Iodide transport in the thyroid gland

Mice deficient in MCT8 reveal a mechanism regulating thyroid hormone secretion

The mechanism of thyroid hormone (TH) secretion from the thyroid gland into blood is unknown. Humans and mice deficient in monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) have low serum thyroxine (T4) levels that cannot be fully explained by increased deiodination. Here, we have shown that Mct8 is localized at the basolateral membrane of thyrocytes and that the serum TH concentration is reduced in Mct8-KO mice early after being taken off a treatment that almost completely depleted the thyroid gland of TH. Thyroid glands in Mct8-KO mice contained more non-thyroglobulin-associated T4 and triiodothyronine than did those in wild-type mice, independent of deiodination. In addition, depletion of thyroidal TH content was slower during iodine deficiency. After administration of 125I, the rate of both its secretion from the thyroid gland and its appearance in the serum as trichloroacetic acid-precipitable radioactivity was greatly reduced in Mct8-KO mice. Similarly, the secretion of T4 induced by injection of thyrotropin was reduced in Mct8-KO in which endogenous TSH and T4 were suppressed by administration of triiodothyronine. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that Mct8 is involved in the secretion of TH from the thyroid gland and contributes, in part, to the low serum T4 level observed in MCT8-deficient patients.

The biology of the sodium iodide symporter and its potential for targeted gene delivery

The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is responsible for thyroidal, salivary, gastric, intestinal and mammary iodide uptake. It was first cloned from the rat in 1996 and shortly thereafter from human and mouse tissue. In the intervening years, we have learned a great deal about the biology of NIS. Detailed knowledge of its genomic structure, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation and pharmacological modulation has underpinned the selection of NIS as an exciting approach for targeted gene delivery. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the potential of using NIS gene therapy as a means of delivering highly conformal radiation doses selectively to tumours. This strategy is particularly attractive because it can be used with both diagnostic (99mTc, 125I, 124I)) and therapeutic (131I, 186Re, 188Re, 211At) radioisotopes and it lends itself to incorporation with standard treatment modalities, such as radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. In this article, we review the biology of NIS and discuss its development for gene therapy.

Genetics and phenomics of hypothyroidism and goiter due to NIS mutations

Molecular cloning of the NIS gene in 1996 allowed examination of the molecular basis of congenital hypothyroidism due to iodide transport defect (ITD) many years after the first case was described by Federman et al. in 1958. Since 1997, when the first NIS mutation causing ITD was identified and characterized, 12 different NIS molecular defects have been described in 31 ITD patients. Interestingly, marked clinical heterogeneity between patients with the same NIS mutation and in patients with different mutations in the NIS gene without a clear genotype-phenotype correlation has been observed. The study of NIS mutations as the molecular basis of ITD has not only yielded extremely valuable structure/function information on NIS, but has also provided an important tool for preclinical diagnosis and genetic counseling of ITD patients.

Effect of selenium on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of selenium (Se) on hypothyroidism induced by methimazole (MMI) in lactating rats and their pups. Rats were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as a negative control which received standard diet; group II received orally MMI (250 mg L -1 ); group II received both MMI (250 mg L -1 , orally) and Se (0.5 mg/kg of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received Se (0.5 mg Na 2 SeO 3 /kg of diet). Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until postnatal day 14. In the MMI-exposed group, the body weight of 14-day-old pups diminished compared to controls; besides, a hypertrophy of the thyroid glands was observed. Co-administration of Se through the diet restored these parameters to near normal values. In the MMI-treated group, thyroid iodine contents and plasma thyroid hormone levels significantly decreased, while plasma TSH levels increased in pups and their mothers. These biochemical modifications corresponded histologically to closed follicles, increased vascularity and a reduction in colloid volume. Co-treatment with Se ameliorated these parameters. We concluded that the supplementation of Se in diet had beneficial effects on hypothyroidism during a critical period of life.

Goitrogenic/antithyroidal potential of green tea extract in relation to catechin in rats

Catechins are flavonoids found in abundance in green tea, have elicited high interest due to their beneficial effects on health. Though flavonoids have been reported to have an antithyroid effect and also to be goitrogenic there have been no reports about the effect of green tea on rat thyroid. The present study was designed to examine whether high doses of green tea has any harmful effect on thyroid physiology. For this purpose green tea extract was administered orally to male albino rats for 30 days at doses of 1.25 g%, 2.5 g% and 5.0 g%, respectively. Similarly, pure catechin was administered at doses of 25, 50 and 100mg/kg body weight which is equivalent to above doses of green tea extract. Lower body weight gain associated with marked hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia of the follicles was noted in the high dose of green tea and catechin treated groups. Decreased activity of thyroid peroxidase and 5'-deiodinase I and substantially elevated thyroidal Na,K+ATPase activity have been observed. Moreover, serum T3 and T4 levels were found to reduce followed by significant elevation of serum TSH. Taken together, these results suggest that catechin present in green tea extract might behave as antithyroid agent and possibly the consumption of green tea at high dose could alter thyroid function adversely.

A probasin promoter, conditionally replicating adenovirus that expresses the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) for radiovirotherapy of prostate cancer

The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) directs the uptake and concentration of iodide in thyroid cells. We have extended the use of NIS-mediated radioiodine therapy to other types of cancer, we transferred and expressed the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) gene into prostate, colon, and breast cancer cells using adenoviral vectors. To improve vector efficiency we have developed a conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd) in which the E1a gene is driven by the prostate specific promoter, Probasin and the cassette RSV promoter-human NIScDNA-bGH polyA replaces the E3 region (CRAd Ad5PB_RSV-NIS). In vitro infection of the prostate cancer cell line LnCaP resulted in virus replication, cytolysis, and release of infective viral particles. Conversely, the prostate cancer cell line PC-3 (androgen receptor negative) and the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc-1 were refractory to the viral cytopathic effect and did not support viral replication. Radioiodine uptake was readily measurable in LnCaP cells infected with Ad5PB_RSV-NIS 24 hours post-infection, confirming NIS expression. In vivo, LnCaP tumor xenografts in nude mice injected intratumorally with Ad5PB_RSV_NIS CRAd expressed NIS actively as evidenced by ⁹⁹Tc uptake and imaging. Administration of therapeutic ¹³¹I after virus injection significantly increased survival probability in mice carrying xenografted LnCaP tumors compared to virotherapy alone. The data indicate that Ad5PB_RSV_NIS replication is stringently restricted to androgen positive prostate cancer cells and results in effective NIS expression and uptake of radioiodine. This construct may allow multimodal therapy, combining cytolytic virotherapy with radioiodine treatment, to be developed as a novel treatment for prostate cancer.

Posttranscriptional regulation of sodium-iodide symporter mRNA expression in the rat thyroid gland by acute iodide administration

Iodide is an important regulator of thyroid activity. Its excess elicits the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, characterized by an acute suppression of thyroid hormone synthesis, which has been ascribed to serum TSH reduction or TGF-beta increase and production of iodolipids in the thyroid. These alterations take hours/days to occur, contrasting with the promptness of Wolff-Chaikoff effect. We investigated whether acute iodide administration could trigger events that precede those changes, such as reduction of sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) mRNA abundance and adenylation, and if perchlorate treatment could counteract them. Rats subjected or not to methylmercaptoimidazole treatment (0.03%) received NaI (2,000 microg/0.5 ml saline) or saline intraperitoneally and were killed 30 min up to 24 h later. Another set of animals was treated with iodide and perchlorate, in equimolar doses. NIS mRNA content was evaluated by Northern blotting and real-time PCR, and NIS mRNA poly(A) tail length by rapid amplification of cDNA ends-poly(A) test (RACE-PAT). We observed that NIS mRNA abundance and poly(A) tail length were significantly reduced in all periods of iodide treatment. Perchlorate reversed these effects, indicating that iodide was the agent that triggered the modifications observed. Since the poly(A) tail length of mRNAs is directly associated with their stability and translation efficiency, we can assume that the rapid decay of NIS mRNA abundance observed was due to a reduction of its stability, a condition in which its translation could be impaired. Our data show for the first time that iodide regulates NIS mRNA expression at posttranscriptional level, providing a new mechanism by which iodide exerts its autoregulatory effect on thyroid.

