Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase 2 Research Articles

System analysis based on glutamine catabolic-related enzymes identifies GPT2 as a novel immunotherapy target for lung adenocarcinoma

BackgroundIn recent years, targeting glutamine metabolism has gained attention as a promising therapeutic approach. Glutamine catabolic-related enzymes play a crucial role in modulating glutamine metabolism and influencing immune responses in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME). However, current literature on the function of glutamine catabolic enzymes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is limited. MethodsWe validated the glutamine dependency of LUAD cells in vitro, followed by transcriptome data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with transcriptome and single-cell data analysis utilized to explore the role of such genes within the tumor immune microenvironment. We performed employed subcutaneous injection of lewis lung carcinoma cells in C57BL/6 mice to confirm the role of candidate genes in tumor growth and anti-tumor immunity. ResultsOur study revealed that glutamine is essential for the growth of LUAD cells. Subsequently, we identified four DEGs - glutamate pyruvate transaminase 1 (GPT1), glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 1 (GOT1), and glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase 2 (GOT2) - in LUAD patients, which were highly expressed in tumor tissue and associated with an immunosuppressive TME. Single-cell sequencing analysis detected high expression levels of GOT1 and GOT2 in immune and stromal cell subpopulations, while GPT1 and GPT2 showed relatively lower expression. Based on the lower immune score and lower expression in immune and stromal cells, we validated the role of GPT2 in vivo for modulating the TME and tumor growth. Inhibition of GPT2 resulted in suppressed tumor growth and increased the expression of CD4 and CD8. Additionally, GPT2 inhibitors induced a stronger antitumor immunity when used in combination with anti-programmed cell death ligand 1. ConclusionThis study is the first to show the critical role of glutamine catabolic-related enzymes in the TME, and identified GPT2 as a promising therapeutic target for inhibiting tumor growth and improving anti-tumour immune responses for LUAD. Additional studies will be required to define the roles glutamine catabolic-related enzymes play in LUAD.

Exosomal GPT2 derived from triple-negative breast cancer cells promotes metastasis by activating BTRC.

There have been reports of increased glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) expression in certain cancers including breast cancer. Although the role of GPT2 as a metabolic enzyme is well understood in breast cancer progression, little is known about the other roles of GPT2, especially exosomal GPT2. BT549 and BT474 Cells were cultured and their exosomes were isolated by using ultracentrifugation. Cells migrated through the membrane were stained with crystal violet, and then were observed by microscope. Total RNA was extracted from culture cells and transcribed into cDNA, quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of ICAM1, VCAM1, and MMP9 using SYBR Green qPCR Mix with a 7500 Fast Real-time PCR system. Western blot was used to detect the gene expression of p-lkBa and TSG101 and GPT2 in breast cancer cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of GPT2 and BTRC in cancer cells, animal models loaded with metastasis breast cancer cells were established via tail vein injections. Interaction between GPT2 and BTRC in breast cancer cells was investigated via Co-immunoprecipitation. GPT2 was up-regulated in TNBC. Exosomes were isolated effectively from TNBC cells, and confirmed that GPT2 was overexpressed inexosomes. QRT-PCR showed that mRNA expression levels of ICAM1, VCAM1, and MMP9 in TNBC were high. Exosomal GPT2 derived from TNBC enhanced migration and invasion of breast cancer via in vitro cell experiment and in vivo animal model experiment. Exosomal GPT2 binds with BTRC to degrade p-lkBa, and improved metastasis of breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that GPT2 was upregulated in TNBC as well as in exosomes derived from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. GPT2 expression was associated with the malignancy of breast cancer and promoted metastasis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, exosomal GPT2 derived from TNBC cells was verified to increase the capacity of breast cancer cells to metastasize through activating beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC). This suggested that exosomal GPT2 may be useful for breast cancer patients as a potential biomarker and treatment target.

The Function of GPT2 in Tumor Progression

Glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) is one of the GPTs and is widely used as a biomarker of hepatocellular injury, along with GPT1. GPT2, a glutamine-metabolizing transaminase found in mitochondria, catalyzes the reversible process between glutamate, pyruvate, α-ketoglutarate, and alanine. Compared to GPT1, the intracellular abundance of GPT2 is higher, suggesting that its enzymatic activity has a considerable role in glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. In recent years, it has been discovered that deletion or mutation of GPT2 causes malignant transformation of tumors and that its expression level is closely correlated with tumor development. It is for this reason that the level of GPT2 can be used to reflect the metabolism level of the tumor cells in the body and can indicate metastasis based on its changes. The metabolism level of GPT2 in tumor cells is expected to be a marker in the tumor diagnostic process and subsequently contribute to early detection, thus improving tumor diagnosis and patient prognosis. This paper presents an overview of the current state of GPT2 research in the progression of tumors.

