bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from EWS/FLI1 Regulates Tumor Angiogenesis in Ewing's Sarcoma via Suppression of Thrombospondins
Authors: Potikyan Gary , Savene Rupert O.V. , Gaulden Julie M. , France Kelly A. , Zhou Zhichao , Kleinerman Eugenie S. , Lessnick Stephen L. , Denny Christopher T.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Suppression of the expression of antiangiogenic factors has been closely associated with multiple malignancies. Thrombospondins 1 and 2 are members of a family of angiogenic inhibitors that are regulated by several oncogenes. In this study, we investigate the role of thrombospondins in Ewing's sarcoma and their regulation by EWS/ETS fusion oncoproteins. We show that the EWS/FLI1 fusion suppresses the expression of thrombospondins in both NIH3T3 fibroblasts and Ewing's sarcoma tumor–derived cell lines. This regulation depends on an intact EWS/FLI1 DNA-binding domain and may involve direct interactions between EWS/FLI1 and thrombospondin promoter regions. Forced expression of thrombospondins in Ewing's sarcoma cell lines inhibited the rate of tumor formation in vivo and markedly decreased the number of microvessels present in the tumors. These findings suggest that thrombospondins play a biologically significant role in tumor vascularization in Ewing's sarcoma and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for future therapeutic intervention. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6675–84]
Data from NAC-1 Controls Cell Growth and Survival by Repressing Transcription of Gadd45GIP1, a Candidate Tumor Suppressor
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Nakayama Naomi , Wang Tian-Li , Shih Ie-Ming
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cancer mortality and morbidity are primarily related to recurrent tumors, and characterization of recurrence-associated genes should illuminate fundamental properties of tumor progression and provide new therapeutic targets. We have previously identified NAC-1, a member of the BTB/POZ gene family and a transcription repressor, as a gene associated with recurrent ovarian carcinomas after chemotherapy. We further showed that homodimerization of NAC-1 proteins is essential for tumor growth and survival. In this study, we applied serial analysis of gene expression and identified growth arrest and DNA-damage–inducible 45-γ interacting protein (Gadd45GIP1) as one of the downstream genes negatively regulated by NAC-1. NAC-1 knockdown in both SKOV3 and HeLa cells that expressed abundant endogenous NAC-1 induced Gadd45GIP1 expression transcriptionally; on the other hand, engineered expression of NAC-1 in NAC-1–negative RK3E and HEK293 cells suppressed endogenous Gadd45GIP1 expression. In NAC-1–expressing tumor cells, induction of dominant negative NAC-1 conferred a growth-inhibitory effect that can be partially reversed by Gadd45GIP1 knockdown. Induced Gadd45GIP1 expression resulted in growth arrest in SKOV3 and HeLa cells both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, NAC-1 contributes to tumor growth and survival by at least inhibiting Gadd45GIP1 expression, which has a tumor suppressor effect in cancer cells. [Cancer Res 2007;67(17):8058–64]
Data from Blockade of β-Catenin Signaling by Plant Flavonoid Apigenin Suppresses Prostate Carcinogenesis in TRAMP Mice
Authors: Shukla Sanjeev , MacLennan Gregory T. , Flask Chris A. , Fu Pingfu , Mishra Anil , Resnick Martin I. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Deregulation of β-catenin signaling is an important event in the genesis of several human malignancies including prostate cancer. We investigated the effects of apigenin, a naturally occurring plant flavone, on prostate carcinogenesis in TRAMP mice and further elucidated its mechanism of action. Oral intake of apigenin by gavage at doses of 20 and 50 μg/mouse/d, 6 days per week for 20 weeks, significantly decreased tumor volumes of the prostate as well as completely abolished distant-site metastases to lymph nodes, lungs, and liver in TRAMP mice. Apigenin-treated mice had significantly diminished weights of their genitourinary apparatuses and dorsolateral and ventral prostate lobes, compared with the control group, and showed reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in the dorsolateral prostates, which correlated with elevated plasma apigenin levels. Continuous intake of apigenin up to 50 weeks by TRAMP mice significantly improved their overall survival. P.o. administration of apigenin further resulted in increased levels of E-cadherin and decreased levels of nuclear β-catenin, c-Myc, and cyclin D1 in the dorsolateral prostates of TRAMP mice. Similar effects were noted in TRAMP mice with established tumors. Treatment of DU145 human prostate cancer cells with 10 and 20 μmol/L apigenin also increased protein levels of E-cadherin by 27% to 74%, inhibited nuclear translocation of β-catenin and its retention in the cytoplasm, and decreased c-Myc and cyclin D1 levels, an effect similar to the exposure of cells to β-catenin small interfering RNA. Our results indicate that apigenin effectively suppressed prostate carcinogenesis in TRAMP mice, at least in part, by blocking β-catenin signaling. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6925–35]
Data from Monocarboxylate Transporter 4 Regulates Maturation and Trafficking of CD147 to the Plasma Membrane in the Metastatic Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA-MB-231
