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Updated: Dec 17, 2025
Rapid One-step Enzymatic Synthesis and All-aqueous Purification of Trehalose Analogues
Published on: February 17, 2017
The effect of trehalose on intracellular and extracellular nucleotide metabolism. A pilot study
Mikolaj Opielka1, Bartosz Sobocki1, Paulina Mierzejewska1
1Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
Abstract:
Trehalose is a stable, non-reducing disaccharide, which was found recently to stimulate autophagy, limit the inflammatory response and suppress the growth of specific types of cancer. Purinergic signaling and dysregulation of nucleotide metabolism are the key factors, which play a role in the pathophysiology of cancer development and inflammation. Therefore, this study took a novel approach and aimed to find the effect of trehalose on intracellular, and the extracellular metabolism of nucleotides and NAD + in endothelial and breast cancer cells. The results of this study indicated that in vitro concentrations of trehalose between 0.5 and 5 mM reduced the levels of intracellular NAD + in breast cancer cells. The decrease of intracellular guanosine, independent of GTP energy metabolism, was also observed in both endothelial and cancer cells. Trehalose decreased the activity of ecto-adenosine deaminase. Maximal 3-fold decrease in adenosine deamination was observed in both cell types. Trehalose causes changes in both intracellular and extracellular nucleotide metabolism that is more significant in cancer cells than in endothelium. This effect may have therapeutic potential in cancer and endothelial dysfunction, but its full clarification requires further studies.
Insights
Trehalose alters nucleotide metabolism in cancer and endothelial cells, decreasing NAD+ and guanosine levels. This sugar impacts purinergic signaling, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for cancer and endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Purinergic signaling and nucleotide metabolism are crucial in cancer and inflammation.
- Trehalose, a disaccharide, has shown potential in modulating autophagy, inflammation, and cancer growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of trehalose on intracellular and extracellular nucleotide and NAD+ metabolism.
- To compare these effects in endothelial and breast cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- In vitro treatment of endothelial and breast cancer cells with trehalose.
- Measurement of intracellular and extracellular nucleotide and NAD+ levels.
- Assay of ecto-adenosine deaminase activity.
Main Results:
- Trehalose (0.5–5 mM) reduced intracellular NAD+ in breast cancer cells.
- Decreased intracellular guanosine was observed in both cell types.
- Trehalose significantly inhibited ecto-adenosine deaminase activity, reducing adenosine deamination by up to 3-fold.
- Metabolic changes were more pronounced in cancer cells than in endothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- Trehalose alters nucleotide metabolism in both endothelial and cancer cells, with a greater impact on cancer cells.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for trehalose in cancer and endothelial dysfunction.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate these effects and their therapeutic implications.
