bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional and bioenergetic modulations in the infarct border zone following autologous mesenchymal stem cell transplantation
Authors: Feygin Julia , Mansoor Abdul , Eckman Peter , Swingen Cory , Zhang Jianyi
Published: June 2007

Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that stem cell transplantation can improve the left ventricular (LV) contractile performance, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We examined whether mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation-induced beneficial effects are secondary to paracrine-associated improvements in LV contractile performance, wall stress, and myocardial bioenergetics in hearts with postinfarction LV remodeling. Myocardial contractile function and bioenergetics were compared 4 wk after acute myocardial infarction in normal pigs ( n = 6), untreated pigs with myocardial infarction (MI group; n = 6), and pigs receiving autologous MSC transplantation (MI + MSC group; n = 5). A distal occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery instigated significant myocardial hypertrophy. Ejection fraction decreased from 55.3 ± 3.1% (normal) to 30.4 ± 2.3% (MI group; P < 0.01) and to 45.4 ± 3.1% (MI + MSC group; P < 0.01 vs. MI). Hearts in the MI group developed severe contractile dyskinesis in the infarct zone and border zone (BZ). MSC transplantation significantly improved contractile performance from dyskinesis to active contraction ( P < 0.01 vs. MI). BZ systolic wall stress was severely increased in MI hearts but significantly improved after MSC transplantation ( P < 0.01 vs. MI). The BZ demonstrated profound bioenergetic abnormalities in MI pigs; this was significantly improved after MSC transplantation ( P < 0.01 vs. MI). Patchy spared myocytes were found in the infarct zone of hearts receiving MSC transplantation but not in control hearts. These data demonstrate that MSC transplantation into the BZ causes significant improvements in myocardial contractile performance and reduction in wall stress, which ultimately results in significant bioenergetic improvements. Low cell engraftment indicates that MSCs did not provide a structural contribution to the damaged heart and that the observed beneficial effects likely resulted from paracrine repair mechanisms.
IncreasedO-GlcNAc levels during reperfusion lead to improved functional recovery and reduced calpain proteolysis
Authors: Liu Jia , Marchase Richard B. , Chatham John C.
Published: June 2007

We have previously shown that preischemic treatment with glucosamine improved cardiac functional recovery following ischemia-reperfusion, and this was mediated, at least in part, via enhanced flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and subsequently elevated O-linked N-acetylglucosamine ( O-GlcNAc) protein levels. However, preischemic treatment is typically impractical in a clinical setting; therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate whether increasing protein O-GlcNAc levels only during reperfusion also improved recovery. Isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to 20 min of global, no-flow ischemia followed by 60 min of reperfusion. Administration of glucosamine (10 mM) or an inhibitor of O-GlcNAcase, O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucopyranosylidene)amino- N-phenylcarbamate (PUGNAc; 200 μM), during the first 20 min of reperfusion significantly improved cardiac functional recovery and reduced troponin release during reperfusion compared with untreated control. Both interventions also significantly increased the levels of protein O-GlcNAc and ATP levels. We also found that both glucosamine and PUGNAc attenuated calpain-mediated proteolysis of α-fodrin as well as Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II during reperfusion. Thus two independent strategies for increasing protein O-GlcNAc levels in the heart during reperfusion significantly improved recovery, and this was correlated with attenuation of calcium-mediated proteolysis. These data provide further support for the concept that increasing cardiac O-GlcNAc levels may be a clinically relevant cardioprotective strategy and suggest that this protection could be due, at least in part, to inhibition of calcium-mediated stress responses.
Mechanical stretch enhances the expression of resistin gene in cultured cardiomyocytes via tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Wang Bao-Wei , Hung Huei-Fong , Chang Hang , Kuan Peiliang , Shyu Kou-Gi
Published: June 2007

The heart is a resistin target tissue and can function as an autocrine organ. We sought to investigate whether cyclic mechanical stretch could induce resistin expression in cardiomyocytes and to test whether there is a link between the stretch-induced TNF-α and resistin. Neonatal Wistar rat cardiomyocytes grown on a flexible membrane base were stretched by vacuum to 20% of maximum elongation at 60 cycles/min. Cyclic stretch significantly increased resistin protein and mRNA expression after 2–18 h of stretch. Addition of PD-98059, TNF-α antibody, TNF-α receptor antibody, and ERK MAP kinase small interfering RNA 30 min before stretch inhibited the induction of resistin protein. Cyclic stretch increased, whereas PD-98059 abolished, the phosphorylated ERK protein. Gel-shift assay showed a significant increase in DNA-protein binding activity of NF-κB after stretch, and PD-98059 abolished the DNA-protein binding activity induced by cyclic stretch. DNA binding complexes induced by cyclic stretch could be supershifted by p65 monoclonal antibody. Cyclic stretch increased resistin promoter activity, whereas PD-98059 and p65 antibody decreased resistin promoter activity. Cyclic stretch significantly increased TNF-α secretion from myocytes. Recombinant resistin protein and conditioned medium from stretched cardiomyocytes reduced glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes, and recombinant small interfering RNA of resistin or TNF-α antibody reversed glucose uptake. In conclusion, cyclic mechanical stretch enhances resistin expression in cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes. The stretch-induced resistin is mediated by TNF-α, at least in part, through ERK MAP kinase and NF-κB pathways. Glucose uptake in cardiomyocytes was reduced by resistin upregulation.
Effect of osmolarity on the zero-stress state and mechanical properties of aorta
Authors: Guo Xiaomei , Lanir Yoram , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: June 2007

