bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Angiopoietin-4 Promotes Glioblastoma Progression by Enhancing Tumor Cell Viability and Angiogenesis
Authors: Brunckhorst Melissa K. , Wang Hui , Lu Rong , Yu Qin
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive and vascularized aggressive brain tumor. Less than 10% of GBM patients survive >5 years after diagnosis. Angiogenesis plays an important role in GBM growth, and antiangiogenesis-based therapies have shown clinical efficacy for GBM patients. Unfortunately, therapeutic resistance often develops in these patients, suggesting that GBM cells are capable of switching their dependency on one proangiogenic signaling pathway to an alternative one. Therefore, it is important to identify novel angiogenic factors that play essential roles in tumor angiogenesis and GBM progression. Angiopoietins (Ang-1, Ang-2, and Ang-4) are the ligands of the Tie-2 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK). The roles of Ang-1 and Ang-2 in tumor angiogenesis have been established. However, little is known about how Ang-4 affects tumor angiogenesis and GBM progression and the mechanism underlying its effects. In our current study, we establish that Ang-4 is upregulated in human GBM tissues and cells. We show that, like endothelial cells, human GBM cells express Tie-2 RTK. We first establish that Ang-4 promotes in vivo growth of human GBM cells by promoting tumor angiogenesis and directly activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) in GBM cells. Our results establish the novel effects of Ang-4 on tumor angiogenesis and GBM progression and suggest that this pro-GBM effect of Ang-4 is mediated by promoting tumor angiogenesis and activating Erk1/2 kinase in GBM cells. Together, our results suggest that the Ang-4–Tie-2 functional axis is an attractive therapeutic target for GBM. Cancer Res; 70(18); 7283–93. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Macrophage Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α Suppresses T-Cell Function and Promotes Tumor Progression
Authors: Doedens Andrew L. , Stockmann Christian , Rubinstein Mark P. , Liao Debbie , Zhang Na , DeNardo David G. , Coussens Lisa M. , Karin Michael , Goldrath Ananda W. , Johnson Randall S.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
T cells can inhibit tumor growth, but their function in the tumor microenvironment is often suppressed. Many solid tumors exhibit abundant macrophage infiltration and low oxygen tension, yet how hypoxic conditions may affect innate immune cells and their role in tumor progression is poorly understood. Targeted deletion of the hypoxia-responsive transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in macrophages in a progressive murine model of breast cancer resulted in reduced tumor growth, although vascular endothelial growth factor-A levels and vascularization were unchanged. Tumor-associated macrophages can suppress tumor-infiltrating T cells by several mechanisms, and we found that hypoxia powerfully augmented macrophage-mediated T-cell suppression in vitro in a manner dependent on macrophage expression of HIF-1α. Our findings link the innate immune hypoxic response to tumor progression through induction of T-cell suppression in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7465–75. ©2010 AACR.
Data from MLH1 Founder Mutations with Moderate Penetrance in Spanish Lynch Syndrome Families
Authors: Borràs Ester , Pineda Marta , Blanco Ignacio , Jewett Ethan M. , Wang Fei , Teulé Àlex , Caldés Trinidad , Urioste Miguel , Martínez-Bouzas Cristina , Brunet Joan , Balmaña Judith , Torres Asunción , Ramón y Cajal Teresa , Sanz Judit , Pérez-Cabornero Lucía , Castellví-Bel Sergi , Alonso Ángel , Lanas Ángel , González Sara , Moreno Víctor , Gruber Stephen B. , Rosenberg Noah A. , Mukherjee Bhramar , Lázaro Conxi , Capellá Gabriel
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The variants c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) of the DNA repair gene MLH1 occur frequently in Spanish Lynch syndrome families. To understand their ancestral history and clinical effect, we performed functional assays and a penetrance analysis and studied their genetic and geographic origins. Detailed family histories were taken from 29 carrier families. Functional analysis included in silico and in vitro assays at the RNA and protein levels. Penetrance was calculated using a modified segregation analysis adjusted for ascertainment. Founder effects were evaluated by haplotype analysis. The identified MLH1 c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) variants are absent in control populations and segregate with the disease. Tumors from carriers of both variants show microsatellite instability and loss of expression of the MLH1 protein. The c.306+5G>A variant is a pathogenic mutation affecting mRNA processing. The c.1865T>A (p.Leu622His) variant causes defects in MLH1 expression and stability. For both mutations, the estimated penetrance is moderate (age-cumulative colorectal cancer risk by age 70 of 20.1% and 14.1% for c.306+5G>A and of 6.8% and 7.3% for c.1865T>A in men and women carriers, respectively) in the lower range of variability estimated for other pathogenic Spanish MLH1 mutations. A common haplotype was associated with each of the identified mutations, confirming their founder origin. The ages of c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A mutations were estimated to be 53 to 122 and 12 to 22 generations, respectively. Our results confirm the pathogenicity, moderate penetrance, and founder origin of the MLH1 c.306+5G>A and c.1865T>A mutations. These findings have important implications for genetic counseling and molecular diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7379–91. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Modifying Akt Signaling in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells
Authors: Hofbauer Sebastian W. , Piñón Josefina D. , Brachtl Gabriele , Haginger Lucia , Wang Wei , Jöhrer Karin , Tinhofer Ingeborg , Hartmann Tanja Nicole , Greil Richard
