bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequent Aberrant Methylation of the
CDH4
Gene Promoter in Human Colorectal and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Miotto Elena , Sabbioni Silvia , Veronese Angelo , Calin George A. , Gullini Sergio , Liboni Alberto , Gramantieri Laura , Bolondi Luigi , Ferrazzi Eros , Gafà Roberta , Lanza Giovanni , Negrini Massimo
Published: September 2005

Gene promoter methylation causes loss of tumor suppressor genes function in human cancer. Here, we show that the CDH4 gene, a member of the cadherin family encoding for R-cadherin, contains a CpG island located at the 5′ of the first exon, which functions as a promoter element and is frequently affected by methylation in human cancer. By using methylation-specific PCR and reverse transcription-PCR in human cancer cell lines, promoter methylation could be directly linked to loss of gene expression. After treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine, expression could be restored. Analysis of human primary tumors revealed that the CDH4 gene is methylated in 78% (38 of 49) of colorectal and 95% (20 of 21) of gastric carcinomas. CDH4 methylation was not detected in nonneoplastic colonic (0 of 10) and stomach (0 of 10) tissues or in peripheral blood (0 of 17). CDH4 methylation was detected in histologically normal tissues located in proximity of the neoplasms, indicating that CDH4 methylation is an early event in gastrointestinal tumor progression. We also proved that CDH4 methylation can be revealed in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. Our results indicate that CDH4 may act as a tumor suppressor gene in human gastrointestinal tumors and can potentially be used as an early diagnostic marker for gastrointestinal tumorigenesis.
Matrix Metalloproteinase-26 Is Associated with Estrogen-Dependent Malignancies and Targets α1-Antitrypsin Serpin
Authors: Li Wei , Savinov Alexei Y. , Rozanov Dmitri V. , Golubkov Vladislav S. , Hedayat Hirad , Postnova Tatiana I. , Golubkova Natalia V. , Linli Yu , Krajewski Stanislaw , Strongin Alex Y.
Published: September 2005

Proteases exert control over cell behavior and affect many biological processes by making proteolytic modification of regulatory proteins. The purpose of this paper is to describe novel, important functions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-26. α1-Antitrypsin (AAT) is a serpin, the primary function of which is to regulate the activity of neutrophil/leukocyte elastase. Insufficient antiprotease activity because of AAT deficiency in the lungs is a contributing factor to early-onset emphysema. We recently discovered that AAT is efficiently cleaved by a novel metalloproteinase, MMP-26, which exhibits an unconventional PH81CGVPD Cys switch motif and is autocatalytically activated in cells and tissues. An elevated expression of MMP-26 in macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes supports the functional role of MMP-26 in the AAT cleavage and inflammation. We have demonstrated a direct functional link of MMP-26 expression with an estrogen dependency and confirmed the presence of the estrogen-response element in the MMP-26 promoter. Immunostaining of tumor cell lines and biopsy specimen microarrays confirmed the existence of the inverse correlations of MMP-26 and AAT in cells/tissues. An expression of MMP-26 in the estrogen-dependent neoplasms is likely to contribute to the inactivation of AAT, to the follow-up liberation of the Ser protease activity, and because of these biochemical events, to promote matrix destruction and malignant progression. In summary, we hypothesize that MMP-26, by cleaving and inactivating the AAT serpin, operates as a unique functional link that regulates a coordinated interplay between Ser and metalloproteinases in estrogen-dependent neoplasms.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Env–Derived Peptide Associates with Nucleolar Targets in Lymphoma, Mammary Carcinoma, and Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Bar-Sinai Allan , Bassa Nir , Fischette Maria , Gottesman Michael M. , Love Dona C. , Hanover John A. , Hochman Jacob
Published: September 2005

We have previously shown that the leader peptide (p14) of the Env-precursor of mouse mammary tumor virus is translocated into the nucleoli of murine T cell lymphomas that harbor this virus. Using a polyclonal antibody against recombinant p14, we show here that p14 is also localized to the nucleoli of murine mammary carcinomas and some human breast cancer samples. Affinity purification studies define a number of proteins, mostly nucleolar, that bind p14. Taken together, these findings point towards a more general involvement of p14 in lymphomagenesis and mammary carcinogenesis.
Oncogenic Tyrosine Kinase of Malignant Hemopathy Targets the Centrosome
Authors: Delaval Bénédicte , Létard Sébastien , Lelièvre Hélène , Chevrier Véronique , Daviet Laurent , Dubreuil Patrice , Birnbaum Daniel
Published: September 2005

Myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are malignant diseases of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Many MPDs result from a chromosomal translocation that creates a fusion gene encoding a chimeric kinase. The fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1)-MPD is characterized by the fusion of the FGFR1 kinase with various partners, including FOP. We show here that both normal FOP and FOP-FGFR1 fusion kinase localize to the centrosome. The fusion kinase encounters substrates at the centrosome where it induces strong phosphorylation on tyrosine residues. Treatment with FGFR1 kinase inhibitor SU5402 abolishes FOP-FGFR1-induced centrosomal phosphorylation and suppresses the proliferative and survival potentials of FOP-FGFR1 Ba/F3 cells. We further show that FOP-FGFR1 allows cells to overcome G1 arrest. Therefore, the FOP-FGFR1 fusion kinase targets the centrosome, activates signaling pathways at this organelle, and sustains continuous entry in the cell cycle. This could represent a potential new mechanism of oncogenic transformation occurring specifically at the centrosome.
Cystine-Glutamate Transporter SLC7A11 in Cancer Chemosensitivity and Chemoresistance
Authors: Huang Ying , Dai Zunyan , Barbacioru Catalin , Sadée Wolfgang
Published: September 2005

