bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Chromosomal Bias of Gene Expression Signatures in the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Midorikawa Yutaka , Tsutsumi Shuichi , Nishimura Kunihiro , Kamimura Naoko , Kano Makoto , Sakamoto Hirohiko , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Aburatani Hiroyuki
Published: September 2005

To identify the chromosomal aberrations associated with the progression of liver cancer, we applied expression imbalance map analysis to gene expression data from 31 hepatocellular carcinomas and 19 noncancerous tissues. Expression imbalance map analysis, which detects mRNA expression imbalance correlated with chromosomal regions, showed that expression gains of 1q21-23 (74%), 8q13-21 (48%), 12q23-24 (41%), 17q12-21(48%), 17q25 (25%), and 20q11 (22%) and losses of 4q13 (48%), 8p12-21 (32%), 13q14 (32%), and 17p13 (29%) were significantly associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. Most regions with altered expression identified by expression imbalance map were also identified in previous reports using comparative genomic hybridization. We demonstrated chromosomal copy number gain in 1q21-23 and loss in 17p13 by genomic quantitative PCR, suggesting that gene expression profiles reflect chromosomal alterations. Furthermore, expression imbalance map analysis revealed that more poorly differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma contain more chromosomal alterations, which are accumulated in a stepwise manner in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma progression: expression imbalance of 1q, 8p, 8q, and 17p occur as early events in hepatocarcinogenesis, and 12q, 17q25 and 20q occur as later events. In particular, expression gain of 17q12-21 and loss of 4q were seen to accumulate constantly through the dedifferentiation process. Our data suggest that gene expression profiles are subject to chromosomal bias and that expression imbalance map can correlate gene expression to gene loci with high resolution and sensitivity.
Increased Progesterone Receptor Expression in Benign Epithelium of
BRCA1
-Related Breast Cancers
Authors: King Tari A. , Gemignani Mary L. , Li Weiwei , Giri Dilip D. , Panageas Kathy S. , Bogomolniy Faina , Arroyo Crispinita , Olvera Narciso , Robson Mark E. , Offit Kenneth , Borgen Patrick I. , Boyd Jeff
Published: September 2005

The study of pathologically normal breast epithelium of BRCA mutation carriers may yield insights into the early natural history of breast tumorigenesis. Hormone receptor expression was assessed in 24 cases of invasive breast cancer associated with a mutation in BRCA1 (n = 15) or BRCA2 (n = 9) and in 39 sporadic cases matched for patient age and tumor hormone receptor status. Expression of progesterone receptor was significantly (P = 0.0003) more common in normal breast epithelium adjacent to invasive breast carcinoma in BRCA1-linked cases compared with sporadic cases. The wild-type BRCA allele was retained in normal epithelium of all cases tested. We conclude that deregulation of progesterone receptor expression, as a result of BRCA1 haploinsufficiency, may represent an early event in BRCA1-linked breast tumorigenesis.
ATR Affecting Cell Radiosensitivity Is Dependent on Homologous Recombination Repair but Independent of Nonhomologous End Joining
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Wang Huichen , Powell Simon N. , Iliakis George , Wang Ya
Published: September 2005

ATR is one of the most important checkpoint proteins in mammalian cells responding to DNA damage. Cells defective in normal ATR activity are sensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). The mechanism by which ATR protects the cells from IR-induced killing remains unclear. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) induced by IR are critical lesions for cell survival. Two major DNA DSB repair pathways exist in mammalian cells: homologous recombination repair (HRR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). We show that the doxycycline (dox)-induced ATR kinase dead (ATRkd) cells have the similar inductions and rejoining rates of DNA DSBs compared with cells without dox induction, although the dox-induced ATRkd cells are more sensitive to IR and have the deficient S and G2 checkpoints. We also show that the dox-induced ATRkd cells have a lower HRR efficiency compared with the cells without dox induction. These results indicate that the effects of ATR on cell radiosensitivity are independent of NHEJ but are linked to HRR that may be affected by the deficient S and G2 checkpoints.
Increased Survival, Proliferation, and Migration in Metastatic Human Pancreatic Tumor Cells Expressing Functional CXCR4
Authors: Marchesi Federica , Monti Paolo , Leone Biagio Eugenio , Zerbi Alessandro , Vecchi Annunciata , Piemonti Lorenzo , Mantovani Alberto , Allavena Paola
Published: September 2005

In this study, we have evaluated 11 pancreatic tumor cell lines and tumor cells from surgical samples of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma for expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. Six of 11 cell lines expressed detectable mRNA of CXCR4, with three cell lines (AsPC1, Capan1, and Hs766T) having substantial amounts of transcripts. Expression was higher in lines derived from metastatic lesions compared with those derived from primary tumors. Different inflammatory cytokines did not modify expression, whereas IFN-γ down-regulated and hypoxia up-regulated CXCR4 transcripts. Transcript expression was associated with surface expression in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines. All surgical carcinoma samples tested expressed higher levels of CXCR4 than normal pancreatic ducts, which were used as reference tissue. The chemokine CXCL12 induced chemotaxis in CXCR4-positive pancreatic carcinoma cell lines, which was inhibited by anti-CXCR4 monoclonal antibody and by the antagonist AMD3100. Transendothelial migration, Matrigel invasion, and activation of matrix metalloproteases were also enhanced by CXCL12. In CXCR4-positive cell lines, CXCL12 stimulated cell proliferation. The cell line Hs766T produces high levels of CXCL12, and addition of the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 partially inhibited proliferation, indicating an autocrine loop. Moreover, the addition of exogenous CXCL12 inhibited apoptosis induced by serum starvation. These results indicate that the CXCR4 receptor is frequently expressed in metastatic pancreatic tumor cells. CXCR4 not only stimulates cell motility and invasion but also promotes survival and proliferation. Strategies to target CXCR4 expressed on tumor cells may be of benefit in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Class II-Associated Invariant Chain Peptide Expression on Myeloid Leukemic Blasts Predicts Poor Clinical Outcome
Authors: Chamuleau Martine E. D. , Souwer Yuri , van Ham S. Marieke , Zevenbergen Adri , Westers Theresia M. , Berkhof Johannes , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , van de Loosdrecht Arjan A. , Ossenkoppele Gert J.
Published: September 2005

