bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-throughput identification of IMCD proteins using LC-MS/MS
Authors: Pisitkun Trairak , Bieniek Jared , Tchapyjnikov Dmitry , Wang Guanghui , Wu Wells W. , Shen Rong-Fong , Knepper Mark A.
Published: February 2006

The inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) is an important site of vasopressin-regulated water and urea transport. Here we have used protein mass spectrometry to investigate the proteome of the IMCD cell and how it is altered in response to long-term vasopressin administration in rats. IMCDs were isolated from inner medullas of rats, and IMCD proteins were identified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We present a WWW-based “IMCD Proteome Database” containing all IMCD proteins identified in this study ( n = 704) and prior MS-based identification studies ( n = 301). We used the isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT) technique to identify IMCD proteins that change in abundance in response to vasopressin. Vasopressin analog (dDAVP) or vehicle was infused subcutaneously in Brattleboro rats for 3 days, and IMCDs were isolated for proteomic analysis. dDAVP and control samples were labeled with different cleavable ICAT reagents (mass difference 9 amu) and mixed. This was followed by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE separation, in-gel trypsin digestion, biotin-avidin affinity purification, and LC-MS/MS identification and quantification. Responses to vasopressin for a total of 165 proteins were quantified. Quantification, based on semiquantitative immunoblotting of 16 proteins for which antibodies were available, showed a high degree of correlation with ICAT results. In addition to aquaporin-2 and γ-epithelial Na channel (γ-ENaC), five of the immunoblotted proteins were substantially altered in abundance in response to dDAVP, viz., syntaxin-7, Rap1, GAPDH, heat shock protein (HSP)70, and cathepsin D. A 28-protein vasopressin signaling network was constructed using literature-based network analysis software focusing on the newly identified proteins, providing several new hypotheses for future studies.
B7-H4 Is a Novel Membrane-Bound Protein and a Candidate Serum and Tissue Biomarker for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Simon Iris , Zhuo Shaoqiu , Corral Laura , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Sarno Mark J. , Wolfert Robert L. , Kim Nam W.
Published: February 2006

Using cDNA database mining strategies and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, we identified B7-H4 as a novel gene that is overexpressed in ovarian and breast cancer tissues when compared with normal tissues. The gene encodes a protein of 282 amino acids with a signal sequence, an immunoglobulin domain, and a COOH-terminal hydrophobic transmembrane domain. Immunohistochemistry experiments show plasma membrane staining in serous ovarian and breast cancer, confirming the tissue specificity and cell surface localization. We have developed a sensitive dual monoclonal antibody sandwich ELISA to analyze the level of B7-H4 protein in >2,500 serum samples, ascites fluids, and tissue lysates. High levels of B7-H4 protein were detected in ovarian cancer tissue lysates when compared with normal tissues. B7-H4 was present at low levels in all sera but showed an elevated level in serum samples from ovarian cancer patients when compared with healthy controls or women with benign gynecologic diseases. The median B7-H4 concentration in endometrioid and serous histotypes was higher than in mucinous histotypes, consistent with results of immunohistochemical staining. The multivariate logistic regression analysis of B7-H4 and CA125 measured in the same sample set resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86 for all stages and 0.86 for stage I/II patients, which was significantly higher than the AUC for either marker alone. In early-stage patients, the sensitivity at 97% specificity increased from 52% for CA125 alone to 65% when used in combination with B7-H4. We conclude that B7-H4 is a promising new biomarker for ovarian carcinoma. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1570-5)
An Essential Role of Alternative Splicing of c-myc Suppressor FUSE-Binding Protein–Interacting Repressor in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Matsushita Kazuyuki , Tomonaga Takeshi , Shimada Hideaki , Shioya Ayumi , Higashi Morihiro , Matsubara Hisahiro , Harigaya Kenichi , Nomura Fumio , Libutti Daniel , Levens David , Ochiai Takenori
Published: February 2006

Elevated expression of c-myc has been detected in a broad range of human cancers, indicating a key role for this oncogene in tumor development. Recently, an interaction between FUSE-binding protein–interacting repressor (FIR) and TFIIH/p89/XPB helicase was found to repress c-myc transcription and might be important for suppressing tumor formation. In this study, we showed that enforced expression of FIR induced apoptosis. Deletion of the NH2-terminal repression domain of FIR rescued the cells from apoptosis as did coexpression of c-Myc with FIR; thus, repression of Myc mediates FIR-driven apoptosis. Surprisingly, a splicing variant of FIR unable to repress c-myc or to drive apoptosis was frequently discovered in human primary colorectal cancers but not in the adjacent normal tissues. Coexpression of this splicing variant with repressor-competent FIR, either in HeLa cells or in the colon cancer cell line SW480, not only abrogated c-Myc suppression but also inhibited apoptosis. These results strongly suggest the expression of this splicing variant promotes tumor development by disabling FIR repression and sustaining high levels of c-Myc and opposing apoptosis in colorectal cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1409-17)
ErbB3-Dependent Motility and Intravasation in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Xue Chengsen , Liang Fubo , Mahmood Radma , Vuolo Magalis , Wyckoff Jeffrey , Qian Hong , Tsai Kun-Lin , Kim Mimi , Locker Joseph , Zhang Zhong-Yin , Segall Jeffrey E.
Published: February 2006

