Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism Research Articles

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism with CPI-613 in chemoresistant ovarian tumors.

There is evidence indicating that chemoresistance in tumor cells is mediated by the reconfiguration of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to heightened mitochondrial activity and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Previously, we have shown that ovarian cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy display increased OXPHOS, mitochondrial function, and metabolic flexibility. To exploit this weakness in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells, we examined the effectiveness of the mitochondrial inhibitor CPI-613 in treating preclinical ovarian cancer. Chemosensitive OVCAR3, and chemoresistant CAOV3 and F2 ovarian cancer cells lines and their xenografts in nude mice were used. Functional metabolic studies were performed using Seahorse instrument. Metabolite quantification was performed using LC/MS/MS. Mice treated with CPI-613 exhibited a notable increase in overall survival and a reduction in tumor development and burden in OVCAR3, F2, and CAOV3 xenografts. CPI-613 suppressed the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, which are two of its targets. This led to a reduction in OXPHOS and tricarboxylic acid cycle activity in all 3 xenografts. The addition of CPI-613 enhanced the responsiveness of chemotherapy in the chemoresistant F2 and CAOV3 tumors, resulting in a notable improvement in survival rates and a reduction in tumor size as compared to using chemotherapy alone. CPI-613 reduced the chemotherapy-induced OXPHOS in chemoresistant tumors. The study revealed that the mechanism by which CPI-613 inhibits tumor growth is through mitochondrial collapse. This is evidenced by an increase in superoxide production within the mitochondria, a decrease in ATP generation, and the release of cytochrome C, which triggers mitochondria-induced apoptosis. Our study demonstrates the translational potential of CPI-613 against chemoresistant ovarian tumors.

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism by the mitotoxin bromoxib in leukemia and lymphoma cells.

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. Here, we investigated the mitotoxic potential of the polybrominated diphenyl ether bromoxib, a natural compound isolated from the marine sponge Dysidea family. We could show that bromoxib comprised strong cytotoxicity in different leukemia and lymphoma cell lines (such as HL60, HPBALL, Jurkat, K562, KOPTK1, MOLT4, SUPB15 and Ramos), but also in solid tumor cell lines (such as glioblastoma cell lines SJ-GBM2 and TP365MG). Bromoxib activated the mitochondrial death pathway as evidenced by the rapid translocation of Bax to the mitochondria and the subsequent mitochondrial release of Smac. Accordingly, bromoxib-induced apoptosis was blocked in caspase 9 deficient Jurkat cells and Jurkat cells overexpressing the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. In addition, we could show that bromoxib functioned as an uncoupler of the electron transport chain with similar rapid kinetics as CCCP in terms of dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), processing of the dynamin-like GTPase OPA1 and subsequent fragmentation of mitochondria. Beyond that, bromoxib strongly abrogated ATP production via glycolysis as well as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) by targeting electron transport chain complexes II, III, and V (ATP-synthase) in Ramos lymphoma cells. Thus, bromoxib's potential to act on both cytosolic glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration renders it a promising agent for the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma.

Mitochondrial metabolism: A moving target in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Mitochondria are pivotal contributors to cancer mechanisms due to their homeostatic and pathological roles in cellular bioenergetics, biosynthesis, metabolism, signaling, and survival. During transformation and tumor initiation, mitochondrial function is often disrupted by oncogenic mutations, leading to a metabolic profile distinct from precursor cells. In this review, we focus on hepatocellular carcinoma, a cancer arising from metabolically robust and nutrient rich hepatocytes, and discuss the mechanistic impact of altered metabolism in this setting. We provide distinctions between normal mitochondrial activity versus disease-related function which yielded therapeutic opportunities, along with highlighting recent preclinical and clinical efforts focused on targeting mitochondrial metabolism. Finally, several novel strategies for exploiting mitochondrial programs to eliminate hepatocellular carcinoma cells in metabolism-specific contexts are presented to integrate these concepts and gain foresight into the future of mitochondria-focused therapeutics.

