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Address correspondence to Egil Fosslien, M.D., 502 Fairview Avenue, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, USA; tel 630 469 6824; e-mail efosslie{at}uic.edu.
| Abstract |
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Keywords: cancer, mitochondrial failure, dual genome disease, mtDNA, nDNA, Krebs cycle, OXPHOS, morphogen gradient, morphogenesis, carcinogen, teratogen, mitochondrial toxins
| Introduction |
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Of special interest are the signaling effects of morphogens such as TGF-β, a member of a large family of morphogens that has been shown to be extensively involved in developmental morphogenesis and whose signaling is often abnormal in cancerous tissues. Like many other morphogens, TGF-β can inhibit and stimulate cell proliferation at high and low concentrations respectively [4–7], an effect referred to as bimodal, or alternatively, as biphasic, or hormetic [8].
A gradient of such a morphogen provides a basic form of a morphogenetic field. Experiments have demonstrated that a TGF-β concentration gradient can control cell differentiation along its path [9]. In addition, based upon laboratory studies of bimodal responses to this morphogen [5,6], it has been theorized that a concentration gradient of TGF-β can determine the radius of curvature of tubulular, spherical, and other curved biological structures [10,11]. In vitro tubulogenesis experiments seem to support this theory [12]. But how does the morphogen gradient control architecture? In view of the idea that the cell supply of ATP is the final controller of cell proliferation [13], the question to be answered becomes: Is there further evidence that–within its morphogenetic field–such a gradient can modulate the spatial mitochondrial production of ATP and thus determine cancer cell proliferation and tissue architecture?
Germline mutations of various Krebs cycle and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation enzyme subunits demonstrate that primary mitochondrial energetics dysfunction can cause benign and malignant neoplasia [14,15] and induce the Warburg effect, the switch from ATP generation via OXPHOS to ATP generation via glycolysis, even in the presence of oxygen. This raises several questions: Does faulty morphogen signaling disrupt mitochondrial energetics and thus induce the Warburg effect? Can mitochondrial failure to properly respond to morphogenetic fields cause cancer morphogenesis? Can an abnormal morphogen gradient have a similar effect and cause tissue disorganization along its signaling field?
| Morphogenesis |
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Many findings document an essential role of mitochondria in developmental morphogenesis and postnatal remodeling. Around the time of implantation, there is a significant shift from glycolytic to oxidative metabolism. Chemical agents that inhibit mitochondrial respiration may increase oxidative stress and cause limb and central nervous system malformations [20]. Many pesticides can inhibit OXPHOS, and neural tube defects, spina bifida, and anencephaly have been linked to pesticide exposure [21]. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation have been noted in hearts of patients with tetralogy of Fallot [22].
Several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alter mitochondrial function, and ingesting NSAID during pregnancy increases the risk of developmental malformations. A study of five common NSAIDs showed that indomethacin, which partially inhibits both isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), was the least teratogenic, whereas sulindac, which inhibits cytosolic phospholipase (cPLA2), was the most teratogenic [23]. Inhibition of cPLA2 by sulindac reduces conversion of membrane phospholipids to arachidonic acid, the substrate for COX-1 and COX-2, which convert arachidonic acid to prostaglandin (PG)-H2, the common precursor molecule for subsequent synthesis of prostanoids. Sulindac limitation of substrate supply for COX-1 and COX-2 may explain why sulindac was the most teratogenic NSAID in these studies. However, some of the same teratogens also inhibit or uncouple mitochondria.
These findings demonstrate the importance of mitochondrial energy metabolism (energetics) and prostanoid metabolism in developmental morphogenesis. Furthermore, they raise questions about abnormal mitochondrial responses to morphogens in cancer morphogenesis. Excessive generation of ROS that damages DNA, RNA, proteins, and membranes is frequently blamed for such architectural alterations in neoplastic lesions.
Morphogenetic fields and morphogen gradients. At the beginning of the last century, there was great interest in finding rules of ordered form in embryology (Gestaltungsgesetze). Child published his pioneering paper on the topic in 1915 [24], followed 9 years later by a ground-breaking paper by Spemann and Mangold on transplantation experiments in Xenopus embryos. The authors found that tissue from a specific dorsal region of early newt gastrula induced formation of an additional, complete body axis when implanted on the ventral side of another embryo. Their experiments demonstrated the concept of an organizational field. The organizing entity in the dorsal region of the Xenopus embryo is now referred to as the Spemann organizer [25].
In 1931, Needham introduced the discipline of chemical embryology. It aimed at understanding the regulation of morphogenesis, the developmental differentiation and formation of structure, in chemical terms. The concept of morphogenetic gradients has a long history, apparently first described by Boveri in 1901. Such gradients can be considered special, limited forms of morphogenetic fields [26,27]. Child detected metabolic gradients in planarians, considered associations between gradients and genes, and suggested the differentiation of gene expression along morphogen gradients [28].
In 1953, Turing theorized how solutions containing two different chemicals such as ATP and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) could develop simple structures, referred to as Child-Turing structures. Formation of a variety of self-organizing, Child-Turing structures has been experimentally verified. More recently, biochemical concepts of morphogenesis have become increasingly complemented by new insights from molecular biology; the emphasis is now on gene expression and transmission of genetic information as the basic mechanism of morphogenesis [29].
Genetic and epigenetic studies have revitalized the importance of morphogens and developmental morphogenetic fields. Recently, there has been increased interest in mechanism of preservation of tissue architecture of developed tissues. For example, it has been suggested, that morphostats–defined as "morphogen-like controller molecules" –help preserve normal adult tissue architecture [30,31].
