bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Memory Type 2 Helper T Cells Induce Long-Lasting Antitumor Immunity by Activating Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Kitajima Masayuki , Ito Toshihiro , Tumes Damon J. , Endo Yusuke , Onodera Atsushi , Hashimoto Kahoko , Motohashi Shinichiro , Yamashita Masakatsu , Nishimura Takashi , Ziegler Steven F. , Nakayama Toshinori
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Functionally polarized helper T cells (Th cells) play crucial roles in the induction of tumor immunity. There is considerable knowledge about the contributions of IFN-producing Th1 cells that supports the role of cytotoxic cluster of differentiation (CD8) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, but much less is known about how IL-4–producing Th2 cells contribute to tumor immunity. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms employed by memory Th2 cells in sustaining tumor immunity by using a mouse model system wherein ovalbumin (OVA) is used as a specific tumor antigen. In this model, we found that OVA-specific memory Th2 cells exerted potent and long-lasting antitumor effects against NK-sensitive OVA-expressing tumor cells, wherein antitumor effects were mediated by NK cells. Specifically, NK cell cytotoxic activity and expression of perforin and granzyme B were dramatically enhanced by the activation of memory Th2 cells. Interleukin 4 (IL-4) produced by memory Th2 cells in vivo was critical for the antitumor effects of the NK cells, which IL-4 directly stimulated to induce their perforin- and granzyme-B–dependent cytotoxic activity. Our findings show that memory Th2 cells can induce potent antitumor immunity through IL-4–induced activation of NK cells, suggesting potential applications in cellular therapy for cancer patients. Cancer Res; 71(14); 4790–8. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Mammalian Target of Rapamycin–Dependent Acinar Cell Neoplasia after Inactivation of Apc and Pten in the Mouse Salivary Gland: Implications for Human Acinic Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Diegel Cassandra R. , Cho Kathleen R. , El-Naggar Adel K. , Williams Bart O. , Lindvall Charlotta
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cross-talk between the canonical Wnt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways occurs at multiple levels in the cell and likely contributes to the oncogenic effects of these pathways in human cancer. To gain more insight into the interplay between Wnt and mTOR signaling in salivary gland tumorigenesis, we developed a mouse model in which both pathways are constitutively activated by the conditional inactivation of the Apc and Pten tumor suppressor genes. Loss of either Apc or Pten alone did not cause tumor development. However, deletion of both genes resulted in the formation of salivary gland tumors with 100% penetrance and short latency that showed a remarkable morphologic similarity to human acinic cell carcinoma. Treatment of tumor-bearing mice using the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin led to complete regression of tumors, indicating that tumor growth was dependent on continued mTOR signaling. Importantly, we found that human salivary gland acinic cell carcinomas also express markers of activated mTOR signaling. Together, these results suggest that aberrant activation of mTOR signaling plays a pivotal role in acinar cell neoplasia of the salivary gland. Because rapamycin analogues are approved for treating other types of human malignancies, our findings suggest that rapamycin therapy should be evaluated for treating patients with salivary gland acinic cell carcinoma. Cancer Res; 70(22); 9143–52. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Rescue of p53 Function by Small-Molecule RITA in Cervical Carcinoma by Blocking E6-Mediated Degradation
Authors: Zhao Carolyn Ying , Szekely Laszlo , Bao Wenjie , Selivanova Galina
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Proteasomal degradation of p53 by human papilloma virus (HPV) E6 oncoprotein plays a pivotal role in the survival of cervical carcinoma cells. Abrogation of HPV-E6–dependent p53 destruction can therefore be a good strategy to combat cervical carcinomas. Here, we show that a small-molecule reactivation of p53 and induction of tumor cell apoptosis (RITA) is able to induce the accumulation of p53 and rescue its tumor suppressor function in cells containing high-risk HPV16 and HPV18 by inhibiting HPV-E6–mediated proteasomal degradation. RITA blocks p53 ubiquitination by preventing p53 interaction with E6-associated protein, required for HPV-E6–mediated degradation. RITA activates the transcription of proapoptotic p53 targets Noxa, PUMA, and BAX, and repressed the expression of pro-proliferative factors CyclinB1, CDC2, and CDC25C, resulting in p53-dependent apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Importantly, RITA showed substantial suppression of cervical carcinoma xenografts in vivo. These results provide a proof of principle for the treatment of cervical cancer in a p53-dependent manner by using small molecules that target p53. Cancer Res; 70(8); 3372–81. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Efficacious Immune Therapy in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) Recognizes Antigens That Are Expressed on CML Progenitor Cells
