Cell cycle phase progression analysis identifies unique replication phenotypes of major prognostic and predictive significance in cancer

Abstract #5066

BACKGROUND: The cell cycle machinery acts as an integration point for information transduced through complex and redundant upstream oncogenic signalling pathways. Multiparameter analysis of core regulatory proteins involved in G1-S and G2-M cell cycle phase transitions provides a powerful biomarker readout for assessment of the cell cycle state. We have applied this novel algorithm to breast cancer, investigating its cell cycle kinetics, and determining how this impacts on pathobiology and disease progression in-vivo.
 METHODS AND FINDINGS: Protein expression profiles of key constituents of the DNA replication licensing pathway (Mcm2, geminin) and mitotic machinery (Plk1, Aurora A, Aurora substrate Histone H3S10ph), mediators of G1-S and G2-M transition respectively, were generated for a cohort of 182 patients. Arrested differentiation and development of genomic instability was associated with increased engagement of cells into the cell division cycle (p<0.0001). Three unique cell cycle phenotypes were identified; (I) well differentiated tumours composed predominantly of Mcm2 negative cells indicative of an out-of-cycle state (18% of cases), (II) high Mcm2 expressing tumours but with low geminin, Aurora A, Plk1 and H3S10ph levels (S-G2-M progression markers) indicative of a G1 delayed/arrested state (24% cases), (III) high expressing Mcm2 tumours, but also expressing high levels of the S-G2-M progression markers, indicative of accelerated cell cycle progression (58% of cases). The accelerated cell cycle phenotype had a significantly higher risk of relapse when compared with out-of-cycle and G1 delayed/arrested tumour phenotypes (HR=3.90 [1.81-8.40], p<0.001). Notably high grade tumours with the G1 delayed/arrested phenotype showed an identical low risk of relapse to well differentiated out-of-cycle tumours (HR=1.00 [0.22-4.46], p=0.99), suggesting that many patients are receiving inappropriate S-G2-M phase directed adjuvant chemotherapy.
 CONCLUSIONS: This biomarker algorithm provides novel insights into the cell cycle state of dynamic tumour cell populations in-vivo, information that impacts on individualised therapeutic decisions. The cell cycle phenotype has a major influence on disease progression, identifying those patients at most risk of relapse. Importantly, it is only patients displaying an accelerated phenotype, tumours that show S-G2-M phase transit, that are likely to derive benefit from S and G2-M phase specific adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents and mechanistic drugs.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 5066.

[Gout as an unusual cause of pelvic pain]

An 89-year-old woman was admitted for high fever and debilitating pelvic pain, notably in the pubic area. Physical examination revealed multiple gouty tophi in her hands and feet. Laboratory investigation revealed severe leukocytosis and a sharply increased C-reactive protein level. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics in view of the possibility of a serious bacterial infection, but there was no clinical effect. CT of the pelvis revealed an osteolytic process and a mass anterior to the pubic symphysis. Histological investigation of a biopsy revealed an inflammatory infiltrate with signs of gout. Culture of the biopsy specimen was negative. The diagnosis was confirmed by the finding ofneedle-like urate crystals under the polarizing microscope. After treatment with colchicine and later with prednisone, the symptoms disappeared. She was given uric acid-lowering therapy with allopurinol as a preventive measure.

Invited Review: β-Lactoglobulin: Binding Properties, Structure, and Function

beta-Lactoglobulin (beta-LG) is the major whey protein of ruminant species and is also present in the milks of many, but not all, other species. Its amino-acid sequence and 3-dimensional structure show that it is a lipocalin, a widely diverse family, most of which bind small hydrophobic ligands and thus may act as specific transporters, as does serum retinol binding protein. Bovine beta-LG binds a wide range of ligands, but this may not be the reason for its presence in milk. In reviewing the structure and physicochemical properties of the protein, we present the structures of the ligands cholesterol (at a resolution of 2.0A, R = 0.221; Rfree = 0.295) and vitamin D2 (at a resolution of 2.4A, R = 0.212; Rfree = 0.297) each bound to the central binding cavity of bovine beta-LG at pH 7.3. Neither ligand is fully visible in the electron density maps, and the less well-ordered regions are the polar end groups at the mouth of the binding site. In a separate experiment, a mercury ion was bound to the free Cys121 (at a resolution of 2.2A, R = 0.218; Rfree = 0.288) in a way that transmitted a small structural change through Asp137 via Arg148 to the dimer interface. It is not clear if the known dissociation that arises from the reaction of beta-LG with HgCl2 results from this perturbation. In reviewing the structural studies that reveal the ligand binding sites for long-chain fatty acids, retinoids, and steroids, only the central location, common to all lipocalins so far examined, is occupied under the conditions used. We find that there is no crystallographic evidence of another ligand binding site in our crystals grown in approximately 1.3 M citrate, although low ionic strength studies in solution indicate the possible presence of at least one other low affinity site. The apparent ability of the binding site to accommodate a wide range of ligands may point to a possible physiological function. However, by considering the lipocalin family in general, and the species distribution of beta-LG in particular, some speculation as to the physiological function can be made. beta-Lactoglobulin has been reported as being implicated, inter alia, in hydrophobic ligand transport and uptake, enzyme regulation, and the neonatal acquisition of passive immunity. However, these functions do not appear to be consistent between species. Sequence comparisons among members of the lipocalin family reveal that glycodelin, found in the human endometrium during early pregnancy, is the most closely related to beta-LG. Although the function of glycodelin is also unknown, it appears to have effects on the immune system and/or to be involved in differentiation. It is proposed that beta-LG, over-expressed in the lactating mammary gland of many, but not all, species, is primarily an important source of amino acids for the offspring of those animals that produce it, but that this function arose by gene duplication from the physiologically essential glycodelin. The other functions that have been associated with beta-LG in the neonate are, therefore, fortuitous.