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that the survival of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells is dependent on microenvironmental influences such as antigenic stimulation and support by stromal cells. Akt, also known as protein kinase B, is a central component in prosurvival signaling downstream of these events. We investigated the role of Akt and its modulation by the protooncogene T-cell leukemia 1a (Tcl1a) in the survival pathways of primary CLL samples and CLL-derived prolymphocytic cell lines MEC-1 and MEC-2. Akt activation was increased by the protective presence of human bone marrow stromal cells and B-cell receptor mimicking signals but antagonized by direct Akt blockade with the novel specific inhibitor AiX, with preferential apoptosis induction in CLL cells with an unmutated immunoglobulin status, which predicts poor clinical outcome. In addition, we found a direct interaction of Akt with Tcl1a in an endogenous coimmunoprecipitation assay. Confirming the critical role of Tcl1a in modulating Akt signaling, Akt activation was enhanced by overexpressing Tcl1a in CLL. In contrast, decreasing Tcl1a levels by small interfering RNA reduced Akt activation in the fludarabine-insensitive CLL cell line MEC-2 and sensitized the malignant cells to fludarabine treatment. In summary, our data reveal a significant role for the Akt-Tcl1a axis in CLL survival and propose a further evaluation of this interplay for targeting chemoresistance phenomena. Cancer Res; 70(18); 7336–44. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Reversing HOXA9 Oncogene Activation by PI3K Inhibition: Epigenetic Mechanism and Prognostic Significance in Human Glioblastoma
Authors: Costa Bruno M. , Smith Justin S. , Chen Ying , Chen Justin , Phillips Heidi S. , Aldape Kenneth D. , Zardo Giuseppe , Nigro Janice , James C. David , Fridlyand Jane , Reis Rui M. , Costello Joseph F.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
HOXA genes encode critical transcriptional regulators of embryonic development that have been implicated in cancer. In this study, we documented functional relevance and mechanism of activation of HOXA9 in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumor. Expression of HOXA genes was investigated using reverse transcription–PCR in primary gliomas and glioblastoma cell lines and was validated in two sets of expression array data. In a subset of GBM, HOXA genes are aberrently activated within confined chromosomal domains. Transcriptional activation of the HOXA cluster was reversible by a phosphoinostide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor through an epigenetic mechanism involving histone H3K27 trimethylation. Functional studies of HOXA9 showed its capacity to decrease apoptosis and increase cellular proliferation along with tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-including ligand resistance. Notably, aberrant expression of HOXA9 was independently predictive of shorter overall and progression-free survival in two GBM patient sets and improved survival prediction by MGMT promoter methylation. Thus, HOXA9 activation is a novel, independent, and negative prognostic marker in GBM that is reversible through a PI3K-associated epigenetic mechanism. Our findings suggest a transcriptional pathway through which PI3K activates oncogenic HOXA expression with implications for mTOR or PI3K targeted therapies. Cancer Res; 70(2); 453–62
Data from Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity Selects for Lung Adenocarcinoma Stem Cells Dependent on Notch Signaling
Authors: Sullivan James P. , Spinola Monica , Dodge Michael , Raso Maria G. , Behrens Carmen , Gao Boning , Schuster Katja , Shao Chunli , Larsen Jill E. , Sullivan Laura A. , Honorio Sofia , Xie Yang , Scaglioni Pier P. , DiMaio J. Michael , Gazdar Adi F. , Shay Jerry W. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Minna John D.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a candidate marker for lung cancer cells with stem cell-like properties. Immunohistochemical staining of a large panel of primary non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples for ALDH1A1, ALDH3A1, and CD133 revealed a significant correlation between ALDH1A1 (but not ALDH3A1 or CD133) expression and poor prognosis in patients including those with stage I and N0 disease. Flow cytometric analysis of a panel of lung cancer cell lines and patient tumors revealed that most NSCLCs contain a subpopulation of cells with elevated ALDH activity, and that this activity is associated with ALDH1A1 expression. Isolated ALDH+ lung cancer cells were observed to be highly tumorigenic and clonogenic as well as capable of self-renewal compared with their ALDH− counterparts. Expression analysis of sorted cells revealed elevated Notch pathway transcript expression in ALDH+ cells. Suppression of the Notch pathway by treatment with either a γ-secretase inhibitor or stable expression of shRNA against NOTCH3 resulted in a significant decrease in ALDH+ lung cancer cells, commensurate with a reduction in tumor cell proliferation and clonogenicity. Taken together, these findings indicate that ALDH selects for a subpopulation of self-renewing NSCLC stem-like cells with increased tumorigenic potential, that NSCLCs harboring tumor cells with ALDH1A1 expression have inferior prognosis, and that ALDH1A1 and CD133 identify different tumor subpopulations. Therapeutic targeting of the Notch pathway reduces this ALDH+ component, implicating Notch signaling in lung cancer stem cell maintenance. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9937–48. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Prostate Cancer Radiosensitization through Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Hyperactivation