Authors: Biernacki Melinda A. , Marina Ovidiu , Zhang Wandi , Liu Fenglong , Bruns Ingmar , Cai Ann , Neuberg Donna , Canning Christine M. , Alyea Edwin P. , Soiffer Robert J. , Brusic Vladimir , Ritz Jerome , Wu Catherine J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Curative effects of graft-versus-leukemia–based therapies such as donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) may result from immunologic ablation of self-renewing CML progenitor cells. Patients who achieved durable remissions after DLI developed a significant B-cell lymphocytosis after treatment, which did not occur in patients who were unresponsive to DLI. In this study, we identified antigen targets of this B-cell response by probing two immunoproteomic platforms with plasma immunoglobulins from seven CML patients with clinically apparent graft-versus-leukemia responses after DLI. In total, 62 antigens elicited greater reactivity from post-DLI versus pre-DLI plasma. Microarray analysis revealed that >70% of the antigens were expressed in CML CD34+ cells, suggesting that expression in malignant progenitor cells is a feature common to antibody targets of DLI. We confirmed elevated expression of three target antigens (RAB38, TBCE, and DUSP12) in CML that together consistently elicited antibody responses in 18 of 21 of an additional cohort of CML patients with therapeutic responses, but not in normal donors and rarely in non-CML patients. In summary, immunologic targets of curative DLI responses include multiple antigens on CML progenitor cells, identifying them as potential immunogens for vaccination and/or monitoring of immunotherapeutics designed to eliminate myeloid leukemia stem cells. Cancer Res; 70(3); 906–15
Data from ZNF238 Is Expressed in Postmitotic Brain Cells and Inhibits Brain Tumor Growth
Authors: Tatard Valérie M. , Xiang Chaomei , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Dahmane Nadia
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Brain tumors such as medulloblastoma (MB) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) can derive from neural precursors. For instance, many MBs are thought to arise from the uncontrolled proliferation of cerebellar granule neuron precursors (GNP). GNPs normally proliferate in early postnatal stages in mice but then they become postmitotic and differentiate into granule neurons. The proliferation of neural precursors, GNPs, as well as at least subsets of GBM and MB depends on Hedgehog signaling. However, the gene functions that are lost or suppressed in brain tumors and that normally promote the proliferation arrest and differentiation of precursors remain unclear. Here we have identified a member of the BTB-POZ and zinc finger family, ZNF238, as a factor highly expressed in postmitotic GNPs and differentiated neurons. In contrast, proliferating GNPs as well as MB and GBM express low or no ZNF238. Functionally, inhibition of ZNF238 expression in mouse GNPs decreases the expression of the neuronal differentiation markers MAP2 and NeuN and downregulates the expression of the cell cycle arrest protein p27, a regulator of GNP differentiation. Conversely, reinstating ZNF238 expression in MB and GBM cells drastically decreases their proliferation and promotes cell death. It also downregulates cyclin D1 while increasing MAP2 and p27 protein levels. Importantly, ZNF238 antagonizes MB and GBM tumor growth in vivo in xenografts. We propose that the antiproliferative functions of ZNF238 in normal GNPs and possibly other neural precursors counteract brain tumor formation. ZNF238 is thus a novel brain tumor suppressor and its reactivation in tumors could open a novel anticancer strategy. Cancer Res; 70(3); 1236–46
Data from SOX9 Elevation in the Prostate Promotes Proliferation and Cooperates with PTEN Loss to Drive Tumor Formation
Authors: Thomsen Martin K. , Ambroisine Laurence , Wynn Sarah , Cheah Kathryn S.E. , Foster Christopher S. , Fisher Gabrielle , Berney Daniel M. , Møller Henrik , Reuter Victor E. , Scardino Peter , Cuzick Jack , Ragavan Narasimhan , Singh Paras B. , Martin Francis L. , Butler Christopher M. , Cooper Colin S. , Swain Amanda
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Dysregulation of tissue development pathways can contribute to cancer initiation and progression. In murine embryonic prostate epithelia, the transcription factor SOX9 is required for proper prostate development. In this study, we examined a role for SOX9 in prostate cancer in mouse and human. In Pten and Nkx3.1 mutant mice, cells with increased levels of SOX9 appeared within prostate epithelia at early stages of neoplasia, and higher expression correlated with progression at all stages of disease. In transgenic mice, SOX9 overexpression in prostate epithelia increased cell proliferation without inducing hyperplasia. In transgenic mice that were also heterozygous for mutant Pten, SOX9 overexpression quickened the induction of high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. In contrast, Sox9 attenuation led to a decrease proliferating prostate epithelia cells in normal and homozygous Pten mutant mice with prostate neoplasia. Analysis of a cohort of 880 human prostate cancer samples showed that SOX9 expression was associated with increasing Gleason grades and higher Ki67 staining. Our findings identify SOX9 as part of a developmental pathway that is reactivated in prostate neoplasia where it promotes tumor cell proliferation. Cancer Res; 70(3); 979–87
Data from FOXD3 Is a Mutant B-RAF–Regulated Inhibitor of G1-S Progression in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Abel Ethan V. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The forkhead box transcription factor FOXD3 is a stemness factor that prevents the production of melanocyte progenitors from the developing neural crest; however, its role in human cancers is not known. Transformation of melanocytes gives rise to melanoma. In two thirds of melanomas, the serine/threonine kinase B-RAF is mutated to a constitutively active form. Here, we show that FOXD3 levels are upregulated following attenuation of B-RAF and mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) signaling in mutant B-RAF harboring human melanoma cells. This effect was selective because FOXD3 was not upregulated following MEK inhibition in wild-type B-RAF melanoma cells and mutant B-RAF thyroid carcinoma cells. Ectopic FOXD3 expression potently inhibited melanoma cell growth without altering mutant B-RAF activation of ERK1/2. Inhibition of cell growth was due to a potent G1 cell cycle arrest and was associated with p53-dependent upregulation of p21Cip1. FOXD3-induced cell cycle arrest was prevented by p53 depletion and, to a lesser extent, p21Cip1 depletion. These studies show that FOXD3 is suppressed by B-RAF, uncover a novel role and mechanism for FOXD3 as a negative cell cycle regulator, and have implications for the repression of melanocytic lineage cells. Cancer Res; 70(7); 2891–900