A better understanding of how epidermal growth factor receptor family members (ErbBs) contribute to metastasis is important for evaluating ErbB-directed therapies. Activation of ErbB3/ErbB2 heterodimers can affect both proliferation and motility. We find that increasing ErbB3-dependent signaling in orthotopic injection models of breast cancer can enhance intravasation and lung metastasis with no effect on primary tumor growth or microvessel density. Enhanced metastatic ability due to increased expression of ErbB2 or ErbB3 correlated with stronger chemotaxis and invasion responses to heregulin β1. Suppression of ErbB3 expression reduced both intravasation and metastasis. A human breast cancer tumor tissue microarray showed a significant association between ErbB3 and ErbB2 expression and metastasis independent of tumor size. These results indicate that ErbB3-dependent signaling through ErbB3/ErbB2 heterodimers can contribute to metastasis through enhancing tumor cell invasion and intravasation in vivo and that ErbB-directed therapies may be useful for the inhibition of invasion independent of effects on tumor growth. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1418-26)
Application of Bayesian Modeling of Autologous Antibody Responses against Ovarian Tumor-Associated Antigens to Cancer Detection
Authors: Erkanli Al , Taylor Douglas D. , Dean Deyrick , Eksir Faria , Egger Daniel , Geyer James , Nelson Brad H. , Stone Brad , Fritsche Herbert A. , Roden Richard B.S.
Published: February 2006

Biomarkers for early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are urgently needed. Patients can generate antibodies to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). We tested multiplex detection of antibodies to candidate ovarian TAAs and statistical modeling for discrimination of sera of EOC patients and controls. Binding of serum antibody of women with EOC or healthy controls to candidate TAA-coated microspheres was assayed in parallel. A Bayesian model/variable selection approach using Markov Chain Monte Carlo computations was applied to these data, and serum CA125 values, to determine the best predictive model. The selected model was subjected to area under the receiver-operator curve (AUC) analysis. The best model generated an AUC of 0.86 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.78-0.90] for discrimination between sera of EOC patients and healthy patients using antibody specific to p53, NY-CO-8, and HOXB7. Inclusion of CA125 in the model provided an AUC of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.84-0.92) compared with an AUC of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.81-0.85) using CA125 alone. However, using TAA responses alone, the model discriminated between independent sera of women with nonmalignant gynecologic conditions and those with advanced-stage or early-stage EOC with AUCs of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67-0.76) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.48-0.75), respectively. Serum antibody to p53 and HOXB7 is positively associated with EOC, whereas NY-CO-8-specific antibody shows negative association. Bayesian modeling of these TAA-specific serum antibody responses exhibits similar discrimination of patients with early-stage and advanced-stage EOC from women with nonmalignant gynecologic conditions and may be complementary to CA125. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1792-8)
Arachidonic Acid Activates Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling and Induces Gene Expression in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Hughes-Fulford Millie , Li Chai-Fei , Boonyaratanakornkit Jim , Sayyah Sina
Published: February 2006

Essential fatty acids are not only energy-rich molecules; they are also an important component of the membrane bilayer and recently have been implicated in induction of fatty acid synthase and other genes. Using gene chip analysis, we have found that arachidonic acid, an ω-6 fatty acid, induced 11 genes that are regulated by nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). We verified gene induction by ω-6 fatty acid, including COX-2, IκBα, NF-κB, GM-CSF, IL-1β, CXCL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, LTA, IL-8, PPARγ, and ICAM-1, using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis was increased within 5 minutes of addition of arachidonic acid. Analysis of upstream signal transduction showed that within 5 minutes of fatty acid addition, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) was significantly activated followed by activation of Akt at 30 minutes. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2, p38 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun-NH2-kinase were not phosphorylated after ω-6 fatty acid addition. Thirty minutes after fatty acid addition, we found a significant 3-fold increase in translocation of NF-κB transcription factor to the nucleus. Addition of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) caused a decrease in COX-2 protein synthesis, PGE2 synthesis, as well as inhibition of PI3K activation. We have previously shown that NSAIDs cause an inhibition of arachidonic acid–induced proliferation; here, we have shown that arachidonic acid–induced proliferation is also blocked (P < 0.001) by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. LY294002 also significantly inhibited the arachidonic acid–induced gene expression of COX-2, IL-1β, GM-CSF, and ICAM1. Taken together, the data suggest that arachidonic acid via conversion to PGE2 plays an important role in stimulation of growth-related genes and proliferation via PI3K signaling and NF-κB translocation to the nucleus. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1427-33)
Effect of Inhibition of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling on Distribution of Extravasated Antibodies in Tumors
Authors: Nakahara Tsutomu , Norberg Scott M. , Shalinsky David R. , Hu-Lowe Dana D. , McDonald Donald M.
Published: February 2006