SPTBN1 abrogates renal clear cell carcinoma progression via glycolysis reprogramming in a GPT2-dependent manner

BackgroundRenal clear cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent tumors worldwide. Discovering effective biomarkers is essential to monitor the prognosis and provide alternative clinical options. SPTBN1 is implicated in various cancerous processes. However, its role in ccRCC remains unelucidated. This study intends to explore the biological function and mechanism of SPTBN1 in ccRCC.MethodsSingle-cell and bulk RNA-seq, tissue microarray, real-time quantitative PCR, and western blotting were applied to verify the expression and predictive value of SPTBN1 in ccRCC. Gain or loss of functional ccRCC cell line models were constructed, and in vitro and in vivo assays were performed to elucidate its tumorigenic phenotypes. Actinomycin D experiment, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), specific inhibitors, and rescue experiments were carried out to define the molecular mechanisms.ResultsSPTBN1 was down-regulated in ccRCC and knockdown of SPTBN1 displayed a remarkably oncogenic role both in vitro and in vivo; while overexpressing SPTBN1 reversed this effect. SPTBN1 mediated ccRCC progression via the pathway of glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2)-dependent glycolysis. The expression of GPT2 was significantly negatively correlated with that of SPTBN1. As an RNA binding protein SPTBN1, regulated the mRNA stability of GPT2.ConclusionOur research demonstrated that SPTBN1 is significantly down-regulated in ccRCC. SPTBN1 knockdown promotes ccRCC progression via activating GPT2-dependent glycolysis. SPTBN1 may serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ccRCC.

GPT2 Is Induced by Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF)-2 and Promotes Glioblastoma Growth.

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) directly activates the transcription of metabolic enzymes in response to hypoxia to reprogram cellular metabolism required for tumor cell proliferation. Through analyzing glutamate-linked aminotransferases, we here identified glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) as a direct HIF-2 target gene in human glioblastoma (GBM). Hypoxia upregulated GPT2 mRNA and protein levels in GBM cells, which required HIF-2 but not HIF-1. HIF-2 directly bound to the hypoxia response element of the human GPT2 gene, leading to its transcription in hypoxic GBM cells. GPT2 located at the nucleus and mitochondria and reduced α-ketoglutarate levels in GBM cells. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of GPT2 decreased GBM cell growth and migration under normoxia and hypoxia. Knockout of GPT2 inhibited GBM tumor growth in mice. Collectively, these findings uncover a hypoxia-inducible aminotransferase GPT2 required for GBM progression.

Loss of mitochondrial enzyme GPT2 causes early neurodegeneration in locus coeruleus

Locus coeruleus (LC) is among the first brain areas to degenerate in Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease; however, the underlying causes for the vulnerability of LC neurons are not well defined. Here we report a novel mechanism of degeneration of LC neurons caused by loss of the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2). GPT2 Deficiency is a newly-recognized childhood neurometabolic disorder. The GPT2 enzyme regulates cell growth through replenishment of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates and modulation of amino acid metabolism. In Gpt2-null mice, we observe an early loss of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons in LC and reduced soma size at postnatal day 18. Gpt2-null LC shows selective positive Fluoro-Jade C staining. Neuron loss is accompanied by selective, prominent microgliosis and astrogliosis in LC. We observe reduced noradrenergic projections to and norepinephrine levels in hippocampus and spinal cord. Whole cell recordings in Gpt2-null LC slices show reduced soma size and abnormal action potentials with altered firing kinetics. Strikingly, we observe early decreases in phosphorylated S6 in Gpt2-null LC, preceding prominent p62 aggregation, increased LC3B-II to LC3B-I ratio, and neuronal loss. These data are consistent with a possible mechanism involving deficiency in protein synthesis and cell growth, associated subsequently with abnormal autophagy and neurodegeneration. As compared to the few genetic animal models with LC degeneration, loss of LC neurons in Gpt2-null mice is developmentally the earliest. Early neuron loss in LC in a model of human neurometabolic disease provides important clues regarding the metabolic vulnerability of LC and may lead to new therapeutic targets.

Paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 16 resulting in homozygosity of a GPT2 mutation causes intellectual and developmental disability

Recessive mutations in glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) have recently been found to be associated with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). In this study, we discovered a homozygous missense variant, NM_133443: [c.1172C > T, p. Pro391Leu], of GPT2 on chromosome 16 in a proband diagnosed with IDD through trio whole-exome sequencing (WES). The pathogenicity of the variant was further verified by bioinformatics analysis and functional studies in vitro. This autosomal recessive disease was caused by paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) which was further proven by single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array). In past literature, recessive diseases in chromosome 16 were usually due to maternal UPD where Mendel's law of inheritance was not applicable. However, in our case we found that paternal UPD can cause recessive diseases related to the GPT2 gene on chromosome 16. Our study provides an important line of evidence for the diagnosis of GPT2-related intellectual developmental disorders.

Mitochondrial enzyme GPT2 regulates metabolic mechanisms required for neuron growth and motor function in vivo.

The metabolic needs for postnatal growth of the human nervous system are vast. Recessive loss-of-function mutations in the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) in humans cause postnatal undergrowth of brain, and cognitive and motor disability. We demonstrate that GPT2 governs critical metabolic mechanisms in neurons required for neuronal growth and survival. These metabolic processes include neuronal alanine synthesis and anaplerosis, the replenishment of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. We performed metabolomics across postnatal development in Gpt2-null mouse brain to identify the trajectory of dysregulated metabolic pathways: alterations in alanine occur earliest; followed by reduced TCA cycle intermediates and reduced pyruvate; followed by elevations in glycolytic intermediates and amino acids. Neuron-specific deletion of GPT2 in mice is sufficient to cause motor abnormalities and death pre-weaning, a phenotype identical to the germline Gpt2-null mouse. Alanine biosynthesis is profoundly impeded in Gpt2-null neurons. Exogenous alanine is necessary for Gpt2-null neuronal survival in vitro but is not needed for Gpt2-null astrocytes. Dietary alanine supplementation in Gpt2-null mice enhances animal survival and improves the metabolic profile of Gpt2-null brain but does not alone appear to correct motor function. In surviving Gpt2-null animals, we observe smaller upper and lower motor neurons in vivo. We also observe selective death of lower motor neurons in vivo with worsening motor behavior with age. In conclusion, these studies of the pathophysiology of GPT2 Deficiency have identified metabolic mechanisms that are required for neuronal growth and that potentially underlie selective neuronal vulnerabilities in motor neurons.

Abstract 87: Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) expression predicts response to the GLS1 inhibitor IPN60090 in ovarian cancer through selective modulation of redox homeostasis

Abstract Inhibitors of tumor metabolism have shown promise in the pre-clinical and clinical settings, however success is likely dependent upon identification of responsive patient populations to drive maximum benefit. We have previously disclosed the development of the GLS1 inhibitor, IPN60090, which is currently progressing through Phase 1 studies (NCT03894540). Current efforts are focused on developing additional patient stratification biomarkers to define those patients who will most benefit from IPN60090 single-agent treatment or combination strategies. Here we demonstrate that IPN60090 elicited a specific set of metabolic alterations and selectively inhibited the growth of high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) models in vitro and in vivo. In IPN60090-sensitive OvCa cell lines, GLS1 inhibition induced glutathione (GSH) depletion, inhibited glutamine anapleurosis (GLN), and altered cell cycle kinetics resulting from depletion of intracellular nucleotide pools and accumulation of DNA damage. Untargeted metabolic profiling of IPN60090-sensitive and -insensitive cell lines revealed that the differential response was driven by the ability of insensitive cell lines to maintain intracellular pools of glutamate (GLU), and consequently GSH, through consumption of aspartate and alanine. We examined two transaminases whose activity may result in aspartate or alanine depletion in cells, asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), and found that ASNS expression predicted response to IPN60090. In vivo, growth of both subcutaneous and orthotopic ASNSlow OvCa tumors was inhibited by IPN60090, while ASNShigh tumors were resistant to IPN60090. Leveraging tissue microarrays from tumor biopsies collected at MD Anderson Cancer Center, we developed an IHC assay for ASNS to determine the percentage of ASNS null or low patients that would benefit from IPN60090 treatment. Upon validation and CLIA certification, this assay was deployed across archival patient biopsies collected in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and identified patients who showed no ASNS staining (ASNSnull) in their tumors, suggesting that they may benefit from treatment with IPN60090. Taken together, through a comprehensive translational effort we have identified ASNS as a predictive biomarker of response to GLS1 inhibitor-based therapeutic regimens. Citation Format: Nakia D. Spencer, Christopher A. Bristow, Virginia Giulani, Meredith A. Miller, Alessandro Carugo, Angela L. Harris, Rosalba Minelli, Ningpeng Feng, Qing Chang, Michael J. Soth, Kang Le, John N. Weinstein, Philip L. Lorenzi, Jinsong Liu, Wei-Lien Wang, Timothy A. Yap, Giulio Draetta, Philip Jones, Timothy P. Heffernan, Jeffrey J. Kovacs. Asparagine synthetase (ASNS) expression predicts response to the GLS1 inhibitor IPN60090 in ovarian cancer through selective modulation of redox homeostasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 87.