Potential utility and limitations of thyroid cancer cell lines as models for studying thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Tumor-derived cell lines are widely used to study the mechanisms involved in thyroid carcinogenesis but recent studies have reported redundancy among thyroid cancer cell lines and identification of some "thyroid cell lines" that are likely not of thyroid origin.

SUMMARY

In this review, we have summarized the uses, the limitations, and the existing problems associated with the available follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer cell lines. There are some limitations to the use of cell lines as a model to "mimic" in vivo tumors. Based on the gene expression profiles of thyroid cell lines originating from tumors of different types it has become apparent that some of the cell lines are closely related to each other and to those of undifferentiated carcinomas. Further, many cell lines have lost the expression of thyroid-specific genes and have altered karyotypes, while they exhibit activation of several oncogenes (BRAF, v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1; RAS, rat sarcoma; and RET/PTC, rearranged in transformation/papillary thyroid carcinoma) and inactivation of tumor suppressor gene (TP53) which is known to be important for thyroid tumorigenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

A careful selection of thyroid cancer cell lines that reflect the major characteristics of a particular type of thyroid cancer being investigated could be used as a good model system to analyze the signaling pathways that may be important in thyroid carcinogenesis. Further, the review of literature also suggests that some of the limitations can be overcome by using multiple cell lines derived from the same type of tumor.

Development of drinking water standards for perchlorate in the United States

Perchlorate, an anion that originates as a contaminant in ground and surface waters, is both naturally occurring and manmade. Because of its toxicity, there has been increased interest in setting drinking water safety standards and in health effects when perchlorate is present at low (parts per billion (ppb)) levels. In January 2009, the EPA issued a heath advisory to assist state and local officials in addressing local contamination of perchlorate in drinking water. The interim health advisory level of 15 micrograms per liter (microg/L), or ppb, is based on the reference dose recommended by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). This paper describes scope and extent of contaminant issues and a legal process of setting standards for perchlorate concentration in drinking water in the United States of America.

Molecular imaging in clinical trials

Imaging of biological processes using specific molecular probes allows exploration of the mechanism of action and efficacy for new therapies. This molecular imaging has made use of modalities including single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and optical techniques. Molecular imaging can be used to explore many of the hallmarks of cancer biology, including angiogenesis, proliferation, tissue invasion, evasion of apoptosis, and self-sufficiency in growth signals. Since many of these aspects of cancer biology are in turn the targets of novel therapies in development, molecular imaging techniques have great potential to inform trials of these new agents. The high cost of clinical drug development mandates the optimisation of early phase trial design to maximise the collection of evidence for efficacy and proof of mechanism, endpoints which have, in a number of examples, already been provided by molecular imaging. The variety provided by novel chemistry, and the availability of isotopes with varying physical properties, particularly suits PET imaging as a functional modality for application in clinical trials.

Construction of an MUC-1 promoter driven, conditionally replicating adenovirus that expresses the sodium iodide symporter for gene therapy of breast cancer

Introduction

The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) directs the uptake and concentration of iodide in thyroid cells. This in turn allows radioiodine imaging and therapy for thyroid cancer. To extend the use of NIS-mediated radioiodine therapy to other types of cancer, we successfully transferred and expressed the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) gene in prostate, colon, and breast cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro by using non-replicating adenoviral vectors.

Methods

To improve virotherapy efficiency, we developed a conditionally replicating adenovirus (CRAd) in which the transcriptional cassette RSV promoter-human NIScDNA-bGH polyA was also inserted at the E3 region. The E1a gene is driven by the tumor-specific promoter MUC-1 in the CRAd Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS.

Results

In vitro infection of the MUC-1-positive breast cell line T47D resulted in virus replication, cytolysis, and release of infective viral particles. Conversely, the MUC-1-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was refractory to the viral cytopathic effect and did not support viral replication. The data indicate that Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS activity is stringently restricted to MUC-1-positive cancer cells. Radioiodine uptake was readily measurable in T47 cells infected with Ad5AMUCH_RSV-NIS 24 hours after infection, thus confirming NIS expression before viral-induced cell death.

Conclusions

This construct may allow multimodal therapy, combining virotherapy with radioiodine therapy to be developed as a novel treatment for breast and other MUC1-overexpressing cancers.

Minireview: The sodium-iodide symporter NIS and pendrin in iodide homeostasis of the thyroid

Thyroid hormones are essential for normal development and metabolism. Thyroid hormone biosynthesis requires iodide uptake into the thyrocytes and efflux into the follicular lumen, where it is organified on selected tyrosyls of thyroglobulin. Uptake of iodide into the thyrocytes is mediated by an intrinsic membrane glycoprotein, the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), which actively cotransports two sodium cations per each iodide anion. NIS-mediated transport of iodide is driven by the electrochemical sodium gradient generated by the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. NIS is expressed in the thyroid, the salivary glands, gastric mucosa, and the lactating mammary gland. TSH and iodide regulate iodide accumulation by modulating NIS activity via transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. Biallelic mutations in the NIS gene lead to a congenital iodide transport defect, an autosomal recessive condition characterized by hypothyroidism, goiter, low thyroid iodide uptake, and a low saliva/plasma iodide ratio. Pendrin is an anion transporter that is predominantly expressed in the inner ear, the thyroid, and the kidney. Biallelic mutations in the SLC26A4 gene lead to Pendred syndrome, an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by sensorineural deafness, goiter, and impaired iodide organification. In thyroid follicular cells, pendrin is expressed at the apical membrane. Functional in vitro data and the impaired iodide organification observed in patients with Pendred syndrome support a role of pendrin as an apical iodide transporter.

Induction of sodium iodide symporter gene and molecular characterisation of HNF3 beta/FoxA2, TTF-1 and C/EBP beta in thyroid carcinoma cells

Thyroid carcinoma cells often do not express thyroid-specific genes including sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroperoxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG), and thyrotropin-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR). Treatment of thyroid carcinoma cells (four papillary and two anaplastic cell lines) with histone deacetylase inhibitors (SAHA or VPA) modestly induced the expression of the NIS gene. The promoter regions of the thyroid-specific genes contained binding sites for hepatocyte nuclear factor 3 β (HNF3β)/forkhead box A2 (FoxA2), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β (C/EBPβ). Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) showed decreased expression of HNF3β/FoxA2 and TTF-1 mRNA in papillary thyroid carcinoma cell lines, when compared with normal thyroid cells. Forced expression of these genes in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells inhibited their growth. Furthermore, the CpG island in the promoter region of HNF3β/FoxA2 was aberrantly methylated; and treatment with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine (5-Az) induced its expression. Immunohistochemical staining showed that C/EBPβ was localised in the nucleus in normal thyroid cells but was detected in the cytoplasm in papillary thyroid carcinoma cells. Subcellular fractionation of papillary thyroid carcinoma cell lines also demonstrated high levels of expression of C/EBPβ in the cytoplasm, suggesting that a large proportion of C/EBPβ protein is inappropriately localised in the cytoplasm. In summary, these findings reveal novel abnormalities in thyroid carcinoma cells