SLC7A11 (xCT), together with SLC3A2 (4F2hc), encodes the heterodimeric amino acid transport system xc−, which mediates cystine-glutamate exchange and thereby regulates intracellular glutathione levels. We used microarrays to analyze gene expression of transporters in 60 human cancer cell lines used by the National Cancer Institute for drug screening (NCI-60). The expression of SLC7A11 showed significant correlation with that of SLC3A2 (r = 0.66), which in turn correlated with SLC7A5 (r = 0.68), another known partner for SLC3A2, and with T1A-2 (r = 0.60; all P < 0.0001). Linking expression of SLC7A11 with potency of 1,400 candidate anticancer drugs identified 39 showing positive correlations, e.g., amino acid analogue, l-alanosine, and 296 with negative correlations, e.g., geldanamycin. However, no significant correlation was observed with the geldanamycin analogue 17-allylamino, 17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG). Inhibition of transport system xc− with glutamate or (S)-4-carboxyphenylglycine in lung A549 and HOP-62, and ovarian SK-OV-3 cells, reduced the potency of l-alanosine and lowered intracellular glutathione levels. This further resulted in increased potency of geldanamycin, with no effect on 17-AAG. Down-regulation of SLC7A11 by small interfering RNA affected drug potencies similarly to transport inhibitors. The inhibitor of γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, buthionine sulfoximine, also decreased intracellular glutathione levels and enhanced potency of geldanamycin, but did not affect l-alanosine. These results indicate that SLC7A11 mediates cellular uptake of l-alanosine but confers resistance to geldanamycin by supplying cystine for glutathione maintenance. SLC7A11 expression could serve as a predictor of cellular response to l-alanosine and glutathione-mediated resistance to geldanamycin, yielding a potential target for increasing chemosensitivity to multiple drugs.
RECK-Mediated Suppression of Tumor Cell Invasion Is Regulated by Glycosylation in Human Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Simizu Siro , Takagi Satoshi , Tamura Yuki , Osada Hiroyuki
Published: September 2005

RECK, a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)–anchored glycoprotein, negatively regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), such as MMP-9, and inhibits tumor invasion and metastasis. The predicted amino acid sequence of human RECK includes five putative N-glycosylation sites; however, the precise biochemical role of glycosylated RECK remains unknown. In this study, we examined the link between glycosylation and the function of RECK in human tumor cell lines. RECK protein was glycosylated at Asn86, Asn200, Asn297, and Asn352 residues but not at the Asn39 residue in HT1080 cells. Although the glycosylation of these asparagine sites did not play a role in the cell surface localization of RECK as a GPI-anchored protein, the glycosylation of RECK Asn297 residue was involved in the suppression of MMP-9 secretion and Asn352 residue was necessary to inhibit MMP-2 activation. Moreover, RECK-suppressed tumor cell invasion was reversed by inhibiting glycosylation at Asn86, Asn297, and Asn352 residues of RECK. Thus, these findings indicate that glycosylation mediates RECK suppression of tumor cell invasion by multiple mechanisms such as suppressing MMP-9 secretion and inhibiting MMP-2 activation.
Reduced Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α in Perinecrotic Regions of Solid Tumors
Authors: Sobhanifar Solmaz , Aquino-Parsons Christina , Stanbridge Eric J. , Olive Peggy
Published: September 2005

Hypoxia that develops in solid tumors stabilizes the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) subunit of the HIF-1 transcription factor, leading to up-regulation of dozens of hypoxia-regulated genes that increase glycolysis and oxygen delivery. HIF-1α and its downstream target gene CA9 have both been used as surrogate hypoxia markers, and, in general, high expression predicts for a poor response to treatment. Combinations of hypoxia markers offer the opportunity to measure changes in tumor oxygenation that may be relevant to tumor response to treatment. We compared the degree of colocalization of two endogenous markers for hypoxia, HIF-1α and carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), with a chemical marker for hypoxia, pimonidazole. Unexpectedly, expression of HIF-1α was reduced in the most hypoxic regions that border necrosis in xenograft tumors composed of SiHa cervical carcinoma, WiDr colon carcinoma, or M006 astrocytoma cells. Similar results were obtained for samples from three cervical cancer biopsies. However, CAIX was present in these perinecrotic cells that were also capable of metabolizing and binding a chemical marker for hypoxia, pimonidazole. In vitro experiments using tumor cells and tumor cubes incubated under anoxic conditions indicated that nutrient deprivation seems to be largely responsible for the lack of HIF-1α expression in perinecrotic regions. The half-life of CAIX was sufficiently long that, once formed, it remained for days in the absence of continued HIF-1α expression. These results have implications for the use of HIF-1α as an indicator of tumor hypoxia and aggressiveness as well as development of hypoxia-directed antitumor therapies based on the expression of HIF-1α.
A Hypoxia-Driven Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/Flt1 Autocrine Loop Interacts with Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 Pathway in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Das Bikul , Yeger Herman , Tsuchida Rika , Torkin Risa , Gee Matthew F.W. , Thorner Paul S. , Shibuya Masabumi , Malkin David , Baruchel Sylvain
Published: September 2005

