scholarly journals An Asp to Strike Out Cancer? Therapeutic Possibilities Arising from Aspartate’s Emerging Roles in Cell Proliferation and Survival

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1666
Author(s):  
Iiro Taneli Helenius ◽  
Hanumantha Rao Madala ◽  
Jing-Ruey Joanna Yeh
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Redox Balance ◽  
Mitochondrial Metabolism ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Nucleotide Synthesis ◽  
Metabolic States ◽  
Cancer Cell Survival ◽  
Tumor Types

A better understanding of the metabolic constraints of a tumor may lead to more effective anticancer treatments. Evidence has emerged in recent years shedding light on a crucial aspartate dependency of many tumor types. As a precursor for nucleotide synthesis, aspartate is indispensable for cell proliferation. Moreover, the malate–aspartate shuttle plays a key role in redox balance, and a deficit in aspartate can lead to oxidative stress. It is now recognized that aspartate biosynthesis is largely governed by mitochondrial metabolism, including respiration and glutaminolysis in cancer cells. Therefore, under conditions that suppress mitochondrial metabolism, including mutations, hypoxia, or chemical inhibitors, aspartate can become a limiting factor for tumor growth and cancer cell survival. Notably, aspartate availability has been associated with sensitivity or resistance to various therapeutics that are presently in the clinic or in clinical trials, arguing for a critical need for more effective aspartate-targeting approaches. In this review, we present current knowledge of the metabolic roles of aspartate in cancer cells and describe how cancer cells maintain aspartate levels under different metabolic states. We also highlight several promising aspartate level-modulating agents that are currently under investigation.

scholarly journals The importance of serine metabolism in cancer

2016 ◽  
Vol 214 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine R. Mattaini ◽  
Mark R. Sullivan ◽  
Matthew G. Vander Heiden
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Amino Acid ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Redox Homeostasis ◽  
Cancer Cell Proliferation ◽  
Acid Transport ◽  
Nucleotide Synthesis ◽  
Serine Metabolism

Serine metabolism is frequently dysregulated in cancers; however, the benefit that this confers to tumors remains controversial. In many cases, extracellular serine alone is sufficient to support cancer cell proliferation, whereas some cancer cells increase serine synthesis from glucose and require de novo serine synthesis even in the presence of abundant extracellular serine. Recent studies cast new light on the role of serine metabolism in cancer, suggesting that active serine synthesis might be required to facilitate amino acid transport, nucleotide synthesis, folate metabolism, and redox homeostasis in a manner that impacts cancer.

scholarly journals Colorectal cancer cells utilize autophagy to maintain mitochondrial metabolism for cell proliferation under nutrient stress

JCI Insight ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha N. Devenport ◽  
Rashi Singhal ◽  
Megan D. Radyk ◽  
Joseph G. Taranto ◽  
Samuel A. Kerk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Nutrient Stress ◽  
Mitochondrial Metabolism ◽  
Colorectal Cancer Cells

scholarly journals Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Integration Reveals Redox-Dependent Metabolic Rewiring in Breast Cancer Cells

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (20) ◽  
pp. 5058
Author(s):  
Marcella Bonanomi ◽  
Noemi Salmistraro ◽  
Giulia Fiscon ◽  
Federica Conte ◽  
Paola Paci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Aerobic Glycolysis ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Cancer Cell Line ◽  
Redox Balance ◽  
Ros Generation ◽  
Nucleotide Synthesis ◽  
Transcriptional Reprogramming ◽  
Rapid Generation

Rewiring glucose metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis provides cancer cells with a rapid generation of pyruvate, ATP, and NADH, while pyruvate oxidation to lactate guarantees refueling of oxidized NAD+ to sustain glycolysis. CtPB2, an NADH-dependent transcriptional co-regulator, has been proposed to work as an NADH sensor, linking metabolism to epigenetic transcriptional reprogramming. By integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics in a triple-negative human breast cancer cell line, we show that genetic and pharmacological down-regulation of CtBP2 strongly reduces cell proliferation by modulating the redox balance, nucleotide synthesis, ROS generation, and scavenging. Our data highlight the critical role of NADH in controlling the oncogene-dependent crosstalk between metabolism and the epigenetically mediated transcriptional program that sustains energetic and anabolic demands in cancer cells.