Authors: Dong Ying , Bey Erik A. , Li Long-Shan , Kabbani Wareef , Yan Jingsheng , Xie Xian-Jin , Hsieh Jer-Tsong , Gao Jinming , Boothman David A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The clinical experimental agent, β-lapachone (β-lap; Arq 501), can act as a potent radiosensitizer in vitro through an unknown mechanism. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism to determine whether β-lap may warrant clinical evaluation as a radiosensitizer. β-Lap killed prostate cancer cells by NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) metabolic bioactivation, triggering a massive induction of reactive oxygen species, irreversible DNA single-strand breaks (SSB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) hyperactivation, NAD+/ATP depletion, and μ-calpain–induced programmed necrosis. In combination with ionizing radiation (IR), β-lap radiosensitized NQO1+ prostate cancer cells under conditions where nontoxic doses of either agent alone achieved threshold levels of SSBs required for hyperactivation of PARP-1. Combination therapy significantly elevated SSB level, γ-H2AX foci formation, and poly(ADP-ribosylation) of PARP-1, which were associated with ATP loss and induction of μ-calpain–induced programmed cell death. Radiosensitization by β-lap was blocked by the NQO1 inhibitor dicoumarol or the PARP-1 inhibitor DPQ. In a mouse xenograft model of prostate cancer, β-lap synergized with IR to promote antitumor efficacy. NQO1 levels were elevated in ∼60% of human prostate tumors evaluated relative to adjacent normal tissue, where β-lap might be efficacious alone or in combination with radiation. Our findings offer a rationale for the clinical utilization of β-lap (Arq 501) as a radiosensitizer in prostate cancers that overexpress NQO1, offering a potentially synergistic targeting strategy to exploit PARP-1 hyperactivation. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8088–96. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Cancer-Related Epigenome Changes Associated with Reprogramming to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ohm Joyce E. , Mali Prashant , Van Neste Leander , Berman David M. , Liang Liang , Pandiyan Kurinji , Briggs Kimberly J. , Zhang Wei , Argani Pedram , Simons Brian , Yu Wayne , Matsui William , Van Criekinge Wim , Rassool Feyruz V. , Zambidis Elias , Schuebel Kornel E. , Cope Leslie , Yen Jonathan , Mohammad Helai P. , Cheng Linzhao , Baylin Stephen B.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The ability to induce pluripotent stem cells from committed, somatic human cells provides tremendous potential for regenerative medicine. However, there is a defined neoplastic potential inherent to such reprogramming that must be understood and may provide a model for understanding key events in tumorigenesis. Using genome-wide assays, we identify cancer-related epigenetic abnormalities that arise early during reprogramming and persist in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS) clones. These include hundreds of abnormal gene silencing events, patterns of aberrant responses to epigenetic-modifying drugs resembling those for cancer cells, and presence in iPS and partially reprogrammed cells of cancer-specific gene promoter DNA methylation alterations. Our findings suggest that by studying the process of induced reprogramming, we may gain significant insight into the origins of epigenetic gene silencing associated with human tumorigenesis, and add to means of assessing iPS for safety. Cancer Res; 70(19); 7662–73. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Tumor-Initiating Function of Nucleostemin-Enriched Mammary Tumor Cells
Authors: Lin Tao , Meng Lingjun , Li Yi , Tsai Robert Y.L.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Nucleostemin (NS) is highly expressed in normal stem cells and tumors and is upregulated by estradiol in MCF7 breast cancer cells. To investigate the role of NS in mammary tumorigenesis, we established first that NS is expressed at higher levels in the basal cell type than in the luminal cell type in mouse mammary tumors and human breast cancer cells. NS expression was also increased during progression of mammary tumors in MMTV-Wnt1 and MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice and by the tumor sphere culture. To determine the function of NS-enriched tumor cells, we generated a bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse line expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) from the NS promoter and bred it to MMTV-Wnt1 mice, so that NS-expressing cells can be prospectively isolated based on their GFP levels. Notably, NS-enriched mammary tumor cells exhibited stronger in vitro and in vivo tumorigenic activities and expressed higher levels of K5, CD133, Oct4, telomerase reverse transcriptase, and C-X-C chemokine ligand 12 compared with NS-deficient mammary tumor cells. Furthermore, knockdown of NS dramatically reduced the sphere-forming activity of MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 human breast cancer cells. Our findings establish the tumor-initiating and molecular features of NS-enriched mammary tumor cells, suggesting that NS may offer a valuable therapeutic target. Cancer Res; 70(22); 9444–52. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Gefitinib Enhances Topotecan Penetration of Gliomas
Authors: Carcaboso Angel M. , Elmeliegy Mohamed A. , Shen Jun , Juel Stephen J. , Zhang Ziwei M. , Calabrese Christopher , Tracey Lorraine , Waters Christopher M. , Stewart Clinton F.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Gefitinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, increases brain parenchymal extracellular fluid (ECF) accumulation of topotecan, a substrate of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters P-glycoprotein (Pgp/MDR-1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2). The effect of modulating these transporters on topotecan penetration in gliomas has not been thoroughly studied. Thus, we performed intracerebral microdialysis on mice bearing orthotopic human gliomas (U87 and MT330) and assessed topotecan tumor ECF (tECF) penetration and the effect of gefitinib on topotecan tECF penetration and intratumor topotecan distribution. We found that topotecan penetration (Ptumor) of U87 was 0.96 ± 0.25 (n = 7) compared with that of contralateral brain (Pcontralateral, 0.42 ± 0.11, n = 5; P = 0.001). In MT330 tumors, Ptumor (0.78 ± 0.26, n = 6) and Pcontralateral (0.42 ± 0.11, n = 5) also differed significantly (P = 0.013). Because both tumor models had disrupted blood-brain barriers and similar Ptumor values, we used U87 and a steady-state drug administration approach to characterize the effect of gefitinib on topotecan Ptumor. At equivalent plasma topotecan exposures, we found that Ptumor after gefitinib administration was lower. In a separate cohort of animals, we determined the volume of distribution of unbound topotecan in tumor (Vu,tumor) and found that it was significantly higher in groups receiving gefitinib, implying that gefitinib administration leads to a greater proportion of intracellular topotecan. Our results provide crucial insights into the role that transporters play in central nervous system drug penetration and provide a better understanding of the effect of coadministration of transporter modulators on anticancer drug distribution within a tumor. Cancer Res; 70(11); 4499–508. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Regulation of DNA Polymerase POLD4 Influences Genomic Instability in Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Qin Miao , Tomida Shuta , Masuda Yuji , Arima Chinatsu , Cao Ke , Kasahara Taka-aki , Osada Hirotaka , Yatabe Yasushi , Akashi Tomohiro , Kamiya Kenji , Takahashi Takashi , Suzuki Motoshi
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Genomic instability is an important factor in cancer susceptibility, but a mechanistic understanding of how it arises remains unclear. We examined hypothesized contributions of the replicative DNA polymerase δ (pol δ) subunit POLD4 to the generation of genomic instability in lung cancer. In examinations of 158 lung cancers and 5 mixtures of 10 normal lungs, cell cycle- and checkpoint-related genes generally showed mRNA expression increases in cancer, whereas POLD4 showed reduced mRNA in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). A fraction of non–small cell lung cancer patients also showed low expression comparable with that in SCLC, which was associated with poor prognosis. The lung cancer cell line ACC-LC-48 was found to have low POLD4 expression, with higher histone H3K9 methylation and lower acetylation in the POLD4 promoter, as compared with the A549 cell line with high POLD4 expression. In the absence of POLD4, pol δ exhibited impaired in vitro DNA synthesis activity. Augmenting POLD4 expression in cells where it was attenuated altered the sensitivity to the chemical carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide. Conversely, siRNA-mediated reduction of POLD4 in cells with abundant expression resulted in a cell cycle delay, checkpoint activation, and an elevated frequency of chromosomal gap/break formation. Overexpression of an engineered POLD4 carrying silent mutations at the siRNA target site rescued these phenotypes, firmly establishing the role of POLD4 in these effects. Furthermore, POLD4 overexpression reduced intrinsically high induction of γ-H2AX, a well-accepted marker of double-stranded DNA breaks. Together, our findings suggest that reduced expression of POLD4 plays a role in genomic instability in lung cancer. Cancer Res; 70(21); 8407–16. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Modulation of Gene Expression and Tumor Cell Growth by Redox Modification of STAT3
Authors: Li Li , Cheung Shing-hu , Evans Emma L. , Shaw Peter E.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote tumor cell proliferation and survival by directly modulating growth-regulatory molecules and key transcription factors. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively active in a variety of tumor cell types, where the effect of ROS on the Janus kinase/STAT pathway has been examined. We report here that STAT3 is directly sensitive to intracellular oxidants. Oxidation of conserved cysteines by peroxide decreased STAT3 binding to consensus serum-inducible elements (SIE) in vitro and in vivo and diminished interleukin (IL)-6–mediated reporter expression. Inhibitory effects produced by cysteine oxidation in STAT3 were negated in redox-insensitive STAT3 mutants. In contrast, ROS had no effect on IL-6–induced STAT3 recruitment to the c-myc P2 promoter. Expression of a redox-insensitive STAT3 in breast carcinoma cells accelerated their proliferation while reducing resistance to oxidative stress. Our results implicate STAT3 in coupling intracellular redox homeostasis to cell proliferation and survival. Cancer Res; 70(20); 8222–32. ©2010 AACR.
Data from MicroRNA miR-183 Functions as an Oncogene by Targeting the Transcription Factor EGR1 and Promoting Tumor Cell Migration
Authors: Sarver Aaron L. , Li Lihua , Subramanian Subbaya
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The transcription factor EGR1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated in many cancer types. Clinically, loss of EGR1 translates to increased tumor transformation and subsequent patient morbidity and mortality. In synovial sarcoma, the SS18-SSX fusion protein represses EGR1 expression through a direct association with the EGR1 promoter. However, the mechanism through which EGR1 becomes downregulated in other tumor types is unclear. Here, we report that EGR1 is regulated by microRNA (miR)-183 in multiple tumor types including synovial sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), and colon cancer. Using an integrative network analysis, we identified that miR-183 is significantly overexpressed in these tumor types as well as in corresponding tumor cell lines. Bioinformatic analyses suggested that miR-183 could target EGR1 mRNA and this specific interaction was validated in vitro. miR-183 knockdown in synovial sarcoma, RMS, and colon cancer cell lines revealed deregulation of a miRNA network composed of miR-183–EGR1–PTEN in these tumors. Integrated miRNA- and mRNA-based genomic analyses indicated that miR-183 is an important contributor to cell migration in these tumor types and this result was functionally validated to be occurring via an EGR1-based mechanism. In conclusion, our findings have significant implications in the mechanisms underlying EGR1 regulation in cancers. miR-183 has a potential oncogenic role through the regulation of 2 tumor suppressor genes, EGR1 and PTEN, and the deregulation of this fundamental miRNA regulatory network may be central to many tumor types. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9570–80. ©2010 AACR.
