Role of podoplanin expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a retrospective study

Lymphatic metastasis is the predominant cause of the low overall survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), as there are no faithful methods available predicting early metastasis. Recent studies suggest an effect of podoplanin expression on metastatic spreading to lymph nodes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of podoplanin expression on lymphatic metastasis and tumor cells, and to find the relationship between podoplanin expression and prognosis of patients with ESCC. We evaluated the level of podoplanin expression on tumor cells and the lymphatic vessel density change of tumor mass compared with normal tissue from the same patient through D2-40 immunohistochemistry staining, and analyzed associations between these two variables and various clinicopathologic parameters individually or conjunctively. There was an association between podoplanin expression and the frequency of lymph node metastases. In 45 patients (80%), podoplanin was expressed on the tumor cells. Twenty-one patients (37.5%) showed high levels of expression. The 5-year disease-free survival rate (5%) for patients with high levels of podoplanin expression was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than for patients with low and moderate expression of podoplanin (54% and 27%, respectively). We concluded that podoplanin is expressed frequently in ESCC, and that the expression of podoplanin on cancer cells, lymphatics, or both is correlated with lymphatic metastasis and clinical outcome.

Adenomyosis completely encapsulated by muscle-like cavity in the mesorectum: a case report

A case of adenomyosis, completely encapsulated and located in the mesentery between the sigmoid colon and rectum, was admitted our hospital. We have reported the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the present case.

MS3-2: HIF-1, Metabolism, and Breast Cancer Metastasis

Increased glucose uptake and metabolism is a universal characteristic of advanced solid cancers. There are two well-established mechanisms underlying the reprogramming of tumor metabolism. First, intratumoral hypoxia induces the activity of the transcriptional activator hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) by inhibiting the O2-dependent prolyl and asparaginyl hydroxylases that inhibit HIF-1α stability and transactivation, respectively. Second, genetic alterations increase the activity of HIF-1, thereby increasing the expression of glucose transporters (GLUT1, GLUT3), glycolytic enzymes (ALDOA, ENO1, HK2, LDHA, PKM2), pH regulators (CAR9, NHE1, MCT4), and proteins that inhibit mitochondrial metabolism (BNIP3, PDK1). Metabolites, such as the glycolytic end-product lactate, also induce HIF-1 activity, thereby providing a signal to further increase glycolytic metabolism. Recently, we have identified a novel feed-forward mechanism by which glycolytic enzyme expression leads to increased HIF-1 transcriptional activity. Pyruvate kinase isoforms PKM1 and PKM2 are alternatively spliced products of the PKM2 gene. PKM2, but not PKM1, alters glucose metabolism in cancer cells and contributes to tumorigenesis by mechanisms that are not explained by its known biochemical activity. We show that PKM2 gene transcription is activated by HIF-1. PKM2 interacts directly with the HIF-1α subunit and promotes transactivation of HIF-1 target genes by enhancing HIF-1 binding and p300 recruitment to hypoxia response elements, whereas PKM1 fails to regulate HIF-1 activity. Interaction of PKM2 with prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3) enhances PKM2 binding to HIF-1α and PKM2 coactivator function. Mass spectrometry and anti-hydroxyproline antibody assays demonstrate PKM2 hydroxylation on proline-403/408. PHD3 knockdown inhibits PKM2 coactivator function, reduces glucose uptake and lactate production, and increases O2 consumption in cancer cells. Thus, PKM2 participates in a positive feedback loop that promotes HIF-1 transactivation and reprograms glucose metabolism in cancer cells (1). HIF-1 also plays critical roles in breast cancer metastasis. HIF-1 controls metastatic niche formation by activating transcription of genes encoding lysyl oxidase (LOX) and LOX-like proteins 2 and 4, which remodel collagen in the lungs, thereby recruiting bone marrow-derived cells that establish a microenvironment suitable for colonization by breast cancer cells (2). HIF-1 also promotes the extravasation of circulating breast cancer cells in the lungs by activating transcription of the genes encoding L1CAM, which encodes a cell adhesion molecule that promotes the interaction of breast cancer cells with vascular endothelial cells (ECs), and angiopoietin-like 4, which encodes a secreted factor that inhibits EC-EC interaction (3). Inhibition of HIF-1 activity by genetic or pharmacologic strategies dramatically inhibits the metastasis of breast cancer cells to the lungs in orthotopic mouse models (2, 3).

(1) Luo W. et al. Cell 2011;145:732.

