Metabolic rewiring is a characteristic hallmark of cancer cells. This phenomenon sustains uncontrolled proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by increasing nutrients and energy supply. However, reprogramming comes together with vulnerabilities that can be used against tumor and can be applied in targeted therapy. In the last years, the genetic background of tumors has been identified thoroughly and new therapies targeting those mutations tested. Nevertheless, we propose that targeting the phenotype of cancer cells could be another way of treatment aiming to avoid drug resistance and non-responsiveness of cancer patients. Amino acid metabolism is part of the altered processes in cancer cells. Amino acids are building blocks and also sensors of signaling pathways regulating main biological processes. In this comprehensive review, we described four amino acids (asparagine, arginine, methionine, and cysteine) which have been actively investigated as potential targets for anti-tumor therapy. Asparagine depletion is successfully used for decades in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia and there is a strong implication to apply it to other types of tumors. Arginine auxotrophic tumors are great candidates for arginine-starvation therapy. Higher requirement for essential amino acids such as methionine and cysteine point out promising targetable weaknesses of cancer cells.
- MeSH
- aminokyseliny metabolismus MeSH
- arginin metabolismus terapeutické užití MeSH
- asparagin * metabolismus terapeutické užití MeSH
- cystein metabolismus MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- methionin MeSH
- nádory * metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
The human prototypical SR protein SRSF1 is an oncoprotein that contains two RRMs and plays a pivotal role in RNA metabolism. We determined the structure of the RRM1 bound to RNA and found that the domain binds preferentially to a CN motif (N is for any nucleotide). Based on this solution structure, we engineered a protein containing a single glutamate to asparagine mutation (E87N), which gains the ability to bind to uridines and thereby activates SMN exon7 inclusion, a strategy that is used to cure spinal muscular atrophy. Finally, we revealed that the flexible inter-RRM linker of SRSF1 allows RRM1 to bind RNA on both sides of RRM2 binding site. Besides revealing an unexpected bimodal mode of interaction of SRSF1 with RNA, which will be of interest to design new therapeutic strategies, this study brings a new perspective on the mode of action of SRSF1 in cells.
- MeSH
- asparagin genetika MeSH
- exony genetika MeSH
- HEK293 buňky MeSH
- kyselina glutamová genetika MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- místa sestřihu RNA genetika MeSH
- motiv rozpoznávající RNA genetika MeSH
- nukleární magnetická rezonance biomolekulární MeSH
- protein přežití motorických neuronů 1 genetika MeSH
- proteinové inženýrství MeSH
- rekombinantní proteiny genetika izolace a purifikace metabolismus ultrastruktura MeSH
- serin-arginin sestřihové faktory genetika izolace a purifikace metabolismus ultrastruktura MeSH
- sestřih RNA * MeSH
- simulace molekulární dynamiky MeSH
- spinální svalová atrofie genetika terapie MeSH
- substituce aminokyselin MeSH
- uridin metabolismus MeSH
- výpočetní biologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Low-voltage-activated T-type calcium channels are important contributors to nervous system function. Post-translational modification of these channels has emerged as an important mechanism to control channel activity. Previous studies have documented the importance of asparagine (N)-linked glycosylation and identified several asparagine residues within the canonical consensus sequence N-X-S/T that is essential for the expression and function of Cav3.2 channels. Here, we explored the functional role of non-canonical N-glycosylation motifs in the conformation N-X-C based on site directed mutagenesis. Using a combination of electrophysiological recordings and surface biotinylation assays, we show that asparagines N345 and N1780 located in the motifs NVC and NPC, respectively, are essential for the expression of the human Cav3.2 channel in the plasma membrane. Therefore, these newly identified asparagine residues within non-canonical motifs add to those previously reported in canonical sites and suggest that N-glycosylation of Cav3.2 may also occur at non-canonical motifs to control expression of the channel in the plasma membrane. It is also the first study to report the functional importance of non-canonical N-glycosylation motifs in an ion channel.