Molecular characterization of V59E NIS, a Na+/I- symporter mutant that causes congenital I- transport defect

I(-) is actively transported into thyrocytes via the Na+/I(-) symporter (NIS), a key glycoprotein located on the basolateral plasma membrane. The cDNA encoding rat NIS was identified in our laboratory, where an extensive structure/function characterization of NIS is being conducted. Several NIS mutants have been identified as causes of congenital I(-) transport defect (ITD), including V59E NIS. ITD is characterized by low thyroid I(-) uptake, low saliva/plasma I(-) ratio, hypothyroidism, and goiter and may cause mental retardation if untreated. Studies of other ITD-causing NIS mutants have revealed valuable information regarding NIS structure/function. V59E NIS was reported to exhibit as much as 30% of the activity of wild-type NIS. However, this observation was at variance with the patients' phenotype of total lack of activity. We have thoroughly characterized V59E NIS and studied several amino acid substitutions at position 59. We demonstrated that, in contrast to the previous report, V59E NIS is inactive, although it is properly targeted to the plasma membrane. Glu and all other charged amino acids or Pro at position 59 also yielded nonfunctional NIS proteins. However, I(-) uptake was rescued to different degrees by the other substitutions. Although the Km values for Na+ and I(-) were not altered in these active mutants, we found that the structural requirement for NIS function at position 59 is a neutral, helix-promoting amino acid. This result suggests that the region that contains V59 may be involved in intramembrane helix-helix interactions during the transport cycle without being in direct contact with the substrates.

A biologically based dose-response model for dietary iodide and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis in the adult rat: evaluation of iodide deficiency

A biologically based dose-response (BBDR) model was developed for dietary iodide and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in adult rats. This BBDR-HPT axis model includes submodels for dietary iodide, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the thyroid hormones, T(4) and T(3). The submodels are linked together via key biological processes, including (1) the influence of T(4) on TSH production (the HPT axis negative feedback loop), (2) stimulation of thyroidal T(4) and T(3) production by TSH, (3) TSH upregulation of the thyroid sodium (Na(+))/iodide symporter, and (4) recycling of iodide from metabolism of thyroid hormones. The BBDR-HPT axis model was calibrated to predict steady-state concentrations of iodide, T(4), T(3), and TSH for the euthyroid rat whose dietary intake of iodide was 20 mug/day. Then the BBDR-HPT axis model was used to predict perturbations in the HPT axis caused by insufficient dietary iodide intake, and simulation results were compared to experimental findings. The BBDR-HPT axis model was successful in simulating perturbations in serum T(4), TSH, and thyroid iodide stores for low-iodide diets of 0.33-1.14 mug/day. Model predictions of serum T(3) concentrations were inconsistent with observations in some cases. BBDR-HPT axis model simulations show a steep dose-response relationship between dietary intake of iodide and serum T(4) and TSH when dietary iodide intake becomes insufficient (less than 2 mug/day) to sustain the HPT axis. This BBDR-HPT axis model can be linked with physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for thyroid-active chemicals to evaluate and predict dose-dependent HPT axis alterations based on hypothesized modes of action. To support continued development of this model, future studies should include time course data after perturbation of the HPT axis to capture changes in endogenous iodide, serum TSH, T(4), and T(3).

Comparison of 99mtechnetium-pertechnetate and 123iodide SPECT with FDG-PET in patients suspicious for breast cancer

PURPOSE

Breast carcinomas express the Na(+)/I() symporter and may-albeit not a routine procedure-be imaged with (123)iodide ((123)I) and (99m)technetium-pertechnetate ((99m)TcO(4)(-)) scintigraphy. The aim of our prospective study was the comparison of (99m)TcO(4)(-)--and (123)I-single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with (18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in patients suspicious for breast cancer.

METHODS

Twenty-nine (29) untreated patients suspected of having breast carcinoma were prospectively examined with thorax SPECT with (99m)TcO(4)(-) (n=19) or (123)I (n=10), respectively, and FDG-PET (n=29) prior to biopsy. Tumor-to-background ratios (TBRs) were calculated for SPECT findings. Mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVs) were calculated for PET findings. Findings were compared in an intra-individual lesion-to-lesion analysis.

RESULTS

In 28 of 29 patients, malignancy was verified with histopathology. In imaging the primary tumor, sensitivities of (99m)TcO(4)(-)-SPECT, (123)I-SPECT, and FDG-PET were 63%, 67%, and 89%, respectively. TBR maximum was 2.6+/-1.1 in (99m)TcO(4)()-SPECT and 2.3+/-0.6 in (123)I-SPECT. In FDG-PET, mean tumor SUV was 4.1+/-4 and maximum tumor SUV was 5.4+/-5.1. In contrast to FDG-PET, (99m)TcO(4)()-SPECT was ineffective in imaging nodal and distant metastases in the thorax, and (123)I-SPECT failed in imaging lymph node infiltrations. Distant metastases were not present in patients of the (123)I group, and the value of (123)I-SPECT was not evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to FDG-PET, (99m)TcO(4)(-) and (123)I-SPECT are ineffective in imaging breast carcinoma in clinical practice.

The Na+/I symporter (NIS) mediates electroneutral active transport of the environmental pollutant perchlorate

The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) is a key plasma membrane protein that mediates active I(-) uptake in the thyroid, lactating breast, and other tissues with an electrogenic stoichiometry of 2 Na(+) per I(-). In the thyroid, NIS-mediated I(-) uptake is the first step in the biosynthesis of the iodine-containing thyroid hormones, which are essential early in life for proper CNS development. In the lactating breast, NIS mediates the translocation of I(-) to the milk, thus supplying this essential anion to the nursing newborn. Perchlorate (ClO(4)(-)) is a well known competitive inhibitor of NIS. Exposure to food and water contaminated with ClO(4)(-) is common in the U.S. population, and the public health impact of such exposure is currently being debated. To date, it is still uncertain whether ClO(4)(-) is a NIS blocker or a transported substrate of NIS. Here we show in vitro and in vivo that NIS actively transports ClO(4)(-), including ClO(4)(-) translocation to the milk. A simple mathematical fluxes model accurately predicts the effect of ClO(4)(-) transport on the rate and extent of I(-) accumulation. Strikingly, the Na(+)/ ClO(4)(-) transport stoichiometry is electroneutral, uncovering that NIS translocates different substrates with different stoichiometries. That NIS actively concentrates ClO(4)(-) in maternal milk suggests that exposure of newborns to high levels of ClO(4)(-) may pose a greater health risk than previously acknowledged because ClO(4)(-) would thus directly inhibit the newborns' thyroidal I(-) uptake.

In vivo radioiodide imaging and treatment of pancreatic cancer xenografts after MUC1 promoter-driven expression of the human sodium-iodide symporter

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many tumor types, including breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to create a construct containing sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) under the control of the 0.8-kb MUC1 promoter to infect pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo, to investigate the potential for radioiodide imaging and ablation of this disease.

METHODOLOGY

We amplified the 797-bp MUC1 promoter by two-step nested PCR. Subsequently, a replication-deficient adenoviral construct was created containing the MUC1 promoter followed by the human NIS gene. Iodide uptake assays and immunofluorescence were used to confirm NIS expression and function. Pancreatic cancer xenografts in mice were infected with Ad/MUC1/NIS and then imaged and treated using radioiodide.