Data from A Novel Signaling Axis of Matriptase/PDGF-D/β-PDGFR in Human Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ustach Carolyn V. , Huang Wei , Conley-LaComb M. Katie , Lin Chen-Yong , Che Mingxin , Abrams Judith , Kim Hyeong-Reh Choi
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates the significance of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (β-PDGFR) signaling in prostate cancer (PCa). Accordingly, preclinical studies suggest the potential of β-PDGFR as a therapeutic target in metastatic PCa. However, a ligand responsible for β-PDGFR activation in PCa was unknown, and recent clinical trials with imatinib mesylate showed limited success due to normal tissue toxicity. Similarly, in spite of mounting evidence indicating the significance of matriptase in PCa, little is known about its substrates or molecular actions during PCa progression. Here, we identified PDGF-D as a ligand for β-PDGFR in PCa and discovered matriptase as its regulator. Matriptase activates PDGF-D by proteolytic removal of the CUB domain in a 2-step process, creating a hemidimer, followed by growth factor domain dimer (GFD-D) generation. Matriptase can deactivate PDGF-D by further proteolytic cleavage within the GFD, revealing its biphasic regulation. Importantly, PDGF-D/matriptase colocalization is accompanied with β-PDGFR phosphorylation in human PCa tissues. This study unveiled a novel signaling axis of matriptase/PDGF-D/β-PDGFR in PCa, providing new insights into functional interplay between serine protease and growth factor signaling networks. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9631–40. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Adenovirus Targeting to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen through Virus-Displayed, Semirandom Peptide Library Screening
Authors: Wu Ping , Kudrolli Tarana A. , Chowdhury Wasim H. , Liu Minzhi M. , Rodriguez Ronald , Lupold Shawn E.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The convergence of phage-displayed peptide libraries and recombinant viral vectors launched a promising new direction in targeted viral gene therapeutics, but the translation of targeting peptides to functional cancer therapeutic agents has been challenging. Here, we report progress in developing a successful strategy to optimize targeted viral infection through adenovirus-displayed, semirandom peptide libraries. A phage-derived peptide targeting the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was genetically incorporated into the adenoviral capsid Fiber protein and flanked by random peptide cassettes. The resulting adenovirus library was biopanned against PSMA-expressing cells and tumors to identify a PSMA-retargeted adenovirus. While the initial peptide alone could not target viral infection, the selected virus preferentially infects PSMA-expressing cells through the targeting peptide and infects LNCaP tumors after intravenous injection. Our results indicate that virus-displayed, semirandom peptide libraries can be used to optimize targeting infection. This approach represents a novel principle for developing targeted agents in a variety of disease models. Cancer Res; 70(23); 9549–53. ©2010 AACR.
Data from STAMP1 Is Both a Proliferative and an Antiapoptotic Factor in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Ling , Jin Yang , Arnoldussen Yke Jildouw , Jonson Ida , Qu Su , Mælandsmo Gunhild M. , Kristian Alexandr , Risberg Bjørn , Wæhre Håkon , Danielsen Håvard E. , Saatcioglu Fahri
Published: March 2024

Abstract
STAMP1 is predicted to encode a six-transmembrane protein whose expression is highly prostate enriched and is deregulated in prostate cancer. However, the biological role of STAMP1 in prostate cancer cells, or its expression profile at the protein level, is unknown. Here, we find that ectopic expression of STAMP1 significantly increased proliferation of DU145 prostate cancer cells as well as COS-7 cells in vitro; conversely, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of STAMP1 expression in LNCaP cells inhibited cell growth and, at least partially, induced cell cycle arrest. In parallel, there were alterations in cell cycle–regulatory gene expression. Knockdown of STAMP1 expression in LNCaP cells also induced significant apoptosis under basal conditions as well as in response to tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) alone, or TRAIL + AKT inhibitor LY294002, previously established apoptotic agents in LNCaP cells. Consistently, LNCaP cells with short hairpin RNA–mediated knockdown of STAMP1 were dramatically retarded in their ability to grow as xenografts in nude mice. Interestingly, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, which has previously been implicated in prostate cancer progression, was significantly increased on ectopic expression of STAMP1 in DU145 cells and, conversely, was strongly downregulated on STAMP1 knockdown in LNCaP cells. In the normal prostate, STAMP1 protein is localized to the cytosol and the cell membrane of the prostate epithelial cells; furthermore, its expression is increased in prostate cancer compared with normal prostate. Taken together, these data suggest that STAMP1 is required for prostate cancer growth, which may be a useful target in prostate cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 70(14); 5818–28. ©2010 AACR.