Effective antitumor responses need the activation of CD4+ T cells. MHC class II antigen presentation requires the release of class II-associated invariant chain peptide (CLIP) from the antigen-binding site. In antigen-presenting cells, human leukocyte antigen DM (HLA-DM; abbreviated DM in this article) catalyzes CLIP dissociation. In B cells, HLA-DO (DO) down-modulates DM function. Cell surface CLIP:HLA-DR (DR) ratio correlates to DO:DM ratio and the efficacy of antigen presentation. We examined 111 blood and bone marrow samples of patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for the expression of CLIP, DR, DM, and DO by flow cytometry. Patients with DR+/CLIP− blasts had a significant longer disease-free survival than patients with DR+/CLIP+ blasts. DO, until now believed to be restricted to lymphoid cells, could be demonstrated at protein level as well as by reverse transcription-PCR. DO:DM ratio correlated to CLIP:DR ratio, suggesting that, unlike in other antigen-presenting cells of the nonlymphoid cell type, both DO and DM mediate regulation of CLIP expression in AML blasts. We hypothesize that DR+/CLIP− AML blasts are able to present leukemia-specific antigens to CD4+ T helper cells initiating an effective and long-lasting antitumor response resulting in a prolonged disease-free survival.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Antagonists Promote Proapoptotic Signaling in Peripheral Reproductive Tumor Cells by Activating a Gαi-Coupling State of the Type I GnRH Receptor
Authors: Maudsley Stuart , Davidson Lindsay , Pawson Adam J. , Chan Raymond , de Maturana Rakel López , Millar Robert P.
Published: September 2005

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor agonists are extensively used in the treatment of sex hormone-dependent cancers via the desensitization of pituitary gonadotropes and consequent decrease in steroid sex hormone secretion. However, evidence now points to a direct inhibitory effect of GnRH analogs on cancer cells. These effects appear to be mediated via the Gαi-type G protein, in contrast to the predominant Gαq coupling in gonadotropes. Unlike Gαq coupling, Gαi coupling of the GnRH receptor can be activated by both agonists and antagonists. This unusual pharmacology suggested that the receptor involved in the cancer cells may not be the classical gonadotrope type I GnRH receptor. However, we have previously shown that a functional type II GnRH receptor is not present in man. In the present study, we show that GnRH agonists and selective GnRH antagonists exert potent antiproliferative effects on JEG-3 choriocarcinoma, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH-1), and HEK293 cells stably expressing the type I GnRH receptor. This antiproliferative action occurs through a Gαi-mediated activation of stress-activated protein kinase pathways, resulting in caspase activation and transmembrane transfer of phosphatidlyserine to the outer membrane envelope. Structurally related antagonistic GnRH analogs displayed divergent antiproliferative efficacies but demonstrated equal efficacies in inhibiting GnRH-induced Gαq-based signaling. Therefore the ability of GnRH receptor antagonists to exert an antiproliferative effect on reproductive tumors may be dependent on ligand-selective activation of the Gαi-coupled form of the type I GnRH receptor.
Role of Human Ku86 in Telomere Length Maintenance and Telomere Capping
Authors: Jaco Isabel , Muñoz Purificación , Blasco María A.
Published: September 2005

The role of Ku86 at telomeres has been extensively studied in various organisms; however, a role for Ku86 at human telomeres was unknown because Ku86 deletion is lethal for human cells. Here, we used small interference RNA to decrease Ku86 protein levels in human cells. An ∼50% reduction in the amount of Ku86 protein was achieved 72 hours after transfection with Ku86-specific small interference RNAs. This decrease in Ku86 levels resulted in a rapid loss of cell viability characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased mitotic index in the cell population. Importantly, Ku86 knockdown was concomitant with a significant loss of telomeric sequences and with increased chromosomal aberrations, including chromatid-type fusions involving telomeric sequences. These findings demonstrate a role for Ku86 in regulating telomere length and telomere capping in human cells, which, in turn, could impact on cancer and aging.
Gene Expression in the Lung of
p53
Mutant Mice Exposed to Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Izzotti Alberto , Cartiglia Cristina , Longobardi Mariagrazia , Bagnasco Maria , Merello Andrea , You Ming , Lubet Ronald A. , De Flora Silvio
Published: September 2005