RESULTS

A 23- and 15.5-fold increase in iodide uptake was observed in Ad/MUC1/NIS-infected MUC1-positive Capan-2 and SW1990 cells with no significant increase observed in MUC1-negative Hela cells or in cells infected with the control virus. The in vivo study showed a clear image of Ad/MUC1/NIS-infected tumor xenografts using (125)I. Administration of a therapeutic dose of (131)I resulted in a regression in size to 76 +/- 15% of their original volume, whereas control tumors continued to increase in size to >200% of their original volume.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that the 0.8-kb MUC1 promoter was successfully used to drive human NIS-targeted expression in pancreatic cancer cells, and Ad/MUC1/NIS-mediated radiotherapy can make pancreatic cancer xenografts in mice shrinking. This could potentially have applications for both imaging and therapy in other MUC1-positive tumors.

Molecular and genotypic characterization of human thyroid follicular cell carcinoma-derived cell lines

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to characterize the molecular and genotypic profile of eight thyroid carcinoma-derived cell lines-TPC1, FB2, B-CPAP, K1, XTC-1, C643, 8505C, and Hth74-in order to use them as in vitro models of thyroid carcinogenesis.

DESIGN

We evaluated the expression of five thyroid-specific genes (Tg, TSHr, TPO, PAX8, and TTF-1) to establish the cell lineage and to assess the differentiation status of each of the cell lines. We screened for mutations in the most relevant oncogenes/tumor suppressor genes affected in thyroid carcinogenesis: RAS, BRAF, CTNNB1, and TP53 along with RET/PTC rearrangements. Considering the putative relevance in general carcinogenesis, we have also studied other molecules such as EGFR, PI3K, RAF-1, and THRB. To determine the genetic identity of the cell lines, we performed genotypic analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME

The panel of cell lines we have studied displayed activation of several oncogenes (BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC) and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes (TP53) known to be important for thyroid carcinogenesis. Two of the cell lines-TPC1 and FB2-shared the same genotypic profile, probably representing clones of an ancestor cell line (TPC1).

CONCLUSION

Due to their different molecular alterations, these cell lines represent a valuable tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying thyroid carcinogenesis. We suggest that genotypic analyses should be included as a routine procedure to guarantee the uniqueness of each cell line used in research.

Amino Acid Residues in Transmembrane Segment IX of the Na+/I– Symporter Play a Role in Its Na+ Dependence and Are Critical for Transport Activity

The Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is a key plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates Na+-dependent active I- transport in the thyroid, lactating breast, and other tissues. The OH group of the side chain at position 354 in transmembrane segment (TMS) IX of NIS has been demonstrated to be essential for NIS function, as revealed by the study of the congenital I- transport defect-causing T354P NIS mutation. TMS IX has the most beta-OH group-containing amino acids (Ser and Thr) of any TMS in NIS. We have thoroughly characterized the functional significance of all Ser and Thr in TMS IX in NIS, as well as of other residues in TMS IX that are highly conserved in other transporters of the SLC5A protein family. Here we show that five beta-OH group-containing residues (Thr-351, Ser-353, Thr-354, Ser-356, and Thr-357) and Asn-360, all of which putatively face the same side of the helix in TMS IX, plus Asp-369, located in the membrane/cytosol interface, play key roles in NIS function and seem to be involved in Na+ binding/translocation.

The menace of endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormone physiology and their impact on intrauterine development

The delivery of the appropriate thyroid hormones quantity to target tissues in euthyroidism is the result of unopposed synthesis, transport, metabolism, and excretion of these hormones. Thyroid hormones homeostasis depends on the maintenance of the circulating 'free' thyroid hormone reserves and on the development of a dynamic balance between the 'free' hormones reserves and those of the 'bound' hormones with the transport proteins. Disturbance of this hormone system, which is in constant interaction with other hormone systems, leads to an adaptational counter-response targeting to re-establish a new homeostatic equilibrium. An excessive disturbance is likely to result, however, in hypo- or hyper- thyroid clinical states. Endocrine disruptors are chemical substances forming part of 'natural' contaminating agents found in most ecosystems. There is abundant evidence that several key components of the thyroid hormones homeostasis are susceptible to the action of endocrine disruptors. These chemicals include some chlorinated organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, herbicides, and pharmaceutical agents. Intrauterine exposure to endocrine disruptors that either mimic or antagonize thyroid hormones can produce permanent developmental disorders in the structure and functioning of the brain, leading to behavioral changes. Steroid receptors are important determinants of the consequences of endocrine disruptors. Their interaction with thyroid hormones complicates the effect of endocrine disruptors. The aim of this review is to present the effect of endocrine disruptors on thyroid hormones physiology and their potential impact on intrauterine development.

MIDGE/hNIS vaccination generates antigen-associated CD8+IFN-gamma+ T cells and enhances protective antitumor immunity

Human sodium iodide symporter (hNIS) is a transmembrane protein that actively transports iodide ions into thyroid cells. hNIS is over-expressed in some cases of the thyroid cancers compared with the surrounding normal tissues and has been considered to be an attractive target for immunotherapy. The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of utilizing the hNIS antigenic protein in enhanced-antigen-associated immunotherapy using image analysis with a gamma counter. To accomplish this, minimalistic immunogenically defined gene expression (MIDGE), either plain or coupled to a nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide, was used as a vector system. Vaccination with MIDGE/hNIS, MIDGE/hNIS-NLS and pcDNA3.1/hNIS produced a significant increase in the number of hNIS-associated IFN-gamma-secreting CD8(+) T cells, with MIDGE/hNIS having the strongest effect. In addition, immunization with the hNIS encoding vectors induced antigen-mediated antitumor activity against NIS-expressing CT26 tumors in vivo, with the highest tumor free rate (100%) and lowest tumor growth being observed up to 40 days after the CT26/NIS tumor challenge with MIDGE/hNIS than those resulting from other immunization groups. Tumor progression could be followed noninvasively and repetitively by monitoring levels of hNIS gene expression in the tumors using scintigraphic image analysis. Overall, hNIS has a potential use as an antigen for immunization approaches, and vaccination with MIDGE/hNIS vectors is an effective means of generating hNIS-associated immune responses in mice.

Maternal leptin treatment during lactation programs the thyroid function of adult rats

Recently, we showed that both maternal malnutrition during lactation and leptin treatment during the neonatal period program thyroid function. In this study we evaluate whether maternal leptin treatment during lactation programs thyroid function of the offspring in the adulthood. The dams were divided into 2 groups: Lep-daily sc single injected with 8 microg/100 g of body weight with recombinant rat leptin during the last 3 days of lactation and control group (C) that received the same volume of saline. The 180 day-old animals received a single i.p. injection of (125)I (2.22x10(4) Bq) and they were killed 2 h after the injection. Triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyrotropin (TSH) and leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The milk of leptin-treated mothers on the last day of treatment had higher leptin (p<0.05) concentration. The pups of the leptin-treated mothers had at 21 days an unchanged T3, T4 and leptin serum concentrations with higher TSH (p<0.05). The offspring of Lep mothers had at 180 days a higher T3 (p<0.05) with normal thyroid (125)I uptake, T4 and TSH serum concentrations compared to the controls. So, the mother's hyperleptinaemia during lactation programs to a higher T3 serum concentration on the offspring, probably by a higher leptin transfer through the milk.

Analysis of the sodium iodide symporter expression in histological slides from a nodular goiter

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was analysis at both the level and the cell site of the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) in histological slides from hot, warm, and cold nodules and extranodular parenchyma according to scintigraphy.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 97 people who underwent surgery for a toxic nodular goiter (26 patients) or a non-toxic nodular goiter (71 patients). Immunohistochemical study was performed with 198 histological slides from hot, warm, and cold nodules (study slides) and the extranodular parenchyma (control slides). The level of NIS expression was estimated objectively using the computerized image analysis system, Quantimet 600S (Leica, Cambridge, UK).