(2) Wong CC et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2011 Sept 12. doi:10.1073/pnas.1113483108.

(3) Zhang H. et al. Oncogene 2011 Aug 22. doi: 10.1038/onc.2011.365.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr MS3-2.

P5-21-02: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center: The Source for Normal Breast Tissue and Biospecimens

Background

Our efforts to prevent and treat breast cancer are significantly impeded by a lack of knowledge of the biology and developmental genetics of the normal mammary gland. This ignorance has been the consequence of the lack of access to richly annotated, high quality normal breast specimens. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Tissue Bank at the IU Simon Cancer Center (KTB) was established expressly to remedy this deficiency. The KTB is a repository of specimens from volunteer donors with no clinical evidence of breast malignancy. The Bank's mission is to make available specimens that will enable an understanding of the developmental biology of the normal breast, to provide insight into breast oncogenesis, and to provide a normal control for breast cancer research. The purpose of this presentation is to increase the awareness of this unique and rich research resource and to actively solicit the use of its specimens.

Methods: The KTB has been prospectively banking fresh frozen breast tissue since mid-2006. Coincident with the tissue donation two tubes of blood are obtained, which are processed for lymphocyte DNA, serum and plasma. These specimens are richly annotated with detailed information regarding the donors’ reproductive history, medical history, family history, and medications. Standard Operating Procedures have been constructed so as to control, limit and identify potential sources of bias. All of this information is recorded in an Oracle-based, searchable database.

Results: As of June 2011, the KTB and its predecessor bank, Mary Ellen's Bank, have available fresh frozen breast tissue (10 gauge cores) from 1469 donors; formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue from 1055; DNA from 7507; serum from 2382; and plasma from 3771 donors. The KTB has also established 28 epithelial and 33 stromal cell lines from the cores; 4 of the epithelial cell lines have been immortalized using hTERT. Donors range in age from 18–86 years of age. 9% of donors to the KTB describe themselves as Hispanic/Latino. 5.2% of donors are Black or African-American. Using the Gail Risk Model, there is a bimodal distribution of life-time breast cancer risk among the donors: the largest peak is at 10% and a smaller one at 18%.

Conclusions: The KTB is a unique and invaluable research resource which is now open for business and accessible to researchers across the globe. We encourage researchers to avail themselves of this unique tissue resource and to also acquaint themselves with other sources of healthy breast tissue, i.e., the Love/Avon Army of Women [http://www.armyofwomen.org/].

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-21-02.

P3-01-06: NF-kB Inhibition Promotes Radiosensitivity of Breast Cancer Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture through Abating b1-Integrin Expression

Therapy-associated tumor resistance, giving rise to recurrence and mortality, is a critical issue in cancer therapy. The molecular mechanisms causing tumor resistnace to the therapeutic radiation remain elusive. Nuclear factor-KB (NF-KB), a stress-sensitive heterodimeric transcription factor in the regulation of the stress-responsive genes, has been shown to initiate prosurvival signaling pathways. The cooperative function of NF-KB with other key stress elements in radioresistance remains to be elucidated. We have previously reported that induction of α5β1-integrin is associated with the enhanced cell survival of breast cancer cells after exposure to high dose IR (ionizing radiation). Because a typical NF-KB binding site was located in human β1-integrin promoter region, β1-integrin-mediated resistance to radiation may be regulated by NF-KB. The aim of the present study was to reveal a connection between NF-KB and β1-integrin pathways in radioprotection of malignant T4-2 mammary epithelial cells in 3D ***lrECM (three-dimensional laminin-rich extracellular matrix). We show that the elevated NF-KB activity was correlated with enhanced clonogenic survival, and increased NF-KB heterodimer p50/p65 levels were associated with an increase in total and phosphorylated (Thr 788/789) β1-integrins. Inhibition of NF-KB activation significantly reduced clonogenic survival with the inhibition of β1-integrin. These results indicate that NF-KB-mediated induction of β1-integrin is associated with an increased radiation resistance. Treatment of T4-2 colonies, formed at day 4, with NF-KB activation inhibitor in 3D lrECM before exposure to IR (4-Gy X-ray) resulted in a reduction of the size of colonies. The surviving colonies were associated with a decrease in proliferation and increase in apoptosis, indicating a decrease of resistance to IR. Together, these results provide the first evidence that NF-KB-mediated β1-integrin expression is responsible for tumor radioresistance. The NF-KB/β1-integrin pathway may serve as an efficient drug target to re-sensitize radioresistant tumor cells.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-01-06.