We showed previously that p53 mutations play a role in cigarette smoke-related carcinogenesis not only in humans but also in A/J mice. In fact, (UL53–3 × A/J)F1 mice, carrying a dominant-negative germ-line p53 mutation, responded to exposure to environmental cigarette smoke more efficiently than their wild-type (wt) littermate controls in terms of molecular alterations, cytogenetic damage, and lung tumor yield. To clarify the mechanisms involved, we analyzed by cDNA array the expression of 1,185 cancer-related genes in the lung of the same mice. Neither environmental cigarette smoke nor the p53 status affected the expression of the p53 gene, but the p53 mutation strikingly increased the basal levels of p53 nuclear protein in the lung. Environmental cigarette smoke increased p53 protein levels in wt mice only. The p53 mutation enhanced the expression of positive cell cycle regulators in sham-exposed mice, which suggests a physiologic protective role of p53. In environmental cigarette smoke-exposed mice, the p53 mutation resulted in a lack of induction of proapoptotic genes and in overexpression of genes involved in cell proliferation, signal transduction, angiogenesis, inflammation, and immune response. Mutant mice and wt mice reacted to environmental cigarette smoke in a similar manner regarding genes involved in metabolism of xenobiotics, multidrug resistance, and protein repair. Irrespective of the p53 status, environmental cigarette smoke poorly affected the expression of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. Taken together, these findings may explain the increased susceptibility of p53 mutant mice to smoke-related alterations of intermediate biomarkers and lung carcinogenesis.
Identification of Aberrantly Methylated Genes in Association with Adult T-Cell Leukemia
Authors: Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Taniguchi Yuko , Nosaka Kisato , Yoshida Mika , Satou Yorifumi , Sakai Tatsunori , Mitsuya Hiroaki , Matsuoka Masao
Published: September 2005

In this study, we identified 53 aberrantly hypermethylated DNA sequences in adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) cells using methylated CpG island amplification/representational difference analysis method. We also observed a proportionate increase in the methylation density of these regions with disease progression. Seven genes, which were expressed in normal T cells, but suppressed in ATL cells, were identified near the hypermethylated regions. Among these silenced genes, Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) gene is a cell cycle regulator and early growth response 3 (EGR3) gene is a critical transcriptional factor for induction of Fas ligand (FasL) expression. Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine resulted in the recovery of their transcription, indicating that their silencing might be associated with DNA hypermethylation. To study their functions in ATL cells, we transfected recombinant adenovirus vectors expressing KLF4 and EGR3 genes. Expression of KLF4 induced apoptosis of ATL cells whereas enforced expression of EGR3 induced the expression of FasL gene, resulting in apoptosis. Thus, suppressed expression of EGR3 enabled ATL cells to escape from activation-induced cell death mediated by FasL. Our results showed that the methylated CpG island amplification/representational difference analysis method allowed the isolation of hypermethylated DNA regions specific to leukemic cells and thus shed light on the roles of DNA methylation in leukemogenesis.
In vitro
and
In vivo
Models Analyzing von Hippel-Lindau Disease-Specific Mutations
Authors: Rathmell W. Kimryn , Hickey Michele M. , Bezman Natalie A. , Chmielecki Christie A. , Carraway Natalie C. , Simon M. Celeste
Published: September 2005

Mutations in the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene cause tissue-specific tumors, with a striking genotype-phenotype correlation. Loss of VHL expression predisposes to hemangioblastoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, whereas specific point mutations predispose to pheochromocytoma, polycythemia, or combinations of hemangioblastoma, renal cell carcinoma, and/or pheochromocytoma. The VHL protein (pVHL) has been implicated in many cellular activities including the hypoxia response, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. We have expressed missense pVHL mutations in Vhl−/− murine embryonic stem cells to test genotype-phenotype correlations in euploid cells. We first examined the ability of mutant pVHL to direct degradation of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) subunits HIF1α and HIF2α. All mutant pVHL proteins restored proper hypoxic regulation of HIF1α, although one VHL mutation (VHLR167Q) displayed impaired binding to Elongin C. This mutation also failed to restore HIF2α regulation. In separate assays, these embryonic stem cells were used to generate teratomas in immunocompromised mice, allowing independent assessment of the effects of specific VHL mutations on tumor growth. Surprisingly, teratomas expressing the VHLY112H mutant protein displayed a growth disadvantage, despite restoring HIFα regulation. Finally, we observed increased microvessel density in teratomas derived from Vhl−/− as well as VHLY112H, VHLR167Q, and VHLR200W embryonic stem cells. Together, these observations support the hypothesis that pVHL plays multiple roles in the cell, and that these activities can be separated via discrete VHL point mutations. The ability to dissect specific VHL functions with missense mutations in a euploid model offers a novel opportunity to elucidate the activities of VHL as a tumor suppressor.
Radiation Sensitivity, H2AX Phosphorylation, and Kinetics of Repair of DNA Strand Breaks in Irradiated Cervical Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Banáth Judit P. , MacPhail Susan H. , Olive Peggy L.
Published: September 2005

