bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Microscopic Intratumoral Dosimetry of Radiolabeled Antibodies Is a Critical Determinant of Successful Radioimmunotherapy in B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Du Yong , Honeychurch Jamie , Glennie Martin , Johnson Peter , Illidge Tim
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Radioimmunotherapy is a highly effective treatment for some hematologic malignancies; however, the underlying mechanisms of tumor clearance remain poorly understood. We have previously shown that both targeted radiation using 131I-labeled anti–MHC class II (MHCII) monoclonal antibody (mAb) plus mAb signaling with unlabeled anti-idiotype are required for the long-term clearance of tumor in syngeneic murine lymphoma models. In this study, we have investigated how the microdistribution of the targeted radiation component of this combination affects the long-term clearance of lymphoma. 131I-labeled mAb targeting CD45 and MHCII antigens was found to deliver similar doses of radiation to tumor-bearing organ using conventional dosimetry (∼1.0 Gy per MBq when 131I was labeled to 500 μg mAb and given i.v. per mouse), but when used as radiation vectors in combination therapy only, 131I-anti-MHCII plus anti-idiotype produced long-term survival. The profound differences in therapy did not seem to be dependent on levels of 131I-mAb tumor-binding or antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. Instead, the microscopic intratumoral dosimetry seemed to be critical with the 131I-anti-MHCII, delivering more concentrated and therefore substantially higher radiation dose to tumor cells. When the administered activity of 131I-anti-CD45 was increased, a radiation dose response was shown in the presence of anti-idiotype and long-term survival was seen. We believe that these new insights should influence the selection of new antigen targets and the design of dosimetric methods in radioimmunotherapy of lymphoma. [Cancer Res 2007;67(3):1335–43]
Data from Pyridone 6, A Pan-Janus–Activated Kinase Inhibitor, Induces Growth Inhibition of Multiple Myeloma Cells
Authors: Pedranzini Laura , Dechow Tobias , Berishaj Marjan , Comenzo Raymond , Zhou Ping , Azare Janeen , Bornmann William , Bromberg Jacqueline
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the subsequent Janus-activated kinase (JAK)-dependent signaling pathways play a critical role in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma. Here, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of a novel pan-JAK inhibitor, tetracyclic pyridone 6 (P6), with that of AG490 in a panel of myeloma-derived cell lines. P6 induced growth arrest and subsequent apoptosis of the IL-6-dependent hybridoma and myeloma-derived cell lines (B9 and INA-6) grown either in IL-6-containing medium or in the presence of bone marrow–derived stromal cells (BMSC) using much lower concentrations of drug and with significantly faster kinetics than AG490. Myeloma-derived cell lines, which either express constitutively activated JAK/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 (U266) or are IL-6 growth stimulated (KMS11), are partially growth inhibited by P6. However, P6 does not inhibit the growth of myeloma-derived cell lines lacking activated JAKs/STATs nor does it inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase activity compared with AG490, which led to activation of ERK and induced robust apoptosis of all the examined cell lines. Finally, P6 inhibited the growth of primary myeloma patient samples grown in the presence of BMSCs. Thus, P6 is a more sensitive and specific inhibitor of JAK-STAT3 activity compared with AG490 and potently inhibited the growth of primary myeloma cells and myeloma-derived cell lines grown on BMSCs. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(19): 9714-21)
Data from Marked Genomic Differences Characterize Primary and Secondary Glioblastoma Subtypes and Identify Two Distinct Molecular and Clinical Secondary Glioblastoma Entities
Authors: Maher Elizabeth A. , Brennan Cameron , Wen Patrick Y. , Durso Laura , Ligon Keith L. , Richardson Aaron , Khatry Deepak , Feng Bin , Sinha Raktim , Louis David N. , Quackenbush John , Black Peter McL. , Chin Lynda , DePinho Ronald A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Glioblastoma is classified into two subtypes on the basis of clinical history: “primary glioblastoma” arising de novo without detectable antecedent disease and “secondary glioblastoma” evolving from a low-grade astrocytoma. Despite their distinctive clinical courses, they arrive at an indistinguishable clinical and pathologic end point highlighted by widespread invasion and resistance to therapy and, as such, are managed clinically as if they are one disease entity. Because the life history of a cancer cell is often reflected in the pattern of genomic alterations, we sought to determine whether primary and secondary glioblastomas evolve through similar or different molecular pathogenetic routes. Clinically annotated primary and secondary glioblastoma samples were subjected to high-resolution copy number analysis using oligonucleotide-based array comparative genomic hybridization. Unsupervised classification using genomic nonnegative matrix factorization methods identified three distinct genomic subclasses. Whereas one corresponded to clinically defined primary glioblastomas, the remaining two stratified secondary glioblastoma into two genetically distinct cohorts. Thus, this global genomic analysis showed wide-scale differences between primary and secondary glioblastomas that were previously unappreciated, and has shown for the first time that secondary glioblastoma is heterogeneous in its molecular pathogenesis. Consistent with these findings, analysis of regional recurrent copy number alterations revealed many more events unique to these subclasses than shared. The pathobiological significance of these shared and subtype-specific copy number alterations is reinforced by their frequent occurrence, resident genes with clear links to cancer, recurrence in diverse cancer types, and apparent association with clinical outcome. We conclude that glioblastoma is composed of at least three distinct molecular subtypes, including novel subgroups of secondary glioblastoma, which may benefit from different therapeutic strategies. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(23): 11502-13)