Antibodies and other macromolecular therapeutics can gain access to tumor cells via leaky tumor vessels. Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling can reduce the vascularity of tumors and leakiness of surviving vessels, but little is known about how these changes affect the distribution of antibodies within tumors. We addressed this issue by examining the distribution of extravasated antibodies in islet cell tumors of RIP-Tag2 transgenic mice and implanted Lewis lung carcinomas using fluorescence and confocal microscopic imaging. Extravasated nonspecific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antibodies to fibrin or E-cadherin accumulated in irregular patchy regions of stroma. Fibrin also accumulated in these regions. Anti-E-cadherin antibody, which targets epitopes on tumor cells of RIP-Tag2 adenomas, was the only antibody to achieve detectable levels within tumor cell clusters at 6 hours after i.v. injection. Treatment for 7 days with AG-013736, a potent inhibitor of VEGF signaling, reduced the tumor vascularity by 86%. The overall area density of extravasated IgG/antibodies decreased after treatment but the change was less than the reduction in vascularity and actually increased when expressed per surviving tumor vessel. Accumulation of anti-E-cadherin antibody in tumor cell clusters was similarly affected. The patchy pattern of antibodies in stroma after treatment qualitatively resembled untreated tumors and surprisingly coincided with sleeves of basement membrane left behind after pruning of tumor vessels. Together, the findings suggest that antibody transport increases from surviving tumor vessels after normalization by inhibition of VEGF signaling. Basement membrane sleeves may facilitate this transport. Antibodies preferentially distribute to tumor stroma but also accumulate on tumor cells if binding sites are accessible. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1434-45)
Octreotide, a Somatostatin Analogue, Mediates Its Antiproliferative Action in Pituitary Tumor Cells by Altering Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Signaling and Inducing Zac1 Expression
Authors: Theodoropoulou Marily , Zhang Jing , Laupheimer Sandra , Paez-Pereda Marcelo , Erneux Christophe , Florio Tullio , Pagotto Uberto , Stalla Günter K.
Published: February 2006

Somatostatin limits cell growth by inhibiting the proliferative activity of growth factor receptors. In this study, it is shown that in pituitary tumor cells, the somatostatin analogue octreotide produces its antiproliferative action by inducing the expression the tumor suppressor gene Zac1. ZAC/Zac1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and is highly expressed in normal pituitary, mammary, and ovarian glands but is down-regulated in pituitary, breast, and ovarian tumors. Knocking down Zac1 by RNA interference abolished the antiproliferative effect of octreotide in pituitary tumor cells, indicating that Zac1 is necessary for the action of octreotide. The effect of octreotide on Zac1 expression was pertussis toxin sensitive and was abolished after transfection with a dominant negative vector for SHP-1. Zac1 is a target of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) survival pathway. Octreotide treatment decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation levels of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85, induced dephosphorylation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) and Akt, and activated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSKβ). Therefore, in pituitary tumor cells, somatostatin analogues produce their antiproliferative action by acting on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and increasing Zac1 gene expression. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1576-82)
The Anti–Human Leukocyte Antigen-DR Monoclonal Antibody 1D09C3 Activates the Mitochondrial Cell Death Pathway and Exerts a Potent Antitumor Activity in Lymphoma-Bearing Nonobese Diabetic/Severe Combined Immunodeficient Mice
Authors: Carlo-Stella Carmelo , Di Nicola Massimo , Turco Maria Caterina , Cleris Loredana , Lavazza Cristiana , Longoni Paolo , Milanesi Marco , Magni Michele , Ammirante Massimo , Leone Arturo , Nagy Zoltan , Gioffrè Walter R. , Formelli Franca , Gianni Alessandro M.
Published: February 2006

The fully human anti-HLA-DR antibody 1D09C3 has been shown to delay lymphoma cell growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The present study was aimed at (a) investigating the mechanism(s) of 1D09C3-induced cell death and (b) further exploring the therapeutic efficacy of 1D09C3 in nonobese diabetic (NOD)/SCID mice. The chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell line JVM-2 and the mantle cell lymphoma cell line GRANTA-519 were used. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were measured by flow cytometry following cell incubation with dihydroethidium and TMRE, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to detect c-Jun-NH2-kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF). NOD/SCID mice were used to investigate the activity of 1D09C3 in early- or advanced-stage tumor xenografts. In vitro, 1D09C3-induced cell death involves a cascade of events, including ROS increase, JNK activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and AIF release from mitochondria. Inhibition of JNK activity significantly reduced 1D09C3-induced apoptosis, indicating that 1D09C3 activity involves activation of the kinase. In vivo, 1D09C3 induces long-term disease-free survival in a significant proportion of tumor-bearing mice treated at an early stage of disease. Treatment of mice bearing advanced-stage lymphoma results in a highly significant prolongation of survival. These data show that 1D09C3 (a) exerts a potent antitumor effect by activating ROS-dependent, JNK-driven cell death, (b) cures the great majority of mice treated at an early-stage of disease, and (c) significantly prolongs survival of mice with advanced-stage disease. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1799-808)
Adenovirus-Induced Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Phosphorylation during the Late Phase of Infection Enhances Viral Protein Levels and Virus Progeny
Authors: Schümann Michael , Dobbelstein Matthias
Published: February 2006