Six human cervical cancer cell lines [five human papillomavirus (HPV) positive, one HPV negative] for induction and rejoining of DNA strand breaks and for kinetics of formation and loss of serine 139 phosphorylated histone H2AX (γH2AX). X-rays induced the same level of DNA breakage for all cell lines. By 8 hours after 20 Gy, <2% of the initial single-strand breaks remained and no double-strand breaks could be detected. In contrast, 24 hours after irradiation, γH2AX representing up to 30% of the initial signal still present. SW756 cells showed almost four times higher background levels of γH2AX and no residual γH2AX compared with the most radiosensitive HPV-negative C33A cells that showed the lowest background and retained 30% of the maximum level of γH2AX. Radiation sensitivity, measured as clonogenic-surviving fraction after 2 Gy, was correlated with the fraction of γH2AX remaining 24 hours after irradiation. A substantial correlation with γH2AX loss half-time measured over the first 4 hours was seen only when cervical cell lines were included in a larger series of p53-deficient cell lines. Interestingly, p53 wild-type cell lines consistently showed faster γH2AX loss half-times than p53-deficient cell lines. We conclude that cell line-dependent differences in loss of γH2AX after irradiation are related in part to intrinsic radiosensitivity. The possibility that the presence of γH2AX foci may not always signify the presence of a physical break, notably in some tumor cell lines, is also supported by these results.
Suppression of Human Prostate Tumor Growth in Mice by a Cytolytic d-, l-Amino Acid Peptide
Authors: Papo Niv , Braunstein Amir , Eshhar Zelig , Shai Yechiel
Published: September 2005

Gene-encoded host defense peptides are used as part of the innate immunity, and many of them act by directly lysing the cell membrane of the pathogen. A few of these peptides showed anticancer activity in vitro but could not be used in vivo because of their inactivation by serum. We designed a 15-amino acid peptide, composed of d- and l-amino acids (diastereomer), which targets both androgen-independent and androgen-dependent human prostate carcinoma cell lines (CL1, 22RV1, and LNCaP). Most importantly, we observed a complete arrest of growth in CL1 and 22RV1 xenografts treated intratumorally with the diastereomer. This was also accompanied by a lowering of prostate-specific antigen serum levels secreted by the 22RV1 xenograft. Furthermore, the diastereomer synergized with conventional chemotherapeutics. In contrast, the parental all l-amino acids peptide was highly active only in vitro and could not discriminate between tumor and nontumor cells. Fluorescent confocal microscopy, histopathologic examination, and cell permeability studies (depolarization of transmembrane potential and release of an encapsulated dye) suggest a necrotic mechanism of killing, after a threshold concentration of peptide has been reached. Its destructive killing effect and the simple sequence of the diastereomer make it an attractive chemotherapeutic candidate possessing a new mode of action, with potential to be developed additionally for the treatment of prostate carcinoma.
Intratumor Heterogeneity of Cancer/Testis Antigens Expression in Human Cutaneous Melanoma Is Methylation-Regulated and Functionally Reverted by 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine
Authors: Sigalotti Luca , Fratta Elisabetta , Coral Sandra , Tanzarella Silvia , Danielli Riccardo , Colizzi Francesca , Fonsatti Ester , Traversari Catia , Altomonte Maresa , Maio Michele
Published: September 2005

Cancer/testis antigens (CTA) are suitable targets for immunotherapy of human malignancies, and clinical trials are mainly focusing on MAGE-A3. However, the heterogeneous intratumor expression of CTA may hamper the effectiveness of CTA-directed vaccination through the emergence of CTA-negative neoplastic clones. We investigated the intratumor heterogeneity of CTA in human melanoma and the underlying molecular mechanism(s) at clonal level using 14 single cell clones generated from the melanoma lesion Mel 313. Reverse transcription-PCR revealed a highly heterogeneous expression of MAGE-A1, -A2, -A3, -A4, -A6, GAGE 1–6, SSX 1–5, and PRAME among melanoma clones. Only nine clones expressed MAGE-A3 and competitive reverse transcription-PCR identified relative differences in the number of mRNA molecules of up to 130-fold between clones 5 and 14. This clonal heterogeneity of MAGE-A3 expression correlated with the methylation status of specific CpG dinucleotides in MAGE-A3 promoter: i.e., hypomethylated CpG dinucleotides at positions −321, −151, −19, −16, −5, −2, +21, and +42 were found in clones expressing high but not low levels of MAGE-A3. Supporting the role of DNA methylation in generating the intratumor heterogeneity of CTA, the DNA hypomethylating agent 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-dCyd) invariably induced their expression in all CTA-negative clones. Furthermore, 5-AZA-dCyd–treatment reduced to 6 folds the differential expression of MAGE-A3 between clones 5 and 14, which became recognized to a similar extent by T cells specific for a MAGE-A–encoded peptide. These findings identify promoter methylation as directly responsible for the intratumoral heterogeneity of therapeutic CTA in melanoma and foresee the use of 5-AZA-dCyd to overcome the limitations set by their intratumor heterogeneous expression to CTA-based vaccine therapy.
Ultraviolet B but not Ultraviolet A Radiation Initiates Melanoma
Authors: De Fabo Edward C. , Noonan Frances P. , Fears Thomas , Merlino Glenn
Published: September 2005