TGF-β can modulate expression of the homeobox gene goosecoid (GSC), one of several important genes that have been identified in the Spemann organizer region. Goosecoid regulates developmental morphogenesis in many vertebrate species. The human goosecoid gene is located in chromosome region 14q32.1 [32]. Goosecoid mRNA induces the Spemann organizer effect when injected into the ventral side of Xenopus embryos. Retinoic acid, a morphogen and potent teratogen, down-regulates goosecoid expression in mouse embryos, and goosecoid-null mice develop embryopathies resembling those induced by retinoic acid [33]. Moreover, retinoic acid suppresses goosecoid transcription in vitro [34].
| Cancer Morphogenesis |
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Highly aggressive breast cancer cells that harbor mutations of regulatory genes can be manipulated to exhibit a normal phenotype by correcting malfunctioning signaling pathways such as those involving epidermal growth factor, β-integrin, and E-cadherin [38]. Mammary tumor cells supplemented with integrin-blocking antibodies reverted to a normal cell phenotype, but upon removal of the antibody, the cells dedifferentiated and re-formed disorganized colonies, reflecting a return to the tumor phenotype [39].
Nevertheless, minor tumor cell genetic differences vary in responses to their environment, such as their resistance to necrosis in the presence of hypoxia. Spheroids of highly tumorigenic, transfected cultured cell lines derived from rat embryonic fibroblasts show much higher tolerance to central hypoxia and necrosis than corresponding spontaneously transformed cell lines [40].
Warburg effect. Neoplastic lesions exhibit various degrees of altered mitochondrial morphology. These observations suggest that mitochondria are involved in the aberrant tissue morphology seen in human neoplasms. This notion is corroborated by recent findings that indicate that abnormal mitochondrial energetics plays a role in tumor initiation, progression, and regression [41].
During studies on tumor metabolism in the 1920s Warburg [42] observed that cancer cells shift their metabolism from respiration to glycolysis. The rate of cancer cell glycolysis correlates inversely with lower mitochondrial bioenergetics [43]. Warburg detected increased lactate production in cancer tissues compared to corresponding normal tumor-free tissues. Warburg used the term "combustion" for mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The Warburg effect, the change in cancer cells from combustion to glycolysis even in the presence of oxygen, has been confirmed by many investigators [44]. Warburg proposed several mechanisms to explain the effect named after him. He argued that faulty respiration is more common than impaired fermentation because respiration is more complicated as it requires many more enzymatic steps than glycolysis. Moreover, he argued, a shift from respiration to fermentation is facilitated by their both having the same catalyst (nicotinamide). Warburg linked oxygen metabolism to morphogenesis, considering it a sine qua non for cell differentiation and development of higher life forms. Respiration, but not fermentation, he maintained, creates and maintains cell differentiation, and a shift to fermentation causes dedifferentiation, which is cancer [45].
There are archezoans such as Giardia lamblia that lack mitochondria. However, the parasite harbors double membrane bounded, vestigial mitochondrial structures called mitosomes, which contain several mitochondrial markers and perform a limited number of mitochondrial functions such as protein import and iron-sulfur cluster biosynthesis [46]. The essential requirement for mitochondrial function in more complicated morphogenesis can be observed in mice, where dysfunctional oocyte mitochondria lower fertility and cause aberrant development [47].
Whereas supporters of the Warburg concept consider the shift in cellular energetics to be essential for cellular transformation, opponents of these concepts consider the Warburg effect not as the primary cause of cancer but as merely a manifestation of cancer [48]. Some investigators argue that the shift is just an adaptation to hypoxia in cancer tissues [49]. Yet others have suggested that enhanced glycolysis and increased OXPHOS with excessive ATP generation forms the basis for malignant tumor growth [50] or argue that the high rate of tumor glycolysis is necessary to support increased cell growth rather than to compensate for mitochondrial dysfunction [51].
Renewed interest in the Warburg effect in tumorigenesis has been stimulated by findings thar demonstrate that germline mutations of genes that encode Krebs cycle or OXPHOS enzyme subunits are associated with benign and malignant tumors. These findings clearly demonstrate that primary failure or dysfunction of mitochondrial energetics can cause benign and malignant tumors. The findings also suggest that agents such as environmental toxins and pesticides that cause secondary mitochondrial energetic failure or dysfunction may contribute to the development of benign and malignant tumors.
| Bimodal morphogen gradients |
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Not only TGF-β, but other endogenous agents such a nitric oxide (NO) [55] and prostaglandins, can modulate mitochondrial ATP synthesis in a bimodal or biphasic manner. In rat cerebral cortex mitochondria, micromolar concentrations of a PGJ2 derivative, 15-deoxy-
12,14-J2 (15d-PGJ2), inhibits Complex I and markedly increases the rate of ROS formation at this site [56]. Prostaglandin PGE1 exhibits a bimodal effect on smooth muscle cells [57]. In cultured leukemia cells, PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2 exhibit bimodal effects typical of bimodal morphogens, stimulating and inhibiting cell proliferation at concentrations less than and more than 4 µM respectively; 30 µM led to apoptosis [58]. Statins, which inhibit the synthesis of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), can exhibit bimodal effects on cultured endothelial cell proliferation and migration [59]. However, whether the bimodal effects of certain statins on angiogenesis in apoE- null mice are caused by modulation of CoQ10 synthesis and thereby OXPHOS is unclear [60].
Because a large number of tumor cell lines exhibit hormetic dose responses not only to morphogens, but also to a variety of exogenous agents [61], the extent to which such agents interfere with bimodal morphogen signaling is uncertain and in need of clarification. To permit fidelity of tissue curvature during a lifetime, separate mechanisms for regulation of mitochondrial ATP generation should exist in vivo: one for the overall, basic growth rate, and another, separate mechanism that permits morphogen gradient modulation of the basic growth rate. However, it seems likely that proper morphogen modulation of mitochondrial ATP production can only occur within a certain range of basic rates of cell proliferation, in which case significant abnormalities of basic growth rates could lead to cancer as well.