scholarly journals A pan-cancer metabolic atlas of the tumor microenvironment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Rohatgi ◽  
Umesh Ghoshdastider ◽  
Probhonjon Baruah ◽  
Anders Jacobsen Skanderup
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Metabolic Genes ◽  
Metabolic States ◽  
Tryptophan Catabolism ◽  
Tumor Types ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Pan Cancer ◽  
The Warburg Effect

AbstractTumors are heterogeneous cellular environments with entwined metabolic dependencies. Here, we used a tumor transcriptome deconvolution approach to profile the metabolic states of cancer and non-cancer (stromal) cells in bulk tumors of 20 solid tumor types. We identified metabolic genes and processes recurrently altered in cancer cells across tumor types, including pan-cancer upregulation of deoxythymidine triphosphate (dTTP) production. In contrast, the tryptophan catabolism rate limiting enzymes, IDO1 and TDO2, were highly overexpressed in stroma, suggesting that kynurenine-mediated suppression of antitumor immunity is predominantly constrained by the stroma. Oxidative phosphorylation was unexpectedly the most upregulated metabolic process in cancer cells compared to both stromal cells and a large atlas of cancer cell lines, suggesting that the Warburg effect may be less pronounced in cancer cells in vivo. Overall, our analysis highlights fundamental differences in metabolic states of cancer and stromal cells inside tumors and establishes a pan-cancer resource to interrogate tumor metabolism.

scholarly journals Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism in Prostate Cancer with Triterpenoids

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2466
Author(s):  
Kenza Mamouni ◽  
Georgios Kallifatidis ◽  
Bal L. Lokeshwar
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Mitochondrial Metabolism ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Prostate Cancer Cells ◽  
Normal Prostate ◽  
Cancer Cell Survival ◽  
The Impact

Metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of malignancy. It implements profound metabolic changes to sustain cancer cell survival and proliferation. Although the Warburg effect is a common feature of metabolic reprogramming, recent studies have revealed that tumor cells also depend on mitochondrial metabolism. Due to the essential role of mitochondria in metabolism and cell survival, targeting mitochondria in cancer cells is an attractive therapeutic strategy. However, the metabolic flexibility of cancer cells may enable the upregulation of compensatory pathways, such as glycolysis, to support cancer cell survival when mitochondrial metabolism is inhibited. Thus, compounds capable of targeting both mitochondrial metabolism and glycolysis may help overcome such resistance mechanisms. Normal prostate epithelial cells have a distinct metabolism as they use glucose to sustain physiological citrate secretion. During the transformation process, prostate cancer cells consume citrate to mainly power oxidative phosphorylation and fuel lipogenesis. A growing number of studies have assessed the impact of triterpenoids on prostate cancer metabolism, underlining their ability to hit different metabolic targets. In this review, we critically assess the metabolic transformations occurring in prostate cancer cells. We will then address the opportunities and challenges in using triterpenoids as modulators of prostate cancer cell metabolism.

Oncogenic LncRNA CASC9 in Cancer Progression

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuying Qi ◽  
Chaoying Song ◽  
Jiali Zhang ◽  
Chong Guo ◽  
Chengfu Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Cell Growth ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Squamous Metaplasia ◽  
Neoplastic Transformation ◽  
Over Expression ◽  
Human Cancers ◽  
Current Review

