Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Jiang, Nieng Yan, Dong Deng, Chuangye Yan
Summary: The Warburg effect refers to the phenomenon in which cancer cells shift their glucose metabolism from aerobic respiration to lactic fermentation even in the presence of oxygen. Elevated expression levels of human glucose transporters (GLUTs) and human monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are observed to maintain metabolic homeostasis and prevent lactate accumulation. Inhibition of GLUTs and/or MCTs shows potential as therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment. Recent advances in the structural characterization of GLUTs and MCTs provide a comprehensive understanding of their transport and inhibition mechanisms, contributing to the development of anticancer therapies.
Article
Oncology
Vera Miranda-Goncalves, Celine S. Goncalves, Sara Granja, Joana Vieira de Castro, Rui M. Reis, Bruno M. Costa, Fatima Baltazar
Summary: The overexpression of MCT1 is associated with poor prognosis in GBM patients. Inhibiting MCT1 can slow down tumor growth and enhance response to temozolomide treatment in GBM.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hao Wei, Annie Lee, Qing Zhang, Melanie A. Felmlee
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of exogenous sex hormones and cross-sex hormones on the expression of renal monocarboxylate transporters, finding that different hormones had different regulatory effects on the expression of MCT1, MCT4, and SMCT1.
Article
Cell Biology
Julieta Afonso, Andreia Barbosa, Paula Roberta Aguiar Pastrez, Murilo Bonatelli, Ricardo Filipe Alves da Costa, Celine Pinheiro, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Fatima Baltazar
Summary: Glycolytic activity is associated with poor clinicopathological profile in esophageal cancer patients. MCT4 and CAIX positivity independently predict a worse prognosis. Further studies are needed to assess the predictive value of these biomarkers in treatment response and explore the impact of MCT1/4 targeting and HKII expression and function.
Article
Cell Biology
Sara Costa Granja, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Priscila B. de Campos, Claudia P. Oliveira, Jose T. Stefano, Sebastiao N. Martins-Filho, Aline L. Chagas, Paulo Herman, Luiz C. D'Albuquerque, Mario Reis Alvares-da-Silva, Flair Jose Carrilho, Fatima Baltazar, Venancio A. F. Alves
Summary: The expression of glycolytic metabolism-associated markers, especially GLUT1 and MCT4, correlates with the severity of hepatocellular carcinoma occurring in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jitendra Kumar Arya, Raushan Kumar, Shambhoo Sharan Tripathi, Syed Ibrahim Rizvi
Summary: The study found that 3-BP treatment can improve the impairment of membrane-bound ATPase activity and redox biomarker level in aged rats.
REJUVENATION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Silva, Monica Costa Cerqueira, Beatriz Rosa, Catarina Sobral, Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro, Marta Freitas Costa, Fatima Baltazar, Julieta Afonso
Summary: Cancer produces energy through accelerated glycolysis, resulting in increased lactate production. The lactate is transported to and from cancer cells by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCT1 acts as both an importer and an extruder of lactate and has been studied extensively in recent years, being generally associated with aggressive cancer. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of MCT1 immunoexpression in various malignancies. The results showed that MCT1 is a poor prognostic indicator and is associated with decreased survival in sixteen types of cancer. However, MCT1 overexpression was also linked to better outcomes in colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea Cunha, Ana Catarina Rocha, Flavia Barbosa, Ana Baiao, Patricia Silva, Bruno Sarmento, Odilia Queiros
Summary: This study investigated the effects of antiglycolytic agents on lung cancer cell properties and multidrug resistance phenotype, and found that DCA showed the most promising results in inhibiting cell metabolism and proliferation. DCA also sensitized cancer cells to conventional chemotherapy drugs, suggesting a potential strategy for combined therapy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Baczewska, Elzbieta Supruniuk, Klaudia Bojczuk, Pawel Guzik, Patrycja Milewska, Katarzyna Kononczuk, Jakub Dobroch, Adrian Chabowski, Pawel Knapp