The Raf/mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK)/ERK signaling cascade enhances tumor cell proliferation in many cases. Here, we show that adenovirus type 5, a small DNA tumor virus used in experimental cancer therapy, strongly induces ERK phosphorylation during the late phase of infection. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK phosphorylation reduced virus recovery by >100-fold. Blocking MEK/ERK signaling affected virus DNA replication and mRNA levels only weakly but strongly reduced the amount of viral proteins, independently of the kinases MNK1 and PKR. Hence, adenovirus induces the oncogenic Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway to enhance viral progeny by sustaining the levels of viral proteins. Concerning therapy, our results suggest that the use of Raf/MEK/ERK inhibitors will interfere with the propagation of oncolytic adenoviruses. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1282-8)
Sulforaphane Sensitizes Tumor Necrosis Factor–Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)–Resistant Hepatoma Cells to TRAIL-Induced Apoptosis through Reactive Oxygen Species–Mediated Up-regulation of DR5
Authors: Kim Heesue , Kim Eun Hee , Eom Young Woo , Kim Wook-Hwan , Kwon Taeg Kyu , Lee Soo Jae , Choi Kyeong Sook
Published: February 2006

Sulforaphane is a chemopreventive agent present in various cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli. Here, we show that treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in combination with subtoxic doses of sulforaphane significantly induces rapid apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant hepatoma cells. Neither TNF-α- nor Fas-mediated apoptosis was sensitized in hepatoma cells by cotreatment with sulforaphane, suggesting that sulforaphane can selectively sensitize cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis but not to apoptosis mediated by other death receptors. We found that sulforaphane treatment significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of DR5, a death receptor of TRAIL. This was accompanied by an increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment with N-acetyl-l-cysteine and overexpression of catalase inhibited sulforaphane-induced up-regulation of DR5 and almost completely blocked the cotreatment-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the sulforaphane-mediated sensitization to TRAIL was efficiently reduced by administration of a blocking antibody or small interfering RNAs for DR5. These results collectively indicate that sulforaphane-induced generation of ROS and the subsequent up-regulation of DR5 are critical for triggering and amplifying TRAIL-induced apoptotic signaling. We also found that sulforaphane can sensitize both Bcl-xL- and Bcl-2-overexpressing hepatoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, indicating that treatment with a combination of TRAIL and sulforaphane may be a safe strategy for treating resistant hepatomas. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1740-50)
Grg1 Acts as a Lung-Specific Oncogene in a Transgenic Mouse Model
Authors: Allen Thaddeus , van Tuyl Minke , Iyengar Pratibha , Jothy Serge , Post Martin , Tsao Ming-Sound , Lobe Corrinne G.
Published: February 2006

Groucho proteins are transcriptional corepressors that are recruited to gene regulatory regions by numerous transcription factors. Long isoforms, such as Grg1, have all the domains of the prototype Drosophila Groucho. Short Groucho proteins, such as Grg5, have only the amino-terminal Q and G/P domains. We generated Grg1 and Grg5 transgenic mice and found that Grg1 overexpression induces lung adenocarcinoma, whereas Grg5 overexpression does not. Coexpression of Grg5 with Grg1 reduces tumor burden. Grg1 and Grg5 both diminish p53 protein levels; however, only Grg1 overexpression induces elevated levels of ErbB1 and ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinases. The molecular and biological changes that accompany tumor progression in Grg1 transgenic mice closely reiterate events seen in human lung cancer. We also found that within a human lung tumor tissue array, a significant number of carcinomas overexpress Grg1/TLE1. Our data suggest that Grg1 overexpression contributes to malignancy in human lung cancers. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1294-301)
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3 and Focal Adhesion Kinase Bind and Suppress Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Garces Christopher A. , Kurenova Elena V. , Golubovskaya Vita M. , Cance William G.
Published: February 2006

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) are protein tyrosine kinases that are overexpressed in human cancer and play an important role in survival signaling. In addition to its involvement with cell survival, VEGFR-3 is a primary factor in lymphatic angiogenesis. Because FAK function is regulated by its COOH terminus (FAK-CD), we used FAK-CD as a target to identify binding partners. We isolated a peptide from a phage library that bound to FAK-CD, specifically the focal adhesion targeting domain of FAK and was homologous to VEGFR-3, suggesting these two tyrosine kinases physically interact. We have also shown that VEGFR-3 is overexpressed in human breast tumors and cancer cell lines. For the first time, we have shown the physical association of FAK and VEGFR-3. The association between the NH2 terminus of VEGFR-3, containing the peptide identified by phage display, and the COOH terminus of FAK was detected by in vitro and in vivo binding studies. We then coupled a 12-amino-acid VEGFR-3 peptide, AV3, to a TAT cellular penetration sequence and showed that AV3 and not control-scrambled peptide caused specific displacement of FAK from the focal adhesions and affected colocalization of FAK and VEGFR-3. In addition, AV3 peptide decreased proliferation and caused cell detachment and apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines but not in normal breast cells. Thus, the FAK/VEGFR-3 interaction may have a potential use to develop novel molecular therapeutics to target the signaling between FAK and VEGFR-3 in human tumors. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1446-54)
Heparanase Induces Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression: Correlation with p38 Phosphorylation Levels and Src Activation
Authors: Zetser Anna , Bashenko Yulia , Edovitsky Evgeny , Levy-Adam Flonia , Vlodavsky Israel , Ilan Neta
Published: February 2006

