bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from The MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Is a Potential Novel Therapeutic Target for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Seiwert Tanguy Y. , Jagadeeswaran Ramasamy , Faoro Leonardo , Janamanchi Varalakshmi , Nallasura Vidya , El Dinali Mohamed , Yala Soheil , Kanteti Rajani , Cohen Ezra E.W. , Lingen Mark W. , Martin Leslie , Krishnaswamy Soundararajan , Klein-Szanto Andres , Christensen James G. , Vokes Everett E. , Salgia Ravi
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer remains a devastating disease with insufficient treatment options. We investigated the MET receptor tyrosine kinase as a novel target for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MET/phosphorylated MET and HGF expression was analyzed in 121 tissues (HNSCC/normal) by immunohistochemistry, and in 20 HNSCC cell lines by immunoblotting. The effects of MET inhibition using small interfering RNA/two small-molecule inhibitors (SU11274/PF-2341066) on signaling, migration, viability, and angiogenesis were determined. The complete MET gene was sequenced in 66 head and neck cancer tissue samples and eight cell lines. MET gene copy number was determined in 14 cell lines and 23 tumor tissues. Drug combinations of SU11274 with cisplatin or erlotinib were tested in SCC35/HN5 cell lines. Eighty-four percent of the HNSCC samples showed MET overexpression, whereas 18 of 20 HNSCC cell lines (90%) expressed MET. HGF overexpression was present in 45% of HNSCC. MET inhibition with SU11274/PF-2341066 abrogated MET signaling, cell viability, motility/migration in vitro, and tumor angiogenesis in vivo. Mutational analysis of 66 tumor tissues and 8 cell lines identified novel mutations in the semaphorin (T230M/E168D/N375S), juxtamembrane (T1010I/R988C), and tyrosine kinase (T1275I/V1333I) domains (incidence: 13.5%). Increased MET gene copy number was present with >10 copies in 3 of 23 (13%) tumor tissues. A greater-than-additive inhibition of cell growth was observed when combining a MET inhibitor with cisplatin or erlotinib and synergy may be mediated via erbB3/AKT signaling. MET is functionally important in HNSCC with prominent overexpression, increased gene copy number, and mutations. MET inhibition abrogated MET functions, including proliferation, migration/motility, and angiogenesis. MET is a promising, novel target for HNSCC and combination approaches with cisplatin or EGFR inhibitors should be explored. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):3021–31]
Data from Faciogenital Dysplasia Protein Fgd1 Regulates Invadopodia Biogenesis and Extracellular Matrix Degradation and Is Up-regulated in Prostate and Breast Cancer
Authors: Ayala Inmaculada , Giacchetti Giada , Caldieri Giusi , Attanasio Francesca , Mariggiò Stefania , Tetè Stefano , Polishchuk Roman , Castronovo Vincent , Buccione Roberto
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Invadopodia are proteolytically active membrane protrusions that extend from the ventral surface of invasive tumoral cells grown on an extracellular matrix (ECM). The core machinery controlling invadopodia biogenesis is regulated by the Rho GTPase Cdc42. To understand the upstream events regulating invadopodia biogenesis, we investigated the role of Fgd1, a Cdc42-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor. Loss of Fgd1 causes the rare inherited human developmental disease faciogenital dysplasia. Here, we show that Fgd1 is required for invadopodia biogenesis and ECM degradation in an invasive cell model and functions by modulation of Cdc42 activation. We also find that Fgd1 is expressed in human prostate and breast cancer as opposed to normal tissue and that expression levels matched tumor aggressiveness. Our findings suggest a central role for Fgd1 in the focal degradation of the ECM in vitro and, for the first time, show a connection between Fgd1 and cancer progression, proposing that it might function during tumorigenesis. [Cancer Res 2009;69(3):747–52]
Data from Enhanced Antitumor Activity Induced by Adoptive T-Cell Transfer and Adjunctive Use of the Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor LAQ824
Authors: Vo Dan D. , Prins Robert M. , Begley Jonathan L. , Donahue Timothy R. , Morris Lilah F. , Bruhn Kevin W. , de la Rocha Pilar , Yang Meng-Yin , Mok Stephen , Garban Hermes J. , Craft Noah , Economou James S. , Marincola Francesco M. , Wang Ena , Ribas Antoni
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Tumors grow in the presence of antigen-specific T cells, suggesting the existence of intrinsic cancer cell escape mechanisms. We hypothesized that a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor could sensitize tumor cells to immunotherapy because this class of agents has been reported to increase tumor antigen expression and shift gene expression to a proapoptotic milieu in cancer cells. To test this question, we treated B16 murine melanoma with the combination of the HDAC inhibitor LAQ824 and the adoptive transfer of gp100 melanoma antigen-specific pmel-1 T cells. The combined therapy significantly improved antitumor activity through several mechanisms: (a) increase in MHC and tumor-associated antigen expression by tumor cells; (b) decrease in competing endogenous lymphocytes in recipient mice, resulting in a proliferative advantage for the adoptively transferred cells; and (c) improvement in the functional activity of the adoptively transferred lymphocytes. We confirmed the beneficial effects of this HDAC inhibitor as a sensitizer to immunotherapy in a different model of prophylactic prime-boost vaccination with the melanoma antigen tyrosinase-related protein 2, which also showed a significant improvement in antitumor activity against B16 melanoma. In conclusion, the HDAC inhibitor LAQ824 significantly enhances tumor immunotherapy through effects on target tumor cells as well as improving the antitumor activity of tumor antigen-specific lymphocytes. [Cancer Res 2009;69(22):8693–9]
Data from Critical Role and Regulation of Transcription Factor FoxM1 in Human Gastric Cancer Angiogenesis and Progression
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Nu , Jia Zhiliang , Le Xiangdong , Dai Bingbing , Wei Daoyan , Huang Suyun , Tan Dongfeng , Xie Keping
