bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atorvastatin attenuates angiotensin II-induced inflammatory actions in the liver
Authors: Moreno Montserrat , Ramalho Leandra N. , Sancho-Bru Pau , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Ramalho Fernando , Abraldes Juan G. , Colmenero Jordi , Dominguez Marlene , Egido Jesús , Arroyo Vicente , Ginès Pere , Bataller Ramón
Published: December 2008

Statins exert beneficial effects in chronically damaged tissues. Angiotensin II (ANG II) participates in liver fibrogenesis by inducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression. We investigate whether atorvastatin modulates ANG II-induced pathogenic effects in the liver. Male Wistar rats were infused with saline or ANG II (100 ng·kg−1·min−1) for 4 wk through a subcutaneous osmotic pump. Rats received either vehicle or atorvastatin (5 mg·kg−1·day−1) by gavage. ANG II infusion resulted in infiltration of inflammatory cells (CD43 immunostaining), oxidative stress (4-hydroxynonenal), hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation (smooth muscle α-actin), increased intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and interleukin-6 hepatic gene expression (quantitative PCR). These effects were markedly blunted in rats receiving atorvastatin. The beneficial effects of atorvastatin were confirmed in an additional model of acute liver injury (carbon tetrachloride administration). We next explored whether the beneficial effects of atorvastatin on ANG II-induced actions are also reproduced at the cellular level. We studied HSC, a cell type with inflammatory and fibrogenic properties. ANG II (10−8M) stimulated cell proliferation, proinflammatory actions (NF-κB activation, ICAM-1 expression, interleukin-8 secretion) as well as expression of procollagen-α1(I) and TGF-β1. All of these effects were reduced in the presence of atorvastatin (10−7M). These results indicate that atorvastatin attenuates the pathogenic events induced by ANG II in the liver both in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, statins could have beneficial effects in conditions characterized by hepatic inflammation.
X-ray powder diffraction data for ω and C2 phases of Al–Cu–Ir
Authors: Grushko B. , Pavlyuchkov D.
Published: December 2008

Ternary Al–Cu–Ir phases, isostructural to the Al–Cu–Rh ω and
C2 phases, were found to be around the
Al70Cu20Ir10 and
Al60Cu15Ir25 compositions, respectively. Using powder X-ray diffraction, the former was found to have a tetragonal structure (space group P4/mnc) with a=6.4142(9) Å and c=14.842(4) Å, and the latter has a cubic structure (space group Fm3) with a=15.3928(6) Å.
Synthesis and X-ray powder diffraction characterization of tetra- and hexa-imidazole complexes of magnesium(II)
Authors: Masciocchi Norberto , Garlaschelli Luigi , Peli Giulia
Published: December 2008

X-ray powder diffraction data for two ionic salts containing imidazole (Him) complexes of the magnesium(II) ion, [Mg(Him)4(H2O)2]Cl2 and [Mg(Him)6](NO3)2, are reported. Their crystal and molecular structures were determined by simulated annealing and full-profile Rietveld refinement methods. [Mg(Him)4(H2O)2]Cl2 was found to crystallize in the monoclinic system with space group C2/c, a=12.3980(3) Å, b=11.0234(2) Å, c=14.4691(3) Å, and β=107.024(1)°. [Mg(Him)6](NO3)2 crystallizes in the trigonal R-3 space group with a=b=12.4631(4) Å and c=14.9449(6)
Å. Both species contain centrosymmetric complexes, and Mg is octahedrally coordinated by six imidazoles, as in [Mg(Him)6](NO3)2, or by four imidazoles and two water molecules, as in [Mg(Him)4(H2O)2]Cl2. Additional analytic, thermogravimetric, calorimetric, and spectroscopic characterizations were also performed.
ODC1 Is a Critical Determinant of MYCN Oncogenesis and a Therapeutic Target in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Hogarty Michael D. , Norris Murray D. , Davis Kimberly , Liu Xueyuan , Evageliou Nicholas F. , Hayes Candace S. , Pawel Bruce , Guo Rong , Zhao Huaqing , Sekyere Eric , Keating Joanna , Thomas Wayne , Cheng Ngan Ching , Murray Jayne , Smith Janice , Sutton Rosemary , Venn Nicola , London Wendy B. , Buxton Allen , Gilmour Susan K. , Marshall Glenn M. , Haber Michelle
Published: December 2008

Neuroblastoma is a frequently lethal childhood tumor in which MYC gene deregulation, commonly as MYCN amplification, portends poor outcome. Identifying the requisite biopathways downstream of MYC may provide therapeutic opportunities. We used transcriptome analyses to show that MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas have coordinately deregulated myriad polyamine enzymes (including ODC1, SRM, SMS, AMD1, OAZ2, and SMOX) to enhance polyamine biosynthesis. High-risk tumors without MYCN amplification also overexpress ODC1, the rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine biosynthesis, when compared with lower-risk tumors, suggesting that this pathway may be pivotal. Indeed, elevated ODC1 (independent of MYCN amplification) was associated with reduced survival in a large independent neuroblastoma cohort. As polyamines are essential for cell survival and linked to cancer progression, we studied polyamine antagonism to test for metabolic dependence on this pathway in neuroblastoma. The Odc inhibitor α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) inhibited neuroblast proliferation in vitro and suppressed oncogenesis in vivo. DFMO treatment of neuroblastoma-prone genetically engineered mice (TH-MYCN) extended tumor latency and survival in homozygous mice and prevented oncogenesis in hemizygous mice. In the latter, transient Odc ablation permanently prevented tumor onset consistent with a time-limited window for embryonal tumor initiation. Importantly, we show that DFMO augments antitumor efficacy of conventional cytotoxics in vivo. This work implicates polyamine biosynthesis as an arbiter of MYCN oncogenesis and shows initial efficacy for polyamine depletion strategies in neuroblastoma, a strategy that may have utility for this and other MYC-driven embryonal tumors. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9735–45]
A Polymorphism in the TC21 Promoter Associates with an Unfavorable Tamoxifen Treatment Outcome in Breast Cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaž , Schroth Werner , Amaral Sandra M.C. , Fritz Peter , Antoniadou Lydia , Glavač Damjan , Simon Wolfgang , Schwab Matthias , Eichelbaum Michel , Brauch Hiltrud
Published: December 2008