Search for differences in oscillation parameters for atmospheric neutrinos and antineutrinos at Super-Kamiokande

We present a search for differences in the oscillations of antineutrinos and neutrinos in the Super-Kamiokande-I, -II, and -III atmospheric neutrino sample. Under a two-flavor disappearance model with separate mixing parameters between neutrinos and antineutrinos, we find no evidence for a difference in oscillation parameters. Best-fit antineutrino mixing is found to be at (Δm2,sin2 2θ)=(2.0×10(-3)  eV2, 1.0) and is consistent with the overall Super-K measurement.

Genome-wide association scan for childhood caries implicates novel genes

Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children and a major public health concern due to its increasing incidence, serious health and social co-morbidities, and socio-demographic disparities in disease burden. We performed the first genome-wide association scan for dental caries to identify associated genetic loci and nominate candidate genes affecting tooth decay in 1305 US children ages 3-12 yrs. Affection status was defined as 1 or more primary teeth with evidence of decay based on intra-oral examination. No associations met strict criteria for genome-wide significance (p < 10E-7); however, several loci (ACTN2, MTR, and EDARADD, MPPED2, and LPO) with plausible biological roles in dental caries exhibited suggestive evidence for association. Analyses stratified by home fluoride level yielded additional suggestive loci, including TFIP11 in the low-fluoride group, and EPHA7 and ZMPSTE24 in the sufficient-fluoride group. Suggestive loci were tested but not significantly replicated in an independent sample (N = 1695, ages 2-7 yrs) after adjustment for multiple comparisons. This study reinforces the complexity of dental caries, suggesting that numerous loci, mostly having small effects, are involved in cariogenesis. Verification/replication of suggestive loci may highlight biological mechanisms and/or pathways leading to a fuller understanding of the genetic risks for dental caries.

Interleukin-10 polymorphisms and tuberculosis susceptibility: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large number of studies have shown that polymorphisms in the interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene are implicated in susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). However, the results are inconsistent and inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

A meta-analysis was performed to analyse the association between polymorphisms in the IL-10 gene and TB susceptibility.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies that referred to three polymorphisms (-1082G/A, -819C/T and -592A/C) were identified. No association was found between these three polymorphisms and TB risk in combined analyses: -1082G/A (AA+AG vs. GG): OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.66-1.14, P = 0.30; -819C/T (TT+TC vs. CC): OR 1.02, 95%CI 0.92-1.14, <e1>P</e> = 0.66; -592A/C (CC+CA vs. AA): OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.88-1.11, P = 0.82. However, in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, European subjects with the -1082(AA+GG) genotypes have a decreased risk of TB: OR 0.55, 95%CI 0.35-0.88, P = 0.01.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the -1082G/A polymorphism of the IL-10 gene could be a risk factor for TB in Europeans. Further studies with larger populations are required to assess the association between IL-10 polymorphisms and TB susceptibility.

Membrane proteins in four acts: function precedes structure determination

Studies on four membrane protein systems, which combine information derived from crystal structures and biophysical studies have emphasized, as a precursor to crystallization, demonstration of functional activity. These assays have relied on sensitive spectrophotometric, electrophysiological, and microbiological assays of activity to select purification procedures that lead to functional complexes and with greater likelihood to successful crystallization: (I), Hetero-oligomeric proteins involved in electron transport/proton translocation. (1) Crystal structures of the eight subunit hetero-oligomeric trans-membrane dimeric cytochrome b(6)f complex were obtained from cyanobacteria using a protocol that allowed an analysis of the structure and function of internal lipids at specific intra-membrane, intra-protein sites. Proteolysis and monomerization that inactivated the complex and prevented crystallization was minimized through the use of filamentous cyanobacterial strains that seem to have a different set of membrane-active proteases. (2) An NADPH-quinone oxido-reductase isolated from cyanobacteria contains an expanded set of 17 monotopic and polytopic hetero-subunits. (II) β-Barrel outer membrane proteins (OMPs). High resolution structures of the vitamin B(12) binding protein, BtuB, solved in meso and in surfo, provide the best example of the differences in such structures that were anticipated in the first application of the lipid cubic phase to membrane proteins [1]. A structure of the complex of BtuB with the colicin E3 and E2 receptor binding domain established a "fishing pole" model for outer membrane receptor function in cellular import of nuclease colicins. (III) A modified faster purification procedure contributed to significantly improved resolution (1.83Å) of the universal porin, OmpF, the first membrane protein for which meaningful 3D crystals have been obtained [2]. A crystal structure of the N-terminal translocation domain of colicin E3 complexed to OmpF established the role of OmpF as an import channel for colicin nuclease cytotoxins. (IV) α-Synuclein, associated with the etiology of Parkinson's Disease, is an example of a protein, which is soluble and disordered in solution, but which can assume an ordered predominantly α-helical conformation upon binding to membranes. When subjected in its membrane-bound form to a trans-membrane electrical potential, α-synuclein can form voltage-gated ion channels. Summary of methods to assay functions/activities: (i) sensitive spectrophotometric assay to measure electron transfer activities; (ii) hydrophobic chromatography to deplete lipids, allowing reconstitution with specific lipids for studies on lipid-protein interactions; (iii) microbiological screen to assay high affinity binding of colicin receptor domains to Escherichia coli outer membrane receptors; (iv) electrophysiology/channel analysis (a) to select channel-occluding ligands for co-crystallization with ion channels of OmpF, and (b) to provide a unique description of voltage-gated ion channels of α-synuclein.