Data from A Genome-Wide Screen for Microdeletions Reveals Disruption of Polarity Complex Genes in Diverse Human Cancers
Authors: Rothenberg S. Michael , Mohapatra Gayatry , Rivera Miguel N. , Winokur Daniel , Greninger Patricia , Nitta Mai , Sadow Peter M. , Sooriyakumar Gaya , Brannigan Brian W. , Ulman Matthew J. , Perera Rushika M. , Wang Rui , Tam Angela , Ma Xiao-Jun , Erlander Mark , Sgroi Dennis C. , Rocco James W. , Lingen Mark W. , Cohen Ezra E.W. , Louis David N. , Settleman Jeffrey , Haber Daniel A.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In a genome-wide screen of 684 cancer cell lines, we identified homozygous intragenic microdeletions involving genes encoding components of the apical-basal cell polarity complexes. Among these, PARD3 is disrupted in cell lines and primary tumors from squamous carcinomas and glioblastomas. Reconstituting PARD3 expression in both cell types restores tight junctions and retards contact-dependent proliferation. Searching specifically for small intragenic microdeletions using high-resolution genomic arrays may be complementary to other genomic deletion screens and resequencing efforts in identifying new tumor suppressor genes. Cancer Res; 70(6); 2158–64
Data from Helicobacter hepaticus–Induced Liver Tumor Promotion Is Associated with Increased Serum Bile Acid and a Persistent Microbial-Induced Immune Response
Authors: García Alexis , Zeng Yu , Muthupalani Sureshkumar , Ge Zhongming , Potter Amanda , Mobley Melissa W. , Boussahmain Chakib , Feng Yan , Wishnok John S. , Fox James G.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Chronic microbial infection influences cancer progression, but the mechanisms that link them remain unclear. Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates enzymes involved in endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism. CAR activation is a mechanism of xenobiotic tumor promotion; however, the effects of chronic microbial infection on tumor promotion have not been studied in the context of CAR function. Here, we report that CAR limits the effects of chronic infection–associated progression of liver cancer. CAR knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) male mice were treated with or without the tumor initiator diethylnitrosamine (DEN) at 5 weeks of age and then orally inoculated with Helicobacter hepaticus (Hh) or sterile media at 8 weeks of age. At approximately 50 weeks postinoculation, mice were euthanized for histopathologic, microbiological, molecular, and metabolomic analyses. Hh infection induced comparable hepatitis in WT and KO mice with or without DEN that correlated with significant upregulation of Tnfα and toll receptor Tlr2. Notably, DEN-treated Hh-infected KO mice exhibited increased numbers of liver lobes with dysplasia and neoplasia and increased multiplicity of neoplasia, relative to similarly treated WT mice. Enhanced tumor promotion was associated with decreased hepatic expression of P450 enzymes Cyp2b10 and Cyp3a11, increased expression of Camp, and increased serum concentrations of chenodeoxycholic acid. Together, our findings suggest that liver tumor promotion is enhanced by an impaired metabolic detoxification of endobiotics and a persistent microbial-induced immune response. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2529–40. ©2011 AACR.
Data from MicroRNA-155 Functions as an OncomiR in Breast Cancer by Targeting the Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 Gene
Authors: Jiang Shuai , Zhang Hong-Wei , Lu Ming-Hua , He Xiao-Hong , Li Yong , Gu Hua , Liu Mo-Fang , Wang En-Duo
Published: March 2024

Abstract
MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is overexpressed in many human cancers; however, the mechanisms by which miR-155 functions as a putative oncomiR are largely unknown. Here, we report that the tumor suppressor gene suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (socs1) is an evolutionarily conserved target of miR-155 in breast cancer cells. We found that mir-155 expression is inversely correlated with socs1 expression in breast cancer cell lines as well as in a subset of primary breast tumors. We also identified a 24A→G mutation in the miR-155 binding site of the SOCS1 3′ untranslated region in a breast tumor that reduced miR-155 repression, implicating a mechanism for miRNA targets to avoid repression. Ectopic expression of miR-155 significantly promoted the proliferation of breast cancer cells, the formation of soft agar foci in vitro, and the development of tumors in nude mice. In breast cancer cells, RNA interference silencing of socs1 recapitulates the oncogenic effects of miR-155, whereas restoration of socs1 expression attenuates the protumorigenesis function of miR-155, suggesting that miR-155 exerts its oncogenic role by negatively regulating socs1. Overexpression of miR-155 in breast cancer cells leads to constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) through the Janus-activated kinase (JAK) pathway, and stimulation of breast cancer cells by the inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and interleukin-6 (IL-6), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] significantly upregulates mir-155 expression, suggesting that miR-155 may serve as a bridge between inflammation and cancer. Taken together, our study reveals that miR-155 is an oncomiR in breast cancer and that miR-155 may be a potential target in breast cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 70(8); 3119–27. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Directly Enhances UV-Induced DNA Repair in Keratinocytes by a Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group A–Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Dong Liang , Wen Ji , Pier Eric , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Bo , Dong Fangzheng , Ziegler Nick , Mysz Margaret , Armenta Rafael , Cui Rutao
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) reduces UV-induced DNA damage through the induction of pigmentation. In this study, we provide evidence that MSH also enhances DNA repair in skin keratinocytes by modulating the function of DNA repair molecules. Intracutaneous injection of MSH prevented UV-induced DNA damage in human and mouse skin independent of its effects on melanogenesis. In keratinocytes, MSH bound to the melanocyte melanocortin receptor type 1 and activated adenylate cyclase activity, which in turn activated Xeroderma pigmentosum group A (XPA)–binding protein 1 and induced nuclear translocation of XPA, a critical factor controlling nucleotide excision repair signaling pathways. Together, our findings reveal a novel pigmentation-independent mechanism that underlies MSH–mediated DNA repair following UVB irradiation. Cancer Res; 70(9); 3547–56. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Antineoplastic Mechanisms of Niclosamide in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia Stem Cells: Inactivation of the NF-κB Pathway and Generation of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Jin Yanli , Lu Zhongzheng , Ding Ke , Li Juan , Du Xin , Chen Chun , Sun Xiaoyong , Wu Yongbin , Zhou Jing , Pan Jingxuan