Data from YPEL3, a p53-Regulated Gene that Induces Cellular Senescence
Authors: Kelley Kevin D. , Miller Kelly R. , Todd Amber , Kelley Amy R. , Tuttle Rebecca , Berberich Steven J.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cellular senescence, the limited ability of cultured normal cells to divide, can result from cellular damage triggered through oncogene activation (premature senescence) or the loss of telomeres following successive rounds of DNA replication (replicative senescence). Although both processes require a functional p53 signaling pathway, relevant downstream p53 targets have been difficult to identify. Discovery of senescence activators is important because induction of tumor cell senescence may represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. In microarray studies in which p53 was reactivated in MCF7 cells, we discovered that Yippee-like-3 (YPEL3), a member of a recently discovered family of putative zinc finger motif coding genes consisting of YPEL1-5, is a p53-regulated gene. YPEL3 expression induced by DNA damage leads to p53 recruitment to a cis-acting DNA response element located near the human YPEL3 promoter. Physiologic induction of YPEL3 results in a substantial decrease in cell viability associated with an increase in cellular senescence. Through the use of RNAi and H-ras induction of cellular senescence, we show that YPEL3 activates cellular senescence downstream of p53. Consistent with its growth suppressive activity, YPEL3 gene expression is repressed in ovarian tumor samples. One mechanism of YPEL3 downregulation in ovarian tumor cell lines seems to be hypermethylation of a CpG island upstream of the YPEL3 promoter. We believe these findings point to YPEL3 being a novel tumor suppressor, which upon induction triggers a permanent growth arrest in human tumor and normal cells. Cancer Res; 70(9); 3566–75. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Deficiencies in the Fanconi Anemia DNA Damage Response Pathway Increase Sensitivity to HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Park Jung Wook , Pitot Henry C. , Strati Katerina , Spardy Nicole , Duensing Stefan , Grompe Markus , Lambert Paul F.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Patients with the rare genetic disease, Fanconi anemia (FA), are highly susceptible to squamous cell carcinomas arising at multiple anatomic sites including the head and neck region. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly HPV16, are associated with ∼20% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) in the general population. Some but not other investigators have reported that HNSCCs in FA patients are much more frequently positive for HPV. In addition, studies have demonstrated an interaction between the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein and the FA pathway, a DNA damage response pathway deficient in FA patients. On the basis of these studies, it was hypothesized that the FA pathway contributes to repair of DNA damage induced by HPV16 E7, providing one explanation for why FA patients are predisposed to HPV-associated HNSCCs. To determine the importance of the FA pathway in modulating the oncogenic abilities of E7, we crossed K14E7 transgenic (K14E7) and fancD2 knockout mice (FancD2−/−) to establish K14E7/FancD2−/− and K14E7/FancD2+/+ mice and monitored their susceptibility to HNSCC when treated with a chemical carcinogen. K14E7/FancD2−/− mice had a significantly higher incidence of HNSCC compared with K14E7/FancD2+/+ mice. This difference correlated with an increased proliferative index and the increase in expression of biomarkers that are used to assess levels of DNA damage. These animal studies support the hypotheses that FA patients have increased susceptibility to HPV-associated cancer and that the FA DNA damage response pathway normally attenuates the oncogenic potential of HPV16 E7. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9959–68. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Imaging of Human Lymph Nodes Using Optical Coherence Tomography: Potential for Staging Cancer
Authors: McLaughlin Robert A. , Scolaro Loretta , Robbins Peter , Hamza Saud , Saunders Christobel , Sampson David D.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Histologic assessment is the gold standard technique for the identification of metastatic involvement of lymph nodes in malignant disease, but can only be performed ex vivo and often results in the unnecessary excision of healthy lymph nodes, leading to complications such as lymphedema. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution, near-IR imaging modality capable of visualizing microscopic features within tissue. OCT has the potential to provide in vivo assessment of tissue involvement by cancer. In this morphologic study, we show the capability of OCT to image nodal microarchitecture through an assessment of fresh, unstained ex vivo lymph node samples. Examples include both benign human axillary lymph nodes and nodes containing metastatic breast carcinoma. Through accurate correlation with the histologic gold standard, OCT is shown to enable differentiation of lymph node tissue from surrounding adipose tissue, reveal nodal structures such as germinal centers and intranodal vessels, and show both diffuse and well circumscribed patterns of metastatic node involvement. Cancer Res; 70(7); 2579–84
Data from Molecular Profiling Uncovers a p53-Associated Role for MicroRNA-31 in Inhibiting the Proliferation of Serous Ovarian Carcinomas and Other Cancers