Tamoxifen therapy is a standard in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer; however, its efficacy varies widely among patients. In addition to interpatient differences in the tamoxifen-metabolizing capacity, there is growing evidence that crosstalk between ER and growth factor signaling contributes to tamoxifen resistance. We focused on TC21, a member of the Ras superfamily, to investigate the influence of the TC21 −582C>T promoter polymorphism on TC21 expression and treatment outcome. Immunohistochemical analyses of breast tumors revealed a higher TC21 expression in ER-negative compared with ER-positive tumors. Expression in ER-positive tumors was higher in carriers of the T allele in an allele dose–dependent manner. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses showed that TC21 mRNA expression is decreased after transfection of ERα in ER-negative breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, UACC893, and BT-20. In MCF7 ER-positive cells, TC21 expression decreased with 17β-estradiol treatment and increased after treatment with tamoxifen metabolites, 4-OH-tamoxifen, or endoxifen. In patients treated with adjuvant mono tamoxifen, high cytoplasmic TC21 tumor expression or the carriership of the −582T allele conferred increased recurrence rates [n = 45: hazard ratio (HR), 3.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.16–8.05; n = 206: HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.08–3.00, respectively]. A combined analysis with the data of the known tamoxifen predictor CYP2D6 showed an improvement of outcome prediction compared with CYP2D6 or TC21 genotype status alone (per mutated gene HR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.34–4.14). Our functional and patient-based results suggest that the TC21 −582C>T polymorphism improves prediction of tamoxifen treatment outcome in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9799–808]
ICAM-1 Has a Critical Role in the Regulation of Metastatic Melanoma Tumor Susceptibility to CTL Lysis by Interfering with PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Hamaï Ahmed , Meslin Franck , Benlalam Houssem , Jalil Abdelali , Mehrpour Maryam , Faure Florence , Lecluse Yann , Vielh Philipe , Avril Marie-Françoise , Robert Caroline , Chouaib Salem
Published: December 2008

Human primary melanoma cells (T1) were found to be more susceptible to lysis by a Melan-A/MART-1–specific CTL clone (LT12) than their metastatic derivative (G1). We show that this differential susceptibility does not involve antigen presentation by target cells, synapse formation between the metastatic target and CTL clone, or subsequent granzyme B (GrB) polarization. Although PI-9, an inhibitor of GrB, was found to be overexpressed in metastatic G1 cells, knockdown of the PI-9 gene did not result in the attenuation of G1 resistance to CTL-induced killing. Interestingly, we show that whereas T1 cells express high levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), a dramatically reduced expression was noted on G1 cells. We also showed that sorted ICAM-1+ G1 cells were highly sensitive to CTL-induced lysis compared with ICAM-1− G1 cells. Furthermore, incubation of metastatic G1 cells with IFN-γ resulted in the induction of ICAM-1 and the potentiation of their susceptibility to lysis by LT12. More importantly, we found that the level of ICAM-1 expression by melanoma cells correlated with decreased PTEN activity. ICAM-1 knockdown in T1 cells resulted in increased phosphorylation of PTEN and the subsequent activation of AKT. We have additionally shown that inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway by the specific inhibitor wortmannin induced a significant potentiation of susceptibility of G1 and ICAM-1 small interfering RNA–treated T1 cells to CTL-induced lysis. The present study shows that a shift in ICAM-1 expression, which was associated with an activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, can be used by metastatic melanoma cells to escape CTL-mediated killing. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9854–64]
Evidence that Resistance to Nilotinib May Be Due to BCR-ABL, Pgp, or Src Kinase Overexpression
Authors: Mahon François-Xavier , Hayette Sandrine , Lagarde Valérie , Belloc Francis , Turcq Béatrice , Nicolini Franck , Belanger Coralie , Manley Paul W. , Leroy Cédric , Etienne Gabriel , Roche Serge , Pasquet Jean-Max
Published: December 2008

