Differential protein acetylation induced by novel histone deacetylase inhibitors

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors induce the hyperacetylation of nucleosomal histones in carcinoma cells resulting in the expression of repressed genes that cause growth arrest, terminal differentiation, and/or apoptosis. In vitro selectivity of several novel hydroxamate HDAC inhibitors including succinimide macrocyclic hydroxamates and the non-hydroxamate alpha-ketoamide inhibitors was investigated using isolated enzyme preparations and cellular assays. In vitro selectivity for the HDAC isozymes (HDAC1/2, 3, 4/3, and 6) was not observed for these HDAC inhibitors or the reference HDAC inhibitors, MS-275 and SAHA. In T24 and HCT116 cells these compounds caused the accumulation of acetylated histones H3 and H4; however, the succinimide macrocyclic hydroxamates and the alpha-ketoamides did not cause the accumulation of acetylated alpha-tubulin. These data suggest "selectivity" can be observed at the cellular level with HDAC inhibitors and that the nature of the zinc-chelating moiety is an important determinant of activity against tubulin deacetylase.

Chemopreventive effect of M2000, a new anti-inflammatory agent

BACKGROUND

An emerging body of literature has recently defined a reduced risk of cancer following the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are generally able to exert an apoptotic property and inhibitory effects on the activity and/or expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study was undertaken to explore the role of a newly designed NSAID, M2000 (C6H10O7), as an anti-inflammatory drug in chemoprevention therapy under in vitro conditions.

MATERIAL/METHODS

The influence of M2000 on a fibrosarcoma cell line (WEHI-164) was investigated using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay to assess apoptosis, and gelatin zymography for evaluating the activity of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2).

RESULTS

Cytotoxicity analysis of M2000 showed a much higher tolerability than the other tested drugs (diclofenac, piroxicam, and dexamethasone) in that it showed no cytotoxic effect compared with them. The dose-dependent inhibitory effect of M2000 at concentrations of 20, 40, 80, and 200 microg/ml was significantly greater than that of dexamethasone and of piroxicam at a concentration of 200 microg/ml, whereas the inhibitory activity of M2000 paralleled diclofenac at doses of 10, 20, 40, and 200 microg/ml. Moreover, the apoptotic efficacy of M2000 was similar to that of dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our data, the induction of apoptosis together with MMP-2 inhibition could be indicative of a chemopreventive property of M2000. Thus this novel NSAID might be considered as a chemopreventive drug in the potential prevention and treatment of cancer and in inhibition of the angiopathogenic process.

Regulation of collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase and matrix metalloproteinases in fibrosarcoma cells by hypoxia

The cellular response to hypoxia is characterized by an enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, mainly collagens. Collagen homeostasis is determined by the rate of synthesis and degradation. In this study, we investigated the synthesis of enzymes of collagen metabolism like collagen prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their regulatory factors MT1-MMP, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in HT1080 fibroblasts under the influence of hypoxia. The results indicate that hypoxia affects collagen homeostasis in a biphasic manner concerning basic mechanisms of gene expression. P4H-alpha subunits are up-regulated at the transcriptional and translational level, whereas the beta-subunit is not susceptible to hypoxia. MMP-9 is primarily regulated at the transcriptional and translational level, whereas MMP-2 is mainly controlled by proteolytic activation of the proenzyme. Our results suggest that short-term hypoxia facilitates fibrosis in HT1080 cells by activation of P4H-alpha expression and inhibition of the synthesis of MMPs. Under long-term hypoxia, however, anti-fibrotic mechanisms prevail. Although P4H-alpha expression sustains at a high level, collagenolytic activities dominate by abolishing inhibition of synthesis and activity of MMPs.

p14ARF expression increases dihydrofolate reductase degradation and paradoxically results in resistance to folate antagonists in cells with nonfunctional p53

