José M Matés
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan A Segura
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martín-Rufián
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - José A Campos-Sandoval
- Canceromics lab, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
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11
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Márquez J, Campos-Sandoval JA, Peñalver A, Matés JM, Segura JA, Blanco E, Alonso FJ, de Fonseca FR. Glutamate and Brain Glutaminases in Drug Addiction. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:846-857. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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12
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Campos-Sandoval JA, Martín-Rufián M, Cardona C, Lobo C, Peñalver A, Márquez J. Glutaminases in brain: Multiple isoforms for many purposes. Neurochem Int 2015; 88:1-5. [PMID: 25837287 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2015.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase is expressed in most mammalian tissues and cancer cells, but recent studies are now revealing a considerably degree of complexity in its pattern of expression and functional regulation. Novel transcript variants of the mammalian glutaminase Gls2 gene have been recently found and characterized in brain. Co-expression of different isoforms in the same cell type would allow cells to fine-tune their Gln/Glu levels under a wide range of metabolic states. Moreover, the discovery of protein interacting partners and novel subcellular localizations, for example nucleocytoplasmic in neurons and astrocytes, strongly suggest non-neurotransmission roles for Gls2 isoforms associated with transcriptional regulation and cellular differentiation. Of note, Gls isoforms have been considered as an important trophic factor for neuronal differentiation and postnatal development of brain regions. On the other hand, glutaminases are taking center stage in tumor biology as new therapeutic targets to inhibit metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Interestingly, glutaminase isoenzymes play seemingly opposing roles in cancer cell growth and proliferation; this issue will be also succinctly discussed with special emphasis on brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Campos-Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | | | - Carolina Cardona
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Carolina Lobo
- Proteomics Lab, Central Facility Core, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Peñalver
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain.
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Cardona C, Sánchez-Mejías E, Dávila JC, Martín-Rufián M, Campos-Sandoval JA, Vitorica J, Alonso FJ, Matés JM, Segura JA, Norenberg MD, Rama Rao KV, Jayakumar AR, Gutiérrez A, Márquez J. Expression of Gls and Gls2 glutaminase isoforms in astrocytes. Glia 2014; 63:365-82. [PMID: 25297978 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The expression of glutaminase in glial cells has been a controversial issue and matter of debate for many years. Actually, glutaminase is essentially considered as a neuronal marker in brain. Astrocytes are endowed with efficient and high capacity transport systems to recapture synaptic glutamate which seems to be consistent with the absence of glutaminase in these glial cells. In this work, a comprehensive study was devised to elucidate expression of glutaminase in neuroglia and, more concretely, in astrocytes. Immunocytochemistry in rat and human brain tissues employing isoform-specific antibodies revealed expression of both Gls and Gls2 glutaminase isozymes in glutamatergic and GABAergic neuronal populations as well as in astrocytes. Nevertheless, there was a different subcellular distribution: Gls isoform was always present in mitochondria while Gls2 appeared in two different locations, mitochondria and nucleus. Confocal microscopy and double immunofluorescence labeling in cultured astrocytes confirmed the same pattern previously seen in brain tissue samples. Astrocytic glutaminase expression was also assessed at the mRNA level, real-time quantitative RT-PCR detected transcripts of four glutaminase isozymes but with marked differences on their absolute copy number: the predominance of Gls isoforms over Gls2 transcripts was remarkable (ratio of 144:1). Finally, we proved that astrocytic glutaminase proteins possess enzymatic activity by in situ activity staining: concrete populations of astrocytes were labeled in the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus of rat brain demonstrating functional catalytic activity. These results are relevant for the stoichiometry of the Glu/Gln cycle at the tripartite synapse and suggest novel functions for these classical metabolic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Cardona
- Canceromics Lab. Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Málaga, Spain
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14
