Src activation regulates anoikis in human colon tumor cell lines

Identification and validation of phospho-SRC, a novel and potential pharmacodynamic biomarker for dasatinib (SPRYCEL), a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor

PURPOSE

Dasatinib (BMS-354825) is a potent, oral multi-targeted kinase inhibitor. It is an effective therapy for patients with imatinib-resistant or -intolerant Ph+ leukemias,. It has demonstrated promising preclinical anti-tumor activity, and is under clinical evaluation in solid tumors. To support the clinical development of dasatinib, we identified a pharmacodynamic biomarker to assess in vivo SRC kinase inhibition, with subsequent evaluation in cancer patients.

METHODS

The biomarker, phosphorylated SRC (phospho-SRC), was first identified in human prostate PC-3 tumor cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. It was further assessed in nude mice bearing PC-3 xenografts. Phospho-SRC[pY418] in tumors and PBMC were measured by western blot analysis, and were quantified by ELISA assays. Dasatinib plasma concentrations were determined using LC/MS/MS.

RESULTS

In PC-3 cells, dasatinib showed dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect, which correlated with the inhibition of phospho-SRC[pY418] and of SRC kinase activity. With a single oral dose of 50 or 15 mg/kg, tumoral phospho-SRC[pY418] was maximally inhibited at 3 h, partially reversed between 7 and 17 h, and completely recovered after 24 h post dose. At 5 mg/kg, tumoral phospho-SRC[pY418] inhibition was less pronounced and recovered more rapidly to baseline level within 24h. Dasatinib (1 mg/kg) resulted in little inhibition. In PBMCs, a similar time course and extent of phospho-SRC[pY418] inhibition was observed. Inhibition of phospho-SRC[pY418] in vivo appeared to correlate with the preclinical in vivo efficacy and PK profiles of dasatinib in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Phospho-SRC[pY418] may potentially be used as a biomarker to enable assessment of target inhibition in clinical studies exploring dasatinib antitumor activity.

DR5 receptor mediates anoikis in human colorectal carcinoma cell lines

As human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells metastasize to distant sites, they are susceptible to detachment-induced cell death or anoikis - a form of apoptosis that occurs when anchorage-dependent CRC cells go into suspension. Our goal was to identify whether tumor necrosis factor receptor apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors mediate anoikis in human CRC cells. First, we assessed whether caspases of the extrinsic (caspase-8) or intrinsic (caspase-9) death pathways were involved. Caspase-8 was cleaved during exposure to suspension culture in four CRC lines, and cell death was inhibited by caspase-3 and caspase-8 inhibitors but not by a caspase-9 inhibitor. Gene transcripts in macrophage inflammatory protein-101 (MIP-110), a weakly metastatic human CRC, were increased at least 2-fold for TRAIL-R2 (DR5) and TRAIL after 24 h of suspension culture compared with cells in monolayer culture. The increased expression of DR5 was confirmed at the protein level at 24 h, and exposure of MIP-101 cells to an antagonistic antibody to DR5 decreased caspase-8 activation. The antagonistic antibody to DR5 inhibited anoikis in four human CRC lines. Treatment with an antagonistic DR4 antibody or a neutralizing antibody to TRAIL ligand did not reduce anoikis consistently. Knockdown of DR5 or TRAIL also inhibited anoikis, whereas exogenous TRAIL or FasL did not consistently increase anoikis. In summary, DR5 receptor mediates death signals for anoikis in human CRC cells through the extrinsic apoptotic pathway.

Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor phosphorylation on tumor-associated endothelial cells leads to treatment of orthotopic human colon cancer in nude mice

The purpose of our study was to determine whether the dual inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathways in tumor-associated endothelial cells can inhibit the progressive growth of human colon carcinoma in the cecum of nude mice. SW620CE2 human colon cancer cells growing in culture and orthotopically in the cecum of nude mice expressed a high level of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) but were negative for EGFR, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and VEGFR. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that tumor-associated endothelial cells expressed EGFR, VEGFR2, phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), and phosphorylated VEGFR (pVEGFR). Treatment of mice with either 7H-pyrrolo [2,3-d]-pyrimidine lead scaffold (AEE788; an inhibitor of EGFR and VEGFR tyrosine kinase) or CPT-11 as single agents significantly inhibited the growth of cecal tumors (P < .01); this decrease was even more pronounced with AEE788 combined with CPT-11 (P < .001). AEE788 alone or combined with CPT-11 also inhibited the expression of pEGFR and pVEGFR on tumor-associated endothelial cells, significantly decreased vascularization and tumor cell proliferation, and increased the level of apoptosis in both tumor-associated endothelial cells and tumor cells. These data demonstrate that targeting EGFR and VEGFR signaling on tumor-associated endothelial cells provides a viable approach for the treatment of colon cancer.