Sequence variation in humans and other primates at six short tandem repeat loci used in forensic identity testing

A large number of alleles from the six different short tandem repeat (STR) loci FGA, D3S1358, vWA, CSF1PO, TPOX and TH01, used in human identity testing were sequenced to provide support for the robustness of fluorescent STR DNA typing by allele size. Sequence information for some of these loci (FGA, vWA, TH01) is an extension of published work, whereas no extensive sequence information is available with respect to the D3S1358, CSF1PO, and TPOX loci. Sequencing of alleles at each locus has provided quantitative data with respect to the true nucleotide length of common alleles, and of alleles that vary in length from the common alleles. All alleles that were identified as "off-ladder" alleles through fluorescent typing at these STR loci have proven to be true length variant alleles. Sequencing at the D3S1358 and CSF1PO loci allowed for the establishment of a common nomenclature for these loci. A correlation between percent stutter and the length of the core tandem repeat is demonstrated at the FGA locus. Alleles in which the core tandem repeat is interrupted by a repeat unit of different sequence have a reduced percent stutter. DNA samples from three non-human primates (chimpanzee, orangutan, and gorilla) were compared to the human sequences, and shown to differ markedly across loci with respect to their homology. The effects of primer binding site mutations on the amplification efficiency at a particular locus, and methods used to interpret amplification imbalance of heterozygous alleles at a locus is also addressed.

The correctional Officer's role in Mental Health treatment of youthful offenders

This paper explores issues specific to the provision of effective mental health treatment for juvenile offenders within juvenile justice departments. A multifaceted treatment approach in this setting should include security officers as well as the customary mental health and medical professionals. Confidentiality issues direct correctional policies that require medical, mental health and security records to remain separate. Such limitations in the exchange of information reduce the likelihood that correctional officers would be considered as part of the treatment team. With high inmate to professional staff ratio and the growing attention to outcomes, this approach needs to be considered.

Regional Italian allele frequencies at nine short tandem repeat loci

An Italian population study was performed on the loci D3S1358, vWA, FGA, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D5S818, D13S317, D7S820 and a portion of the X-Y homologous gene Amelogenin for gender determination using the AmpFlSTR Profiler kit (PE Biosystems, Foster city, CA). This study was done on a population of 618 unrelated Italian individuals from 18 regions in Italy (except for Valle d'Aosta and Sardinia) to determine allele frequencies for each STR locus, and to evaluate STR technology for developing an Italian Offender DNA database.

An efficacy and cost-effectiveness analysis of combination hepatitis B immune globulin and lamivudine to prevent recurrent hepatitis B after orthotopic liver transplantation compared with hepatitis B immune globulin monotherapy

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was limited until recently by poor graft and patient outcomes caused by recurrent HBV. Long-term immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) dramatically improved post-OLT survival, but recurrent HBV still occurred in up to 36% of the recipients. More recently, combination HBIG and lamivudine has been shown to effectively prevent HBV recurrence in patients post-OLT. The aim of the current study is to determine long-term outcome and cost-effectiveness of using combination HBIG and lamivudine compared with HBIG monotherapy in patients who undergo OLT for HBV. A retrospective chart review identified 59 patients administered combination HBIG and lamivudine and 12 patients administered HBIG monotherapy as primary prophylaxis against recurrent HBV. Lamivudine, 150 mg/d, was administered orally indefinitely. HBIG was administered under a standard protocol (10,000 IU intravenously during the anhepatic phase, then 10,000 IU/d intravenously for 7 days, then 10,000 IU intravenously monthly) indefinitely. A decision-analysis model was developed to evaluate the potential economic impact of prophylaxis against HBV with combination therapy compared with monotherapy. Recurrent HBV was defined as the reappearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after its initial disappearance post-OLT. In the combination-therapy group, no patient redeveloped serum HBsAg or HBV DNA during mean follow-ups of 459 and 416 days, respectively. In the monotherapy group, 3 patients (25%) had reappearance of HBsAg in serum during a mean follow-up of 663 days. Combination therapy resulted in a dominant, cost-effective strategy with an average cost-effectiveness ratio of $252,111/recurrence prevented compared with $362,570/recurrence prevented in the monotherapy strategy. Combination prophylaxis with HBIG and lamivudine is highly effective in preventing recurrent HBV, may protect against the emergence of resistant mutants, and is significantly more cost-effective than HBIG monotherapy with its associated rate of recurrent HBV.