Authors: Gallagher Shannon M. , Castorino John J. , Wang Dian , Philp Nancy J.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells increase glucose consumption and metabolism via glycolysis, producing large quantities of lactate. Recent work has shown that lactate efflux is mediated by monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), which are composed of a catalytic unit (MCT) and an accessory subunit (CD147), comprising the functional lactate transporter. CD147, an extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inducer, is highly expressed in metastatic cancer cells. Because aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of metastatic cancer, we examined whether increases in CD147 expression were linked to MCT expression in MDA-MB-231, a highly metastatic breast cancer cell line. MCT4 mRNA and protein expression were increased in MDA-MB-231 cells compared with cells derived from normal mammary tissue. MCT4 colocalized with CD147 in the plasma membrane and in membrane blebs shed from the cell surface. Small interfering RNA–mediated silencing of MCT4 impaired the maturation and trafficking of CD147 to the cell surface, resulting in accumulation of CD147 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Silencing MCT4 also resulted in fewer membrane blebs and decreased migration of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. Knockdown of CD147 resulted in loss of MCT4 in the plasma membrane and accumulation of the transporter in endolysosomes. These studies establish for the first time that increased expression of CD147 in metastatic cancer cells is coupled to the up-regulation of MCT4. The synergistic activities of the MCT/CD147 complex could facilitate migration of tumor cells by CD147-mediated MMP induction and lactate-stimulated angiogenesis and hyaluronan production. These data provide a molecular link between two hallmarks of metastatic cancer: the glycolytic switch and increased expression of CD147. [Cancer Res 2007;67(9):4182–9]
Data from Gene Expression Profiling of Liposarcoma Identifies Distinct Biological Types/Subtypes and Potential Therapeutic Targets in Well-Differentiated and Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma
Authors: Singer Samuel , Socci Nicholas D. , Ambrosini Grazia , Sambol Elliot , Decarolis Penelope , Wu Yuhsin , O'Connor Rachael , Maki Robert , Viale Agnes , Sander Chris , Schwartz Gary K. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Classification of liposarcoma into three biological types encompassing five subtypes, (a) well-differentiated/dedifferentiated, (b) myxoid/round cell, and (c) pleomorphic, based on morphologic features and cytogenetic aberrations, is widely accepted. However, diagnostic discordance remains even among expert sarcoma pathologists. We sought to develop a more systematic approach to liposarcoma classification based on gene expression analysis and to identify subtype-specific differentially expressed genes that may be involved in liposarcoma genesis/progression and serve as potential therapeutic targets. A classifier based on gene expression profiling was able to distinguish between liposarcoma subtypes, lipoma, and normal fat samples. A 142-gene predictor of tissue class was derived to automatically determine the class of an independent validation set of lipomatous samples and shows the feasibility of liposarcoma classification based entirely on gene expression monitoring. Differentially expressed genes for each liposarcoma subtype compared with normal fat were used to identify histology-specific candidate genes with an in-depth analysis of signaling pathways important to liposarcoma pathogenesis and progression in the well-differentiated/dedifferentiated subset. The activation of cell cycle and checkpoint pathways in well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcoma provides several possible novel therapeutic strategies with MDM2 serving as a particularly promising target. We show that Nutlin-3a, an antagonist of MDM2, preferentially induces apoptosis and growth arrest in dedifferentiated liposarcoma cells compared with normal adipocytes. These results support the development of a clinical trial with MDM2 antagonists for liposarcoma subtypes which overexpress MDM2 and show the promise of using this expression dataset for new drug discovery in liposarcoma. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6626–36]
Data from HS1-Associated Protein X-1 Regulates Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion via Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of Integrin αvβ6
Authors: Ramsay Alan G. , Keppler Melanie D. , Jazayeri Mona , Thomas Gareth J. , Parsons Maddy , Violette Shelia , Weinreb Paul , Hart Ian R. , Marshall John F.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Enhanced expression levels of integrin αvβ6 have been linked to more aggressive invasive carcinoma cell behavior and poorer clinical prognosis. However, how αvβ6 determines invasion and the dynamics of integrin αvβ6 regulation in tumor cells are poorly understood. We have identified the 35-kDa HS1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) protein as a novel binding partner of the β6 cytoplasmic tail using a yeast two-hybrid screen. We show that αvβ6-dependent migration is blocked following small interfering RNA (siRNA)–mediated depletion of HAX-1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Using both siRNA and membrane-permeable peptides, we show that αvβ6-dependent migration and invasion require HAX-1 to bind directly to β6 and thereby regulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis of αvβ6 integrins. Progression of oral cancer is associated with enhanced expression of αvβ6 and HAX-1 proteins in patient tissue. This report establishes that integrin endocytosis is required for αvβ6-dependent carcinoma cell motility and invasion and suggests that this process is an important mechanism in cancer progression. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5275–84]
Data from A Combination of Chemoimmunotherapies Can Efficiently Break Self-Tolerance and Induce Antitumor Immunity in a Tolerogenic Murine Tumor Model
Authors: Ko Hyun-Jeong , Kim Yeon-Jeong , Kim Yun-Sun , Chang Woo-Sung , Ko Sung-Youl , Chang Sun-Young , Sakaguchi Shimon , Kang Chang-Yuil