Heparanase is an endo-β-d-glucuronidase involved in cleavage of heparan sulfate moieties and hence participates in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and remodeling. Traditionally, heparanase activity was correlated with the metastatic potential of a variety of tumor-derived cell types. Cloning of the heparanase gene indicated that heparanase expression is up-regulated in a variety of primary human tumors. In some cases, heparanase up-regulation correlated with increased tumor vascularity, an angiogenic feature that could be recapitulated in a number of in vitro and in vivo models. The mechanism by which heparanase enhances angiogenic responses is not entirely clear but is thought to be mediated primarily by release of ECM-resident angiogenic growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we examined the possibility that heparanase directly participates in VEGF gene regulation. We provide evidence that heparanase overexpression in human embryonic kidney 293, MDA-MB-435 human breast carcinoma, and rat C6 glioma cells resulted in a 3- to 6-fold increase in VEGF protein and mRNA levels, which correlated with elevation of p38 phosphorylation. Moreover, heparanase down-regulation in B16 mouse melanoma cells by a specific siRNA vector was accompanied by a decrease in VEGF and p38 phosphorylation levels, suggesting that VEGF gene expression is regulated by endogenous heparanase. Interestingly, a specific p38 inhibitor did not attenuate VEGF up-regulation by heparanase whereas Src inhibitors completely abrogated this effect. These results indicate, for the first time, that heparanase is actively involved in the regulation of VEGF gene expression, mediated by activation of Src family members. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1455-63)
Isolation of a Natural Inhibitor of Human Malignant Glial Cell Invasion: Inter α-Trypsin Inhibitor Heavy Chain 2
Authors: Werbowetski-Ogilvie Tamra E. , Agar Nathalie Y.R. , Waldkircher de Oliveira Roberta M. , Faury Damien , Antel Jack P. , Jabado Nada , Del Maestro Rolando F.
Published: February 2006

Malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumors, such as glioblastoma multiforme, invade the brain and disrupt normal tissue architecture, making complete surgical removal virtually impossible. Here, we have developed and optimized a purification strategy to isolate and identify natural inhibitors of glioma cell invasion in a three-dimensional collagen type I matrix. Inter α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 2 (ITI H2) was identified from the most inhibitory fractions and its presence was confirmed both as a single protein and in a bikunin-bound form. Stable overexpression in U251 glioma cells validated ITI H2′s strong inhibition of human glioma cell invasion together with significant inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell-cell adhesion. Analysis of primary human brain tumors showed significantly higher levels of ITI H2 in normal brain and low-grade tumors compared with high-grade gliomas, indicating an inverse correlation with malignancy. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade seemed to be one of the pathways involved in the effect of ITI H2 on U251 cells. These findings suggest that reduction of ITI H2 expression correlates with brain tumor progression and that targeting factors responsible for its loss or restoring the ITI supply exogenously may serve as potential therapeutic strategies for a variety of CNS tumors. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1464-72)
Regulation of Survivin by ErbB2 Signaling: Therapeutic Implications for ErbB2-Overexpressing Breast Cancers
Authors: Xia Wenle , Bisi John , Strum Jay , Liu Leihua , Carrick Kevin , Graham Katherine M. , Treece Amanda L. , Hardwicke Mary Ann , Dush Michael , Liao Qiaoyin , Westlund Ron E. , Zhao Sumin , Bacus Sarah , Spector Neil L.
Published: February 2006

In breast cancer, overexpression of ErbB2 or aberrant regulation of survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis family, is associated with resistance to chemo/hormone therapy and predicts for a poor clinical outcome. A functional link between the two predictive factors has not been previously shown. Here, using genetic and pharmacologic approaches to block ErbB2 signaling, we show that ErbB2 regulates survivin protein expression in ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Selective knockdown of ErbB2 using small interfering RNA markedly reduced survivin protein, resulting in apoptosis of ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines such as BT474. Alternatively, inhibition of ErbB2 signaling using lapatinib (GW572016), a reversible small-molecule inhibitor of ErbB1/ErbB2 tyrosine kinases, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations, leads to marked inhibition of survivin protein with subsequent apoptosis. The effect of lapatinib on survivin seems to be predominantly posttranslational, mediated by ubiquitin-proteosome degradation as lactacystin, a proteosome inhibitor, reverses these effects. Furthermore, lapatinib down-regulated the expression of His-tagged survivin, which was under the transcriptional control of a heterologous promoter, providing additional evidence supporting a posttranslational mechanism of regulation. In contrast, trastuzumab and gefitinib failed to down-regulate survivin in ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer cells. Importantly, the clinical relevance of these findings was illustrated in patients with ErbB2-overexpressing breast cancer whose clinical response to lapatinib was associated with marked inhibition of survivin in their tumors. These findings shed new light on the mechanism by which ErbB2 overexpression protects against apoptotic stimuli in breast cancer and identifies therapeutic interventions to improve clinical outcomes in these aggressive tumors. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1640-7)
Human Lymphoblastoid Proteome Analysis Reveals a Role for the Inhibitor of Acetyltransferases Complex in DNA Double-Strand Break Response
Authors: Dirksen Eef H.C. , Cloos Jacqueline , Braakhuis Boudewijn J.M. , Brakenhoff Ruud H. , Heck Albert J.R. , Slijper Monique
Published: February 2006