Abrogating GPT2 in triple-negative breast cancer inhibits tumor growth and promotes autophagy.

Uncontrolled proliferation and altered metabolic reprogramming are hallmarks of cancer. Active glycolysis and glutaminolysis are characteristic features of these hallmarks and required for tumorigenesis. A fine balance between cancer metabolism and autophagy is a prerequisite of homeostasis within cancer cells. Here we show that glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), which serves as a pivot between glycolysis and glutaminolysis, is highly upregulated in aggressive breast cancers, particularly the triple-negative breast cancer subtype. Abrogation of this enzyme results in decreased tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, which promotes the rewiring of glucose carbon atoms and alterations in nutrient levels. Concordantly, loss of GPT2 results in an impairment of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity as well as the induction of autophagy. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft studies have shown that autophagy induction correlates with decreased tumor growth and that markers of induced autophagy correlate with low GPT2 levels in patient samples. Taken together, these findings indicate that cancer cells have a close network between metabolic and nutrient sensing pathways necessary to sustain tumorigenesis and that aminotransferase reactions play an important role in maintaining this balance.

Abstract PR09: Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers: From preclinical models to clinical trials

Abstract Glutamine addiction is a major metabolic reprogramming event that occurs in cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit oncogene-dependent addiction to glutamine. As a metabolite, glutamine is first converted to glutamate by glutaminase (GLS) and then to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by either a transaminase or a glutamate dehydrogenase. PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α, is frequently mutated in human cancers, including 20-30% of colorectal cancer (CRC). We found that oncogenic PIK3CA mutations render CRCs addicted to glutamine through an upregulation of glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), thereby facilitating conversion of glutamate to α-KG. Here, we report that CB-839, a potent GLS inhibitor developed by Calithera Biosciences, inhibits xenograft tumor growth of PIK3CA mutant, but not WT, colorectal cancers. Remarkably, combination of CB-839 with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induces regression of xenograft tumors in four different PIK3CA mutant CRC models. These exciting preclinical data prompted us to perform a phase I and phase II clinical trial to assess combination of CB-839 with capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-FU. For the phase I trial, patients with advanced solid tumors and disease progression on standard treatment, or for whom capecitabine is an acceptable treatment option, were enrolled. A standard 3+3 design was used to assess escalating doses of CB-839 (400-800 mg) and capecitabine (500-1000 mg/m2) in four dose levels. CB-839 was given orally twice daily continuously and capecitabine was given orally twice daily on days 14/21 of a 21-day treatment cycle. Dose-limiting toxicity period was 21 days. Restaging CT scans were obtained every 9 weeks with response assessment per RECIST. Adverse events were assessed per CTCAEv4. Sixteen patients were enrolled, with 7 patients being treated at the final dose level (CB-839 800 mg and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2). No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Ten patients achieved stable disease as their best response with 9 being fluoropyrimidine resistant. Among the 16 patients, 12 were CRC patients who were 5-FU resistant. Consistent with our preclinical data, the median progress-free survival (PFS) of seven PIK3CA mutant CRC patients was 26 weeks, whereas the median PFS of five PIK3CA WT CRC patients was 16 weeks. Notably, the PFS of three PIK3CA mutant CRC patients was over six months (8, 9 and 13 months, respectively). A phase II trial of the drug combination in metastatic PIK3CA mutant CRC patients is ongoing. In summary, our preclinical and clinical studies suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a promising approach to treat CRCs with PIK3CA mutations. This abstract is also being presented as Poster A06. Citation Format: Jennifer Eads, Yiqing Zhao, David Bajor, Zhenghe John Wang. Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers: From preclinical models to clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting PI3K/mTOR Signaling; 2018 Nov 30-Dec 8; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(10_Suppl):Abstract nr PR09.