Data from A Glycolytic Mechanism Regulating an Angiogenic Switch in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Wang Jincheng , Dai Jinlu , Jung Younghun , Wei Chuen-Long , Wang Yu , Havens Aaron M. , Hogg Phillip J. , Keller Evan T. , Pienta Kenneth J. , Nor Jacques E. , Wang Cun-Yu , Taichman Russell S.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The generation of an ‘angiogenic switch’ is essential for tumor growth, yet its regulation is poorly understood. In this investigation, we explored the linkage between metastasis and angiogenesis through CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling. We found that CXCR4 regulates the expression and secretion of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Overexpression of PGK1 reduced the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 and increased the generation of angiostatin. At metastatic sites, however, high levels of CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 reduced PGK1 expression, releasing the angiogenic response for metastastic growth. These data suggest that PGK1 is a critical downstream target of the chemokine axis and an important regulator of an ‘angiogenic switch’ that is essential for tumor and metastatic growth. [Cancer Res 2007;67(1):149–59]
Data from Functional Coupling of p38-Induced Up-regulation of BiP and Activation of RNA-Dependent Protein Kinase–Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase to Drug Resistance of Dormant Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Ranganathan Aparna C. , Zhang Lin , Adam Alejandro P. , Aguirre-Ghiso Julio A.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
It has been proposed that occult, disseminated metastatic cells are refractory to chemotherapy due to lack of proliferation. We have shown that p38 activation induces dormancy of squamous carcinoma cells. We now show that p38 signaling in these cells activates a prosurvival mechanism via the up-regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone BiP and increased activation of the ER stress–activated eukaryotic translation initiator factor 2α kinase RNA-dependent protein kinase–like ER kinase (PERK) allowing dormant tumor cells to resist drug toxicity. RNA interference and dominant-negative expression studies revealed that both BiP and PERK signaling promote survival and drug resistance of dormant cells, and that BiP up-regulation prevents Bax activation. We propose that stress-dependent activation of p38 via BiP up-regulation and PERK activation protects dormant tumor cells from stress insults, such as chemotherapy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(3): 1702-1711)
Data from An Antagonist of Dishevelled Protein-Protein Interaction Suppresses β-Catenin–Dependent Tumor Cell Growth
Authors: Fujii Naoaki , You Liang , Xu Zhidong , Uematsu Kazutsugu , Shan Jufang , He Biao , Mikami Iwao , Edmondson Lillian R. , Neale Geoffrey , Zheng Jie , Guy R. Kiplin , Jablons David M.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Recent progress in the development of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions has opened the door for developing drugs that act by novel and selective mechanisms. Building on that work, we designed a small-molecule inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is aberrantly activated across a wide range of human tumors. The compound, named FJ9, disrupts the interaction between the Frizzed-7 Wnt receptor and the PDZ domain of Dishevelled, down-regulating canonical Wnt signaling and suppressing tumor cell growth. The antitumorigenic effects of FJ9 were pronounced, including induction of apoptosis in human cancer cell lines and tumor growth inhibition in a mouse xenograft model. FJ9 is thus among the first non-peptide inhibitors to show therapeutic efficacy through disruption of PDZ protein-protein interactions. [Cancer Res 2007;67(2):573–9]
Data from Cancer Cells and Normal Cells Differ in Their Requirements for Thoc1
Authors: Li Yanping , Lin Athena W. , Zhang Xiaojing , Wang Yanqing , Wang Xiaoling , Goodrich David W.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved TREX (Transcription/Export) complex physically couples transcription, messenger ribonucleoprotein particle biogenesis, RNA processing, and RNA export for a subset of genes. HPR1 encodes an essential component of the S. cerevisiae TREX complex. HPR1 loss compromises transcriptional elongation, nuclear RNA export, and genome stability. Yet, HPR1 is not required for yeast viability. Thoc1 is the recently discovered human functional orthologue of HPR1. Thoc1 is expressed at higher levels in breast cancer than in normal epithelia, and expression levels correlate with tumor size and metastatic potential. Depletion of Thoc1 protein (pThoc1) in human cancer cell lines compromises cell proliferation. It is currently unclear whether Thoc1 is essential for all mammalian cells or whether cancer cells may differ from normal cells in their dependence on Thoc1. To address this issue, we have compared the requirements for Thoc1 in the proliferation and survival of isogenic normal and oncogene-transformed cells. Neoplastic cells rapidly lose viability via apoptotic cell death on depletion of pThoc1. Induction of apoptotic cell death is coincident with increased DNA damage as indicated by the appearance of phosphorylated histone H2AX. In contrast, the viability of normal cells is largely unaffected by pThoc1 loss. Normal cells lacking Thoc1 cannot be transformed by forced expression of E1A and Ha-ras, suggesting that Thoc1 may be important for neoplastic transformation. In sum, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that cancer cells require higher levels of pThoc1 for survival than normal cells. If true, pThoc1 may provide a novel molecular target for cancer therapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(14):6657–64]