A DNA double-strand break (DSB) is highly cytotoxic; it emerges as the type of DNA damage that most severely affects the genomic integrity of the cell. It is essential that DNA DSBs are recognized and repaired efficiently, in particular, prior to mitosis, to prevent genomic instability and eventually, the development of cancer. To assess the pathways that are induced on DNA DSBs, 14 human lymphoblastoid cell lines were challenged with bleomycin for 30 and 240 minutes to establish the fast and more prolonged response, respectively. The proteomes of 14 lymphoblastoid cell lines were investigated to account for the variation among individuals. The primary DNA DSB response was expected to occur within the nucleus; therefore, the nuclear extracts were considered. Differential analysis was done using two-dimensional difference in gel electrophoresis; paired ANOVA statistics were used to recognize significant changes in time. Many proteins whose nuclear levels changed statistically significantly showed a fast response, i.e., within 30 minutes after bleomycin challenge. A significant number of these proteins could be assigned to known DNA DSB response processes, such as sensing DSBs (Ku70), DNA repair through effectors (high-mobility group protein 1), or cell cycle arrest at the G2-M phase checkpoint (14-3-3 ζ). Interestingly, the nuclear levels of all three proteins in the INHAT complex were reduced after 30 minutes of bleomycin challenge, suggesting that this complex may have a role in changing the chromatin structure, allowing the DNA repair enzymes to gain access to the DNA lesions. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1473-80)
An Essential Role of Antigen-Presenting Cell/T-Helper Type 1 Cell-Cell Interactions in Draining Lymph Node during Complete Eradication of Class II–Negative Tumor Tissue by T-Helper Type 1 Cell Therapy
Authors: Chamoto Kenji , Wakita Daiko , Narita Yoshinori , Zhang Yue , Noguchi Daisuke , Ohnishi Hideaki , Iguchi Takeshi , Sakai Tomoaki , Ikeda Hiroaki , Nishimura Takashi
Published: February 2006

Prior studies have shown that transfer of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific T helper type 1 (Th1) cells into mice bearing MHC class II+ OVA–expressing tumor cells (A20-OVA) causes complete tumor rejection. Here we show that, although Th1 cell therapy alone was not effective against MHC class II− OVA–expressing tumor cells (EG-7), treatment of mice bearing established EG-7 tumors by i.v. transfer of Th1 cells combined with i.t. injection of the model tumor antigen OVA induced complete tumor rejection. Transferred Th1 cells enhanced the migration of tumor-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APC) that had processed OVA into the draining lymph node (DLN). Although transferred Th1 cells were randomly distributed in DLN, distal LN, spleen, and tumor tissue, active proliferation of Th1 cells always initiated in DLN, where Th1 cells efficiently interacted with APC that presented OVA. In parallel, OVA-tetramer+ CTLs, showing EG-7-specific cytotoxicity, were highly induced in DLN and the local tumor site. The OVA-tetramer+ CTL functioned systemically because two bilateral tumor masses were both completely rejected on treatment of one tumor. Furthermore, either active proliferation of transferred Th1 cells or generation of tetramer+ CTL was not induced in MHC class II–deficient mice and LN-deficient Aly/Aly mice. These results indicate that DLN is an indispensable organ for initiating active APC/Th1 cell interactions, which is critical for inducing complete eradication of tumor mass by tumor-specific CTL. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1809-17)
Defining the Role of Prolactin as an Invasion Suppressor Hormone in Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nouhi Zaynab , Chughtai Naila , Hartley Strachan , Cocolakis Eftihia , Lebrun Jean-Jacques , Ali Suhad
Published: February 2006

Prolactin hormone (PRL) is well characterized as a terminal differentiation factor for mammary epithelial cells and as an autocrine growth/survival factor in breast cancer cells. However, this function of PRL may not fully signify its role in breast tumorigenesis. Cancer is a complex multistep progressive disease resulting not only from defects in cell growth but also in cell differentiation. Indeed, dedifferentiation of tumor cells is now recognized as a crucial event in invasion and metastasis. PRL plays a critical role in inducing/maintaining differentiation of mammary epithelial cells, suggesting that PRL signaling could serve to inhibit tumor progression. We show here that in breast cancer cells, PRL and Janus-activated kinase 2, a major kinase involved in PRL signaling, play a critical role in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), an essential process associated with tumor metastasis. Activation of the PRL receptor (PRLR), achieved by restoring PRL/JAK2 signaling in mesenchymal-like breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, suppressed their mesenchymal properties and reduced their invasive behavior. While blocking PRL autocrine function in epithelial-like breast cancer cells, T47D, using pharmacologic and genetic approaches induced mesenchymal-like phenotypic changes and enhanced their invasive propensity. Moreover, our results indicate that blocking PRL signaling led to activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling pathways, two major prometastatic pathways. Furthermore, our results indicate that following PRL/JAK2 inhibition, ERK1/2 activation precedes and is required for Smad2 activation and EMT induction in breast cancer cells. Together, these results highlight PRL as a critical regulator of epithelial plasticity and implicate PRL as an invasion suppressor hormone in breast cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1824-32)
Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor Inhibition Enhances Adenoviral Infectability of Carcinoma Cells via Up-Regulation of Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor in Conjunction with Reversal of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Lacher Markus D. , Tiirikainen Maarit I. , Saunier Elise F. , Christian Christine , Anders Mario , Oft Martin , Balmain Allan , Akhurst Rosemary J. , Korn Wolfgang Michael
Published: February 2006

