BIX01294 suppresses PDAC growth through inhibition of glutaminase-mediated glutathione dynamics

IF 7 2区医学 Q1 ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM

Molecular Metabolism Pub Date : 2025-02-15 DOI:10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102113

Se Seul Im , Jihyeon Seo , Ji Eun You , Hye Won Bang , YongHwan Kim , Jiyeon Kweon , Yongsub Kim , Dong-Myung Shin , Jaekyoung Son

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

Increased expression of glutaminase (GLS) has been found to correlate with more aggressive disease and poorer prognosis in patients with several types of cancer, including breast, lung, and pancreatic cancer. G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitors may have anticancer activity. The present study assessed whether BIX01294 (BIX), a G9a histone methyltransferase inhibitor, can inhibit glutaminase (GLS) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells.

Methods

The effects of BIX on mitochondrial metabolism in PDAC cells were evaluated by targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) metabolomic analysis. To assess the impact of BIX on glutathione dynamics, real-time changes in glutathione levels were monitored by FreSHtracer-based GSH assays.

Results

BIX significantly inhibited the growth of PDAC cells, both in vitro and in vivo, and robustly induced apoptotic cell death. BIX significantly increased the cellular NADP⁺/NADPH ratio and decreased the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione (GSH:GSSG). In addition, BIX decreased GSH levels and increased ROS levels. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) supplementation dramatically rescued PDAC cells from BIX-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, BIX inhibited the transcription of GLS by inhibiting Jumonji-domain histone demethylases but not G9a histone methyltransferase. One Jumonji-domain histone demethylase, KDM6B, epigenetically regulated GLS expression by binding to the GLS gene promoter.

Conclusions

Collectively, these findings suggest that BIX could be a potent therapeutic agent in patients with PDAC through its inhibition of GLS-mediated cellular redox balance.

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来源期刊

Molecular Metabolism ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM-

CiteScore

14.50

自引率

2.50%

发文量

219

审稿时长

43 days

期刊介绍： Molecular Metabolism is a leading journal dedicated to sharing groundbreaking discoveries in the field of energy homeostasis and the underlying factors of metabolic disorders. These disorders include obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Our journal focuses on publishing research driven by hypotheses and conducted to the highest standards, aiming to provide a mechanistic understanding of energy homeostasis-related behavior, physiology, and dysfunction. We promote interdisciplinary science, covering a broad range of approaches from molecules to humans throughout the lifespan. Our goal is to contribute to transformative research in metabolism, which has the potential to revolutionize the field. By enabling progress in the prognosis, prevention, and ultimately the cure of metabolic disorders and their long-term complications, our journal seeks to better the future of health and well-being.