Targeting the tyrosine kinase activity of Bcr-Abl is an attractive therapeutic strategy in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and in Bcr-Abl–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Whereas imatinib, a selective inhibitor of Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase, is now used in frontline therapy for CML, second-generation inhibitors of Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase such as nilotinib or dasatinib have been developed for the treatment of imatinib-resistant or imatinib-intolerant disease. In the current study, we generated nilotinib-resistant cell lines and investigated their mechanism of resistance. Overexpression of BCR-ABL and multidrug resistance gene (MDR-1) were found among the investigated mechanisms. We showed that nilotinib is a substrate of the multidrug resistance gene product, P-glycoprotein, using verapamil or PSC833 to block binding. Up-regulated expression of p53/56 Lyn kinase, both at the mRNA and protein level, was found in one of the resistant cell lines and Lyn silencing by small interfering RNA restored sensitivity to nilotinib. Moreover, failure of nilotinib treatment was accompanied by an increase of Lyn mRNA expression in patients with resistant CML. Two Src kinase inhibitors (PP1 and PP2) partially removed resistance but did not significantly inhibit Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase activity. In contrast, dasatinib, a dual Bcr-Abl and Src kinase inhibitor, inhibited the phosphorylation of both BCR-ABL and Lyn, and induced apoptosis of the Bcr-Abl cell line overexpressing p53/56 Lyn. Such mechanisms of resistance are close to those observed in imatinib-resistant cell lines and emphasize the critical role of Lyn in nilotinib resistance. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9809–16]
SMAD6 Contributes to Patient Survival in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer and Its Knockdown Reestablishes TGF-β Homeostasis in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Jeon Hyo-Sung , Dracheva Tatiana , Yang Sei-Hoon , Meerzaman Daoud , Fukuoka Junya , Shakoori Abbas , Shilo Konstantin , Travis William D. , Jen Jin
Published: December 2008

The malignant transformation in several types of cancer, including lung cancer, results in a loss of growth inhibition by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Here, we show that SMAD6 expression is associated with a reduced survival in lung cancer patients. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA)–mediated knockdown of SMAD6 in lung cancer cell lines resulted in reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis as well as inhibition of cell cycle progression. However, these results were not seen in Beas2B, a normal bronchial epithelial cell line. To better understand the mechanism underlying the association of SMAD6 with poor patient survival, we used a lentivirus construct carrying shRNA for SMAD6 to knock down expression of the targeted gene. Through gene expression analysis, we observed that knockdown of SMAD6 led to the activation of TGF-β signaling through up-regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and phosphorylation of SMAD2/3. Furthermore, SMAD6 knockdown activated the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase pathway and reduced phosphorylation of Rb-1, resulting in increased G0-G1 cell arrest and apoptosis in the lung cancer cell line H1299. These results jointly suggest that SMAD6 plays a critical role in supporting lung cancer cell growth and survival. Targeted inactivation of SMAD6 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for lung cancers expressing this gene. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9686–92]
Activation of the Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 Gene by the Human Papillomavirus E7 Oncoprotein
Authors: Holland Daniela , Hoppe-Seyler Karin , Schuller Bettina , Lohrey Claudia , Maroldt Julia , Dürst Matthias , Hoppe-Seyler Felix
Published: December 2008

The malignant phenotype of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive cancer cells is maintained by the activity of the viral E6 and E7 genes. Here, we identified the polycomb group gene enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) as a novel downstream target for the viral oncogenes in HPV-transformed cells. EZH2 expression was activated by HPV16 E7 at the transcriptional level via E7-mediated release of E2F from pocket proteins. RNA interference analyses showed that continuous EZH2 expression is required for the proliferation of HPV-positive tumor cells by stimulating cell cycle progression at the G1-S boundary. In addition to its growth-promoting activity, EZH2 also contributed to the apoptotic resistance of cervical cancer cells. Furthermore, we found that HPV-positive dysplastic and tumorigenic cervical lesions were characterized by high levels of EZH2 protein in vivo. We conclude that the E7 target gene EZH2 is a major determinant for the proliferation of HPV-positive cancer cells and contributes to their apoptotic resistance. Moreover, EZH2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of cervical cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9964–72]
Molecular Basis for the Critical Role of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-1 in Melanoma Brain Metastasis
Authors: Huang Feng-Ju , Steeg Patricia S. , Price Janet E. , Chiu Wen-Tai , Chou Ping-Chieh , Xie Keping , Sawaya Raymond , Huang Suyun
Published: December 2008

Our recent study found that activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is up-regulated in human brain metastatic cells and contributes to brain metastasis of melanoma. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this increased Stat3 activation and effect on brain metastasis are unknown. In this report, we showed that the expression of Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2), a Stat3 activator, was increased, whereas the expression of a negative regulator of Stat3, suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1), was reduced in the brain metastatic melanoma cell line A375Br, relative to that in the parental A375P cell line. Consistently, SOCS-1 expression was also lower in the human brain metastatic tissues than in the primary melanoma tissues. Mechanistically, increased JAK2 expression in the A375Br cells was due to, at least in part, its decreased degradation, which was directly correlated with low expression of SOCS-1. Moreover, restoration of SOCS-1 expression resulted in the inhibition of Stat3 activation, whereas depletion of SOCS-1 up-regulated Stat3 activation. These clinical, experimental, and mechanistic findings strongly suggest that increased activation of Stat3 in brain metastatic melanoma cells might be due to decreased SOCS-1 expression. Furthermore, restoration of SOCS-1 expression in brain metastatic A375Br cells significantly inhibited brain metastasis in animal models (P < 0.001). Additionally, alterations of SOCS-1 expression profoundly affected the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the melanoma cell invasion and angiogenesis. Collectively, these data suggest that the loss of SOCS-1 expression is a critical event, leading to elevated Stat3 signaling and overexpression of MMP-2, bFGF, and VEGF, as well as enhanced invasion and angiogenesis of melanoma cells, consequently promoting brain metastasis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9634–42]
Enterococcus faecalis Induces Aneuploidy and Tetraploidy in Colonic Epithelial Cells through a Bystander Effect
Authors: Wang Xingmin , Allen Toby D. , May Randal J. , Lightfoot Stanley , Houchen Courtney W. , Huycke Mark M.
Published: December 2008

