SSTR2-based reporters for assessing gene transfer into non-small cell lung cancer: evaluation using an intrathoracic mouse model

The most common cause of cancer-related deaths in North America is lung cancer, 85% of which is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gene therapy is a promising approach, but has been hindered by lack of methods for localizing and quantifying gene expression in vivo. Human somatostatin receptor subtype-2 (SSTR2)-based reporters can be used to follow gene expression in vivo using ligands with greater affinity for this subtype. NSCLCs can express SSTR subtypes, which may interfere with SSTR2-based reporters. We assessed whether a SSTR2-based reporter can serve as a reporter of gene transfer into NSCLCs. SSTR subtype expression was assessed in NSCLC cell lines A549, H460, and H1299 using RT-PCR. After infection with an adenovirus containing hemagglutinin-A-tagged-SSTR2 (Ad-HA-SSTR2) or control insert, expression was assessed by immunologic techniques and binding to clinically-approved (111)In-octreotide. In vivo, after magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, intrathoracic H460 tumors were injected with Ad-HA-SSTR2 or control virus (n = 6 mice/group) under ultrasound guidance. Intravenous injection of (111)In-octreotide 2 days later was followed by planar and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. Biodistribution into tumors was assessed in vivo using anatomic MR and functional gamma-camera images and ex vivo using excised organs/tumors. In human lung tumor samples (n = 70), SSTR2 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry. All three NSCLC cell lines expressed different SSTR subtypes, but none expressed SSTR2. Upon Ad-HA-SSTR2 infection, HA-SSTR2 expression was seen in all three cell lines using antibodies targeting the HA domain or (111)In-octreotide targeting the receptor domain (p < 0.05). Intrathoracic tumors infected with Ad-HA-SSTR2 were clearly visible by gamma-camera imaging; expression was quantified by both in vivo and ex vivo biodistribution analysis and demonstrated greater uptake in tumors infected with Ad-HA-SSTR2 compared with control virus (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry found that 78% of NSCLCs are negative for and 13% have low levels of SSTR2 expression. It is concluded that SSTR2-based reporters can serve as reporters of gene transfer into NSCLCs.

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors in the first six months of life: the Children's Hospital Los Angeles experience, 1979-2005

BACKGROUND

The authors report the experience at the Children's Hospital Los Angeles with brain tumors diagnosed before 6 months of age, describing the characteristics of the patients, their tumors, treatment strategies, and prognostic factors.

METHODS

Thirty-three children who were identified between 1979 and 2005 were included. Twelve were female (36%). There were 11 gliomas, 9 choroid plexus tumors, 8 medulloblastomas and supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), 2 atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (ATRT), and 1 each of ependymoma, craniopharyngioma, and immature teratoma. Locations of primary tumors included 21 supratentorial (64%) and 7 posterior fossa, and 5 tumors involved both compartments. The treatment strategies included 5 patients with biopsy only, 18 less than gross total resections (<GTRx), and 9 GTRx. Fourteen children (42%) received chemotherapy. Three patients (9%) received irradiation, 1 at initial diagnosis and 2 at relapse. Nine patients (27%) demonstrated metastases, 6 at diagnosis and 3 at relapse.

RESULTS

The Kaplan Meier analysis of event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) for all patients is 21 +/- 9% and 35 +/- 9% at 5 years. For the glioma patients, the 4-year OS is 48 +/- 17%, while the 5-year OS for the medulloblastoma/PNET/ATRT patients is 12 +/- 11% (p = .39). The 5-year OS for children achieving a GTRx is 64 +/- 21% and for those with <GTRx is 27 +/- 10% (p = .08).