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Martín-Rufián M, Nascimento-Gomes R, Higuero A, Crisma AR, Campos-Sandoval JA, Gómez-García MC, Cardona C, Cheng T, Lobo C, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Szeliga M, Albrecht J, Curi R, Márquez J, Colquhoun A, Deberardinis RJ, Matés JM. Both GLS silencing and GLS2 overexpression synergize with oxidative stress against proliferation of glioma cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2013; 92:277-90. [PMID: 24276018 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-013-1105-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Mitochondrial glutaminase (GA) plays an essential role in cancer cell metabolism, contributing to biosynthesis, bioenergetics, and redox balance. Humans contain several GA isozymes encoded by the GLS and GLS2 genes, but the specific roles of each in cancer metabolism are still unclear. In this study, glioma SFxL and LN229 cells with silenced isoenzyme glutaminase KGA (encoded by GLS) showed lower survival ratios and a reduced GSH-dependent antioxidant capacity. These GLS-silenced cells also demonstrated induction of apoptosis indicated by enhanced annexin V binding capacity and caspase 3 activity. GLS silencing was associated with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) (JC-1 dye test), indicating that apoptosis was mediated by mitochondrial dysfunction. Similar observations were made in T98 glioma cells overexpressing glutaminase isoenzyme GAB, encoded by GLS2, though some characteristics (GSH/GSSG ratio) were different in the differently treated cell lines. Thus, control of GA isoenzyme expression may prove to be a key tool to alter both metabolic and oxidative stress in cancer therapy. Interestingly, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by treatment with oxidizing agents: arsenic trioxide or hydrogen peroxide, synergizes with either KGA silencing or GAB overexpression to suppress malignant properties of glioma cells, including the reduction of cellular motility. Of note, negative modulation of GLS isoforms or GAB overexpression evoked lower c-myc and bcl-2 expression, as well as higher pro-apoptotic bid expression. Combination of modulation of GA expression and treatment with oxidizing agents may become a therapeutic strategy for intractable cancers and provides a multi-angle evaluation system for anti-glioma pre-clinical investigations. KEY MESSAGE Silencing GLS or overexpressing GLS2 induces growth inhibition in glioma cell lines. Inhibition is synergistically enhanced after arsenic trioxide (ATO) or H2O2 treatment. Glutatione levels decrease in GLS-silenced cells but augment if GLS2 is overexpressed. ROS synergistically inhibit cell migration by GLS silencing or GLS2 overexpression. c-myc, bid, and bcl-2 mediate apoptosis resulting from GLS silencing or GLS2 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Martín-Rufián
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Campus de Teatinos, University of Málaga, 29071, Málaga, Spain
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15
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Matés JM, Segura JA, Martín-Rufián M, Campos-Sandoval JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Glutaminase isoenzymes as key regulators in metabolic and oxidative stress against cancer. Curr Mol Med 2013; 13:514-34. [PMID: 22934847 DOI: 10.2174/1566524011313040005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Revised: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells require a robust supply of reduced nitrogen to produce nucleotides, non-essential amino acids and a high cellular redox activity. Glutamine provides a major substrate for respiration as well as nitrogen for the production of proteins, hexosamines, and macromolecules. Therefore, glutamine is one of key molecules in cancer metabolism during cell proliferation. The notion of targeting glutamine metabolism in cancer, originally rationalized by the number of pathways fed by this nutrient, has been reinforced by more recent studies demonstrating that its metabolism is regulated by oncogenes. Glutamine can exert its effects by modulating redox homeostasis, bioenergetics, nitrogen balance or other functions, including by being a precursor of glutathione, the major nonenzymatic cellular antioxidant. Glutaminase (GA) is the first enzyme that converts glutamine to glutamate, which is in turn converted to alpha-ketoglutarate for further metabolism in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Different GA isoforms in mammals are encoded by two genes, Gls and Gls2. As each enzymatic form of GA has distinct kinetic and molecular characteristics, it has been speculated that the differential regulation of GA isoforms may reflect distinct functions or requirements in different tissues or cell states. GA encoded by Gls gene (GLS) has been demonstrated to be regulated by oncogenes and to support tumor cell growth. GA encoded by Gls2 gene (GLS2) reduces cellular sensitivity to reactive oxygen species associated apoptosis possibly through glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense, and therefore to behave more like a tumor suppressor. Thus, modulation of GA function may be a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Matés
- Department of Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Campus de Teatinos, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain.
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Márquez J, Cardona C, Campos-Sandoval JA, Peñalver A, Tosina M, Matés JM, Martín-Rufián M. Mammalian glutaminase isozymes in brain. Metab Brain Dis 2013; 28:133-7. [PMID: 23149879 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-012-9356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine/glutamate homeostasis must be exquisitely regulated in mammalian brain and glutaminase (GA, E.C. 3.5.1.2) is one of the main enzymes involved. The products of GA reaction, glutamate and ammonia, are essential metabolites for energy and biosynthetic purposes but they are also hazardous compounds at concentrations beyond their normal physiological thresholds. The classical pattern of GA expression in mammals has been recently challenged by the discovery of novel transcript variants and protein isoforms. Furthermore, the interactome of brain GA is also starting to be uncovered adding a new level of regulatory complexity. GA may traffic in brain and unexpected locations, like cytosol and nucleus, have been found for GA isoforms. Finally, the expression of GA in glial cells has been reported and its potential implications in ammonia homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Márquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga 29071, Spain.
