scholarly journals Targeting Metabolism in Cancer Cells and the Tumour Microenvironment for Cancer Therapy

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (20) ◽  
pp. 4831
Author(s):  
Jiaqi Li ◽  
Jie Qing Eu ◽  
Li Ren Kong ◽  
Lingzhi Wang ◽  
Yaw Chyn Lim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Tumour Metabolism

Targeting altered tumour metabolism is an emerging therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. The metabolic reprogramming that accompanies the development of malignancy creates targetable differences between cancer cells and normal cells, which may be exploited for therapy. There is also emerging evidence regarding the role of stromal components, creating an intricate metabolic network consisting of cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells, and cancer stem cells. This metabolic rewiring and crosstalk with the tumour microenvironment play a key role in cell proliferation, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will discuss therapeutic opportunities, which arise from dysregulated metabolism and metabolic crosstalk, highlighting strategies that may aid in the precision targeting of altered tumour metabolism with a focus on combinatorial therapeutic strategies.

scholarly journals A Forgotten Corner in Cancer Immunotherapy: The Role of Lipids

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yu ◽  
Lei Gao ◽  
Yunpeng Wang ◽  
Bo Xu ◽  
Ewetse Paul Maswikiti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Great Success ◽  
The Past ◽  
Cancer Immunity ◽  
Molecular Forces

In the past decade, cancer immunotherapy has achieved great success owing to the unravelling of unknown molecular forces in cancer immunity. However, it is critical that we address the limitations of current immunotherapy, including immune-related adverse events and drug resistance, and further enhance current immunotherapy. Lipids are reported to play important roles in modulating immune responses in cancer. Cancer cells use lipids to support their aggressive behaviour and allow immune evasion. Metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells destroys the equilibrium between lipid anabolism and catabolism, resulting in lipid accumulation within the tumour microenvironment (TME). Consequently, ubiquitous lipids, mainly fatty acids, within the TME can impact the function and phenotype of infiltrating immune cells. Determining the complex roles of lipids and their interactions with the TME will provide new insight for improving anti-tumour immune responses by targeting lipids. Herein, we present a review of recent literature that has demonstrated how lipid metabolism reprogramming occurs in cancer cells and influences cancer immunity. We also summarise the potential for lipid-based clinical translation to modify immune treatment.

scholarly journals Tumor-Associated Microglia and Macrophages in the Glioblastoma Microenvironment and their Implications for Therapy

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 4255
Author(s):  
Rikke Sick Andersen ◽  
Atul Anand ◽  
Dylan Scott Lykke Harwood ◽  
Bjarne Winther Kristensen
Keyword(s):  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Therapeutic Strategy ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Treatment Resistance ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Primary Brain Tumor ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Temozolomide Chemotherapy

Glioblastoma is the most frequent and malignant primary brain tumor. Standard of care includes surgery followed by radiation and temozolomide chemotherapy. Despite treatment, patients have a poor prognosis with a median survival of less than 15 months. The poor prognosis is associated with an increased abundance of tumor-associated microglia and macrophages (TAMs), which are known to play a role in creating a pro-tumorigenic environment and aiding tumor progression. Most treatment strategies are directed against glioblastoma cells; however, accumulating evidence suggests targeting of TAMs as a promising therapeutic strategy. While TAMs are typically dichotomously classified as M1 and M2 phenotypes, recent studies utilizing single cell technologies have identified expression pattern differences, which is beginning to give a deeper understanding of the heterogeneous subpopulations of TAMs in glioblastomas. In this review, we evaluate the role of TAMs in the glioblastoma microenvironment and discuss how their interactions with cancer cells have an extensive impact on glioblastoma progression and treatment resistance. Finally, we summarize the effects and challenges of therapeutic strategies, which specifically aim to target TAMs.

scholarly journals Metabolic Reprogramming of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts: The Slavery of Stromal Fibroblasts

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelica Avagliano ◽  
Giuseppina Granato ◽  
Maria Rosaria Ruocco ◽  
Veronica Romano ◽  
Immacolata Belviso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Cancer Growth ◽  
Activation Process ◽  
Cancer Therapies ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Stromal Fibroblasts

Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main stromal cell type of solid tumour microenvironment and undergo an activation process associated with secretion of growth factors, cytokines, and paracrine interactions. One of the important features of solid tumours is the metabolic reprogramming that leads to changes of bioenergetics and biosynthesis in both tumour cells and CAFs. In particular, CAFs follow the evolution of tumour disease and acquire a catabolic phenotype: in tumour tissues, cancer cells and tumour microenvironment form a network where the crosstalk between cancer cells and CAFs is associated with cell metabolic reprogramming that contributes to CAFs activation, cancer growth, and progression and evasion from cancer therapies. In this regard, the study of CAFs metabolic reprogramming could contribute to better understand their activation process, the interaction between stroma, and cancer cells and could offer innovative tools for the development of new therapeutic strategies able to eradicate the protumorigenic activity of CAFs. Therefore, this review focuses on CAFs metabolic reprogramming associated with both differentiation process and cancer and stromal cells crosstalk. Finally, therapeutic responses and potential anticancer strategies targeting CAFs metabolic reprogramming are reviewed.