Radius of curvature. The concept of morphogen gradient control of tissue curvature originated in observations in my laboratory that showed that TGF-β modulates in a dose-dependent, bimodal manner the population doubling time of human cultured uterine smooth cells (SMC) and human uterine leiomyoma cell lines [5,6]. Modulation occurs as a percent of the basic doubling time of the particular cell line [62]. The observation and study of this bimodal modulation of SMC proliferation served as the basis for the development of the hypothesis that a TGF-β concentration gradient should be able to regulate curvature and thereby the morphology of tissue structures [10].
Along a TGF-β concentration gradient, as observed from the TGF-β source, inhibition of cellular proliferation is high at high concentration close to the source, and diminishes with increasing distance from the source. At one point along the gradient of decreasing concentration a point is reached beyond which the lower TGF-β increasingly stimulates proliferation. At this particular point along the morphogen gradient, the forces of inhibitory and stimulatory morphogen signaling are equal. In this and in my previous papers [10,11,63], I refer to this point as the equidyne point and the morphogen concentration of the gradient at this point is referred to as the equidyne morphogen concentration.
As seen from the TGF-β gradient source, the growth rate is first decreasingly inhibited up to the equidyne point, and then increasingly stimulated, thereby curving the tissue to form a concave curvature. The morphogen concentrations gradient determines the radius of the curvature. I refer to morphogens that induce such structures as concave morphogens. Molecules that stimulate at high concentration and inhibit at low concentration could be termed convex morphogens (Fig. 2
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Morphogen-induced tubulogenesis. Recent findings in the field of experimental tubulogenesis seem to corroborate the notion that bimodal morphogens can control curvature; these reports show that TGF-β concentration can control the radius of curvature in 3D tubulogenesis cultures in a dose-dependent manner [12].
Altered architecture of cystic and tubular structures such as acini, follicles, ducts, and vessels is a common feature of cancer. Malignant melanomas can form de novo embryonic-type tubular, vascular channels also referred to as vasculogenic mimicry [64,65]. The pathogenesis of these peculiar, very narrow, vascular channels remains uncertain, although a few ideas are outlined above. However, the term "tubulogenesis" in this paper could apply to the morphogenesis of any hollow structure, such as spherical, tubulular, or domed structures. Many experiments corroborate involvement of bimodal morphogens in tubulogenesis during development and in neoplasia. In an early model of tubulogenesis that employed 3-dimensional (3D) gel cultures, capillary lumen formation by endothelial cells was stimulated and inhibited by TGF-β at concentrations ranging from 100 pg/ml to 1 ng/ml and 5–10 ng/ml, respectively [66]. More recently, 3D-gel culture experiments showed that TGF-β and other polypeptide growth factors such as the fibroblast growth factor family, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) can induce epithelial cells to form tubular structures. Importantly, the cysts and tubular structures induced by TGF-β exhibited luminal diameters that depended upon TGF-β concentration. Lumen diameter decreased with increasing morphogen concentration [12]. These results confirm that TGF-β can modulate the radius of curvature of curved biological structures such as cysts and tubes, as has been proposed elsewhere [10].
In vitro, COX-1 regulates endothelial cell tubulogenesis [67]. COX-2 and prostanoids are involved in tubulogenesis by cultured rat gastric epithelial cells induced by transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-
). The formation of tubular morphology was inhibited by COX-2 antisense oligonucleotide or COX-2 inhibition with NS-398 [68]. In vitro, PGE2 induced mouse endothelial cell migration and tubulogenesis via EP4 receptors, and PGE2 promoted in vivo angiogenesis in a sponge assay [69].
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-
, cachectin) behaves as a bimodal morphogen during in vitro tubulogenesis. In vivo, when delivered by osmotic minipump or inserted in subcutaneous pellets in mice, TNF-
induces formation of tubular structures. Pump delivery of high concentrations of TNF-
induces necrosis. Delivery via subcutaneous cannula of 35 ng/hr by osmotic mini-pump for one week induced capillary tube formation and a mass consisting of fibroblasts and collagen. Only a few isolated fibroblasts exhibited necrosis. By comparison, delivery of 170 ng/hr for up to 5 days led to massive necrosis that could be completely inhibited anti-TNF antibody [70]. Angiogenesis disks with central pellets containing TNF-
at 0.01-1 ng stimulated angiogenesis with a maximum at 0.1 ng; higher doses (1–5 ng) inhibited angiogenesis [71].
Polycystin-1 (PC-1) can induce renal epithelial cells to form cystic and tubular structures in vitro. The effect is inhibited by inhibition of PI3K. PC-1 promotes phosphorylation of Akt via PI3K, probably involving an intermediary molecule [72]. Another study showed that the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor Met augmented NF-
B DNA-binding and transcriptional activity, which stimulated formation of cystic and tubular structures by liver-derived cells. NF-
B inhibition abolished tubulogenesis. In this study, PI3K-signaling was not involved. The investigators noted that HGF-induced tubulogenesis and cell proliferation appeared to be unrelated [73]. The observation that curvature control is independent of basic cell proliferation confirms theoretical predictions [10].
The ability to form tubes and cysts by different clones may vary considerably, even when clones are derived from the same tissue. For example, spontaneous formation of cysts and tubulogenic responses to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) varies in different clones (A-D) derived from canine renal cells. Spontaneous responses in collagen gels were compared to formation after HGF supplementation: The A-clone formed cysts and then tubular structures, the B-clone made dense cell spheres and then tubular structures, and the D-clone made cysts but no tubules. In the first 2 clones, HGF-induced tubulogenesis was completely blocked by HGF-neutralizing antibody. Clone C required no HGF supplementation; it spontaneously formed tubules in the gel. The investigators suggested that cyst formation may represent a form of incomplete tubulogenesis [74].
