The role of CD24 in various human epithelial neoplasias

Cancer stem cell markers CD133 and CD24 correlate with invasiveness and differentiation in colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM: To verify that CD markers are available for detecting cancer stem cell populations and to evaluate their clinical significance in colon cancer.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for CD133, CD24 and CD44 was performed on the tissue microarray of 523 colorectal adenocarcinomas. Medical records were reviewed and clinicopathological analysis was performed.

RESULTS: In colorectal adenocarcinoma, 128 of 523 cases (24.5%) were positive and 395 cases (75.5%) were negative for CD133 expression. Two hundred and sixty-four of 523 cases (50.5%) were positive and 259 cases (49.5%) were negative for CD24 expression. Five hundred and two of 523 cases (96%) were negative and 21 cases (4%) were positive for CD44 expression. Upon clinicopathological analysis, CD133 expression was present more in male patients (P = 0.002) and in advanced T stage cancer (P = 0.024). Correlation between CD24 expression and clinicopathological factors was seen in the degree of differentiation (P = 0.006). Correlation between CD44 expression and clinicopathological factors was seen in the tumor size (P = 0.001). Survival was not significantly related to CD133, CD24 and CD44 expression.

CONCLUSION: CD markers were related to invasiveness and differentiation of colorectal adenocarcinoma. However, CD expression was not closely related to survival.

CD24 expression has a prognostic impact in breast carcinoma

We investigated the prognostic significance of BAG-1 and CD24 in invasive breast carcinomas. Seventy cases of invasive breast carcinoma were studied immunocytochemically for the expression of BAG-1 and CD24. The results were correlated with several prognostic parameters, including 5-year survival. Univariate analysis showed a significant correlation of BAG-1 and CD24 overall positive staining with several adverse prognostic parameters, such as increased stage (p<0.0001), tumor grade 3 (p=0.016 and p=0.02, respectively), positive lymph nodes (p<0.0001), and increased tumor size (p<0.0001). Similar results were found for BAG-1 nuclear staining, as well as for positive cytoplasmic CD24 expression. Both of our markers studied had a significant, negative effect on survival. Multivariate analysis further revealed an independent prognostic impact for CD24 overall staining. The results of our study showed that overall cytoplasmic and especially nuclear BAG-1 expression, as well as overall and cytoplasmic CD24 expression, correlates with adverse prognostic parameters. An independent prognostic value for overall CD24 staining was also demonstrated.

Molecular characterization of apocrine carcinoma of the breast: validation of an apocrine protein signature in a well-defined cohort

Invasive apocrine carcinomas (IACs), as defined by morphological features, correspond to 0.3-4% of all invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), and despite the fact that they are histologically distinct from other breast lesions there are currently no standard molecular criteria available for their diagnosis and no unequivocal information as to their prognosis. In an effort to address these concerns we have been using protein expression profiling technologies in combination with mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to discover specific biomarkers that could allow us to molecularly characterize these lesions as well as to dissect some of the steps in the processes underlying breast apocrine metaplasia and development of precancerous apocrine lesions. Establishing these apocrine-specific markers as best practice for the routine pathology evaluation of breast cancer, however, will require their validation in large cohorts of patients. Towards this goal we have composed a panel of antibodies against components of an apocrine protein signature that includes probes against the apocrine-specific markers 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), and acyl-CoA synthetase medium-chain family member 1 (ACSM1), in addition to a set of categorizing markers that are consistently expressed (AR, CD24) or not expressed (ERα, PgR, Bcl-2, and GATA-3) by apocrine metaplasia in benign breast lesions and apocrine sweat glands. This panel was used to analyze a well-defined cohort consisting of 14 apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ (ADCIS), and 33 IACs diagnosed at the Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo between 1997 and 2001. Samples were originally classified on the basis of cellular morphology with all cases having more than 90% of the tumour cells exhibiting cytological features typical of apocrine cells. Using the expression of 15-PGDH and/or ACSM1 as the main criterion, but taking into account the expression of other markers, we were able to identify unambiguously 13 out of 14 ADCIS (92.9%) and 20 out of 33 (60.6%) IAC samples, respectively, as being of apocrine origin. Our results demonstrate that IACs correspond to a distinct, even if heterogeneous, molecular subgroup of breast carcinomas that can be readily identified in an unbiased way using a combination of markers that recapitulate the phenotype of apocrine sweat glands (15-PGDH(+), ACSM1(+), AR(+), CD24(+), ERα(-), PgR(-), Bcl-2(-), and GATA-3(-)). These results pave the way for addressing issues such as prognosis of IACs, patient stratification for targeted therapeutics, as well as research strategies for identifying novel therapeutic targets for developing new cancer therapies.