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The mammalian forkhead box (Fox) transcription factor FoxM1b is implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the presence of expression and role of FoxM1b in gastric cancer remain unknown. Therefore, we investigated FoxM1b expression in 86 cases of primary gastric cancer and 57 normal gastric tissue specimens. We further investigated the underlying mechanisms of altered FoxM1b expression in and the effect of this altered expression on gastric cancer growth and metastasis using in vitro and animal models of gastric cancer. We found weak expression of FoxM1b protein in the mucous neck region of gastric mucosa, whereas we observed strong staining for FoxM1b in tumor cell nuclei in various gastric tumors and lymph node metastases. A Cox proportional hazards model revealed that FoxM1b expression was an independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). Experimentally, overexpression of FoxM1b by gene transfer significantly promoted the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer cells in orthotopic mouse models, whereas knockdown of FoxM1b expression by small interfering RNA did the opposite. Promotion of gastric tumorigenesis by FoxM1b directly and significantly correlated with transactivation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression and elevation of angiogenesis. Given the importance of FoxM1b to regulation of the expression of genes key to cancer biology overall, dysregulated expression and activation of FoxM1b may play important roles in gastric cancer development and progression. [Cancer Res 2009;69(8):3501–9]
Data from The Critical Role of the Class III Histone Deacetylase SIRT1 in Cancer
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Pei Y. , Marshall Glenn M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Gene expression and deacetylase activity of the class III histone deacetylase SIRT1 are up-regulated in cancer cells due to oncogene overexpression or loss of function of tumor suppressor genes. SIRT1 induces histone deacetylation and methylation, promoter CpG island methylation, transcriptional repression, and deacetylation of tumor suppressor proteins. SIRT1 may play a critical role in tumor initiation, progression, and drug resistance by blocking senescence and apoptosis, and promoting cell growth and angiogenesis. SIRT1 inhibitors have shown promising anticancer effects in animal models of cancer. Further screening for more potent SIRT1 inhibitors may lead to compounds suitable for clinical trials in patients. [Cancer Res 2009;69(5):1702–5]
Data from Inhibition of eIF2α Dephosphorylation Maximizes Bortezomib Efficiency and Eliminates Quiescent Multiple Myeloma Cells Surviving Proteasome Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Schewe Denis M. , Aguirre-Ghiso Julio A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (Velcade) effectively eradicates multiple myeloma (MM) cells, partly by activating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress apoptotic signaling. However, MM recurrences in bortezomib-treated patients are invariable. We have shown that ER stress signaling can also induce growth arrest and survival in cancer cells. Thus, we hypothesized that bortezomib therapy could induce quiescence and survival of residual MM cells, contributing to disease recurrence. Here, we report that in MM cells, proteasome inhibition with MG-132 or bortezomib results in a surviving cell fraction that enters a prolonged quiescent state (G0-G1 arrest). Mechanism analysis revealed that bortezomib-surviving quiescent cells attenuate eIF2α phosphorylation and induction of the ER stress proapoptotic gene GADD153. This occurs independently of the eIF2α upstream kinases PERK, GCN2, and PKR. In contrast, the prosurvival ER-chaperone BiP/Grp78 was persistently induced. The bortezomib-surviving quiescent fraction could be eradicated by a simultaneous or sequential combination therapy with salubrinal, an inhibitor of GADD34-PP1C phosphatase complex, and, in consequence, eIF2α dephosphorylation. This effect was mimicked by expression of a phosphorylated mimetic eIF2α-S51D mutant. Our data indicate that bortezomib can induce growth arrest in therapy-surviving MM cells and that attenuation of eIF2α phosphorylation contributes to this survival. Most importantly, this survival mechanism can be blocked by inhibiting eIF2α dephosphorylation. Thus, strategies that maintain eIF2α in a hyperphosphorylated state may be a novel therapeutic approach to maximize bortezomib-induced apoptosis and reduce residual disease and recurrences in this type of cancer. [Cancer Res 2009;69(4):1545–52]
Data from Functional Alteration of the Lymphoma Stromal Cell Niche by the Cytokine Context: Role of Indoleamine-2,3 Dioxygenase
Authors: Maby-El Hajjami Hélène , Amé-Thomas Patricia , Pangault Céline , Tribut Olivier , DeVos John , Jean Rachel , Bescher Nadège , Monvoisin Céline , Dulong Joëlle , Lamy Thierry , Fest Thierry , Tarte Karin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) strongly repress activated T-cell proliferation through the production of a complex set of soluble factors, including the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is induced by IFN-γ. Conversely, MSCs support survival of follicular lymphoma (FL) B cells, in particular after exposure to tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and lymphotoxin-α1β2 (LT). The role of MSCs on normal and malignant B-cell growth in steady-state and inflammatory conditions remains to be fully explored. We show here that resting MSCs sustain activated normal B-cell proliferation and survival, whereas IFN-γ–conditioned MSCs mediate IDO–dependent B-cell growth arrest and apoptosis. IFN-γ, TNF, and LT are significantly overexpressed by the microenvironment of invaded FL-lymph nodes, but their relative expression patterns are highly heterogeneous between samples. In vitro, IFN-γ abrogates the B-cell supportive phenotype induced by TNF and LT on MSCs. Moreover, IFN-γ overrules the growth promoting effect of MSCs on primary purified FL B cells. Altogether, these results underline the crucial role of the cytokine context in the local crosstalk between malignant cells and their microenvironment and provide new insights into our knowledge of the FL cell niche that emerges as a new promising target for innovative therapeutic strategies. [Cancer Res 2009;69(7):3228–37]