Additional mechanisms may be involved in tubulogenesis in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Luminal fluid from PKD cysts as well as exogenous cAMP and agonists (PGE1 or PGE2) induced fluid secretion by monolayers of cultured human kidney cortex cells, but among these agents, only PKD cyst luminal fluid induced cortex cells to proliferate and form cysts in collagen matrix gels. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and TGF-β induced human kidney cortex (HKC) cells to proliferate and form cysts in matrix gels as well [75]. A more recent study isolated a cyst activating factor (CAP), a lipid factor in autosomal-dominant PKD and autosomal-recessive PKD cysts. CAP stimulated cAMP, cell proliferation, and anion secretion by cultured PKD cells [76]. By contrast, cAMP agonists failed to stimulate proliferation of HKC cells [77]
Morphogen modulation of mitochondrial energetics. The fact that germline mutations have demonstrated that mitochondrial primary energetics failure can cause cancer and that ATP is the final growth regulator led to consideration of concentration diffusion/perfusion gradients of bimodal morphogens as regulators of the radius of curvature of tissues via modulation of mitochondrial ATP generation [11]. Morphogen-responsive, specific regulatory elements present in several genes that encode mitochondrial proteins such as OXPHOS genes may enable morphogen gradients to modulate mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Such gene response may provide links to the role of morphogen control of mitochondrial energetics involved in cancer morphogenesis. For these reasons, a brief evidence-based and speculative discussion is included below, which looks at the interaction of morphogens with mitochondria, particularly as it applies to the mechanism of abnormal morphogen gradient signaling in cancer-induced formation of abnormal tubulular and cystic structures and in developmental and cancer morphogenesis.
Failure of cellular metabolic pathway regulation. Mitochondrial energetics failure can be due to reduction of overall synthesis of mitochondria, to failure of cell metabolic pathways, or to failure of parts of the mitochondrial energetics system such as the Krebs cycle or OXPHOS. The mitochondrion is a dual genome organelle; thus mitochondrial synthesis and energetics may be impaired by reduced supply of mtDNA- or nDNA-encoded mitochondrial proteins, or synthesis of one or more abnormal proteins from mutated genes [78]. Cancer cells may also show mitochondrial dysfunction in spite of increased transcription of many mitochondrial and nuclear components of Krebs cycle and OXPHOS enzymes.
The PI3K/protein kinase Akt (PI3K/Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways exert opposite effects on the contribution of ATP from glycolysis versus those from mitochondrial respiration [79]. Akt expression inhibits mitochondrial respiration and activates cellular glycolytic metabolism, thus inducing a Warburg-type shift in cell energetics. Akt transfection alone can markedly increase the invasive potential of tumor cells. For example, cells from melanomas exhibiting radial growth can be converted by overexpression of Akt to melanomas that exhibit vertical growth and are highly invasive. Akt decreases Complex I activity, markedly increases ROS generation, and impairs mitochondrial ATP generation. Moreover, Akt increases VEGF mRNA and protein levels and stimulates tumor-induced angiogenesis [80]. In addition, Akt1 signaling is involved in mice mammary tumor formation induced by an avian oncogene. Mice with disrupted Akt1 exhibited reduced phosphorylation of tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) in response to the oncogene, and tumor development and formation of tumor metastases was delayed [81].
NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, reduces growth of cultured human endometrial cancer cells in which mutated phosphatase tensin homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor and negative regulator of Akt/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), fails to suppress Akt, an inducer of COX-2 expression. Elevated Akt phosphorylation levels increases COX-2 expression via NF-
B and increases tumor PGE2 levels. Blocking COX-2 catalytic activity induces cancer cell apoptosis [82]. In glioma models using PTEN mutant mice, the effect of loss of PTEN is similar to the effect of activated Akt [83]. Akt signaling can affect tumor morphology as well; manipulation of Akt signaling can alter tumor morphology from gliomatous to sarcomatous [84].
mTOR and the upstream and downstream components of its signaling pathways are often involved in cancer. mTOR is activated in tumors such as hamartoma, hemangioma, and neuroblastoma [85,86]. In cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells, mTOR inactivation induces autophagy [87]. In mice, expression of mTOR is essential for developmental morphogenesis; heterozygous disruption of mTOR results in developmental arrest at postcoitus day 5.5 [88]. Regulatory associated protein of mTOR (raptor) forms mTOR/ raptor complexes that shift cell metabolism from glycolysis to mitochondrial respiration, thus reversing the Warburg effect [89]. In addition, mTOR regulates cellular translation rates and protein synthesis by controlling ribosome recruitment for the cellular translation machinery. mTOR function is affected by the cellular energy status. Glucose is a major upstream effector. Its signaling is influenced by ATP, and, importantly, mTOR itself functions as an ATP sensor [90].
Raptor up-regulates and tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) and TSC2 inhibit mTOR activity, which correlates with oxygen consumption. Increased raptor/mTOR association increases mitochondrial function and retrograde signaling from mitochondria can stabilize the mTOR/raptor complex. Knockdown of raptor decreases and knockdown of TSC2 increases ATP generation from respiration.
Failure of mitochondrial synthesis. The environmental toxin and known human carcinogen 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD, dioxin) promotes tumor progression by inhibiting mitochondrial transcription and translation, which reduces the number of mitochondria in hepatocytes and further reduces cellular mitochondrial ATP synthesis [91]. Agents that deplete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) increase cancer risk. Extensive depletion of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) links mtDNA depletion to carcinogenesis and tumor prognosis; as an example, a study of breast cancer patients in China showed that mtDNA depletion correlated with tumor progression [92].