Expression of the Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR) is frequently reduced in carcinomas, resulting in decreased susceptibility of such tumors to infection with therapeutic adenoviruses. Because CAR participates physiologically in the formation of tight-junction protein complexes, we examined whether molecular mechanisms known to down-regulate cell-cell adhesions cause loss of CAR expression. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a phenomenon associated with tumor progression that is characterized by loss of epithelial-type cell-cell adhesion molecules (including E-cadherin and the tight junction protein ZO-1), gain of mesenchymal biochemical markers, such as fibronectin, and acquisition of a spindle cell phenotype. CAR expression is reduced in tumor cells that have undergone EMT in response to TGF-β. This down-regulation results from repression of CAR gene transcription, whereas altered RNA stability and increased proteasomal protein degradation play no role. Loss of CAR expression in response to TGF-β is accompanied by reduced susceptibility to adenovirus infection. Indeed, treatment of carcinoma cells with LY2109761, a specific pharmacologic inhibitor of TGF-β receptor types I and II kinases, resulted in increased CAR RNA and protein levels as well as improved infectability with adenovirus. This was observed in cells induced to undergo EMT by addition of exogenous TGF-β and in those that were transformed by endogenous autocrine/paracrine TGF-β. These findings show down-regulation of CAR in the context of EMT and suggest that combination of therapeutic adenoviruses and TGF-β receptor inhibitors could be an efficient anticancer strategy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1648-57)
PTEN Loss Promotes rasHa-Mediated Papillomatogenesis via Dual Up-Regulation of AKT Activity and Cell Cycle Deregulation but Malignant Conversion Proceeds via PTEN-Associated Pathways
Authors: Yao Denggao , Alexander Claire L. , Quinn Jean A. , Porter Michael J. , Wu Hong , Greenhalgh David A.
Published: February 2006

PTEN tumor suppressor gene failure in rasHa-activated skin carcinogenesis was investigated by mating exon 5 floxed-PTEN (Δ5PTEN) mice to HK1.ras mice that expressed a RU486-inducible cre recombinase (K14.creP). PTEN inactivation in K14.cre/PTENflx/flx keratinocytes resulted in epidermal hyperplasia/hyperkeratosis and novel 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)–promoted papillomas, whereas HK1.ras/K14.cre/PTENflx/flx cohorts displayed a rapid onset of papillomatogenesis due to a synergism of increased AKT activity and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) elevation. High 5-bromo-4-deoxyuridine labeling in Δ5PTEN papillomas showed that a second promotion mechanism centered on failures in cell cycle control. Elevated cyclin D1 was associated with both HK1.ras/ERK– and Δ5PTEN-mediated AKT signaling, whereas cyclin E2 overexpression seemed dependent on PTEN loss. Spontaneous HK1.ras/Δ5PTEN malignant conversion was rare, whereas TPA promotion resulted in conversion with high frequency. On comparison with all previous HK1.ras carcinomas, such TPA-induced carcinomas expressed atypical retention of keratin K1 and lack of K13, a unique marker profile exhibited by TPA-induced K14.cre/PTENflx/flx papillomas that also lacked endogenous c-rasHa activation. Moreover, in all PTEN-null tumors, levels of rasHa-associated total ERK protein became reduced, whereas phosphorylated ERK and cyclin D1 were lowered in late-stage papillomas returning to elevated levels, alongside increased cyclin E2 expression, in TPA-derived carcinomas. Thus, during early papillomatogenesis, PTEN loss promotes rasHa initiation via elevation of AKT activity and synergistic failures in cyclin regulation. However, in progression, reduced rasHa-associated ERK protein and activity, increased Δ5PTEN-associated cyclin E2 expression, and unique K1/K13 profiles following TPA treatment suggest that PTEN loss, rather than rasHa activation, gives rise to a population of cells with greater malignant potential. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1302-12)
Ectopic Activity of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 in Hepatocytes Accelerates Hepatocarcinogenesis by Driving Proliferation and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Induced Angiogenesis
Authors: Huang Xinqiang , Yu Chundong , Jin Chengliu , Kobayashi Masashi , Bowles Courtney A. , Wang Fen , McKeehan Wallace L.
Published: February 2006

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling mediates cell-to-cell communication in development and organ homeostasis in adults. Of the four FGF receptor (FGFR) tyrosine kinases, only FGFR4 is expressed in mature hepatocytes. Although FGFR1 is expressed by hepatic cell progenitors and adult nonparenchymal cells, ectopic expression is commonly observed in hepatoma cells. Here, we determined whether ectopic FGFR1 is a cause or consequence of hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting a constitutively active human FGFR1 to mouse hepatocytes. Livers of transgenic mice exhibited accelerated regeneration after partial hepatectomy but no signs of neoplastic or preneoplastic abnormalities for up to 18 months. However, in diethylnitrosamine-treated mice, the chronic FGFR1 activity promoted an incidence of 44% adenomas at 4 months and 38% hepatocellular carcinoma at 8 months. No adenoma or hepatocellular carcinoma was observed in diethylnitrosamine-treated wild-type (WT) livers at 4 or 8 months, respectively. At 10 and 12 months, tumor-bearing livers in transgenic mice were twice the size of those in WT animals. Isolated hepatoma cells from the transgenic tumors exhibited a growth advantage in culture. Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in the transgenic livers exhibited a reduced rate of necrosis. This was accompanied by a mean microvessel density of 2.7 times that of WT tumors and a markedly higher level of vascular endothelial growth factor. In cooperation with an initiator, the persistent activity of ectopic FGFR1 in hepatocytes is a strong promoter of hepatocellular carcinoma by driving cell proliferation at early stages and promoting neoangiogenesis at late stages of progression. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1481-90)
EFA6A Enhances Glioma Cell Invasion through ADP Ribosylation Factor 6/Extracellular Signal–Regulated Kinase Signaling
Authors: Li Ming , Ng Samuel Sai-ming , Wang Jide , Lai Lihui , Yi Leung Suet , Franco Michel , Peng Ying , He Ming-liang , Kung Hsiang-fu , Lin Marie Chia-mi
Published: February 2006