Authors: Creighton Chad J. , Fountain Michael D. , Yu Zhifeng , Nagaraja Ankur K. , Zhu Huifeng , Khan Mahjabeen , Olokpa Emuejevoke , Zariff Azam , Gunaratne Preethi H. , Matzuk Martin M. , Anderson Matthew L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) regulate complex patterns of gene expression, and the relevance of altered miRNA expression to ovarian cancer remains to be elucidated. By comprehensively profiling expression of miRNAs and mRNAs in serous ovarian tumors and cell lines and normal ovarian surface epithelium, we identified hundreds of potential miRNA-mRNA targeting associations underlying cancer. Functional overexpression of miR-31, the most underexpressed miRNA in serous ovarian cancer, repressed predicted miR-31 gene targets including the cell cycle regulator E2F2. MIR31 and CDKN2A, which encode p14ARF and p16INK4A, are located at 9p21.3, a genomic region commonly deleted in ovarian and other cancers. p14ARF promotes p53 activity, and E2F2 overexpression in p53 wild-type cells normally leads via p14ARF to an induction of p53-dependent apoptosis. In a number of serous cancer cell lines with a dysfunctional p53 pathway (i.e., OVCAR8, OVCA433, and SKOV3), miR-31 overexpression inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis; however, in other lines (i.e., HEY and OVSAYO) with functional p53, miR-31 had no effect. Additionally, the osteosarcoma cell line U2OS and the prostate cancer cell line PC3 (p14ARF-deficient and p53-deficient, respectively) were also sensitive to miR-31. Furthermore, miR-31 overexpression induced a global gene expression pattern in OVCAR8 associated with better prognosis in tumors from patients with advanced stage serous ovarian cancer, potentially affecting many genes underlying disease progression. Our findings reveal that loss of miR-31 is associated with defects in the p53 pathway and functions in serous ovarian cancer and other cancers, suggesting that patients with cancers deficient in p53 activity might benefit from therapeutic delivery of miR-31. Cancer Res; 70(5); 1906–15
Data from MST1 Is a Multifunctional Caspase-Independent Inhibitor of Androgenic Signaling
Authors: Cinar Bekir , Collak Filiz Kisaayak , Lopez Delia , Akgul Seckin , Mukhopadhyay Nishit K. , Kilicarslan Murat , Gioeli Daniel G. , Freeman Michael R.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The MST1 serine–threonine kinase, a component of the RASSF1-LATS tumor suppressor network, is involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis and has been implicated in cancer. However, the physiologic role of MST1 in prostate cancer (PCa) is not well understood. Here, we investigated the possibility of a biochemical and functional link between androgen receptor (AR) and MST1 signaling. We showed that MST1 forms a protein complex with AR and antagonizes AR transcriptional activity as shown by coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP), promoter reporter analysis, and molecular genetic methods. In vitro kinase and site-specific mutagenesis approaches indicate that MST1 is a potent AR kinase; however, the kinase activity of MST1 and its proapoptotic functions were shown not to be involved in inhibition of AR. MST1 was also found in AR–chromatin complexes, and enforced expression of MST1 reduced the binding of AR to a well-characterized, androgen-responsive region within the prostate-specific antigen promoter. MST1 suppressed PCa cell growth in vitro and tumor growth in mice. Because MST1 is also involved in regulating the AKT1 pathway, this kinase may be an important new link between androgenic and growth factor signaling and a novel therapeutic target in PCa. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4303–13. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Exosome Targeting of Tumor Antigens Expressed by Cancer Vaccines Can Improve Antigen Immunogenicity and Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Rountree Ryan B. , Mandl Stefanie J. , Nachtwey James M. , Dalpozzo Katie , Do Lisa , Lombardo John R. , Schoonmaker Peter L. , Brinkmann Kay , Dirmeier Ulrike , Laus Reiner , Delcayre Alain
Published: March 2024

Abstract
MVA-BN-PRO (BN ImmunoTherapeutics) is a candidate immunotherapy product for the treatment of prostate cancer. It encodes 2 tumor-associated antigens, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and is derived from the highly attenuated modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) virus stock known as MVA-BN. Past work has shown that the immunogenicity of antigens can be improved by targeting their localization to exosomes, which are small, 50- to 100–nm diameter vesicles secreted by most cell types. Exosome targeting is achieved by fusing the antigen to the C1C2 domain of the lactadherin protein. To test whether exosome targeting would improve the immunogenicity of PSA and PAP, 2 additional versions of MVA-BN-PRO were produced, targeting either PSA (MVA-BN-PSA-C1C2) or PAP (MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2) to exosomes, while leaving the second transgene untargeted. Treatment of mice with MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2 led to a striking increase in the immune response against PAP. Anti-PAP antibody titers developed more rapidly and reached levels that were 10- to 100-fold higher than those for mice treated with MVA-BN-PRO. Furthermore, treatment with MVA-BN-PAP-C1C2 increased the frequency of PAP-specific T cells 5-fold compared with mice treated with MVA-BN-PRO. These improvements translated into a greater frequency of tumor rejection in a PAP-expressing solid tumor model. Likewise, treatment with MVA-BN-PSA-C1C2 increased the antigenicity of PSA compared with treatment with MVA-BN-PRO and resulted in a trend of improved antitumor efficacy in a PSA-expressing tumor model. These experiments confirm that targeting antigen localization to exosomes is a viable approach for improving the therapeutic potential of MVA-BN-PRO in humans. Cancer Res; 71(15); 5235–44. ©2011 AACR.