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Her-2/neu is a well-characterized tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in human carcinomas such as breast cancer. Because Her-2/neu is a self-antigen with poor immunogenicity due to immunologic tolerance, active immunotherapy targeting Her-2/neu should incorporate methods to overcome immunologic tolerance to self-proteins. In this study, we developed a tolerogenic tumor model in mice using mouse Her-2/neu as self-antigen and investigated whether genetic vaccination with DNA plasmid and/or adenoviral vector expressing the extracellular and transmembrane domain of syngeneic mouse Her-2/neu or xenogenic human Her-2/neu could induce mouse Her-2/neu–specific CTL responses. Interestingly, adenoviral vectors expressing xenogenic human Her-2/neu (AdhHM) proved capable of breaking immune tolerance and of thereby inducing self-reactive CTL and antibodies, but not to the degree required to induce therapeutic antitumor immunity. In attempting to generate therapeutic antitumor immunity against established tumors, we adopted several approaches. Treatment with agonistic anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related receptor (GITR) antibody plus AdhHM immunization significantly increased self-reactive CTL responses, and α-galactosylceramide (αGalCer)–loaded dendritic cells (DC) transduced with AdhHM were shown to break self-tolerance in a tolerogenic murine tumor model. Furthermore, gemcitabine treatment together with either AdhHM plus agonistic anti-GITR antibody administration or αGalCer-loaded DC transduced with AdhHM showed potent therapeutic antitumor immunity and perfect protection against preexisting tumors. Gemcitabine treatment attenuated the tumor-suppressive environment by eliminating CD11b+/Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells. When combined with immunotherapies, gemcitabine offers a promising strategy for the Ag-specific treatment of human cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(15):7477–86]
Data from Syk Tyrosine Kinase Is Linked to Cell Motility and Progression in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck
Authors: Luangdilok Sutima , Box Carol , Patterson Lisa , Court William , Harrington Kevin , Pitkin Lisa , Rhŷs-Evans Peter , O-charoenrat Pornchai , Eccles Suzanne
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Syk, a non–receptor tyrosine kinase, is an important component of immunoreceptor signaling in hematopoietic cells. It has been implicated in key regulatory pathways including phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ) activation in B cells and integrin signaling in platelets and bronchial epithelial cells. Recently, potential roles in cancer have been reported. In breast cancers, reduced Syk expression was associated with invasion, and its overexpression in cell lines was shown to inhibit cell motility. In contrast, Syk has been shown to mediate chemomigration in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. Its role in squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) has not yet been investigated. Syk mRNA and protein expression was detected in 6 of 10 SCCHN cell lines. When Syk was transfected into Syk-negative cells (SIHN-011A), chemomigration was enhanced in vitro and this was associated with activation of PLCγ1. Conversely, abrogation of Syk activity by pharmacologic inhibition or small interfering RNA in HN6 cells with high levels of endogenous expression inhibited migration, haptotaxis, and engagement with matrix proteins; this was accompanied by decreased levels of phosphorylated AKT. Similar effects were seen in Syk-positive CAL 27 cells but not in Syk-negative SIHN-011A cells. Immunoprecipitation suggested co-association of Syk with epidermal growth factor receptor and GRB-2. Syk expression in SCCHN patient tissues was examined by semiquantitative real-time PCR (n = 45) and immunohistochemistry (n = 38) in two independent cohorts. Higher levels of Syk expression were observed in tumors and lymph node metastases relative to normal tissues. High Syk expression significantly correlated with worse survival and may be of prognostic value in SCCHN due to its potential role in cell migration and invasion. [Cancer Res 2007;67(16):7907–16]
Data from Effects of Phenylethyl Isothiocyanate on Early Molecular Events in N-Nitrosomethylbenzylamine–Induced Cytotoxicity in Rat Esophagus
Authors: Reen Rashmeet K. , Dombkowski Alan A. , Kresty Laura A. , Cukovic Daniela , Mele Jennifer M. , Salagrama Sridevi , Nines Ronald , Stoner Gary D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
There is little information on early molecular events in the development of N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA)–induced rat esophageal tumorigenesis and of the effects of chemopreventive agents on these events. In this study, we identified genes in rat esophagus that were differentially expressed in response to short-term NMBA treatment and modulated by cotreatment with phenylethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC). Rats were fed AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet containing PEITC for 3 weeks. During the 3rd week of dietary treatment, they were administered three s.c. doses of NMBA (0.5 mg/kg body weight). Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment; esophagi were excised and processed for histologic grading, microarray and real-time PCR analysis. Histopathologic analysis showed that treatment of rats with PEITC had a protective effect on NMBA-induced preneoplastic lesions in the rat esophagus. We identified 2,261 genes that were differentially expressed in the NMBA-treated versus control esophagi and 1,936 genes in the PEITC + NMBA versus NMBA-treated esophagi. The intersection of these two sets resulted in the identification of 1,323 genes in NMBA-treated esophagus, the vast majority of which were modulated by PEITC to near-normal levels of expression. Measured changes in the expression levels of eight selected genes were validated using real-time PCR. Results from 12 microarrays indicated that PEITC treatment had a genome-wide modulating effect on NMBA-induced gene expression. Samples obtained from animals treated with PEITC alone or cotreated with PEITC + NMBA were more similar to controls than to samples treated with NMBA alone. [Cancer Res 2007;67(13):1–9]
Data from p53-Mediated Growth Suppression in Response to Nutlin-3 in Cyclin D1–Transformed Cells Occurs Independently of p21