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the fastest increasing cancers with an incidence that has more than doubled in the last 25 years. Sunlight exposure is strongly implicated in the etiology of cutaneous malignant melanoma and the UV portion of the sunlight spectrum is considered responsible. Data are, however, conflicting on the roles of ultraviolet B [UVB; 280–320 nanometers (nm)] and ultraviolet A (UVA; 320–400 nm), which differ in their ability to initiate DNA damage, cell signaling pathways and immune alterations. To address this issue, we have used specialized optical sources, emitting isolated or combined UVB or UVA wavebands or solar simulating radiation, together with our hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-transgenic mouse model of UV-induced melanoma that uniquely recapitulates human disease. Only UVB-containing sources initiated melanoma. These were the isolated UVB waveband (>96% 280–320 nm), the unfiltered F40 sunlamp (250–800 nm) and the solar simulator (290–800 nm). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the isolated UVB waveband was more effective in initiating melanoma than either the F40 sunlamp or the solar simulator (modified log rank P < 0.02). The latter two sources showed similar melanoma effectiveness (P = 0.38). In contrast, transgenic mice irradiated with either the isolated UVA waveband (>99.9% 320–400 nm, 150 kJ/m2), or an F40 sunlamp filtered to remove > 96% of the UVB, responded like unirradiated control animals. We conclude that, within the constraints of this animal model, UVB is responsible for the induction of mammalian cutaneous malignant melanoma whereas UVA is ineffective even at doses considered physiologically relevant. This finding may have major implications with respect both to risk assessment from exposure to solar and artificial UVB, and to development of effective protection strategies against melanoma induction by UVB. Moreover, these differences in wavelength effectiveness can now be exploited to identify UV pathways relevant to melanomagenesis.
Tumor Cell and Endothelial Cell Therapy of Oral Cancer by Dual Tyrosine Kinase Receptor Blockade
Authors: Yigitbasi Orhan G. , Younes Maher N. , Doan Dao , Jasser Samar A. , Schiff Bradley A. , Bucana Corazon D. , Bekele Benjamin N. , Fidler Isaiah J. , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: September 2005

Expression of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and activation of its receptor (EGFR), a tyrosine kinase, are associated with progressive growth of head and neck cancer. Expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with angiogenesis and progressive growth of tumor. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor NVP-AEE788 (AEE788) blocks the EGF and VEGF signaling pathways. We examined the effects of AEE788 administered alone, or with paclitaxel (Taxol), on the progression of human head and neck cancer implanted orthotopically into nude mice. Cells of two different human oral cancer lines, JMAR and MDA1986, were injected into the tongues of nude mice. Mice with established tumors were randomized to receive three times per week oral AEE788, once weekly injected paclitaxel, AEE788 plus paclitaxel, or placebo. Oral tumors were resected at necropsy. Kinase activity, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and mean vessel density were determined by immunohistochemical immunofluorescent staining. AEE788 inhibited cell growth, induced apoptosis, and reduced the phosphorylation of EGFR, VEGFR-2, AKT, and mitogen-activated protein kinase in both cell lines. Mice treated with AEE788 and AEE788 plus paclitaxel had decreased microvessel density, decreased proliferative index, and increased apoptosis. Hence, AEE788 inhibited tumor vascularization and growth and prolonged survival. Inhibition of EGFR and VEGFR phosphorylation by AEE788 effectively inhibits cellular proliferation of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, induces apoptosis of tumor endothelial cells and tumor cells, and is well tolerated in mice. These data recommend the consideration of patients with head and neck cancer for inclusion in clinical trials of AEE788.
Mutation-Selective Tumor Remission with Ras-Targeted, Whole Yeast-Based Immunotherapy
Authors: Lu Yingnian , Bellgrau Donald , Dwyer-Nield Lori D. , Malkinson Alvin M. , Duke Richard C. , Rodell Timothy C. , Franzusoff Alex
Published: September 2005

Activating mutations in Ras oncoproteins represent attractive targets for cancer immunotherapy, but few vectors capable of generating immune responses required for tumor killing without vector neutralization have been described. Whole recombinant yeast heterologously expressing mammalian mutant Ras proteins were used to immunize mice in a carcinogen-induced lung tumor model. Therapeutic immunization with the whole recombinant yeast caused complete regression of established Ras mutation-bearing lung tumors in a dose-dependent, antigen-specific manner. In combination with the genomic sequencing of tumors in patients, the yeast-based immunotherapeutic approach could be applied to treat Ras mutation-bearing human cancers.
Inducible Activation of Oncogenic K-
ras
Results in Tumor Formation in the Oral Cavity
Authors: Caulin Carlos , Nguyen Thao , Longley Mary A. , Zhou Zhijian , Wang Xiao-Jing , Roop Dennis R.
Published: September 2005

Mouse models for cancer represent powerful tools to analyze the causal role of genetic alterations in cancer development. We have developed a novel mouse model that allows the focal activation of mutations in stratified epithelia. Using this system, we demonstrate that activation of an oncogenic K-rasG12D allele in the oral cavity of the mouse induces oral tumor formation. The lesions that develop in these mice are classified as benign squamous papillomas. Interestingly, these tumors exhibit changes in the expression pattern of keratins similar to those observed in human premalignant oral tumors, which are reflective of early stages of tumorigenesis. These results demonstrate a causal role for oncogenic K-ras in oral tumor development. The inducible nature of this model also makes it an ideal system to study cooperative interactions between mutations in oncogenes and/or tumor suppressor genes that are similar to those observed in human tumors. To our knowledge, this is the first reported inducible mouse model for oral cancer.
Endothelin Receptor B Inhibition Triggers Apoptosis and Enhances Angiogenesis in Melanomas
Authors: Lahav Ronit , Suvà Mario-Luca , Rimoldi Donata , Patterson Paul H. , Stamenkovic Ivan
Published: September 2005