RESULTS

We found significantly higher NIS expression in hot nodules than in cold nodules and in warm nodules than in cold ones. We found significantly higher NIS expression in hot and warm nodules than in the surrounding parenchyma. The level of NIS expression did not differ significantly between cold nodules and the collateral tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that NIS protein participates in the development of hyperthyroidism in the course of a nodular goiter. We confirm that the functional state of a nodular goiter is determined by NIS expression in nodules, not in collateral parenchyma. The low metabolism of cold nodules does not simply result from decreased level of NIS protein or its defective targeting to the cell membrane. The observation of NIS in the cell cytoplasm of hot nodules seems to indicate that the intracellular localization of NIS does not determine loss of its activity.

Relationship of sodium/iodide symporter expression with I131 whole body scan uptake between primary and metastatic lymph node papillary thyroid carcinomas

The aim of the present study was to evaluate total and membranous Na+/I- symporter (NIS) expressions in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tissue, correlation of NIS expression between primary and metastatic lymph node (LN) PTC tissues, and relationship of NIS expression with I131 whole body scan (WBS) uptake between primary and metastatic LN PTC tissues by analyzing 17 pairs of primary and metastatic LN PTC tissues. Staining positivity was calculated, and staining intensity was graded as negative (0), weak (1+), moderate (2+) and strong (3+). In primary PTC tissues, positivities and intensities of normal cells were higher than those of carcinoma cells but had no correlation with those in matched metastatic LN PTC tissues. In classic type, positivities, intensities and membranous intensities (mIS) were correlated between primary and matched metastatic LN PTC tissues. In patients aged younger than 45 yr, positivities and intensities in primary PTC tissues had correlation with those in matched metastatic LN PTC tissues. Positivities, intensities, mIS and pathological subtype of carcinoma cells in primary PTC tissues were not correlated with age, tumor size, TNM stage, MACIS score and thyroglobulin (Tg) levels at the time of I131 WBS. Sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predicted values of mIS in patients with I131 WBS uptake were 69.2, 75, 90 and 42.9% in primary PTC tissues, and 92.3, 100, 100 and 80% in metastatic LN PTC tissues. The results of mIS taken either as positive or negative were correlated with those of I131 WBS after controlling for age. Our results demonstrate that PTC tissues have altered total and membranous NIS expressions, suggesting that NIS expression in primary PTC tissues may predict NIS expression and I131 WBS uptake in matched metastatic LN PTC tissues.

From the molecular characterization of iodide transporters to the prevention of radioactive iodide exposure

In the event of a nuclear reactor accident, the major public health risk will likely result from the release and dispersion of volatile radio-iodines. Upon body exposure and food ingestion, these radio-iodines are concentrated in the thyroid, resulting in substantial thyroidal irradiation and accordingly causing thyroid cancers. Stable potassium iodide (KI) effectively blocks thyroid iodine uptake and is thus used in iodide prophylaxis for reactor accidents. The efficiency of KI is directly related to the physiological inhibition of the thyroid function in the presence of high plasma iodide concentrations. This regulation is called the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. However, to be fully effective, KI should be administered shortly before or immediately after radioiodine exposure. If KI is provided only several hours after exposure, it will elicit the opposite effect e.g. lead to an increase in the thyroid irradiation dose. To date, clear evaluation of the benefit and the potential toxicity of KI administration remain difficult, and additional data are needed. We outline in this review the molecular characterization of KI-induced regulation of the thyroid function. Significant advances in the knowledge of the iodide transport mechanisms and thyroid physiology have been made. Recently developed molecular tools should help clarify iodide metabolism and the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. The major goals are clarifying the factors which increase thyroid cancer risk after a reactor accident and improving the KI administration protocol. These will ultimately lead to the development of novel strategies to decrease thyroid irradiation after radio-iodine exposure.

The sodium-iodide symporter expression in placental tissue at different gestational age: an immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Iodide (I(-)) is crucial for foetal thyroid function. Foetal iodide results from maternal circulating iodide and from deiodination of iodothyronines within the placenta. The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) localized in placental cells appears to be involved in iodide exchange. Low NIS expression has been reported in trophoblast cells from the first trimester and pregnancy at term.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to examine NIS expression by immunohistochemistry in the major components of human ovular tissue and placenta.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens of placental tissue from the first trimester and at term were analysed. NIS expression was quantified as percentage of NIS-positive cells/total cells. NIS expression was also evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in five first-trimester and five at-term placental specimens.

RESULTS

In the first-trimester specimens heterogeneous NIS immunoreactivity was found in cyto-syncytiotrophoblast cells, with a range of NIS-positive cells from 5% to 80% (mean +/- SD 21.85 +/- 23.95), in mesenchymal and endothelial cells from 1% to 40% (14.5 +/- 11.16), in decidual cells from 5% to 40% (10.38 +/- 11.98) and in endometrial glands from 3% to 40% (21.86 +/- 13.93). In specimens from placenta at term, NIS-positive cyto-syncytiotrophoblast cells were between 5% and 40% (mean 17.85 +/- 18.15), mesenchymal and endothelial cells between 1% and 40% (13.67 +/- 12.16), decidual tissue between 5% and 30% (16.43 +/- 9.08), and endometrial glands between 3% and 40% (16.67 +/- 15.27). No significant differences in NIS expression were observed between the first trimester and placenta at term. A similar level of mRNA expression for the NIS gene was obtained by RT-PCR both in ovular material of the first trimester and in placenta at term.

CONCLUSIONS

We found NIS to be expressed in various placental and ovular components and its expression to remain constant during pregnancy.

HEX expression and localization in normal mammary gland and breast carcinoma

Background

The homeobox gene HEX is expressed in several cell types during different phases of animal development. It encodes for a protein localized in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. During early mouse development, HEX is expressed in the primitive endoderm of blastocyst. Later, HEX is expressed in developing thyroid, liver, lung, as well as in haematopoietic progenitors and endothelial cells. Absence of nuclear expression has been observed during neoplastic transformation of the thyroid follicular cells. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the localization and the function of the protein HEX in normal and tumoral breast tissues and in breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

HEX expression and nuclear localization were investigated by immunohistochemistry in normal and cancerous breast tissue, as well as in breast cancer cell lines. HEX mRNA levels were evaluated by real-time PCR. Effects of HEX expression on Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) gene promoter activity was investigated by HeLa cell transfection.

Results

In normal breast HEX was detected both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. In both ductal and lobular breast carcinomas, a great reduction of nuclear HEX was observed. In several cells from normal breast tissue as well as in MCF-7 and T47D cell line, HEX was observed in the nucleolus. MCF-7 treatment with all-trans retinoic acid enhanced HEX expression and induced a diffuse nuclear localization. Enhanced HEX expression and diffuse nuclear localization were also obtained when MCF-7 cells were treated with inhibitors of histone deacetylases such as sodium butyrate and trichostatin A. With respect to normal non-lactating breast, the amount of nuclear HEX was greatly increased in lactating tissue. Transfection experiments demonstrated that HEX is able to up-regulate the activity of NIS promoter.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that localization of HEX is regulated in epithelial breast cells. Since modification of localization occurs during lactation and tumorigenesis, we suggest that HEX may play a role in differentiation of the epithelial breast cell.