Electric field-induced coherent control in GaAs: polarization dependence and electrical measurement [Invited]

A static electric field enables coherent control of the photoexcited carrier density in a semiconductor through the interference of one- and two-photon absorption. An experiment using optical detection is described. The polarization dependence of the signal is consistent with a calculation using a 14-band k · p model for GaAs. We also describe an electrical measurement. A strong enhancement of the phase-dependent photocurrent through a metal-semiconductor-metal structure is observed when a bias of a few volts is applied. The dependence of the signal on bias and laser spot position is studied. The field-induced enhancement of the signal could increase the sensitivity of semiconductor-based carrier-envelope phase detectors, useful in stabilizing mode-locked lasers for use in frequency combs.

Endophytic colonisation of Bacillus subtilis in the roots of Robinia pseudoacacia L

The endophytic colonisation of Bacillus subtilis strain GXJM08, isolated from roots of Podocarpus imbricatus B1. Enum. P1. Jav., in roots of the leguminous plant Robinia pseudoacacia L. was investigated. Ultrastructure observations showed that B. subtilis caused morphological changes in the root hair and colonised the plant through infected root hairs. The structure of the infection thread was similar to that of rhizobia, but the structure of infected cells was different. B. subtilis is also different from rhizobia and plant pathogens in terms of the formation of a peribacteroid membrane and the mode of penetration through the host cell wall. Our results provide a basis for studying development of the mutualistic symbiotic relationship between B. subtilis and plants, and a basis for studying the mechanism of the B. subtilis-plant interaction.

Influence of consumption of probiotics on the plasma lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

AIMS

Human clinical studies have yielded mixed results on the effects of consumption of probiotics on the plasma lipid profile. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effects of probiotics consumption on blood lipids.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A systematic literature search of Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Controlled Trials Registry was conducted for studies that investigated the efficacy of probiotics on the plasma lipid profile of subjects. With the help of Review Manager 4.2, data from 13 trials, which included 485 participants with high, borderline high and normal cholesterol levels, were examined. The pooled mean net change in total cholesterol for those treated with probiotics compared to controls was -6.40 mg dl(-1) (95% confidence interval (CI), -9.93 to -2.87), mean net change in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was -4.90 mg dl(-1) (95% CI, -7.91 to -1.90), mean net change in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was -0.11 mg dl(-1) (95% CI, -1.90-1.69) and mean net change in triglycerides was -3.95 mg dl(-1) (95% CI, -10.32-2.42).

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that a diet rich in probiotics decreases total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentration in plasma for participants with high, borderline high and normal cholesterol levels.

A Brassica napus lipase locates at the membrane contact sites involved in chloroplast development