Analysis of Recombinant CD24 Glycans by MALDI-TOF-MS Reveals Prevalence of Sialyl-T Antigen

CD24 is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol linked glycoprotein expressed in a broad range of cell types and is heavily glycosylated. It has been found to be over expressed in cancers and tumors and is also a costimulatory molecule. Therefore, this study was carried out to define the structures of the carbohydrates associated with the CD24 recombinant protein. The CD24 glycoprotein's oligosaccharides were released by chemical and enzymatic means prior to being analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS. The results obtained showed that CD24 is both N- and O-glycosylated. The major oligosaccharides were found to be Neu5Acα-2,3/6Galβ-1,3GalNAc, NeuAc(2)Gal β-1,3GalNAc(1) (O-glycans), GalNAc(2)GlcNAc(2)Man(3)Fuc(1), Gal(1)GalNAc(2)GlcNAc(2)Man(3)Fuc(1), and Gal(2)GalNAc(2)GlcNAc(2)Man(3)Fuc(1) (N-glycans). The results showed that Neu5Acα-2,3/6Galβ-1,3GalNAc (sialyl-tumor antigen, sT), a cancer-associated carbohydrate, was the most abundant glycan associated with CD24. This result raised the intriguing possibility that CD24 may be a major carrier of the sialyl-T abundantly found in cancer cells.

CD24 and CD70 as differential markers of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells in culture

We developed a new method for evaluation of the purity of cell population in primary cultures of hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of potential surface molecular markers on primary cultures of renal tumors was assayed by the method of flow cytofluorometry. CD24 and CD70 were identified as differential markers, which allowed us to distinguish cancer cells from tumor stromal cells in vitro. A negative marker CD90 was expressed on fibroblasts of the tumor stroma, but not on cancer cells. Combined use of these three markers allows evaluation of the severity of tumor culture contamination with stromal cells.

Current status and issues in cancer stem cell study

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been positively identified and successfully isolated from some but not all cancers. The studies on CSCs to date suggest that these cells are rare among the tumor cell population, and they are capable of self-renewing and maintaining tumor growth and heterogeneity. Therapies aimed at CSCs have shown some promise, but their further development will require a more thorough understanding of the biology of CSCs and methods for identifying and isolating this cell subpopulation. This review examines what is known to date regarding the similarities and differences between cancer and somatic stem cells: CSC surface marker development and cell isolation (including a model isolation from our lab), the frequency, potential origin, and signal transduction of CSCs, and the current state of CSC-targeting therapeutic strategies.

Expression of differential genes during hepatocarcinogenesis

AIM: To investigate the gene expression profiles in tissues of normal human liver, chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by oligonucletide chip, and to screen HCC-related genes.

METHODS: The total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed into double-strand cDNA, and then transcribed into biotin-labled cRNA target probes. The probes were hybridized with oligonucleotide chip containing 19378 genes respectively. Subsequently, the signal images were scanned by gene Scanner 3000 and analyzed with GenePix Pro 3.0 software.

RESULTS: Eighty-one genes differentially expressed among tissues of chronic hepatitis B, cirrhosis and HCC were screened out in the gene expression profiles. Of the 81 genes, 53 genes were consistently up-regulated, while 28 genes were consistently down-regulated.

CONCLUSION: The oligonucleotide chip of gene expression profile is powerful for screening HCC-related genes. Our results indicate that multiple genes take part in the carcinogenesis of HCC.

CD24 cross-linking induces apoptosis in, and inhibits migration of, MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Background

The biological effects of CD24 (FL-80) cross-linking on breast cancer cells have not yet been established. We examined the impact of CD24 cross-linking on human breast cancer cell line MCF-7.

Methods

MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with anti-rabbit polyclonal IgG or anti-human CD24 rabbit polyclonal antibodies to induce cross-linking, and then growth was studied. Changes in cell characteristics such as cell cycle modulation, cell death, survival in three-dimensional cultures, adhesion, and migration ability were assayed after CD24 cross-linking in MCF-7.