Background: Long non-coding RNA (LncRNAs), with the length over 200 nucleotides, originate from intergenic, antisense, or promoter-proximal regions, is a large family of RNAs that lack coding capacity. Emerging evidences illustrated that LncRNAs played significant roles in a variety of cellular functions and biological processes in profuse human diseases, especially in cancers. Cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9), as a member of the LncRNAs group, was firstly found its oncogenic function in esophageal cancer. In following recent studies, a growing amount of human malignancies are verified to be correlated with CASC9, most of which are derived from the squamous epithelium tissue. This present review attempts to highlight the latest insights into the expression, functional roles, and molecular mechanisms of CASC9 in different human malignancies. Methods: In this review, the latest findings related to the pathophysiological processes of CASC9 in human cancers were summarized and analyzed, the associated studies were collected in systematically retrieval of PubMed used lncRNA and CASA9 as keywords. Results: CASC9 expression is identified to be aberrantly elevated in a variety of malignancies. The over-expression of CASC9 has been suggested to accelerate cell proliferation, migration, cell growth and drug resistance of cancer cells, while depress cell apoptosis, revealing its role as an oncogene. Moreover, the current review demonstrated CASC9 closely relates to neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells and squamous metaplasia in non-squamous epithelial tissues. Finally, we discuss the limitations and tremendous diagnostic/therapeutic potential of CASC9 in various human cancers. Results: CASC9 expression is identified to be aberrantly elevated in a variety of malignancies. The over-expression of CASC9 has been suggested to accelerate cell proliferation, migration, cell growth and drug resistance of cancer cells, while depress cell apoptosis, revealing its role as an oncogene. Moreover, the current review demonstrated CASC9 closely relates to neoplastic transformation of squamous epithelial cells and squamous metaplasia in non-squamous epithelial tissues. Finally, we discuss the limitations and tremendous diagnostic/therapeutic potential of CASC9 in various human cancers. Conclusion: Long non-coding RNACASC9 likely served as useful disease biomarkers or therapy targets that could effectively apply in treatment of different kinds of cancers.

Panax Notoginseng Saponins Promote Cell Death and Chemosensitivity in Pancreatic Cancer through the Apoptosis and Autophagy Pathways

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Chao Yao ◽  
Lun Wu ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Lu-Lu Zhai ◽  
Lin Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Panax Notoginseng ◽  
Panax Notoginseng Saponins ◽  
Transwell Assay ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
New Strategy ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Promote Cell Death

Background:: Panax Notoginseng Saponins (PNS) is used as traditional Chinese medicine for ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease, it has been proven to possess anticancer activity recently. Objective:: In this study, we aimed to explore the anticancer curative effect and potential mechanisms of PNS in pancreatic cancer cells. Methods:: Pancreatic cancer Miapaca2 and PANC-1 cells were treated with PNS and Gemcitabine (Gem), respectively. Then the cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay, cell proliferation was tested by colony formation assay and EdU cell proliferation assay, cell migration and invasiveness were tested by wound healing assay and transwell assay respectively, and cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Finally, we detected the expression levels of proteins related to migration, apoptosis and autophagy through Western blotting. Results:: PNS not only inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion and autophagy of Miapaca2 and PANC-1 cells, but also induced apoptosis and promoted chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to Gem. Conclusion:: PNS may exhibit cytotoxicity and increase chemosensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to Gem by inhibiting autophagy and inducing apoptosis, providing a new strategy and potential treatment option for pancreatic cancer.

AMPA Receptor Antagonist CFM-2 Decreases Survivin Expression in Cancer Cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-596 ◽  
Author(s):  
Domingo Sanchez Ruiz ◽  
Hella Luksch ◽  
Marco Sifringer ◽  
Achim Temme ◽  
Christian Staufner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Survival ◽  
Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Ampa Receptor ◽  
Ampa Receptors ◽  
Survivin Expression ◽  
Ampa Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Cancer Cell Survival

Background: Glutamate receptors are widely expressed in different types of cancer cells. α-Amino-3- hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors which are coupled to intracellular signaling pathways that influence cancer cell survival, proliferation, and migration. Blockade of AMPA receptors by pharmacologic compounds may potentially constitute an effective tool in anticancer treatment strategies. Method: Here we investigated the impact of the AMPA receptor antagonist CFM-2 on the expression of the protein survivin, which is known to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. We show that CFM-2 inhibits survivin expression at mRNA and protein levels and decreases the viability of cancer cells. Using a stably transfected cell line which overexpresses survivin, we demonstrate that over-expression of survivin enhances cancer cell viability and attenuates CFM-2–mediated inhibition of cancer cell growth. Result: These findings point towards suppression of survivin expression as a new mechanism contributing to anticancer effects of AMPA antagonists.

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