Background

Fatty acids synthesized in chloroplast are transported to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for triacylglycerols (TAGs) resembling. The development of chloroplast also requires lipids trafficking from ER to chloroplast. The membrane contact sites (MCSs) between ER and chloroplast has been demonstrated to be involved for the trafficking of lipids and proteins. Lipids trafficking between ER and chloroplast is often accompanied by lipids interconversion. However, it is rarely known how lipids interconversion happens during their trafficking.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We cloned a lipase gene from Brassica napus L., designated as BnCLIP1. Green fluorescence protein (GFP)-tagged BnCLIP1 was shown to locate at the MCSs between ER and chloroplasts in tobacco leaves. Heterogeneous expression of BnCLIP1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pep4) reduced the total amount of fatty acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed that the truncated BnCLIP1 had a substrate preference for C16:0 lipids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pep4). To probe the physiological function of BnCLIP1, two Brassica napus lines with different oil-content were introduced to investigate the transcript patterns of BnCLIP1 during seed development. Intriguingly, the transcript level of BnCLIP1 was found to be immediately up-regulated during the natural seed senescence of both lines; the transcription response of BnCLIP1 in the high oil-content seeds was faster than the lower ones, suggesting a potential role of BnCLIP1 in affecting seed oil synthesis via regulating chloroplast integrity. Further researches showed that chemical disruption of leaf chloroplast also activated the transcription of BnCLIP1.

Conclusions/Significance

The findings of this study show that BnCLIP1 encodes a lipase, localizes at the MCSs and involves in chloroplast development.

Immunohistochemical evidence: testicular and scented glandular androgen synthesis in muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) during the breeding season

In order to elucidate the relationship between androgens and the function of the muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) scented glands during the breeding season, we investigated immunolocalization of steroidogenic enzymes P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 in the muskrat testes and scented glands. Nine adult muskrats were obtained in March (n=3), May (n=3) and July (n=3) 2010. Steroidogenic enzymes were immunolocalized using polyclonal antisera raised against bovine adrenal P450scc, human placental 3βHSD and porcine testicular P450c17. Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature-phase spermatozoa in seminiferous tubules were observed in all testes. Glandular cells, interstitial cells, epithelial cells and excretory tubules were identified in scented glands during the breeding season. P450scc, 3βHSD and P450c17 were only identified in Leydig cells during the breeding season; P450scc and P450c17 were observed in glandular cells of scented glands, however, 3βHSD was not found in scented glands during the breeding season. These novel findings provide the first evidence showing that scented glands of the muskrats are capable of locally synthesizing androgens and androgens acting via an endocrine, autocrine or paracrine manner may play an important role in scented gland function during the breeding season.

Heme oxygenase-1: a molecular brake on hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease with great public health impact worldwide. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1 has recently been reported as an important player in tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. However, the role of HO-1 in liver cancer metastasis is unclear. In this study, we explored genetic differences and downstream signal transduction pathways of HO-1 in liver cancer cell lines. HO-1 wild-type and mutant cell lines were generated from human liver cancer cell line HepG2. The overexpression of wild-type HO-1 decreased the migration of HepG2 cells. In contrast, the overexpression of mutant HO-1G143H increased the migration of the cancer cells. Interleukin (IL)-6 is one of the major downstream molecules that mediated this process because IL-6 expression and migration are suppressed by HO-1 and increased when HO-1 is knocked down by shRNA. In addition, we demonstrated carbon monoxide (CO) and p38MAPK are the cofactors in this signal pathway. In vivo animal model demonstrated HO-1 inhibited the tumor growth. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo data show HO-1 inhibits the human HCC cells migration and tumor growth by suppressing the expression of IL-6. The heme degradation product CO is a cofactor in this process and inhibits p38MAPK phosphorylation.

An oncogenic role of miR-142-3p in human T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) by targeting glucocorticoid receptor-α and cAMP/PKA pathways

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of 19-24 nucleotide non-coding RNAs with posttranscriptional regulatory functions. The involvement of miRNAs in normal hematopoiesis implies that deregulated miRNAs might contribute to leukemogenesis. To date, although certain miRNAs have been established a clear oncogenic role in hematological malignancies, other individual miRNAs potentially involved in human leukemogenesis still remain elusive. In this report, we showed that miR-142-3p was upregulated in human T-leukemic cell lines and primary T-leukemic cells isolated from T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients and its expressive levels were correlated with patients' prognosis. Such an oncogenic role of miR-142-3p could be explained by its targeting cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) and glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GRα). High levels of miR-142-3p resulted in low levels of cAMP and weak activity of PKA, thus relieving the inhibitory effect of PKA on T-leukemic cell proliferation. Meanwhile, miR-142-3p decreased GRα protein expression by directly targeting the 3'-untranslational region of GRα mRNA, leading to glucocorticoid resistance. Transfection of the miR-142-3p inhibitor effectively converted glucocorticoid resistance, because of the resultant increase of GRα expression and PKA activity. These findings suggest that miR-142-3p is critical in T-cell leukemogenesis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target in T-ALL patients.