Authors: Kan Charlene E. , Patton John T. , Stark George R. , Jackson Mark W.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Interaction of cyclin D1 with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) results in the hyperphosphorylation of the RB family of proteins, thereby inactivating the tumor-suppressive function of RB. Our previous findings suggest that constitutive cyclin D1/CDK activity inhibits p53-mediated gene repression by preventing the appropriate regulation of CDK activity by the CDK inhibitor p21, a transcriptional target of p53. To study the role of cyclin D1 in driving human mammary cell transformation, we expressed a constitutively active cyclin D1–CDK fusion protein (D1/CDK) in immortalized human mammary epithelial cells. D1/CDK-expressing human mammary epithelial cells grew anchorage-independently in the presence of wild-type p53, consistent with the idea that D1/CDK disrupts downstream p53 signaling. Using this transformation model, we examined the sensitivity of the D1/CDK-expressing cells to Nutlin-3, an HDM2 antagonist that activates p53. Surprisingly, treatment of D1/CDK-transformed cells with Nutlin-3 prevented their anchorage-independent growth. The Nutlin-3–induced growth arrest was enforced in D1/CDK-expressing cells despite the presence of hyperphosphorylated RB implicating a p53-dependent, RB-independent mechanism for growth suppression. Further analysis identified that CDC2 and cyclin B1, key cell cycle regulators, were stably down-regulated following p53 stabilization by Nutlin-3, consistent with direct interaction between p53 and the CDC2 and cyclin B1 promoters, leading to the repression of transcription by methylation. In contrast to D1/CDK expression, direct inactivation of p53 resulted in no repression of CDC2 and no cell cycle arrest. We conclude that induction of p53 by Nutlin-3 is a viable therapeutic strategy in cancers with constitutive CDK signaling due to the direct repression of specific p53 target genes. [Cancer Res 2007;67(20):9862–8]
Data from Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Is Not a Prostate Specific Target
Authors: Quintero Ileana B. , Araujo César L. , Pulkka Anitta E. , Wirkkala Riikka S. , Herrala Annakaisa M. , Eskelinen Eeva-Liisa , Jokitalo Eija , Hellström Pekka A. , Tuominen Hannu J. , Hirvikoski Pasi P. , Vihko Pirkko T.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) is currently evaluated as a target for vaccine immunotherapy of prostate cancer. This is based on the previous knowledge about secretory PAP and its high prostatic expression. We describe a novel PAP spliced variant mRNA encoding a type I transmembrane (TM) protein with the extracellular NH2-terminal phosphatase activity and the COOH-terminal lysosomal targeting signal (YxxΦ). TM-PAP is widely expressed in nonprostatic tissues like brain, kidney, liver, lung, muscle, placenta, salivary gland, spleen, thyroid, and thymus. TM-PAP is also expressed in fibroblast, Schwann, and LNCaP cells, but not in PC-3 cells. In well-differentiated human prostate cancer tissue specimens, the expression of secretory PAP, but not TM-PAP, is significantly decreased. TM-PAP is localized in the plasma membrane-endosomal-lysosomal pathway and is colocalized with the lipid raft marker flotillin-1. No cytosolic PAP is detected. We conclude that the wide expression of TM-PAP in, for instance, neuronal and muscle tissues must be taken into account in the design of PAP-based immunotherapy approaches. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6549–54]
Data from Casein Kinase 2–Interacting Protein-1, a Novel Akt Pleckstrin Homology Domain-Interacting Protein, Down-regulates PI3K/Akt Signaling and Suppresses Tumor Growth In vivo
Authors: Tokuda Emi , Fujita Naoya , Oh-hara Tomoko , Sato Shigeo , Kurata Atsuo , Katayama Ryohei , Itoh Toshiki , Takenawa Tadaomi , Miyazono Kohei , Tsuruo Takashi
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt plays a central role in cell survival and proliferation. Its activation is linked to tumorigenesis in several human cancers. Although many Akt substrates have been elucidated, the Akt-binding proteins that regulate Akt function remain unclear. We report herein having identified casein kinase 2–interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) as an Akt pleckstrin homology (PH) domain-binding protein with Akt inhibitory function. CKIP-1 formed a complex with each Akt isoform (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3) via its NH2 terminus. Dimerization of CKIP-1 via its leucine zipper (LZ) motif at the COOH terminus was found to be associated with Akt inactivation because deletion of the LZ motif eliminated Akt inhibitory function, although it could still bind to Akt. Expression of the NH2 terminus–deleted CKIP-1 mutant containing the LZ motif, but lacking Akt-binding ability, induced Akt phosphorylation and activation by sequestering the ability of endogenous CKIP-1 to bind to Akt. Stable CKIP-1 expression caused Akt inactivation and cell growth inhibition in vitro. In addition, the growth of stable CKIP-1 transfectants xenografted into nude mice was slower than that of mock transfectants. These results indicate that CKIP-1, a novel Akt PH domain-interacting protein, would be a candidate of tumor suppressor with an Akt inhibitory function. [Cancer Res 2007;67(20):9666–76]
Data from Amplification of MDS1/EVI1 and EVI1, Located in the 3q26.2 Amplicon, Is Associated with Favorable Patient Prognosis in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Nanjundan Meera , Nakayama Yasuhisa , Cheng Kwai Wa , Lahad John , Liu Jinsong , Lu Karen , Kuo Wen-Lin , Smith-McCune Karen , Fishman David , Gray Joe W. , Mills Gordon B.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Increased copy number involving chromosome 3q26 is a frequent and early event in cancers of the ovary, lung, head and neck, cervix, and BRCA1 positive and basal breast cancers. The p110α catalytic subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3KCA) and protein kinase Cι (PKCι) have previously been shown as functionally deregulated by 3q copy number increase. High-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization of 235 high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancers using contiguous bacterial artificial chromosomes across 3q26 delineated an ∼2 Mb–wide region at 3q26.2 encompassing PDCD10 to MYNN (chr3:168722613-170908630). Ecotropic viral integration site-1 (EVI1) and myelodysplastic syndrome 1 (MDS1) are located at the center of this region, and their DNA copy number increases are associated with at least 5-fold increased RNA transcript levels in 83% and 98% of advanced ovarian cancers, respectively. Moreover, MDS1/EVI1 and EVI1 protein levels are increased in ovarian cancers and cancer cell lines. EVI1 and MDS1/EVI1 gene products increased cell proliferation, migration, and decreased transforming growth factor-β–mediated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter activity in ovarian epithelial cells. Intriguingly, the increases in EVI1 DNA copy number and MDS1/EVI1 transcripts are associated with improved patient outcomes, whereas EVI1 transcript levels are associated with a poor patient survival. Thus, the favorable patient prognosis associated with increased DNA copy number seems to be as a result of high-level expression of the fusion transcript MDS1/EVI1. Collectively, these studies suggest that MDS1/EVI1 and EVI1, previously implicated in acute myelogenous leukemia, contribute to the pathophysiology of epithelial ovarian cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(7):3074–84]
