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Molecular Cell May 2021Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis are the two major pathways for ATP production. The reliance on each varies across tissues and cell states, and can...
Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis are the two major pathways for ATP production. The reliance on each varies across tissues and cell states, and can influence susceptibility to disease. At present, the full set of molecular mechanisms governing the relative expression and balance of these two pathways is unknown. Here, we focus on genes whose loss leads to an increase in OXPHOS activity. Unexpectedly, this class of genes is enriched for components of the pre-mRNA splicing machinery, in particular for subunits of the U1 snRNP. Among them, we show that LUC7L2 represses OXPHOS and promotes glycolysis by multiple mechanisms, including (1) splicing of the glycolytic enzyme PFKM to suppress glycogen synthesis, (2) splicing of the cystine/glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 (xCT) to suppress glutamate oxidation, and (3) secondary repression of mitochondrial respiratory supercomplex formation. Our results connect LUC7L2 expression and, more generally, the U1 snRNP to cellular energy metabolism.
Topics: Amino Acid Transport System y+; Electron Transport Chain Complex Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation; Genome-Wide Association Study; Glutamic Acid; Glycogen; Glycolysis; HEK293 Cells; HeLa Cells; Humans; K562 Cells; Mitochondria; Oxidation-Reduction; Oxidative Phosphorylation; Phosphofructokinase-1, Muscle Type; RNA Precursors; RNA Splicing; RNA, Messenger; RNA-Binding Proteins; Ribonucleoprotein, U1 Small Nuclear
PubMed: 33852893
DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.02.033 -
Cell Aug 2021In neutrophils, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) generated via the pentose phosphate pathway fuels NADPH oxidase NOX2 to produce reactive oxygen...
In neutrophils, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) generated via the pentose phosphate pathway fuels NADPH oxidase NOX2 to produce reactive oxygen species for killing invading pathogens. However, excessive NOX2 activity can exacerbate inflammation, as in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we use two unbiased chemical proteomic strategies to show that small-molecule LDC7559, or a more potent designed analog NA-11, inhibits the NOX2-dependent oxidative burst in neutrophils by activating the glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase-1 liver type (PFKL) and dampening flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. Accordingly, neutrophils treated with NA-11 had reduced NOX2-dependent outputs, including neutrophil cell death (NETosis) and tissue damage. A high-resolution structure of PFKL confirmed binding of NA-11 to the AMP/ADP allosteric activation site and explained why NA-11 failed to agonize phosphofructokinase-1 platelet type (PFKP) or muscle type (PFKM). Thus, NA-11 represents a tool for selective activation of PFKL, the main phosphofructokinase-1 isoform expressed in immune cells.
Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate; Adenosine Monophosphate; Allosteric Regulation; Enzyme Activation; Epithelial Cells; Glycolysis; Humans; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Kinetics; Microbial Viability; Models, Molecular; NADPH Oxidases; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Phosphate-Binding Proteins; Phosphofructokinase-1, Liver Type; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Recombinant Proteins; Respiratory Burst; Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate
PubMed: 34320407
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.07.004 -
American Journal of Respiratory and... Sep 2019Glycolytic shift is implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It remains unknown how glycolysis is increased and how increased glycolysis...
Glycolytic shift is implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). It remains unknown how glycolysis is increased and how increased glycolysis contributes to pulmonary vascular remodeling in PAH. To determine whether increased glycolysis is caused by 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) and how PFKFB3-driven glycolysis induces vascular remodeling in PAH. PFKFB3 levels were measured in pulmonary arteries of patients and animals with PAH. Lactate levels were assessed in lungs of animals with PAH and in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to investigate the role of PFKFB3 in PAH. Lactate production was elevated in lungs of PAH rodents and in platelet-derived growth factor-treated PASMCs. PFKFB3 protein was higher in pulmonary arteries of patients and rodents with PAH, in PASMCs of patients with PAH, and in platelet-derived growth factor-treated PASMCs. PFKFB3 inhibition by genetic disruption and chemical inhibitor attenuated phosphorylation/activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and calpain-2, and vascular remodeling in PAH rodent models, and reduced platelet-derived growth factor-induced phosphorylation/activation of ERK1/2 and calpain-2, collagen synthesis and proliferation of PASMCs. ERK1/2 inhibition attenuated phosphorylation/activation of calpain-2, and vascular remodeling in Sugen/hypoxia PAH rats, and reduced lactate-induced phosphorylation/activation of calpain-2, collagen synthesis, and proliferation of PASMCs. Calpain-2 inhibition reduced lactate-induced collagen synthesis and proliferation of PASMCs. Upregulated PFKFB3 mediates collagen synthesis and proliferation of PASMCs, contributing to vascular remodeling in PAH. The mechanism is through the elevation of glycolysis and lactate that results in the activation of calpain by ERK1/2-dependent phosphorylation of calpain-2.