Data from Design of Agonistic Altered Peptides for the Robust Induction of CTL Directed towards H-2Db in Complex with the Melanoma-Associated Epitope gp100
Authors: van Stipdonk Marianne J.B. , Badia-Martinez Daniel , Sluijter Marjolein , Offringa Rienk , van Hall Thorbald , Achour Adnane
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Immunogenicity of tumor-associated antigens (TAA) is often weak because many TAA are autoantigens for which the T-cell repertoire is sculpted by tolerance mechanisms. Substitutions at main anchor positions to increase the complementarity between the peptide and the MHC class I (MHC-I) binding cleft constitute a common procedure to improve binding capacity and immunogenicity of TAA. However, such alterations are tailored for each MHC-I allele and may recruit different CTL specificities through conformational changes in the targeted peptides. Comparative analysis of substituted melanoma-differentiation antigen gp100 in complex with H-2Db revealed that combined introduction of glycine and proline residues at the nonanchor positions 2 and 3, respectively, resulted in an agonistic altered peptide with dramatically enhanced binding affinity, stability, and immunogenicity of this TAA. Peptide vaccination using the p2Gp3P-altered peptide version of gp100 induced high frequencies of melanoma-specific CTL in the endogenous CD8+ repertoire. Crystal structure analysis of MHC/peptide complexes revealed that the conformation of the modified p2Gp3P-peptide was similar to the wild-type peptide, and indicated that this mimotope was stabilized through interactions between peptide residue p3P and the tyrosine residue Y159 that is conserved among most known MHC-I molecules throughout mammalian species. Our results may provide an alternative approach to enhance MHC stabilization capacity and immunogenicity of low-affinity peptides for induction of robust tumor-specific CTL. [Cancer Res 2009;69(19):7784–92]
Data from Inactivation of the Carney Complex Gene 1 (Protein Kinase A Regulatory Subunit 1A) Inhibits SMAD3 Expression and TGFβ-Stimulated Apoptosis in Adrenocortical Cells
Authors: Ragazzon Bruno , Cazabat Laure , Rizk-Rabin Marthe , Assie Guillaume , Groussin Lionel , Fierrard Hélène , Perlemoine Karine , Martinez Antoine , Bertherat Jérôme
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The cyclic AMP signaling pathway can be altered at multiple levels in endocrine tumors. Its central component is the protein kinase A (PKA). Carney complex (CNC) is a hereditary multiple neoplasia syndrome resulting from inactivating mutations of the gene encoding the PKA type I α regulatory subunit (PRKAR1A). Primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease is the most frequent endocrine tumor of CNC. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) regulates adrenal cortex physiology and signals through SMAD2/3. We used an interference approach to test the effects of PRKAR1A inactivation on PKA and TGFβ pathways and on apoptosis in adrenocortical cells. PRKAR1A silencing stimulates PKA activity and increases transcriptional activity of a PKA reporter construct and expression of the endogenous PKA target, NR4A2, under basal conditions or after forskolin stimulation. PRKAR1A inactivation also decreased SMAD3 mRNA and protein levels via PKA, altering the cellular response to TGFβ. SMAD3 expression was also inhibited by adrenocorticorticotropic hormone in the mouse adrenal gland and by forskolin in H295R cells. TGFβ stimulates apoptosis in H295R cells, and this effect was counteracted by PRKAR1A inactivation. PRKAR1A silencing decreased the percentage of apoptotic cells and the cleavage of apoptosis mediators [caspase-3, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and lamin A/C]. Inactivating mutations of PRKAR1A observed in adrenocortical tumors alter SMAD3, leading to resistance to TGFβ-induced apoptosis. This cross-talk between the PKA and the TGFβ signaling pathways reveals a new mechanism of endocrine tumorigenesis. [Cancer Res 2009;69(18):7278–84]
Data from Sox11 Prevents Tumorigenesis of Glioma-Initiating Cells by Inducing Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Hide Takuichiro , Takezaki Tatsuya , Nakatani Yuka , Nakamura Hideo , Kuratsu Jun-ichi , Kondo Toru
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recent findings have shown that malignant tumors contain cancer-initiating cells (CIC), which self-renew and are tumorigenic. However, CICs have not been characterized properly due to lack of specific markers. We recently established a mouse glioma cell line, NSCL61, by overexpressing an oncogenic HRasL61 in p53-deficient neural stem cells. Using limiting dilution assays, we show that only 2 of 24 NSCL61 clones retained their tumorigenicity in vivo, although the others also expressed oncogenic HRasL61 and could proliferate in culture. A comparison of the gene expression profiles of tumorigenic and nontumorigenic clones showed that the tumorigenic clones had lost Sox11 expression. We show that overexpression of sox11 prevented tumorigenesis of NSCL61s by inducing their neuronal differentiation accompanied with decreased levels of plagl1. We also show that overexpression of plagl1 abolished neuronal commitment of nontumorigenic cells and induced them to become tumorigenic. Moreover, we show that human glioma-initiating cells lost sox11 expression, and overexpression of sox11 prevented their tumorigenesis in vivo. Together with the clinical evidence showing that downregulation of sox11 mRNA correlates with a significant decrease in survival, these findings suggest that Sox11 prevents gliomagenesis by blocking the expression of oncogenic plagl1. [Cancer Res 2009;69(20):7953–9]
Data from Inhibition of the p38 Kinase Suppresses the Proliferation of Human ER-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Chen Lu , Mayer Julie Ann , Krisko Tibor I. , Speers Corey W. , Wang Tao , Hilsenbeck Susan G. , Brown Powel H.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