Effects of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy on pathological staging and prognosis for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

The role of neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of locally advanced esophageal carcinoma still remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy on pathological staging and prognosis in the patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Between January 1991 and December 2000, 473 patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy underwent surgical resection in our center. With informed consent, they were randomized into four groups: neoadjuvant chemotherapy, neoadjuvant radiotherapy, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, and surgery alone (control group). The preoperative computed tomography staging criteria were the following: Stage I, the tumor limited to the esophageal lumen or the thickness of the esophageal wall varied between 3-5 mm; Stage II, the thickness exceeds 5 mm but no invasion to the mediastinum or distant metastasis; Stage III, the tumor invades adjacent mediastinal structure; and Stage IV, there is distant metastasis. The tumor resection rate, pathological stage, treatment-related complication, and survival among groups were compared. The radical resection rate for the patients in radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy groups was increased in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). Their pathological stage after esophagectomy was regressed significantly than that of the control group (50.85%, 55.08% vs. 0%, P < 0.05). The adjuvant chemotherapy group did show significant improvement on resection rate and pathological staging compared with the control group. The treatment-related complication in the three neoadjuvant groups had no significant difference from that of the control group (P > 0.05). The 3-year survival rate of radiotherapy and radiochemotherapy groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (69.49%, 73.73% vs. 53.38%, P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate of radiochemotherapy group was higher than that of the radiotherapy group although did not show a statistical difference (P > 0.05). Rational application of neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy seems to provide a modest benefit in radical resection and survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma.

Greater osteoporosis educational outreach is desirable among Chinese immigrants in Chinatown, Chicago

Osteoporosis beliefs were assessed in immigrant Chinese women in Chinatown, Chicago. Results from a survey utilizing the Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale showed that women expressed concern about osteoporosis but lacked both knowledge of preventive care and health motivation.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to assess osteoporosis beliefs in immigrant Chinese women in Chinatown, Chicago.

METHODS

In a community-based health fair, osteoporosis knowledge and self-efficacy among postmenopausal Chinese immigrants were assessed using the translated Osteoporosis Health Belief Scale. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed with calcaneal ultrasound.

RESULTS

The study population included 94 women with mean age of 51 +/- 9 years, mean length of residence in the United States of 9 +/- 7 years, and 73% (n = 76) of whom were recent immigrants. Women expressed concern about the seriousness of osteoporosis and their relative susceptibility to osteoporosis. In particular, women with a prior fracture reported higher seriousness to osteoporosis. Nonetheless, women exhibited low health motivation and low awareness of the benefits of calcium and exercise. Bone densitometry results corresponded to a T score of -1.2 +/- 1.5. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a younger age and longer length of residence in the USA were associated with higher BMD.

CONCLUSION

Chinese immigrant women in Chicago exhibit concern regarding osteoporosis, but are unaware of the benefits of calcium and exercise, and exhibit low health motivation. Chinese women in Chinatown lack necessary knowledge about osteoporosis to develop adequate self-efficacy. Public health initiatives should be undertaken among recent immigrant Chinese women.

A phase I trial of intravenous therapy with tumor suppressor FUS1-nanoparticles for recurrent/metastatic lung cancer

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Background: The tumor suppressor gene FUS1 is frequently inactivated early in lung cancer development. FUS1 mediates apoptosis in cancer cells but not normal cells through its interaction with Apaf1. DOTAP:cholesterol nanoparticles encapsulating a FUS1 expression plasmid showed selective uptake by cancer cells and activity in mouse xenograft metastatic lung cancer models. Methods: Patients with recurrent/metastatic lung cancer previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were treated with escalating doses of intravenous DOTAP:cholesterol FUS1 nanoparticles. Nanoparticle-DNA complexes were manufactured in GMP facilities to meet specifications of OD400, size, appearance, and transfection efficiency. Results: Patients have received doses ranging from 0.01–0.09 mg/kg at 3 week intervals. To date 23 patients have been entered on study at 6 dose levels, with 21 patients currently evaluable for the primary endpoint of cycle 1 toxicity. 70% of subjects had received 2 or more prior chemotherapy regimens. Among 4 patients treated without premedications, all 4 developed grade 2 or higher fevers within 24 hours of treatment. Among the 17 patients premedicated with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine, 4 developed grade 1 fever. There have been no other grade 2 or higher drug-related toxicities. Four patients received only one dose because of rapidly progressing disease at a site requiring local treatment. Fifteen patients received two or more doses and are evaluable for response, with 4 patients achieving stable disease and 11 patients progressing. Median survival time for all patients is 10.3 months. A maximum tolerated dose (MTD) has not been reached. Pre and 24 hour posttreatment tumor biopsies were obtained from 4 patients. A quantitative real time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis using a plasmid FUS1 sequence-specific probe have been performed on 3 paired-samples blinded to time of biopsy. A high level of plasmid FUS1 expression was detected in all 3 posttreatment samples but not in three pretreatment samples and negative controls by RT-PCR. Conclusions: DOTAP:cholesterol FUS1 nanoparticles can be safely administered intravenously in lung cancer patients with demonstrable gene expression in posttreatement tumor biopsies.