Endothelin receptor B (ETRB or EDNRB) is overexpressed in most human melanomas and is proposed to provide a marker of melanoma progression. We have shown previously that inhibition of ETRB leads to increased human melanoma cell death in vitro and in vivo, resulting in shrinkage of tumors grown in immunocompromised mice. In the present work, we analyzed the effects of ETRB inhibition on 10 human melanoma cell lines derived from tumors at distinct stages of progression. Our observations suggest that the ETRB antagonist BQ788 induces apoptosis most effectively in metastatic melanoma cells. Microarray analysis shows that BQ788 treatment leads to a reduction in the expression of the survival factor BCL-2A1 and the DNA repair factor poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 3 that is more pronounced in cells derived from metastatic than primary melanoma. Decreased cell viability was observed to correlate with reduction in ETRB expression, and reduction in ETRB protein levels by small interfering RNA led to an increase in cell death. Interestingly, reduction of ETRB expression by BQ788 was accompanied by a strong induction of VEGF expression and repression of the angiogenic suppressor gravin. These changes in gene expression correlated with increased angiogenesis in tumors injected with ETRB antagonist in vivo. Taken together, our observations suggest that ETRB may provide a potential therapeutic target in high-grade melanomas and identify candidate pathways that may be implicated in the regulation of cell survival and tumor progression associated with ETRB signaling.
Inhibition of ATR Leads to Increased Sensitivity to Hypoxia/Reoxygenation
Authors: Hammond Ester M. , Dorie Mary Jo , Giaccia Amato J.
Published: September 2005

The transient opening and closing of tumor vasculature result in periods of severe oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) followed by reoxygenation. This exerts a positive selective pressure for cells that have lost their sensitivity to killing by reduced oxygen levels. These cells are effectively resistant to hypoxia-induced apoptosis and conventional therapeutic approaches. Here we show hypoxia-induced S-phase arrest results in regions of single-stranded DNA in stalled replication forks and signals the activation of ATR. S-phase cells represent the most sensitive phase of the cell cycle to the stress of hypoxia/reoxygenation. Loss of ATR or inhibition of ATR kinase activity results in a further loss of reproductive viability in S-phase cells when exposed to hypoxic conditions followed by reoxygenation but has little effect on the inhibition of DNA synthesis. This is, at least in part, mediated via Chk1 signaling because loss of Chk1 also results in increased sensitivity to hypoxia/reoxygenation. The observed decrease in reproductive survival is in part because of the accumulation of DNA damage in S-phase cells during hypoxia exposure in the absence of full ATR activity. Therefore, ATR acts to protect stalled replication forks during hypoxia exposure. In conclusion, ATR and Chk1 play critical roles in the cellular response to hypoxia/reoxygenation, and inhibitors of ATR and Chk1 represent new hypoxic cell cytotoxins.
A New Role of Protein Phosphatase 2A in Adenoviral E1A Protein-Mediated Sensitization to Anticancer Drug-Induced Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Liao Yong , Hung Mien-Chie
Published: September 2005

The adenoviral type 5 E1A protein has been shown to induce sensitization to different categories of anticancer drug-induced apoptosis, partly by down-regulation of the activity of a critical oncogenic kinase Akt in both normal fibroblasts and epithelial breast cancer cells. Currently, the adenoviral E1A gene is being tested as an antitumor gene in multiple clinical trials. However, molecular mechanisms underlying E1A-mediated chemosensitization and down-regulation of Akt activity are still not completely defined. Here, we show that E1A by up-regulation of the catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A [PP2A (PP2A/C)] enhanced the activity of PP2A, which results in repression of Akt activation in E1A-expressing cells. In addition, activation of PP2A/C is required for E1A-mediated sensitization to drug-induced apoptosis, because blocking PP2A/C expression using a specific small interfering RNA against PP2A/C reduced drug sensitivity in E1A-expressing cells. Deletion mutation of the conserved domain of E1A, which is required for E1A-mediated sensitization to drug-induced apoptosis, also abolished the ability of E1A to up-regulate PP2A/C. Thus, the up-regulation of PP2A may represent a novel mechanism for E1A-mediated sensitization to anticancer drug-induced apoptosis.
Photodynamic Therapy Causes Cross-linking of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Proteins and Attenuation of Interleukin-6 Cytokine Responsiveness in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Oseroff Allan R. , Baumann Heinz
Published: September 2005

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a local treatment of cancers. The principle of PDT is the production of reactive oxygen species, in particular singlet oxygen, by light activation of a photosensitizer introduced into the target cells. The direct photochemical and subsequent redox reactions can lead to cell death. This study sought to identify effects occurring during PDT and some of their consequences in surviving cells. Using epithelial cells in tissue culture and in tumors, several distinct PDT-mediated reactions were found, including global dephosphorylation of proteins, induced phosphorylation of a 71-kDa protein, initiation of cellular stress responses, structural modification and loss of epidermal growth factor receptor, and cross-linking of proteins. Specific covalent cross-linking of nonactivated signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, and to a lesser extent of STAT1 and STAT4, correlated with PDT dose. Cross-linked STAT3 was primarily localized to the cytoplasm and failed to bind to DNA. The combination of STAT cross-linking and inactivation of receptor functions rendered PDT-treated cells refractory for at least 24 hours to interleukin-6 and oncostatin M, cytokines known to be elevated at site of tissue damage and inflammation. It is suggested that the loss of responsiveness to these inflammatory cytokines in the PDT-treated field assists tumor cells in evading the growth-suppressive activity of these mediators expected to be present at tissue sites after PDT.
Ablation of Peripheral Dopaminergic Nerves Stimulates Malignant Tumor Growth by Inducing Vascular Permeability Factor/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-Mediated Angiogenesis
Authors: Basu Sujit , Sarkar Chandrani , Chakroborty Debanjan , Nagy Janice , Mitra Rita Basu , Dasgupta Partha Sarathi , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: September 2005