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17
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Martín-Rufián M, Tosina M, Campos-Sandoval JA, Manzanares E, Lobo C, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Matés JM, Márquez J. Mammalian glutaminase Gls2 gene encodes two functional alternative transcripts by a surrogate promoter usage mechanism. PLoS One 2012; 7:e38380. [PMID: 22679499 PMCID: PMC3367983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0038380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutaminase is expressed in most mammalian tissues and cancer cells, but the regulation of its expression is poorly understood. An essential step to accomplish this goal is the characterization of its species- and cell-specific isoenzyme pattern of expression. Our aim was to identify and characterize transcript variants of the mammalian glutaminase Gls2 gene. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We demonstrate for the first time simultaneous expression of two transcript variants from the Gls2 gene in human, rat and mouse. A combination of RT-PCR, primer-extension analysis, bioinformatics, real-time PCR, in vitro transcription and translation and immunoblot analysis was applied to investigate GLS2 transcripts in mammalian tissues. Short (LGA) and long (GAB) transcript forms were isolated in brain and liver tissue of human, rat and mouse. The short LGA transcript arises by a combination of two mechanisms of transcriptional modulation: alternative transcription initiation and alternative promoter. The LGA variant contains both the transcription start site (TSS) and the alternative promoter in the first intron of the Gls2 gene. The full human LGA transcript has two in-frame ATGs in the first exon, which are missing in orthologous rat and mouse transcripts. In vitro transcription and translation of human LGA yielded two polypeptides of the predicted size, but only the canonical full-length protein displayed catalytic activity. Relative abundance of GAB and LGA transcripts showed marked variations depending on species and tissues analyzed. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report demonstrating expression of alternative transcripts of the mammalian Gls2 gene. Transcriptional mechanisms giving rise to GLS2 variants and isolation of novel GLS2 transcripts in human, rat and mouse are presented. Results were also confirmed at the protein level, where catalytic activity was demonstrated for the human LGA protein. Relative abundance of GAB and LGA transcripts was species- and tissue-specific providing evidence of a differential regulation of GLS2 transcripts in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Martín-Rufián
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Marta Tosina
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - José A. Campos-Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Elisa Manzanares
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Carolina Lobo
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - J. A. Segura
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Alonso
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - José M. Matés
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Javier Márquez
- Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- * E-mail:
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de la Rosa V, Campos-Sandoval JA, Martín-Rufián M, Cardona C, Matés JM, Segura JA, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. A novel glutaminase isoform in mammalian tissues. Neurochem Int 2009; 55:76-84. [PMID: 19428810 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2009.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 02/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of neurotransmitter glutamate in brain is mainly carried out by glutaminase enzymes. This synthesis must be exquisitely regulated because of its harmful potential giving rise to excitotoxic damage. It is noteworthy that two glutaminase isozymes coded by different genes are expressed in the brain of mammals. The need for two genes and two isozymes to support the single process of glutamate synthesis is unexplained, and identifying the role of each glutaminase is an important factor in understanding glutamate-mediated neurotransmission. Multiple transcripts for glutaminase genes and simultaneous expression of glutaminase isoforms have been reported in mammalian tissues and cells. The recent discovery of protein interacting partners widens the possibilities of regulatory mechanisms controlling these biosynthetic enzymes. The expression of distinct isozymes and binding partners may represent the biochemical and molecular basis to achieve fine-tuning control of glutamate synthesis in different cell types or developmental states. In this review, we will briefly summarize recent works on glutaminase proteins in mammals, with particular emphasis on brain studies. We present convergent evidence supporting the existence of a novel glutaminase isozyme in mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa de la Rosa
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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19