Summary: The study aimed to assess the dominant energy substrate transport mechanism in ovarian cancer cells and predict clinical outcomes using genomic aberrations. The researchers found differential gene expression in high-grade serous carcinoma and suggested the potential use of glucose and lactate transport as therapeutic targets to impede ovarian cancer growth.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Rao, Seth T. Gammon, Margie N. Sutton, Niki M. Zacharias, Pratip Bhattacharya, David Piwnica-Worms
Summary: This study reveals that high concentrations of exogenous pyruvate inhibit intracellular LDH activity and glycolytic ECAR, with the extent of inhibition being highly dependent on pyruvate influx mediated by monocarboxylate transporter-1. These findings suggest that maintaining plasma pyruvate at submillimolar concentrations could minimize transient metabolic perturbations and enhance the accuracy of metabolic studies using hyperpolarized [1-C-13]pyruvate magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging and stable isotope tracer experiments.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Bessem Mornagui, Raja Rezg, Cendrine Repond, Luc Pellerin
Summary: Bisphenol S (BPS), a substitute for bisphenol A (BPA), may act as an obesogenic endocrine disruptor and affect monocarboxylate transporters and mitochondrial respiratory system in the liver, leading to the development of hepatic steatosis.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vicente Medel, Nicolas Crossley, Ivana Gajardo, Eli Muller, L. Felipe Barros, James M. Shine, Jimena Sierralta
Summary: By analyzing gene expression data, we found that neuronal MCT2 lactate transporter is enriched in the cerebral cortex and negatively correlated with cortical thickness. MCT2 expression is associated with glucose utilization and brain function.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivan Ponce, Nelson Garrido, Nicolas Tobar, Francisco Melo, Patricio C. Smith, Jorge Martinez
Summary: The research revealed that increased tissue stiffness stimulates lactate production and glucose uptake by mammary fibroblasts, which is correlated with the expression of specific proteins. Additionally, mammary stromal cells cultured on stiff matrices generated factors that stimulated epithelial breast migration.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Shakiba Gholami, Cintia Chamorro-Petronacci, Mario Perez-Sayans, Jose Suarez Penaranda, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Fatima Baltazar, Julieta Afonso
Summary: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are associated with an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is characterized by aggressive features and poor prognosis. Cancer cells can reprogram their metabolism through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling, leading to upregulation of glycometabolism-related biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HIF targets in OPMD and OSCC samples and identify potential correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ORAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bart van der Hee, Jerry M. Wells
Summary: The ancestral diet had more fiber, while modern society's diet lacks it. SCFAs produced by gut bacteria fermenting fiber play a crucial role in intestinal homeostasis and the pathophysiology of human diseases. SCFAs can also impact tissues and organs beyond the gut through blood circulation, inducing epigenetic changes in the genome.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao C. C. Ferreira, Sara Granja, Ana F. Almeida, Fatima Baltazar, M. Sameiro T. Goncalves, Ana Preto, Maria Joao Sousa
Summary: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent and fatal cancer type, with limited therapy options. In recent years, phenoxazines derivatives, specifically BaP1, have shown promising anticancer activity against CRC cells. BaP1 selectively reduces cell proliferation, survival, and migration, inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lysosomal membrane permeabilization, cytosolic acidification, and apoptotic cell death. In vivo experiments using a chicken embryo choriollantoic membrane (CAM) assay confirmed BaP1's ability to inhibit tumor growth, angiogenesis, and proliferation. BaP1 emerges as a potential lysosomal-targeted agent for CRC therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Julieta Afonso, Andreia Barbosa, Paula Roberta Aguiar Pastrez, Murilo Bonatelli, Ricardo Filipe Alves da Costa, Celine Pinheiro, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Fatima Baltazar
Summary: Glycolytic activity is associated with poor clinicopathological profile in esophageal cancer patients. MCT4 and CAIX positivity independently predict a worse prognosis. Further studies are needed to assess the predictive value of these biomarkers in treatment response and explore the impact of MCT1/4 targeting and HKII expression and function.