Data from Gene Conversion Is a Frequent Mechanism of Inactivation of the Wild-Type Allele in Cancers from MLH1/MSH2 Deletion Carriers
Authors: Zhang Jian , Lindroos Annette , Ollila Saara , Russell Anna , Marra Giancarlo , Mueller Hansjakob , Peltomaki Paivi , Plasilova Martina , Heinimann Karl
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominantly inherited cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germ line mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, predominantly MLH1 and MSH2, with large genomic rearrangements accounting for 5% to 20% of all mutations. Although crucial to the understanding of cancer initiation, little is known about the second, somatic hit in HNPCC tumorigenesis, commonly referred to as loss of heterozygosity. Here, we applied a recently developed method, multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification, to study MLH1/MSH2 copy number changes in 16 unrelated Swiss HNPCC patients, whose cancers displayed microsatellite instability and loss of MLH1 or MSH2 expression, but in whom no germ line mutation could be detected by conventional screening. The aims of the study were (a) to determine the proportion of large genomic rearrangements among Swiss MLH1/MSH2 mutation carriers and (b) to investigate the frequency and nature of loss of heterozygosity as a second, somatic event, in tumors from MLH1/MSH2 germ line deletion carriers. Large genomic deletions were found to account for 4.3% and 10.7% of MLH1 and MSH2 mutations, respectively. Multiplex ligation–dependent probe amplification analysis of 18 cancer specimens from two independent sets of Swiss and Finnish MLH1/MSH2 deletion carriers revealed that somatic mutations identical to the ones in the germ line occur frequently in colorectal cancers (6 of 11; 55%) and are also present in extracolonic HNPCC-associated tumors. Chromosome-specific marker analysis implies that loss of the wild-type allele predominantly occurs through locus-restricted recombinational events, i.e., gene conversion, rather than mitotic recombination or deletion of the respective gene locus. (Cancer Res 2006; (66)2: 659-64)
Data from Up-Regulation of c-Jun Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis via Caspase-Triggered c-Abl Cleavage in Human Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Podar Klaus , Raab Marc S. , Tonon Giovanni , Sattler Martin , Barilà Daniela , Zhang Jing , Tai Yu-Tzu , Yasui Hiroshi , Raje Noopur , DePinho Ronald A. , Hideshima Teru , Chauhan Dharminder , Anderson Kenneth C.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Here we show the antimyeloma cytotoxicity of adaphostin and carried out expression profiling of adaphostin-treated multiple myeloma (MM) cells to identify its molecular targets. Surprisingly, c-Jun was the most up-regulated gene even at the earliest point of analysis (2 h). We also observed adaphostin-induced c-Abl cleavage in immunoblot analysis. Proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, but not melphalan or dexamethasone, induced similar effects, indicating unique agent-dependent mechanisms. Using caspase inhibitors, as well as caspase-resistant mutants of c-Abl (TM-c-Abl and D565A-Abl), we then showed that c-Abl cleavage in MM cells requires caspase activity. Importantly, both overexpression of the c-Abl fragment or c-Jun and knockdown of c-Abl and c-Jun expression by small interfering RNA confirmed that adaphostin-induced c-Jun up-regulation triggers downstream caspase-mediated c-Abl cleavage, inhibition of MM cell growth, and induction of apoptosis. Finally, our data suggest that this mechanism may not only be restricted to MM but may also be important in a broad range of malignancies including erythroleukemia and solid tumors. [Cancer Res 2007;67(4):1680–8]
Data from Involvement of IFN Regulatory Factor (IRF)-1 and IRF-2 in the Formation and Progression of Human Esophageal Cancers
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Dong-Ping , Chen Ping-Ping , Koeffler H. Phillip , Tong Xiang-Jun , Xie Dong
Published: March 2023

Abstract
IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1 and IRF-2 are generally regarded as a tumor suppressor and an oncoprotein, respectively. However, little is known about their expression and function in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC). In our present work, IRF-1 expression was decreased and IRF-2 expression was increased in ESCCs compared with matched normal esophageal tissues. Moreover, statistical data indicated that IRF-2 expression was tightly correlated with progression of ESCCs. As expected, overexpression of either IRF-1 or IRF-2 in an ESCC cell line resulted in either suppression or enhancement of cell growth, respectively. Also, proliferation- and apoptosis-related molecules (p21WAF1/CIP1, cyclin-D1, Bcl-2, and histone H4) were regulated by IRF-1 and IRF-2. Additionally, high levels of IRF-2 blocked the function of IRF-1 by preventing the latter from translocating into the nucleus; in contrast, knock down of IRF-2 by small interfering RNA permitted nuclear localization and activity of IRF-1. In vivo assay using nude mice indicated that the tumorigenicity of ESCC cells was enhanced with IRF-2 overexpression but dramatically attenuated after forced expression of IRF-1. In conclusion, IRF-1 and IRF-2 are able to regulate tumorigenicity of ESCC cells as antioncoprotein and oncoprotein, respectively. Relative amounts of IRF-1 to IRF-2 are functionally very important for the development and progression of ESCCs, and reduction of the ratio of IRF-1/IRF-2 may lead to the enhancement of tumorigenicity of ESCC cells. Therefore, levels of IRF-1 and IRF-2 are useful indicators in diagnosis and prognosis for ESCCs, and these molecules are potential drug targets for ESCC therapy. [Cancer Res 2007;67(6):2535–43]