Intestinal commensals are potential important contributors to the etiology of sporadic colorectal cancer, but mechanisms by which bacteria can initiate tumors remain uncertain. Herein, we describe mechanisms that link Enterococcus faecalis, a bacterium known to produce extracellular superoxide, to the acute induction of chromosomal instability. Immortalized human and nontransformed murine colonic epithelial cells, along with a mouse colonic ligation model, were used to assess the effect of E. faecalis on genomic DNA stability and damage. We found that this human intestinal commensal generated aneuploidy, tetraploidy, and γH2AX foci in HCT116, RKO, and YAMC cells. In addition, direct exposure of E. faecalis to these cells induced a G2 cell cycle arrest. Similar observations were noted by exposing cells to E. faecalis–infected macrophages in a dual-chamber coculture system for detecting bystander effects. Manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, and tocopherols attenuated, and caffeine and inhibitors of glutathione synthase exacerbated, the aneugenic effects and linked the redox-active phenotype of this intestinal commensal to potentially transforming events. These findings provide novel insights into mechanisms by which E. faecalis and intestinal commensals can contribute to cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9909–17]
Preventive Vaccination with Telomerase Controls Tumor Growth in Genetically Engineered and Carcinogen-Induced Mouse Models of Cancer
Authors: Mennuni Carmela , Ugel Stefano , Mori Federica , Cipriani Barbara , Iezzi Manuela , Pannellini Tania , Lazzaro Domenico , Ciliberto Gennaro , La Monica Nicola , Zanovello Paola , Bronte Vincenzo , Scarselli Elisa
Published: December 2008

The telomerase reverse transcriptase, TERT, is an attractive target for human cancer vaccination because its expression is reactivated in a conspicuous fraction of human tumors. Genetic vaccination with murine telomerase (mTERT) could break immune tolerance in different mouse strains and resulted in the induction of both CD4+ and CD8+ telomerase-specific T cells. The mTERT-derived immunodominant epitopes recognized by CD8+ T cells were further defined in these mouse strains and used to track immune responses. Antitumor efficacy of telomerase-based vaccination was investigated in two cancer models closely resembling human diseases: the TRAMP transgenic mice for prostate cancer and a carcinogen-induced model for colon cancer. TERT overexpression in tumor lesions was shown in both models by immunohistochemistry, thus reinforcing the similarity of these tumors to their human counterparts. Repeated immunizations with mTERT-encoding DNA resulted in a significant delay of tumor formation and progression in both the prostate cancer and the colon cancer models. Moreover, evaluation of the intratumoral infiltrate revealed the presence of telomerase-specific T cells in vaccinated mice. The safety of vaccination was confirmed by the absence of histomorphologic changes on postnecropsy analysis of several organs and lack of adverse effects on blood cell counts. These results indicate that TERT vaccination can elicit antigen-specific immunosurveillance and imply this antigen as a potential candidate for preventive cancer vaccines. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9865–74]
Crosstalk between the Androgen Receptor and β-Catenin in Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Gang , Wang Jun , Sadar Marianne D.
Published: December 2008

The androgen-signaling pathway plays an important role in the development and hormonal progression of prostate cancer to the castrate-resistant stage (also called androgen-independent or hormone refractory). The Wnt pathway and β-catenin contribute to prostate biology and pathology. Here application of Affymetrix GeneChip analysis revealed the genomic similarity of the LNCaP hollow fiber model to clinical samples and identified genes with differential expression during hormonal progression. The fiber model samples clustered according to the expression profile of androgen-regulated genes to provide genomic evidence for the reactivation of the AR signaling pathway in castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Pathway-based characterization of gene expression identified activation of the Wnt pathway. Together with the increased expression of AR and β-catenin, there was increased nuclear colocalization and interaction of endogenous AR and β-catenin in castrate-resistant prostate cancer from castrated mice. Surprisingly, no interaction or colocalization of AR and β-catenin could be detected in xenografts from noncastrated mice. These studies provide the first in vivo evidence to support aberrant activation of the AR through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during progression of prostate cancer to the terminal castrate-resistant stage. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9918–27]
TSU68 Prevents Liver Metastasis of Colon Cancer Xenografts by Modulating the Premetastatic Niche
Authors: Yamamoto Masayoshi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Ohta Manabu , Kawabata Toshiki , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kondo Kenji , Baba Megumi , Kamiya Kinji , Tanaka Tatsuo , Kitagawa Masatoshi , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: December 2008

The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of TSU68 [(Z)-5-[(1,2-dihydro-2-oxo-3H-indol-3-ylidene)methyl]-2,4-dimethyl-1H-pyrrole-3-propanoic acid; SU6668], an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor β, and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), on colon cancer liver metastasis, and to test the hypothesis that TSU68 modulates the microenvironment in the liver before the formation of metastasis. First, we implanted the highly metastatic human colon cancer TK-4 orthotopically into the cecal walls of nude mice, followed by twice-daily administration of TSU68 (400 mg/kg/d) or vehicle. Five weeks of treatment with TSU68 significantly inhibited liver metastasis compared with the control group (P < 0.001). Next, we analyzed the gene expression profile in premetastatic liver using microarrays. Microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that mRNA levels for the chemokine CXCL1 were significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice compared with non–tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, CXCL1 expression was significantly decreased by TSU68 treatment. CXCR2 expression was detected predominantly on tumor cells in orthotopic tumors compared with ectopic tumors. The number of migrating neutrophils in premetastatic liver was significantly decreased in the TSU68-treated group (P < 0.001). The amount of interleukin-12 (IL-12) p40 in the portal vein was significantly decreased by TSU68 (P = 0.02). Blockade of both CXCR2 and IL-12 p40 with a neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited liver metastasis. These results suggest that the CXCL1/CXCR2 axis is important in cancer metastasis and that TSU68 may modulate the premetastatic niche in the target organ through suppression of the inflammatory response, which might be an alternative mechanism used by antiangiogenic agents. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9754–62]
Cranial Irradiation Alters the Behaviorally Induced Immediate-Early Gene Arc (Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein)
Authors: Rosi Susanna , Andres-Mach Marta , Fishman Kelly M. , Levy William , Ferguson Ryan A. , Fike John R.
Published: December 2008