Some pathological conditions may affect osmolarity, which can impact cell, tissue, and organ volume. The hypothesis of this study is that changes in osmolarity affect the zero-stress state and mechanical properties of the aorta. To test this hypothesis, a segment of mouse abdominal aorta was cannulated in vivo and mechanically distended by perfusion of physiological salt (NaCl) solutions with graded osmolarities from 145 to 562 mosM. The mechanical (circumferential stress, strain, and elastic modulus) and morphological (wall thickness and wall area) parameters in the loaded state were determined. To determine the osmolarity-induced changes of zero-stress state, the opening angle was observed by immersion of the sectors of mouse, rat, and pig thoracic aorta in NaCl solution with different osmolarities. Wall volume and tissue water content of the rings were also recorded at different osmolarities. Our results show that acute aortic swelling due to low osmolarity leads to an increase in wall thickness and area, a change in the stress-strain relationship, and an increase in the elastic modulus (stiffness) in mouse aorta. The opening angle, wall volume, and water content decreased significantly with increase in osmolarity. These findings suggest that acute aortic swelling and shrinking result in immediate mechanical changes in the aorta. Osmotic pressure-induced changes in the zero-stress state may serve to regulate mechanical homeostasis.
The role of reactive oxygen species in the hearts of dystrophin-deficient mdx mice
Authors: Williams Iwan A. , Allen David G.
Published: June 2007

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is caused by deficiency of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Oxidative stress is thought to contribute to the skeletal muscle damage in DMD; however, little is known about the role of oxidative damage in the pathogenesis of the heart failure that occurs in DMD patients. The dystrophin-deficient ( mdx) mouse is an animal model of DMD that also lacks dystrophin. The current study investigates the role of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on mdx cardiomyocyte function, Ca2+ handling, and the cardiac inflammatory response. Treated mice received 1% NAC in their drinking water for 6 wk. NAC had no effect on wild-type (WT) mice. Immunohistochemistry experiments revealed that mdx mice had increased dihydroethidine (DHE) staining, an indicator of superoxide production; NAC-treatment reduced DHE staining in mdx hearts. NAC treatment attenuated abnormalities in mdx cardiomyocyte Ca2+ handling. Mdx cardiomyocytes had decreased fractional shortening and decreased Ca2+ sensitivity; NAC treatment returned mdx fractional shortening to WT values but did not affect the Ca2+ sensitivity. Immunohistochemistry experiments revealed that mdx hearts had increased levels of collagen type III and the macrophage-specific protein, CD68; NAC-treatment returned collagen type III and CD68 expression close to WT values. Finally, mdx hearts had increased NADPH oxidase activity, suggesting it could be a possible source of increased reactive oxygen species in mdx mice. This study is the first to demonstrate that oxidative damage may be involved in the pathogenesis of the heart failure that occurs in mdx mice. Therapies designed to reduce oxidative damage might be beneficial to DMD patients with heart failure.
Ca2+signaling in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction: effects of myosin light chain and Rho kinase antagonists
Authors: Wang Jian , Weigand Letitia , Foxson Joshua , Shimoda Larissa A. , Sylvester J. T.
Published: June 2007

Antagonists of myosin light chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK) and Rho kinase (ROK) are thought to inhibit hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) by decreasing the concentration of phosphorylated MLC at any intracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]i) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC); however, these antagonists can also decrease [Ca2+]i. To determine whether MLCK and ROK antagonists alter Ca2+signaling in HPV, we measured the effects of ML-9, ML-7, Y-27632, and HA-1077 on [Ca2+]i, Ca2+entry, and Ca2+release in rat distal PASMC exposed to hypoxia or depolarizing concentrations of KCl. We performed parallel experiments in isolated rat lungs to confirm the inhibitory effects of these agents on pulmonary vasoconstriction. Our results demonstrate that MLCK and ROK antagonists caused concentration-dependent inhibition of hypoxia-induced increases in [Ca2+]iin PASMC and HPV in isolated lungs and suggest that this inhibition was due to blockade of Ca2+release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+entry through store- and voltage-operated Ca2+channels in PASMC. Thus MLCK and ROK antagonists might block HPV by inhibiting Ca2+signaling, as well as the actin-myosin interaction, in PASMC. If effects on Ca2+signaling were due to decreased phosphorylated myosin light chain concentration, their diversity suggests that MLCK and ROK antagonists may have acted by inhibiting myosin motors and/or altering the cytoskeleton in a manner that prevented achievement of required spatial relationships among the cellular components of the response.
TNF-α inducesMUC1gene transcription in lung epithelial cells: its signaling pathway and biological implication
Authors: Koga Takeshi , Kuwahara Ippei , Lillehoj Erik P. , Lu Wenju , Miyata Takeshi , Isohama Yoichiro , Kim K. Chul
Published: June 2007