Flt1, an “fms-like tyrosine kinase” receptor, has been suggested to play an active role in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–mediated autocrine signaling of tumor growth and angiogenesis. Here, we used a neuroblastoma model to investigate the role of VEGF/Flt1 signaling in hypoxia-mediated tumor cell survival, drug resistance, and in vivo angiogenesis. SK-N-BE(2), a highly malignant neuroblastoma cell line resistant to hypoxia-induced apoptosis expresses active Flt1 but lacks VEGFR2 expression. We found that 24-hour hypoxia (<0.1% O2) alone (no serum deprivation) showed sustained activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) associated with bcl-2 up-regulation and resistance to etoposide-induced (5 μmol/L) apoptosis. Treatment with anti-VEGF and anti-Flt1 antibodies inhibited ERK1/2 activation, down-regulated bcl-2, and reversed the hypoxia-mediated drug resistance to etoposide. Similar results were obtained with U0126 and ursolic acid, specific and nonspecific inhibitors of ERK1/2, respectively. We confirmed the protective role of Flt1 receptor by small interfering RNA knockout and Flt1 overexpression studies. Subsequently, we found that inhibition of VEGF/Flt1 autocrine signaling led to reduced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) phosphorylation. Furthermore, the reduced phosphorylation was associated with down-regulation of basic fibroblast growth factor, a downstream target of the HIF-1α and VEGF pathways. Our findings suggested an expanded autocrine loop between VEGF/Flt1 signaling and HIF-1α. We investigated the angiogenic activity of the loop in an in vivo Matrigel plug assay. The hypoxia-treated conditioned medium induced a strong angiogenic response, as well as the cooption of surrounding vessels into the plugs; ursolic acid inhibited the angiogenesis process. We also found that three other Flt1-expressing neuroblastoma cell lines show hypoxia-mediated drug resistance to etoposide, melphalan, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide. Taken together, we conclude that a hypoxia-driven VEGF/Flt1 autocrine loop interacts with HIF-1α through a mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK1/2 pathway in neuroblastoma. The interaction, in the form of an autocrine loop, is required for the hypoxia-driven cell survival, drug resistance, and angiogenesis in neuroblastoma.
Multidrug-resistant Cancer Cells Facilitate E1-independent Adenoviral Replication
Authors: Holm Per S. , Lage Hermann , Bergmann Stephan , Jürchott Karsten , Glockzin Gabriel , Bernshausen Alexandra , Mantwill Klaus , Ladhoff Axel , Wichert Anke , Mymryk Joe S. , Ritter Thomas , Dietel Manfred , Gänsbacher Bernd , Royer Hans-Dieter
Published: September 2005

Resistance to chemotherapy is responsible for a failure of current treatment regimens in cancer patients. We have reported previously that the Y-box protein YB-1 regulates expression of the P-glycoprotein gene mdr1, which plays a major role in the development of a multidrug resistant-tumor phenotype. YB-1 predicts drug resistance and patient outcome in breast cancer. Thus, YB-1 is a promising target for new therapeutic approaches to defeat multidrug resistance. In drug-resistant cancer cells and in adenovirus-infected cells YB-1 is found in the nucleus. Nuclear accumulation of YB-1 in adenovirus-infected cells is a function of the E1 region, and we have shown that YB-1 facilitates adenovirus replication. Here we report that E1A-deleted or mutant adenovirus vectors, such as Ad312 and Ad520, replicate efficiently in multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer cells and induce an adenovirus cytopathic effect resulting in host cell lysis. Thus, replication-defective adenoviruses are a previously unrecognized vector system for a selective elimination of MDR cancer cells. Our work forms the basis for the development of novel oncolytic adenovirus vectors for the treatment of MDR malignant diseases in the clinical setting.
The Protein Kinase Cβ–Selective Inhibitor, Enzastaurin (LY317615.HCl), Suppresses Signaling through the AKT Pathway, Induces Apoptosis, and Suppresses Growth of Human Colon Cancer and Glioblastoma Xenografts
Authors: Graff Jeremy R. , McNulty Ann M. , Hanna Kimberly Ross , Konicek Bruce W. , Lynch Rebecca L. , Bailey Spring N. , Banks Crystal , Capen Andrew , Goode Robin , Lewis Jason E. , Sams Lillian , Huss Karen L. , Campbell Robert M. , Iversen Philip W. , Neubauer Blake Lee , Brown Thomas J. , Musib Luna , Geeganage Sandaruwan , Thornton Donald
Published: September 2005

Activation of protein kinase Cβ (PKCβ) has been repeatedly implicated in tumor-induced angiogenesis. The PKCβ-selective inhibitor, Enzastaurin (LY317615.HCl), suppresses angiogenesis and was advanced for clinical development based upon this antiangiogenic activity. Activation of PKCβ has now also been implicated in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor invasiveness. Herein, we show that Enzastaurin has a direct effect on human tumor cells, inducing apoptosis and suppressing the proliferation of cultured tumor cells. Enzastaurin treatment also suppresses the phosphorylation of GSK3βser9, ribosomal protein S6S240/244, and AKTThr308. Oral dosing with Enzastaurin to yield plasma concentrations similar to those achieved in clinical trials significantly suppresses the growth of human glioblastoma and colon carcinoma xenografts. As in cultured tumor cells, Enzastaurin treatment suppresses the phosphorylation of GSK3β in these xenograft tumor tissues. Enzastaurin treatment also suppresses GSK3β phosphorylation to a similar extent in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from these treated mice. These data show that Enzastaurin has a direct antitumor effect and that Enzastaurin treatment suppresses GSK3β phosphorylation in both tumor tissue and in PBMCs, suggesting that GSK3β phosphorylation may serve as a reliable pharmacodynamic marker for Enzastaurin activity. With previously published reports, these data support the notion that Enzastaurin suppresses tumor growth through multiple mechanisms: direct suppression of tumor cell proliferation and the induction of tumor cell death coupled to the indirect effect of suppressing tumor-induced angiogenesis.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-5 Is a Target of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7: Implications for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling
Authors: Hemers Elaine , Duval Cedric , McCaig Catherine , Handley Mark , Dockray Graham J. , Varro Andrea
Published: September 2005

Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is localized to epithelial cells and is up-regulated in many cancers and in inflammation. We now report that MMP-7 targets a key mesenchymal cell type, the myofibroblast. Recombinant MMP-7 stimulated the proliferation and migration of human colonic myofibroblasts. These responses were partly attributable to activation of other MMPs, notably MMP-3 and MMP-8, and to stimulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. Using a proteomic approach, we identified insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5) as a previously unsuspected target of MMP-7 produced by colonic myofibroblasts. We present evidence that the MMP-7 cleavage of IGFBP-5 liberates IGF-II that functions as an autocrine myofibroblast growth factor. Thus, MMP-7 may act as a signal from epithelial cells for local recruitment of myofibroblasts and stimulation of their proliferation. Similar effects of MMP-7 produced in epithelial tumors might account for the expansion of stroma through activation of myofibroblasts.
Signaling through IFN Regulatory Factor-5 Sensitizes p53-Deficient Tumors to DNA Damage–Induced Apoptosis and Cell Death
Authors: Hu Guodong , Mancl Margo E. , Barnes Betsy J.
Published: September 2005

Human IFN regulatory factor-5 (IRF-5) is a candidate tumor suppressor gene that mediates cell arrest, apoptosis, and immune activation. Here we show that ectopic IRF-5 sensitizes p53-proficient and p53-deficient colon cancer cells to DNA damage–induced apoptosis. The combination IFN-β and irinotecan (CPT-11) cooperatively inhibits cell growth and IRF-5 synergizes with it to further promote apoptosis. The synergism is due to IRF-5 signaling since a striking defect in apoptosis and cell death was observed in IRF-5-deficient cells, which correlated well with a reduction in DNA damage–induced cellular events. Components of this IRF-5 signaling pathway are investigated including a mechanism for DNA damage–induced IRF-5 activation. Thus, IRF-5–regulated pathways may serve as a target for cancer therapeutics.
WTH3, which Encodes a Small G Protein, Is Differentially Regulated in Multidrug-Resistant and Sensitive MCF7 Cells
Authors: Tian Kegui , Jurukovski Vladimir , Yuan Liming , Shan Jidong , Xu Haopeng
Published: September 2005

The WTH3 gene's biological characteristics and relationship to multidrug resistance (MDR) were investigated further. Results showed that WTH3 was mainly located in the cytosol and capable of binding to GTP. In addition, WTH3's promoter function was significantly attenuated in MDR (MFC7/AdrR) relative to non-MDR (MCF7/WT) cells. Advanced analyses indicated that two mechanisms could be involved in WTH3's down-regulation: DNA methylation and trans-element modulations. It was found that the 5′ end portion of a CpG island in WTH3's promoter was hypermethylated in MCF7/AdrR but not MCF7/WT cells, which could have a negative effect on the WTH3 promoter. This idea was supported by the observation that a 45-bp sequence (DMR45) in this differentially methylated region positively influenced promoter activity. We also discovered that different nuclear proteins in MCF7/AdrR and MCF7/WT cells bound to methylated or nonmethylated DMR45. Moreover, a sequence containing a unique repeat that was also a positive cis-element for the promoter was attached by different transcription factors depending on whether they were prepared from MCF7/AdrR or MCF7/WT cells. These molecular changes, apparently induced by drug treatment, resulted in WTH3's down regulation in MDR cells. Therefore, present studies support previous observations that WTH3, as a negative regulator, participates in MDR development in MCF7/AdrR cells.
Substituted Purine Analogues Define a Novel Structural Class of Catalytic Topoisomerase II Inhibitors
Authors: Jensen Lars H. , Thougaard Annemette V. , Grauslund Morten , Søkilde Birgitte , Carstensen Elisabeth V. , Dvinge Henrik K. , Scudiero Dominic A. , Jensen Peter B. , Shoemaker Robert H. , Sehested Maxwell
Published: September 2005

By screening 1,990 compounds from the National Cancer Institute diversity set library against human topoisomerase IIα, we identified a novel catalytic topoisomerase II inhibitor NSC35866, a S6-substituted analogue of thioguanine. In addition to inhibiting the DNA strand passage reaction of human topoisomerase IIα, NSC35866 also inhibited its ATPase reaction. NSC35866 primarily inhibited DNA-stimulated ATPase activity, whereas DNA-independent ATPase activity was less sensitive to inhibition. We compared the mode of topoisomerase II ATPase inhibition induced by NSC35866 with that of 12 other substituted purine analogues of different chemical classes. The ability of thiopurines with free SH functionalities to inhibit topoisomerase II ATPase activity was completely abolished by DTT, suggesting that these thiopurines inhibit topoisomerase II ATPase activity by covalently modifying free cysteine residues. In contrast, NSC35866 as well as two O6-substituted guanine analogues, O6-benzylguanine and NU2058, could inhibit topoisomerase II ATPase activity in the presence of DTT, indicating that they have a different mechanism of inhibition. NSC35866 did not increase the level of topoisomerase II covalent cleavable complexes with DNA, indicating that it is a catalytic inhibitor and not a poison. NSC35866 was also capable of inducing a salt-stable complex of topoisomerase II on closed circular DNA. In accordance with these biochemical data, NSC35866 could antagonize etoposide-induced cytotoxicity and DNA breaks in human and murine cancer cells, confirming that NSC35866 also functions as a catalytic topoisomerase II inhibitor in cells.
The Neurotrophic Receptor TrkB in Anoikis Resistance and Metastasis: A Perspective
Authors: Geiger Thomas R. , Peeper Daniel S.
Published: September 2005