Data from A Role for the Fas/FasL System in Modulating Genetic Susceptibility to T-Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphomas
Authors: Villa-Morales María , Santos Javier , Pérez-Gómez Eduardo , Quintanilla Miguel , Fernández-Piqueras José
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Fas/FasL system mediates induced apoptosis of immature thymocytes and peripheral T lymphocytes, but little is known about its implication in genetic susceptibility to T-cell malignancies. In this article, we report that the expression of FasL increases early in all mice after γ-radiation treatments, maintaining such high levels for a long time in mice that resisted tumor induction. However, its expression is practically absent in T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas. Interestingly, there exist significant differences in the level of expression between two mice strains exhibiting extremely distinct susceptibilities that can be attributed to promoter functional polymorphisms. In addition, several functional nucleotide changes in the coding sequences of both Fas and FasL genes significantly affect their biological activity. These results lead us to propose that germ-line functional polymorphisms affecting either the levels of expression or the biological activity of both Fas and FasL genes could be contributing to the genetic risk to develop T-cell lymphoblastic lymphomas and support the use of radiotherapy as an adequate procedure to choose in the treatment of T-cell malignancies. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5107–16]
Data from A Novel Ovarian Xenografting Model to Characterize the Impact of Chemotherapy Agents on Human Primordial Follicle Reserve
Authors: Oktem Ozgur , Oktay Kutluk
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic agents, especially of the alkylating family, alter fertility in premenopausal females. However, it is not practically possible to quantify and characterize the impact of cancer drugs on ovarian reserve in a clinical setting. Thus, our specific aim was to develop a xenograft model to characterize the in vivo impact of chemotherapy agents on human ovary. Ovarian pieces from 24 weeks old abortuses were xenografted s.c. to severe combined immunodeficient mice (n = 52). Animals received either a single dose of 200 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide or the vehicle. Grafts were recovered from the control and treated mice 12 to 72 h after the cyclophosphamide injection and serially sectioned for primordial follicle counts. Apoptosis was assessed with terminal nucleotidyl transferase–mediated nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) staining, as well as intra-vital fluorescein-conjugated lectin and Evans blue labeling were done to assess microvasculature by confocal microscopy. Although there was 12% reduction in primordial follicle density by 12 h following treatment (P > 0.05), the follicle loss increased significantly at 24 h (53%, P < 0.01) and peaked at 48 h (93%, P < 0.0001). TUNEL staining peaked at 12 h, earlier than the diminishment in follicle numbers, and decreased thereafter. Xenograft vascularization pattern was similar to non-xenografted tissue, indicating appropriate in vivo drug delivery. The impact of cyclophosphamide on primordial follicle reserve in our human ovarian xenograft model is consistent with the clinical gonadotoxicity of this drug. Human ovarian xenografting is a promising model to characterize the gonadotoxic effects of current and emerging cancer drugs without a need for lengthy clinical studies. [Cancer Res 2007;67(21):10159–62]
Data from RAV12 Accelerates the Desensitization of Akt/PKB Pathway of Insulin-like Growth Factor I Receptor Signaling in COLO205
Authors: Chi-Hang Li Jonathan , Li Ronghao
Published: March 2023

Abstract
RAV12 is a high-affinity immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) chimeric antibody recognizing an N-linked carbohydrate epitope expressed on a number of human carcinomas and adenocarcinomas. RAV12 is efficacious in treating colon, gastric, and pancreatic tumors in xenograft models in vivo. Insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is a protein widely overexpressed in tumor-derived cell lines that promotes cell survival and prevents apoptosis. We found the RAV12 epitope (RAAG12) decorated the IGF-IR proteins of RAV12-responsive cell lines such as COLO201, COLO205, and SNU-16. Here, we report findings of IGF-IR signaling manipulation by RAV12. We found that RAV12 caused a significantly accelerated IGF-I–mediated IGF-IR phosphorylation and desensitization in COLO205. We also observed significant changes in some of the major downstream signaling components of IGF-IR. Data suggested that RAV12 treatment accelerated the desensitization of Akt/PKB through IRS1, and such activation could be attenuated by Tyrphostin AG538 (IGF-IR inhibitor), LY294002, or Wortmannin (phosphoinositide-3-kinase inhibitor). Furthermore, RAV12-inhibited IGF-I stimulated COLO205 growth, and the inhibition could be significantly augmented by mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor. [Cancer Res 2007;67(18):8856–64]
Data from Visualizing the Dynamics of EGFR Activity and Antiglioma Therapies In vivo
Authors: Arwert Esther , Hingtgen Shawn , Figueiredo Jose-Luiz , Bergquist Henry , Mahmood Umar , Weissleder Ralph , Shah Khalid