Data from The Asn418-Linked N-Glycan of ErbB3 Plays a Crucial Role in Preventing Spontaneous Heterodimerization and Tumor Promotion
Authors: Yokoe Shunichi , Takahashi Motoko , Asahi Michio , Lee Seung Ho , Li Wei , Osumi Daisuke , Miyoshi Eiji , Taniguchi Naoyuki
Published: March 2023

Abstract
ErbB2 and ErbB3, two members of the ErbB family, form a high-affinity heregulin coreceptor that elicits potent mitogenic and transforming signals, and clinical studies indicate that these receptors play an important role in tumor incidence and progression. To determine whether N-glycosylation is involved in the function of ErbB3, a series of human ErbB3 molecules devoid of N-glycans were prepared and transfected to Flp-In-CHO cells for stable expression. A cross-linking study showed that the Asn418 to Gln mutant (N418Q) of ErbB3 underwent autodimerization without its ligand, heregulin. The wild-type or N418Q mutant of ErbB3 was next coexpressed with ErbB2 in Flp-In-CHO cells, and the effect of N-glycan on heterodimerization was examined. The N418Q mutant of ErbB3 was autodimerized with ErbB2 without ligand stimulation, and receptor tyrosine phosphorylation and subsequent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt phosphorylation were promoted in the absence of heregulin. A cell proliferation assay and a soft agar colony formation assay showed that the N418Q mutant of ErbB3 coexpressed with ErbB2 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation in soft agar in an ERK- and Akt-dependent manner. The mutation also promoted the growth of tumors in athymic mice when injected s.c. These findings suggest that the Asn418-linked N-glycan in ErbB3 plays an essential role in regulating receptor heterodimerization with ErbB2 and might have an effect on transforming activity. [Cancer Res 2007;67(5):1935–42]
Data from Therapeutic Expression of an Anti-Death Receptor 5 Single-Chain Fixed-Variable Region Prevents Tumor Growth in Mice
Authors: Shi Juan , Liu Yanxin , Zheng Yong , Guo Yabin , Zhang Jinchun , Cheung Pik-to , Xu Ruian , Zheng Dexian
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The clinical use of the single-chain fixed-variable (scFv) fragments of recombinant monoclonal antibodies as credible alternatives for classic therapeutic antibodies has two limitations: rapid blood clearance and inefficient local expression of functional molecules. In attempt to address these issues, we have developed a novel gene therapy protocol in which the anti-death receptor 5 (DR5) scFv fragments were either in vitro expressed in several tumor cell lines, or in vivo expressed in mice, using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)–mediated gene transfer. Viral transduction using the rAAV-S3C construct, which encodes a scFv molecule (S3C scFv) specific to DR5, led to stable expression in tumor cell lines and showed apoptosis-inducing activity in vitro, which could be inhibited by recombinant DR5 but not by DR4. A single i.m. injection of rAAV-S3C virus in nude mice resulted in stable expression of DR5-binding S3C scFv proteins in mouse sera for at least 240 days. Moreover, the expression of S3C scFv was associated with significant suppression of tumor growth and the increase of tumor cell apoptosis in previously established s.c. human lung LTEP-sml and liver Hep3B tumor xenografts. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(24): 11946-53)
Data from Overexpression of Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) Transamidase Subunits Phosphatidylinositol Glycan Class T and/or GPI Anchor Attachment 1 Induces Tumorigenesis and Contributes to Invasion in Human Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Guojun , Guo Zhongmin , Chatterjee Aditi , Huang Xin , Rubin Ethel , Wu Feng , Mambo Elizabeth , Chang Xiaofei , Osada Motonobu , Sook Kim Myoung , Moon Chulso , Califano Joseph A. , Ratovitski Edward A. , Gollin Susanne M. , Sukumar Saraswati , Sidransky David , Trink Barry
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Based on the oncogenic role of phosphatidylinositol glycan (PIG) class U in human tumors, we explored the role of two additional subunits of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) transamidase complex in human breast cancer. We found that PIG class T (PIG-T) and GPI anchor attachment 1 (GPAA1) were overexpressed in breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Forced expression of PIG-T and GPAA1 transformed NIH3T3 cells in vitro and increased tumorigenicity and invasion of these cells in vivo. Suppression of PIG-T expression in breast cancer cell lines led to inhibition of anchorage-independent growth. Moreover, we found that PIG-T and GPAA1 expression levels positively correlated with paxillin phosphorylation in invasive breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, suppression of PIG-T and GPAA1 expression led to a decrease in paxillin phosphorylation with a concomitant decrease in invasion ability. These results suggest that the GPI transamidase complex is composed of a group of proto-oncogenes that individually or as a group contribute to breast cancer growth. This aberrant growth is mediated, at least partially, by phosphorylation of paxillin, contributing to invasion and progression of breast cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(22): 9829-36) (Cancer Res 2006; 66(20): 9829-36)
Data from A Growth Hormone Receptor Mutation Impairs Growth Hormone Autofeedback Signaling in Pituitary Tumors
Authors: Asa Sylvia L. , DiGiovanni Rebecca , Jiang Jing , Ward Megan L. , Loesch Kimberly , Yamada Shozo , Sano Toshiaki , Yoshimoto Katsuhiko , Frank Stuart J. , Ezzat Shereen