Mutations of the von Hippel-Landau factor encoded by the VHL gene can cause dominantly inherited retinal and central nervous system hemangioblastoma, pancreatic tumors, and pheochromocytoma (PPC) [93]. VHL normally induces the mitochondrial transcription factor A, the main regulator of synthesis of mitochondrial proteins. A mutated VHL gene induces the Warburg effect in renal cell carcinomas (RCC), tumors that show high rates of glycolysis and low dependence on oxygen [94]. The mutated gene encodes a faulty VHL factor that fails to properly induce mitochondrial transcription factor A, the main regulator of synthesis of mitochondrial proteins. Lack of the VHL tumor suppressor leads to reduced tumor cell synthesis of ATP due to insufficient OXPHOS.
The synthesis of structural or functional mitochondrial proteins involved in mitochondrial energetics can be insufficient to maintain dynamic mitochondrial responses to cellular demands. However, defects in the overall synthesis of mitochondrial proteins or of subunits of enzymes of the Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, adenine translocator (ANT), or ATPase (Complex V) can all derange mitochondrial function. Primary and secondary internal defects of mitochondrial energetics can derail proper mitochondrial responses to cellular regulatory signals. A few examples of de-regulation of mitochondrial ATP synthesis are outlined below. Likewise, faulty regulation of function of these proteins can also cause mitochondrial dysfunction
| Krebs Cycle Failure |
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A variety of mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, anabolic drive, pseudo-hypoxia, and altered apoptosis, have been advanced to explain how SDH mutations cause neoplasia. The most commonly proposed pathogenesis invokes a "pseudo-hypoxic drive" mechanism, induced by stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1
) by Krebs cycle intermediates such as succinate in SDH mutations and fumarate (and some succinate) in mutations of fumarase hydratase [104,105]
Two mitochondria-to-cytosol signaling pathways have been proposed, one triggered by oxidative stress, the other by mitochondrial release of accumulated succinate. Either mechanism could explain how SDH dysfunction induces the high vascularity of such tumors. According to the first model, SDHC mutations elevate superoxide (O2–.) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, which induces HIF-1 and features of cancer cells such as increased glucose use and development of genomic instability. These findings illustrate that SDHC promote an oxidative, stress-induced, mutation-prone phenotype [106]. In a second model, succinate that accumulates because of defective SDH function inhibits cytosolic HIF-
propylhydroxylase, which stabilizes and activates hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1
[107,108]. Activation of HIF-1 invokes the Warburg effect and has been linked to malignant transformation and poor clinical outcome [109].
Gossypol, a component of cotton seed oil and an antifertility agent that reduces sperm mobility, inhibits mitochondrial energetics by inhibiting SDH [110]. In addition, gossypol stimulates TGF-β1 gene expression, which leads to inhibition of proliferation of cultured prostate cancer cells via the TGF-β inhibitory signaling pathway [111]. The inhibitory effect of gossypol can itself be inhibited by TGF-β antibody [112].
Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase carries electrons from the Krebs cycle to Complex I of the respiratory chain via a NADH/NAD+ shuttle. In mice, the tobacco carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene reduces enzyme activities of
-KGDH, SDH, and other Krebs cycle enzymes [113]. Others have shown that the pesticide acrolein [114] as well as H2O2 [115] can inhibit
-KGDH and limit the supply of NADH to the respiratory chain..
Cancer is an age-related disease, and aging is associated with lower aconitase activity. In the house fly model of aging, old flies exhibited markedly lower aconitase activity compared to young flies [116]. In the human prostate, zinc normally inhibits mitochondrial aconitase activity, which channels high concentrations of citrate into the seminal fluid. By comparison, prostate carcinoma cells exhibit reduced zinc accumulation, which leads to increased citrate oxidation in the Krebs cycle. The increased oxidation of citrates may lead to increased respiratory chain electron flux and increased cancer-inducing ROS generation [117]. Sepsis lowers aconitase activity and can reduce mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Intra-peritoneal endotoxin injection of rats selectively reduces aconitase activity in heart mitochondria [118]. Germline mutations of fumarase hydratase (FH) predispose to formation of papillary renal carcinomas and smooth muscle cell tumors such as leiomyomas of the uterus and the skin [14].
| Respiratory Chain and Proton Pump Failure |
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A tumor suppressor gene, GRIM19, encodes a protein that is vital for proper assembly and function of Complex I [121,122]. Somatic missense mutations of GRIM19 have been detected in Hürthle cell tumors of the thyroid [15], suggesting that Complex I dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of such tumors. Interestingly, GRIM19 may be involved in regulation of Complex I function by morphogens TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) (Fig. 4
). GRIM19 can bind to STAT3, a protein that is activated in many human malignant tumors and transformed cell lines [123]. STAT3 forms complexes with TGF-β signaling protein BSP1, also called SMAD1, which can serve in signaling by BMP2 as well.
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Complex I is a major source of superoxide production. The herbicide 1,1'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride (paraquat), an inhibitor of Complex I, causes increased release of superoxide into the mitochondrial matrix, which can result in significant mitochondrial oxidative damage [127]. Moreover, paraquat may increase the risk of leukemia in children of fathers exposed to this herbicide [128]. An epidemiological link to the formation of glioblastoma in Nebraska farmers has also been proposed, but it was based on a relatively small number of proxy cases [129].
Co-Enzymes Q10. Co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a potent antioxidant, serves as an electron carrier in the respiratory chain. CoQ10 accepts electrons from Complex I and Complex II and channels the electrons to Complex III, and is therefore indispensable for electron flux through the respiratory chain, for continuation of the membrane potential, and for ATP generation. Endogenous synthesis of CoQ10 requires folic acid and B-vitamins. CoQ10 is also taken up from various foods. It is carried in the blood by low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and protects LDL particles from oxidative damage. Primary CoQ10 deficiency due to gene mutations of CoQ10 synthesizing enzymes lowers ATP synthesis and increases mitochondrial ROS production [130]. Secondary CoQ10 deficiency can occur in patients receiving statin therapy to lower serum cholesterol levels, because the endogenous synthesis pathway of the CoQ10 side chain is interlinked with the cholesterol synthesis pathway. When statins restrain the mevalonate pathway of cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, they simultaneously lower CoQ10 synthesis [131]. A recent study warned that some statins can cause mitochondrial toxicity [132].