Many important physiological and pathological processes are modulated by angiogenesis. It has been shown that initiation of this angiogenic process is an essential early step in the progression of malignant tumors. We report here that ablation of peripheral dopaminergic nerves markedly increased angiogenesis, microvessel density, microvascular permeability, and growth of malignant tumors in mice. Endogenous peripheral dopamine acted through D2 receptors as significantly more angiogenesis and tumor growth was observed in D2 dopamine receptor knockout mice in comparison with controls. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 phosphorylation, which is critical for promoting angiogenesis, was also significantly more in tumor endothelial cells collected from the dopamine-depleted and D2 dopamine receptor knockout animals. These results reveal that peripheral endogenous neurotransmitter dopamine might be an important physiological regulator of vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated tumor angiogenesis and growth and suggest a novel link between endogenous dopamine, angiogenesis, and tumor growth.
XBP1 Is Essential for Survival under Hypoxic Conditions and Is Required for Tumor Growth
Authors: Romero-Ramirez Lorenzo , Cao Hongbin , Nelson Daniel , Hammond Ester , Lee Ann-Hwee , Yoshida Hiderou , Mori Kazutoshi , Glimcher Laurie H. , Denko Nicholas C. , Giaccia Amato J. , Le Quynh-Thu , Koong Albert C.
Published: September 2005

Hypoxia within solid tumors is a major determinant of outcome after anticancer therapy. Analysis of gene expression changes during hypoxia indicated that unfolded protein response genes were one of the most robustly induced groups of genes. In this study, we investigated the hypoxic regulation of X-box binding protein (XBP1), a major transcriptional regulator of the unfolded protein response. Hypoxia induced XBP1 at the transcriptional level and activated splicing of its mRNA, resulting in increased levels of activated XBP1 protein. After exposure to hypoxia, apoptosis increased and clonogenic survival decreased in XBP1-deficient cells. Loss of XBP1 severely inhibited tumor growth due to a reduced capacity for these transplanted tumor cells to survive in a hypoxic microenvironment. Taken together, these studies directly implicate XBP1 as an essential survival factor for hypoxic stress and tumor growth.
The Ews/Fli-1 Fusion Gene Changes the Status of p53 in Neuroblastoma Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Rorie Checo J. , Weissman Bernard E.
Published: September 2005

One hallmark of Ewing’s sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumors is the presence of the Ews/Fli-1 chimeric oncogene. Interestingly, infection of neuroblastoma tumor cell lines with Ews/Fli-1 switches the differentiation program of neuroblastomas to Ewing’s sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumors. Here we examined the status of cytoplasmically sequestered wt-p53 in neuroblastomas after stable expression of Ews/Fli-1. Immunofluorescence revealed that in the neuroblastoma-Ews/Fli-1 infectant cell lines, p53 went from a punctate-pattern of cytoplasmic sequestration to increased nuclear localization. Western blot analysis revealed that PARC was down-regulated in one neuroblastoma cell line but not expressed in the second. Therefore, decreased PARC expression could not fully account for relieving p53 sequestration in the neuroblastoma tumor cells. Neuroblastoma-Ews/Fli-1 infectant cell lines showed marked increases in p53 protein expression without transcriptional up-regulation. Interestingly, p53 was primarily phosphorylated, without activation of its downstream target p21WAF1. Western blot analysis revealed that whereas MDM2 gene expression does not change, p14ARF, a negative protein regulator of MDM2, increases. These observations suggest that the downstream p53 pathway may be inactivated as a result of abnormal p53. We also found that p53 has an extended half-life in the neuroblastoma-Ews/Fli-1 infectants despite the retention of a wild-type sequence in neuroblastoma-Ews/Fli-1 infectant cell lines. We then tested the p53 response pathway and observed that the neuroblastoma parent cells responded to genotoxic stress, whereas the neuroblastoma-Ews/Fli-1 infectants did not. These results suggest that Ews/Fli-1 can directly abrogate the p53 pathway to promote tumorigenesis. These studies also provide additional insight into the relationship among the p53 pathway proteins.
Silibinin Protects against Photocarcinogenesis via Modulation of Cell Cycle Regulators, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, and Akt Signaling
Authors: Mallikarjuna Gu , Dhanalakshmi Sivanandhan , Singh Rana P. , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: September 2005

Here, we assessed the protective effect of silibinin on UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis in SKH-1 hairless mice. Topical application of silibinin before or immediately after UVB exposure or its dietary feeding resulted in a strong protection against photocarcinogenesis, in terms of tumor multiplicity (60–66%; P < 0.001), tumor volume per mouse (93–97%; P < 0.001) and tumor volume per tumor (80–91%; P < 0.001). Silibinin also moderately inhibited tumor incidence (5–15%; P < 0.01) and delayed tumor latency period (up to 4 weeks; P < 0.01–0.001). To investigate in vivo molecular mechanisms of silibinin efficacy, tumors and uninvolved skin from tumor-bearing mice were examined immunohistochemically for proliferation, p53, apoptosis, and activated caspase-3. Silibinin treatment showed a strong decrease (P < 0.001) in proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and an increase in p53-positive (P < 0.005–0.001), terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated nick end labeling-positive (P < 0.005–0.001), and cleaved caspase-3–positive cells (P < 0.001). Western blot analysis of normal skin and tumor lysates showed that silibinin decreases the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and associated cyclins A, E, and D1, together with an up-regulation of Cip1/p21, Kip1/p27, and p53. Silibinin also showed a strong phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, stress-activated protein kinase/c-JUN NH2-terminal kinase 1/2, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases but inhibited Akt phosphorylation and decreased survivin levels with an increase in cleaved caspase-3. Together, these results show a strong preventive efficacy of silibinin against photocarcinogenesis, which involves the inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and cell cycle progression and an induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, these results also identify in vivo molecular mechanisms of silibinin efficacy against photocarcinogenesis.
A Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody–Chemotherapeutic Conjugate Designed for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Henry Michael D. , Wen Shenghua , Silva Matthew D. , Chandra Sudeep , Milton Mark , Worland Peter J.
Published: September 2005