p38 kinases are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family that transduce signals from various environmental stresses, growth factors, and steroid hormones. p38 is highly expressed in aggressive and invasive breast cancers. Increased levels of activated p38 are markers of poor prognosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that blockade of p38 signaling would inhibit breast cancer cell proliferation. We studied breast cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation upon p38 blockade by using three independent approaches: dominant-negative (DN) constructs, small interfering RNA (siRNA), and small molecule inhibitors. p38α and p38δ are the most abundant isoforms expressed by all examined human breast tumors and breast cancer cell lines. Expression of a DN p38 inhibited both anchorage-dependent and -independent proliferation of MDA-MB-468 cells. Silencing of p38α, but not p38δ, using siRNA suppressed MDA-MB-468 cell proliferation. Pharmacologic inhibitors of p38 significantly inhibited the proliferation of p53 mutant and ER-negative breast cancer cells. Whereas p38 has previously been considered as a mediator of stress-induced apoptosis, we propose that p38 may have dual activities regulating survival and proliferation depending on the expression of p53. Our data suggest that p38 mediates the proliferation signal in breast cancer cells expressing mutant but not wild-type p53. Because most ER-negative breast tumors express mutant p53, our results provide the foundation for future development of p38 inhibitors to target p38 for the treatment of p53 mutant and ER-negative breast cancers. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):8853–61]
Data from Identification of a Stat3-Dependent Transcription Regulatory Network Involved in Metastatic Progression
Authors: Ranger Jill J. , Levy David E. , Shahalizadeh Solmaz , Hallett Michael , Muller William J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
High levels of activated Stat3 are often found in human breast cancers and can correlate with poor patient outcome. We employed an activated ErbB2 mouse model of breast cancer to investigate the in vivo role of Stat3 in mammary tumor progression and found that Stat3 does not alter mammary tumor initiation but dramatically affects metastatic progression. Four-fold fewer animals exhibited lung metastases in the absence of Stat3 and a 12-fold reduction in the number of lung lesions was observed in animals bearing Stat3-null tumors when compared with the wild-type cohort. The decreased malignancy in Stat3-deficient tumors is attributed to a reduction in both angiogenic and inflammatory responses associated with a Stat3-dependent transcriptional cascade involving CCAAT/enhancer binding protein δ. [Cancer Res 2009;69(17):6823–30]
Data from Reduced Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor–Associated Death Domain Expression Is Associated with Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Wang Diping , Montgomery R. Bruce , Schmidt Lucy J. , Mostaghel Elahe A. , Huang Haojie , Nelson Peter S. , Tindall Donald J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
By using LNCaP and its derivative cell lines, we first observed an association between tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) resistance and hormone independence. Moreover, we found that the expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated death domain (TRADD) was reduced in androgen deprivation–independent cells compared with that in androgen deprivation–dependent cells. TRADD is a crucial transducer for TNF-α–induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Knocking down TRADD expression in LNCaP cells impaired TNF-α–induced NF-κB activation and androgen receptor repression, whereas overexpression of TRADD in C4-2B cells restored their sensitivity to TNF-α. Finally, we found that androgen deprivation reduces TRADD expression in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that androgen deprivation therapy may promote the development of TNF-α resistance by reducing TRADD expression during prostate cancer progression. [Cancer Res 2009;69(24):9448–56]
Data from Activation of NF-κB Signaling by Inhibitor of NF-κB Kinase β Increases Aggressiveness of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hernandez Lídia , Hsu Sarah C. , Davidson Ben , Birrer Michael J. , Kohn Elise C. , Annunziata Christina M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The NF-κB family of transcription factors has been implicated in the propagation of ovarian cancer, but the significance of constitutive NF-κB signaling in ovarian cancer is unknown. We hypothesized that constitutive NF-κB signaling defines a subset of ovarian cancer susceptible to therapeutic targeting of this pathway. We investigated the biological relevance of NF-κB in ovarian cancer using a small-molecule inhibitor of inhibitor of NF-κB kinase β (IKKβ) and confirmed with RNA interference toward IKKβ. We developed a gene expression signature of IKKβ signaling in ovarian cancer using both pharmacologic and genetic manipulation of IKKβ. The expression of IKKβ protein itself and the nine-gene ovarian cancer–specific IKKβ signature were related to poor outcome in independently collected sets of primary ovarian cancers (P = 0.02). IKKβ signaling in ovarian cancer regulated the transcription of genes involved in a wide range of cellular effects known to increase the aggressive nature of the cells. We functionally validated the effect of IKKβ signaling on proliferation, invasion, and adhesion. Downregulating IKKβ activity, either by a small-molecule kinase inhibitor or by short hairpin RNA depletion of IKKβ, blocked all of these cellular functions, reflecting the negative regulation of the target genes identified. The diversity of functions controlled by IKKβ in ovarian cancer suggests that therapeutic blockade of this pathway could be efficacious if specific IKKβ inhibitor therapy is focused to patients whose tumors express a molecular profile suggestive of dependence on IKKβ activity. Cancer Res; 70(10); 4005–14. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Runx Regulation of Sphingolipid Metabolism and Survival Signaling