EFA6A, or Pleckstrin and Sec7 domain protein, is a member of guanine nucleotide exchange factors for ADP ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6). Whereas EFA6A is specifically expressed in the brain, little is known about its function in glial cells or glioma. Here we show that elevated EFA6A expression is detectable in both low-grade and high-grade human glioma tissues samples. To investigate the role of EFA6A in glioma carcinogenesis, we generated a human glioblastoma cell line which conditionally overexpresses EFA6A (U373-EFA6A). We showed that overexpression of EFA6A had no effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, or cell cycle control. However, as shown by wound healing and in vitro cell invasion assays, it significantly enhanced the cell motility and invasiveness whereas silencing EFA6A by its dominant negative mutant EFA6A(E242K) produced opposite effects. We further showed that ARF6/extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is required for the EFA6A-mediated cell invasion because both EFA6A(E242K) and ARF6 dominant negative mutant ARF6(T27N) markedly reduced the phosphorylated ERK level and EFA6A-mediated invasive capacity. Consistently, mitogen-activated protein kinase/ERK kinase inhibitor U0126 could abolish the EFA6A-induced cell invasion. These results suggest for the first time a potential role of EFA6A/ARF6/ERK signal cascade in glioma cell migration and invasion. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1583-90)
Identification of a Melanoma Marker Derived from Melanoma-Associated Endogenous Retroviruses
Authors: Humer Johannes , Waltenberger Andrea , Grassauer Andreas , Kurz Martin , Valencak Julia , Rapberger Ronald , Hahn Silvia , Löwer Roswitha , Wolff Klaus , Bergmann Michael , Muster Thomas , Mayer Bernd , Pehamberger Hubert
Published: February 2006

We previously described the expression of melanoma-associated endogenous retrovirus (MERV) proteins and viral particles in human melanomas and metastases. The objective of the present study was to determine whether a humoral immune response to MERV proteins occurs in melanoma. Candidate B-cell epitopes on MERV proteins were predicted using bioinformatic screening. The reactivity of MERV peptides corresponding to the predicted epitopes with antibodies prevalent in sera of melanoma patients was analyzed. An immunodominant peptide located in the env protein of MERV was identified. Subsequent analyzes using 81 samples from stage I to stage IV melanoma patients and 95 sera from healthy subjects revealed statistically significant differences in seroprevalence of antibodies in melanoma sera samples when compared with reference samples from healthy subjects. The prevalence of anti-MERV antibodies in melanoma patient sera was confirmed by immunofluorescence on env-transfected cells. These data indicate the potential of this candidate peptide as target for diagnosis and immunotherapy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1658-63)
Autocrine Production of Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-10 Is Required for Survival and Growth of Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Todaro Matilde , Zerilli Monica , Ricci-Vitiani Lucia , Bini Miriam , Perez Alea Mileidys , Maria Florena Ada , Miceli Laura , Condorelli Gerolama , Bonventre Sebastiano , Di Gesù Giuseppe , De Maria Ruggero , Stassi Giorgio
Published: February 2006

Although CD95 and its ligand are expressed in thyroid cancer, the tumor cell mass does not seem to be affected by such expression. We have recently shown that thyroid carcinomas produce interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-10, which promote resistance to chemotherapy through the up-regulation of Bcl-xL. Here, we show that freshly purified thyroid cancer cells were completely refractory to CD95-induced apoptosis despite the consistent expression of Fas-associated death domain and caspase-8. The analysis of potential molecules able to prevent caspase-8 activation in thyroid cancer cells revealed a remarkable up-regulation of cellular FLIPL (cFLIPL) and PED/PEA-15, two antiapoptotic proteins whose exogenous expression in normal thyrocytes inhibited the death-inducing signaling complex of CD95. Additionally, small interfering RNA FLIP and PED antisense sensitized thyroid cancer cells to CD95-mediated apoptosis. Exposure of normal thyrocytes to IL-4 and IL-10 potently up-regulated cFLIP and PED/PEA-15, suggesting that these cytokines are responsible for thyroid cancer cell resistance to CD95 stimulation. Moreover, treatment with neutralizing antibodies against IL-4 and IL-10 or exogenous expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 of thyroid cancer cells resulted in cFLIP and PED/PEA-15 down-regulation and CD95 sensitization. More importantly, prolonged IL-4 and IL-10 neutralization induced cancer cell growth inhibition and apoptosis, which were prevented by blocking antibodies against CD95 ligand. Altogether, autocrine production of IL-4 and IL-10 neutralizes CD95-generated signals and allows survival and growth of thyroid cancer cells. Thus, IL-4 and IL-10 may represent key targets for the treatment of thyroid cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1491-9)