Results

Expression of CD24 was analyzed by flow cytometry in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells where 2% and 66% expression frequencies were observed, respectively. CD24 cross-linking resulted in time-dependent proliferation reduction in MCF-7 cells, but no reduction in MDA-MB-231 cells. MCF-7 cell survival was reduced by 15% in three-dimensional culture after CD24 cross-linking. Increased MCF-7 cell apoptosis was observed after CD24 cross-linking, but no cell cycle arrest was observed in that condition. The migration capacity of MCF-7 cells was diminished by 30% after CD24 cross-linking.

Conclusion

Our results showed that CD24 cross-linking induced apoptosis and inhibited migration in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. We conclude that CD24 may be considered as a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Cytoplasmic CD24 expression is a novel prognostic factor in diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

CD24, a mucin like cell surface adhesion molecule and a ligand for P-selectin, has been reported as a prognostic factor in a variety of human cancers. However, the role of CD24 in gastric adenocarcinoma remains largely unknown.

METHODS

The expression pattern of CD24 in 103 gastric adenocarcinomas (31 diffuse type, 60 intestinal type, and 12 mixed type) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Cytoplasmic CD24 expression occurred in 50% of the gastric adenocarcinoma patients and was associated with high-stage tumor (Stage III-IV, P = .023), serosal invasion (SI, P = .010), lymphovascular invasion (LVI, P = .039), and lower 10-year survival (P = .0238). The CD24 staining pattern was different in intestinal and diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinomas. However, the tumor thrombi in lymphovascular spaces exhibited strong cytoplasmic CD24 expression in both types. Further analysis showed that cytoplasmic CD24 expression was, in fact, correlated with high-stage tumor, SI, LVI, and lower 10-year survival significantly (P = .020, P = .007, P = .018, P = .0285, respectively) in diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed that cytoplasmic CD24 expression was an independent risk factor of SI and LVI respectively (P = .0083 and P = .0019), and thus it contributed to high-stage tumor and poor patient survival in diffuse- or mixed-type gastric adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoplasmic expression of CD24 was associated with invasiveness and poorer prognosis and can serve as a novel target for prognostic prediction and adjuvant treatment of patients with diffuse-type gastric adenocarcinoma after tumor resection.

Silencing of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 in human glioblastoma cells reduces both invasiveness and expression of progression-associated gene CD24

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a malignant brain tumor characterized by rapid growth and extensive invasiveness. Overexpression of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) has been reported in GBM. However, it remains to be determined how IGFBP-2 is involved in the progression of GBM. We utilized short hairpin-RNA (shRNA) expression retroviral vectors to inactivate the IGFBP-2 gene permanently in two human GBM cell lines, U251 and YKG-1. The stable knockdown of IGFBP-2 resulted in decreased invasiveness, decreased saturation density of the cells in vitro, and decreased tumorigenicity in nude mice. Transcriptional profiling of both lines revealed several genes that were significantly down-regulated by inactivation of IGFBP-2. One such gene was CD24, which has been implicated in progression of various cancers. Indeed, CD24 was expressed in most GBM cases and the inactivation of CD24 in GBM cells suppressed cellular invasiveness, as was the case for IGFBP-2. Forced overexpression of CD24 led to increased invasiveness of both IGFBP-2-inactivated GBM cell lines and also A172, a human GBM cell line with low endogenous CD24. Further supporting the inter-relationship between IGFBP-2 and CD24, knockdown of IGFBP-2 suppressed the CD24 promoter activity. Moreover, both CD24 promoter activity and in vitro invasiveness were restored in knockdown cells by transfection with an IGFBP-2 expression plasmid. These results indicate that CD24 is modulated by IGFBP-2 and contributes to IGFBP-2-enhanced invasiveness of GBM cells.

CD24 expression is an independent prognostic marker in cholangiocarcinoma

CD24 has been described as an adverse prognostic marker in several malignancies. This study evaluates CD24 expression in cholangiocarcinoma and correlates the findings with clinicopathologic data and patient survival. Between 1996 and 2002, 22 consecutive patients with cholangiocarcinoma were treated at our institution. Demographic data, SEER stage, pathologic data, treatment, expression of CD24, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphorylated MAPK, and survival were analyzed. The majority of the tumors demonstrated CD24 (81.8%) and p-MAPK (87%) expression. A negative association was noted between the expression of CD24 and p-MAPK. Median survival for patients with low expression of CD24 was 36 months and high expression was 8 months. Median survival for patients who received chemotherapy with low CD24 expression was 163 months, and for seven patients with high CD24 expression, it was 17 months (p=0.04). With the addition of radiation therapy, median survival for patients with low expression of CD24 was 52 months and high expression was 17 months (p=0.08). On multivariate analysis, the use of chemotherapy (p=0.0014, hazard ratio 0.069) and the CD24 overexpression (p=0.02, hazard ratio 7.528) were predictive of survival. CD24 is commonly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma, and overexpression is predictive of poor survival and possibly of lack of response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These findings may improve selection of patients for the appropriate treatment modality and the development of CD24-targeted therapy.