Data from CD8+ T Cells Regulate Bone Tumor Burden Independent of Osteoclast Resorption
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Kim Seokho , Cremasco Viviana , Hirbe Angela C. , Novack Deborah V. , Weilbaecher Katherine , Faccio Roberta
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Blockade of osteoclast (OC) activity efficiently decreases tumor burden as well as associated bone erosion in immune-compromised animals bearing human osteolytic cancers. In this study, we showed that modulation of antitumor T-cell responses alters tumor growth in bone, regardless of OC status, by using genetic and pharmacologic models. PLCγ2−/− mice, with dysfunctional OCs and impaired dendritic cell (DC)–mediated T-cell activation, had increased bone tumor burden despite protection from bone loss. In contrast, Lyn−/− mice, with more numerous OCs and a hyperactive myeloid population leading to increased T-cell responses, had reduced tumor growth in bone despite enhanced osteolysis. The unexpected tumor/bone phenotype observed in PLCγ2−/− and Lyn−/− mice was transplantable, suggesting the involvement of an immune component. Consistent with this hypothesis, T-cell activation diminished skeletal metastasis whereas T-cell depletion enhanced it, even in the presence of zoledronic acid, a potent antiresorptive agent. Importantly, injection of antigen-specific wild-type cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in PLCγ2−/− mice or CD8+ T-cell depletion in Lyn−/− mice normalized tumor growth in bone. Our findings show the important contribution of CD8+ T cells in the regulation of bone metastases regardless of OC status, thus including T cells as critical regulators of tumor growth in bone. Cancer Res; 71(14); 4799–808. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Dual Function of ERRα in Breast Cancer and Bone Metastasis Formation: Implication of VEGF and Osteoprotegerin
Authors: Fradet Anaïs , Sorel Helène , Bouazza Lamia , Goehrig Delphine , Dépalle Baptiste , Bellahcène Akeila , Castronovo Vincent , Follet Hélène , Descotes Françoise , Aubin Jane E. , Clézardin Philippe , Bonnelye Edith
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Bone metastasis is a complication occurring in up to 70% of advanced breast cancer patients. The estrogen receptor-related receptor alpha (ERRα) has been implicated in breast cancer and bone development, prompting us to examine whether ERRα may function in promoting the osteolytic growth of breast cancer cells in bone. In a mouse xenograft model of metastatic human breast cancer, overexpression of wild-type ERRα reduced metastasis, whereas overexpression of a dominant negative mutant promoted metastasis. Osteoclasts were directly affected and ERRα upregulated the osteoclastogenesis inhibitor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), providing a direct mechanistic basis for understanding how ERRα reduced breast cancer cell growth in bone. In contrast, ERRα overexpression increased breast cancer cell growth in the mammary gland. ERRα-overexpressing primary tumors were highly vascularized, consistent with an observed upregulation of angiogenic growth factor, the VEGF. In support of these findings, we documented that elevated expression of ERRα mRNA in breast carcinomas was associated with high expression of OPG and VEGF and with disease progression. In conclusion, our results show that ERRα plays a dual role in breast cancer progression in promoting the local growth of tumor cells, but decreasing metastatic growth of osteolytic lesions in bone. Cancer Res; 71(17); 5728–38. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Identification of the MEK1(F129L) Activating Mutation as a Potential Mechanism of Acquired Resistance to MEK Inhibition in Human Cancers Carrying the B-RafV600E Mutation
Authors: Wang Huisheng , Daouti Sherif , Li Wen-hui , Wen Yang , Rizzo Christine , Higgins Brian , Packman Kathryn , Rosen Neal , Boylan John F. , Heimbrook David , Niu Huifeng
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Although targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK pathway remains a promising anticancer strategy, mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitors in clinical development are likely to be limited in their ability to produce durable clinical responses due to the emergence of acquired drug resistance. To identify potential mechanisms of such resistance, we established MEK inhibitor–resistant clones of human HT-29 colon cancer cells (HT-29R cells) that harbor the B-RafV600E mutation. HT-29R cells were specifically resistant to MEK inhibition in vitro and in vivo, with drug-induced elevation of MEK/ERK and their downstream targets primarily accountable for drug resistance. We identified MEK1(F129L) mutation as a molecular mechanism responsible for MEK/ERK pathway activation. In an isogenic cell system that extended these findings into other cancer cell lines, the MEK1(F129L) mutant exhibited higher intrinsic kinase activity than wild-type MEK1 [MEK1(WT)], leading to potent activation of ERK and downstream targets. The MEK1(F129L) mutation also strengthened binding to c-Raf, suggesting an underlying mechanism of higher intrinsic kinase activity. Notably, the combined use of Raf and MEK inhibitors overcame the observed drug resistance and exhibited greater synergy in HT-29R cells than the drug-sensitive HT-29 parental cells. Overall, our findings suggested that mutations in MEK1 can lead to acquired resistance in patients treated with MEK inhibitors and that a combined inhibition of Raf and MEK may be potentially useful as a strategy to bypass or prevent drug resistance in the clinic. Cancer Res; 71(16); 5535–45. ©2011 AACR.