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Pituitary tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms that are classified based on clinical manifestations, hormone excess, and histomorphologic features. Those that cause growth hormone (GH) excess and acromegaly are subdivided into morphologic variants that have not yet been shown to have pathogenetic significance or predictive value for therapy and outcome. Here, we identify a selective somatic histidine-to-leucine substitution in codon 49 of the extracellular domain of the GH receptor (GHR) in a morphologic subtype of human GH-producing pituitary tumors that is characterized by the presence of cytoskeletal aggresomes. This GHR mutation significantly impairs glycosylation-mediated receptor processing, maturation, ligand binding, and signaling. Pharmacologic GH antagonism recapitulates the morphologic phenotype of pituitary tumors from which this mutation was identified, inducing the formation of cytoskeletal keratin aggresomes. This novel GHR mutation provides evidence for impaired hormone autofeedback in the pathogenesis of these pituitary tumors. It explains the lack of responsiveness to somatostatin analogue therapy of this tumor type, in contrast to the exquisite sensitivity of tumors that lack aggresomes, and has therapeutic implications for the safety of GH antagonism as a therapeutic modality in acromegaly. [Cancer Res 2007;67(15):7505–11]
Data from Fragile Histidine Triad–Mediated Tumor Suppression of Lung Cancer by Targeting Multiple Components of the Ras/Rho GTPase Molecular Switch
Authors: Jayachandran Gitanjali , Sazaki Ji-ichiro , Nishizaki Masahito , Xu Kai , Girard Luc , Minna John D. , Roth Jack A. , Ji Lin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The fragile histidine triad (FHIT) gene has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor gene in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism of its action is still largely unknown. To elucidate the molecular mechanism and biological pathway in FHIT-mediated tumor suppression, we used a complementary gene and protein expression profiling with DNA microarray and ProteinChip technologies to quantitatively monitor cellular changes in gene and protein expression and discover the molecular targets of FHIT in non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells. The Ras/Rho signaling pathway was identified as one of the unique biological pathways associated with FHIT activity. A significantly down-regulated expression of genes and proteins of multiple key components in the Ras/Rho GTPases molecular switch, including Ran, Rab, Rac, Rap, and Ral, was observed on gene and protein expression profiles and further validated by Western blot analysis. Ectopic activation of FHIT in FHIT-deficient H1299 cells also significantly reduced the invasive potential of tumor cells by down-regulating expression of RhoC, a potential marker of tumor cell invasion and metastases. A simultaneous knockdown of the expression of several key Ras/Rho signaling molecules using gene-specific small interfering RNAs (RHO-siRNA) targeting selected Rab11, Rac1, and Rap1 genes significantly inhibited tumor cell growth and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells in vitro, and a local injection of RHO-siRNAs complexed with N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxyl)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammoniummethyl sulfate:cholesterol nanoparticles inhibited tumor growth in A549 tumor xenografts in mice, mimicking the AdFHIT-mediated tumor-suppressing effect. These results suggest a new role of FHIT in down-regulating the Ras/Rho GTPase-associated oncogenic signaling pathway. [Cancer Res 2007;67(21):10379–88]
Data from Alterations of the HBP1 Transcriptional Repressor Are Associated with Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Paulson K. Eric , Rieger-Christ Kimberly , McDevitt Michael A. , Kuperwasser Charlotte , Kim Jiyoung , Unanue Vincent E. , Zhang Xiaowei , Hu Maowen , Ruthazer Robin , Berasi Stephen P. , Huang Chun-Yin , Giri Dilip , Kaufman Seth , Dugan John M. , Blum Joanne , Netto Georges , Wazer David E. , Summerhayes Ian C. , Yee Amy S.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Invasive breast cancer has a high risk of recurrence to incurable disease and needs improved prognostic and therapeutic tools. Our work combines clinical and molecular analyses to show that the transcriptional repressor HBP1 may be a new target for invasive breast cancer. Previous work indicated that HBP1 regulated proliferation and senescence and inhibited Wnt signaling. Two of these functions have been associated with invasive breast cancer. In 76 breast tumors, we identified 10 HBP1 mutations/variants that were associated with fully invasive breast cancer. In a separate analysis, we found that a subset of invasive breast cancer specimens also had reduced HBP1 mRNA levels. These clinical correlations suggested that mutation or reduction of HBP1 occurs in invasive breast cancer and that HBP1 might regulate the proliferation and invasiveness of this breast cancer type. Analysis of the HBP1 mutants showed they were functionally defective for suppressing Wnt signaling. To test the consequences of reduced HBP1 levels, we used RNA interference to knock down HBP1 and observed increased Wnt signaling, tumorigenic proliferation, and invasiveness in cell and animal breast cancer models. Lastly, statistical analysis of a breast cancer patient database linked reduced HBP1 expression to breast cancer recurrence. In considering two-gene criteria for relapse potential, reduced expression of HBP1 and SFRP1, which is another Wnt inhibitor that was recently linked to invasive breast cancer, strikingly correlated with recurrence. Together, these data indicate that HBP1 may be a molecularly and clinically relevant regulator of breast cancer transitions that eventually lead to poor prognosis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(13):6136–45]
Data from Elevated Frequencies of Self-reactive CD8+ T Cells following Immunization with a Xenoantigen Are Due to the Presence of a Heteroclitic CD4+ T-Cell Helper Epitope