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Donadio AC, Lobo C, Tosina M, de la Rosa V, Martín-Rufián M, Campos-Sandoval JA, Matés JM, Márquez J, Alonso FJ, Segura JA. Antisense glutaminase inhibition modifies the O-GlcNAc pattern and flux through the hexosamine pathway in breast cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2008; 103:800-11. [PMID: 17614351 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine behaves as a key nutrient for tumors and rapidly dividing cells. Glutaminase is the main glutamine-utilizing enzyme in these cells, and its activity correlates with glutamine consumption and growth rate. We have carried out the antisense L-type glutaminase inhibition in human MCF7 breast cancer cells, in order to study its effect on the hexosamine pathway and the pattern of protein O-glycosylation. The antisense mRNA glutaminase expressing cells, named ORF19, presented a 50% lower proliferation rate than parental cells, showing a more differentiated phenotype. ORF19 cells had an 80% reduction in glutamine:fructose-6-P amidotransferase activity, which is the rate-limiting step of the hexosamine pathway. Although the overall cellular protein O-glycosylation did not change, the O-glycosylation status of several key proteins was altered. O-glycosylation of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the enzyme that links N-acetylglucosamine to proteins, was fivefold lower in ORF19 than in wild type cells. Inhibition of glutaminase also provoked a 10-fold increase in Sp1 expression, and a significant decrease in the ratio of O-glycosylated to total protein for both Sp1 and the Rpt2 proteasome component. These changes were accompanied by a higher Sp1 transcriptional activity. Proteome analysis of O-glycosylated proteins permitted the detection of two new OGT target proteins: the chaperonin TCP-1 theta and the oncogene Ets-related protein isoform 7. Taken together, our results support the hexosamine pathway and the O-glycosylation of proteins being a sensor mechanism of the nutritional and energetic states of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Donadio
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Haya de Torre y Medina Allende, Ciudad Universitaria, Córdoba, Argentina
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Olalla L, Gutiérrez A, Jiménez AJ, López-Téllez JF, Khan ZU, Pérez J, Alonso FJ, de la Rosa V, Campos-Sandoval JA, Segura JA, Aledo JC, Márquez J. Expression of the scaffolding PDZ protein glutaminase-interacting protein in mammalian brain. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:281-92. [PMID: 17847083 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A human brain cDNA clone coding for a novel PDZ-domain protein of 124 amino acids was previously isolated in our laboratory. The protein was termed glutaminase-interacting protein (GIP), because it interacts with the C-terminal region of the human L-type glutaminase (LGA). The pattern of expression and functions of GIP in brain are completely unknown, so its significance remains undefined. Here we describe the expression of GIP mRNA and protein in mammalian brain. Northern blot analysis revealed that GIP mRNA was ubiquitous in most regions of human brain but was particularly abundant in spinal cord. The presence of the protein in rat and monkey brain was studied at the regional, cellular, and subcellular level by immunocytochemistry. The protein was found to be present in both neurons and astrocytes, with a cytosolic and mitochondrial subcellular localization. Double immunofluorescence labeling with anti-GIP and anti-LGA antibodies using confocal microscopy revealed colocalization of both proteins in astrocyte cell processes and their perivascular end feet. Electron microscopy of rat brain neurons revealed GIP immunoreactivity concentrated also in the nuclear envelope and the plasma membrane. The multiple locations for GIP in mammalian brain are in agreement with known protein interaction partners reported for this PDZ protein. The findings presented here support a role of GIP as an important scaffold in both astrocytes and neurons and point toward astrocytic processes and perivascular end feet as plausible anatomical substrates for interaction with glutaminase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Olalla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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21
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Campos-Sandoval JA, López de la Oliva AR, Lobo C, Segura JA, Matés JM, Alonso FJ, Márquez J. Expression of functional human glutaminase in baculovirus system: Affinity purification, kinetic and molecular characterization. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 39:765-73. [PMID: 17267261 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2006.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 07/25/2006] [Revised: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase catalyzes the hydrolysis of glutamine yielding stoichiometric amounts of glutamate plus ammonium ions. In mammals, there are two different genes encoding for glutaminase, known as liver (L) and kidney (K) types. The human L-type isoform expressed in baculovirus yielded functional recombinant enzyme in Sf9 insect cells. A novel affinity chromatography method, based on its specific interaction with a PDZ protein, was developed for purification. Kinetic constants were determined for the purified human isozyme, which showed an allosteric behaviour for glutamine, with a Hill index of 2.7 and S(0.5) values of 32 and 64 mM for high and low P(i) concentrations, respectively. Whereas the protein showed a low P(i) dependence typical for L-type glutaminases, the enzyme was unexpectedly inhibited by glutamate, a kinetic characteristic exclusive of K-type isozymes, and was slightly activated by ammonia, unlike the classical liver enzymes which show an absolute dependence on ammonia. Subcellular fractionation demonstrates that recombinant human glutaminase was targeted to both mitochondria and nucleus, and in both locations the protein was catalytically active. This is the first report of the expression of a functional L-type mammalian glutaminase enzyme. The study also provides a simple and efficient method for affinity purification of the recombinant enzyme. Moreover, the data imply that this human enzyme may represent a new isoform different from classical kidney and liver isozymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Campos-Sandoval
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Química de Proteínas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
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