Resistance to anoikis (“detachment-induced apoptosis”) has been suggested to be a prerequisite for cancer cells to metastasize. In a functional screen for suppressors of anoikis, we identified the neurotrophic receptor TrkB. Upon s.c. inoculation in mice, TrkB-expressing cells formed highly invasive and metastatic tumors. Here, we discuss our findings within the context of the proposed role of TrkB in human malignancies and address the question of its feasibility as a target for cancer therapy.
MICA Expressed by Multiple Myeloma and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance Plasma Cells Costimulates Pamidronate-Activated γδ Lymphocytes
Authors: Girlanda Stefania , Fortis Claudio , Belloni Daniela , Ferrero Elisabetta , Ticozzi Paolo , Sciorati Clara , Tresoldi Moreno , Vicari Aurelio , Spies Thomas , Groh Veronika , Caligaris-Cappio Federico , Ferrarini Marina
Published: September 2005

Amino-biphosphonates (like pamidronate) activate human Vγ9/Vδ2 T lymphocytes and promote their cytotoxicity against multiple myeloma cells. T-cell receptor (TCR)–mediated effector functions of γδ cells are enhanced upon triggering of the activating receptor NKG2D by MICA, a stress-inducible antigen expressed by epithelial and some hematopoietic tumors, including multiple myeloma. Here we show that MICA was expressed not only by myeloma cell lines and by 6 of 10 primary multiple myeloma cells from patients but also by bone marrow plasma cells from all (six of six) patients with preneoplastic gammopathy (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, MGUS), a direct precursor of multiple myeloma. Moreover, compared with multiple myeloma plasma cells, MICA was expressed by MGUS plasma cells at significantly (P < 0.05) higher levels. MICA expressed by myeloma cell lines contributed to killing and IFN-γ production by Vγ9/Vδ2 cells only upon pamidronate treatment, suggesting a dual interaction between Vγ9/Vδ2 lymphocytes and multiple myeloma plasma cells involving both TCR triggering and NKG2D-mediated signals. Finally, MICA enhanced killing of freshly derived, pamidronate-treated multiple myeloma cells from patients by γδ cells, as indicated by the significantly (P < 0.05) higher γδ cytotoxicity against MICA-positive rather than MICA-negative multiple myeloma cells. Our results indicate that MICA expressed by monoclonal plasma cells is functional and correlates with disease stages, suggesting a role for the molecule in the immune surveillance against multiple myeloma. Moreover, pamidronate-activated Vγ9/Vδ2 lymphocytes can be exploited in the immune therapy of early stages multiple myeloma and possibly of premalignant disease.
Endogenous Osteonectin/SPARC/BM-40 Expression Inhibits MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Metastasis
Authors: Koblinski Jennifer E. , Kaplan-Singer Benjamin R. , VanOsdol Sherilyn J. , Wu Michael , Engbring Jean A. , Wang Songlin , Goldsmith Corinne M. , Piper John T. , Vostal Jaroslav G. , Harms John F. , Welch Danny R. , Kleinman Hynda K.
Published: September 2005

Skeletal metastases occur with high incidence in patients with breast cancer and cause long-term skeletal morbidity. Osteonectin (SPARC, BM-40) is a bone matrix factor that is an in vitro chemoattractant for breast and prostate cancer cells. Increased expression of osteonectin is found in malignant breast tumors. We infected MDA-231 breast cancer cells with an adenovirus expressing osteonectin to examine the role of osteonectin expression in breast cancer cells and its effect on metastasis, in particular to bone. Expression of osteonectin did not affect MDA-231 cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, cell aggregation, or protease cleavage of collagen IV. However, in vitro invasion of these osteonectin-infected cells through Matrigel and colony formation on Matrigel was decreased. Interestingly, high osteonectin expression in MDA-231 cells inhibited metastasis in a dose-dependent manner to many different organs including bone. The reduction in metastasis may be due to decreased platelet-tumor cell aggregation, because exogenous osteonectin inhibited platelet aggregation in vitro and the high osteonectin expression in MDA-231 cells reduced tumor cell-induced thrombocytopenia in vivo compared with control-infected cells. These studies suggest that high endogenous expression of osteonectin in breast cancer cells may reduce metastasis via reduced invasive activity and reduced tumor cell-platelet aggregation.
Activation of Akt and eIF4E Survival Pathways by Rapamycin-Mediated Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibition
Authors: Sun Shi-Yong , Rosenberg Laura M. , Wang Xuerong , Zhou Zhongmei , Yue Ping , Fu Haian , Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: September 2005