Authors: Kianizad Korosh , Marshall Laura A. , Grinshtein Natalie , Bernard Dannie , Margl Renate , Cheng Sheng , Beermann Friedrich , Wan Yonghong , Bramson Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Immunization of mice with human dopachrome tautomerase (hDCT) provides greater protection against melanoma than immunization with the murine homologue (mDCT). We mapped the CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell epitopes in both proteins to better understand the mechanisms of the enhanced protection. The dominant CD8+ T-cell epitopes were fully conserved between both proteins, yet immunization with hDCT produced frequencies of CD8+ T cells that were 5- to 10-fold higher than immunization with mDCT. This difference was not intrinsic to the two proteins because comparable frequencies of CD8+ T cells were elicited by both antigens in DCT-deficient mice. Strikingly, only hDCT elicited a significant level of specific CD4+ T cells in wild-type (WT) mice. The murine protein was not devoid of CD4+ T-cell epitopes because immunization of DCT-deficient mice with mDCT resulted in robust CD4+ T-cell immunity directed against two epitopes that were not identified in WT mice. These results suggested that the reduced immunogenicity of mDCT in WT mice may be a function of insufficient CD4+ T-cell help. To address this possibility, the dominant CD4+ T-cell epitope from hDCT was introduced into mDCT. Immunization with the mutated mDCT evoked CD8+ T-cell frequencies and protective immunity comparable with hDCT. These results reveal a novel mechanism by which xenoantigens overcome tolerance. Our data also suggest that immunologic tolerance is more stringent for CD4+ T cells than CD8+ T cells, providing a mechanism of peripheral tolerance where autoreactive CD8+ T cells fail to be activated due to a lack of autoreactive CD4+ T cells specific for the same antigen. [Cancer Res 2007;67(13):6459–67]
Data from Protein Kinase Cε Is Overexpressed in Primary Human Non–Small Cell Lung Cancers and Functionally Required for Proliferation of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells in a p21/Cip1-Dependent Manner
Authors: Bae Kyung-Mi , Wang Heiman , Jiang Guohua , Chen Melissa G. , Lu Li , Xiao Lei
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The protein kinase C (PKC) family of proteins plays important roles in growth regulation and is implicated in tumorigenesis. It has become clear that the role of PKC in tumorigenesis is cell context dependent and/or isoform specific. In this study, we showed for the first time by immunohistochemistry that overexpression of PKCε was detected in the vast majority (>90%) of primary human non–small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) compared with normal lung epithelium. Inhibition of the PKCε pathway using a kinase-inactive, dominant-negative PKCε, PKCε(KR), led to a significant inhibition of proliferation and anchorage-independent growth of human NSCLC cells in a p53-independent manner. This was accompanied by a specific induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase (cdk) inhibitor p21/Cip1 but not p27/Kip1. In response to serum stimulation, PKCε(KR)-expressing cells showed a prolonged G1-S transition and delayed and reduced activation of cdk2 complexes, which was likely attributed to the increased binding of p21/Cip1 to cdk2. Furthermore, inhibition of PKCε function either by expressing PKCε(KR) or by small interfering RNA (siRNA)–mediated gene knockdown resulted in c-Myc down-regulation, which, in turn, regulated p21/Cip1 expression. Knockdown of PKCε or c-Myc expression using siRNA led to induction of p21/Cip1 and attenuation of G1-S transition in NSCLC cells. Using p21+/+ and p21−/− HCT116 isogenic cell lines, we further showed that growth inhibition by PKCε(KR) required the function of p21/Cip1. Collectively, these results reveal an important role for PKCε signaling in lung cancer and suggest that one potential mechanism by which PKCε exerts its oncogenic activity is through deregulation of the cell cycle via a p21/Cip1–dependent mechanism. [Cancer Res 2007;67(13):6053–63]
Data from Epigenetically Controlled Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 Signaling Imposes on the RAS/BRAF/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway to Modulate Thyroid Cancer Progression
Authors: Kondo Tetsuo , Zheng Lei , Liu Wei , Kurebayashi Junichi , Asa Sylvia L. , Ezzat Shereen
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signals play fundamental roles in development and tumorigenesis. Thyroid cancer is an example of a tumor with nonoverlapping genetic mutations that up-regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Here, we show that FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), which is expressed mainly in neoplastic thyroid cells, propagates MAPK activation and promotes tumor progression. In contrast, FGFR2 is down-regulated in neoplastic thyroid cells through DNA promoter methylation. Reexpression of FGFR2 competes with FGFR1 for the immediate substrate FGFR substrate 2 to impede signaling upstream of the BRAF/MAPK pathway. These data unmask an epigenetically controlled FGFR2 signal that imposes precisely on the intragenically modified BRAF/MAPK pathway to modulate thyroid cancer behavior. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5461–70]
Data from Prostaglandin E2 Induces Breast Cancer–Related Aromatase Promoters via Activation of p38 and c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase in Adipose Fibroblasts