The current study was conducted to elucidate the mechanism through which TNF-α stimulates expression of MUC1, a membrane-tethered mucin. A549 human lung alveolar cells treated with TNF-α exhibited significantly higher MUC1 protein levels in detergent lysates compared with cells treated with vehicle alone. Increased MUC1 protein levels were correlated with significantly higher levels of MUC1 mRNA in TNF-α-treated cells compared with controls. However, TNF-α did not alter MUC1 transcript stability, implying increased de novo transcription induced by the cytokine. TNF-α increased MUC1 gene promoter activity in A549 cells transfected with a promoter-luciferase reporter plasmid. Both U0126, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, and dominant negative ERK1 prevented TNF-α-induced MUC1 promoter activation, and anti-TNFR1 antibody blocked TNF-α-stimulated ERK1/2 activation. MUC1 promoter activation by TNF-α also was blocked by mithramycin A, an inhibitor of Sp1, as well as either deletion or mutation of a putative Sp1 binding site in the MUC1 promoter located between nucleotides −99 and −90. TNF-α-stimulated binding of Sp1 to the MUC1 promoter in intact cells was demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We conclude that TNF-α induces MUC1 gene transcription through a TNFR1 → MEK1/2 → ERK1 → Sp1 pathway.
Inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Elevates 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yang Li , Amann Joseph M. , Kikuchi Takefumi , Porta Rut , Guix Marta , Gonzalez Adriana , Park Kyung-Ho , Billheimer Dean , Arteaga Carlos L. , Tai Hsin-Hsiung , DuBois Raymond , Carbone David P. , Johnson David H.
Published: June 2007

Evidence indicates that the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and high prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels contribute to the pathogenesis of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition to overproduction by COX-2, PGE2 concentrations also depend upon the levels of the PGE2 catabolic enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). We find a dramatic down-regulation of PGDH protein in NSCLC cell lines and in resected human tumors when compared with matched normal lung. Affymetrix array analysis of 10 normal lung tissue samples and 49 resected lung tumors revealed a much lower expression of PGDH transcripts in all NSCLC histologic groups. In addition, treatment with the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) erlotinib increased the expression of 15-PGDH in a subset of NSCLC cell lines. This effect may be due in part to an inhibition of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway as treatment with mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 mimics the erlotinib results. We show by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR that the transcript levels of ZEB1 and Slug transcriptional repressors are dramatically reduced in a responsive cell line upon EGFR and MEK/ERK inhibition. In addition, the Slug protein, but not ZEB1, binds to the PGDH promoter and represses transcription. As these repressors function by recruiting histone deacetylases to promoters, it is likely that PGDH is repressed by an epigenetic mechanism involving histone deacetylation, resulting in increased PGE2 activity in tumors. This effect is reversible in a subset of NSCLC upon treatment with an EGFR TKI. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5587–93]
Genetic Ablation of the Amplified-in-Breast Cancer 1 Inhibits Spontaneous Prostate Cancer Progression in Mice
Authors: Chung Arthur C-K. , Zhou Suoling , Liao Lan , Tien Jean Ching-Yi , Greenberg Norman M. , Xu Jianming
Published: June 2007

Although the amplified-in-breast cancer 1 (AIB1; SRC-3, ACTR, or NCoA3) was defined as a coactivator for androgen receptor (AR) by in vitro studies, its role in AR-mediated prostate development and prostate cancer remained unexplored. We report here that AIB1 is expressed in the basal and stromal cells but not in the epithelial cells of the normal mouse prostates. AIB1 deficiency only slightly delayed prostate growth and had no effect on androgen-dependent prostate regeneration, suggesting an unessential role of AIB1 in AR function in the prostate. Surprisingly, when prostate tumorigenesis was induced by the SV40 transgene in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, AIB1 expression was observed in certain epithelial cells of the prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and well-differentiated carcinoma and in almost all cells of the poorly differentiated carcinoma. After AIB1 was genetically inactivated in AIB1−/−/TRAMP mice, the progression of prostate tumorigenesis in most AIB1−/−/TRAMP mice was arrested at the well-differentiated carcinoma stage. Wild-type (WT)/TRAMP mice developed progressive, multifocal, and metastatic prostate tumors and died between 25 and 34 weeks. In contrast, AIB1−/−/TRAMP mice only exhibited PIN and early-stage well-differentiated carcinoma by 39 weeks. AIB1−/−/TRAMP prostates showed much lower cell proliferation than WT/TRAMP prostates. Most AIB1−/−/TRAMP mice could survive more than 35 weeks and died with other types of tumors or unknown reasons. Our results indicate that induction of AIB1 expression in partially transformed epithelial cells is essential for progression of prostate tumorigenesis into poorly differentiated carcinoma. Inhibition of AIB1 expression or function in the prostate epithelium may be a potential strategy to suppress prostate cancer initiation and progression. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5965–75]
Enhanced Spontaneous and Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Mutations in the Lung of Nrf2-Deficient gpt Delta Mice
Authors: Aoki Yasunobu , Hashimoto Akiko H. , Amanuma Kimiko , Matsumoto Michi , Hiyoshi Kyoko , Takano Hirohisa , Masumura Ken-ichi , Itoh Ken , Nohmi Takehiko , Yamamoto Masayuki
Published: June 2007

The lung is an organ that is sensitive to mutations induced by chemicals in ambient air, and transgenic mice harboring guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (gpt) gene as a target gene are a well-established model system for assessing genotoxicity in vivo. Transcription factor Nrf2 mediates inducible and constitutive expression of cytoprotective enzymes against xenobiotics and mutagens. To address whether Nrf2 is also involved in DNA protection, we generated nrf2+/−::gpt and nrf2−/−::gpt mice. The spontaneous mutation frequency of the gpt gene in the lung was approximately three times higher in nrf2-null (nrf2−/−) mice than nrf2 heterozygous (nrf2+/−) and wild-type (nrf2+/+) mice, whereas in the liver, the mutation frequency was higher in nrf2−/− and nrf2+/− mice than in nrf2+/+ wild-type mice. By contrast, no difference in mutation frequency was observed in testis among the three genotypes. A single intratracheal instillation of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) increased the lung mutation frequency 3.1- and 6.1-fold in nrf2+/− and nrf2−/− mice, respectively, compared with BaP-untreated nrf2+/− mice, showing that nrf2−/− mice are more susceptible to genotoxic carcinogens. Surprisingly, mutation profiles of the gpt gene in BaP-treated nrf2+/− mice was substantially different from that in BaP-untreated nrf2−/− mice. In nrf2−/− mice, spontaneous and BaP-induced mutation hotspots were observed at nucleotides 64 and 140 of gpt, respectively. These results thus show that Nrf2 aids in the prevention of mutations in vivo and suggest that Nrf2 protects genomic DNA against certain types of mutations. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5643–8]
c-FLIP: A Key Regulator of Colorectal Cancer Cell Death
Authors: Wilson Timothy R. , McLaughlin Kirsty M. , McEwan Miranda , Sakai Hidekazu , Rogers Katherine M.A. , Redmond Kelly M. , Johnston Patrick G. , Longley Daniel B.
Published: June 2007