Topics: Animals; Cell Proliferation; Disease Models, Animal; Humans; Male; Mice; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Phosphofructokinase-2; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension; Rats; Vascular Remodeling
PubMed: 30817168
DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201812-2290OC -
Cell Death & Disease Apr 2022Renal inflammation is a critical pathophysiological characteristic of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The mechanism of the inflammatory response is complicated, and there...
Renal inflammation is a critical pathophysiological characteristic of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The mechanism of the inflammatory response is complicated, and there are few effective treatments for renal inflammation that can be used clinically. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is an important secretory protein that is related to inflammation and fibrosis in several tissues. Studies have shown that the IGFBP5 level is significantly upregulated in DKD. However, the function of IGFBP5 and its mechanism in DKD remain unclear. Here, we showed that IGFBP5 levels were significantly increased in the kidneys of diabetic mice. Ablation of IGFBP5 alleviated kidney inflammation in DKD mice. Mechanistically, IGFBP5 increased glycolysis, which was characterized by increases in lactic acid and the extracellular acidification rate, by activating the transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) and enhancing the expression of PFKFB3 in endothelial cells. Furthermore, a mutation in PFKFB3 attenuated renal inflammation in DKD mice. Taken together, we provided evidence that IGFBP5 enhanced kidney inflammation through metabolic reprogramming of glomerular endothelial cells. Our results provide new mechanistic insights into the effect of IGFBP5 on kidney and highlight potential therapeutic opportunities for IGFBP5 and the metabolic regulators involved in DKD.
Topics: Animals; Carrier Proteins; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Diabetic Nephropathies; Endothelial Cells; Glycolysis; Humans; Inflammation; Mice; Phosphofructokinase-2
PubMed: 35418167
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04803-y -
Revisited Metabolic Control and Reprogramming Cancers by Means of the Warburg Effect in Tumor Cells.International Journal of Molecular... Sep 2022Aerobic glycolysis is an emerging hallmark of many human cancers, as cancer cells are defined as a "metabolically abnormal system". Carbohydrates are metabolically... (Review)
Review
Aerobic glycolysis is an emerging hallmark of many human cancers, as cancer cells are defined as a "metabolically abnormal system". Carbohydrates are metabolically reprogrammed by its metabolizing and catabolizing enzymes in such abnormal cancer cells. Normal cells acquire their energy from oxidative phosphorylation, while cancer cells acquire their energy from oxidative glycolysis, known as the "Warburg effect". Energy-metabolic differences are easily found in the growth, invasion, immune escape and anti-tumor drug resistance of cancer cells. The glycolysis pathway is carried out in multiple enzymatic steps and yields two pyruvate molecules from one glucose (Glc) molecule by orchestral reaction of enzymes. Uncontrolled glycolysis or abnormally activated glycolysis is easily observed in the metabolism of cancer cells with enhanced levels of glycolytic proteins and enzymatic activities. In the "Warburg effect", tumor cells utilize energy supplied from lactic acid-based fermentative glycolysis operated by glycolysis-specific enzymes of hexokinase (HK), keto-HK-A, Glc-6-phosphate isomerase, 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase, phosphofructokinase (PFK), phosphor-Glc isomerase (PGI), fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, phosphoglycerate (PG) kinase (PGK)1, triose phosphate isomerase, PG mutase (PGAM), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, enolase, pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2), pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), PDH kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. They are related to glycolytic flux. The key enzymes involved in glycolysis are directly linked to oncogenesis and drug resistance. Among the metabolic enzymes, PKM2, PGK1, HK, keto-HK-A and nucleoside diphosphate kinase also have protein kinase activities. Because glycolysis-generated energy is not enough, the cancer cell-favored glycolysis to produce low ATP level seems to be non-efficient for cancer growth and self-protection. Thus, the Warburg effect is still an attractive phenomenon to understand the metabolic glycolysis favored in cancer. If the basic properties of the Warburg effect, including genetic mutations and signaling shifts are considered, anti-cancer therapeutic targets can be raised. Specific therapeutics targeting metabolic enzymes in aerobic glycolysis and hypoxic microenvironments have been developed to kill tumor cells. The present review deals with the tumor-specific Warburg effect with the revisited viewpoint of recent progress.