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Many altered pathways in cancer cells depend on growth factor receptors. In primary malignant gliomas, the amplification/alteration of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to play a significant role in enhancing glioma burden. In an effort to dissect the role of EGFR expression in glioma progression in vivo and evaluate targeted therapies for gliomas, we have genetically engineered glioma cells to visualize the dynamics of EGFR and targeted therapies in real time in vivo. Using engineered lentiviral vectors bearing fusions between EGFR and its exon 2 to 7 deleted variant (EGFRvIII) with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Renilla luciferase (Rluc), we show that there is a direct correlation between EGFR expression and glioma cell proliferation in the initial stages of glioma progression. To monitor and evaluate EGFR-targeted therapies, we have engineered (a) short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) and (b) clinically used monoclonal antibody, cetuximab. Using EGFR-GFP-Rluc/firefly luciferase (Fluc)-DsRed2 glioma model, we show that both shRNAs and cetuximab result in a considerable reduction in glioma cell proliferation in culture and glioma burden in vivo that can be monitored in real time at a cellular resolution. This study serves as a template to follow the role of growth factor receptor expression in tumor progression and to image therapeutic efficacy of targeted therapies in cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(15):7335–42]
Data from Loss of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/c-Met Signaling Pathway Accelerates Early Stages of N-nitrosodiethylamine–Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Takami Taro , Kaposi-Novak Pal , Uchida Koichi , Gomez-Quiroz Luis E. , Conner Elizabeth A. , Factor Valentina M. , Thorgeirsson Snorri S.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been reported to have both positive and negative effects on carcinogenesis. Here, we show that the loss of c-Met signaling in hepatocytes enhanced rather than suppressed the early stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis. c-Met conditional knockout mice (c-metfl/fl, AlbCre+/−; MetLivKO) treated with N-nitrosodiethylamine developed significantly more and bigger tumors and with a shorter latency compared with control (w/w, AlbCre+/−; Cre-Ctrl) mice. Accelerated tumor development was associated with increased rate of cell proliferation and prolonged activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling. MetLivKO livers treated with N-nitrosodiethylamine also displayed elevated lipid peroxidation, decreased ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, and up-regulation of superoxide dismutase 1 and heat shock protein 70, all consistent with increased oxidative stress. Likewise, gene expression profiling done at 3 and 5 months after N-nitrosodiethylamine treatment revealed up-regulation of genes associated with cell proliferation and stress responses in c-Met mutant livers. The negative effects of c-Met deficiency were reversed by chronic p.o. administration of antioxidant N–acetyl–l-cysteine. N–acetyl–l-cysteine blocked the EGFR activation and reduced the N-nitrosodiethylamine–initiated hepatocarcinogenesis to the levels of Cre-Ctrl mice. These results argue that intact HGF/c-Met signaling is essential for maintaining normal redox homeostasis in the liver and has tumor suppressor effect(s) during the early stages of N-nitrosodiethylamine–induced hepatocarcinogenesis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(20):9844–51]
Data from Control of Her-2 Tumor Immunity and Thyroid Autoimmunity by MHC and Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Jacob Jennifer B. , Kong Yi-chi M. , Meroueh Chady , Snower Daniel P. , David Chella S. , Ho Ye-Shih , Wei Wei-Zen
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Immune reactivity to self-antigens in both cancer and autoimmune diseases can be enhanced by systemic immune modulation, posing a challenge in cancer immunotherapy. To distinguish the genetic and immune regulation of tumor immunity versus autoimmunity, immune responses to human ErbB-2 (Her-2) and mouse thyroglobulin (mTg) were tested in transgenic mice expressing Her-2 that is overexpressed in several cancers, and HLA-DRB1*0301 (DR3) that is associated with susceptibility to several human autoimmune diseases, as well as experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). To induce Her-2 response, mice were electrovaccinated with pE2TM and pGM-CSF encoding the extracellular and transmembrane domains of Her-2 and the murine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, respectively. To induce EAT, mice received mTg i.v. with or without lipopolysaccharide. Depletion of regulatory T cells (Treg) with anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody enhanced immune reactivity to Her-2 as well as mTg, showing control of both Her-2 and mTg responses by Treg. When immunized with, Her-2xDR3 and B6xDR3 mice expressing H2bxDR3 haplotype developed more profound mTg response and thyroid pathology than Her-2 or B6 mice that expressed the EAT-resistant H2b haplotype. In Her-2xDR3 mice, the response to mTg was further amplified when mice were also immunized with pE2TM and pGM-CSF. On the contrary, Her-2 reactivity was comparable whether mice expressed DR3 or not. Therefore, induction of Her-2 immunity was independent of DR3 but development of EAT was dictated by this allele, whereas Tregs control the responses to both self-antigens. These results warrant close monitoring of autoimmunity during cancer immunotherapy, particularly in patients with susceptible MHC class II alleles. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):7020–7]
Data from Regulation of Phosphoglucose Isomerase/Autocrine Motility Factor Activities by the Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Family-14
Authors: Yanagawa Takashi , Funasaka Tatsuyoshi , Tsutsumi Soichi , Hu Huankai , Watanabe Hideomi , Raz Avraham