Published: March 2024

Abstract
NF-κB may be a potential therapeutic target for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) because NF-κB activation is found in primitive human AML blast cells. In this report, we initially discovered that the potent antineoplastic effect of niclosamide, a Food and Drug Administration–approved antihelminthic agent, was through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in AML cells. Niclosamide inhibited the transcription and DNA binding of NF-κB. It blocked tumor necrosis factor–induced IκBα phosphorylation, translocation of p65, and expression of NF-κB–regulated genes. Niclosamide inhibited the steps TAK1→IκB kinase (IKK) and IKK→IκBα. Niclosamide also increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in AML cells. Quenching ROS by the glutathione precursor N-acetylcysteine attenuated niclosamide-induced apoptosis. Our results together suggest that niclosamide inhibited the NF-κB pathway and increased ROS levels to induce apoptosis in AML cells. On translational study of the efficacy of niclosamide against AML, niclosamide killed progenitor/stem cells from AML patients but spared those from normal bone marrow. Niclosamide was synergistic with the frontline chemotherapeutic agents cytarabine, etoposide, and daunorubicin. It potently inhibited the growth of AML cells in vitro and in nude mice. Our results support further investigation of niclosamide in clinical trials of AML patients. Cancer Res; 70(6); 2516–27
Data from Serial Transcriptome Analysis and Cross-Species Integration Identifies Centromere-Associated Protein E as a Novel Neuroblastoma Target
Authors: Balamuth Naomi J. , Wood Andrew , Wang Qun , Jagannathan Jayanti , Mayes Patrick , Zhang Zhe , Chen Zhongxue , Rappaport Eric , Courtright Joshua , Pawel Bruce , Weber Barbara , Wooster Richard , Sekyere Eric O. , Marshall Glenn M. , Maris John M.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cancer genomic studies that rely on analysis of biopsies from primary tumors may not fully identify the molecular events associated with tumor progression. We hypothesized that characterizing the transcriptome during tumor progression in the TH-MYCN transgenic model would identify oncogenic drivers that would be targetable therapeutically. We quantified expression of 32,381 murine genes in nine hyperplastic ganglia harvested at three time points and four tumor cohorts of progressively larger size in mice homozygous for the TH-MYCN transgene. We found 93 genes that showed a linearly increasing or decreasing pattern of expression from the preneoplastic ganglia to end stage tumors. Cross-species integration identified 24 genes that were highly expressed in human MYCN-amplified neuroblastomas. The genes prioritized were not exclusively driven by increasing Myc transactivation or proliferative rate. We prioritized three targets [centromere-associated protein E (Cenpe), Gpr49, and inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase type II] with previously determined roles in cancer. Using siRNA knockdown in human neuroblastoma cell lines, we further prioritized CENPE due to inhibition of cellular proliferation. Targeting CENPE with the small molecular inhibitor GSK923295 showed inhibition of in vitro proliferation of 19 neuroblastoma cell lines (median IC50, 41 nmol/L; range, 27–266 nmol/L) and delayed tumor growth in three xenograft models (P values ranged from P < 0.0001 to P = 0.018). We provide preclinical validation that serial transcriptome analysis of a transgenic mouse model followed by cross-species integration is a useful method to identify therapeutic targets and identify CENPE as a novel therapeutic candidate in neuroblastoma. Cancer Res; 70(7); 2749–58
Data from A Second Genetic Variant on Chromosome 15q24-25.1 Associates with Lung Cancer
Authors: Liu Pengyuan , Yang Ping , Wu Xifeng , Vikis Haris G. , Lu Yan , Wang Yian , Schwartz Ann G. , Pinney Susan M. , de Andrade Mariza , Gazdar Adi , Gaba Colette , Mandal Diptasri , Lee Juwon , Kupert Elena , Seminara Daniela , Minna John , Bailey-Wilson Joan E. , Spitz Margaret , Amos Christopher I. , Anderson Marshall W. , You Ming
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A common variant on chromosomal region 15q24-25.1, marked by rs1051730, was found to be associated with lung cancer risk. Here, we attempted to confirm the second variant on 15q24-25.1 in several large sporadic lung cancer populations and determined what percentage of additional risk for lung cancer is due to the genetic effect of the second variant. SNPs rs1051730 and rs481134 were genotyped in 2,818 lung cancer cases and 2,766 controls from four populations. Joint analysis of these two variants (rs1051730 and rs481134) on 15q24-25.1 identified three major haplotypes (G_T, A_C, and G_C) and provided stronger evidence for association of 15q24-25.1 with lung cancer (P = 9.72 × 10−9). These two variants represent three levels of risk associated with lung cancer. The most common haplotype G_T is neutral; the haplotype A_C is associated with increased risk for lung cancer with 5.0% higher frequency in cases than in controls [P = 1.68 × 10−7; odds ratio (OR), 1.24; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.14–1.35]; whereas the haplotype G_C is associated with reduced risk for lung cancer with 4.4% lower frequency in cases than in controls (P = 7.39 × 10−7; OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.73–0.87). We further showed that these two genetic variants on 15q24-25.1 independently influence lung cancer risk (rs1051730: P = 4.42 × 10−11; OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.46–1.74; rs481134: P = 7.01 × 10−4; OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72–0.92). The second variant on 15q24-25.1, marked by rs481134, explains an additional 13.2% of population attributable risk for lung cancer. Cancer Res; 70(8); 3128–35. ©2010 AACR.