Authors: Kilbey Anna , Terry Anne , Jenkins Alma , Borland Gillian , Zhang Qifeng , Wakelam Michael J.O. , Cameron Ewan R. , Neil James C.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Runx genes (Runx1, 2, and 3) regulate cell fate in development and can operate as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer. The oncogenic potential of ectopic Runx expression has been shown in transgenic mice that develop lymphoma in potent synergy with overexpressed Myc, and in established fibroblasts that display altered morphology and increased tumorigenicity. Candidate oncogenic functions of overexpressed Runx genes include resistance to apoptosis in response to intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. In a search for gene targets responsible for this aspect of Runx phenotype, we have identified three key enzymes in sphingolipid metabolism (Sgpp1, Ugcg, and St3gal5/Siat9) as direct targets for Runx transcriptional regulation in a manner consistent with survival and apoptosis resistance. Consistent with these changes in gene expression, mass spectrometric analysis showed that ectopic Runx reduces intracellular long-chain ceramides in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and elevated extracellular sphingosine 1 phosphate. Runx expression also opposed the activation of c-Jun-NH2-kinase and p38MAPK, key mediators of ceramide-induced death, and suppressed the onset of apoptosis in response to exogenous tumor necrosis factor α. The survival advantage conferred by ectopic Runx could be partially recapitulated by exogenous sphingosine 1 phosphate and was accompanied by reduced phosphorylation of p38MAPK. These results reveal a novel link between transcription factor oncogenes and lipid signaling pathways involved in cancer cell survival and chemoresistance. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5860–9. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Atoh1 Inhibits Neuronal Differentiation and Collaborates with Gli1 to Generate Medulloblastoma-Initiating Cells
Authors: Ayrault Olivier , Zhao Haotian , Zindy Frederique , Qu Chunxu , Sherr Charles J. , Roussel Martine F.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The morphogen and mitogen Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) activates a Gli1-dependent transcription program that drives proliferation of granule neuron progenitors (GNP) within the external germinal layer of the postnatally developing cerebellum. Medulloblastomas with mutations activating the Shh signaling pathway preferentially arise within the external germinal layer, and the tumor cells closely resemble GNPs. Atoh1/Math1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for GNP histogenesis, does not induce medulloblastomas when expressed in primary mouse GNPs that are explanted from the early postnatal cerebellum and transplanted back into the brains of naïve mice. However, enforced expression of Atoh1 in primary GNPs enhances the oncogenicity of cells overexpressing Gli1 by almost three orders of magnitude. Unlike Gli1, Atoh1 cannot support GNP proliferation in the absence of Shh signaling and does not govern expression of canonical cell cycle genes. Instead, Atoh1 maintains GNPs in a Shh-responsive state by regulating genes that trigger neuronal differentiation, including many expressed in response to bone morphogenic protein-4. Therefore, by targeting multiple genes regulating the differentiation state of GNPs, Atoh1 collaborates with the pro-proliferative Gli1-dependent transcriptional program to influence medulloblastoma development. Cancer Res; 70(13); 5618–27. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Transplanting Normal Vascular Proangiogenic Cells to Tumor-Bearing Mice Triggers Vascular Remodeling and Reduces Hypoxia in Tumors
Authors: Sasajima Junpei , Mizukami Yusuke , Sugiyama Yoshiaki , Nakamura Kazumasa , Kawamoto Toru , Koizumi Kazuya , Fujii Rie , Motomura Wataru , Sato Kazuya , Suzuki Yasuaki , Tanno Satoshi , Fujiya Mikihiro , Sasaki Katsunori , Shimizu Norihiko , Karasaki Hidenori , Kono Toru , Kawabe Jun-ichi , Ii Masaaki , Yoshiara Hiroki , Kamiyama Naohisa , Ashida Toshifumi , Bardeesy Nabeel , Chung Daniel C. , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Blood vessels deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, and vascular networks are spatially organized to meet the metabolic needs for maintaining homeostasis. In contrast, the vasculature of tumors is immature and leaky, resulting in insufficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen. Vasculogenic processes occur normally in adult tissues to repair “injured” blood vessels, leading us to hypothesize that bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNC) may be able to restore appropriate vessel function in the tumor vasculature. Culturing BMMNCs in endothelial growth medium resulted in the early outgrowth of spindle-shaped attached cells expressing CD11b/Flt1/Tie2/c-Kit/CXCR4 with proangiogenic activity. Intravenous administration of these cultured vascular proangiogenic cells (VPC) into nude mice bearing pancreatic cancer xenografts and Pdx1-Cre;LSL-KrasG12D;p53lox/+ genetically engineered mice that develop pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma significantly reduced areas of hypoxia without enhancing tumor growth. The resulting vasculature structurally mimicked normal vessels with intensive pericyte coverage. Increases in vascularized areas within VPC-injected xenografts were visualized with an ultrasound diagnostic system during injection of a microbubble-based contrast agent (Sonazoid), indicating a functional “normalization” of the tumor vasculature. In addition, gene expression profiles in the VPC-transplanted xenografts revealed a marked reduction in major factors involved in drug resistance and “stemness” of cancer cells. Together, our findings identify a novel alternate approach to regulate abnormal tumor vessels, offering the potential to improve the delivery and efficacy of anticancer drugs to hypoxic tumors. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6283–92. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Occupational Trichloroethylene Exposure and Renal Carcinoma Risk: Evidence of Genetic Susceptibility by Reductive Metabolism Gene Variants