Complex III. Electron flux from CoQ10 through Complex III to Complex IV powers the proton pump in Complex III, which supports the membrane potential and mitochondrial energetics. However, Complex III is also a major source of ROS, which have been linked to age-related mitochondrial energetics decline. For example, age-related oxidative decline in activities of Complex I and V in mice mitochondria correlate with their oxidative damage [133]. In addition, excessive ROS production by Complexes I and III plays an important role in apoptosis [134].
Complex III is inhibited by genistein [135] and tamoxifen; the latter can completely destroy 
m [136]. Low levels of Complex III have been found in breast cancer [137] and Hürthle cell tumor (oncocytoma) [138–140]. This tumor is characterized by having large numbers of mitochondria, probably as a compensatory effort in response to lower OXPHOS ability, ie, the biosynthesis of mitochondria is still intact, but each mitochondrion is not fully functional. In renal cell tumors, aggressiveness is related to lower Complex II, III, and IV activities but not mitochondrial content. More aggressive tumors exhibit the greatest OXPHOS impairment [141].
Complex IV. A tumor suppressor gene, p53, which stimulates OXPHOS, is frequently mutated in human cancers. The mutated form induces the Warburg effect in mice and human cell lines; it fails to induce expression of cytochrome oxidase c oxidase 2 (SCO2), a copper-binding protein essential for Complex IV assembly and function. Transfection with wild-type p53 reverses the Warburg effect [142].
| Coupling failure |
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The ATP-producing phosphorylation system includes Complex V (F0F1-ATPase) and adenine nucleotide translocases (ANT) that exchange ADP and ATP across mitochondrial membranes. The herbicide atrazine can inhibit sperm mitochondrial ATP synthesis by binding to and inhibiting Complex V. It has been suggested that similar triazine compounds may bind to Complex V and inhibit ATP synthesis as well [144]. Atrazine exposure can interfere with reproduction and development, and may be carcinogenic. The European Union (but not the US Environmental Protection Agency) has banned the use of atrazine [145].
Up-regulation of UCP by reactive oxygen species (ROS) can serve to counteract membrane hyperpolarization induced by hyperglycemia, reducing the excessive inner membrane potential, reducing excessive ROS formation, and protecting against ROS-induced cellular damage. Uncoupling can also occur when mitochondrial membrane transition pores open completely, which can lead to complete depolarization of the membrane potential, mitochondrial loss of cytochrome c, apoptosis, and cell death (for review see Fosslien [143]).
Translocases. Human adenosine nucleotide translocase (ANT), located in the mitochondrial inner membrane, can regulate Complex V activity by controlling the exchange of ADP and ATP across the membrane. Some ANT promoter elements respond to basic growth regulators. There is experimental evidence that shows that other, separate, elements respond to morphogen signaling, and that morphogens can modulate mitochondrial ATP synthesis by modulating ANT. Mouse and human ANT1 and ANT2 show substantial homology [146]. The 3 main human isoforms are discussed in further detail below.
ANT1 knockout mice show that ANT1 expression adapts to variable needs for ATP generation during embryogenesis and for post-natal energetic demands via OXBOX/REBOX regions of its promoter. REBOX has a ubiquitous tissue distribution and responds to thyroxin and NADH, whereas the OXBOX is only found in ANT1 in myogenic cells. The promoter for the β-subunit of F0F1-ATPase also contains OXBOX and REBOX elements, suggesting basic coordinated regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism genes [147,148]. The OXBOX/REBOX regions can respond to NADH and thyroxine [149]. TGF-β regulates ANT1 expression via TGF-β responsive elements present in the rodent ANT1 promoter [150].
Basic growth requirements can regulate ANT2 expression, increasing it when cells are stimulated by serum, epidermal growth factor (EGF), or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and decreasing expression during experimental cell differentiation [151]. Thyroid hormone (T3) induces ANT2 expression in normal cells [152]. On the other hand, nuclear factor 1 (NF1) can suppress ANT2 expression by binding to two silencing sites of the ANT2 promoter [153]. ANT2 expression is increased under the glycolytic conditions in highly proliferative cells such as cancer cells that increase glycolysis to satisfy their demand for ATP.
ANT2 is induced in tumor cells, Simian virus 40 (SV40) transformed cells, and rho null cells; the latter have mitochondria that lack mitochondrial DNA [154]. Several other transformed cell lines exhibit high rates of glycolysis and high levels of ANT2. In these cancer cells, ATP generated by glycolysis powers ANT2 and the β subunit of F0F1-ATPase. Reversal of the function of the latter pumps protons from the mitochondrial matrix to the intermembrane space. In this way, glycolysis supports the mitochondrial membrane potential. It has been suggested that this contributes to the aggressive growth of such cells [155]. This mechanism has also been observed in cases of defective oxidative phosphorylation due to mtDNA depletion, which causes a shift in metabolism from mitochondrial to glycolytic ATP synthesis [156].
ANT2 lacks a TGF-β-responsive element [150]. However, the ANT2 promoter contains specificity protein (Sp)-1-responsive elements, which are DNA sequence-specific transcription factor binding sites. As the TGF-β signaling cascade involves Smad proteins and Sp1, this arrangement indicates that TGF-β can indirectly regulate ANT2. This interpretation is supported by experimental evidence of bimodal regulation of ANT2 expression by Sp1 interacting with three regulatory elements of the ANT2 promoter [157]. Interacting in vitro with GC-box promoter elements, SP1 up-regulates and down-regulates ANT2 expression in a concentration-dependent manner. This type of positive and negative, bimodal modulation of gene expression is exceptional for an OXPHOS promoter [158]. Sp1 up-regulates ANT2 expression via two Sp1 activating promoter boxes (AB boxes), and down-regulates expression via binding to a repressor Cbox. Studies of mammalian cells and transfected Drosophila cells show that Sp1 binding to the Cbox is involved in repression of ANT2 expression. Thus Sp1 can induce or repress ANT2 expression [159].