Authors: Chen Dong , Reierstad Scott , Lin Zhihong , Lu Meiling , Brooks Chris , Li Newton , Innes Joy , Bulun Serdar E.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Aromatase is the key enzyme for estrogen biosynthesis. A distal promoter, PI.4, maintains baseline levels of aromatase in normal breast adipose tissue. In contrast, malignant breast epithelial cells secrete prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which stimulates aromatase expression via proximal promoters PI.3/PII in a cyclic AMP (cAMP)– and protein kinase C (PKC)–dependent manner in adjacent breast adipose fibroblasts (BAF), leading to increased local concentrations of estrogen. Although an effective treatment for breast cancer, aromatase inhibitors indiscriminately abolish estrogen synthesis in all tissues, causing major side effects. To identify drug targets to selectively block aromatase and estrogen production in breast cancer, we investigated PGE2-stimulated signaling pathways essential for aromatase induction downstream of cAMP and PKC in human BAFs. Here, we show that PGE2 or its surrogate hormonal mixture dibutyryl cAMP (Bt2cAMP) + phorbol diacetate (PDA) stimulated the p38, c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-1, and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Inhibition or small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of p38 or JNK1, but not ERK, inhibited PGE2- or Bt2cAMP + PDA–induced aromatase activity and expression via PI.3/PII. Conversely, overexpression of wild-type p38α or JNK1 enhanced PGE2-stimulated aromatase expression via PII. PGE2 or Bt2cAMP + PDA stimulated c-Jun and activating transcription factor-2 (ATF2) phosphorylation and binding to the PI.3/PII region. Specific activation of protein kinase A (PKA) or EPAC with cAMP analogues stimulated p38 and JNK1; however, only PKA-activating cAMP analogues induced aromatase expression. The PKC activator PDA effectively stimulated p38 and JNK1 phosphorylation but not aromatase expression. Taken together, PGE2 activation of p38 and JNK1 via PKA and PKC is necessary for aromatase induction in BAFs, and p38 and JNK1 are potential new drug targets for tissue-specific ablation of aromatase expression in breast cancer. [Cancer Res 2007;67(18):8914–22]
Data from Genomic Profiling Reveals Alternative Genetic Pathways of Prostate Tumorigenesis
Authors: Lapointe Jacques , Li Chunde , Giacomini Craig P. , Salari Keyan , Huang Stephanie , Wang Pei , Ferrari Michelle , Hernandez-Boussard Tina , Brooks James D. , Pollack Jonathan R.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Prostate cancer is clinically heterogeneous, ranging from indolent to lethal disease. Expression profiling previously defined three subtypes of prostate cancer, one (subtype-1) linked to clinically favorable behavior, and the others (subtypes-2 and -3) linked with a more aggressive form of the disease. To explore disease heterogeneity at the genomic level, we carried out array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) on 64 prostate tumor specimens, including 55 primary tumors and 9 pelvic lymph node metastases. Unsupervised cluster analysis of DNA copy number alterations (CNA) identified recurrent aberrations, including a 6q15-deletion group associated with subtype-1 gene expression patterns and decreased tumor recurrence. Supervised analysis further disclosed distinct patterns of CNA among gene-expression subtypes, where subtype-1 tumors exhibited characteristic deletions at 5q21 and 6q15, and subtype-2 cases harbored deletions at 8p21 (NKX3-1) and 21q22 (resulting in TMPRSS2-ERG fusion). Lymph node metastases, predominantly subtype-3, displayed overall higher frequencies of CNA, and in particular gains at 8q24 (MYC) and 16p13, and loss at 10q23 (PTEN) and 16q23. Our findings reveal that prostate cancers develop via a limited number of alternative preferred genetic pathways. The resultant molecular genetic subtypes provide a new framework for investigating prostate cancer biology and explain in part the clinical heterogeneity of the disease. [Cancer Res 2007;67(18):8504–10]
Data from Expression of Frzb/Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 3, a Secreted Wnt Antagonist, in Human Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer PC-3 Cells Suppresses Tumor Growth and Cellular Invasiveness
Authors: Zi Xiaolin , Guo Yi , Simoneau Anne R. , Hope Christopher , Xie Jun , Holcombe Randall F. , Hoang Bang H.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The ability of Frzb/secreted Frizzled-related protein 3 (sFRP3) to inhibit Wnt signaling and the localization of Frzb/sFRP3 on chromosome 2q to a region frequently deleted in cancers have led some investigators to hypothesize that Frzb/sFRP3 is a tumor suppressor gene. Here, we examined the biological effects of Frzb/sFRP3 on an androgen-independent prostate cancer cell model. We showed that expression of Frzb/sFRP3 in PC-3 cells resulted in decreased colony formation in soft agar and a dramatic inhibition of tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. When cellular morphology was examined, PC-3 cells expressing Frzb/sFRP3 exhibited an increase in cell-cell contact formation accompanied by a pronounced induction of epithelial markers E-cadherin and keratin-8 and down-regulation of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin, fibronectin, and vimentin. This phenomenon suggested a reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and a less invasive phenotype. Indeed, further in vitro studies with a Matrigel assay showed that Frzb/sFRP3 decreased the invasive capacity of PC-3 cells. These changes in the biology of PC-3 cells are associated with a decrease in the expression and activities of both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 as well as decreases in AKT activation, cytosolic β-catenin levels, T-cell factor transcription activity, and expression of Slug and Twist. In addition, transfection of PC-3 with a dominant-negative low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 5 (DN-LRP5) coreceptor showed similar biological effects as Frzb/sFRP3 transfection. Together, these data suggest that Frzb/sFRP3 and DN-LRP5 exhibit antitumor activity through the reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inhibition of MMP activities in a subset of prostate cancer.
Data from Expression of a CALM-AF10 Fusion Gene Leads to Hoxa Cluster Overexpression and Acute Leukemia in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Caudell David , Zhang Zhenhua , Chung Yang Jo , Aplan Peter D.