Temporal and spatial distribution of interleukin-1 beta in balloon injured porcine coronary arteries

OBJECTIVE

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a proinflammatory cytokine with a wide range of biological activities. We determined the distribution of IL-1 beta following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of porcine arteries, and the presence of caspase-1 (required for the activation of IL-1 beta).

METHODS

Oversized balloon angioplasty was performed in Yorkshire White pigs and the vessels excised at selected intervals (1, 6, 18 h, 3, 7, and 14 days) post-PTCA. IL-1 beta and caspase-1 were then identified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

IL-1 beta protein was detected in the inflammatory infiltrate up to 3 days after PTCA. Luminal endothelial cells contained IL-1 beta at 1 h, with peak expression at 3-7 days. Adventitial capillaries were IL-1 beta-positive at all timepoints. IL-1 beta was detected in adventitial cells at 3 days, with reduced levels at 7 and 14 days. At 7 days, neointimal cells were also IL-1 beta positive. No IL-1 beta was detected in non-PTCA control arteries. RT-PCR demonstrated IL-1 beta mRNA expression to be induced at 1 h, and absent at 3 days. In situ RT-PCR revealed this expression to be distributed throughout the arterial layers at 6 h, but localized to the adventitia at 18 h, with a baseline expression in the adventitial layer of non-PTCA controls. Caspase-1 was detected in luminal endothelial cells from 6 h, in adventitial cells from 3 days, and in neointimal cells from 7 days post-PTCA. This expression colocalized with IL-1 beta, indicating the potential for the IL-1 beta present to become activated.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that IL-1 beta is synthesised, in conjunction with caspase-1, by endothelial, inflammatory, and adventitial cells early (within 3 days) after PTCA, with decreased levels at later timepoints, suggesting that it has a key role to play in the early stages of healing following PTCA.

Growth-cone attraction to netrin-1 is converted to repulsion by laminin-1

Growing axons are guided by both diffusible and substrate-bound factors. Growth cones of retinal neurons exhibit chemoattractive turning towards the diffusible factor netrin-1 in vitro and are guided into the optic nerve head (ONH) by localized netrin-1. Here we report that, in Xenopus, laminin-1 from the extracellular matrix (ECM), converts netrin-mediated attraction into repulsion. A soluble peptide fragment of laminin-1 (YIGSR) mimics this laminin-induced conversion. Low levels of cyclic AMP in growth cones also lead to the conversion of netrin-induced attraction into repulsion, and we show that the amount of cAMP decreases in the presence of laminin-1 or YIGSR, suggesting a possible mechanism for laminin's effect. At the netrin-1-rich ONH, where axons turn sharply to leave the eye, laminin-1 is confined to the retinal surface. Repulsion from the region in which laminin and netrin are coexpressed may help to drive axons into the region where only netrin is present, providing a mechanism for their escape from the retinal surface. Consistent with this idea, YIGSR peptides applied to the developing retina cause axons to be misdirected at the ONH. These findings indicate that ECM molecules not only promote axon outgrowth, but also modify the behaviour of growth cones in response to diffusible guidance cues.

Depletion interaction of casein micelles and an exocellular polysaccharide

Casein micelles become mutually attractive when an exocellular polysaccharide produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NIZO B40 (hereafter called EPS) is added to skim milk. The attraction can be explained as a depletion interaction between the casein micelles induced by the nonadsorbing EPS. We used three scattering techniques (small-angle neutron scattering, turbidity measurements, and dynamic light scattering) to measure the attraction. In order to connect the theory of depletion interaction with experiment, we calculated structure factors of hard spheres interacting by a depletion pair potential. Theoretical predictions and all the experiments showed that casein micelles became more attractive upon increasing the EPS concentration.

Isolation and characterization of a novel antifreeze protein from carrot (Daucus carota)

A modified assay for inhibition of ice recrystallization which allows unequivocal identification of activity in plant extracts is described. Using this assay a novel, cold-induced, 36 kDa antifreeze protein has been isolated from the tap root of cold-acclimated carrot (Daucus carota) plants. This protein inhibits the recrystallization of ice and exhibits thermal-hysteresis activity. The polypeptide behaves as monomer in solution and is N-glycosylated. The corresponding gene is unique in the carrot genome and induced by cold. The antifreeze protein appears to be localized within the apoplast.

Orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatitis C: outcome, effect of immunosuppression, and causes of retransplantation during an 8-year single-center experience

OBJECTIVE

To determine the outcome of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for end-stage liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

HCV has become the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatic failure leading to OLT. Recurrent HCV after OLT is associated with significant complications and may lead to graft loss that requires retransplantation (re-OLT). The authors studied the outcome of transplantation for HCV, the effect of primary immunotherapy, and causes of retransplantation.

METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective review of their experience during an 8-year period (1990-1997), during which 374 patients underwent transplants for HCV (298 [79.6%] received one OLT; 76 [20.4%] required re-OLT). Median follow-up was 2 years (range 0 to 8.3). Immunosuppression was based on cyclosporine in 190 patients and tacrolimus in 132 patients. In a third group of patients, therapy was switched from cyclosporine to tacrolimus or from tacrolimus to cyclosporine (cyclosporine/tacrolimus group).

RESULTS

Overall, 1-, 2-, and 5-year actuarial patient survival rates were 86%, 82%, and 76%, respectively. The 2-year patient survival rate was 81 % in the cyclosporine group, 85% in the tacrolimus group, and 82% in the cyclosporine/tacrolimus group. In patients receiving one OLT, overall 1-, 2-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 85%, 81%, and 75%, respectively. The 2-year patient survival rate was 79% in the cyclosporine group, 84% in the tacrolimus group, and 80% in the cyclosporine/tacrolimus group. The overall graft survival rates were 70%, 65%, and 60% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. The graft survival rate at 2 years was similar under cyclosporine (68.5%), tacrolimus (64%), or cyclosporine/tacrolimus (60%) therapy. Re-OLT was required in 42 (11.2%) patients for graft dysfunction in the initial 30 days after OLT. Other causes for re-OLT included hepatic artery thrombosis in 10 (2.6%), chronic rejection in 8 (2.1%), and recurrent HCV in 13 (3.4%) patients. The overall survival rates after re-OLT were 63% and 58% at 1 and 2 years. The 1-year survival rate after re-OLT was 61 % for graft dysfunction, 50% for chronic rejection, 60% for hepatic artery thrombosis, and 60% for recurrent HCV. At re-OLT, 85.3% of the patients were critically ill (United Network for Organ Sharing [UNOS] status 1); only 14.7% of the patients were UNOS status 2 and 3. In re-OLT for chronic rejection and recurrent HCV, the 1-year survival rate of UNOS 1 patients was 38.4%, compared with 87.5% for UNOS 2 and 3 patients. In patients requiring re-OLT, there was no difference in the 1-year patient survival rate after re-OLT when cyclosporine (60%), tacrolimus (63%), or cyclosporine/tacrolimus (56%) was used for primary therapy. With cyclosporine, three patients (1.5%) required re-OLT for chronic rejection versus one patient (0.7%) with tacrolimus. Re-OLT for recurrent HCV was required in four (3%) and seven (3.6%) patients with tacrolimus and cyclosporine therapy, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthotopic liver transplantation for HCV is performed with excellent results. There are no distinct advantages to the use of cyclosporine versus tacrolimus immunosuppression when patient and graft survival are considered. Re-OLT is an important option in the treatment of recurrent HCV and should be performed early in the course of recurrent disease. Survival after re-OLT is not distinctively affected by cyclosporine or tacrolimus primary immunotherapy. The incidence of re-OLT for recurrent HCV or chronic rejection is low after either tacrolimus or cyclosporine therapy.

Insertion of a casein kinase recognition sequence induces phosphorylation of ovine beta-lactoglobulin in transgenic mice

We have shown that the cellular mechanisms of the mammary gland can be used to produce a phosphorylated form of a normally unphosphorylated milk protein. This was achieved by the insertion of a beta-casein DNA sequence coding for a group of mammary gland casein kinase recognition sites into ovine beta-lactoglobulin. Transgenic mice carrying this modified gene were generated and lactating females were shown to produce a novel beta-lactoglobulin in their milk. The infrared spectrum, reactivity to antiphosphoserine antibody and reduction of electrophoretic mobility on treatment with alkaline phosphatase showed that the novel protein recovered from the milk whey (serum) was phosphorylated and molecular mass determination by mass spectrometry was consistent with the phosphorylation of one or two residues. A similar level of phosphorylation was measured by quantitative infrared spectroscopy. Centrifugation of the milk to pellet the casein micelles showed that most of the phosphorylated beta-lactoglobulin was in the whey and hence not incorporated into casein micelles.