[Table: see text]

Engineering tissue from human embryonic stem cells

Recent advances in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) biology now offer an alternative cell source for tissue engineers, as these cells are capable of proliferating indefinitely and differentiating to many clinically relevant cell types. Novel culture methods capable of exerting spatial and temporal control over the stem cell microenvironment allow for more efficient expansion of hESCs, and significant advances have been made toward improving our understanding of the biophysical and biochemical cues that direct stem cell fate choices. Effective production of lineage specific progenitors or terminally differentiated cells enables researchers to incorporate hESC derivatives into engineered tissue constructs. Here, we describe current efforts using hESCs as a cell source for tissue engineering applications, highlighting potential advantages of hESCs over current practices as well as challenges which must be overcome.

A mitochondrial DNA variant at position 16189 is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Asians

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This multinational study was conducted to investigate the association between a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) T16189C polymorphism and type 2 diabetes in Asians. The mtDNA 16189C variant has been reported to be associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, a recent meta-analysis concluded that it is negatively associated with type 2 diabetes in Europids. Since the phenotype of an mtDNA mutant may be influenced by environmental factors and ethnic differences in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, we investigated the association between the 16189C variant and type 2 diabetes in Asians.

METHODS

The presence of the mtDNA 16189C variant was determined in 2,469 patients with type 2 diabetes and 1,205 non-diabetic individuals from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China. An additional meta-analysis including previously published Asian studies was performed. Since mtDNA nucleotide position 16189 is very close to the mtDNA origin of replication, we performed DNA-linked affinity chromatography and reverse-phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and chromatin immunoprecipitation to identify protein bound to the 16189 region.

RESULTS

Analysis of participants from five Asian countries confirmed the association between the 16189C variant and type 2 diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 1.256, 95% CI 1.08-1.46, p=0.003]. Inclusion of data from three previously published Asian studies (type 2 diabetes n=3,283, controls n=2,176) in a meta-analysis showed similar results (OR 1.335, 95% CI 1.18-1.51, p=0.000003). Mitochondrial single-stranded DNA-binding protein (mtSSB) was identified as a candidate protein bound to the 16189 region. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in cybrid cells showed that mtSSB has a lower binding affinity for the 16189C variant than the wild-type sequence.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

The mtDNA 16189C variant is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in Asians.

Genetic analysis of four porcine avian influenza viruses isolated from Shandong, China

A Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of eight separate gene segments indicated A/Swine/Shandong/2/2003 (H5N1), A/Swine/Shandong/na/2003 (H9N2), A/Swine/Shandong/nb/2003 (H9N2) and A/Swine/Shandong/nc/2005 (H9N2) probably represent two multiple reassortant lineages, that had not been described before, with genes coming from H5N1, H9N2 and other lineages from poultry in Asia. Amino acid motifs within the haemagglutinin sequence of A/Swine/Shandong/nb/2003 suggested it may be able to infect people, whereas the sequences of the other three isolates suggested they would not have had that capability. Our analysis emphasizes the need for a comprehensive study of the interactions between H5N1 and H9N2 viruses in Asia that includes sequencing and phylogenetic investigation.

Enhancement of antitumor activity of cisplatin in human lung cancer cells by tumor suppressor FUS1

FUS1 is a novel tumor suppressor gene located in the human chromosome 3p21.3 region. We previously showed that restoration of FUS1 function in 3p21.3-deficient human non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the combined effects of the tumor suppressor FUS1 and the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin on tumor cell growth and apoptosis induction in NSCLC cells, and explored the molecular mechanism of their mutual action. Exogenous expression of FUS1 by nanoparticle-mediated gene transfer sensitized the response of NSCLC cells to cisplatin, resulting in a 4- to 6-fold increase in tumor-suppressing activity. A systemic treatment with a combination of FUS1-nanoparticles and cisplatin in a human H322 lung cancer orthotopic xenograft mouse model dramatically enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of cisplatin. We also found that the FUS1-enhanced chemosensitivity is associated with the downregulation of MDM2, accumulation of p53 and activation of the Apaf-1-dependent apoptosis pathway. Our results demonstrated an important role of FUS1 in modulating chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells, and suggested that a proper combination of molecular therapeutics such as the proapoptotic tumor suppressor FUS1 and the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs such as cisplatin may be an efficient treatment strategy for human lung cancer.