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as an important cancer therapeutic target. Rapamycin and its derivatives that specifically inhibit mTOR are now being actively evaluated in clinical trials. Recently, the inhibition of mTOR has been shown to reverse Akt-dependent prostate intraepithelial neoplasia. However, many cancer cells are resistant to rapamycin and its derivatives. The mechanism of this resistance remains a subject of major therapeutic significance. Here we report that the inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin triggers the activation of two survival signaling pathways that may contribute to drug resistance. Treatment of human lung cancer cells with rapamycin suppressed the phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase and 4E-BP1, indicating an inhibition of mTOR signaling. Paradoxically, rapamycin also concurrently increased the phosphorylation of both Akt and eIF4E. The rapamycin-induced phosphorylation of Akt and eIF4E was suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, suggesting the requirement of PI3K in this process. The activated Akt and eIF4E seem to attenuate rapamycin's growth-inhibitory effects, serving as a negative feedback mechanism. In support of this model, rapamycin combined with LY294002 exhibited enhanced inhibitory effects on the growth and colony formation of cancer cells. Thus, our study provides a mechanistic basis for enhancing mTOR-targeted cancer therapy by combining an mTOR inhibitor with a PI3K or Akt inhibitor.
Perifosine Inhibits Multiple Signaling Pathways in Glial Progenitors and Cooperates With Temozolomide to Arrest Cell Proliferation in Gliomas In vivo
Authors: Momota Hiroyuki , Nerio Edward , Holland Eric C.
Published: September 2005

Perifosine is an oral Akt inhibitor which exerts a marked cytotoxic effect on human tumor cell lines, and is currently being tested in several phase II trials for treatment of major human cancers. However, the efficacy of perifosine in human gliomas has not been established. As Akt is activated in ∼70% of human glioblastomas, we investigated the impact of perifosine on glia in culture and on a mouse glioma model in vivo. Here we show that perifosine strongly reduces phosphorylation levels of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) 1/2, induces cell cycle arrest in G1 and G2, and causes dose-dependent growth inhibition of mouse glial progenitors in which Akt and/or Ras-Erk 1/2 pathways are activated. Furthermore, because temozolomide is a common oral alkylating agent used in the treatment of gliomas, we investigated the effect of perifosine in combination with temozolomide. We observed an enhanced effect when both were used in culture. With these results, we combined perifosine and temozolomide as treatment of platelet-derived growth factor B–driven gliomas in mice. Animal studies showed that perifosine and temozolomide combination therapy was more effective than temozolomide treatment alone (P < 0.01). These results indicate that perifosine is an effective drug in gliomas in which Akt and Ras-Erk 1/2 pathways are frequently activated, and may be a new candidate for glioma treatment in the clinic.
Restarting the Cell Cycle When the Checkpoint Comes to a Halt
Authors: van Vugt Marcel A.T.M. , Bràs Alexandra , Medema René H.
Published: September 2005

The DNA damage checkpoint coordinates a block in cell proliferation with the DNA repair process that follows when lesions are inflicted on the genome. However, we do not know exactly how cell division can recommence following a DNA damage–induced arrest. Recent work from our lab has identified Polo-like kinase-1 and Cdc25B as two essential components of the machinery that sets the cell division process back in motion when the checkpoint response is abrogated. Here, we discuss these novel insights and discuss their possible implications for the treatment of cancer.
Mect1-Maml2 Fusion Oncogene Linked to the Aberrant Activation of Cyclic AMP/CREB Regulated Genes
Authors: Coxon Amy , Rozenblum Ester , Park Yoon-Soo , Joshi Nina , Tsurutani Junji , Dennis Phillip A. , Kirsch Ilan R. , Kaye Frederic J.
Published: September 2005

Malignant salivary gland tumors can arise from a t(11;19) translocation that fuses 42 residues from Mect1/Torc1, a cyclic AMP (cAMP)/cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)–dependent transcriptional coactivator, with 982 residues from Maml2, a NOTCH receptor coactivator. To determine if the Mect1-Maml2 fusion oncogene mediates tumorigenicity by disrupting cAMP/CREB signaling, we have generated in-frame deletions within the CREB-binding domain of Mect1/Torc1 for testing transformation activity and have also developed a doxycycline-regulated Mect1-Maml2 mammalian expression vector for global gene expression profiling. We observed that small deletions within the CREB-binding domain completely abolished transforming activity in RK3E epithelial cells. Further, we have shown that the ectopic induction of Mect1-Maml2 in HeLa cells strongly activated the expression of a group of known cAMP/CREB-regulated genes. In addition, we detected candidate cAMP-responsive element sites within 100 nucleotides of the transcriptional start sites of other genes activated by Mect1-Maml2 expression. In contrast, we did not observe alterations of known Notch-regulated target genes in these expression array profile experiments. We validated the results by reverse transcription-PCR in transfected HeLa, RK3E, and H2009 lung tumor cells and in mucoepidermoid cancer cells that endogenously express the fusion oncopeptide. Whereas overexpression of components of the cAMP pathway has been associated with a subset of human carcinomas, these data provide a direct genetic link between deregulation of cAMP/CREB pathways and epithelial tumorigenesis and suggest future therapeutic strategies for this group of salivary gland tumors.
Endothelin Axis Is a Target of the Lung Metastasis Suppressor Gene RhoGDI2
Authors: Titus Brian , Frierson Henry F. , Conaway Mark , Ching Keith , Guise Theresa , Chirgwin John , Hampton Garret , Theodorescu Dan
Published: September 2005