Therapeutic irradiation of the brain is commonly used to treat brain tumors but can induce cognitive impairments that can severely affect quality of life. The underlying mechanisms responsible for radiation-induced cognitive deficits are unknown but likely involve alterations in neuronal activity. To gain some mechanistic insight into how irradiation may affect hippocampal neurons known to be associated with cognitive function, we quantitatively assessed the molecular distribution of the behaviorally induced immediate-early gene Arc (activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein) at the level of mRNA and the protein. Young adult C57BL/6J mice received whole-brain irradiation with 0 or 10 Gy, and 1 week or 2 months later, exploration of a novel environment was used to induce Arc expression. The fractions of neurons expressing Arc mRNA and Arc protein were detected using fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Our results showed that there was a significant reduction in the percentage of neurons expressing Arc protein 1 week after irradiation, whereas 2 months after irradiation, there was a reduction in the percentage of neurons expressing both Arc mRNA and Arc protein. Importantly, radiation-induced changes in Arc expression were not a result of neuronal cell loss. The changes observed at 2 months were associated with a significant increase in the number of activated microglia, supporting the idea that inflammation may contribute to neuronal dysfunction. These findings are the first to show that local brain irradiation initiates changes in hippocampal neurons that disrupt the activity patterns (Arc expression) associated with neuroplasticity and memory. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9763–70]
Levels of SCS7/FA2H-Mediated Fatty Acid 2-Hydroxylation Determine the Sensitivity of Cells to Antitumor PM02734
Authors: Herrero Ana B. , Astudillo Alma M. , Balboa María A. , Cuevas Carmen , Balsinde Jesús , Moreno Sergio
Published: December 2008

PM02734 is a novel synthetic antitumor drug that is currently in phase I clinical trials. To gain some insight into its mode of action, we used the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. Treatment of S. cerevisiae with PM02734 rapidly induced necrosis-like cell death, as also found for mammalian cells treated with its close analogue kahalalide F. We have screened the complete set of 4,848 viable S. cerevisiae haploid deletion mutants to identify genes involved in sensitivity or resistance to PM02734. Forty-five percent of the 40 most sensitive strains identified had a role in intracellular vesicle trafficking, indicating that the drug severely affects this process. A mutant strain lacking the sphingolipid fatty acyl 2-hydroxylase Scs7 was found to be the most resistant to PM02734, whereas overexpression of Scs7 rendered the cells hypersensitive to PM02734. To validate these findings in human cells, we did small interfering RNA experiments and also overexpressed the Scs7 human homologue FA2H in human cancer cell lines. As in yeast, FA2H silencing turned the cells resistant to the drug, whereas FA2H overexpression led to an increased sensitivity. Moreover, exogenous addition of the 2-hydroxylated fatty acid 2-hydroxy palmitic acid to different human cell lines increased their sensitivity to the cytotoxic compound. Taken together, these results suggest that the cell membrane and, in particular, 2-hydroxy fatty acid–containing ceramides are important for PM02734 activity. These findings may have important implications in the development of PM02734 because tumor cells with high FA2H expression are expected to be particularly sensitive to this drug. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9779–87]
An Epigenetic Genome-Wide Screen Identifies SPINT2 as a Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene in Pediatric Medulloblastoma
Authors: Kongkham Paul N. , Northcott Paul A. , Ra Young Shin , Nakahara Yukiko , Mainprize Todd G. , Croul Sidney E. , Smith Christian A. , Taylor Michael D. , Rutka James T.
Published: December 2008

Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant cerebellar tumor that occurs primarily in children. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/MET pathway has an established role in both normal cerebellar development as well as the development and progression of human brain tumors, including MB. To identify novel tumor suppressor genes involved in MB pathogenesis, we performed an epigenome-wide screen in MB cell lines, using 5-aza-2′deoxycytidine to identify genes aberrantly silenced by promoter hypermethylation. Using this technique, we identified an inhibitor of HGF/MET signaling, serine protease inhibitor kunitz-type 2 (SPINT2/HAI-2), as a putative tumor suppressor silenced by promoter methylation in MB. In addition, based on single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis in primary MB samples, we identified hemizygous deletions targeting the SPINT2 locus in addition to gains on chromosome 7 encompassing the HGF and MET loci. SPINT2 gene expression was down-regulated and MET expression was up-regulated in 73.2% and 45.5% of tumors, respectively, by quantitative real-time PCR. SPINT2 promoter methylation was detected in 34.3% of primary MBs examined by methylation-specific PCR. SPINT2 reexpression in MB cell lines reduced proliferative capacity, anchorage independent growth, cell motility in vitro, and increased overall survival times in vivo in a xenograft model (P < 0.0001). Taken together, these data support the role of SPINT2 as a putative tumor suppressor gene in MB, and further implicate dysregulation of the HGF/MET signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of MB. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9945–53]
Ionizing Radiation Induces Prostate Cancer Neuroendocrine Differentiation through Interplay of CREB and ATF2: Implications for Disease Progression
Authors: Deng Xuehong , Liu Han , Huang Jiaoti , Cheng Liang , Keller Evan T. , Parsons Sarah J. , Hu Chang-Deng
Published: December 2008