BACKGROUND: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can identify patients with subtherapeutic asparaginase (ASNase) activity [silent inactivation (SI)] and prospectively guide therapeutic adaptation. However, limited intra-individual variability is a precondition for targeted dosing and the diagnosis of SI. METHODS: In the AIEOP-BFM acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) 2009 trial, 2771 children with ALL were included and underwent ASNase-TDM in a central laboratory in Münster. Two biweekly administrations of pegylated ASNase during induction and a third dose during reinduction or the high-risk block, which was administered several weeks later, were monitored. We calculated (1) the incidence of SI; and (2) the predictivity of SI for SI after the subsequent administration. ASNase activities monitored during induction were categorized into percentiles at the respective sampling time points. These percentiles were used to calculate the intra-individual range of percentiles as a surrogate for intrapatient variability and to evaluate the predictivity of ASNase activity for the subsequent administration. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SI was low (4.9%). The positive predictive value of SI identified by one sample was ≤21%. Confirmation of SI by a second sample indicated a high positive predictive value of 100% for biweekly administrations, but not for administration more than 17 weeks later. Sampling and/or documentation errors were risks for misdiagnosis of SI. High intra-individual variability in ASNase activities, with ranges of percentiles over more than 2 quartiles and low predictivity, was observed in approximately 25% of the patients. These patients were likely to fail dose individualization based on TDM data. CONCLUSIONS: To use TDM as a basis for clinical decisions, standardized clinical procedures are required and high intra-individual variability should be taken into account. Details of the treatment are available in the European Clinical Trials Database at https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2007-004270-43/DE.
- MeSH
- akutní lymfatická leukemie farmakoterapie MeSH
- asparagin krev MeSH
- asparaginasa aplikace a dávkování krev terapeutické užití MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- metabolická inaktivace fyziologie MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- monitorování léčiv metody MeSH
- polyethylenglykoly aplikace a dávkování terapeutické užití MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- vztah mezi dávkou a účinkem léčiva MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Asparagine levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum asparaginase activity were monitored in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with pegylated-asparaginase. The drug was given intravenously at a dose of 2,500 IU/m2 on days 12 and 26. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained on days 33 and 45 were analyzed centrally. Since physiological levels of asparagine in the cerebrospinal fluid of children and adolescents are 4-10 μmol/L, in this study asparagine depletion was considered complete when the concentration of asparagine was ≤0.2 μmol/L, i.e. below the lower limit of quantification of the assay used. Over 24 months 736 patients (AIEOP n=245, BFM n=491) and 903 cerebrospinal fluid samples (n=686 on day 33 and n=217 on day 45) were available for analysis. Data were analyzed separately for the AIEOP and BFM cohorts and yielded superimposable results. Independently of serum asparaginase activity levels, cerebrospinal fluid asparagine levels were significantly reduced during the investigated study phase but only 28% of analyzed samples showed complete asparagine depletion while relevant levels, ≥1 μmol/L, were still detectable in around 23% of them. Complete cerebrospinal fluid asparagine depletion was found in around 5-6% and 33-37% of samples at serum asparaginase activity levels <100 and ≥ 1,500 IU/L, respectively. In this study cerebrospinal fluid asparagine levels were reduced during pegylated-asparaginase treatment, but complete depletion was only observed in a minority of patients. No clear threshold of serum pegylated-asparaginase activity level resulting in complete cerebrospinal fluid asparagine depletion was identified. The consistency of the results found in the two independent data sets strengthen the observations of this study. Details of the treatment are available in the European Clinical Trials Database at https://www.clin-icaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2007-004270-43/IT.
- MeSH
- akutní lymfatická leukemie mozkomíšní mok terapie MeSH
- asparagin mozkomíšní mok MeSH
- asparaginasa terapeutické užití MeSH
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- monitorování léčiv MeSH
- polyethylenglykoly terapeutické užití MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- Check Tag
- dítě MeSH
- kojenec MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mladiství MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- předškolní dítě MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- multicentrická studie MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Česká republika MeSH
- Itálie MeSH
- Německo MeSH
- Rakousko MeSH
Nitrogen is required for optimal plant growth, especially in young organs such as secondary axes (axes II) after axillary bud outgrowth. Several studies have shown an increase of nitrogen concentration in xylem sap concomitantly with bud outgrowth, but the relation between nitrogen, sugars and plant hormones in axis II still remains unclear. We investigated in Rosa hybrida the involvement of nitrogen nutrition in axis II elongation in relation with sugars and cytokinins using 15N-labeled nitrate and sugars, amino acids and cytokinin quantifications. Besides, we measured the effect of the exogenous supply of these compounds on axis II elongation using in vitro excised bud culture. We demonstrated that nitrogen in the axis II comes mainly from new root uptake after decapitation. Asparagine, which concentration increases in sap exudates and tissues during axis II elongation, was the sole amino acid able to sustain an efficient elongation in vitro when supplied in combination with sucrose.