Authors: Moore Lee E. , Boffetta Paolo , Karami Sara , Brennan Paul , Stewart Patricia S. , Hung Rayjean , Zaridze David , Matveev Vsevolod , Janout Vladimir , Kollarova Helena , Bencko Vladimir , Navratilova Marie , Szeszenia-Dabrowska Neonila , Mates Dana , Gromiec Jan , Holcatova Ivana , Merino Maria , Chanock Stephen , Chow Wong-Ho , Rothman Nathaniel
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a suspected renal carcinogen. TCE-associated renal genotoxicity occurs predominantly through glutathione S-transferase (GST) conjugation and bioactivation by renal cysteine β-lyase (CCBL1). We conducted a case-control study in Central Europe (1,097 cases and 1,476 controls) specifically designed to assess risk associated with occupational exposure to TCE through analysis of detailed job histories. All jobs were coded for organic/chlorinated solvent and TCE exposure (ever/never) as well as the frequency and intensity of exposure based on detailed occupational questionnaires, specialized questionnaires, and expert assessments. Increased risk was observed among subjects ever TCE exposed [odds ratio (OR) = 1.63; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.04–2.54]. Exposure-response trends were observed among subjects above and below the median exposure [average intensity (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.81–2.35; OR = 2.34; 95% CI, 1.05–5.21; Ptrend = 0.02)]. A significant association was found among TCE-exposed subjects with at least one intact GSTT1 allele (active genotype; OR = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.06–3.33) but not among subjects with two deleted alleles (null genotype; OR = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.35–2.44; Pinteraction = 0.18). Similar associations for all exposure metrics including average intensity were observed among GSTT1-active subjects (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 0.79–3.10; OR = 2.77; 95% CI, 1.01–7.58; Ptrend = 0.02) but not among GSTT1 nulls (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.24-2.72; OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 0.27–5.04; Ptrend = 1.00; Pinteraction = 0.34). Further evidence of heterogeneity was seen among TCE-exposed subjects with ≥1 minor allele of several CCBL1-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs2293968, rs2280841, rs2259043, and rs941960. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that TCE exposure is associated with increased renal cancer risk, particularly among individuals carrying polymorphisms in genes that are important in the reductive metabolism of this chemical, and provides biological plausibility of the association in humans. Cancer Res; 70(16); 6527–36. ©2010 AACR.
Data from The Absence of Pericytes Does Not Increase the Sensitivity of Tumor Vasculature to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A Blockade
Authors: Nisancioglu Maya H. , Betsholtz Christer , Genové Guillem
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recent progress with therapies targeting endothelial cells has drawn attention also to the pericytes as potential target cells for antiangiogenic therapy. Published data suggest that pericytes might confer resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) withdrawal in tumors. This hypothesis has been supported by experiments using tumors with reversible transgenic expression of VEGF-A as well as by individual pharmacologically targeting VEGF and platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling in endothelial cells and pericytes using receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitors with different specificities. However, the RTK inhibitors applied thus far are not entirely specific to the mentioned pathways, and therefore, the effects putatively attributed to pericyte targeting might reflect other antitumor effects. Here, we have reinvestigated the putative benefits of doubly targeting endothelial cells and pericytes in the treatment of experimental tumors. For this purpose, we used two highly specific tools, the pericyte-deficient pdgfbret/ret mouse and the recently developed specific anti–VEGF-A antibody G6-31, which neutralizes both murine and human VEGF-A. We generated B16, Lewis lung carcinoma, and T241 subcutaneous tumors in both pdgfbret/ret and control mice and treated these mice with G6-31. Our results fail to show any improved effect of VEGF inhibition, as measured by tumor growth or decrease in vascular density, in pericyte-deficient tumors compared with controls. Our observations suggest that additional targeting of pericytes does not increase the antitumor effect already generated by anti-VEGF drugs. Cancer Res; 70(12); 5109–15. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Estradiol Alters Cell Growth in Nonmalignant Colonocytes and Reduces the Formation of Preneoplastic Lesions in the Colon
Authors: Weige Charles C. , Allred Kimberly F. , Allred Clinton D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Numerous clinical and animal studies show that hormone replacement therapy reduces the risk of colon tumor formation. However, the majority of experiments have shown that estradiol (E2) does not inhibit the growth of malignantly transformed colon epithelia. As such, the presented studies focused on evaluating the effects of E2 in noncancerous colonocytes. E2 treatments (0–10 nmol/L) reduced cell growth and increased apoptotic activity in young adult mouse colonocytes (YAMC), a nonmalignant cell line, in a dose-responsive manner. These effects were lost in the YAMC-Ras cells, an isogenic cell line with a single malignant transformation. Cotreatment with an estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist inhibited the physiologic effects of E2 in YAMC cells, suggesting that the response is ER mediated. To further study the effect of E2 on colonic epithelia, we evaluated the development of preneoplastic lesions in ovariectomized wild-type (WT) and ERβ knockout (ERβKO) mice treated with either vehicle or E2. WT E2-treated animals exhibited significantly fewer aberrant crypt foci and increased apoptotic activity in colonic epithelia when compared with WT control mice or ERβKO animals receiving either treatment. For the first time, we showed that E2 alters the growth of nontransformed colonocytes in vitro and that, through an ERβ-mediated mechanism, E2 influences the physiology of noncancerous colonocytes, resulting in fewer preneoplastic lesions. Collectively, these data show that the protective actions of E2 occur primarily during the initiation/promotion stages of disease development and identify the hormone as an important chemoprotective agent. [Cancer Res 2009;69(23):9118–24]