Radiation therapy is a first-line treatment for prostate cancer patients with localized tumors. Although some patients respond well to the treatment, ∼10% of low-risk and up to 60% of high-risk prostate cancer patients experience recurrent tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor recurrence remain largely unknown. Here we show that fractionated ionizing radiation (IR) induces differentiation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells into neuroendocrine (NE)-like cells, which are known to be implicated in prostate cancer progression, androgen-independent growth, and poor prognosis. Further analyses revealed that two cyclic AMP–responsive element binding transcription factors, cyclic AMP–response element binding protein (CREB) and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2), function as a transcriptional activator and a repressor, respectively, of NE-like differentiation and that IR induces NE-like differentiation by increasing the nuclear content of phospho-CREB and cytoplasmic accumulation of ATF2. Consistent with this notion, stable expression of a nonphosphorylatable CREB or a constitutively nuclear-localized ATF2 in LNCaP cells inhibits IR-induced NE-like differentiation. IR-induced NE-like morphologies are reversible, and three IR-resistant clones isolated from dedifferentiated cells have acquired the ability to proliferate and lost the NE-like cell properties. In addition, these three IR-resistant clones exhibit differential responses to IR- and androgen depletion–induced NE-like differentiation. However, they are all resistant to cell death induced by IR and the chemotherapeutic agent docetaxel and to androgen depletion–induced growth inhibition. These results suggest that radiation therapy–induced NE-like differentiation may represent a novel pathway by which prostate cancer cells survive the treatment and contribute to tumor recurrence. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9663–70]
Improved Tumor Immunity Using Anti-Tyrosinase Related Protein-1 Monoclonal Antibody Combined with DNA Vaccines in Murine Melanoma
Authors: Saenger Yvonne M. , Li Yanyun , Chiou Karoline C. , Chan Brian , Rizzuto Gabrielle , Terzulli Stephanie L. , Merghoub Taha , Houghton Alan N. , Wolchok Jedd D.
Published: December 2008

Passive immunization with monoclonal antibody TA99 targeting melanoma differentiation antigen tyrosinase-related protein-1 (Tyrp1; gp75) and active immunization with plasmid DNA encoding altered Tyrp1 both mediate tumor immunity in the B16 murine melanoma model. We report here that TA99 enhances Tyrp1 DNA vaccination in the treatment of B16 lung metastases, an effect mediated by immunologic mechanisms as Tyrp1 has no known role in regulating tumor growth. TA99 is shown to increase induction of anti-Tyrp1 CD8+T-cell responses to DNA vaccination against Tyrp1 as assessed by IFN-γ ELISPOT assays. Immunohistochemistry studies reveal that TA99 localizes rapidly and specifically to B16 lung nodules. Augmentation of T-cell responses is dependent on the presence of tumor as well as on activating Fc receptors. Furthermore, TA99 enhances DNA vaccination against a distinct melanoma antigen, gp100(pmel17/silver locus), improving antitumor efficacy, augmenting systemic CD8+ T-cell responses to gp100, and increasing CD8+ T-cell infiltration at the tumor site. Epitope spreading was observed, with CD8+ T-cell responses generated to Tyrp1 peptide in mice receiving gp100 DNA vaccination in the presence of TA99. Finally, we show that TA99 improves therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccination combined with adoptive T-cell transfer in treatment of established subcutaneous B16 melanoma. In conclusion, TA99 enhances DNA vaccination against both the target antigen Tyrp1 and a distinct melanoma antigen gp100 in an Fc receptor–dependent mechanism, consistent with enhanced cross-presentation of tumor-derived antigen. Monoclonal antibodies should be tested as vaccine adjuvants in the treatment of cancer. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9884–91]
Coevolution of Prostate Cancer and Bone Stroma in Three-Dimensional Coculture: Implications for Cancer Growth and Metastasis
Authors: Sung Shian-Ying , Hsieh Chia-Ling , Law Andrew , Zhau Haiyen E. , Pathak Sen , Multani Asha S. , Lim Sharon , Coleman Ilsa M. , Wu Li-Chin , Figg William D. , Dahut William L. , Nelson Peter , Lee Jae K. , Amin Mahul B. , Lyles Robert , Johnstone Peter A.J. , Marshall Fray F. , Chung Leland W.K.
Published: December 2008