Minimal Residual Disease in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Induction Chemotherapy Can be Effectively Eradicated By Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells (AMLSCs) AMLSCs and residual cytarabine (AraC)-resistant AML cells (constituting minimal residual disease, MRD) thought to be responsible for chemoresistance and treatment failure, were shown to be highly dependent on mitochondrial function for survival and thus are vulnerable to pharmacological blockade of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) (Farge et al. Cancer Discov, 2017). Efficacy of OXPHOS inhibitor IACS-010759 (OXPHOS-i) was previously reported, demonstrating potent inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, OXPHOS suppression and growth inhibition of AML cells (Molina, et al. Nat Med, 2018). Here we evaluated OXPHOS dependency of AML MRD cells and determined impact of OXPHOS blockade on residual AML cells surviving standard chemotherapy (Doxorubicin/AraC, DA). Our results demonstrated that AML cell lines treated with AraC or DA induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxides, increased mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential. AraC- and DA therapies in vitro were significantly enhanced by OXPHOS-i. OXPHOS dependency shown as a significantly increased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rate after AraC and DA treatment, was fully inhibited by OXPHOS-i, leading to complete mitochondrial collapse. OXPHOS inhibition in combination with DA translated into reduction of viable cell numbers, induction of apoptosis and differentiation in AraC-sensitive and AraC-resistant cell lines models. In vitro efficacy was also observed in engineered p53-mutated MOLM13 model, indicating that combination of OXPHOS-i and DA might successfully overcome p53 mutation-driven chemoresistance. These effects were further validated in a subset of AraC-resistant primary patient samples. Mechanistically, induction of ROS caused by OXPHOS-i addition upon DA contributed to differentiation and cell death, and was partially reversed by ROS scavengers. Next, the efficacy of IACS-010759 together with DA chemotherapy was evaluated in several chemotherapy-sensitive and -resistant animal models in vivo. DA/IACS-010759 combination significantly reduced leukemia burden and extended survival in OCI-AML3/Luc/GFP model and in FLT3-ITD + AML PDX model. In the latter, IACS-010759 led to the reduction of leukemia burden and delayed leukemia recurrence when administered post completion of DA. At the single-cell level, CyTOF analysis demonstrated that this combination reduced frequency of CD34 +CD38 lowCD123 +AML LSCs and facilitated differentiation of immature subpopulations (Fig.1A). Furthermore, addition of OXPHOS-i to DA extended survival of mice inoculated with chemoresistant PDX AML models. Finally, OXPHOS-i administered during consolidation phase significantly extended mice survival compared to standard of care arm, supporting clinical utility of OXPHOS inhibitors in AML (Fig.1B). In conclusion, our findings indicate that chemotherapy fosters mitochondrial respiration in AML, which could be abrogated by OXPHOS inhibitor at the LSCs and MRD level , in vitro and in vivo. While IACS-010759 (Yap et al. Nat Med 2023) showed toxicities impeding its clinical utility, our data advocate for combining mitochondrial targeting strategies with chemotherapy as a part of induction and consolidation treatment for improved control of MRD, eradication of AMLSC and extended response duration. Thus, further studies to identify compounds with improved safety profile are warranted.

Preclinical evaluation of Mito-LND, a targeting mitochondrial metabolism inhibitor, for glioblastoma treatment

BackgroundGlioblastoma (GBM) is a brain tumor with the highest level of malignancy and the worst prognosis in the central nervous system. Mitochondrial metabolism plays a vital role in the occurrence and development of cancer, which provides critical substances to support tumor anabolism. Mito-LND is a novel small-molecule inhibitor that can selectively inhibit the energy metabolism of tumor cells. However, the therapeutic effect of Mito-LND on GBM remains unclear.MethodsThe present study evaluated the inhibitory effect of Mito-LND on the growth of GBM cells and elucidated its potential mechanism.ResultsThe results showed that Mito-LND could inhibit the survival, proliferation and colony formation of GBM cells. Moreover, Mito-LND induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, Mito-LND inhibited the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, thus promoting ROS generation. Importantly, Mito-LND could inhibit the malignant proliferation of GBM by blocking the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. In vivo experiments showed that Mito-LND inhibited the growth of GBM xenografts in mice and significantly prolonged the survival time of tumor-bearing mice.ConclusionTaken together, the current findings support that targeting mitochondrial metabolism may be as a potential and promising strategy for GBM therapy, which will lay the theoretical foundation for further clinical trials on Mito-LND in the future.