Identification of central nervous system sites involved in the water diuresis response elicited by central microinjection of nociceptin/ Orphanin FQ in conscious rats via c-Fos and inducible cAMP early repressor immunocytochemistry

Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the opioid-like peptide, nociceptin/Orphanin (nociceptin), in conscious rats produces diuretic and antinatriuretic effects. The present study utilised changes in Fos and inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER) immunocytochemistry expression to examine the central nervous (CNS) sites activated or inhibited, respectively, by central administration of nociceptin. Urine samples were collected during control (15 min) and after i.c.v. vehicle (5 microl, n = 12) or nociceptin (10 microg/5 microl; n = 12). Four additional urine samples (15-min) were collected after the i.c.v. injection. The brain was processed for Fos using a commercially available antibody (Oncogene AB-5) and for ICER using a polyclonal anti-ICER antibody raised in rabbits. In vehicle-injected conscious rats, renal excretion of water or sodium was not altered. However, nociceptin produced a rapid and marked increase in urine flow (V) and a decrease in urinary sodium excretion rate. In addition, i.c.v. nociceptin produced a significant increase in Fos staining in the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, the perinuclear zone of the supraoptic nucleus, the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), the lateral preoptic area and the lateral hypothalamic area compared to control. By contrast, Fos expression decreased in the area postrema and locus coeruleus compared to controls. Furthermore, ICER staining was significantly increased in the perinuclear zone of the supraoptic nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, median preoptic nucleus, OVLT, medial preoptic area, central nucleus of the amygdala, and medial nucleus of the solitary tract. Together, central opioid receptor-like type 1 activation in these CNS regions may participate in the neural pathways involved in the diuretic and antinatriuretic effects of nociceptin.

Outcome of children less than three years old at diagnosis with non-metastatic medulloblastoma treated with chemotherapy on the “Head Start” I and II protocols: Final report

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Background: The use of dose-intensive chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic cell rescue (AuHCR) is a potentially curative approach to the management of infants and young children with non-metastatic (M-0) medulloblastoma, with the additional benefit of avoiding the late effects of irradiation. We report the results of the “Head Start” I (1991 to 1997) and “Head Start” II (1997 to 2002) clinical trials, using this approach, to treat children with M-0 medulloblastoma, who were less than three years of age at diagnosis. Methods: Twenty one children were enrolled on these two serial studies. After surgery, patients received a uniform induction chemotherapy regimen consisting of five cycles of vincristine, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and etoposide. Following completion of induction, all patients underwent myeloablative consolidation chemotherapy using carboplatin, thiotepa and etoposide followed by AuHCR, and did not receive irradiation. Irradiation was used only at relapse. Quality of life (QoL) and social and emotional behavior were evaluated on “Head Start” I, and cognitive functioning was evaluated on “Head Start” II survivors. Results: The five-year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates (±SE) for all patients, patients with gross total resection, and patients with residual tumor were 52 ± 11% and 70 ± 10%, 64 ± 13% and 79 ± 17%, and 29 ± 17% and 57 ± 19%, respectively. The five-year EFS and OS (±SE) for patients with desmoplastic and classical medulloblastoma were 67 ± 16% and 78 ± 14%, and 42 ± 14 and 67 ± 14%, respectively. Young age (<2 years versus 2 to 3 years) at diagnosis did not appear to impact adversely upon outcome. There were four treatment related deaths. A majority of survivors (71%) avoided irradiation altogether. Neuropsychological functioning in children surviving without irradiation was well within the normal range for most patients. Conclusions: The strategy of brief intensive chemotherapy without irradiation for young children with M-0 medulloblastoma has eliminated the need for craniospinal irradiation in over half (52%) of the patients, with preservation of QoL and cognitive functioning in the majority.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Oncogenic activation of c-Abl in non-small cell lung cancer cells lacking FUS1 expression: inhibition of c-Abl by the tumor suppressor gene product Fus1