The p14(ARF) protein, the product of an alternate reading frame of the INK4A/ARF locus on human chromosome 9p21, disrupts the ability of MDM2 to target p53 for proteosomal degradation and causes an increase in steady-state p53 levels, leading to a G(1) and G(2) arrest of cells in the cell cycle. Although much is known about the function of p14(ARF) in the p53 pathway, not as much is known about its function in human tumor growth and chemosensitivity independently of up-regulation of p53 protein levels. To learn more about its effect on cellular proliferation and chemoresistance independent of p53 up-regulation, human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells null for p14(ARF) and harboring a defective p53 pathway were stably transfected with p14(ARF) cDNA under the tight control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter. Induction of p14(ARF) caused a decrease in cell proliferation rate and colony formation and a marked decrease in the level of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) protein. The effect of p14(ARF) on DHFR protein levels was specific, because thymidylate kinase and thymidylate synthase protein levels were not decreased nor were p53 or p21WAF1 protein levels increased. The decrease in DHFR protein was abolished when the cells were treated with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, demonstrating that p14(ARF) augments proteasomal degradation of the protein. Surprisingly, induction of p14(ARF) increased resistance to the folate antagonists methotrexate, trimetrexate, and raltitrexed. Depletion of thymidine in the medium reversed this resistance, indicating that p14(ARF) induction increases the reliance of these cells on thymidine salvage.

Inhibitory Effect of Aspergillus fumigatus Extract on matrix metalloproteinases Expression

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in several physiologic and pathologic events. There are some evidence indicating the involvement of MMPs in the pathophysiology of fungal infections.

METHODS

Here we study somatic extract of Aspergillus fumigatus. The influence of Aspergillus vs. two other fungal extracts on MMPs production by Fibrosarcoma cell line was investigated using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide and gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

Comparative dose-dependent inhibitory effects on MMPs were seen by A. fumigatus extract and compared with some steroidal and non-steroidal drugs. Cytotoxicity analysis of our extract revealed much lower cell death than other examined agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Since inhibition of MMPs activity has been employed in modality therapy in such diseases as cancer, this extract might be promising in the preparation of anti-MMP therapeutic derivatives.

Assessment of the antiinvasive potential of the anthracycline aclacinomycin (Aclarubicin) in a human fibrosarcoma cell line

Aclacinomycin (Aclarubicin) is a trisaccharide anthracycline anticancer drug active against a wide variety of solid tumors and haematological malignancies. We have evaluated its antimigrative and antiinvasive properties in a Boyden chamber with or without Matrigel and in wound repair assays. Aclacinomycin was demonstrated to inhibit HT-1080 cell migration and invasion while being more potent than the classical anthracycline doxorubicin. This decrease occurred in a dose-dependent manner and without affecting cell proliferation. Importantly, the antiinvasive effect was not associated to a modification in the production of the matrix-degrading enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9 but rather to changes in cytoskeletal and focal contact formation. Indeed, the drug reduces cell polarity, impairs the actin-mediated membrane ruffling at the leading edge and decreases beta1 integrin expression and activation. Dramatic alterations in the distribution of vinculin and in the expression and phosphorylation state of both FAK and Src kinases were also detected. As a conclusion, these data suggest a novel application for this chemotherapeutic agent due to its ability to reduce tumor cell invasion. Combination of aclacinomycin with MMP inhibitors could have therapeutic potential in preventing tumor metastasis.

Endothelial Cell Surface ATP Synthase-Triggered Caspase-Apoptotic Pathway Is Essential for K1-5-Induced Antiangiogenesis