Half of patients treated for locally advanced bladder cancer relapse with often fatal metastatic disease to the lung. We have recently shown that reduced expression of the GDP dissociation inhibitor, RhoGDI2, is associated with decreased survival of patients with advanced bladder cancer. However, the effectors by which RhoGDI2 affects metastasis are unknown. Here we use DNA microarrays to identify genes suppressed by RhoGDI2 reconstitution in lung metastatic bladder cancer cell lines. We identify such RNAs and focus only on those that also increase with tumor stage in human bladder cancer samples to discover only clinically relevant targets of RhoGDI2. Levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, were affected by both RhoGDI2 reconstitution and tumor stage. To test the hypothesis that the endothelin axis is important in lung metastasis, lung metastatic bladder carcinoma cells were injected in mice treated with the endothelin receptor–specific antagonist, atrasentan, thereby blocking engagement of the up-regulated ET-1 ligand with its cognate receptor. Endothelin antagonism resulted in a dramatic reduction of lung metastases, similar to the effect of reexpressing RhoGDI2 in these metastatic cells. Taken together, these experiments show a novel approach of identifying therapeutic targets downstream of metastasis suppressor genes. The data also suggest that blockade of the ET-1 axis may prevent lung metastasis, a new therapeutic concept that warrants clinical evaluation.
Frequent Inactivation of PTEN by Promoter Hypermethylation in Microsatellite Instability-High Sporadic Colorectal Cancers
Authors: Goel Ajay , Arnold Christian N. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Carethers John M. , Dowell Jeannette M. , Wasserman Linda , Compton Carolyn , Mayer Robert J. , Bertagnolli Monica M. , Boland C. Richard
Published: September 2005

Loss of PTEN tumor suppressor function is observed in tumors of breast, prostate, thyroid, and endometrial origin. Allelic losses in the proximity of the PTEN locus (10q23) also occur in sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs), but biallelic inactivation of this site has not been frequently demonstrated. We hypothesized that alternative mechanisms of PTEN allelic inactivation, such as promoter hypermethylation, might be operative in CRC and that PTEN inactivation may be related to recognized forms of genomic instability. We characterized a cohort of 273 sporadic CRCs by determining their microsatellite instability (MSI) status. Of these, 146 cancers were examined for PTEN promoter methylation by methylation-specific PCR. Mutations at the poly(A)6 repeat sequences in PTEN exons 7 and 8 and deletions at the 10q23 locus were also identified using microsatellite analysis. The presence of PTEN protein was determined by immunostaining, and the results were correlated with the promoter methylation status. We observed that PTEN promoter hypermethylation was a frequent occurrence in MSI-high (MSI-H) tumors (19.1% of MSI-H versus 2.2% of MSI-low/microsatellite stable tumors; P = 0.002). A PTEN mutation or a deletion event was present in 60% of the tumors with promoter region hypermethylation. Hypermethylation of the PTEN promoter correlated significantly with either decreased or complete loss of PTEN protein expression (P = 0.004). This is the first demonstration of PTEN inactivation as a result of promoter hypermethylation in MSI-H sporadic CRCs. These data suggest that this silencing mechanism plays a major role in PTEN inactivation and, in colon cancer, may be more important than either allelic losses or inactivating mutations. The significant correlation of PTEN hypermethylation with MSI-H tumors further suggests that PTEN is an additional important “target” of methylation along with the hMLH1 gene in the evolution of MSI-H CRCs and also confers the “second hit” in the biallelic inactivation mechanism for some proportion of tumors.
Emodin Enhances Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Apoptosis via Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inhibition of Survival Signaling
Authors: Yi Jing , Yang Jie , He Rong , Gao Fei , Sang Hairong , Tang Xueming , Ye Richard D.
Published: September 2005

Although arsenic trioxide (As2O3) induces apoptosis in a relatively wide spectrum of tumors, the sensitivity of different cell types to this treatment varies to a great extent. Because reactive oxygen species (ROS) are critically involved in As2O3-induced apoptosis, we attempted to explore the possibility that elevating the cellular ROS level might be an approach to facilitate As2O3-induced apoptosis. Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative, was selected because its semiquinone structure is likely to increase the generation of intracellular ROS. Its independent and synergistic effects with As2O3 in cytotoxicity were studied, and the plausible signaling mechanism was investigated in HeLa cells. Cell Proliferation Assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell viability and apoptosis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase reporter assay, and Western blotting were performed to analyze signaling alteration. The results demonstrated that coadministration of emodin, at low doses of 0.5–10 μm, with As2O3 enhanced As2O3-rendered cytotoxicity on tumor cells, whereas these treatments caused no detectable proproliferative or proapoptotic effects on nontumor cells. ROS generation was increased, and activation of nuclear factor κB and activator protein 1 was suppressed by coadministration. All enhancements by emodin could be abolished by the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine. Therefore, we concluded that emodin sensitized HeLa cells to As2O3 via generation of ROS and ROS-mediated inhibition on two major prosurvival transcription factors, nuclear factor κB and activator protein 1. This result allows us to propose a novel strategy in chemotherapy that uses mild ROS generators to facilitate apoptosis-inducing drugs whose efficacy depends on ROS.
Regional Effects of an Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Monoclonal Antibody on Receptor Phosphorylation and Apoptosis in Human 253J B-V Bladder Cancer Xenografts
Authors: Davis Darren W. , Inoue Keiji , Dinney Colin P. N. , Hicklin Daniel J. , Abbruzzese James L. , McConkey David J.
Published: September 2005