MLN2704 is an antibody-chemotherapeutic conjugate designed to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). PSMA is a transmembrane receptor whose expression is largely restricted to prostatic epithelium and prostate cancer cells with its expression level increasing during the progression of malignancy. MLN2704 consists of a de-immunized, monoclonal antibody that is specific for PSMA conjugated to drug maytansinoid 1 (DM1), a microtubule-depolymerizing compound. After antibody binding to PSMA and the subsequent cellular internalization of this complex, DM1 is released leading to cell death. MLN2704 has an approximate half-life of 39 hours in scid mice bearing CWR22 tumor tissue, and the antibody effectively penetrates xenograft tumor tissue. Optimization of dosage and schedule of MLN2704 administration defined interdependency between these conditions that maximized efficacy with no apparent toxicity. Tumor growth delays of ∼100 days could be achieved on the optimized schedule of one dose of 60 mg/kg MLN2704 every 14 days for five doses (q14d×5). The unconjugated antibody (MLN591) demonstrated essentially no antitumor activity and DM1 alone or a non-PSMA targeted antibody–DM1 conjugate was only weakly active. Furthermore, we show that MLN2704 is active in a novel model of osteoblastic prostate cancer metastasis.
Inducible Silencing of KILLER/DR5
In vivo
Promotes Bioluminescent Colon Tumor Xenograft Growth and Confers Resistance to Chemotherapeutic Agent 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Wang Shulin , El-Deiry Wafik S.
Published: September 2005

The candidate tumor suppressor KILLER/DR5 is a DNA damage-inducible p53-regulated death receptor for the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a promising agent for cancer therapy. The majority of studies on KILLER/DR5 have been focused on its role in TRAIL-induced apoptosis. However, its contribution to the inhibition of tumor growth and its role as a determinant of chemosensitivity are poorly understood. In the present study, we have generated stable human colon cancer cell lines, in which the function of KILLER/DR5 was ablated using inducible RNA interference. Inducible silencing of KILLER/DR5 in vivo by exposure of mice to doxycycline led to accelerated growth of bioluminescent tumor xenografts and conferred resistance to the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil. Our results suggest that KILLER/DR5 may be a critical determinant for tumorigenicity and chemosensitivity.
Gene Silencing in Androgen-Responsive Prostate Cancer Cells from the Tissue-Specific
Prostate-Specific Antigen
Promoter
Authors: Song Jun , Pang Shen , Lu Yingchun , Yokoyama Kazunari K. , Zheng Jun-Ying , Chiu Robert
Published: September 2005

The success of gene therapy using a RNA interference approach relies on small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression from a highly tissue-specific RNA polymerase II promoter rather than from ubiquitous RNA polymerase III. Accordingly, we have developed a prostate-specific vector that expresses siRNAs from the human prostate-specific antigen promoter, a RNA polymerase II promoter. Our data demonstrate androgen-dependent and tissue-specific siRNA-mediated gene silencing in the androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell line, LNCaP. The biological significance was evidenced by altered apoptotic activity through the inhibition of the apoptosis-related regulatory gene. These results demonstrate that siRNA-mediated gene silencing from a tissue-specific RNA polymerase II promoter could be a potential tool for tissue-specific gene therapy.
Mechanism of the Attenuation of Proteolysis-Inducing Factor Stimulated Protein Degradation in Muscle by β-Hydroxy-β-Methylbutyrate
Authors: Smith Helen J. , Wyke Stacey M. , Tisdale Michael J.
Published: September 2005

The leucine metabolite β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) prevents muscle protein degradation in cancer-induced weight loss through attenuation of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway. To investigate the mechanism of this effect, the action of HMB on protein breakdown and intracellular signaling leading to increased proteasome expression by the tumor factor proteolysis-inducing factor (PIF) has been studied in vitro using murine myotubes as a surrogate model of skeletal muscle. A comparison has been made of the effects of HMB and those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a known inhibitor of PIF signaling. At a concentration of 50 μmol/L, EPA and HMB completely attenuated PIF-induced protein degradation and induction of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway, as determined by the “chymotrypsin-like” enzyme activity, as well as protein expression of 20S proteasome α- and β-subunits and subunit p42 of the 19S regulator. The primary event in PIF-induced protein degradation is thought to be release of arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, and this process was attenuated by EPA, but not HMB, suggesting that HMB might act at another step in the PIF signaling pathway. EPA and HMB at a concentration of 50 μmol/L attenuated PIF-induced activation of protein kinase C and the subsequent degradation of inhibitor κBα and nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor κB. EPA and HMB also attenuated phosphorylation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase by PIF, thought to be important in PIF-induced proteasome expression. These results suggest that HMB attenuates PIF-induced activation and increased gene expression of the ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathway, reducing protein degradation.