GPT2 mutations in autosomal recessive developmental disability: extending the clinical phenotype and population prevalence estimates.

The glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) gene produces a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial enzyme that catalyzes the reversible transfer of an amino group from glutamate to pyruvate, generating alanine and alpha-ketoglutarate. Recessive mutations in GPT2 have been recently identified in a new syndrome involving intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), postnatal microcephaly, and spastic paraplegia. We have identified additional families with recessive GPT2 mutations and expanded the phenotype to include small stature. GPT2 loss-of-function mutations were identified in four families, nine patients total, including: a homozygous mutation in one child [c.775T>C (p.C259R)]; compound heterozygous mutations in two siblings [c.812A>C (p.N271T)/c.1432_1433delGT (p.V478Rfs*73)]; a novel homozygous, putative splicing mutation [c.1035C>T (p.G345=)]; and finally, a recurrent mutation, previously identified in a distinct family [c.1210C>T (p.R404*)]. All patients were diagnosed with IDD. A majority of patients had remarkably small stature throughout development, many < 1st percentile for height and weight. Given the potential biological function of GPT2 in cellular growth, this phenotype is strongly suggestive of a newly identified clinical susceptibility. Further, homozygous GPT2 mutations manifested in at least 2 of 176 families with IDD (approximately 1.1%) in a Pakistani cohort, thereby representing a relatively common cause of recessive IDD in this population, with recurrence of the p.R404* mutation in this population. Based on variants in the ExAC database, we estimated that approximately 1 in 248 individuals are carriers of moderately or severely deleterious variants in GPT2.

Abstract LB-294: Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers: From preclinical models to clinical trials

Abstract Glutamine addiction is a major metabolic reprogramming event that occurs in cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit oncogene-dependent addiction to glutamine. As a metabolite, glutamine is first converted to glutamate by glutaminase (GLS) and then to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by either a transaminase or a glutamate dehydrogenase. PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α, is frequently mutated in human cancers including 20 to 30% of colorectal cancer (CRC). We found that oncogenic PIK3CA mutations render CRCs addicted to glutamine through an upregulation of glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2), thereby facilitating conversion of glutamate to α-KG. Here, we report that CB-839, a potent GLS inhibitor developed by Calithera Biosciences, inhibits xenograft tumor growth of PIK3CA mutant, but not WT, colorectal cancers. Remarkably, combination of CB-839 with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induces regression of xenograft tumors in four different PIK3CA mutant CRC models. These exciting preclinical data prompted us to perform a Phase I and Phase II clinical trial to assess combination of CB-839 with capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-FU. For the Phase I trial, patients with advanced solid tumors and disease progression on standard treatment, or for whom capecitabine is an acceptable treatment option, were enrolled. A standard 3+3 design was used to assess escalating doses of CB-839 (400-800 mg) and capecitabine (500-1000 mg/m2) in four dose levels. CB-839 was given orally twice daily continuously and capecitabine was given orally twice daily on days 14/21 of a 21 day treatment cycle. Dose-limiting toxicity period was 21 days. Restaging CT scans were obtained every 9 weeks with response assessment per RECIST. Adverse events were assessed per CTCAEv4. Sixteen patients were enrolled with 7 patients being treated at the final dose level (CB-839 800 mg and Capecitabine 1000 mg/m2). No dose-limiting toxicity were observed. Ten patients achieved stable disease as their best response with 9 being fluoropyrimidine resistant. Among the 16 patients, 12 were CRC patients who were 5-FU resistant. Consistent with our preclinical data, the median progress-free survival (PFS) of seven PIK3CA mutant CRC patients was 25 weeks, whereas the median PFS of five PIK3CA WT CRC patients was 16 weeks. Notably, the PFS of three PIK3CA mutant CRC patients was over six months (8, 9 and 13 months respectively). A Phase II trial of the drug combination in metastatic PIK3CA mutant CRC patients is ongoing. In summary, our preclinical and clinical studies suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be a promising approach to treat CRCs with PIK3CA mutations. Citation Format: Yiqing Zhao, Jennifer Eads, David Bajor, zhenghe wang. Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers: From preclinical models to clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-294.