Article
Oncology
Julieta Afonso, Celine Goncalves, Marta Costa, Debora Ferreira, Lucio Santos, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Fatima Baltazar
Summary: Glycolysis-related proteins are associated with bladder cancer aggressiveness and poor prognosis. The HK2 inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose can inhibit glycolysis, reduce bladder cancer cell invasion, and increase sensitivity to cisplatin.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana Lopes, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Erdem Carsanba, Manuela Pintado, Ana Sofia Oliveira, Carlos Ferreira, Joana Odila Pereira, Ana P. Carvalho, Carla Oliveira
Summary: This study explored the use of an antioxidant peptide extract obtained from industrial spent yeast as a supplement for Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation to prevent oxidative stress. The results showed that the peptide extract improved cell growth, reduced reactive oxygen species production, and increased fermentation performance.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Joana R. Costa, Tania Neto, Silvia S. Pedrosa, Sergio C. Sousa, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Diana Tavares-Valente, Adelia Mendes, Manuela E. Pintado, Joao C. Fernandes, Ana L. S. Oliveira, Ana Raquel Madureira
Summary: The demand for sustainable products is increasing worldwide, and the cosmetic industry is no exception. In this study, biogenic silica microparticles were synthesized from sugarcane ash and evaluated for their potential as cosmetic and skincare ingredients.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joao C. C. Ferreira, Rui P. C. L. Sousa, A. Preto, Maria Joao Sousa, M. Sameiro T. Goncalves
Summary: The demand for new fluorophores for biological target imaging is increasing. This study synthesized six new benzo[a]phenoxazinium chlorides with sulfonamide groups and tested their optical and biological properties. The probes with sulfonamide groups showed high specificity in staining cell membranes and organelles, making them valid alternatives to commercially available dyes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana P. Capeto, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Sergio Sousa, Manuela Pintado, Ana S. Guimaraes, Ana L. S. Oliveira
Summary: In the last decade, bio-based polyesters have gained increasing attention for their potential in various biomedical applications. A flexible polyester was produced from microbial oil residue obtained from genetically modified yeast. The polyester exhibited excellent mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility, making it a promising candidate for controlled release of active substances in wound dressing applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Silva, Monica Costa Cerqueira, Beatriz Rosa, Catarina Sobral, Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro, Marta Freitas Costa, Fatima Baltazar, Julieta Afonso
Summary: Cancer produces energy through accelerated glycolysis, resulting in increased lactate production. The lactate is transported to and from cancer cells by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). MCT1 acts as both an importer and an extruder of lactate and has been studied extensively in recent years, being generally associated with aggressive cancer. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of MCT1 immunoexpression in various malignancies. The results showed that MCT1 is a poor prognostic indicator and is associated with decreased survival in sixteen types of cancer. However, MCT1 overexpression was also linked to better outcomes in colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisca S. Teixeira, Ligia L. Pimentel, Susana S. M. P. Vidigal, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Manuela E. Pintado, Luis M. Rodriguez-Alcala
Summary: Lipid metabolism pathways play a crucial role in liver function, but the accumulation of lipids in hepatic cells can lead to steatosis, a growing pathology. This study investigated the accumulation of palmitic and linoleic fatty acids on hepatocytes and found that linoleic acid induced more reactive oxygen species (ROS) production compared to palmitic acid. Moreover, a lipid profile modification was observed after exposure to both fatty acids, highlighting the importance of balancing their concentrations to maintain normal levels of free fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides in liver cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Rita Caetano, Rafaela Dias Oliveira, Sonia Pires Celeiro, Ana Sofia Freitas, Susana M. Cardoso, M. Sameiro T. Goncalves, Fatima Baltazar, Cristina Almeida-Aguiar
Summary: Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, has a high mortality rate due to rapid metastasis and resistance to conventional therapies. Propolis, a natural product produced by bees, has been found to have anticancer effects. A study on a Portuguese propolis called Geres propolis showed that its ethanol extract and fractions can decrease melanoma cell viability, with the fraction G18.EE-n-BuOH showing the highest potential as a melanoma pharmacological therapy. Further analysis identified phenolic compounds in the G18.EE-n-BuOH fraction that are characteristic of Geres propolis and have been linked to antitumor effectiveness. These findings suggest that propolis compounds could be utilized as new drugs in traditional medicine.
Article
Oncology
Diana Tavares-Valente, Stefania Cannone, Maria Raffaella Greco, Tiago Miguel Amaral Carvalho, Fatima Baltazar, Odilia Queiros, Gennaro Agrimi, Stephan J. Reshkin, Rosa Angela Cardone
Summary: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a poor prognosis due to the fibrotic desmoplastic reaction and high levels of ECM collagen I which provide a niche for CSCs. As ECM collagen I content increases, CSCs switch to glutamine metabolism. Additionally, all BMs synergistically potentiate the cytotoxicity of NAB-PTX.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Alves, M. Sousa-Silva, P. Soares, M. Sauer, M. Casal, I. Soares-Silva
Summary: The Aspergillus niger CexA transporter is a member of the DHA1 family and can bind isocitric acid and import citrate at pH 5.5. Site-directed mutagenesis identified relevant amino acids involved in the expression, transport capacity, and affinity of CexA.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Shakiba Gholami, Cintia Chamorro-Petronacci, Mario Perez-Sayans, Jose Suarez Penaranda, Adhemar Longatto-Filho, Fatima Baltazar, Julieta Afonso
Summary: Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are associated with an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is characterized by aggressive features and poor prognosis. Cancer cells can reprogram their metabolism through hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling, leading to upregulation of glycometabolism-related biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HIF targets in OPMD and OSCC samples and identify potential correlations with clinicopathological features and prognosis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ORAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andrea Cunha, Patricia M. A. Silva, Bruno Sarmento, Odilia Queiros
Summary: The Warburg effect is a metabolic shift that leads to acidification of the tumor microenvironment and increased drug resistance. The metabolic differences between cancer and normal cells provide a strategy for new therapies, and nanodrug delivery systems can overcome multidrug resistance.