Human bone stromal cells, after three-dimensional coculture with human prostate cancer (PCa) cells in vitro, underwent permanent cytogenetic and gene expression changes with reactive oxygen species serving as mediators. The evolved stromal cells are highly inductive of human PCa growth in mice, and expressed increased levels of extracellular matrix (versican and tenascin) and chemokine (BDFN, CCL5, CXCL5, and CXCL16) genes. These genes were validated in clinical tissue and/or serum specimens and could be the predictors for invasive and bone metastatic PCa. These results, combined with our previous observations, support the concept of permanent genetic and behavioral changes of PCa epithelial cells after being either cocultured with prostate or bone stromal cells as three-dimensional prostate organoids or grown as tumor xenografts in mice. These observations collectively suggest coevolution of cancer and stromal cells occurred under three-dimensional growth condition, which ultimately accelerates cancer growth and metastasis. [Cancer Res 2008;68(23):9996–10003]
A Phase II Trial of Erlotinib in Combination with Bevacizumab in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Dickler Maura N. , Rugo Hope S. , Eberle Carey A. , Brogi Edi , Caravelli James F. , Panageas Katherine S. , Boyd Jeff , Yeh Benjamin , Lake Diana E. , Dang Chau T. , Gilewski Teresa A. , Bromberg Jacqueline F. , Seidman Andrew D. , D'Andrea Gabriella M. , Moasser Mark M. , Melisko Michele , Park John W. , Dancey Janet , Norton Larry , Hudis Clifford A.
Published: December 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of erlotinib plus bevacizumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1) and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway.

Experimental Design: Thirty-eight patients with MBC were enrolled and treated at two institutions with erlotinib, a small molecule EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (150 mg p.o. daily) plus bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody (15 mg/kg i.v. every 3 weeks). Patients had one to two prior chemotherapy regimens for metastatic disease. The primary end point was response rate by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria using a Simon 2-stage design. Secondary end points included toxicity, time to progression, response duration, and stabilization of disease of ≥26 weeks. Correlative studies were done on tumor tissue, including EGFR expression and mutation analysis.

Results: One patient achieved a partial response for 52+ months. Fifteen patients had stable disease at first evaluation at 9 weeks; 4 of these patients had stable disease beyond 26 weeks. Median time to progression was 11 weeks (95% confidence interval, 8-18 weeks). Diarrhea of any grade was observed in 84% of patients (grade 3 in 3%); 76% experienced grade 1 or 2 skin rash, and 18% developed hypertension (grade 3 in 11%). The level of EGFR expression was not predictive of response to therapy.

Conclusions: The combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab was well-tolerated but had limited activity in unselected patients with previously treated MBC. Biomarkers are needed to identify those MBC patients likely to respond to anti-EGFR/HER1 plus anti-VEGF therapy.
Maintenance Treatment with Bevacizumab Prolongs Survival in anIn vivoOvarian Cancer Model
Authors: Mabuchi Seiji , Terai Yoshito , Morishige Kenichiro , Tanabe-Kimura Akiko , Sasaki Hiroshi , Kanemura Masanori , Tsunetoh Satoshi , Tanaka Yoshimichi , Sakata Masahiro , Burger Robert A. , Kimura Tadashi , Ohmichi Masahide
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a central role in tumor angiogenesis and is regarded as a promising therapeutic target. We hypothesized that treatment with bevacizumab, a humanized recombinant anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, could enhance antitumor response to cisplatin and prolong survival in a murine ovarian cancer model.

Experimental Design: We conducted an MTS assay to examine the effect of bevacizumab on proliferation of the VEGF producing human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro. Next, the antiangiogenic activity of bevacizumab was investigated by in vivo angiogenesis and wound healing assays. We then determined the toxicity and antitumor response of bevacizumab and cisplatin as single agents or in combination in xenograft models of ovarian cancer. Finally, using the same xenograft model, we examined the effect of these regimens, as well as bevacizumab maintenance therapy, on survival.

Results: Bevacizumab had no effect on the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells in vitro but significantly inhibited angiogenesis and delayed wound healing in vivo. Bevacizumab inhibited i.p. tumor growth and ascites production in the nu/nu mouse xenograft model and enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin. Combination therapy with bevacizumab and cisplatin for 3 weeks was associated with complete disappearance of all macroscopic evidence of disease. Moreover, maintenance treatment with bevacizumab after 3 weeks of induction combination therapy inhibited recurrence and significantly prolonged survival.

Conclusions: Bevacizumab has significant antitumor activity not only as a single agent or in combination with cisplatin but may also prolong survival when used as maintenance therapy after a complete response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Tissue Levels of Reduced Folates in Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma After Infusion of Folinic Acid at Various Dose Levels
Authors: Schlemmer Marcus , Kuehl Michael , Schalhorn Andreas , Rauch Josefine , Jauch Karl-W. , Hentrich Marcus
Published: December 2008

Purpose: In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), modulation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) by folinic acid (FA) improves response rate and overall survival compared with 5-FU alone. However, the optimal dose of FA is still debated. We investigated reduced folate pools in various tissues from patients with CRC without and after prior administration of FA.

Experimental Design: A total of 186 specimens (normal colorectal mucosa, primary colorectal tumor, normal liver, and liver metastases) from 86 consecutive patients with CRC were obtained and investigated for levels of reduced folates. Before surgery, patients did (n = 52) or did not (n = 34) receive FA as 15-minute i.v. infusion. FA-dose levels chosen were 20, 200, or 500 mg/m2. Tissue lysates were analyzed for reduced folate levels by means of the tritium release assay.

Results: In normal mucosa, combined pools of tetrahydrofolate and 5,10-methylenetetra-hydrofolate were significantly elevated at all FA dose levels compared with untreated controls. In primary tumor, only 200 and 500 mg/m2 FA resulted in a significant increase of reduced folates with highest values measured after 500 mg/m2 FA. In specimens from normal liver, folate levels did not increase after administration of FA. By contrast, in specimens from liver metastases, reduced folate levels were low without FA pretreatment compared with levels from normal liver samples. Infusion of 500 mg/m2 FA caused a significant increase of reduced folate levels in liver metastases.