Targeting cellular respiration as a therapeutic strategy in glioblastoma

While glycolysis is abundant in malignancies, mitochondrial metabolism is significant as well. Mitochondria harbor the enzymes relevant for cellular respiration, which is a critical pathway for both regeneration of reduction equivalents and energy production in the form of ATP. The oxidation of NADH2 and FADH2 are fundamental since NAD and FAD are the key components of the TCA-cycle that is critical to entertain biosynthesis in cancer cells. The TCA-cycle itself is predominantly fueled through carbons from glucose, glutamine, fatty acids and lactate. Targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism appears feasible through several drug compounds that activate the CLPP protein or interfere with NADH-dehydrogenase, pyruvate-dehydrogenase, enzymes of the TCA-cycle and mitochondrial matrix chaperones. While these compounds have demonstrated anti-cancer effects in vivo, recent research suggests which patients most likely benefit from such treatments. Here, we provide a brief overview of the status quo of targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism in glioblastoma and highlight a novel combination therapy.

Abstract A24: Targeting mitochondrial metabolism following Induction Chemotherapy eradicates Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the level of Minimal Residual Disease

Abstract Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) stem cells (AMLSCs) are thought to be responsible for disease initiation, chemoresistance and treatment failure. AMLSCs and residual cytarabine (AraC)-resistant AML cells (constituting minimal residual disease, MRD) were shown to be highly dependent on mitochondrial function for survival and thus are vulnerable to pharmacological blockade of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) (Farge et al. Cancer Discov, 2017). Efficacy of OXPHOS inhibitor IACS-010759 was previously reported, demonstrating potent inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, OXPHOS suppression and growth inhibition of AML cells (Molina, et al. Nat Med, 2018). Here we evaluated OXPHOS dependency of AML MRD cells and determined impact of OXPHOS blockade on residual AML cells surviving standard chemotherapy (Doxorubicin/AraC, DA). Our results demonstrated that AML cell lines treated with AraC or DA induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxides, increased mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential. AraC- and DA-based therapies in vitro were significantly potentiated by IACS-010759. OxPhos dependency shown as a significantly increased basal and maximal oxygen consumption rate after AraC and DA treatment, was fully inhibited by OxPhos inhibitor, leading to a total mitochondrial collapse. OxPhos inhibition in combination with DA consolidated reduction of viable cell number, induction of apoptosis and differentiation in cell lines and in AraC-resistant primary patient samples. Next, the efficacy of IACS-010759 together with DA chemotherapy was evaluated in several chemotherapy-sensitive and -resistant animal models in vivo. DA/IACS-010759 combination significantly reduced leukemia burden and significantly extended survival in OCI-AML3/Luc/GFP model and in FLT3-ITD+ AML PDX model. In the latter, IACS-010759 led to reduction of leukemia burden, and delayed leukemia recurrence when administered post completion of DA. At the single-cell level, CyTOF analysis demonstrated that this combination reduced frequency of CD34+CD38lowCD123+AML LSCs and has superior efficacy to facilitate differentiation of immature subpopulations. Furthermore, addition of IACS-010759 to DA extended survival of mice inoculated with chemoresistant PDX AML models. Finally, IACS-010759 administered during consolidation phase significantly extended mice survival compared to standard of care arm, supporting clinical utility of OXPHOS inhibitors in AML. In conclusion, our findings indicate that chemotherapy fosters mitochondrial respiration in AML, which could be abrogated by OXPHOS inhibitor at the LSCs and MRD level, in vitro and in vivo. Our data advocate for combining mitochondrial targeting strategies with chemotherapy as a part of induction and consolidation treatment for improved control of MRD, eradication of AMLSC and extended response duration. Citation Format: Natalia Baran, Lina Han, Lucille Stuani, Antonio Cavazos, Laurie M. Cooper, Cassandra L. Ramage, Vinitha M. Kuruvilla, Qi Zhang, Marie Sabatier, Emeline Boet, Jason P. Gay, Ningping Feng, Lokesh Battula, Emeline Chu-Van, Florence Castelli, Martin Carrol, Sergej Konoplev, Beenu Thakral, Hagop M. Kantarjian, Naval Daver, Joseph Marszalek, Michael Andreeff, Jean-Emmanuel Sarry, Marina Konopleva. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism following Induction Chemotherapy eradicates Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the level of Minimal Residual Disease [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome; 2023 Jan 23-25; Austin, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Blood Cancer Discov 2023;4(3_Suppl):Abstract nr A24.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism to Save the Failing Heart.