CD24 expression in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract correlates with tumour progression

Expression of the mucin-like adhesion molecule CD24 has been implicated in the progression of several types of cancer and has been identified as new prognostic factor. We evaluated CD24 expression in 268 consecutive cases of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma with respect to associations with tumour stage, grade, angioinvasion and infiltrative growth pattern using a tissue microarray technique and correlated data with patient outcome. CD24 expression was demonstrated in 161/259 (62%) evaluable tumours and was associated with high tumour stage [77/139 (55%) pTa/pT1 vs 84/120 (70%) pT2-pT4; P=0.02] and high tumour grade [68/139 (49%) low vs 93/120 (78%) high grade; P<0.001] as well as presence of angioinvasion (P=0.002) and infiltrative pattern of invasion (P=0.007). Patients with CD24-positive tumours tended to have a higher risk of disease progression (P=0.065). Multivariate analysis, however, proved pT stage >1 [P<0.001, risk ratio (RR)=5.87, 95% confidence interval (CI)=2.88-11.95] and high tumour grade (P<0.001, RR=3.30, 95% CI 1.75-6.22) as only independent predictors of metastatic disease. In conclusion, CD24 expression in upper urinary tract urothelial cancer is associated with advanced tumour stage and high tumour grade as well as histopathological features indicative of aggressive tumour behaviour, but it lacks independent impact on patient outcome.

Derivation of clinically compliant MSCs from CD105+, CD24- differentiated human ESCs

Adult tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in treating diseases or repairing damaged tissues through mechanisms thought to be mediated by either cell replacement or secretion of paracrine factors. Characterized, self-renewing human ESCs could potentially be an invariable source of consistently uniform MSCs for therapeutic applications. Here we describe a clinically relevant and reproducible manner of generating identical batches of hESC-derived MSC (hESC-MSC) cultures that circumvents exposure to virus, mouse cells, or serum. Trypsinization and propagation of HuES9 or H1 hESCs in feeder- and serum-free selection media generated three polyclonal, karyotypically stable, and phenotypically MSC-like cultures that do not express pluripotency-associated markers but displayed MSC-like surface antigens and gene expression profile. They differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes in vitro. Gene expression and fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis identified CD105 and CD24 as highly expressed antigens on hESC-MSCs and hESCs, respectively. CD105+, CD24- monoclonal isolates have a typical MSC gene expression profiles and were identical to each other with a highly correlated gene expression profile (r(2) > .90). We have developed a protocol to reproducibly generate clinically compliant and identical hESC-MSC cultures.

CD24 expression in ductal carcinoma in situ and invasive ductal carcinoma of breast: an immunohistochemistry-based pilot study

CD24 is a small, heavily glycosylated cell surface protein, that is expressed in a large variety of solid tumors. It is considered to play an important role in tumor progression and metastasis. We aimed to evaluate CD24 expression in invasive ductal carcinomas (IDCa), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and non-tumorous breast tissues, and to investigate the relationship between histopathological parameters, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and c-erbB2 expressions. The study included 34 IDCa, 25 DCIS, and 13 non-tumorous breast tissues. All cases were reevaluated histopathologically, and immunohistochemistry was performed with monoclonal CD24 antibody. The results clearly demonstrated that CD24 expression, including membranous and cytoplasmic staining, was significantly higher in DCIS and IDCa than in the non-tumorous breast (p=0.001, p=0.000, and p=0.035, p=0.000, respectively). Cytoplasmic staining was detected predominantly in neoplastic tissues and was significantly increased in high grade DCIS (p=0.013). In invasive carcinomas, although the level of membranous staining was significantly positively correlated with tumor grade (p=0.040), there was no such an association with the cytoplasmic level. However, it showed a trend towards pT (p=0.089). In conclusion, our results suggest that higher CD24 expression may be associated with malignant transformation and progression in breast cancer biology. Furthermore, higher membranous expression and, in particular, cytoplasmic staining seem to predict malignant transformation, and different patterns of CD24 expression may be associated with different pathological features in breast tumors.