Conclusions: From a pharmacologic point of view, high-dose FA should be recommended for optimal modulation of 5-FU in patients with mCRC.
Volociximab, a Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody that Specifically Binds α5β1 Integrin: A Phase I, Pharmacokinetic, and Biological Correlative Study
Authors: Ricart Alejandro D. , Tolcher Anthony W. , Liu Glenn , Holen Kyle , Schwartz Garry , Albertini Mark , Weiss Geoffrey , Yazji Salim , Ng Chee , Wilding George
Published: December 2008

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of administering volociximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to α5β1 integrin, and to determine the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary evidence of antitumor activity.

Experimental Design: Patients with advanced solid malignancies were treated with escalating doses of volociximab i.v. administered over 60 minutes. Blood samples were assayed to determine plasma pharmacokinetic parameters, detect human antichimeric antibody formation, and determine the saturation of α5β1 sites on peripheral blood monocytes.

Results: Twenty-one patients received 223 infusions of volociximab at doses ranging from 0.5 to 15 mg/kg i.v. on days 1, 15, 22, 29, and 36; and weekly thereafter. Treatment was well tolerated, and dose-limiting toxicity was not identified over the range examined. Mild (grade 1 or 2), reversible fatigue was the principal toxicity of volociximab at the highest dose levels of 10 and 15 mg/kg. Nausea, fever, anorexia, headache, vomiting, and myalgias were mild and infrequent, and there was no hematologic toxicity. Volociximab had biexponential distribution; clearance was inversely related to increasing dose, and the half-life at 15 mg/kg was estimated as being 30 days. Three patients tested positive for anti-volociximab antibodies. Saturation of monocyte α5β1 integrin sites was dose-dependent up to 15 mg/kg. There was one minor response (renal, 7 months) and one durable stable disease (melanoma, 14 months).

Conclusions: Volociximab can be safely administered at 15 mg/kg i.v. per week. The absence of severe toxicities and preliminary activity at the highest dose level warrants further disease-directed studies.
Evaluation of Lapatinib and Topotecan Combination Therapy: Tissue Culture, Murine Xenograft, and Phase I Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Molina Julian R. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Reid Joel M. , Rubin Stephen D. , Gálvez-Peralta Marina , Friedman Robert , Flatten Karen S. , Koch Kevin M. , Gilmer Tona M. , Mullin Robert J. , Jewell Roxanne C. , Felten Sara J. , Mandrekar Sumithra , Adjei Alex A. , Erlichman Charles
Published: December 2008

Purpose: Topotecan resistance can result from drug efflux by P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) as well as survival signals initiated by epidermal growth factor receptor family members. The present studies were done to determine the effect of combining topotecan and the dual epidermal growth factor receptor/HER2 inhibitor lapatinib in tissue culture, a murine xenograft model, and a phase I clinical trial.

Experimental Design: The effects of lapatinib on topotecan accumulation and cytotoxicity in vitro were examined in paired cell lines lacking or expressing Pgp or BCRP. Antiproliferative effects of the combination were assessed in mice bearing HER2+ BT474 breast cancer xenografts. Based on tolerability in this preclinical model, 37 patients with advanced-stage cancers received escalating doses of lapatinib and topotecan in a phase I trial.

Results: Lapatinib increased topotecan accumulation in BCRP- or Pgp-expressing cells in vitro, and the combination showed enhanced efficacy in HER2+ BT474 xenografts. In the phase I study, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue were dose limiting. The maximum tolerated doses were 1,250 mg/d lapatinib by mouth for 21 or 28 days with 3.2 mg/m2 topotecan i.v. on days 1, 8, and 15 of 28-day cycles. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that combined drug administration resulted in decreased topotecan clearance consistent with transporter-mediated interactions. Seventeen (46%) patients had disease stabilization.

Conclusions: The lapatinib/topotecan combination is well tolerated and warrants further study.
FAS Promoter Polymorphism: Outcome of Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia. A Children's Oncology Group Report
Authors: Mehta Parinda A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Alonzo Todd A. , Elliott James S. , Zamzow Tiffany A. , Combs Michelle , Stover Emily , Ross Julie A. , Perentesis John P. , Meschinchi Soheil , Lange Beverly J. , Davies Stella M.
Published: December 2008

Purpose: FAS is a cell surface receptor involved in apoptotic signal transmission. Deregulation of this pathway results in down-regulation of apoptosis and subsequent persistence of a malignant clone. A single nucleotide polymorphism resulting in guanine-to-adenine transition in the FAS promoter region (position -1377) is thought to reduce stimulatory protein 1 transcription factor binding and decrease FAS expression. Previous work has shown increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adult patients with a variant allele at this site. The same authors have shown that the presence of an adenine residue rather than a guanine residue at −1,377 bp significantly attenuates transcription factor stimulatory protein 1 binding and may contribute to a reduction in FAS expression and ultimately to the enrichment of apoptosis-resistant clones in AML. We hypothesized that FAS genotype by altering susceptibility to apoptosis might affect outcome of childhood AML therapy.

Experimental Design: Four hundred forty-four children treated for de novo AML on a uniform protocol were genotyped for FAS 1377.

Results: There were no significant differences in overall survival, event-free survival, treatment-related mortality, or relapse rate between patients with FAS 1377GG genotype versus 1377GA/1377AA genotypes.

Conclusions: FAS 1377 genotype does not alter outcome of de novo AML in children.