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key angiogenic factor in a variety of solid tumors, making it one of the most attractive therapeutic targets. VEGF promotes the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of vascular endothelial cells by stimulating autophosphorylation and activation of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2, fetal liver kinase-1, and kinase insert domain-containing receptor). We developed fluorescence-based, quantitative methods to measure total VEGFR-2, VEGFR-2 phosphorylation, apoptosis, and microvessel density and size within whole tumor cross-sections using a laser scanning cytometer. Using these methods, we characterized the effects of DC101, a blocking antibody specific for murine VEGFR-2, on orthotopic human 253J-BV bladder tumors growing in nude mice. Basal levels of receptor phosphorylation were heterogeneous, with approximately 50% of endothelial cells positive for phosphorylated VEGFR-2 at baseline. DC101 therapy resulted in a 50% decrease in overall VEGFR-2 phosphorylation and a 15-fold and 8-fold increase in endothelial cell (CD31-positive) and tumor cell apoptosis, respectively. DC101 also decreased overall tumor microvessel density, but it mostly affected smaller CD105-negative microvessels located in the periphery of the tumor. Intriguingly, anti-VEGFR-2 therapy resulted in increased mean vessel size and an increase in overall VEGFR-2 levels. Increases in total VEGFR-2 levels were localized to the tumor core and were associated with increased expression of the oxygen-sensitive transcription factor, hypoxia inducible factor-1α. These data suggest that VEGFR inhibitors preferentially target discrete populations of tumor endothelial cells associated with the smaller peripheral blood vessels. Thus, agents that target a single receptor (e.g., VEGFR-2) may not be sufficient to completely inhibit tumor angiogenesis.
Lineage Infidelity of MDA-MB-435 Cells
Authors: Sellappan Shankar , Grijalva Rebecca , Zhou Xiaoyan , Yang Wentao , Eli Menashe Bar , Mills Gordon B. , Yu Dihua
Published: September 2005

The origin of cell lines is critical in defining cell type-specific biological functions. Several reports (D. T. Ross et al., Nat Genet 2000;24:227–35; G. Ellison et al., J Clin Pathol Mol Pathol 2002;55:294–9) suggested that the MDA-MB-435 cell line, a cell line extensively used for studying breast cancer biology, has a gene expression pattern most compatible with melanocyte origin. However, we demonstrate that MDA-MB-435 cells express breast-specific or epithelial-specific markers. Also, MDA-MB-435 cells were induced to express breast differentiation-specific proteins and secrete milk lipids as observed in other well-established breast cancer cell lines. Notably, MDA-MB-435 cells also expressed melanocyte-specific proteins as did another highly aggressive breast cancer cell line. MDA-MB-435 xenograft tissue sections stained entirely positive for epithelium-specific markers but only partially positive for melanocyte-specific markers. Thus, MDA-MB-435 is most likely a breast epithelial cell line that has undergone lineage infidelity.
Expression and Activation of Signal Regulatory Protein α on Astrocytomas
Authors: Chen Thomas T. , Brown Eric J. , Huang Eric J. , Seaman William E.
Published: September 2005

High-grade astrocytomas and glioblastomas are usually unresectable because they extensively invade surrounding brain tissue. Here, we report the expression and function of a receptor on many astrocytomas that may alter both the proliferative and invasive potential of these tumors. Signal regulatory protein (SIRP) α1 is an immunoglobulin superfamily transmembrane glycoprotein that is normally expressed in subsets of myeloid and neuronal cells. Transfection of many cell types with SIRPα1, including glioblastomas, has been shown to inhibit their proliferation in response to a range of growth factors. Furthermore, the expression of a murine SIRPα1 mutant has been shown to enhance cell adhesion and initial cell spreading but to inhibit cell extension and movement. The extracellular portion of SIRPα1 binds CD47 (integrin-associated protein), although this interaction is not required for integrin-mediated activation of SIRPα1. On phosphorylation, SIRPα1 recruits the tyrosine phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2, which are important in its functions. Although SHP-1 is uniquely expressed on hematopoietic cells, SHP-2 is ubiquitously expressed, so that SIRPα1 has the potential to function in many cell types, including astrocytomas. Because SIRPα1 regulates cell functions that may contribute to the malignancy of these tumors, we examined the expression of SIRPs in astrocytoma cell lines by flow cytometry using a monoclonal antibody against all SIRPs. Screening of nine cell lines revealed clear cell surface expression of SIRPs on five cell lines, whereas Northern blotting for SIRPα transcripts showed mRNA present in eight of nine cell lines. All nine cell lines expressed the ligand for SIRPα1, CD47. To further examine the expression and function of SIRPs, we studied the SF126 and U373MG astrocytoma cell lines, both of which express SIRPs, in greater detail. SIRP transcripts in these cells are identical in sequence to SIRPα1. The expressed deglycosylated protein is the same size as SIRPα1, but in the astrocytoma cells, it is underglycosylated compared with SIRPα1 produced in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. It is nonetheless still capable of binding soluble CD47. Moreover, SIRPα1 in each of the two cell lines recruited SHP-2 on phosphorylation, and SIRPα1 phosphorylation in cultured cells is CD47 dependent. Finally, examination of frozen sections from 10 primary brain tumor biopsies by immunohistochemistry revealed expression of SIRPs on seven of the specimens, some of which expressed high levels of SIRPs. Most of the tumors also expressed CD47. This is the first demonstration that astrocytomas can express SIRPα. Given the known role of SIRPα in regulating cell adhesion and responses to mitogenic growth factors, the expression of SIRPα1 on astrocytomas may be of considerable importance in brain tumor biology, and it offers the potential of a new avenue for therapeutic intervention.