Data from Transcriptional Profiles of CD133+ and CD133− Glioblastoma-Derived Cancer Stem Cell Lines Suggest Different Cells of Origin
Authors: Lottaz Claudio , Beier Dagmar , Meyer Katharina , Kumar Praveen , Hermann Andreas , Schwarz Johannes , Junker Markus , Oefner Peter J. , Bogdahn Ulrich , Wischhusen Jörg , Spang Rainer , Storch Alexander , Beier Christoph P.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is paradigmatic for the investigation of cancer stem cells (CSC) in solid tumors. Growing evidence suggests that different types of CSC lead to the formation of GBM. This has prompted the present comparison of gene expression profiles between 17 GBM CSC lines and their different putative founder cells. Using a newly derived 24-gene signature, we can now distinguish two subgroups of GBM: Type I CSC lines display “proneural” signature genes and resemble fetal neural stem cell (fNSC) lines, whereas type II CSC lines show “mesenchymal” transcriptional profiles similar to adult NSC (aNSC) lines. Phenotypically, type I CSC lines are CD133 positive and grow as neurospheres. Type II CSC lines, in contrast, display (semi-)adherent growth and lack CD133 expression. Molecular differences between type I and type II CSC lines include the expression of extracellular matrix molecules and the transcriptional activity of the WNT and the transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathways. Importantly, these characteristics were not affected by induced adherence on laminin. Comparing CSC lines with their putative cells of origin, we observed greatly increased proliferation and impaired differentiation capacity in both types of CSC lines but no cancer-associated activation of otherwise silent signaling pathways. Thus, our data suggest that the heterogeneous tumor entity GBM may derive from cells that have preserved or acquired properties of either fNSC or aNSC but lost the corresponding differentiation potential. Moreover, we propose a gene signature that enables the subclassification of GBM according to their putative cells of origin. Cancer Res; 70(5); 2030–40
Data from CUDC-101, a Multitargeted Inhibitor of Histone Deacetylase, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, Exerts Potent Anticancer Activity
Authors: Lai Cheng-Jung , Bao Rudi , Tao Xu , Wang Jing , Atoyan Ruzanna , Qu Hui , Wang Da-Gong , Yin Ling , Samson Maria , Forrester Jeffrey , Zifcak Brian , Xu Guang-Xin , DellaRocca Steven , Zhai Hai-Xiao , Cai Xiong , Munger William E. , Keegan Mitchell , Pepicelli Carmen V. , Qian Changgeng
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have recently become important therapeutics for a variety of cancers. However, due to the heterogeneous and dynamic nature of tumors, the effectiveness of these agents is often hindered by poor response rates and acquired drug resistance. To overcome these limitations, we created a novel small molecule, CUDC-101, which simultaneously inhibits histone deacetylase and the receptor kinases epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancer cells. Because of its integrated histone deacetylase inhibition, CUDC-101 synergistically blocked key regulators of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways, also attenuating multiple compensatory pathways, such as AKT, HER3, and MET, which enable cancer cells to escape the effects of conventional EGFR/HER2 inhibitors. CUDC-101 displayed potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities against cultured and implanted tumor cells that are sensitive or resistant to several approved single-targeted drugs. Our results show that CUDC-101 has the potential to dramatically improve the treatment of heterogeneous and drug-resistant tumors that cannot be controlled with single-target agents. Further, they provide a framework to create individual small molecules that simultaneously antagonize multiple biochemically distinct oncogenic targets, suggesting a general paradigm to surpass conventional, single-target cancer therapeutics. Cancer Res; 70(9); 3647–56. ©2010 AACR.
Data from EphB3 Is Overexpressed in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Promotes Tumor Metastasis by Enhancing Cell Survival and Migration
Authors: Ji Xiao-Dan , Li Guo , Feng Yu-Xiong , Zhao Jiang-Sha , Li Jing-Jing , Sun Zhi-Jian , Shi Shuo , Deng Yue-Zhen , Xu Jun-Feng , Zhu Yin-Qiu , Koeffler H. Phillip , Tong Xiang-Jun , Xie Dong
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Eph receptors, the largest subfamily of transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors, have been increasingly implicated in various physiologic and pathologic processes, and the roles of the Eph family members during tumorigenesis have recently attracted growing attention. Until now, research on EphB3 function in cancer is limited to focusing on tumor suppression by EphB receptors in colorectal cancer. However, its function in other types of cancer remains poorly investigated. In this study, we explored the function of EphB3 in non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We found that the expression of EphB3 was significantly upregulated in clinical samples and cell lines, and the expression level correlated with the patient pathologic characteristics, including tumor size, differentiation, and metastasis. Overexpression of EphB3 in NSCLC cell lines accelerated cell growth and migration and promoted tumorigenicity in xenografts in a kinase-independent manner. In contrast, downregulation of EphB3 inhibited cell proliferation and migration and suppressed in vivo tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, we showed that silencing of EphB3 inhibited cell growth by reducing DNA synthesis and caspase-8–mediated apoptosis and suppressed cell migration by increasing accumulation of focal adhesion formation. Taken together, our findings suggest that EphB3 provides critical support to the development and progression of NSCLC by stimulating cell growth, migration, and survival, thereby implicating EphB3 as a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC. Cancer Res; 71(3); 1156–66. ©2011 AACR.