c-FLIP is an inhibitor of apoptosis mediated by the death receptors Fas, DR4, and DR5 and is expressed as long (c-FLIPL) and short (c-FLIPS) splice forms. We found that small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of c-FLIP induced spontaneous apoptosis in a panel of p53 wild-type, mutant, and null colorectal cancer cell lines and that this apoptosis was mediated by caspase-8 and Fas-associated death domain. Further analyses indicated the involvement of DR5 and/or Fas (but not DR4) in regulating apoptosis induced by c-FLIP siRNA. Interestingly, these effects were not dependent on activation of DR5 or Fas by their ligands tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand and FasL. Overexpression of c-FLIPL, but not c-FLIPS, significantly decreased spontaneous and chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in HCT116 cells. Further analyses with splice form–specific siRNAs indicated that c-FLIPL was the more important splice form in regulating apoptosis in HCT116, H630, and LoVo cells, although specific knockdown of c-FLIPS induced more apoptosis in the HT29 cell line. Importantly, intratumoral delivery of c-FLIP–targeted siRNA duplexes induced apoptosis and inhibited the growth of HCT116 xenografts in BALB/c severe combined immunodeficient mice. In addition, the growth of c-FLIPL–overexpressing colorectal cancer xenografts was more rapid than control xenografts, an effect that was significantly enhanced in the presence of chemotherapy. These results indicate that c-FLIP inhibits spontaneous death ligand–independent, death receptor–mediated apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells and that targeting c-FLIP may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of colorectal cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5754–62]
Monoclonal Antibodies to Six-Transmembrane Epithelial Antigen of the Prostate-1 Inhibit Intercellular Communication In vitro and Growth of Human Tumor Xenografts In vivo
Authors: Challita-Eid Pia M. , Morrison Kendall , Etessami Soudabeh , An Zili , Morrison Karen J. , Perez-Villar Juan J. , Raitano Arthur B. , Jia Xiao-Chi , Gudas Jean M. , Kanner Steven B. , Jakobovits Aya
Published: June 2007

Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate-1 (STEAP-1) is a novel cell surface protein highly expressed in primary prostate cancer, with restricted expression in normal tissues. In this report, we show STEAP-1 expression in prostate metastases to lymph node and bone and in the majority of human lung and bladder carcinomas. We identify STEAP-1 function in mediating the transfer of small molecules between adjacent cells in culture, indicating its potential role in tumor cell intercellular communication. The successful generation of two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that bind to cell surface STEAP-1 epitopes provided the tools to study STEAP-1 susceptibility to naked antibody therapy. Both mAbs inhibited STEAP-1–induced intercellular communication in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, both mAbs significantly inhibited tumor growth in mouse models using patient-derived LAPC-9 prostate cancer xenografts and established UM-UC-3 bladder tumors. These studies validate STEAP-1 as an attractive target for antibody therapy in multiple solid tumors and provide a putative mechanism for mAb-induced tumor growth inhibition. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5798–805]
Repression of RUNX1 Activity by EVI1: A New Role of EVI1 in Leukemogenesis
Authors: Senyuk Vitalyi , Sinha Kislay K. , Li Donglan , Rinaldi Ciro R. , Yanamandra Sastry , Nucifora Giuseppina
Published: June 2007

Recurring chromosomal translocations observed in human leukemia often result in the expression of fusion proteins that are DNA-binding transcription factors. These altered proteins acquire new dimerization properties that result in the assembly of inappropriate multimeric transcription complexes that deregulate hematopoietic programs and induce leukemogenesis. Recently, we reported that the fusion protein AML1/MDS1/EVI1 (AME), a product of a t(3;21)(q26;q22) associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute myelogenous leukemia, displays a complex pattern of self-interaction. Here, we show that the 8th zinc finger motif of MDS1/EVI1 is an oligomerization domain involved not only in interaction of AME with itself but also in interactions with the parental proteins, RUNX1 and MDS1/EVI1, from which AME is generated. Because the 8th zinc finger motif is also present in the oncoprotein EVI1, we have evaluated the effects of the interaction between RUNX1 and EVI1 in vitro and in vivo. We found that in vitro, this interaction alters the ability of RUNX1 to bind to DNA and to regulate a reporter gene, whereas in vivo, the expression of the isolated 8th zinc finger motif of EVI1 is sufficient to block the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor–induced differentiation of 32Dcl3 cells, leading to cell death. As EVI1 is not detected in normal bone marrow cells, these data suggest that its inappropriate expression could contribute to hematopoietic transformation in part by a new mechanism that involves EVI1 association with key hematopoietic regulators, leading to their functional impairment. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5658–66]
Patterns of EGFR, HER2, TP53, and KRAS Mutations of p14arf Expression in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers in Relation to Smoking History
Authors: Mounawar Mounia , Mukeria Anush , Le Calvez Florence , Hung Rayjean J. , Renard Helene , Cortot Alexis , Bollart Claire , Zaridze David , Brennan Paul , Boffetta Paolo , Brambilla Elisabeth , Hainaut Pierre
Published: June 2007

Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR are common in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of never smokers, whereas HER2 mutations are rare. We have analyzed EGFR and HER2 mutations and the expression of the two products of the CDKN2A gene (p14arf and p16INK4a) in 116 NSCLC that have been previously analyzed for TP53 and KRAS mutations in relation to smoking history of patients. EGFR mutations were detected in 20 of 116 (17%) tumors, whereas five (4.3%) tumors contained HER2 mutations. No tumor contained both mutations. Of tumors with EGFR or HER2 mutation, 72% were adenocarcinomas, 68% were from never smokers, and 32% were from former smokers. EGFR but not HER2 mutations were mutually exclusive with KRAS mutation. Among never smokers, 11 of 16 tumors with EGFR mutation also had TP53 mutation, in contrast with two of 17 tumors without EGFR mutation (P = 0.0008). Expression of p14arf, but not p16ink4a, was more frequently down-regulated in never smokers (62.5%) than ever smokers (35%; P = 0.008). All tumors with EGFR or HER2 mutations and wild-type TP53 showed down-regulation of p14arf expression. These observations suggest that functional inactivation of the p14arf/p53 connection is required in tumors with EGFR or HER2 mutations, consistent with the notion that these proteins are part of a fail-safe mechanism protecting cells against untimely or excessive mitotic signals. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5667–72]
Combination of Tumor Site–Located CTL-Associated Antigen-4 Blockade and Systemic Regulatory T-Cell Depletion Induces Tumor-Destructive Immune Responses
Authors: Tuve Sebastian , Chen Bing-Mae , Liu Ying , Cheng Tian-Lu , Touré Papa , Sow Papa Salif , Feng Qinghua , Kiviat Nancy , Strauss Robert , Ni Shaoheng , Li Zong-Yi , Roffler Steve R. , Lieber André
Published: June 2007

Accumulating data indicate that tumor-infiltrating regulatory T cells (Treg) are present in human tumors and locally suppress antitumor immune cells. In this study, we found an increased Treg/CD8 ratio in human breast and cervical cancers. A similar intratumoral lymphocyte pattern was observed in a mouse model for cervical cancer (TC-1 cells). In this model, systemic Treg depletion was inefficient in controlling tumor growth. Furthermore, systemic CTL-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) blockade, an approach that can induce tumor immunity in other tumor models, did not result in TC-1 tumor regression but led to spontaneous development of autoimmune hepatitis. We hypothesized that continuous expression of an anti–CTLA-4 antibody localized to the tumor site could overcome Treg-mediated immunosuppression and locally activate tumor-reactive CD8+ cells, without induction of autoimmunity. To test this hypothesis, we created TC-1 cells that secrete a functional anti–CTLA-4 antibody (TC-1/αCTLA-4-γ1 cells). When injected into immunocompetent mice, the growth of TC-1/αCTLA-4-γ1 tumors was delayed compared with control TC-1 cells and accompanied by a reversion of the intratumoral Treg/CD8 ratio due to an increase in tumor-infiltrating IFNγ-producing CD8+ cells. When local anti–CTLA-4 antibody production was combined with Treg inhibition, permanent TC-1 tumor regression and immunity was induced. Importantly, no signs of autoimmunity were detected in mice that received local CTLA-4 blockade alone or in combination with Treg depletion. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5929–39]
Macrophages Mediate Inflammation-Enhanced Metastasis of Ovarian Tumors in Mice
Authors: Robinson-Smith Toni M. , Isaacsohn Idit , Mercer Carol A. , Zhou Mingfu , Van Rooijen Nico , Husseinzadeh Nader , McFarland-Mancini Molly M. , Drew Angela F.
Published: June 2007

The tumor microenvironment is known to have a profound effect on tumor progression in a highly context-specific manner. We have investigated whether peritoneal inflammation plays a causative role in ovarian tumor metastasis, a poorly understood process. Implantation of human ovarian tumor cells into the ovaries of severe combined immunodeficient mice resulted in peritoneal inflammation that corresponds temporally with tumor cell dissemination from the ovaries. Enhancement of the inflammatory response with thioglycolate accelerated the development of ascites and metastases. Suppression of inflammation with acetyl salicylic acid delayed ascites development and reduced tumor implant formation. A similar prometastatic effect for inflammation was observed when tumor cells were injected directly into the peritoneum of severe combined immunodeficient mice, and in a syngeneic immunocompetent mouse model. Inflammation-modulating treatments did not affect primary tumor development or in vitro tumor cell growth. Depletion of peritoneal macrophages, but not neutrophils or natural killer cells, reduced tumor progression, as assessed by ascites formation and peritoneal metastasis. We conclude that inflammation facilitates ovarian tumor metastasis by a mechanism largely mediated by macrophages, and which may involve stromal vascular endothelial growth factor production. The confirmation of these findings in immunocompetent mice suggests relevance to human disease. Identifying the mechanisms by which macrophages contribute to tumor metastasis may facilitate the development of new therapies specifically targeting immune cell products in the tumor microenvironment. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5708–16]
Tumor αvβ3 Integrin Is a Therapeutic Target for Breast Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Zhao Yingshe , Bachelier Richard , Treilleux Isabelle , Pujuguet Philippe , Peyruchaud Olivier , Baron Roland , Clément-Lacroix Philippe , Clézardin Philippe
Published: June 2007