Sodium-iodide symporter mediates iodide secretion in rat gastric mucosa in vitro

In vivo studies on rats have demonstrated that considerable amounts of iodide are transported from the bloodstream into the gastric lumen. The mechanisms for and functional significance of this transport are poorly understood. Active (driven by Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase) iodide transport into thyroid follicular cells is mediated by the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), which is also abundantly expressed in gastric mucosa. We aimed to further investigate the iodide transport in gastric mucosa and the possible role of NIS in this transport process. Iodide transport in rat gastric mucosa was studied in vitro in an Ussing chamber system using (125)I as a marker. The system allows measurements in both directions over a mucosal specimen. A considerable transport of iodide (from the serosal to the mucosal side) was established across the gastric mucosa, whereas in the opposite direction (mucosa to serosa), iodide transport was negligible. Sodium perchlorate (NaClO(4)), a competitive inhibitor of NIS, and ouabain, an inhibitor of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, both attenuated gastric iodide transport from the serosal to the mucosal side. To investigate a possible neuroendocrine regulation of the iodide transport identified to occur from the serosal to the mucosal side of the stomach, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), histamine, or nitric oxide donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP) was added. None of these substances influenced the iodide transport. We conclude that iodide is actively transported into the gastric lumen and that this transport is at least partly mediated by NIS. Additional investigations are needed to understand the regulation and significance of this transport.

Dexamethasone stimulation of retinoic Acid-induced sodium iodide symporter expression and cytotoxicity of 131-I in breast cancer cells

CONTEXT

The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) mediates the active iodide uptake in the thyroid gland as well as lactating breast tissue. Recently induction of functional NIS expression was reported in the estrogen receptor-positive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 by all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) treatment in vitro and in vivo, which might offer the potential to treat breast cancer with radioiodine.

OBJECTIVE

In the current study, we examined the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) on atRA-induced NIS expression and therapeutic efficacy of 131-I in MCF-7 cells.

DESIGN

For this purpose, NIS mRNA and protein expression levels in MCF-7 cells were examined by Northern and Western blot analysis after incubation with Dex (10(-9) to 10(-7) m) in the presence of atRA (10(-6) m) as well as immunostaining using a mouse monoclonal human NIS-specific antibody. In addition, NIS functional activity was measured by iodide uptake and efflux assay, and in vitro cytotoxicity of 131-I was examined by in vitro clonogenic assay.

RESULTS

After incubation with Dex in the presence of atRA, NIS mRNA levels in MCF-7 cells were stimulated up to 11-fold in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas NIS protein levels increased up to 16-fold and iodide accumulation was stimulated up to 3- to 4-fold. Furthermore, iodide efflux was modestly decreased after stimulation with Dex in the presence of atRA. Furthermore, in the in vitro clonogenic assay, selective cytotoxicity of 131-I was significantly increased from approximately 17% in MCF-7 cells treated with atRA alone to 80% in MCF-7 cells treated with Dex in the presence of atRA.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with Dex in the presence of atRA significantly increases functional NIS expression levels in addition to inhibiting iodide efflux, resulting in an enhanced selective killing effect of 131-I in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Altered gene expression profiles by sodium/iodide symporter gene transfection in a human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line using a radioactive complementary DNA microarray

BACKGROUND

The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a membrane glycoprotein that mediates active 131I uptake during the treatment of cancer of the thyroid gland and extrathyroidal tissues. NIS gene transfection, a gene-therapy modality, has been introduced in many types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer, and has demonstrated a high potential for the treatment of non-thyroidal cancers.

AIM

To investigate the pattern of NIS gene expression and provide evidence of its beneficial effects in human anaplastic cancer ARO cells by using a radioactive complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray.

METHODS

For cDNA microarray data analysis, superimposed images and clustergrams were prepared from basic radioactivity data obtained using a phosphoimager system. Gene expression profiles were constructed using the Z-transformed values of genes related to cancer biology.

RESULTS

Radioactive cDNA microarray studies showed that 11 genes were upregulated (Z ratio > 1.5) and 31 genes were downregulated (Z ratio < -1.5) in response to NIS gene transfection. Of these differentially expressed genes, 33% were related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, NIS gene transfection into an anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line affected the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family and Ras oncogene family, including Ras, Rac and Rab.

CONCLUSION

The identification of changes in the patterns of gene expression may provide a better understanding of the response of molecular mechanisms to NIS gene transfection.

Modulation of iodide uptake by dialkyl phthalate plasticisers in FRTL-5 rat thyroid follicular cells

Plasticisers imparting flexibility to plastics are man-made chemicals abundantly present in the environment. Effects of six different dialkyl phthalates were studied in vitro in the rat thyroid cell line FRTL-5 on their ability to modulate basal iodide uptake mediated by the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). The present study shows that diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) significantly enhance iodide uptake when concentrations in the magnitude between 10(-4) M and 10(-3) M were applied. In this range, these phthalates do not assess toxicity on the cells. Specific inhibiton of NIS demonstrated that enhancement of iodide uptake is due to NIS. In contrast, benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) also augments iodide uptake at 1mM but this concentration has just exceeded the toxicity threshold and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), the most toxic compound did not modulate iodide uptake at any concentration applied. As we can deduce from our results, plasticisers are capable of significantly modulating NIS mediated iodide uptake activity.

Xanthohumol stimulates iodide uptake in rat thyroid-derived FRTL-5 cells

Sodium-iodide-symporter (NIS), an integral plasma membrane glycoprotein, mediates the sodium-dependent active uptake of iodide (I(-)) into the thyroid gland, which is a fundamental step in thyroid hormone synthesis. In this work, we analyzed the influence of xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), on the I(-) uptake in a cell culture model of normal, nontransformed rat thyrocytes (FRTL-5). Acute treatment with nanomolar concentrations of XN does not influence I(-) uptake, but after 2 and 3-days of XN stimulation an increase in I(-) uptake was observed; I(-) uptake was maximally increased by 50% compared to control after 3-days of XN stimulation at 1 nM. A clear time-dependent stimulation was observed which showed no marked concentration relationship, however. To investigate whether expression of NIS mRNA is also increased, we grew FRTL-5 cells for 3-days in a medium containing increasing concentrations of XN (0.1 nM-1 muM). Northern blot analysis showed no difference in NIS mRNA transcript levels between control cells and those treated with different concentrations of XN. This study revealed that nanomolar concentrations of XN, a unique compound with anticancer properties, exert stimulating effects on radioiodide uptake. In contrast to many other plant-derived phenolic secondary metabolites such as (iso-)flavonoids, which inhibit I(-) uptake, XN might be an interesting candidate for more efficient radioiodide therapy of thyroid and perhaps other cancer expressing NIS such as breast cancer.

AhR-agonist-induced transcriptional changes of genes involved in thyroid function in primary porcine thyrocytes

The Ah receptor (AhR) is a ligand transcription factor mediating toxic effects of chemicals such as dioxins. The 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and the coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl 126 (PCB 126) are member of the polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons family exerting a variety of toxic effects in a tissue-specific and species-specific manner including thyroid function. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of TCDD (1 and 10 nM) and dioxin-like PCB 126 (306 nM) on the AhR signaling pathway and on the gene expression profiles of key factors involved in thyroid function, including thyroglobulin (TG), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), the sodium iodide symporter (NIS), TSH receptor (TSHR), and cathepsins (Cat B and L), using a primary porcine thyrocyte culture as the experimental model. AhR and ARNT expression was detected both as mRNA and on the protein level. Expression did not vary upon treatment with either TCDD or PCB 126. However, treatment with TCDD and PCB 126 induced an AhR signaling response, as indicated by the expression of the AhR-target gene cytochrome P-450 1A1 (CYP1A1). Both 10 nM TCDD and PCB 126 treatment induced a significant downregulation in the expression of NIS and cathepsin B without affecting any of the other parameters investigated. In conclusion, these data indicate that (a) thyrocytes are targets of TCDD and TCDD-like compounds and (b) there is evidence for two independent most likely AhR-mediated molecular mechanisms, by which these compounds negatively interfere with thyroid function.