Data from IFN Induces miR-21 through a Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3–Dependent Pathway as a Suppressive Negative Feedback on IFN-Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Yang Chuan He , Yue Junming , Fan Meiyun , Pfeffer Lawrence M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The microRNA miR-21 is overexpressed in many human cancers, wherein accumulating evidence indicates that it functions as an oncogene. Here, we report that the cytokine IFN rapidly induces miR-21 expression in human and mouse cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was implicated in this pathway based on the lack of IFN effect on miR-21 expression in prostate cancer cells with a deletion in the STAT3 gene. STAT3 ablation abrogated IFN induction of miR-21, confirming the important role of STAT3 in regulating miR-21. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that STAT3 directly bound the miR-21 promoter in response to IFN. Experiments in mouse embryo fibroblasts with a genetic deletion of the p65 NF-κB subunit showed that IFN-induced miR-21 expression was also dependent on NF-κB. STAT3 silencing blocked both IFN-induced p65 binding to the miR-21 promoter and p65 nuclear translocation. Thus, IFN-induced miR-21 expression is coregulated by STAT3 and NF-κB at the level of the miR-21 promoter. Several cell death regulators were identified as downstream targets of miR-21, including PTEN and Akt. Functional experiments in prostate cancer cells directly showed that miR-21 plays a critical role in suppressing IFN-induced apoptosis. Our results identify miR-21 as a novel IFN target gene that functions as a key feedback regulator of IFN-induced apoptosis. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8108–16. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Analysis of the T-Cell Receptor Repertoires of Tumor-Infiltrating Conventional and Regulatory T Cells Reveals No Evidence for Conversion in Carcinogen-Induced Tumors
Authors: Hindley James P. , Ferreira Cristina , Jones Emma , Lauder Sarah N. , Ladell Kristin , Wynn Katherine K. , Betts Gareth J. , Singh Yogesh , Price David A. , Godkin Andrew J. , Dyson Julian , Gallimore Awen
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A significant enrichment of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells (regulatory T cells, Treg) is frequently observed in murine and human carcinomas. As Tregs can limit effective antitumor immune responses, thereby promoting tumor progression, it is important that the mechanisms underpinning intratumoral accumulation of Tregs are identified. Because of evidence gathered mostly in vitro, the conversion of conventional T cells (Tconv) into Tregs has been proposed as one such mechanism. We assessed the contribution of conversion in vivo by analyzing the TCR (T-cell receptor) repertoires of Tconvs and Tregs in carcinogen-induced tumors in mice. Our results indicate that the TCR repertoires of Tregs and Tconvs within tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are largely distinct. Indeed, the cell population with the greatest degree of repertoire similarity with tumor-infiltrating Tregs was the Treg population from the tumor-draining lymph node. These findings demonstrate that conversion of Tconvs does not contribute significantly to the accumulation of tumor-infiltrating Tregs; rather, Tconvs and Tregs arise from different populations with unique TCR repertoires. Enrichment of Tregs within TILs most likely, therefore, reflects differences in the way that Tregs and Tconvs are influenced by the tumor microenvironment. Elucidating the nature of these influences may indicate how the balance between tumor-infiltrating Tregs and Tconvs can be manipulated for therapeutic purposes. Cancer Res; 71(3); 736–46. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Preclinical Evaluation of AMG 900, a Novel Potent and Highly Selective Pan-Aurora Kinase Inhibitor with Activity in Taxane-Resistant Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Payton Marc , Bush Tammy L. , Chung Grace , Ziegler Beth , Eden Patrick , McElroy Patricia , Ross Sandra , Cee Victor J. , Deak Holly L. , Hodous Brian L. , Nguyen Hanh Nho , Olivieri Philip R. , Romero Karina , Schenkel Laurie B. , Bak Annette , Stanton Mary , Dussault Isabelle , Patel Vinod F. , Geuns-Meyer Stephanie , Radinsky Robert , Kendall Richard L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In mammalian cells, the aurora kinases (aurora-A, -B, and -C) play essential roles in regulating cell division. The expression of aurora-A and -B is elevated in a variety of human cancers and is associated with high proliferation rates and poor prognosis, making them attractive targets for anticancer therapy. AMG 900 is an orally bioavailable, potent, and highly selective pan-aurora kinase inhibitor that is active in taxane-resistant tumor cell lines. In tumor cells, AMG 900 inhibited autophosphorylation of aurora-A and -B as well as phosphorylation of histone H3 on Ser10, a proximal substrate of aurora-B. The predominant cellular response of tumor cells to AMG 900 treatment was aborted cell division without a prolonged mitotic arrest, which ultimately resulted in cell death. AMG 900 inhibited the proliferation of 26 tumor cell lines, including cell lines resistant to the antimitotic drug paclitaxel and to other aurora kinase inhibitors (AZD1152, MK-0457, and PHA-739358), at low nanomolar concentrations. Furthermore, AMG 900 was active in an AZD1152-resistant HCT116 variant cell line that harbors an aurora-B mutation (W221L). Oral administration of AMG 900 blocked the phosphorylation of histone H3 in a dose-dependent manner and significantly inhibited the growth of HCT116 tumor xenografts. Importantly, AMG 900 was broadly active in multiple xenograft models, including 3 multidrug-resistant xenograft models, representing 5 tumor types. AMG 900 has entered clinical evaluation in adult patients with advanced cancers and has the potential to treat tumors refractory to anticancer drugs such as the taxanes. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9846–54. ©2010 AACR.
Data from mTOR Kinase Inhibitor AZD8055 Enhances the Immunotherapeutic Activity of an Agonist CD40 Antibody in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Jiang Qun , Weiss Jonathan M. , Back Timothy , Chan Tim , Ortaldo John R. , Guichard Sylvie , Wiltrout Robert H.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
mTOR is a central mediator of cancer cell growth, but it also directs immune cell differentiation and function. On this basis, we had explored the hypothesis that mTOR inhibition can enhance cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report that a combination of αCD40 agonistic antibody and the ATP-competitive mTOR kinase inhibitory drug AZD8055 elicited synergistic antitumor responses in a model of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. In contrast to the well-established mTOR inhibitor rapamycin, AZD8055 increased the infiltration, activation, and proliferation of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells in liver metastatic foci when combined with the CD40 agonist. AZD8055/αCD40-treated mice also display an increased incidence of matured macrophages and dendritic cells compared with that achieved in mice by αCD40 or AZD8055 treatment alone. We found that the combination treatment also increased macrophage production of TNFα, which played an indispensable role in activation of the observed antitumor immune response. Levels of Th1 cytokines, including interleukin 12, IFN-γ, TNFα, and the Th1-associated chemokines RANTES, MIG, and IP-10 were each elevated significantly in the livers of mice treated with the combinatorial therapy versus individual treatments. Notably, the AZD8055/αCD40-induced antitumor response was abolished in IFN-γ−/− and CD40−/− mice, establishing the reliance of the combination therapy on host IFN-γ and CD40 expression. Our findings offer a preclinical proof of concept that, unlike rapamycin, the ATP-competitive mTOR kinase inhibitor AZD8055 can contribute with αCD40 treatment to trigger a restructuring of the tumor immune microenvironment to trigger regressions of an established metastatic cancer. Cancer Res; 71(12); 4074–84. ©2011 AACR.