Analysis of the intricate relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 468 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edna Zhi Pei Chai ◽  
Kodappully Sivaraman Siveen ◽  
Muthu K. Shanmugam ◽  
Frank Arfuso ◽  
Gautam Sethi
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Patient Management ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Exponential Rate ◽  
Hereditary Factors ◽  
Tumour Initiation

Deregulated inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the initiation, development and progression of tumours. Potential molecular mechanism(s) that drive the establishment of an inflammatory-tumour microenvironment is not entirely understood owing to the complex cross-talk between pro-inflammatory and tumorigenic mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, oncogenes, enzymes, transcription factors and immune cells. These molecular mediators are critical linchpins between inflammation and cancer, and their activation and/or deactivation are influenced by both extrinsic (i.e. environmental and lifestyle) and intrinsic (i.e. hereditary) factors. At present, the research pertaining to inflammation-associated cancers is accumulating at an exponential rate. Interest stems from hope that new therapeutic strategies against molecular mediators can be identified to assist in cancer treatment and patient management. The present review outlines the various molecular and cellular inflammatory mediators responsible for tumour initiation, progression and development, and discusses the critical role of chronic inflammation in tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Extracellular citrate and metabolic adaptations of cancer cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Kenneth Parkinson ◽  
Jerzy Adamski ◽  
Grit Zahn ◽  
Andreas Gaumann ◽  
Fabian Flores-Borja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Phosphorylation ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Warburg Effect ◽  
Cancer Metabolism ◽  
Krebs Cycle ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
The Warburg Effect

Abstract It is well established that cancer cells acquire energy via the Warburg effect and oxidative phosphorylation. Citrate is considered to play a crucial role in cancer metabolism by virtue of its production in the reverse Krebs cycle from glutamine. Here, we review the evidence that extracellular citrate is one of the key metabolites of the metabolic pathways present in cancer cells. We review the different mechanisms by which pathways involved in keeping redox balance respond to the need of intracellular citrate synthesis under different extracellular metabolic conditions. In this context, we further discuss the hypothesis that extracellular citrate plays a role in switching between oxidative phosphorylation and the Warburg effect while citrate uptake enhances metastatic activities and therapy resistance. We also present the possibility that organs rich in citrate such as the liver, brain and bones might form a perfect niche for the secondary tumour growth and improve survival of colonising cancer cells. Consistently, metabolic support provided by cancer-associated and senescent cells is also discussed. Finally, we highlight evidence on the role of citrate on immune cells and its potential to modulate the biological functions of pro- and anti-tumour immune cells in the tumour microenvironment. Collectively, we review intriguing evidence supporting the potential role of extracellular citrate in the regulation of the overall cancer metabolism and metastatic activity.

scholarly journals The Adhesome Network: Key Components Shaping the Tumour Stroma

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 525
Author(s):  
Pinelopi A. Nikolopoulou ◽  
Maria A. Koufaki ◽  
Vassiliki Kostourou
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Cellular Responses ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Tumour Stroma ◽  
Intracellular Protein ◽  
And Control

Beyond the conventional perception of solid tumours as mere masses of cancer cells, advanced cancer research focuses on the complex contributions of tumour-associated host cells that are known as “tumour microenvironment” (TME). It has been long appreciated that the tumour stroma, composed mainly of blood vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, together with the extracellular matrix (ECM), define the tumour architecture and influence cancer cell properties. Besides soluble cues, that mediate the crosstalk between tumour and stroma cells, cell adhesion to ECM arises as a crucial determinant in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss how adhesome, the intracellular protein network formed at cell adhesions, regulate the TME and control malignancy. The role of adhesome extends beyond the physical attachment of cells to ECM and the regulation of cytoskeletal remodelling and acts as a signalling and mechanosensing hub, orchestrating cellular responses that shape the tumour milieu.

scholarly journals Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Influence the Biological Properties of Malignant Tumours via Paracrine Secretion and Exosome Production

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 964
Author(s):  
Martin Vokurka ◽  
Lukáš Lacina ◽  
Jan Brábek ◽  
Michal Kolář ◽  
Yi Zhen Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Tumour Microenvironment ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Malignant Tumours ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Cancer Cell Population ◽  
Differentiation Status