Despite considerable progress in treating cardiac disorders, the prevalence of heart failure (HF) keeps growing, making it a global medical and economic burden. HF is characterized by profound metabolic remodeling, which mostly occurs in the mitochondria. Although it is well established that the failing heart is energy-deficient, the role of mitochondria in the pathophysiology of HF extends beyond the energetic aspects. Changes in substrate oxidation, tricarboxylic acid cycle and the respiratory chain have emerged as key players in regulating myocardial energy homeostasis, Ca2+ handling, oxidative stress and inflammation. This work aims to highlight metabolic alterations in the mitochondria and their far-reaching effects on the pathophysiology of HF. Based on this knowledge, we will also discuss potential metabolic approaches to improve cardiac function.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism to Reverse Radioresistance: An Alternative to Glucose Metabolism.

Radiotherapy failure and poor tumor prognosis are primarily attributed to radioresistance. Improving the curative effect of radiotherapy and delaying cancer progression have become difficult problems for clinicians. Glucose metabolism has long been regarded as the main metabolic process by which tumor cells meet their bioenergetic and anabolic needs, with the complex interactions between the mitochondria and tumors being ignored. This misconception was not dispelled until the early 2000s; however, the cellular molecules and signaling pathways involved in radioresistance remain incompletely defined. In addition to being a key metabolic site that regulates tumorigenesis, mitochondria can influence the radiation effects of malignancies by controlling redox reactions, participating in oxidative phosphorylation, producing oncometabolites, and triggering apoptosis. Therefore, the mitochondria are promising targets for the development of novel anticancer drugs. In this review, we summarize the internal relationship and related mechanisms between mitochondrial metabolism and cancer radioresistance, thus exploring the possibility of targeting mitochondrial signaling pathways to reverse radiation insensitivity. We suggest that attention should be paid to the potential value of mitochondria in prolonging the survival of cancer patients.

An Epigenetic Role of Mitochondria in Cancer.

Mitochondria are not only the main energy supplier but are also the cell metabolic center regulating multiple key metaborates that play pivotal roles in epigenetics regulation. These metabolites include acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), NAD+, and O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), which are the main substrates for DNA methylation and histone post-translation modifications, essential for gene transcriptional regulation and cell fate determination. Tumorigenesis is attributed to many factors, including gene mutations and tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria and epigenetics play essential roles in tumor initiation, evolution, metastasis, and recurrence. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetics are promising therapeutic strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we summarize the roles of mitochondria in key metabolites required for epigenetics modification and in cell fate regulation and discuss the current strategy in cancer therapies via targeting epigenetic modifiers and related enzymes in metabolic regulation. This review is an important contribution to the understanding of the current metabolic-epigenetic-tumorigenesis concept.

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism for metastatic cancer therapy.

Primary tumors evolve metabolic mechanisms favoring glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate(ATP) generation and antioxidant defenses. In contrast, metastatic cells frequently depend on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). This reliance of metastatic cells on OxPhos can be exploited using drugs that target mitochondrial metabolism. Therefore, therapeutic agents that act via diverse mechanisms, including the activation of signaling pathways that promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or a reduction in antioxidant defenses may elevate oxidative stress and inhibit tumor cell survival. In this review, we will provide (1) a mechanistic analysis of function-selective extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitors that inhibit cancer cells through enhanced ROS, (2) a review of the role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in redox regulation and drug resistance, (3) a rationale for inhibiting ERK signaling and mitochondrial OxPhos towardthe therapeutic goal of reducing tumor metastasis and treatment resistance. Recent reports from our laboratories using metastatic melanoma and breast cancer models have shown the preclinical efficacy of novel and rationally designed therapeutic agents that target ERK1/2 signaling and mitochondrial ATP synthase, which modulate ROS events that may prevent or treat metastatic cancer. These findings and those of others suggest that targeting a tumor's metabolic requirements and vulnerabilities may inhibit metastatic pathways and tumor growth. Approaches that exploit the ability of therapeutic agents to alter oxidative balance in tumor cells may be selective for cancer cells and may ultimately have an impact on clinical efficacy and safety. Elucidating the translational potential of metabolic targeting could lead to the discovery of new approaches for treatment of metastatic cancer.