In breast cancer bone metastasis, tumor cells stimulate osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, and bone-derived growth factors released from resorbed bone stimulate tumor growth. The αvβ3 integrin is an adhesion receptor expressed by breast cancer cells and osteoclasts. It is implicated in tumor cell invasion and osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. Here, we hypothesized that the therapeutic targeting of tumor αvβ3 integrin would prevent bone metastasis formation. We first showed that, compared with mock-transfected cells, the i.v. inoculation of αvβ3-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in animals increased bone metastasis incidence and promoted both skeletal tumor burden and bone destruction. The direct inoculation of αvβ3-overexpressing transfectants into the tibial bone marrow cavity did not however enhance skeletal tumor burden and bone destruction, suggesting that αvβ3 controls earlier events during bone metastasis formation. We next examined whether a nonpeptide antagonist of αvβ3 (PSK1404) exhibits meaningful antitumor effects in experimental breast and ovarian cancer bone metastasis. A continuous PSK1404 treatment, which inhibited osteoclast-mediated bone resorption in an animal model of bone loss, substantially reduced bone destruction and decreased skeletal tumor burden. Importantly, a short-term PSK1404 treatment that did not inhibit osteoclast activity also decreased skeletal tumor burden and bone destruction. This dosing regimen caused a profound and specific inhibition of bone marrow colonization by green fluorescent protein, αvβ3-expressing tumor cells in vivo and blocked tumor cell invasion in vitro. Overall, our data show that tumor αvβ3 integrin stands as a therapeutic target for the prevention of skeletal metastases. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5821–30]
Effect of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in the Murine Double Minute 2 Promoter (SNP309) on the Sensitivity to Topoisomerase II–Targeting Drugs
Authors: Nayak Mamatha S. , Yang Jin-Ming , Hait William N.
Published: June 2007

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) SNP309 (T→G) in the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) promoter creates a high-affinity Sp1 binding site and increases the expression of MDM2 mRNA and protein. Approximately 40% of the populations harbor at least one variant allele and 12% to 17% are homozygous G/G at codon 309. This MDM2 SNP increases susceptibility to cancer and decreases the response of cancer cells to certain forms of treatment, such as radiation therapy and DNA-damaging drugs. Topoisomerase II (TopoII)–targeting agents are commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs with a broad spectrum of activity. However, resistance to TopoII poisons limits their effectiveness. We show that MDM2 SNP309 rendered a panel of cancer cell lines that are homozygous for SNP309 selectively resistant (∼10-fold) to certain TopoII-targeting chemotherapeutic drugs (etoposide, mitoxantrone, amsacrine, and ellipticine). The mechanism underlying this observation was Mdm2-mediated down-regulation of TopoII; on drug exposure, MDM2 bound to TopoII and resulted in decreased cellular enzyme content. Knockdown of MDM2 by RNA interference stabilized TopoIIα and decreased resistance to TopoII-targeting drugs. Thus, MDM2 SNP309 (T→G) may represent a relatively common, previously unappreciated determinant of drug sensitivity. Given the frequency of SNP309 in the general population (40% in heterozygous T/G and 12% in homozygous G/G condition), our observation may have important implications for the individualization of cancer chemotherapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5831–9]
Pharmacologic Characterization of a Potent Inhibitor of Class I Phosphatidylinositide 3-Kinases
Authors: Raynaud Florence I. , Eccles Suzanne , Clarke Paul A. , Hayes Angela , Nutley Bernard , Alix Sonia , Henley Alan , Di-Stefano Francesca , Ahmad Zahida , Guillard Sandrine , Bjerke Lynn M. , Kelland Lloyd , Valenti Melanie , Patterson Lisa , Gowan Sharon , de Haven Brandon Alexis , Hayakawa Masahiko , Kaizawa Hiroyuki , Koizumi Tomonubu , Ohishi Takahide , Patel Sonal , Saghir Nahid , Parker Peter , Waterfield Mike , Workman Paul
Published: June 2007

Extensive evidence implicates activation of the lipid phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in the genesis and progression of various human cancers. PI3K inhibitors thus have considerable potential as molecular cancer therapeutics. Here, we detail the pharmacologic properties of a prototype of a new series of inhibitors of class I PI3K. PI103 is a potent inhibitor with low IC50 values against recombinant PI3K isoforms p110α (2 nmol/L), p110β (3 nmol/L), p110δ (3 nmol/L), and p110γ (15 nmol/L). PI103 also inhibited TORC1 by 83.9% at 0.5 μmol/L and exhibited an IC50 of 14 nmol/L against DNA-PK. A high degree of selectivity for the PI3K family was shown by the lack of activity of PI103 in a panel of 70 protein kinases. PI103 potently inhibited proliferation and invasion of a wide variety of human cancer cells in vitro and showed biomarker modulation consistent with inhibition of PI3K signaling. PI103 was extensively metabolized, but distributed rapidly to tissues and tumors. This resulted in tumor growth delay in eight different human cancer xenograft models with various PI3K pathway abnormalities. Decreased phosphorylation of AKT was observed in U87MG gliomas, consistent with drug levels achieved. We also showed inhibition of invasion in orthotopic breast and ovarian cancer xenograft models and obtained evidence that PI103 has antiangiogenic potential. Despite its rapid in vivo metabolism, PI103 is a valuable tool compound for exploring the biological function of class I PI3K and importantly represents a lead for further optimization of this novel class of targeted molecular cancer therapeutic. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5840–50]
Platelet Factor-4 Variant Chemokine CXCL4L1 Inhibits Melanoma and Lung Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis by Preventing Angiogenesis
Authors: Struyf Sofie , Burdick Marie D. , Peeters Elke , Van den Broeck Karolien , Dillen Chris , Proost Paul , Van Damme Jo , Strieter Robert M.
Published: June 2007

