Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches

Aghakhani, Sahar; Zerrouk, Naouel; Niarakis, Anna

doi:10.3390/cancers13010035

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Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches

Sahar Aghakhani

^1,2,†

Naouel Zerrouk

^1,†

and

Anna Niarakis

^1,2,*

GenHotel, University of Evry, University of Paris-Saclay, Genopole, 91000 Evry, France

Lifeware Group, Inria Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau, France

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

^†

These authors contributed equally to this paper.

Cancers 2021, 13(1), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13010035

Received: 31 October 2020 / Revised: 12 December 2020 / Accepted: 17 December 2020 / Published: 24 December 2020

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Modeling and Network Biology)

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Fibroblasts are critical regulators of several physiological processes linked to extracellular matrix regulation. Under certain conditions, fibroblasts can also transform into more aggressive phenotypes and contribute to disease pathophysiology. In this review, we highlight metabolic reprogramming as a critical event toward the transition of fibroblasts from quiescent to activated and aggressive cells, in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. We draw obvious parallels and discuss how systems biology approaches and computational modeling could be employed to highlight targets of metabolic reprogramming and support the discovery of new lines of therapy.

Abstract

Fibroblasts, the most abundant cells in the connective tissue, are key modulators of the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. These spindle-shaped cells are capable of synthesizing various extracellular matrix proteins and collagen. They also provide the structural framework (stroma) for tissues and play a pivotal role in the wound healing process. While they are maintainers of the ECM turnover and regulate several physiological processes, they can also undergo transformations responding to certain stimuli and display aggressive phenotypes that contribute to disease pathophysiology. In this review, we focus on the metabolic pathways of glucose and highlight metabolic reprogramming as a critical event that contributes to the transition of fibroblasts from quiescent to activated and aggressive cells. We also cover the emerging evidence that allows us to draw parallels between fibroblasts in autoimmune disorders and more specifically in rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. We link the metabolic changes of fibroblasts to the toxic environment created by the disease condition and discuss how targeting of metabolic reprogramming could be employed in the treatment of such diseases. Lastly, we discuss Systems Biology approaches, and more specifically, computational modeling, as a means to elucidate pathogenetic mechanisms and accelerate the identification of novel therapeutic targets. View Full-Text

Keywords: fibroblasts; rheumatoid arthritis; cancer; metabolic reprogramming; glycolytic switch; systems biology; computational modeling

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MDPI and ACS Style

Aghakhani, S.; Zerrouk, N.; Niarakis, A. Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches. Cancers 2021, 13, 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13010035

AMA Style

Aghakhani S, Zerrouk N, Niarakis A. Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches. Cancers. 2021; 13(1):35. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13010035

Chicago/Turabian Style

Aghakhani, Sahar, Naouel Zerrouk, and Anna Niarakis. 2021. "Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches" Cancers 13, no. 1: 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13010035

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Metabolic Reprogramming of Fibroblasts as Therapeutic Target in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cancer: Deciphering Key Mechanisms Using Computational Systems Biology Approaches

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