The vital importance of morphogen regulation via Sp1 is illustrated by experiments using a Drosophila homolog of human Sp1 to restore Sp1 function. Sp1 is essential for morphogenesis of head segments at the blastoderm stage of development. Remarkably, human Sp1 introduced transgenetically restored formation of mandibular segments of mutant flies that lack the homolog [160]. ANT3 probably serves as a component and regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore; for instance, it is involved in apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor in human breast cancer cell lines [161].
Uncoupling. Uncoupling proteins UCP1, UCP2, and UCP3 are found in all mammals. Located in mitochondrial inner membranes, they return protons from the mitochondrial inter-membranous space into the matrix and liberate heat (thermogenesis). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) up-regulate UCPs and reduce the inner membrane potential, which restrains excessive ROS formation; this feedback loop protects against ROS-induced cellular damage. Mutations of UCP2 are associated with neural tube defects; this demonstrates that alterations in mitochondrial energetics can interfere with developmental morphogenesis [162].
PGE2 uncouples or inhibits respiration of isolated rat mitochondria depending upon the calcium concentration in the incubation mixture [163]. In primary cultures of human muscle cells, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) induces UCP-2 mRNA expression, via cyclooxygenase, PGE2, PGI2, and cAMP. Indomethacin, a non-selective NSAID, inhibits the effects [164].
Arachidonic acid metabolism and cancer morphogenesis.
COX-2 is inducible by interleukin-1, NF-
B, oncogenes ras and scr, hypoxia, benzo{a}pyrene, epidermal growth factor (EGF), TGF-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-
, and ultraviolet (UV) light. In mice, it supports ovulation, fertilization, blastocyst implantation, and decidualization [165]. UV exposure increases the risk of human skin cancer. In mice, genetic or UV-B light over-expression of COX-2 in skin promotes skin cancer. The primary prostaglandin in skin is PGE2, a downstream product of COX-2 [166]. NSAIDs that inhibit COX-2 lower the risk of cancer and reduce cancer burden [167,168],
PGE2 is involved in cancer morphogenesis [169]. It has been linked to endometrial cancer [170] and cervical cancer. Cervical infection with human papilloma (HPV)-containing E6 and E7 elements is a strong risk factor for cervical cancer. Both COX-2 and PGE2 are elevated in human cervical carcinoma cells. In vitro, human papilloma virus (HPV) E6 and E7 induce COX-2 expression via activator protein-1 (AP-1) and the cAMP regulatory element of the COX-2 promoter [171]. PGE2 inhibits apoptosis: incubation of human T-cell leukemia cells (Jurkat cells) with 5 nM PGE2 prior to camptothecin therapy reduces apoptosis. The effect is mediated by EP4R (a type of PGE2 receptor) and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway [172]. In prostate cancer, EP1R expression is associated with cancer aggressiveness, but EP2R and EP4R are involved as well in the formation of the tumor [173].
In rats, terephthalic acid (benzene-1,4-dicarb-oxylic acid), used in the polyester industry, can increase cytosolic phospholipase-2 (cPLA2) and COX-2 expression, elevate PGE2 levels, and cause formation of bladder papilloma and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder after 24 and 48 months of treatment, respectively [174]. This model of neoplastic development demonstrates the importance of duration of carcinogen exposure, and that tissue architecture is relatively resistant to neoplastic change.
COX-2 can participate in the inhibitory effect of TGF-β. PGE2 can exhibit bimodal morphogen signaling, which indicates a link between chronic arachidonic acid metabolism, inflammation, bimodal regulation of growth, and carcinogenesis. PGE2 supplementation inhibits proliferation of cultured rabbit corneal endothelial cells. When such cell were incubated with inhibitory concentrations of TGF-β2 without PGE2 supplementation, TGF-β2 at concentrations of 0.5 to 50 ng/ml enhanced cell secretion of PGE2 and inhibited cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Indomethacin reduced PGE2 secretion to very low levels and abolished TGF-β inhibition of cell proliferation, indicating that PGE2 is involved in the inhibitory signaling pathway of TGF-β2 [175]. As PGE2 induces UCP-2, the following probable mechanism emerges: TGF-β induces COX-2, which increases PGE2 synthesis; PGE2 then induces expression of UCP-2, which uncouples mitochondria, lowers the mitochondrial inner membrane potential, reduces ATP synthesis, and limits cell proliferation.
Agents that lower mitochondrial energetics. Phthalates, plasticizers in food packaging, plastic bottles, cosmetics , floor tiles, and other everyday products can cause mitochondrial swelling [176], inhibit mitochondrial β-oxidation [177], alter inner membrane permeability [178], inhibit succinate dehydrogenase [179,180], inhibit OXPHOS at the level of cytochrome c reductase [181], inhibit adenine nucleotide translocase (AND) [182], and decrease the rate of ATP synthesis [183]. In rats, phthalates may behave as endocrine disruptors; it has been proposed that they may act in a dose-additive way, suggesting that cumulative exposure may be most important for human health risks [184]. Use of phthalates in baby care products, lotions, and shampoos has raised concerns because some investigators suggest that they can alter male reproductive development [185].
In mice, TCDD lowers CoQ10 levels, reduces the mitochondrial inner membrane potential, reduces the synthesis of F0F1-ATP synthase, and lowers production of ATP [186]. In 1997, TCDD was classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a human carcinogen, a decision that was supported by additional, later data [187].