Data from SPARC Stimulates Neuronal Differentiation of Medulloblastoma Cells via the Notch1/STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Bhoopathi Praveen , Chetty Chandramu , Dontula Ranadheer , Gujrati Meena , Dinh Dzung H. , Rao Jasti S. , Lakka Sajani S.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) participates in the regulation of morphogenesis and cellular differentiation through its modulation of cell–matrix interactions. We previously reported that SPARC expression significantly impairs medulloblastoma tumor growth in vivo. In this study, we show that adenoviral-mediated overexpression of SPARC cDNA (Ad-DsRed-SP) elevated the expression of the neuronal markers NeuN, nestin, neurofilament, and MAP-2 in medulloblastoma cells and induced neuron-like differentiation. SPARC overexpression decreased STAT3 phosphorylation; constitutive expression of STAT3 reversed SPARC-mediated expression of neuronal markers. We also show that Notch signaling is suppressed in the presence of SPARC, as well as the Notch effector basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor hairy and enhancer of split 1 (HES1). Notch signaling was found to be responsible for the decreased STAT3 phosphorylation in response to SPARC expression. Furthermore, expression of SPARC decreased the production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and supplemented IL-6–abrogated, SPARC-mediated suppression of Notch signaling and expression of neuronal markers. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor sections from mice treated with Ad-DsRed-SP showed increased immunoreactivity for the neuronal markers and a decrease in Notch1 expression and phosphorylation of STAT3. Taken together, our results suggest that SPARC induces expression of neuronal markers in medulloblastoma cells through its inhibitory effect on IL-6–regulated suppression of Notch pathway–mediated STAT3 signaling, thus giving further support to the potential use of SPARC as a therapeutic candidate for medulloblastoma treatment. Findings show that SPARC-induced neuronal differentiation can sensitize medulloblastoma cells for therapy. Cancer Res; 71(14); 4908–19. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Contextual Synthetic Lethality of Cancer Cell Kill Based on the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Chan Norman , Pires Isabel M. , Bencokova Zuzana , Coackley Carla , Luoto Kaisa R. , Bhogal Nirmal , Lakshman Minalini , Gottipati Ponnari , Oliver F. Javier , Helleday Thomas , Hammond Ester M. , Bristow Robert G.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acute and chronic hypoxia exists within the three-dimensional microenvironment of solid tumors and drives therapy resistance, genetic instability, and metastasis. Replicating cells exposed to either severe acute hypoxia (16 hours with 0.02% O2) followed by reoxygenation or moderate chronic hypoxia (72 hours with 0.2% O2) treatments have decreased homologous recombination (HR) protein expression and function. As HR defects are synthetically lethal with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) inhibition, we evaluated the sensitivity of repair-defective hypoxic cells to PARP inhibition. Although PARP inhibition itself did not affect HR expression or function, we observed increased clonogenic killing in HR-deficient hypoxic cells following chemical inhibition of PARP1. This effect was partially reversible by RAD51 overexpression. PARP1−/− murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) showed a proliferative disadvantage under hypoxic gassing when compared with PARP1+/+ MEFs. PARP-inhibited hypoxic cells accumulated γH2AX and 53BP1 foci as a consequence of altered DNA replication firing during S phase–specific cell killing. In support of this proposed mode of action, PARP inhibitor–treated xenografts displayed increased γH2AX and cleaved caspase-3 expression in RAD51-deficient hypoxic subregions in vivo, which was associated with decreased ex vivo clonogenic survival following experimental radiotherapy. This is the first report of selective cell killing of HR-defective hypoxic cells in vivo as a consequence of microenvironment-mediated “contextual synthetic lethality.” As all solid tumors contain aggressive hypoxic cells, this may broaden the clinical utility of PARP and DNA repair inhibition, either alone or in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, even in tumor cells lacking synthetically lethal, genetic mutations. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8045–54. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Functional Synergies yet Distinct Modulators Affected by Genetic Alterations in Common Human Cancers
Authors: Bessarabova Marina , Pustovalova Olga , Shi Weiwei , Serebriyskaya Tatiana , Ishkin Alex , Polyak Kornelia , Velculescu Victor E. , Nikolskaya Tatiana , Nikolsky Yuri
Published: March 2024

Abstract
An important general concern in cancer research is how diverse genetic alterations and regulatory pathways can produce common signaling outcomes. In this study, we report the construction of cancer models that combine unique regulation and common signaling. We compared and functionally analyzed sets of genetic alterations, including somatic sequence mutations and copy number changes, in breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer and glioblastoma that had been determined previously by global exon sequencing and SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) array analyses in multiple patients. The genes affected by the different types of alterations were mostly unique in each cancer type, affected different pathways, and were connected with different transcription factors, ligands, and receptors. In our model, we show that distinct amplifications, deletions, and sequence alterations in each cancer resulted in common signaling pathways and transcription regulation. In functional clustering, the impact of the type of alteration was more pronounced than the impact of the kind of cancer. Several pathways such as TGF-β/SMAD signaling and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) signaling were defined as synergistic (affected by different alterations in all four cancer types). Despite large differences at the genetic level, all data sets interacted with a common group of 65 “universal cancer genes” (UCG) comprising a concise network focused on proliferation/apoptosis balance and angiogenesis. Using unique nodal regulators (“overconnected” genes), UCGs, and synergistic pathways, the cancer models that we built could combine common signaling with unique regulation. Our findings provide a novel integrated perspective on the complex signaling and regulatory networks that underlie common human cancers. Cancer Res; 71(10); 3471–81. ©2011 AACR.