Topics: Glycolysis; Hexokinase; Humans; Neoplasms; Phosphofructokinase-1; Phosphoglycerate Kinase; Phosphoglycerate Mutase; Pyruvates; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 36077431
DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710037 -
British Journal of Pharmacology Nov 2022Pathological angiogenesis is a major cause of irreversible blindness in individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Macrophages and microglia...
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Pathological angiogenesis is a major cause of irreversible blindness in individuals with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Macrophages and microglia (MΦ) contribute to aberrant ocular angiogenesis. However, the role of glucose metabolism of MΦ in nAMD is still undefined. Here, we have investigated the involvement of glycolysis, driven by the kinase/phosphatase PFKFB3, in the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
CNV was induced in mice with laser photocoagulation. Choroid/retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) complexes and MΦ were isolated for analysis by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry, immunostaining, metabolic measurements and angiogenesis assays.
KEY RESULTS
MΦ accumulated within the CNV of murine nAMD models and expressed high levels of glycolysis-related enzymes and M1/M2 polarization markers. This phenotype of hyper-glycolytic and activated MΦ was replicated in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated by necrotic RPE in vitro. Myeloid cell-specific knockout of PFKFB3, a key glycolytic activator, attenuated pathological neovascularization in laser-induced CNV, which was associated with decreased expression of MΦ polarization markers and pro-angiogenic factors, along with decreased sprouting of vessels in choroid/RPE complexes. Mechanistically, necrotic RPE increased PFKFB3-driven glycolysis in macrophages, leading to activation of HIF-1α/HIF-2α and NF-κB, and subsequent induction of M1/M2 markers and pro-angiogenic cytokines, finally promoting macrophage reprogramming towards an angiogenic phenotype to facilitate development of CNV. The PFKFB3 inhibitor AZ67 also inhibited activation of HIF-1α/HIF-2α and NF-κB signalling and almost completely prevented laser-induced CNV in mice.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Modulation of PFKFB3-mediated macrophage glycolysis and activation is a promising strategy for the treatment of nAMD.
Topics: Animals; Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors; Choroidal Neovascularization; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Glucose; Glycolysis; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; NF-kappa B; Phosphofructokinase-2; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases
PubMed: 35830274
DOI: 10.1111/bph.15925 -
Oncogene Aug 2022PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase) is the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis and is overexpressed in several human cancers that are associated with poor prognosis. High...
PFKFB3 (6-phosphofructo-2-kinase) is the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis and is overexpressed in several human cancers that are associated with poor prognosis. High PFKFB3 expression in cancer stem cells promotes glycolysis and survival in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibition of PFKFB3 by the glycolytic inhibitor PFK158 and by shRNA stable knockdown in small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) cell lines inhibited glycolysis, proliferation, spheroid formation, and the expression of cancer stem cell markers CD133, Aldh1, CD44, Sox2, and ABCG2. These factors are also associated with chemotherapy resistance. We found that PFK158 treatment and PFKFB3 knockdown enhanced the ABCG2-interacting drugs doxorubicin, etoposide, and 5-fluorouracil in reducing cell viability under conditions of enriched cancer stem cells (CSC). Additionally, PFKFB3 inhibition attenuated the invasion/migration of SCLC cells by downregulating YAP/TAZ signaling while increasing pLATS1 via activation of pMST1 and NF2 and by reducing the mesenchymal protein expression. PFKFB3 knockdown and PFK158 treatment in a H1048 SCLC cancer stem cell-enriched mouse xenograft model showed significant reduction in tumor growth and weight with reduced expression of cancer stem cell markers, ABCG2, and YAP/TAZ. Our findings identify that PFKFB3 is a novel target to regulate cancer stem cells and its associated therapeutic resistance markers YAP/TAZ and ABCG2 in SCLC models.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Glycolysis; Hippo Signaling Pathway; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Mice; Phosphofructokinase-2; Pyridines; Quinolines; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35804016
DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02391-x -
Nature Communications Mar 2020Tumor cells often reprogram their metabolism for rapid proliferation. The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in metabolism remodeling and the underlying mechanisms...