The platelet factor-4 variant, designated PF-4var/CXCL4L1, is a recently described natural non-allelic gene variant of the CXC chemokine platelet factor-4/CXCL4. PF-4var/CXCL4L1 was cloned, and the purified recombinant protein strongly inhibited angiogenesis. Recombinant PF-4var/CXCL4L1 was angiostatically more active (at nanomolar concentration) than PF-4/CXCL4 in various test systems, including wound-healing and migration assays for microvascular endothelial cells and the rat cornea micropocket assay for angiogenesis. Furthermore, PF-4var/CXCL4L1 more efficiently inhibited tumor growth in animal models of melanoma and lung carcinoma than PF-4/CXCL4 at an equimolar concentration. For B16 melanoma in nude mice, a significant reduction in tumor size and the number of small i.t. blood vessels was obtained with i.t. applied PF-4var/CXCL4L1. For A549 adenocarcinoma in severe combined immunodeficient mice, i.t. PF-4var/CXCL4L1 reduced tumor growth and microvasculature more efficiently than PF-4/CXCL4 and prevented metastasis to various organs better than the angiostatic IFN-inducible protein 10/CXCL10. Finally, in the syngeneic model of Lewis lung carcinoma, PF-4var/CXCL4L1 inhibited tumor growth equally well as monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig)/CXCL9, also known to attract effector T lymphocytes. Taken together, PF-4var/CXCL4L1 is a highly potent antitumoral chemokine preventing development and metastasis of various tumors by inhibition of angiogenesis. These data confirm the clinical potential of locally released chemokines in cancer therapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5940–8]
Intratumoral Delivery and Suppression of Prostate Tumor Growth by AttenuatedSalmonella entericaserovartyphimuriumCarrying Plasmid-Based Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Zhang Ling , Gao Lifang , Zhao Lijuan , Guo Baofeng , Ji Kun , Tian Yong , Wang Jinguo , Yu Hao , Hu Jiadi , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V. , Kopecko Dennis J. , Zhao Xuejian , Xu De-Qi
Published: June 2007

The facultative anaerobic, invasive Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium (S. typhimurium) has been shown to retard the growth of established tumors. We wondered if a more effective antitumor response could be achieved in vivo if these bacteria were used as tools for delivering specific molecular antitumor therapeutics. Constitutively activated transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promotes the survival of a number of human tumors. In this study, we investigated the relative efficacies of attenuated S. typhimurium alone or combined with Stat3-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in terms of tumor growth and metastasis. The bacteria preferentially homed into tumors over normal liver and spleen tissues in vivo. S. typhimurium expressing plasmid-based Stat3-specific siRNAs significantly inhibited tumor growth, reduced the number of metastastic organs, and extended the life time for C57BL6 mice bearing an implanted prostate tumor, versus bacterial treatment alone. These results suggest that attenuated S. typhimurium combined with an RNA interference approach might be more effective for the treatment of primary as well as metastatic cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5859–64]
A Peptide Selected by Biopanning Identifies the Integrin αvβ6 as a Prognostic Biomarker for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Elayadi Anissa N. , Samli Kausar N. , Prudkin Ludmila , Liu Ying-Horng , Bian Aihua , Xie Xian-Jin , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Roth Jack A. , McGuire Michael J. , Brown Kathlynn C.
Published: June 2007

The development of new modes of diagnosis and targeted therapy for lung cancer is dependent on the identification of unique cell surface features on cancer cells and isolation of reagents that bind with high affinity and specificity to these biomarkers. We recently isolated a 20-mer peptide which binds to the lung adenocarcinoma cell line, H2009, from a phage-displayed peptide library. We show here that the cellular receptor for this peptide, TP H2009.1, is the uniquely expressed integrin, αvβ6, and the peptide binding to lung cancer cell lines correlates to integrin expression. The peptide is able to mediate cell-specific uptake of a fluorescent nanoparticle via this receptor. Expression of αvβ6 was assessed on 311 human lung cancer samples. The expression of this integrin is widespread in early-stage nonsmall cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Log-rank test and Cox regression analyses show that expression of this integrin is significantly associated with poor patient outcome. Preferential expression is observed in the tumors compared with the surrounding normal lung tissue. Our data indicate that αvβ6 is a prognostic biomarker for NSCLC and may serve as a receptor for targeted therapies. Thus, cell-specific peptides isolated from phage biopanning can be used for the discovery of cell surface biomarkers, emphasizing the utility of peptide libraries to probe the surface of a cell. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5889–95]
Tobacco Use, Body Mass Index, and the Risk of Leukemia and Multiple Myeloma: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Sweden
Authors: Fernberg Pia , Odenbro Åsa , Bellocco Rino , Boffetta Paolo , Pawitan Yudi , Zendehdel Kazem , Adami Johanna
Published: June 2007