We have recently reported the identification of kringle 1-5 (K1-5) of plasminogen as a potent and specific inhibitor of angiogenesis and tumor growth. Here, we show that K1-5 bound to endothelial cell surface ATP synthase and triggered caspase-mediated endothelial cell apoptosis. Induction of endothelial apoptosis involved sequential activation of caspases-8, -9, and -3. Administration of neutralizing antibodies directed against the alpha- and beta-subunits of ATP synthase to endothelial cells attenuated activation of these caspases. Furthermore, inhibitors of caspases-3, -8, and -9 also remarkably blocked K1-5-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and antiangiogenic responses. In a mouse tumor model, we show that caspase-3 inhibitors abolished the antitumor activity of K1-5 by protecting the tumor vasculature undergoing apoptosis. These results suggest that the specificity of the antiendothelial effect of K1-5 is attributable, at least in part, to its interaction with the endothelial cell surface ATP synthase and that the caspase-mediated endothelial apoptosis is essential for the angiostatic activity of K1-5. Thus, our findings provide a mechanistic insight with respect to the angiostatic action and signaling pathway of K1-5 and angiostatin.

Cellular cholesterol regulates MT1 MMP dependent activation of MMP 2 via MEK-1 in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells

Unstimulated human fibrosarcoma cells (HT1080) constitutively secrete matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP 2) as a proenzyme requiring proteolytic cleavage by membrane type-1 MMP (MT1 MMP) for activation. Physiological and pharmacological stimuli induce clustering of MT1 MMP/tissue inhibitor of MMP 2 "receptors", promoting binding and activation of MMP 2. We now report that cholesterol depleted HT1080 cells accumulated MT1 MMP on the cell surface and activated MMP 2. A specific inhibitor of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 inhibited both MMP 2 activation and extracellular signal-related kinase phosphorylation induced by cholesterol depletion. Our data indicate that the cholesterol content of unstimulated cells is critical for secretion of MMP 2 as an inactive zymogen and control of pericellular proteolysis.

Local immunotherapy of spontaneous feline fibrosarcomas using recombinant poxviruses expressing interleukin 2 (IL2)

We tested the canarypox virus vector ALVAC and the genetically attenuated vaccinia virus vector NYVAC as vehicles for achieving local immunomodulation in domestic animals bearing spontaneous tumours. Following intratumoral administration of ALVAC-, or NYVAC-luciferase in dogs with melanoma, it was demonstrated that viral recombinants remained localized along the needle track, with no virus detectable in the periphery of the tumour. Given these distribution characteristics and their well-documented safety profile, ALVAC- or NYVAC-based recombinants expressing feline or human IL2, respectively, were administered to domestic cats, in order to prevent the recurrence of spontaneous fibrosarcomas. In the absence of immunotherapy, tumour recurrence was observed in 61% of animals within a 12-month follow-up period after treatment with surgery and iridium-based radiotherapy. In contrast, only 39 and 28% of cats receiving either NYVAC-human IL2 or ALVAC-feline IL2, respectively, exhibited tumour recurrences. Based on such results, and in the context of ongoing clinical studies conducted in humans, we discuss the utilization of ALVAC- or NYVAC-based recombinants as viable therapeutic modalities for local immunotherapy or therapeutic vaccination against cancer, both in humans and companion animals.

5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine and paclitaxel inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase activation in fibrosarcoma cells

Given the important role of gaseous free radical nitric oxide (NO) in tumor cell biology, we investigated the ability of the anti-cancer drugs 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (ADC) and paclitaxel to modulate NO production in mouse L929 fibrosarcoma cells. Both drugs reduced IFN-gamma-stimulated NO release in cultures of L929 and primary fibroblasts, but not in mouse peritoneal macrophages. The inhibitory effect was due to the reduced expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), the enzyme responsible for cytokine-induced intracellular NO synthesis, as both agents markedly suppressed the interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)-triggered increase in iNOS concentration in L929 cells. In addition, ADC and paclitaxel prevented the IFN-gamma-triggered activation of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase in L929 fibroblasts, suggesting a possible mechanism for the observed inhibition of iNOS expression. These results might have important implications for the therapeutic effect of ADC and paclitaxel, since their inhibitory action on NO release partly neutralized the NO-dependent toxicity of IFN-gamma on L929 fibrosarcoma cells.