Data from γ-Tocotrienol Inhibits Pancreatic Tumors and Sensitizes Them to Gemcitabine Treatment by Modulating the Inflammatory Microenvironment
Authors: Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B. , Sung Bokyung , Ravindran Jayaraj , Diagaradjane Parmeswaran , Deorukhkar Amit , Dey Sanjit , Koca Cemile , Yadav Vivek R. , Tong Zhimin , Gelovani Juri G. , Guha Sushovan , Krishnan Sunil , Aggarwal Bharat B.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Pancreatic cancers generally respond poorly to chemotherapy, prompting a need to identify agents that could sensitize tumors to treatment. In this study, we investigated the response of human pancreatic cells to γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3), a novel, unsaturated form of vitamin E found in palm oil and rice bran oil, to determine whether it could potentiate the effects of gemcitabine, a standard of care in clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer. γ-T3 inhibited the in vitro proliferation of pancreatic cancer cell lines with variable p53 status and potentiated gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. These effects correlated with an inhibition of NF-κB activation by γ-T3 and a suppression of key cellular regulators including cyclin D1, c-Myc, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), Bcl-2, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein, survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), ICAM-1, and CXCR4. In an orthotopic nude mouse model of human pancreatic cancer, p.o. administration of γ-T3 inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the antitumor properties of gemcitabine. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a correlation between tumor growth inhibition and reduced expression of Ki-67, COX-2, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), NF-κB p65, and VEGF in the tissue. Combination treatment also downregulated NF-κB activity along with the NF-κB–regulated gene products, such as cyclin D1, c-Myc, VEGF, MMP-9, and CXCR4. Consistent with an enhancement of tumor apoptosis, caspase activation was observed in tumor tissues. Overall, our findings suggest that γ-T3 can inhibit the growth of human pancreatic tumors and sensitize them to gemcitabine by suppressing NF-κB–mediated inflammatory pathways linked to tumorigenesis. Cancer Res; 70(21); 8695–705. ©2010 AACR.
Data from A Low Carbohydrate, High Protein Diet Slows Tumor Growth and Prevents Cancer Initiation
Authors: Ho Victor W. , Leung Kelvin , Hsu Anderson , Luk Beryl , Lai June , Shen Sung Yuan , Minchinton Andrew I. , Waterhouse Dawn , Bally Marcel B. , Lin Wendy , Nelson Brad H. , Sly Laura M. , Krystal Gerald
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Since cancer cells depend on glucose more than normal cells, we compared the effects of low carbohydrate (CHO) diets to a Western diet on the growth rate of tumors in mice. To avoid caloric restriction–induced effects, we designed the low CHO diets isocaloric with the Western diet by increasing protein rather than fat levels because of the reported tumor-promoting effects of high fat and the immune-stimulating effects of high protein. We found that both murine and human carcinomas grew slower in mice on diets containing low amylose CHO and high protein compared with a Western diet characterized by relatively high CHO and low protein. There was no weight difference between the tumor-bearing mice on the low CHO or Western diets.

Additionally, the low CHO-fed mice exhibited lower blood glucose, insulin, and lactate levels. Additive antitumor effects with the low CHO diets were observed with the mTOR inhibitor CCI-779 and especially with the COX-2 inhibitor Celebrex, a potent anti-inflammatory drug. Strikingly, in a genetically engineered mouse model of HER-2/neu–induced mammary cancer, tumor penetrance in mice on a Western diet was nearly 50% by the age of 1 year whereas no tumors were detected in mice on the low CHO diet. This difference was associated with weight gains in mice on the Western diet not observed in mice on the low CHO diet. Moreover, whereas only 1 mouse on the Western diet achieved a normal life span, due to cancer-associated deaths, more than 50% of the mice on the low CHO diet reached or exceeded the normal life span. Taken together, our findings offer a compelling preclinical illustration of the ability of a low CHO diet in not only restricting weight gain but also cancer development and progression. Cancer Res; 71(13); 4484–93. ©2011 AACR.
Data from Integration of Genotypic and Phenotypic Screening Reveals Molecular Mediators of Melanoma–Stromal Interaction
Authors: Stine Megan J. , Wang C. Joanne , Moriarty Whei F. , Ryu Byungwoo , Cheong Raymond , Westra William H. , Levchenko Andre , Alani Rhoda M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tumor–endothelium interactions are critical for tumor survival and metastasis. Melanomas can rapidly metastasize early in tumor progression, but the dependence of this aggressive behavior on tumor–stromal interaction is poorly understood. To probe the mechanisms involved, we developed a heterotypic coculture methodology, allowing simultaneous tracking of genomic and phenotypic changes in interacting tumor and endothelial cells in vitro. We found a dramatic rearrangement of endothelial cell networks into patterns reminiscent of vascular beds, even on plastic and glass. Multiple genes were upregulated in the process, many coding for cell surface and secreted proteins, including Neuropilin-2 (NRP2). A critical role of NRP2 in coordinated cell patterning and growth was confirmed using the coculture system. We conclude that NRP2 represents an important mediator of melanoma–endothelial interactions. Furthermore, the described methodology represents a powerful yet simple system to elucidate heterotypic intercellular interactions mediating diverse physiological and pathological processes. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2433–44. ©2011 AACR.