In a prospective cohort study of more than 330,000 Swedish construction workers, we explored the effect of tobacco smoking, oral moist snuff use, and body mass index (BMI) on the risk of developing leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia) and multiple myeloma (MM). Study subjects were participants of a health surveillance system within the building industry. Record linkage to the nationwide Swedish cancer registry, migration registry, and cause of death registry made a comprehensive follow-up available. A total of 372 incident cases of leukemia and 520 subjects with MM was ascertained. An increase in risk of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) was observed in current smokers (incidence rate ratio, 1.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–2.11). Furthermore, there was an indication of a possible association between smoking intensity and risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia. Results on snuff use as well as BMI showed no association. This study confirms the role of smoking as a risk factor for AML and gives no support to the hypothesis of a role of snuff use or BMI level on the risk of leukemia or MM. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5983–6]
Oral Grape Seed Extract Inhibits Prostate Tumor Growth and Progression in TRAMP Mice
Authors: Raina Komal , Singh Rana P. , Agarwal Rajesh , Agarwal Chapla
Published: June 2007

Prostate cancer chemoprevention is an alternative and potential strategy to control this malignancy. Herein, we evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) against prostate cancer in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice where animals were fed with GSE by oral gavage at 200 mg/kg body weight dose during 4 to 28 weeks of age. Our results showed a significant reduction (46%, P < 0.01) in the weight of genitourinary tract organs in the GSE-fed mice. The GSE-fed group of mice had a higher incidence of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia but showed strong reduction in the incidence of adenocarcinoma compared with mice in control group. Prostate tissue from the GSE group showed ∼50% (P < 0.001) decrease in proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)–positive cells and 64% (P < 0.01) reduction in total PCNA protein level compared with the control group; however, GSE increased apoptotic cells by 8-fold. Furthermore, GSE strongly decreased the protein levels of cyclin B1, cyclin A, and cyclin E by 84% (P < 0.05), 96% (P < 0.05), and 89% (P < 0.001), respectively. The protein expression of cyclin-dependent kinases 2 and 6 and Cdc2 was also decreased by more than 90% (P < 0.05) in the prostate from the GSE-fed group. Together, for the first time, we identified that oral GSE inhibits prostate cancer growth and progression in TRAMP mice, which could be mediated via a strong suppression of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5976–82]
Androgen-Induced Wnt Signaling in Preosteoblasts Promotes the Growth of MDA-PCa-2b Human Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Liu Xin-Hua , Kirschenbaum Alexander , Yao Shen , Liu Guizhong , Aaronson Stuart A. , Levine Alice C.
Published: June 2007

The high morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer (PCa) result from its tendency to metastasize to bone where it produces predominantly osteoblastic lesions. The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in embryogenesis, tumorigenesis, osteoblast development, and bone formation. Androgen signaling via the androgen receptor (AR) is critical in both PCa and bone cell growth. We examined the effects of androgens on cell growth and Wnt signaling in the AR-positive MDA-PCa-2b cell line and MC3T3 preosteoblasts, grown alone and in coculture. We show that the potent androgen dihydrotestosterone increases AR expression and transcriptional activity only in the preosteoblasts. Although dihydrotestosterone induced an 80% increase in PCa cell growth when the cells were grown alone, dihydrotestosterone had a more significant effect on MDA-PCa-2b cell proliferation (3.2-fold increase) when the PCa cells were cocultured with preosteoblasts. Dihydrotestosterone addition to preosteoblasts promoted Wnt-dependent transcriptional reporter activity associated with GSK3βS-9 phosphorylation and accumulation of nuclear β-catenin as well as elevated Runx2 expression. In addition, the increased proliferation of PCa cells in coculture with MC3T3 cells in response to dihydrotestosterone was abrogated by the addition of either exogenous DKK-1 or sFRP-1 protein, two naturally occurring Wnt antagonists. Finally, we show that the paracrine growth-promoting effect of androgens is limited to MDA-PCa-2b cells. These data imply that Wnt signaling is involved in the androgen-regulated crosstalk between preosteoblasts and PCa cells and suggest that androgens may stimulate growth of some prostate tumor cells indirectly, via up-regulation of Wnt signaling in bone cells. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5747–53]
Expression of DNA Methyltransferase 1 Is Activated by Hepatitis B Virus X Protein via a Regulatory Circuit Involving the p16INK4a-Cyclin D1-CDK 4/6-pRb-E2F1 Pathway
Authors: Jung Jin Kyu , Arora Payal , Pagano Joseph S. , Jang Kyung Lib
Published: June 2007

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) is responsible for copying DNA methylation patterns to the daughter strands during DNA replication. Its expression is frequently up-regulated in human tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma, but the mechanism of overexpression and its biological significance remain unclear. Here, we show that hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) activates DNMT1 expression via a regulatory circuit involving the p16INK4a-cyclin D1-cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6-retinoblastoma protein (pRb)-E2F1 pathway. HBx induced DNA hypermethylation of p16INK4a promoter to repress its expression, which subsequently led to activation of G1-CDKs, phosphorylation of pRb, activation of E2F1, and finally transcriptional activation of DNMT1. Inhibition of DNMT1 activity by either treatment with 5′-Aza-2′dC or introduction of DNMT1 small interfering RNA not only abolished the DNA methylation-mediated p16INK4a repression but also impaired DNMT1 expression itself, suggesting a cross-talk between DNMT1 and p16INK4a. The up-regulation of cyclin D1 by HBx is likely to serve as an initiative impulse for the circuit because it was absolutely required for the activation of DNMT1 expression. We also observed that accumulated DNMT1 via this pathway inactivates E-cadherin expression through promoter hypermethylation. Considering that the pRb-E2F1 pathway is commonly activated in human tumors, activation of this circuit might be widespread and a potential therapeutic target. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5771–8]