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI; EC 5.3.1.9) is a ubiquitous cytosolic enzyme essential for glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. PGI is a multifunctional dimeric protein that extracellularly acts as a cytokine [autocrine motility factor (AMF)] eliciting mitogenic, motogenic, and differentiation functions through binding to its cell surface receptor gp78/AMF receptor (AMFR). AMFR contains a seven-transmembrane domain with RING-H2 and leucine zipper motifs showing ubiquitin protein ligase (E3) activity and is exposed on the endoplasmic reticulum surface. Augmented expressions of both PGI/AMF and AMFR have been implicated in tumor progression and metastasis, and an intracellular binding partner of PGI/AMF is expected to regulate in part its diverse biological functions. Thus, we screened a cDNA library using a yeast two-hybrid system to search for interacting protein(s) and report on the finding of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-14 (PARP-14) to be a binding partner with PGI/AMF. PARP-14–PGI/AMF interaction was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation and immunolocalization. We also report that PGI/AMF degradation is mainly regulated by the ubiquitin-lysosome system and RNA interference experiments revealed that PARP-14 inhibits PGI/AMF ubiquitination, thus contributing to its stabilization and secretion. This newly characterized PARP-14 protein should assist in understanding the regulation of PGI/AMF intracellular function(s) and may provide a new therapeutic target for inhibition of PGI/AMF inducing tumor cell migration and invasion during metastasis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(18):8682–9]
Data from Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 Is Involved in Tumor Angiogenesis and Growth
Authors: Laakkonen Pirjo , Waltari Marika , Holopainen Tanja , Takahashi Takashi , Pytowski Bronislaw , Steiner Philipp , Hicklin Daniel , Persaud Kris , Tonra James R. , Witte Larry , Alitalo Kari
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) binds VEGF-C and VEGF-D and is essential for the development of the lymphatic vasculature. Experimental tumors that overexpress VEGFR-3 ligands induce lymphatic vessel sprouting and enlargement and show enhanced metastasis to regional lymph nodes and beyond, whereas a soluble form of VEGFR-3 that blocks receptor signaling inhibits these changes and metastasis. Because VEGFR-3 is also essential for the early blood vessel development in embryos and is up-regulated in tumor angiogenesis, we wanted to determine if an antibody targeting the receptor that interferes with VEGFR-3 ligand binding can inhibit primary tumor growth. Our results show that antibody interference with VEGFR-3 function can inhibit the growth of several human tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the blood vessel density of anti-VEGFR-3–treated tumors was significantly decreased and hypoxic and necrotic tumor tissue was increased when compared with tumors treated with control antibody, indicating that blocking of the VEGFR-3 pathway inhibits angiogenesis in these tumors. As expected, the anti-VEGFR-3–treated tumors also lacked lymphatic vessels. These results suggest that the VEGFR-3 pathway contributes to tumor angiogenesis and that effective inhibition of tumor progression may require the inhibition of multiple angiogenic targets. [Cancer Res 2007;67(2):593–9]
Data from Somatic Mutations in the Tyrosine Kinase Domain of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) Abrogate EGFR-Mediated Radioprotection in Non–Small Cell Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Das Amit K. , Chen Benjamin P. , Story Michael D. , Sato Mitsuo , Minna John D. , Chen David J. , Nirodi Chaitanya S.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important determinant of radioresponse, whose elevated expression and activity frequently correlates with radioresistance in several cancers, including non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We reported recently that NSCLC cell lines harboring somatic, activating mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of the EGFR exhibit significant delays in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) and poor clonogenic survival in response to radiation. Here, we explore the mechanisms underlying mutant EGFR-associated radiosensitivity. In three representative NSCLC cell lines, we show that, unlike wild-type (WT) EGFR, receptors with common oncogenic TKD mutations, L858R or ΔE746-E750, are defective in radiation-induced translocation to the nucleus and fail to bind the catalytic and regulatory subunits of the DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), a key enzyme in the nonhomologous end-joining repair pathway. Moreover, despite the presence of WT EGFR, stable exogenous expression of either the L858R or the ΔE746-E750 mutant forms of EGFR in human bronchial epithelial cells significantly delays repair of ionizing radiation (IR)–induced DSBs, blocks the resolution of frank or microhomologous DNA ends, and abrogates IR-induced nuclear EGFR translocation or binding to DNA-PK catalytic subunit. Our study has identified a subset of naturally occurring EGFR mutations that lack a critical radioprotective function of EGFR, providing valuable insights on how the EGFR mediates cell survival in response to radiation in NSCLC cell lines. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5267–74]
Data from Strong Evidence of a Genetic Determinant for Mammographic Density, a Major Risk Factor for Breast Cancer
Authors: Vachon Celine M. , Sellers Thomas A. , Carlson Erin E. , Cunningham Julie M. , Hilker Christopher A. , Smalley Regenia L. , Schaid Daniel J. , Kelemen Linda E. , Couch Fergus J. , Pankratz V. Shane