Combination of Targeting Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolism Reverses the Acquired Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Combination of Targeting Mitochondrial Dynamics and Metabolism Reverses the Acquired Resistance to Sorafenib in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism and RNA Polymerase POLRMT to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer.

Clinically, the prognosis of tumor therapy is fundamentally affected by multidrug resistance (MDR), which is primarily a result of enhanced drug efflux mediated by channels in the membrane that reduce drug accumulation in tumor cells. How to restore the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapy is an ongoing and pressing clinical issue. There is a prevailing view that tumor cells turn to glycolysis for energy supply due to hypoxia. However, studies have shown that mitochondria also play crucial roles, such as providing intermediates for biosynthesis through the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and a plenty of ATP to fuel cells through the complete breakdown of organic matter by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). High OXPHOS have been found in some tumors, particularly in cancer stem cells (CSCs), which possess increased mitochondria mass and may be depends on OXPHOS for energy supply. Therefore, they are sensitive to inhibitors of mitochondrial metabolism. In view of this, we should consider mitochondrial metabolism when developing drugs to overcome MDR, where mitochondrial RNA polymerase (POLRMT) would be the focus, as it is responsible for mitochondrial gene expression. Inhibition of POLRMT could disrupt mitochondrial metabolism at its source, causing an energy crisis and ultimately eradicating tumor cells. In addition, it may restore the energy supply of MDR cells to glycolysis and re-sensitize them to conventional chemotherapy. Furthermore, we discuss the rationale and strategies for designing new therapeutic molecules for MDR cancers by targeting POLRMT.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism as a Strategy to Treat Senescence.

Mitochondria are one of organelles that undergo significant changes associated with senescence. An increase in mitochondrial size is observed in senescent cells, and this increase is ascribed to the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria that generate excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Such dysfunctional mitochondria are prime targets for ROS-induced damage, which leads to the deterioration of oxidative phosphorylation and increased dependence on glycolysis as an energy source. Based on findings indicating that senescent cells exhibit mitochondrial metabolic alterations, a strategy to induce mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming has been proposed to treat aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we discuss senescence-related mitochondrial changes and consequent mitochondrial metabolic alterations. We assess the significance of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming for senescence regulation and propose the appropriate control of mitochondrial metabolism to ameliorate senescence. Learning how to regulate mitochondrial metabolism will provide knowledge for the control of aging and age-related pathologies. Further research focusing on mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming will be an important guide for the development of anti-aging therapies, and will provide novel strategies for anti-aging interventions.

ABL allosteric inhibitors synergize with statins to enhance apoptosis of metastatic lung cancer cells.

SUMMARYTargeting mitochondrial metabolism has emerged as a treatment option for cancer patients. The ABL tyrosine kinases promote metastasis, and enhanced ABL signaling is associated with a poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Here we show that ABL kinase allosteric inhibitors impair mitochondrial integrity and decrease oxidative phosphorylation. To identify metabolic vulnerabilities that enhance this phenotype, we utilized a CRISPR/Cas9 loss-of-function screen and identified HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway and target of statin therapies, as a top-scoring sensitizer to ABL inhibition. Combination treatment with ABL allosteric inhibitors and statins decreases metastatic lung cancer cell survival in vitro in a synergistic manner. Notably, combination therapy in mouse models of lung cancer brain metastasis and therapy resistance impairs metastatic colonization with a concomitant increase in animal survival. Thus, metabolic combination therapy might be effective to decrease metastatic outgrowth, leading to increased survival for lung cancer patients with advanced disease.