Bosentan, an endothelin-1 (ET) receptor antagonist is an important drug for the effective management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Bosentan has a rather complicated pharmacokinetics in humans involving multiple physiological components that have a profound influence on its drug disposition. Bosentan is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and 2C9 enzymes with the involvement of multiple transporters that control its hepatic uptake and biliary excretion. The involvement of phase 2 metabolism of bosentan is a key to have an enhanced biliary excretion of the drug-related products. While bosentan exhibits high protein binding restricting the drug from extensive distribution and significant urinary excretion, bosentan induces its own metabolism by an increased expression of CYP3A4 on repeated dosing. Due to the above properties, bosentan has the potential to display drug-drug interaction with the co-administered drugs, either being a perpetrator or a victim. The intent of this review is manifold: a) to summarize the physiological role of CYP enzymes and hepatic-biliary transporters; b) to discuss the mechanism(s) involved in the purported liver injury caused by bosentan; c) to tabulate the numerous clinical drug-drug interaction studies involving the physiological interplay with CYP and/or transporters; d) to provide some perspectives on dosing strategy of bosentan.
- MeSH
- asparagin chemie metabolismus MeSH
- gating iontového kanálu fyziologie MeSH
- glykosylace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- podjednotky proteinů MeSH
- polysacharidy chemie metabolismus MeSH
- vápník chemie metabolismus MeSH
- vápníkové kanály - typ L chemie metabolismus MeSH
- vztahy mezi strukturou a aktivitou MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
T-type calcium channels are key contributors to neuronal physiology where they shape electrical activity of nerve cells and contribute to the release of neurotransmitters. Enhanced T-type channel expression has been causally linked to a number of pathological conditions including peripheral painful diabetic neuropathy. Recently, it was demonstrated that asparagine-linked glycosylation not only plays an essential role in regulating cell surface expression of Cav3.2 channels, but may also support glucose-dependent potentiation of T-type currents. However, the underlying mechanisms by which N-glycosylation and glucose levels modulate the expression of T-type channels remain elusive. In the present study, we show that site-specific N-glycosylation of Cav3.2 is essential to stabilize expression of the channel at the plasma membrane. In contrast, elevated external glucose concentration appears to potentiate intracellular forward trafficking of the channel to the cell surface, resulting in an increased steady-state expression of the channel protein at the plasma membrane. Collectively, our study indicates that glucose and N-glycosylation act in concert to control the expression of Cav3.2 channels, and that alteration of these mechanisms may contribute to the altered expression of T-type channels in pathological conditions.
- MeSH
- asparagin metabolismus MeSH
- buněčná membrána metabolismus MeSH
- glukosa farmakologie MeSH
- glykosylace MeSH
- HEK293 buňky MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- posttranslační úpravy proteinů * MeSH
- transport proteinů účinky léků MeSH
- vápníkové kanály - typ T genetika metabolismus MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Low-voltage-gated T-type calcium channels are expressed throughout the nervous system where they play an essential role in shaping neuronal excitability. Defects in T-type channel expression have been linked to various neuronal disorders including neuropathic pain and epilepsy. Currently, little is known about the cellular mechanisms controlling the expression and function of T-type channels. Asparagine-linked glycosylation has recently emerged as an essential signaling pathway by which the cellular environment can control expression of T-type channels. However, the role of N-glycans in the conducting function of T-type channels remains elusive. In the present study, we used human Cav3.2 glycosylation-deficient channels to assess the role of N-glycosylation on the gating of the channel. Patch-clamp recordings of gating currents revealed that N-glycans attached to hCav3.2 channels have a minimal effect on the functioning of the channel voltage-sensor. In contrast, N-glycosylation on specific asparagine residues may have an essential role in the conducting function of the channel by enhancing the channel permeability and / or the pore opening of the channel. Our data suggest that modulation of N-linked glycosylation of hCav3.2 channels may play an important physiological role, and could also support the alteration of T-type currents observed in disease states.
The interaction of Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) with complement receptor 3 (CR3, CD11b/CD18) involves N-linked oligosaccharide chains. To investigate the relative importance of the individual N-glycans of CR3 for toxin activity, the asparagine residues of the consensus N-glycosylation sites of CR3 were substituted with glutamine residues that cannot be glycosylated. Examination of CR3 mutant variants and mass spectrometry analysis of the N-glycosylation pattern of CR3 revealed that N-glycans located in the C-terminal part of the CD11b subunit are involved in binding and cytotoxic activity of CyaA. We suggest that these N-glycans form a defined clustered saccharide patch that enables multivalent contact of CR3 with CyaA, enhancing both affinity and specificity of the integrin-toxin interaction.
- MeSH
- adenylátcyklasový toxin genetika metabolismus MeSH
- antigeny CD11b chemie metabolismus MeSH
- antigeny CD18 chemie metabolismus MeSH
- asparagin genetika MeSH
- Bordetella pertussis metabolismus patogenita MeSH
- glutamin genetika MeSH
- glykosylace MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- makrofágový antigen 1 genetika metabolismus MeSH
- polysacharidy metabolismus MeSH
- substituce aminokyselin MeSH
- terciární struktura proteinů MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