Immunohistochemical evaluation of mast cells and mark activity tryptase and chymase in experimental fibrosarcoma

The aim of the study was an evaluation of the activity of mast cells and mark activity tryptase and chymase and of protein levels in experimental fibrosarcoma, induced in rat skin. The experiments were carried out on 50 male Wistar rats. The cancer was induced in rats by one subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mg 3-methylcholanthrene in 0.25 ml of olive oil. Tissue material was fixed in Bouin's fluid. Immunohistochemical tryptase detecting reactions were performed--using specific antibodies and the ABC complex. The activities of tryptase and chymase and protein levels were determined in supernatant of 10% homogenate. We found a very significant growth of mast cell quantity in the connective tissue of tumours. We observed slight differences in the activity of examined enzymes in tumours of different mass.

Tumor suppression by a rationally designed reversible inhibitor of methionine aminopeptidase-2

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP)-2 has been suggested as a novel target for cancer therapy because the anticancer agent TNP-470 irreversibly inactivates the catalytic activity of this enzyme. However, the importance of MetAP2 in cell growth and tumor progression was uncertain because previous data were based on the chemically reactive TNP-470. Here we show that a rationally designed reversible MetAP2 inhibitor, A-357300, suppresses tumor growth preclinically without the toxicities observed with TNP-470. We have synthesized this bestatin-type MetAP2 inhibitor with the aid of crystal structures of the enzyme-inhibitor complexes and parallel synthesis. A-357300 induces cytostasis by cell cycle arrest at the G(1) phase selectively in endothelial cells and in a subset of tumor cells, but not in most primary cells of nonendothelial type. A-357300 inhibits angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo and shows potent antitumor efficacy in carcinoma, sarcoma, and neuroblastoma murine models. These data affirm that MetAP2 plays a pivotal role in cell growth and establish that reversible MetAP2 inhibitors are promising novel cancer therapeutic agents.

Response of DNA repair enzymes in murine fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma and ascites cells following gamma irradiation

The response of different tumours to radiation varies. This variation has been attributed to, among others, varying DNA repair capabilities The response of three tumour lines, differing in their sensitivities to radiation, namely, murine fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma and ascites, was studied by following the activities of enzymes known to be involved in DNA repair. The activities of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), DNA polymerase b and DNA ligase in fibrosarcoma, lymphosarcoma and ascites recorded varying degrees of increase following gamma irradiation (2 Gy). The increase was more pronounced in fibrosarcoma, which recorded a maximum 2 h after irradiation for b polymerase, and at 4 h for ligase and PARP, thereafter declining to near normal levels after 24 h. In contrast, the activity of DNA Topoisomerase I declined, corresponding to an increase in the PARP activity. The maximum increase in the activity of beta polymerase, ligase and PARP from lymphosarcoma and ascites was observed 2 h after irradiation with a corresponding decrease in Topoisomerase I activity. Search for the target enzymes and proteins for modification by PARP in gamma -irradiated fibrosarcoma tumour cells revealed that nuclei, and not chromatin, were preferentially modified by PARP. Among the nuclear proteins, histones were found to be ribosylated. The enzyme topoisomerase was ribosylated by PARP in vitro, and this modification was found to inhibit topoisomerase activity. We speculate that a possible role of PARP is to coordinate the activities of other enzymes in DNA repair by selectively inhibiting certain enzymes by the ribosylation process.