A recent review of this topic by Hardell [188] emphasizes that early warning of carcinogenic risk of use of certain pesticides should be taken seriously to reduce cancer risk. The author voices concern about industry experts who make dismissive comments about such risks [188]. In addition to analyses of carcinogenic risk, it has been stressed that assessment of pesticide risk studies should include analyses of possible associations with congenital malformations in offspring of fathers who have been exposed to pesticides [189].
Exposure to the fungal mutagen aflatoxin–a contaminant of grains, grapes, peanuts, hazelnuts, and dried fruits–is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. The mycotoxin binds to mitochondrial DNA and impairs mitochondrial transcription and translation [190]. Mitochondria isolated from livers of rats exposed to aflatoxin exhibit impaired respiration due to reduced activities of Complex II and IV and membrane damage [191] and mutations of β-catenin and tumor suppressor protein p53 genes [192].
Sodium benzoate (E211), a preservative used to prevent mould growth in common soft drinks, soups, and cereals, is teratogenic [193] in zebra fish. Benzoic acid [194,195], gossypol in cotton seed oil [196], genistein in soybean oil [197], and erucic acid in rape seed oil [198] can interfere with mitochondrial energetics.
Liver cancer is associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and there is evidence that virus-induced mitochondrial decoupling is involved in the pathogenesis of such tumors. A fraction of a protein named HBx, which is synthesized by HBV, locates to mitochondria and can depolarize the membrane potential by opening mitochondrial membrane transition pores, which disrupts mitochondrial ATP generation [199].
Restoring mitochondrial energetics reverses malignant behavior. In cancers caused by mutation of the p53 cancer suppressor gene, wild-type p53 restores mitochondrial Complex IV function, restores OXPHOS, and reverses carcinogenesis. Repair of aconitase dysfunction in colon cancer cells using frataxin reverses cell transformation; frataxin raises aconitase activity, increases mitochondrial respiration, restores mitochondrial membrane potential, increases the population doubling times, and reduces cell proliferation, thus reversing the Warburg effect [44].
In von Hippel-Landau (VHL) disease, VHL rescue factor restores VHL tumor suppressor function, restores OXPHOS, and reverses tumor morphogenesis. The restoration of mitochondrial synthesis by transfection of such tumor cells using the corresponding wild-type gene reverses the Warburg effect; insertion of a VHL factor expressing gene prevents tumor formation when the tumor cells are injected into nude mice.
The VHL rescue factor upregulates expression of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFA), enhances transcription of mtDNA, increases the level mtDNA-encoded OXPHOS protein subunits, and restores OXPHOS function and ATP synthesis. Most importantly, these experiments demonstrate a direct link between defective mitochondrial energetics and the etiology of renal cell carcinoma [200].
| Summary and Conclusions |
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During development, morphogenetic fields established by morphogen concentration gradients provide field cells with positional information; the gradient determines the state of cell differentiation and tissue curvature. In human tumors, morphogen signaling is often abnormal, which results in dedifferentiation, which is cancer. During cancer morphogenesis due to mitochondrial failure, the Warburg effect derails morphogen modulation of mitochondrial ATP generation.
As an example, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, important during development, is often abnormal in human tumors. In vitro, this bimodal morphogen inhibits and stimulates cell proliferation at high and low concentrations respectively, and induces apoptosis at very high concentrations. TGF-β can modulate mitochondrial ATP synthesis by regulating the expression of adenosine nucleotide translocase (ANT)1 and ANT2. Moreover, it can induce mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) via the pro-inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E2, thereby depleting the mitochondrial inner membrane potential, which lowers ATP synthesis. This TGF-β inhibitory signaling pathway links morphogen abnormal signaling to inflammation, a known risk factor in carcinogenesis. Up-regulation of UCP also increases tumor thermogenesis and may form the basis for tumor thermography.
Along its path a gradient of a bimodal morphogen such as TGF- β can determine cell differentiation and tissue curvature. Along a gradient of decreasing TGF-β concentration, as seen from the gradient source, ATP production and basic cell proliferation are progressively less inhibited and then increasingly stimulated. Thus a bimodal morphogen gradient can control not only cell differentiation but also the radius of tissue curvature along its path, for example, the morphogenesis of cysts and tubular structures. In vitro, TGF-β can induce formation of cysts and tubes with luminal diameters that depend upon the TGF-β concentration, supporting the concept that such morphogens can modulate the radius of tissue curvature.
It also delineates cancer morphogenesis as a result of failure of morphogen signaling, with loss of cell differentiation, positional information, and curvature control. The abnormal gradient signaling causes abnormal cell proliferation and abnormal tissue architecture. Restoring failing mitochondrial energetics reverses cancer morphogenesis. Repair of aconitase dysfunction using frataxin reverses cell transformation. VHL rescue factor restores VHL tumor suppressor function, restores OXPHOS, and reverses tumor morphogenesis. In cases of mutation of the p53 cancer suppressor gene, wild-type p53 restores mitochondrial Complex IV function, restores OXPHOS, and reverses carcinogenesis. These findings illustrate the importance of mitochondrial energetics in reversing cancer morphogenesis.
In conclusion, ATP is the ultimate growth regulator, and morphogen modulation of ATP generation determines morphogenesis during development. Disruption of normal morphogen signaling leads to tumor morphogenesis. Formation of benign and malignant tumors and the invasiveness of cancer cells may thus be understood as loss of morphogen gradient control of tissue morphogenesis. Repair of defects in tumor cell mitochondrial energetics can restore morphogen signaling and normal tissue morphology, which shows the importance of proper mitochondrial function in order to reduce cancer risk.
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C.-H. Li, Y.-W. Cheng, P.-L. Liao, Y.-T. Yang, and J.-J. Kang Chloramphenicol Causes Mitochondrial Stress, Decreases ATP Biosynthesis, Induces Matrix Metalloproteinase-13 Expression, and Solid-Tumor Cell Invasion Toxicol. Sci., July 1, 2010; 116(1): 140 - 150. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF] |
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