Mitochondrial GPT2 plays a pivotal role in metabolic adaptation to the perturbation of mitochondrial glutamine metabolism.

Cancer cells exhibit metabolic dependence on mitochondrial glutamine metabolism that provides them with the substrates required for rapid proliferation. Despite the extensive efforts to target this glutamine addiction for therapeutic purposes, the adaptive metabolic responses and the mechanisms whereby cells maintain their unlimited growth remain areas of active investigation. Here we report that mitochondrial glutamate-pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) contributes to cell survival and growth by sustaining the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle anaplerosis after the inhibition of glutaminase (GLS), the first enzyme for mitochondrial glutamine metabolism. We found that elevated reactive oxygen species upon GLS inhibition induce GPT2 expression via activating transcription factor 4. Moreover, inhibition of GPT2 synergized with suppression of GLS activity to induce a pronounced reduction in proliferation and an increase in cell death of cancer cells. Our data uncover GPT2 as an important component of the adaptive metabolic response for glutamine deprivation and indicate that targeting this pathway in combination with GLS inhibition may be an effective therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

Abstract 3551: Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers

Abstract Glutamine addiction is a major metabolic reprogramming event that occurs in cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit oncogene-dependent addiction to glutamine. PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase α, is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers. However, whether PIK3CA mutations reprogram cancer metabolism is an important unaddressed question. Here we show that oncogenic PIK3CA mutations render colorectal cancers (CRCs) more dependent on glutamine to growth. As a metabolite, glutamine is first converted to glutamate by glutaminase (GLS) and then to α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by either a transaminase or a glutamate dehydrogenase. Calithera Biosciences recently developed a potent GLS inhibitor called CB-839, which is currently in phase I clinical trials in cancer patients. Using isogenic colorectal cancer cell lines with either WT or mutant PIK3CA allele knockout, we demonstrated that CRCs with PIK3CA mutations are more sensitive to growth inhibition by CB-839. Remarkably, combination of CB-839 with 5-FU induces regression xenograft tumors in PIK3CA mutant CRC models, suggesting that this combinational therapy may be effective approach to treat CRC patients whose tumors harbor PIK3CA mutations. Mechanistically, mutant p110α up-regulates gene expression of glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) through an AKT-independent PDK1-RSK2-ATF4 signaling axis, thereby facilitating conversion of glutamate to α-KG. Together, our data establish oncogenic PIK3CA mutations as a cause of glutamine addiction in CRCs and that targeting glutamine metabolism may be effective approach to treat CRCs with PIK3CA mutations. Citation Format: Yiqing Zhao. Targeting glutamine addiction of PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3551. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3551

Targeting glutamine metabolism in PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers

We recently reported that PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancers (CRCs) are addicted to glutamine through up-regulation of glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2). A GPT2 inhibitor suppresses in vivo growth of PIK3CA mutant, but not wild-type, CRCs. This study indicates that targeting glutamine may be an effective approach to treat CRCs with PIK3CA mutations.

Mutations in mitochondrial enzyme GPT2 cause metabolic dysfunction and neurological disease with developmental and progressive features.

Mutations that cause neurological phenotypes are highly informative with regard to mechanisms governing human brain function and disease. We report autosomal recessive mutations in the enzyme glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) in large kindreds initially ascertained for intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). GPT2 [also known as alanine transaminase 2 (ALT2)] is one of two related transaminases that catalyze the reversible addition of an amino group from glutamate to pyruvate, yielding alanine and α-ketoglutarate. In addition to IDD, all affected individuals show postnatal microcephaly and ∼80% of those followed over time show progressive motor symptoms, a spastic paraplegia. Homozygous nonsense p.Arg404* and missense p.Pro272Leu mutations are shown biochemically to be loss of function. The GPT2 gene demonstrates increasing expression in brain in the early postnatal period, and GPT2 protein localizes to mitochondria. Akin to the human phenotype, Gpt2-null mice exhibit reduced brain growth. Through metabolomics and direct isotope tracing experiments, we find a number of metabolic abnormalities associated with loss of Gpt2. These include defects in amino acid metabolism such as low alanine levels and elevated essential amino acids. Also, we find defects in anaplerosis, the metabolic process involved in replenishing TCA cycle intermediates. Finally, mutant brains demonstrate misregulated metabolites in pathways implicated in neuroprotective mechanisms previously associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, our data reveal an important role for the GPT2 enzyme in mitochondrial metabolism with relevance to developmental as well as potentially to neurodegenerative mechanisms.

Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancer

Cancer cells often require glutamine for growth, thereby distinguishing them from most normal cells. Here we show that PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism by upregulating glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, making them more dependent on glutamine. Compared with isogenic wild-type (WT) cells, PIK3CA mutant CRCs convert substantially more glutamine to α-ketoglutarate to replenish the tricarboxylic acid cycle and generate ATP. Mutant p110α upregulates GPT2 gene expression through an AKT-independent, PDK1–RSK2–ATF4 signalling axis. Moreover, aminooxyacetate, which inhibits the enzymatic activity of aminotransferases including GPT2, suppresses xenograft tumour growth of CRCs with PIK3CA mutations, but not with WT PIK3CA. Together, these data establish oncogenic PIK3CA mutations as a cause of glutamine dependency in CRCs and suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be an effective approach to treat CRC patients harbouring PIK3CA mutations.

LRH-1-dependent programming of mitochondrial glutamine processing drives liver cancer.

Various tumors develop addiction to glutamine to support uncontrolled cell proliferation. Here we identify the nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1) as a key regulator in the process of hepatic tumorigenesis through the coordination of a noncanonical glutamine pathway that is reliant on the mitochondrial and cytosolic transaminases glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase 1 (GOT1), which fuel anabolic metabolism. In particular, we show that gain and loss of function of hepatic LRH-1 modulate the expression and activity of mitochondrial glutaminase 2 (GLS2), the first and rate-limiting step of this pathway. Acute and chronic deletion of hepatic LRH-1 blunts the deamination of glutamine and reduces glutamine-dependent anaplerosis. The robust reduction in glutaminolysis and the limiting availability of α-ketoglutarate in turn inhibit mTORC1 signaling to eventually block cell growth and proliferation. Collectively, these studies highlight the importance of LRH-1 in coordinating glutamine-induced metabolism and signaling to promote hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Abstract B03: Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancers

Abstract Glutamine addiction is a major metabolic reprogramming event that occurs in cancer cells. Many tumors exhibit oncogene-dependent addiction to glutamine. PIK3CA, which encodes the p110 alpha catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers. However, whether PIK3CA mutations reprogram cancer metabolism is an important unaddressed question. Using isogenic cell lines expressing either wild-type (WT) or oncogenic mutant allele of PIK3CA, we demonstrated that colorectal cancer cells harboring PIK3CA mutations are more dependent on glutamine to grow. In contrast, the isogenic PIK3CA WT and mutant cell lines did not show differential sensitivity to glucose deprivation. Through gene expression analyses, we showed that glutamate pyruvate transaminase 2 (GPT2) is up-regulated in the colorectal cancer cell lines with PIK3CA mutations compared to the isogenic cell lines expressing WT PIK3CA. We demonstrated that induction of GPT2 by mutant p110 alpha is necessary and sufficient to render colorectal cancer cells dependent on glutamine. Moreover, aminooxyacetate, which inhibits enzymatic activity of aminotransferases including GPT2, suppresses xenograft tumor growth of colorectal cancers with PIK3CA mutations, but not colorectal cancers with WT PIK3CA. Thus our data suggest that targeting glutamine metabolism may be an effective approach to treat colorectal cancer patients harboring PIK3CA mutations. Mutant p110 alpha up-regulates GPT2 gene expression through an AKT-independent PDK1-RSK2-ATF4 signaling axis. We showed that ATF4 is a transcription factor that activates GPT2 gene expression. We further demonstrated that mutant p110 alpha activates RSK2 kinase through PDK1. Activated RSK2 then phosphorylates ATF4 at the serine residue 245, which in turn recruits deubiquitinase USP8 and protects ATF4 from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Lastly, using [13C5-]glutamine isotope-tracing technology, we showed that PIK3CA mutant colorectal cancer cells convert more glutamine to alpha-keto-glutarate to replenish the tricarboxylic acid cycle to generate ATP. Together, our data establish oncogenic PIK3CA mutations as a cause of glutamine addiction in colorectal cancers. Citation Format: Zhenghe Wang. Oncogenic PIK3CA mutations reprogram glutamine metabolism in colorectal cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Metabolism and Cancer; Jun 7-10, 2015; Bellevue, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2016;14(1_Suppl):Abstract nr B03.