G2 arrest in response to topoisomerase II inhibitors: the role of p53

We have previously found that the overexpression of p53 causes G(2) arrest and represses the synthesis of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 and cyclin B1, two proteins required for cells to traverse from G(2) into M. G(2) arrest occurs in response to DNA damage caused by a variety of agents and treatments. Here, we investigate the role of p53 in the G(2) arrest that occurs in response to the topoisomerase inhibitors etoposide and merbarone. In HT1080 cells expressing a dominant-negative form of p53, treatment with etoposide still caused G(2) arrest, but the arrest could be overcome by additional treatment with caffeine, which inhibits the damage-responsive kinases ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and atm and rad3-related (ATR). However, caffeine could not overcome etoposide-induced G(2) arrest in HT1080 cells with functional p53. We conclude that etoposide activates two pathways, one of which depends on p53 and the other of which is sensitive to caffeine, and that either pathway is sufficient to activate G(2) arrest. Etoposide inhibits topoisomerase II by trapping the enzyme in a complex with cleaved DNA. Inhibition of topoisomerase II with merbarone, which does not stabilize a cleavage complex, causes G(2) arrest by a checkpoint that monitors the decatenation of chromatin. We find that caffeine can abrogate merbarone-induced G(2) arrest even in cells with functional p53, indicating that p53 does not contribute to the decatenation-sensitive response. Thus, p53 has a differential role in effecting G(2) arrest in response to topoisomerase II inhibitors, depending upon the mechanisms of action of the inhibitors tested.

GTI-2040, an antisense agent targeting the small subunit component (R2) of human ribonucleotide reductase, shows potent antitumor activity against a variety of tumors

GTI-2040 is a 20-mer oligonucleotide that is complementary to a coding region in the mRNA of the R2 small subunit component of human ribonucleotide reductase. In vitro studies using a number of human tumor cell lines have demonstrated that GTI-2040 decreases mRNA and protein levels of R2 in a sequence- and target-specific manner. In vivo studies have shown that GTI-2040 significantly inhibits growth of human colon tumors (adenocarcinoma), pancreatic tumors (adenocarcinoma), liver tumors, lung tumors, breast tumors (adenocarcinoma), renal tumors, ovarian tumors (adenocarcinoma), melanoma, brain glioblastoma-astrocytoma, prostatic tumors, and cervical tumors in nude and/or severe combined immunodeficient mice. Antitumor effects were not observed with an oligonucleotide containing four mismatches to the R2 sequence or with a scrambled sequence containing the same base content but not complementary to R2. This suggests that an antisense mechanism is responsible for the in vivo observations. In addition to tumor growth assays, GTI-2040 was tested in a murine model of human lymphoma. Treatment of severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing Burkitt's lymphoma with GTI-2040, but not control oligonucleotides, greatly extended the survival of mice, and survival extended well beyond the treatment period. Finally, GTI-2040 specifically inhibits metastasis of human melanoma cells to the lungs in nude mice. Taken together, the results of these studies indicate that GTI-2040 can act as a selective and specific anticancer agent against a broad range of human tumors.

ERK(MAPK) activity as a determinant of tumor growth and dormancy; regulation by p38(SAPK)

After dissemination from a primary tumor, cancer cells may resume growth, leading to overt metastasis, or enter a state of protracted dormancy. However, mechanisms that determine their fate, or markers that predict it, are mostly unavailable. We previously showed that in HEp3 human head and neck carcinoma, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)(MAPK)/p38(SAPK) activity ratio predicts whether the cells will proliferate or enter a state of dormancy in vivo. The proliferative balance of high ERK/p38 ratio was induced by high urokinase (uPA) receptor (uPAR) expression, which activated alpha5beta1-integrin and epidermal growth factor receptor. This signaling pathway was additionally enhanced by uPA binding to uPAR and fibronectin binding to alpha5beta1-integrin. We tested whether the ERK/p38 balance is predictive of in vivo behavior in other cancer cell types and whether altering the balance will shift their phenotype between proliferation and dormancy. ERK and p38 activities were determined using either phospho-specific monoclonal antibodies or a trans-reporting system where GAL4-Elk and GAL4-CHOP trans-activation of luciferase gene served as reporters for ERK and p38 activities, respectively. We show that in breast, prostate, melanoma, and fibrosarcoma cell lines, the level of active phospho-ERK and the ERK/p38 activity ratio predict for the in vivo behavior in approximately 90% of the cell lines tested. Modulation of ERK/p38 activity ratio by multiple pharmacological and genetic interventions confirms that high ERK/p38 ratio favors tumor growth, whereas high p38/ERK ratio induces tumor growth arrest (dormancy) in vivo and that ERK is negatively regulated by p38. A melanoma cell line appeared to have developed an escape mechanism to avoid the growth inhibitory effect of high p38 activity. Mechanistic analysis implicated high uPAR expression and its interaction with and activation of alpha5beta1-integrin as determinants of the in vivo growth promoting high ERK/p38 ratio in several cell lines. The small GTPase, Cdc42, was implicated in activation of p38 and growth arrest. These results suggest that even cells that originate in advanced cancers retain a degree of dependence on surface receptors and matrix for their proliferative signals in vivo and provide a therapeutic opportunity to change their phenotype from tumorigenic to dormant.