Data from HuR Regulates β-Tubulin Isotype Expression in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Raspaglio Giuseppina , De Maria Ilaria , Filippetti Flavia , Martinelli Enrica , Zannoni Gian Franco , Prislei Silvia , Ferrandina Gabriella , Shahabi Shohreh , Scambia Giovanni , Ferlini Cristiano
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The supply of oxygen and nutrients to solid tumors is inefficient because cancer tissues have an inadequate number of microvessels, thus inducing the selective growth of the most aggressive cancer cells. This explains why many of the factors underlying a poor prognosis are induced in hypoxic/hypoglycemic conditions. Among these factors, a prominent role in several solid tumors is played by the class III β-tubulin gene (TUBB3). The study described here reveals that glucose deprivation enhances TUBB3 expression at both the gene and protein levels in A2780 ovarian cancer cells. In silico analysis of TUBB3 mRNA sequence predicted a putative binding site for the RNA-binding protein Hu antigen (HuR) in the 3′ flanking untranslated region. A hypoglycemic-dependent engagement of this site was shown using RNA pull-down and ribonucleoimmunoprecipitation techniques. Thereafter, HuR gene silencing revealed that TUBB3 translation is HuR dependent in hypoglycemia because HuR silencing inhibited the entry of TUBB3 mRNA into cytoskeletal and free polysomes. Finally, the clinical value of this finding was assessed in a clinical cohort of 46 ovarian cancer patients in whom it was found that HuR cytoplasmic staining was associated with high levels of TUBB3 and poor survival. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5891–900. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Plasma Fibronectin Promotes Lung Metastasis by Contributions to Fibrin Clots and Tumor Cell Invasion
Authors: Malik Gunjan , Knowles Lynn M. , Dhir Rajiv , Xu Shuping , Yang Shuting , Ruoslahti Erkki , Pilch Jan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The attachment of circulating tumor cells to the blood vessels of distant organs is an important step in metastasis. We show here that experimental lung metastasis by two cell lines, B16F1 melanoma and 3LL lung carcinoma, is greatly reduced in transgenic mice that lack plasma fibronectin. This multifunctional adhesive glycoprotein becomes cross-linked to fibrin during clotting. Here, we report that eliminating plasma fibronectin from the blood circulation reverses the prometastatic effects of blood clotting and tumor cell integrin αvβ3. In vitro studies showed that fibrin-fibronectin complexes, but not purified fibrin, supported tumor cell attachment and invasion. These functions correlate with the ability of fibrin-fibronectin complexes to induce the activation of integrin αvβ3. Our findings reveal an important contribution of plasma fibronectin in lung metastasis. Furthermore, they suggest that the previously noted effects of blood clotting on lung metastasis might be mediated in part by a fibronectin-αvβ3 integrin axis, in which plasma fibronectin has to be incorporated into the blood clot. Cancer Res; 70(11); 4327–34. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Protein Kinase CK2 Regulates Cytoskeletal Reorganization during Ionizing Radiation–Induced Senescence of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Daojing , Jang Deok-Jin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are critical for tissue regeneration. How hMSC respond to genotoxic stresses and potentially contribute to aging and cancer remain underexplored. We showed that ionizing radiation induced cellular senescence of hMSC over a period of 10 days, showing a critical transition between days 3 and 6. This was confirmed by senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, protein expression profiles of key cell cycle regulators (retinoblastoma protein, p53, p21waf1/Cip1, and p16INK4A), and senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (interleukin-8, interleukin-12, GRO, and MDC). We observed dramatic cytoskeletal reorganization of hMSC through reduction of myosin-10, redistribution of myosin-9, and secretion of profilin-1. Using a SILAC-based phosphoproteomics method, we detected significant reduction of myosin-9 phosphorylation at Ser1943, coinciding with its redistribution. Importantly, through treatment with cell-permeable inhibitors (4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzotriazole and 2-dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole) and gene knockdown using RNA interference, we identified CK2, a kinase responsible for myosin-9 phosphorylation at Ser1943, as a key factor contributing to the radiation-induced senescence of hMSC. We showed that individual knockdown of CK2 catalytic subunits CK2α and CK2α′ induced hMSC senescence. However, only knockdown of CK2α resulted in morphologic phenotypes resembling those of radiation-induced senescence. These results suggest that CK2α and CK2α′ play differential roles in hMSC senescence progression, and their relative expression might represent a novel regulatory mechanism for CK2 activity. [Cancer Res 2009;69(20):8200–7]
Data from Whole-Body Sleeping Beauty Mutagenesis Can Cause Penetrant Leukemia/Lymphoma and Rare High-Grade Glioma without Associated Embryonic Lethality