Published: March 2023

Abstract
To assess the role of the CALM-AF10 fusion gene in leukemic transformation in vivo, we generated transgenic mice that expressed a CALM-AF10 fusion gene. Depending on the transgenic line, at least 40% to 50% of the F1 generation mice developed acute leukemia at a median age of 12 months. Leukemic mice typically had enlarged spleens, invasion of parenchymal organs with malignant cells, and tumors with myeloid markers such as myeloperoxidase, Mac1, and Gr1. Although most leukemias were acute myeloid leukemia, many showed lymphoid features, such as CD3 staining, or clonal Tcrb or Igh gene rearrangements. Mice were clinically healthy for the first 9 months of life and had normal peripheral blood hemograms but showed impaired thymocyte differentiation, manifested by decreased CD4+/CD8+ cells and increased immature CD4−/CD8− cells in the thymus. Hematopoietic tissues from both clinically healthy and leukemic CALM-AF10 mice showed up-regulation of Hoxa cluster genes, suggesting a potential mechanism for the impaired differentiation. The long latency period and incomplete penetrance suggest that additional genetic events are needed to complement the CALM-AF10 transgene and complete the process of leukemic transformation. [Cancer Res 2007;67(17):8022–31]
Data from Loss of Xeroderma Pigmentosum C (Xpc) Enhances Melanoma Photocarcinogenesis in Ink4a-Arf–Deficient Mice
Authors: Yang Guang , Curley David , Bosenberg Marcus W. , Tsao Hensin
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Despite an extensive body of evidence linking UV radiation and melanoma tumorigenesis, a clear mechanistic understanding of this process is still lacking. Because heritable mutations in both INK4a and the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway predispose individuals to melanoma development, we set out to test the hypothesis that abrogation of NER, by deletion of the xeroderma pigmentosum C (Xpc) gene, will heighten melanoma photocarcinogenesis in an Ink4a-Arf–deficient background. Experimentally, we generated a strain of mice doubly deficient in Xpc and Ink4a-Arf and subjected wild-type, Xpc−/−Ink4a-Arf+/+, Xpc−/−Ink4a-Arf−/−, and Xpc+/+Ink4a-Arf−/− mice to a single neonatal (day P3) dose of UVB without additional chemical promotion. Indeed, there was a significant increase in the development of dermal spindle/epithelioid cell melanomas in Xpc−/−Ink4a-Arf−/− mice when compared with Xpc+/+Ink4a-Arf−/− mice (P = 0.005); wild-type and Xpc−/−Ink4a-Arf+/+ mice failed to develop tumors. These neoplasms bore a striking histologic resemblance to melanomas that arise in the Tyr-vHRAS/Ink4a-Arf−/− context and often expressed melanocyte differentiation marker Tyrp1, thus supporting their melanocytic origination. All strains, except wild-type mice, developed pigmented and non-pigmented epidermal-derived keratinocytic cysts, whereas Xpc+/+Ink4a-Arf−/− mice exhibited the greatest propensity for squamous cell carcinoma development. We then screened for NRas, HRas, Kras, and BRaf mutations in tumor tissue and detected a higher frequency of rare KrasQ61 alterations in tumors from Xpc−/−Ink4a-Arf−/− mice compared with Xpc+/+Ink4a-Arf−/− mice (50% versus 7%, P = 0.033). Taken together, results from this novel UV-inducible melanoma model suggest that NER loss, in conjunction with Ink4a-Arf inactivation, can drive melanoma photocarcinogenesis possibly through signature Kras mutagenesis. [Cancer Res 2007;67(12):5649–57]
Data from A Combination Hybrid-Based Vaccination/Adoptive Cellular Therapy to Prevent Tumor Growth by Involvement of T Cells
Authors: Savai Rajkumar , Schermuly Ralph Theo , Pullamsetti Soni Savai , Schneider Michael , Greschus Susanne , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Traupe Horst , Grimminger Friedrich , Banat Gamal-Andre
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy with dendritic cell–tumor cell fusion hybrids induces polyclonal stimulation against a variety of tumor antigens, including unknown antigens. Hybrid cells can prime CTLs, which subsequently develop antitumor responses. The aim of this study was to enhance the known antitumor effect of hybrid vaccination (HC-Vacc) and hybrid-primed adoptive T-cell therapy (HC-ACT) using the poorly immunogenic Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC1) model. The strategy used was a combination of a double HC-Vacc alternating with HC-ACT (HC-Vacc/ACT). Using flat-panel volumetric computer tomography and immunohistochemistry, we showed a significant retardation of tumor growth (85%). In addition, a significant delay in tumor development, a reduction in the number of pulmonary metastases, and increased survival times were observed. Furthermore, the tumors displayed significant morphologic changes and increased apoptosis, as shown by up-regulation of gene expression of the proapoptotic markers Fas, caspase-8, and caspase-3. The residual tumor masses seen in the HC-Vacc/ACT–treated mice were infiltrated with CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and showed elevated IFNγ expression. Moreover, splenic enlargement observed in HC-Vacc/ACT–treated mice reflected the increased functionality of T cells, as also indicated by increased expression of markers for CTL activation, differentiation, and proliferation (Cd28, Icosl, Tnfrsf13, and Tnfsf14). Our findings indicate that the combination therapy of dendritic cell–tumor cell HC-Vacc/ACT is a very effective and a promising immunotherapeutic regimen against poorly immunogenic carcinomas. [Cancer Res 2007;67(11):5444–54]
Data from Genetic Unmasking of an Epigenetically Silenced microRNA in Human Cancer Cells
Authors: Lujambio Amaia , Ropero Santiago , Ballestar Esteban , Fraga Mario F. , Cerrato Celia , Setién Fernando , Casado Sara , Suarez-Gauthier Ana , Sanchez-Cespedes Montserrat , Gitt Anna , Spiteri Inmaculada , Das Partha P. , Caldas Carlos , Miska Eric , Esteller Manel
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The mechanisms underlying microRNA (miRNA) disruption in human disease are poorly understood. In cancer cells, the transcriptional silencing of tumor suppressor genes by CpG island promoter hypermethylation has emerged as a common hallmark. We wondered if the same epigenetic disruption can “hit” miRNAs in transformed cells. To address this issue, we have used cancer cells genetically deficient for the DNA methyltransferase enzymes in combination with a miRNA expression profiling. We have observed that DNA hypomethylation induces a release of miRNA silencing in cancer cells. One of the main targets is miRNA-124a, which undergoes transcriptional inactivation by CpG island hypermethylation in human tumors from different cell types. Interestingly, we functionally link the epigenetic loss of miRNA-124a with the activation of cyclin D kinase 6, a bona fide oncogenic factor, and the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma, a tumor suppressor gene. [Cancer Res 2007;67(4):1424–9]