Association of suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation by epigallocatechin gallate with the reduction of matrix metalloproteinase activities in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the process of cancer invasion and metastasis. Previous findings suggested that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a main flavanol of green tea, caused decreased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities to be secreted into culture medium. To obtain further information on EGCG-mediated regulation of these MMPs, the effects of EGCG on enzyme activity, mRNA expression, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities in human fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells were examined. EGCG was confirmed to suppress the gelatin-degrading activities due to MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the culture medium. This suppression of enzyme activities by EGCG was consistent with the decreased levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs. EGCG-mediated suppression was also observed for MT1-MMP mRNA. EGCG-mediated suppression of the level of MMP-9 transcript was correlated with its suppression of MMP-9 promoter activity. EGCG inhibited the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), which are the members of an MAPK family necessary for MMP-9 up-regulation. EGCG also suppressed p38 MAPK activity but gave no effects on stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity. These findings suggest that suppression of ERK phosphorylation by EGCG is involved in the inhibition of expression for MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNAs, leading to the reduction of their enzyme activities of the cancer cells. Methyl derivatives, epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate and epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl) gallate, exhibited effects similar to, but weaker than, those of EGCG, suggesting the important role of an unsubstituted triphenolic ester structure in these activities.

Inhibition of telomerase activity in human cancer cells by RNA interference

Telomerase is an attractive molecular target toward which to direct cancer therapeutic agents because telomerase activity is present in most malignant cells but undetectable in most normal somatic cells. Short duplex RNA (short-interfering RNA or siRNA) has recently been shown to be an effective method for inhibiting the expression of a given gene in human cells. Accordingly, we evaluated the ability of siRNA to inhibit telomerase activity in human cancer cells. Human cancer cell lines were transfected with 21 nt double-stranded RNA homologous to either the catalytic subunit of telomerase (human telomerase reverse transcriptase) or to its template RNA [human telomerase RNA(hTR)]. Both types of agents reduced telomerase activity in a variety of human cancer cell lines representing both carcinomas and sarcomas. Inhibition was dose-dependent, although modest in degree and, as expected, transient in duration. Transfection of HeLa cells using a plasmid containing the hTR gene in both forward and reverse orientations, intended to create a duplex of the hTR transcripts endogenously, resulted in decreased telomerase activity, decreased telomerase RNA content, and decreased telomeric DNA content but no decrease in the untargeted human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA. Telomerase inhibition by siRNA is notable because telomerase is regarded as restricted to the nucleus, whereas RNA interference is commonly regarded as restricted to the cytoplasm.

Homocysteine inhibits the proliferation and invasive potential of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells

The impairment of homocysteine metabolism has been related to several disorders and diseases. Recently, homocysteine has been shown to inhibit key steps of angiogenesis, including endothelial cell proliferation, invasion, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix. Since these are also key steps in tumor invasion and metastasis, it can be hypothesized that homocysteine can also interfere in these processes. Therefore, we studied the effects of homocysteine on tumor proliferation and invasion, as well as on urokinase, a key extracellular matrix-degrading protease, using a model human tumor cell line. This study demonstrates that, in fact, homocysteine inhibits HT-1080 proliferation and invasion, and is a potent inhibitor of tumor cell urokinase expression.

A novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, FYK-1388 suppresses tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis by human fibrosarcoma cell line

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are likely to contribute to tumor cell invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Several MMP inhibitors have been developed, recently and their anti-tumor efficacy is being evaluated in clinical trials. FYK-1388 is a novel broad MMP inhibitor which blocks the activity of MMP-1, -2, -3, -7, -9, -13 and -14 (MT-MMP-1). It is especially effective against MMP-2 and -9 more so than other MMP inhibitors such as Marimastat, Ro 32-3555 and D-2163. Here, we investigated the anti-tumor efficacy of FYK-1388 using the human fibrosarcoma cell line HT-1080. These cells produced MMP-2 and -9, which FYK-1388 inhibited at a dose of 10(-8) M. FYK-1388 at 0.2 mg/mouse/day significantly suppressed tumor growth when given by s.c. injection for 22 days, experimental lung metastasis after 5 days s.c. injection and also suppressed tumor-induced angiogenesis in the dorsal air sac assay after 7 days s.c. injection. In the MTT assay, FYK-1388 had no effect on the in vitro growth of HT-1080 cells. These results suggest that FYK-1388 possesses anti-tumor efficacy as a result of inhibiting angiogenesis through the suppression of MMP-2 and -9 activity.

Retroviral transfer of MRP1 and gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase modulates cell sensitivity to L-buthionine-S,R-sulphoximine (BSO): new rationale for the use of BSO in cancer therapy

MRP1 (multidrug resistance protein 1) co-exports glutathione (GSH) and drug(s) and exports GSH, glucuronide, and sulphate-conjugated drugs. Human Fly-eco fibrosarcoma cells producing the MRP1-expressing retrovirus SF91MRP (Fly-eco MRP1), as well as 3T3 cells transduced with SF91MRP (3T3/MRP1), presented a decrease in intracellular GSH levels, as measured by two different methods. The enhanced export of GSH caused by the overexpression of MRP1 was partially counterbalanced by an increased rate of GSH synthesis. Fly-eco MRP1 and 3T3/MRP1 were hypersensitive to the GSH-depleting and cytotoxic activities of L-buthionine-S,R-sulphoximine (BSO), compared with their parental counterparts. In addition, the potentiation by BSO of the cytotoxic activity of chlorambucil and doxorubicin in Fly-eco MRP1 cells was greater than in parental Fly-eco cells. Although the turnover time of GSH, i.e. the theoretical time in which the entire GSH pool is resynthesised, was approximately 50% faster in Fly-eco MRP1 cells than in parental cells, this was not sufficient to fully restore the intracellular GSH level. In addition, mrp1 (-/-) mice were resistant to the GSH-depleting activity of intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected BSO, compared with mrp1 (+/+) mice. Co-transfer of the cDNAs for MRP1 and the heavy subunit of gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (GCS) resulted in increased intracellular GSH levels and in high-level resistance to the GSH-depleting and cytotoxic activities of BSO. These data, and in particular the elevated single-agent cytotoxicity of BSO, provide a new rationale for the use of BSO in the treatment of MRP1-overexpressing tumours.

Bioreductive GDEPT using cytochrome P450 3A4 in combination with AQ4N

The bioreductive drug, AQ4N, is metabolized under hypoxic conditions and has been shown to enhance the antitumor effects of radiation and chemotherapy drugs. We have investigated the role of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in increasing the metabolism of AQ4N using a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) strategy. RIF-1 murine tumor cells were transfected with a mammalian expression vector containing CYP3A4 cDNA. In vitro AQ4N metabolism, DNA damage, and clonogenic cell kill were assessed following exposure of transfected and parental control cells to AQ4N. The presence of exogenous CYP3A4 increased the metabolism of AQ4N and significantly enhanced the ability of the drug to cause DNA strand breaks and clonogenic cell death. Cotransfection of CYP reductase with CYP3A4 showed a small enhancement of the effect in the DNA damage assay only. A single injection of CYP3A4 into established RIF-1 murine tumors increased the metabolism of AQ4N, and when used in combination with radiation, three of nine tumors were locally controlled for >60 days. This is the first demonstration that CYPs alone can be used in a GDEPT strategy for bioreduction of the cytotoxic prodrug, AQ4N. AQ4N is the only CYP-activated bioreductive agent in clinical trials. Combination with a GDEPT strategy may offer a further opportunity for targeting radiation-resistant and chemo-resistant hypoxic tumor cells.

