SEMG1/2 augment energy metabolism of tumor cells

Cell Death Dis. 2020 Dec 11;11(12):1047. doi: 10.1038/s41419-020-03251-w.

Abstract

SEMG1 and SEMG2 genes belong to the family of cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), whose expression normally is restricted to male germ cells but is often restored in various malignancies. High levels of SEMG1 and SEMG2 expression are detected in prostate, renal, and lung cancer as well as hemoblastosis. However, the functional importance of both SEMGs proteins in human neoplasms is still largely unknown. In this study, by using a combination of the bioinformatics and various cellular and molecular assays, we have demonstrated that SEMG1 and SEMG2 are frequently expressed in lung cancer clinical samples and cancer cell lines of different origins and are negatively associated with the survival rate of cancer patients. Using the pull-down assay followed by LC-MS/MS mass-spectrometry, we have identified 119 proteins associated with SEMG1 and SEMG2. Among the SEMGs interacting proteins we noticed two critical glycolytic enzymes-pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Importantly, we showed that SEMGs increased the protein level and activity of both PKM2 and LDHA. Further, both SEMGs increased the membrane mitochondrial potential (MMP), glycolysis, respiration, and ROS production in several cancer cell lines. Taken together, these data provide first evidence that SEMGs can up-regulate the energy metabolism of cancer cells, exemplifying their oncogenic features.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Respiration
  • Energy Metabolism* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Glycolysis
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase 5 / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins / genetics
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins / metabolism*
  • Survival Analysis
  • Thyroid Hormone-Binding Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Seminal Vesicle Secretory Proteins
  • Thyroid Hormones
  • seminal vesicle-specific antigen
  • Lactate Dehydrogenase 5