Authors: Collier Lara S. , Adams David J. , Hackett Christopher S. , Bendzick Laura E. , Akagi Keiko , Davies Michael N. , Diers Miechaleen D. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Bender Aaron M. , Tieu Christina , Matise Ilze , Dupuy Adam J. , Copeland Neal G. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Hodgson J. Graeme , Weiss William A. , Jenkins Robert B. , Largaespada David A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system has been used as a somatic mutagen to identify candidate cancer genes. In previous studies, efficient leukemia/lymphoma formation on an otherwise wild-type genetic background occurred in mice undergoing whole-body mobilization of transposons, but was accompanied by high levels of embryonic lethality. To explore the utility of SB for large-scale cancer gene discovery projects, we have generated mice that carry combinations of different transposon and transposase transgenes. We have identified a transposon/transposase combination that promotes highly penetrant leukemia/lymphoma formation on an otherwise wild-type genetic background, yet does not cause embryonic lethality. Infiltrating gliomas also occurred at lower penetrance in these mice. SB-induced or accelerated tumors do not harbor large numbers of chromosomal amplifications or deletions, indicating that transposon mobilization likely promotes tumor formation by insertional mutagenesis of cancer genes, and not by promoting wide-scale genomic instability. Cloning of transposon insertions from lymphomas/leukemias identified common insertion sites at known and candidate novel cancer genes. These data indicate that a high mutagenesis rate can be achieved using SB without high levels of embryonic lethality or genomic instability. Furthermore, the SB system could be used to identify new genes involved in lymphomagenesis/leukemogenesis. [Cancer Res 2009;69(21):8429–37]
Data from β-Lapachone Micellar Nanotherapeutics for Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Blanco Elvin , Bey Erik A. , Khemtong Chalermchai , Yang Su-Geun , Setti-Guthi Jagadeesh , Chen Huabing , Kessinger Chase W. , Carnevale Kevin A. , Bornmann William G. , Boothman David A. , Gao Jinming
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths with current chemotherapies lacking adequate specificity and efficacy. β-Lapachone (β-lap) is a novel anticancer drug that is bioactivated by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, an enzyme found specifically overexpressed in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Herein, we report a nanotherapeutic strategy that targets NSCLC tumors in two ways: (a) pharmacodynamically through the use of a bioactivatable agent, β-lap, and (b) pharmacokinetically by using a biocompatible nanocarrier, polymeric micelles, to achieve drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery. β-Lap micelles produced by a film sonication technique were small (∼30 nm), displayed core-shell architecture, and possessed favorable release kinetics. Pharmacokinetic analyses in mice bearing subcutaneous A549 lung tumors showed prolonged blood circulation (t1/2, ∼28 h) and increased accumulation in tumors. Antitumor efficacy analyses in mice bearing subcutaneous A549 lung tumors and orthotopic Lewis lung carcinoma models showed significant tumor growth delay and increased survival. In summary, we have established a clinically viable β-lap nanomedicine platform with enhanced safety, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor efficacy for the specific treatment of NSCLC tumors. Cancer Res; 70(10); 3896–904. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Blockade of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Kinase and Murine Double Minute Synergistically Induces Apoptosis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia via BH3-Only Proteins Puma and Bim
Authors: Zhang Weiguo , Konopleva Marina , Burks Jared K. , Dywer Karen C. , Schober Wendy D. , Yang Jer-Yen , McQueen Teresa J. , Hung Mien-Chie , Andreeff Michael
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Molecular aberrations of the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)/ERK and/or Murine double minute (MDM2)/p53 signaling pathways have been reported in 80% and 50% of primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) samples and confer poor outcome. In this study, antileukemic effects of combined MEK inhibition by AZD6244 and nongenotoxic p53 activation by MDM2 antagonist Nutlin-3a were investigated. Simultaneous blockade of MEK and MDM2 signaling by AZD6244 and Nutlin-3a triggered synergistic proapoptotic responses in AML cell lines [combination index (CI) = 0.06 ± 0.03 and 0.43 ± 0.03 in OCI/AML3 and MOLM13 cells, respectively] and in primary AML cells (CI = 0.52 ± 0.01). Mechanistically, the combination upregulated levels of BH3-only proteins Puma and Bim, in part via transcriptional upregulation of the FOXO3a transcription factor. Suppression of Puma and Bim by short interfering RNA rescued OCI/AML3 cells from AZD/Nutlin-induced apoptosis. These results strongly indicate the therapeutic potential of combined MEK/MDM2 blockade in AML and implicate Puma and Bim as major regulators of AML cell survival. Cancer Res; 70(6); 2424–34
Data from Identification of the ENT1 Antagonists Dipyridamole and Dilazep as Amplifiers of Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Replication
Authors: Passer Brent J. , Cheema Tooba , Zhou Bingsen , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Zaupa Cecile , Razmjoo Mani , Sarte Jason , Wu Shulin , Wu Chin-lee , Noah James W. , Li Qianjun , Buolamwini John K. , Yen Yun , Rabkin Samuel D. , Martuza Robert L.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Oncolytic herpes simplex virus-1 (oHSV) vectors selectively replicate in tumor cells, where they kill through oncolysis while sparing normal cells. One of the drawbacks of oHSV vectors is their limited replication and spread to neighboring cancer cells. Here, we report the outcome of a high-throughput chemical library screen to identify small-molecule compounds that augment the replication of oHSV G47Δ. Of the 2,640-screened bioactives, 6 compounds were identified and subsequently validated for enhanced G47Δ replication. Two of these compounds, dipyridamole and dilazep, interfered with nucleotide metabolism by potently and directly inhibiting the equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (ENT1). Replicative amplification promoted by dipyridamole and dilazep were dependent on HSV mutations in ICP6, the large subunit of ribonucleotide reductase. Our results indicate that ENT1 antagonists augment oHSV replication in tumor cells by increasing cellular ribonucleoside activity. Cancer Res; 70(10); 3890–5. ©2010 AACR.