Rapid trafficking of membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase to the cell surface regulates progelatinase a activation

Pericellular matrix degradation during cancer invasion and inflammation is dependent on activation of progelatinase A by membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP); a stoichiometric concentration of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) is required. Activation of progelatinase A has generally been considered to be a slow process occurring as a result of enhanced expression of MT1-MMP. We herein report that ConA treatment of HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells is followed by MT1-MMP-induced activation of progelatinase A on the cell surface within 1 hour. Cell surface biotinylation, immunohistochemistry, and (125)I-labeled TIMP-2 binding to cell surface MT1-MMP were used to characterize the appearance and function of MT1-MMP on the plasma membrane. Treatment of HT1080 cells with ConA resulted in increased specific binding of (125)I-labeled TIMP-2 to cell surface receptors within 5 minutes. TIMP-2 binds almost exclusively to activated MT1-MMP on the surface of HT1080 cells. MT1-MMP function at the cell surface was also accelerated by treatment of cells with cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of actin filaments, PMA, a stimulator of protein kinase C, and bafilomycin A(1), an inhibitor of lysosome/endosome function. A functional pool of intracellular MT1-MMP available for trafficking to the cell surface was demonstrated by repetitive ConA stimulation. ConA-induced expression of MT1-MMP mRNA (Northern blot analysis) in HT1080 cells was a delayed event (>6 hours). These data suggest that presynthesized MT1-MMP is sorted to a transient storage compartment (trans-Golgi network/endosomes), where it is available for rapid trafficking to the plasma membrane and cell surface proteolytic activity.

Lowered oxygen tension induces expression of the hypoxia marker MN/carbonic anhydrase IX in the absence of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha stabilization: a role for phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase

Transcription of the gene coding for the tumor-associated antigen MN/carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Previous studies identified CAIX expression in areas adjacent to hypoxic regions in solid tumors and suggested supplementary/alternative modes of regulation. To better understand the mechanisms activating CAIX expression, we characterized the cell density-dependent induction of CAIX in HeLa cells. This process is anchorage and serum independent and is not mediated by a soluble factor, decreased pH, or lowered glucose concentration. Stabilization of HIF-1 alpha was not observed in dense cultures. In contrast to sparse cell culture conditions, phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) activity was significantly increased in dense HeLa cultures. The PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin inhibited CAIX expression in dense cultures in a dose-dependent manner, specifically targeting the CA9 promoter (-173/+31 region) that was transactivated by constitutively active p110 PI3K subunit. The mechanism controlling CAIX expression in dense cultures is, however, dependent on lowered O(2) tension because stirring abrogates induction of CAIX expression. Hypoxia- and cell density-induced CAIX expressions were mediated by two seemingly independent mechanisms, as documented by the additive effect of increased cell density and treatment with the hypoxia-mimic CoCl(2) on levels of CAIX expression. The minimal cell density-dependent region within the CA9 promoter consists of the juxtaposed protected region 1 and hypoxia-response elements. However cell density-dependent CAIX expression was abrogated in the HIF-1 alpha-deficient Kal3.5 cells, suggesting an important role of HIF-1 in the corresponding mechanism. Thus, induction of CAIX in high-density cultures requires separate but interdependent pathways of PI3K activation and a minimal level of HIF-1 alpha. These interdependent pathways function at a lowered O(2) concentration that is, however, above that necessary for HIF-1 alpha stabilization.