A Preclinical Large Animal Model of Adenovirus-Mediated Expression of the Sodium–Iodide Symporter for Radioiodide Imaging and Therapy of Locally Recurrent Prostate Cancer

The sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) is primarily a thyroid protein, providing for the accumulation of iodide for biosynthesis of thyroid hormones. Native NIS expression has made possible the use of radioactive iodide to image and treat thyroid disease successfully. The current study, using adult male beagle dogs, was carried out in preparation for a Phase I clinical trial of adenovirus-mediated NIS gene (approved symbol SLC5A5) therapy for prostate cancer. Direct intraprostatic injection of virus (Ad5/CMV/NS) was followed by iv injection of 3 mCi 123I and serial image acquisition. The dogs were then given a therapeutic dose of 131I (116 mCi/m2) and observed for 7 days. SPECT/CT fusion imaging revealed clear images of the NIS-transduced prostates. Dosimetry calculations revealed an average absorbed dose to the prostate of 23 +/- 42 cGy/mCi 131I, with acceptably low radiation doses to other organs. This study demonstrated the successful introduction of localized NIS expression in the prostate gland of dogs, with no vector-related toxicity observed. None of the animals experienced any surgical complications, and serum chemistry panels showed no significant change following therapy. The results presented provide further evidence of the safety and efficacy of NIS as a therapeutic gene and support translation of this work into the clinical setting.

Differential action of iodine on mitochondria from human tumoral- and extra-tumoral tissue in inducing the release of apoptogenic proteins

Iodide is actively concentrated in the thyroid gland for thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Excess iodine has been observed to induce apoptosis in thyrocytes and mammary cells. The mechanism of iodine induced apoptosis is poorly understood. Among various cell organelles, mitochondria is known to provide conducive environment for the organification of iodine, i.e. iodination of different proteins. Mitochondria also play a central role in execution of apoptosis. To study the role of mitochondria in iodine induced apoptosis, we investigated the direct interaction of iodine and human breast mitochondria vis-a-vis its role in the initiation of apoptosis in vitro. We observed that mitochondria isolated from the tumor (TT) and extra-tumoral tissue (ET) of human breast display significant uptake of iodine. Mitochondrial proteins were observed to be predominantly iodinated in ET but not in TT mitochondria. Treatment with iodine showed an increase in mitochondrial permeability transition of TT and decrease in ET. Iodine induced released factor(s) other than cytochrome c from tumor mitochondria initiate(s) apoptosis in vitro, while those from ET mitochondria were non-apoptogenic in nature. To our knowledge, this is first report demonstrating that iodine acts differentially on mitochondria of tumor and extratumoral origin to release apoptogenic proteins from TT and has a protective effect on ET.

In vivo radioiodide imaging and treatment of breast cancer xenografts after MUC1-driven expression of the sodium iodide symporter

PURPOSE

Expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in the thyroid gland provides for effective imaging and treatment of thyroid cancer using radiolabeled iodide. Transfer of NIS into other tumors would expand the utility of this treatment to tumors of nonthyroid origin. MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is overexpressed in many tumor types, including breast, pancreatic, and ovarian. The aim of this study was to create a construct containing NIS under the control of the MUC1 promoter to target expression specifically to MUC1-positive breast cancer cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

A replication-deficient adenoviral construct was created containing the MUC1 promoter followed by the human NIS gene. Iodide uptake assays, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to confirm NIS expression and function. Breast cancer xenografts in mice were infected with Ad5/MUC1/NIS and then imaged and treated using radioiodide.

RESULTS

A 58-fold increase in iodide uptake was observed in infected MUC1-positive T47D cells with no significant increase observed in MUC1-negative MDA-MB-231 cells or in cells infected with the control virus. The in vivo study yielded clear images of Ad/MUC1/NIS-infected tumor xenografts using (123)I. Administration of a therapeutic dose of (131)I resulted in an 83% reduction in tumor volume, whereas control tumors continued to increase in size (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that the MUC1 promoter is capable of directing efficient and selective expression of the NIS gene in MUC1-positive breast tumor cells. This could potentially have applications for both imaging and therapy in a range of MUC1-positive tumor types.

Molecular analysis of a congenital iodide transport defect: G543E impairs maturation and trafficking of the Na+/I- symporter

The Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is a key membrane glycoprotein that mediates active I- transport in the thyroid and other tissues. Upon isolation of the cDNA encoding NIS, 10 NIS mutations that cause congenital iodide transport defect have been identified. Three of these mutations (T354P, G395R, and Q267E) have been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. All three NIS mutant proteins are correctly targeted to the plasma membrane; however, whereas Q267E displays minimal activity, T354P and G395R are inactive. Here, we show that in contrast to these mutants, G543E NIS matures only partially and is retained intracellularly; thus, it is not targeted properly to the cell surface, apparently because of faulty folding. These findings indicate that the G543 residue plays significant roles in NIS maturation and trafficking. Remarkably, NIS activity was rescued by small neutral amino acid substitutions (volume < 129 A3) at this position, suggesting that G543 is in a tightly packed region of NIS.

The Na+/I- symporter mediates iodide uptake in breast cancer metastases and can be selectively down-regulated in the thyroid

PURPOSE

The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) is a key plasma membrane protein that mediates active iodide (I(-)) transport in the thyroid, lactating breast, and other tissues. Functional NIS expression in thyroid cancer accounts for the longstanding success of radioactive iodide ((131)I) ablation of metastases after thyroidectomy. Breast cancer is the only other cancer demonstrating endogenous functional NIS expression. Until now, NIS activity in breast cancer metastases (BCM) was unproven.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Twenty-seven women were scanned with (99m)TcO(4)(-) or (123)I(-) to assess NIS activity in their metastases. An (131)I dosimetry study was offered to patients with I(-)-accumulating tumors. Selective down-regulation of thyroid NIS was tested in 13 patients with T(3) and in one case with T(3) + methimazole (MMI; blocks I(-) organification). NIS expression was evaluated in index and/or metastatic tumor samples by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

I(-) uptake was noted in 25% of NIS-expressing tumors (two of eight). The remaining cases did not show NIS expression or activity. Thyroid I(-) uptakes were decreased to </=2.8% at 24 h in T(3)-treated patients and 1/100 normal with T(3)/MMI. Uptake (2.9%) was calculated in a peribronchial metastasis on (131)I dosimetry scans at 4 h with disappearance of the signal by 24 h. We estimated a therapeutic dose of 3000 cGy could be achieved in this metastasis with 100 mCi of (131)I if the tumor exhibited the same dynamics as the T(3)/MMI-suppressed thyroid.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first article of in vivo, scintigraphically detected, NIS-mediated I(-) accumulation in human BCM. T(3)/MMI down-regulation of thyroid NIS makes (131)I-radioablation of BCM possible with negligible thyroid uptake and radiation damage.

Absence of interference of serum IgGs from patients with breast cancer and thyroid autoimmunity on the function of human iodide symporter gene stably transfected in CHO cells

The cause of the association between breast cancer (BC) and thyroid autoimmunity is still unknown. Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is highly expressed in BC cells, and previous studies demonstrated that iodine content in BC is lower than in remote normal breast tissue, suggesting a disorder of iodide uptake in BC. In this study, we evaluated the presence of putative serum autoantibodies able to block the function of NIS in BC patients with thyroid autoimmunity. IgGs were obtained from: a) 11 patients with BC and high antithyroglobulin (TgAb) and antithyroperoxidase (TPOAb) autoantibodies serum concentration; b) 34 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) (1 was euthyroid, 4 had subclinical hypothyroidism and 29 were overtly hypothyroid); c) 15 control subjects. The biological activity of NIS was studied using a chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line stably expressing NIS (NIS-CHO). The course of iodide accumulation in NIS-CHO was studied after addition of Na125 I in culture medium. The accumulation of iodide linearly increased between 2 and 10 min, reaching a plateau at 45 min. The preincubation of NIS-CHO with IgGs purified from sera of BC with the highest levels of TPOAb and TgAb caused an inhibition of iodine uptake of no more than 5%. Similar results were obtained using IgGs purified from patients with HT and control subjects. Our data showed no interference of autoantibodies on iodine uptake in patients with BC and thyroid autoimmunity and the very low percentage of inhibition of iodine uptake cannot explain the lower content of iodine in BC tissue.