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumour microenvironment. They represent a heterogeneous group of cells that are under the control of cancer cells and can reversely influence the cancer cell population. They affect the cancer cell differentiation status, and the migration and formation of metastases. This is achieved through the production of the extracellular matrix and numerous bioactive factors. IL-6 seems to play the central role in the communication of noncancerous and cancer cells in the tumour. This review outlines the role of exosomes in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Available data on the exosomal cargo, which can significantly intensify interactions in the tumour, are summarised. The role of exosomes as mediators of the dialogue between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts is discussed together with their therapeutic relevance. The functional unity of the paracrine- and exosome-mediated communication of cancer cells with the tumour microenvironment represented by CAFs is worthy of attention.

scholarly journals Contribution of the CK2 Catalytic Isoforms α and α’ to the Glycolytic Phenotype of Tumor Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Francesca Zonta ◽  
Christian Borgo ◽  
Camila Paz Quezada Meza ◽  
Ionica Masgras ◽  
Andrea Rasola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Other ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cell ◽  
Monomeric Form ◽  
New Information

CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase overexpressed in many cancers. It is usually present in cells as a tetrameric enzyme, composed of two catalytic (α or α’) and two regulatory (β) subunits, but it is active also in its monomeric form, and the specific role of the different isoforms is largely unknown. CK2 phosphorylates several substrates related to the uncontrolled proliferation, motility, and survival of cancer cells. As a consequence, tumor cells are addicted to CK2, relying on its activity more than healthy cells for their life, and exploiting it for developing multiple oncological hallmarks. However, little is known about CK2 contribution to the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. With this study we aimed at shedding some light on it, especially focusing on the CK2 role in the glycolytic onco-phenotype. By analyzing neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cell lines depleted of either one (α) or the other (α’) CK2 catalytic subunit, we also aimed at disclosing possible pro-tumor functions which are specific of a CK2 isoform. Our results suggest that both CK2 α and α’ contribute to cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity. The analyzed metabolic features disclosed a role of CK2 in tumor metabolism, and suggest prominent functions for CK2 α isoform. Results were also confirmed by CK2 pharmacological inhibition. Overall, our study provides new information on the mechanism of cancer cells addiction to CK2 and on its isoform-specific functions, with fundamental implications for improving future therapeutic strategies based on CK2 targeting.

scholarly journals Role of dendritic cell metabolic reprogramming in tumor immune evasion

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 485-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P Plebanek ◽  
Michael Sturdivant ◽  
Nicholas C DeVito ◽  
Brent A Hanks
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cell ◽  
Metabolic Pathways ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitor ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Combination Immunotherapy ◽  
Tumor Immune Evasion ◽  
Effector T Cell ◽  
Cell Responses

Abstract The dendritic cell (DC) is recognized as a vital mediator of anti-tumor immunity. More recent studies have also demonstrated the important role of DCs in the generation of effective responses to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. Metabolic programming of DCs dictates their functionality and can determine which DCs become immunostimulatory versus those that develop a tolerized phenotype capable of actively suppressing effector T-cell responses to cancers. As a result, there is great interest in understanding what mechanisms have evolved in cancers to alter these metabolic pathways, thereby allowing for their continued progression and metastasis. The therapeutic strategies developed to reverse these processes of DC tolerization in the tumor microenvironment represent promising candidates for future testing in combination immunotherapy clinical trials.

The F1Fo-ATPase inhibitor, IF1, is a critical regulator of energy metabolism in cancer cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 815-827
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Solaini ◽  
Gianluca Sgarbi ◽  
Alessandra Baracca
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Atp Synthase ◽  
Aerobic Glycolysis ◽  
Cell Metabolism ◽  
Metabolic Reprogramming ◽  
Endogenous Inhibitor ◽  
Atpase Inhibitor ◽  
Molecular Action ◽  
F1fo Atpase

In the last two decades, IF1, the endogenous inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1Fo-ATPase (ATP synthase) has assumed greater and ever greater interest since it has been found to be overexpressed in many cancers. At present, several findings indicate that IF1 is capable of playing a central role in cancer cells by promoting metabolic reprogramming, proliferation and resistance to cell death. However, the mechanism(s) at the basis of this pro-oncogenic action of IF1 remains elusive. Here, we recall the main features of the mechanism of the action of IF1 when the ATP synthase works in reverse, and discuss the experimental evidence that support its relevance in cancer cells. In particular, a clear pro-oncogenic action of IF1 is to avoid wasting of ATP when cancer cells are exposed to anoxia or near anoxia conditions, therefore favoring cell survival and tumor growth. However, more recently, various papers have described IF1 as an inhibitor of the ATP synthase when it is working physiologically (i.e. synthethizing ATP), and therefore reprogramming cell metabolism to aerobic glycolysis. In contrast, other studies excluded IF1 as an inhibitor of ATP synthase under normoxia, providing the basis for a hot debate. This review focuses on the role of IF1 as a modulator of the ATP synthase in normoxic cancer cells with the awareness that the knowledge of the molecular action of IF1 on the ATP synthase is crucial in unravelling the molecular mechanism(s) responsible for the pro-oncogenic role of IF1 in cancer and in developing related anticancer strategies.

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