Tumor cells often reprogram their metabolism for rapid proliferation. The roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in metabolism remodeling and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Through screening, we found that the lncRNA Actin Gamma 1 Pseudogene (AGPG) is required for increased glycolysis activity and cell proliferation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Mechanistically, AGPG binds to and stabilizes 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3). By preventing APC/C-mediated ubiquitination, AGPG protects PFKFB3 from proteasomal degradation, leading to the accumulation of PFKFB3 in cancer cells, which subsequently activates glycolytic flux and promotes cell cycle progression. AGPG is also a transcriptional target of p53; loss or mutation of TP53 triggers the marked upregulation of AGPG. Notably, inhibiting AGPG dramatically impaired tumor growth in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Clinically, AGPG is highly expressed in many cancers, and high AGPG expression levels are correlated with poor prognosis, suggesting that AGPG is a potential biomarker and cancer therapeutic target.
Topics: Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Cellular Reprogramming; Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Female; Gene Knockout Techniques; Glycolysis; Humans; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Phosphofructokinase-2; Pseudogenes; RNA, Long Noncoding; Up-Regulation; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
PubMed: 32198345
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15112-3 -
Pharmacological Research Aug 2019Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the leading causes of death in sepsis. Endothelial inflammation and dysfunction play a prominent role in development of ALI. Glycolysis...
Acute lung injury (ALI) is one of the leading causes of death in sepsis. Endothelial inflammation and dysfunction play a prominent role in development of ALI. Glycolysis is the predominant bioenergetic pathway for endothelial cells (ECs). However, the role of EC glycolysis in ALI of sepsis remains unclear. Here we show that both the expression and activity of PFKFB3, a key glycolytic activator, were markedly increased in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated human pulmonary arterial ECs (HPAECs) in vitro and in lung ECs of mice challenged with LPS in vivo. PFKFB3 knockdown significantly reduced LPS-enhanced glycolysis in HPAECs. Compared with LPS-challenged wild-type mice, endothelial-specific Pfkfb3 knockout (Pfkfb3) mice exhibited reduced endothelium permeability, lower pulmonary edema, and higher survival rate. This was accompanied by decreased expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (Icam-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (Vcam-1), as well as decreased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration to the lung. Consistently, PFKFB3 silencing or PFKFB3 inhibition in HPAECs and human pulmonary microvascular ECs (HPMVECs) significantly downregulated LPS-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and monocyte adhesion to human pulmonary ECs. In contrast, adenovirus-mediated PFKFB3 overexpression upregulated ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in HPAECs. Mechanistically, PFKFB3 silencing suppressed LPS-induced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-p65, and NF-κB inhibitors abrogated PFKFB3-induced expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Finally, administration of the PFKFB3 inhibitor 3PO also reduced the inflammatory response of vascular endothelium and protected mice from LPS-induced ALI. Overall, these findings suggest that targeting PFKFB3-mediated EC glycolysis is an efficient therapeutic strategy for ALI in sepsis.
Topics: Acute Lung Injury; Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Endothelial Cells; Endothelium, Vascular; Endotoxemia; Glycolysis; Humans; Inflammation; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1; Lipopolysaccharides; Lung; Mice; Monocytes; NF-kappa B; Oxytocin; Phosphofructokinase-2; Pulmonary Edema; Sepsis; Signal Transduction; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1
PubMed: 31167111
DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104292 -
Cell Death & Disease Jul 2023The THO complex (THOC) is ubiquitously involved in RNA modification and various THOC proteins have been reported to regulate tumor development. However, the role of...
The THO complex (THOC) is ubiquitously involved in RNA modification and various THOC proteins have been reported to regulate tumor development. However, the role of THOC3 in lung cancer remains unknown. In this study, we identified that THOC3 was highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and negatively associated with prognosis. THOC3 knockdown inhibited LUSC cell growth, migration, and glycolysis. THOC3 expression was regulated by TRiC proteins, such as CCT8 and CCT6A, which supported protein folding. Furthermore, THOC3 could form a complex with YBX1 to promote PFKFB4 transcription. THOC3 was responsible for exporting PFKFB4 mRNA to the cytoplasm, while YBX1 ensured the stability of PFKFB4 mRNA by recognizing m5C sites in its 3'UTR. Downregulation of PFKFB4 suppressed the biological activities of LUSC. Collectively, these findings suggest that THOC3, folded by CCT proteins can collaborate with YBX1 to maintain PFKFB4 expression and facilitate LUSC development. Therefore, THOC3 could be considered as a novel promising therapeutic target for LUSC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Proliferation; Chaperonin Containing TCP-1; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Phosphofructokinase-2; Phosphoric Monoester Hydrolases; RNA, Messenger; Y-Box-Binding Protein 1; RNA-Binding Proteins
PubMed: 37500615
DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06008-3