In lung cancer, frequent loss of one allele of chromosome 3p is seen in both small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), providing evidence of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) in this chromosomal region. The mechanism of Fus1 tumor suppressor activity is unknown. We have found that a Fus1 peptide inhibits the Abl tyrosine kinase in vitro (IC(50) 35 microM). The inhibitory Fus1 sequence was derived from a region that was deleted in a mutant FUS1 gene (FUS1 (1-80)) detected in some lung cancer cell lines. Importantly, a stearic acid-modified form of this peptide was required for the inhibition, but stearic acid alone was not inhibitory. Two NSCLC cell lines, which lack expression of wild-type Fus1, contain activated c-Abl. Forced expression of an inducible FUS1 cDNA in H1299 NSCLC cells decreased levels of activated c-Abl and inhibited its tyrosine kinase activity. Similarly, treatment of c-Abl immune complexes with the inhibitory Fus1 peptide also reduced the level of c-Abl in these immune complexes. The size and number of colonies of the NSCLC cell line, H1,299, in soft agar was strongly inhibited by the Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate. Co-expression of FUS1 and c-ABL in COS1 cells blocked activation of c-Abl tyrosine kinase. In contrast, co-expression of mutant FUS1 (1-80) with c-ABL had little inhibitory activity against c-Abl. These findings provide strong evidence that c-Abl is a possible target in NSCLC patients that have reduced expression of Fus1 in their tumor cells.

The statistical energy analysis of coupled sets of oscillators

The paper concerns the statistical energy analysis (SEA) of two conservatively coupled oscillators, sets of oscillators and continuous subsystems under broadband excitation. The oscillator properties are assumed to be random and ensemble averages found. Account is taken of the correlation between the coupling parameters and the oscillator energies. For coupled sets of oscillators or continuous subsystems, it is assumed that the coupling power between a pair of oscillators is proportional to the difference of either their actual energies or their ‘blocked’ energies, and expressions for the ensemble averages and coupling loss factors (CLFs) are found. Various observations are made, some of which differ from those that are commonly assumed within SEA. The coupling power and CLF are governed by two parameters: the ‘strength of connection’ and the ‘strength of coupling’. The CLF is proportional to damping at low damping and independent of damping in the high damping, weak coupling limit. Equipartition of energy does not occur as damping tends to zero, except for the case of two oscillators that have identical natural frequencies. While attention is focused on spring-coupled oscillators, similar results hold for more general forms of conservative coupling. The examples of two spring-coupled rods and two spring-coupled plates are considered. Conventional SEA and the coupled oscillator results are in good agreement for weak coupling but diverge for strong coupling. For strong coupling and weak connection, the coupled oscillator results agree well with an exact wave analysis and Monte Carlo simulations.

Genistein prevents thyroid hormone-dependent tail regression ofRana catesbeiana tadpoles by targetting protein kinase C and thyroid hormone receptor α

Thyroid hormone (TH)-regulated gene expression is mainly mediated by TH binding to nuclear thyroid hormone receptors (TRs). Despite extensive studies in mammalian cell lines that show that phosphorylation signaling pathways are important in TH action, little is known about their roles on TH signaling in vivo during development. Anuran metamorphosis is a postembryonic process that is absolutely dependent upon TH and tadpole tail resorption can be precociously induced by exogenous administration of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)). We demonstrate that genistein (a major isoflavone in soy products and tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and the PKC inhibitor (H7) prevent T(3)-induced regression of the Rana catesbeiana tadpole tail. T(3)-induced protein kinase C tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity are inhibited by genistein while T(3)-induced up-regulation of TRbeta mRNA, but not TRalpha mRNA, is significantly attenuated, most likely through inhibition of T(3)-dependent phosphorylation of the TRalpha protein. This phosphorylation may be modulated through PKC. These data demonstrate that T(3) signaling in the context of normal cells in vivo includes phosphorylation as an important factor in establishing T(3)-dependent tail regression during development.