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Increased mammographic density (MD), the proportion of dense tissue visible on a mammogram, is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, common in the population and clusters in families. We conducted the first genome-wide linkage scan to identify genes influencing MD. DNA was obtained from 889 relatives (756 women, 133 men) from 89 families. Percent MD was estimated on 618 (82%) female family members using a validated computer-assisted thresholding method. The genome-wide scan included 403 microsatellite DNA markers with an average spacing of 9 cM. Fine mapping of a region of chromosome 5p (5p13.1-5p15.1) was done using 21 additional closely spaced DNA markers. Linkage analyses were conducted to quantify the evidence for a gene responsible for MD across the genome. The maximum log odds for linkage (LOD) score from the genome-wide scan was on chromosome 5p (LOD = 2.9, supporting linkage by a factor of 102.9 or 794 to 1) with a 1-LOD interval spanning 28.6 cM. Two suggestive regions for linkage were also identified on chromosome 12 (LOD = 2.6, 1-LOD interval of 14.8 cM; and LOD = 2.5, 1-LOD interval of 17.2 cM). Finer mapping of the region surrounding the maximum LOD on chromosome 5p resulted in stronger and statistically significant evidence for linkage (LOD = 4.2) and a narrowed 1-LOD interval (13.4 cM). The putative locus on chromosome 5p is likely to account for up to 22% of variation in MD. Hence, 1 or more of the 45 candidate genes in this region could explain a large proportion of MD and, potentially, breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(17):8412–8]
Data from Eradication of Large Tumors in Mice by a Tritherapy Targeting the Innate, Adaptive, and Regulatory Components of the Immune System
Authors: Berraondo Pedro , Nouzé Clémence , Préville Xavier , Ladant Daniel , Leclerc Claude
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Targeting the human papillomavirus (HPV) E7 antigen to dendritic cells with the adenylate cyclase (CyaA) of Bordetella pertussis as a vaccine vector led to potent therapeutic immune responses against TC-1 tumors in a murine model of cervical carcinoma induced by HPV. However, as the time between tumor graft and vaccination increased, the antitumor efficacy of the CyaA-E7 vaccine gradually decreased. The vaccine had no effect if the tumor diameter was >8 mm. Analyses of regulatory cells recruited during TC-1 tumor growth revealed a high number of splenic MDSCs and a large percentage of regulatory T cells, particularly in the tumor. Administration of a tritherapy including CpG complexed with a cationic lipid, low-dose cyclophosphamide, and the CyaA-E7 vaccine completely overcame tumor-associated immunosuppression and eradicated large, established tumors in almost all treated animals. This strong antitumor response was followed by a large expansion of regulatory T cells in tumor, spleen, and tumor-draining lymph nodes and of splenic neutrophils. These findings indicate that immunotherapeutic strategies that simultaneously target innate, adaptive, and regulatory components of the immune system are effective in the eradication of large tumors. [Cancer Res 2007;67(18):8847–55]
Data from Involvement of Sphingosine Kinase 2 in p53-Independent Induction of p21 by the Chemotherapeutic Drug Doxorubicin
Authors: Sankala Heidi M. , Hait Nitai C. , Paugh Steven W. , Shida Dai , Lépine Sandrine , Elmore Lynne W. , Dent Paul , Milstien Sheldon , Spiegel Sarah
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate is a potent lipid mediator formed by phosphorylation of sphingosine, a metabolite of sphingolipids, catalyzed by two sphingosine kinase (SphK) isoenzymes, SphK1 and SphK2. Expression of SphK2, which is enriched in the nucleus of MCF7 human breast cancer cells, increased expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 but had no effect on p53 or its phosphorylation. The anticancer drug doxorubicin is known to increase p21 via p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms. Down-regulation of endogenous SphK2 with small interfering RNA targeted to unique mRNA sequences decreased basal and doxorubicin-induced expression of p21 without affecting increased expression of p53. Down-regulation of SphK2 also decreased G2-M arrest and markedly enhanced apoptosis induced by doxorubicin. Moreover, siSphK2 reduced doxorubicin-induced p21 expression in p53-inactivated MCF7 cells. Likewise, in human wild-type p53- and p21-expressing HCT116 colon carcinoma cells, as well as in p53-null counterparts, down-regulation of SphK2 markedly reduced p21 induction by doxorubicin. Knockdown of SphK2 sensitized HCT116 cells to apoptosis induced by doxorubicin with concomitant cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Collectively, our results show that endogenous SphK2 is important for p53-independent induction of p21 expression by doxorubicin and suggest that SphK2 may influence the balance between cytostasis and apoptosis of human cancer cells. [Cancer Res 2007;67(21):10466–74]
Data from PARC and CUL7 Form Atypical Cullin RING Ligase Complexes
Authors: Skaar Jeffrey R. , Florens Laurence , Tsutsumi Takeya , Arai Takehiro , Tron Adriana , Swanson Selene K. , Washburn Michael P. , DeCaprio James A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
CUL7 and the p53-associated, PARkin-like cytoplasmic protein (PARC) were previously reported to form homodimers and heterodimers, the first demonstration of cullin dimerization. Although a CUL7-based SKP1/CUL1/F-box (SCF)–like complex has been observed, little is known about the existence of a PARC-based SCF-like complex and how PARC interacts with CUL7-based complexes. To further characterize PARC-containing complexes, we examined the ability of PARC to form an SCF-like complex. PARC binds RBX1 and is covalently modified by NEDD8, defining PARC as a true cullin. However, PARC fails to bind SKP1 or F-box proteins, including the CUL7-associated FBXW8. To examine the assembly of PARC- and CUL7-containing complexes, tandem affinity purification followed by multidimensional protein identification technology were used. Multidimensional protein identification technology analysis revealed that the CUL7 interaction with FBXW8 was mutually exclusive of CUL7 binding to PARC or p53. Notably, although heterodimers of CUL7 and PARC bind p53, p53 is not required for the dimerization of CUL7 and PARC. The observed physical separation of FBXW8 and PARC is supported functionally by the generation of Parc−/−, Fbxw8−/− mice, which do not show exacerbation of the Fbxw8−/− phenotype. Finally, all of the PARC and CUL7 subcomplexes examined exhibit E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in vitro. Together, these findings indicate that the intricate assembly of PARC- and CUL7-containing complexes is highly regulated, and multiple subcomplexes may exhibit ubiquitin ligase activity. [Cancer Res 2007;67(5):2006–14]