Abstract 2348: Targeting mitochondrial and cytosolic one-carbon metabolism in epithelial ovarian cancer via folate receptor alpha

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Though most patients initially respond to platinum-based therapy, the likelihood of disease reoccurrence is nearly 100%. Thus, new tumor-selective therapies for EOC are urgently needed. One such treatment option involves targeting tumors via folate receptor α (FRα), which is overexpressed in up to 90% of EOCs and shows increasing expression with higher stage and grade of disease. Our laboratory discovered novel 5-substituted pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine analogs (AGF347, AGF359, AGF362 and AGF363) that inhibit mitochondrial one-carbon (C1) metabolism at serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) 2, with secondary inhibition at cytosolic enzyme targets including those in de novo purine biosynthesis. Potent inhibition was seen with several FRα-expressing EOC tumor cells. Inhibitory potencies were in order, AGF347 > AGF359 > AGF362 > AGF363. Drug effects were substantially reduced with excess folic acid (FA), confirming FRα-mediated drug uptake. Toward cisplatin resistant SKOV3, TOV112D and A2780 EOC cells, inhibition in the nanomolar range was detected with all compounds. Targeted metabolomics, using L-[2,3,3-2H]serine as a tracer in wild-type or SHMT2 knockdown SKOV3 cells, confirmed all compounds inhibited cytosolic and mitochondrial C1-metabolism (at SHMT2). Apoptosis was detected for all compounds by Annexin V/PI, with partial rescue of apoptosis observed upon addition of glutathione (GSH). Glutathione pools (GSH and total GSH+GSSG) were significantly perturbed by drug treatment with all inhibitors in SKOV3 cells, comparable to GSH levels observed in SHMT2 KD cells. In vivo efficacy studies with SKOV3 xenografts treated with either AGF347 or cisplatin in SCID mice showed cisplatin resistance, while AGF347 demonstrated efficacy and delay in disease progression with a median tumor growth delay of 10 days, with the longest delay being 15 days. Our studies describe a series of novel inhibitors targeting mitochondrial and cytosolic C1-metabolism, selectively delivered via FRα, which show direct cytotoxic effects against cisplatin resistant EOC in vitro and in vivo, and display additional mechanisms of cytotoxicity mediated through glycine depletion. Citation Format: Adrianne C. Wallace-Povirk, Carrie O'Connor, Xun Bao, Jade Katinas, Jennifer Wong-Roushar, Aamod Dekhne, Zhanjun Hou, Md. Junayed Nayeen, Khushbu Shah, Jose Cardiel Nunez, Jing Li, Seongho Kim, Lisa Polin, Charles E. Dann, Aleem Gangjee, Larry H. Matherly. Targeting mitochondrial and cytosolic one-carbon metabolism in epithelial ovarian cancer via folate receptor alpha [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 2348.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism in Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Ovaries.

Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a rare but chemorefractory tumor. About 50% of all OCCC patients have inactivating mutations of ARID1A, a member of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. Members of the SWI/SNF remodeling have emerged as regulators of the energetic metabolism of mammalian cells; however, the role of ARID1A as a modulator of the mitochondrial metabolism in OCCCs is yet to be defined. Here, we show that ARID1A loss results in increased mitochondrial metabolism and renders ARID1A-mutated cells increasingly and selectively dependent on it. The increase in mitochondrial activity following ARID1A loss is associated with increase in c-Myc expression and increased mitochondrial number and reduction of their size consistent with a higher mitochondrial cristae/outer membrane ratio. Significantly, preclinical testing of the complex I mitochondrial inhibitor IACS-010759 showed it extends overall survival in a preclinical model of ARID1A-mutated OCCC. These findings provide for the targeting mitochondrial activity in ARID1A-mutated OCCCs.

Targeting Mitochondrial Metabolism in Prostate Cancer with Triterpenoids.

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

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism in the therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism in the therapeutic resistance of pancreatic cancer

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism in pancreatic cancer: Elucidating a novel vulnerability

Targeting mitochondrial metabolism in pancreatic cancer: Elucidating a novel vulnerability