Induction et réversibilité d’action du thiocyanate sur la fonction thyroïdienne chez le rat en période d’allaitement

Potassium thiocyanate given in the drinking water of pregnant rats led to decreased body weight in their 14-day-old offspring (27%) without altering thyroid weight. Reduction of the suckling rat's body weight could be explained be defective thyroxinemia (38). Plasma FT3 and TSH were unchanged after thiocyanate treatment. The biochemical changes were in agreement with the histological aspects of the hypothyroid animals. The typical pattern was hyperplastic goiter. Colloid volume was reduced compared with controls. Presence of resorbed peripheral vacuoles, a sign of thyroid hyperactivity, was disclosed by a three-fold increase in radioiodide (131I) uptake compared with controls. When the antithyroid drug was removed from the mother's milk, the pups'weight increased but did not reach control values. Plasma thyroid hormone levels returned to normal and even exceeded control values in spite of partial recovery of thyroid iodine content when thiocyanate treatment was stopped for ten days.

EFFECTS OF OZONATION ON THE SPECIATION OF DISSOLVED IODINE IN ARTIFICIAL SEAWATER

Iodine in the form of iodide is required for synthesis of tri-iodothyronine and thyroxine in fish. Iodine chemical speciation in aliquots of raw artificial seawater mix was measured before, during, and after exposure for fixed time periods to air only and to concentrations of ozone required to achieve oxidation-reduction potentials typical of a protein skimmer (400 mV) and an ozone contact chamber (800 mV). Chemical species of iodine were also measured in tank water from a large, recirculating, ozonated aquarium system that has a low-grade incidence of thyroid lesions (e.g., thyroiditis, hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma) in its fish. With increasing exposure to ozone, concentrations of iodide and dissolved organic iodine (DOI) decreased, whereas iodate levels increased. As a result of exposure to 400 mV, iodide concentration dropped to less than half the amount found in raw artificial seawater mix. After exposure to 800 mV, initial iodide levels decreased by 67%, and DOI became undetectable, whereas iodate concentration increased by 155%, with no remarkable change in total iodine concentration. These results indicate ozone-induced conversions from iodide to iodate, and DOI to iodide or iodate (or both). Iodide and DOI were not detectable in the aquarium system's water samples. Ozonation of artificial seawater may alter the relative concentrations of iodine species in a closed tank system, so that iodide supplementation of the diet or tank water of captive teleosts and elasmobranchs living in ozonated seawater is advisable.

The Na/I symporter (NIS): imaging and therapeutic applications

The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) is the plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates the active uptake of I(-) in the thyroid, ie, the crucial first step in thyroid hormone biosynthesis. NIS also mediates I(-) uptake in other tissues, such as salivary glands, gastric mucosa, and lactating (but not nonlactating) mammary gland. The ability of thyroid cancer cells to actively transport I(-) via NIS provides a unique and effective delivery system to detect and target these cells for destruction with therapeutic doses of radioiodide. Breast cancer is the only malignancy other than thyroid cancer to have been shown to functionally express NIS endogenously. The considerable potential diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioiodide in breast cancer is currently being assessed. On the other hand, exogenous NIS gene transfer has successfully been carried out into a variety of other cell lines and tumors, including A375 human melanoma tumors, and SiHa cervix cancer, human glioma, and hepatoma cell lines. Most notably, significant radioiodine therapy results have been obtained in the NIS-transfected human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line LNCaP and in NIS-transfected myeloma cells, both of which exhibited prolonged retention of radio iodide even in the absence of I(-) organification. The therapeutic potential of alternative NIS-transported radioisotopes with different decay properties and a shorter, physical half-life than 131I(-), such as beta-emitter 188Rhenium (188ReO(4)-) and alpha-emitter 211Astatine (211At(-)), has been evaluated. In conclusion, it is clear that the remarkable progress made in the last few years in the molecular characterization of NIS has created new opportunities for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications for NIS in nuclear medicine.

Reference dose for perchlorate based on thyroid hormone change in pregnant women as the critical effect

The most relevant data for developing a reference dose (RfD) for perchlorate exposures comes from human epidemiology and clinical studies, supplemented with available and extensive information on experimental animals. Specifically, serum T4 decrease is the critical effect of perchlorate, based on a mode-of-action analysis and the evidence provided by the body of rodent studies on perchlorate. However, no T4 decreases have been observed in human populations following perchlorate exposure at non-therapeutic doses. An RfD of 0.002 mg/kg-day can be derived using an epidemiology study. A freestanding NOAEL of 0.006 mg/kg-day for T4 decrease was identified in children from the epidemiology study. The use of this NOAEL has the advantage of a being identified in a sensitive subgroup, neonates and children. Data are sufficient to estimate an overall uncertainty factor of 3-fold with this NOAEL based on expected differences in toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics between children, and pregnant women and their fetuses, the second identified sensitive subgroup for perchlorate, and concerns about the over-iodination of this population. This RfD is supported by a human clinical study using inhibition of iodine uptake in adults as a measurable surrogate for the critical effect of T4 decrease in humans. However, although this latter study has a well-established dose-response curve for inhibition of iodine uptake, even perchlorate doses that result in a 70% inhibition of iodine uptake have no apparent effect on human T4 levels. Thus, the use of this study as the primary basis of the RfD is problematic. Nevertheless, a benchmark dose of 0.01 mg/kg-day was identified in this clinical study, which supports a threshold value of 0.006 mg/kg-day identified by its authors and the RfD of 0.002 mg/kg-day estimated in this paper.

The Q267E mutation in the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) causes congenital iodide transport defect (ITD) by decreasing the NIS turnover number

The Na(+)/I(-) symporter (NIS) is a key plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates active iodide (I(-)) transport in the thyroid and other tissues. Since isolation of the cDNA encoding NIS (G. Dai, O. Levy, and N. Carrasco (1996) Nature 379, 458-460), ten mutations in NIS have been identified as causes of congenital iodide transport defect (ITD). Two of these mutations (T354P and G395R) have been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. Both mutant NIS proteins are inactive but normally expressed and correctly targeted to the plasma membrane. The hydroxyl group at the beta-carbon of residue 354 is essential for NIS function, whereas the presence of a charged or large side-chain at position 395 interferes with NIS function. We report the extensive molecular analysis of the Q267E mutation in COS-7 cells transfected with rat or human Q267E NIS cDNA constructs. We used site-directed mutagenesis to engineer various residue substitutions into position 267. In contrast to previous suggestions that Q267E NIS was inactive, possibly because of a trafficking defect, we conclusively show that Q267E NIS is modestly active and properly targeted to the plasma membrane. Q267E NIS exhibited lower V(max) values for I(-) than wild-type NIS, suggesting that the decreased level of activity of Q267E NIS is due to a lower catalytic rate. That Q267E NIS retains even partial activity sets this ITD-causing mutant apart from T354P and G395R NIS. The presence of charged residues (of any polarity) other than Glu at position 267 rendered NIS inactive without affecting its expression or targeting, but substitution with neutral residues at this position was compatible with partial activity.