Nm23-H1 suppresses metastasis by inhibiting expression of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor EDG2

Nm23-H1 transcriptionally down-regulates expression of the lysophosphatidic acid receptor EDG2 and this down-regulation is critical for Nm23-H1-mediated motility suppression in vitro. We investigated the effect of altered EDG2 expression on Nm23-H1-mediated metastasis suppression in vivo. Clonal MDA-MB-435-derived tumor cell lines transfected with Nm23-H1 together with either a vector control or EDG2 had similar anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth rates in vitro. However, a 45- and 300-fold inhibition of motility and invasion (P < 0.0001), respectively, was observed in Nm23-H1/vector lines, whereas coexpression of EDG2 restored activity to levels observed in the parental line. Using fluorescently labeled cells and ex vivo microscopy, the capacity of these cells to adhere, arrest, extravasate, and survive in the murine lung over a 24-h time course was measured. Only 5% of Nm23-H1/vector-transfected cells were retained in the murine lung 6 h following tail vein injection; coexpression of EDG2 enhanced retention 8- to 13-fold (P < 0.01). In a spontaneous metastasis assay, the primary tumor size of Nm23-H1/vector and Nm23-H1/EDG2 clones was not significantly different. However, restoration of EDG2 expression augmented the incidence of pulmonary metastasis from 51.9% to 90.4% (P = 2.4 x 10(-5)), comparable with parental MDA-MB-435 cells. To determine the relevance of this model system to human breast cancer, a cohort of breast carcinomas was stained for Nm23-H1 and EDG2 and a statistically significant inverse correlation between these two proteins was revealed (r = -0.73; P = 0.004). The data indicate that Nm23-H1 down-regulation of EDG2 is functionally important to suppression of tumor metastasis.

Anoikis, initiated by Mcl-1 degradation and Bim induction, is deregulated during oncogenesis

Anoikis, a Bax-dependent apoptosis triggered by detachment from the extracellular matrix, is often dysfunctional in metastatic cancer cells. Using wild-type and c-Src-transformed NIH3T3 cells as a model, we identified Mcl-1 degradation and Bim up-regulation as a critical determinant of anoikis initiation. Detachment rapidly degraded Mcl-1 via a GSK-3beta-dependent proteasomal pathway and transcriptionally up-regulated Bim expression. Mcl-1 degradation in the presence of Bim was sufficient to induce anoikis. By analyzing nonmetastatic Saos-2 and metastatic derivative LM7 cells, we confirmed that dysregulation of Mcl-1 degradation and Bim induction during detachment contributes to decreased anoikis sensitivity of metastatic cells. Furthermore, knockdown of Mcl-1 or pharmacologic inhibition of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways that suppress Mcl-1 degradation and Bim expression could markedly sensitize metastatic breast cancer cells to anoikis and prevent metastases in vivo. Therefore, Mcl-1 degradation primes the cell for Bax activation and anoikis, which can be blocked by oncogenic signaling in metastatic cells.

Is there a genetic signature for liver metastasis in colorectal cancer?

Even though liver metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), fundamental questions about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver metastasis still remain unanswered. Determination of gene expression profiles by microarray technology has improved our knowledge of CRC molecular pathways. However, defined gene signatures are highly variable among studies. Expression profiles and molecular markers have been specifically linked to liver metastases mechanistic paths in CRC. However, to date, none of the identified signatures or molecular markers has been successfully validated as a diagnostic or prognostic tool applicable to routine clinical practice. To obtain a genetic signature for liver metastasis in CRC, measures to improve reproducibility, to increase consistency, and to validate results need to be implemented. Alternatives to expression profiling with microarray technology are continuing to be used. In the recent past, many genes codifying for proteins that are directly or indirectly involved in adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, survival and cell growth have been linked to mechanisms of liver metastases in CRC.

Fak/Src signaling in human intestinal epithelial cell survival and anoikis: differentiation state-specific uncoupling with the PI3-K/Akt-1 and MEK/Erk pathways

Human intestinal epithelial cell survival and anoikis are distinctively regulated according to the state of differentiation. In the present study, we analyzed the roles of focal adhesion kinase (Fak)/Src signaling to the PI3-K/Akt-1 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular regulated kinases (Erk) pathways, within the context of such differentiation-state distinctions. Anoikis was induced by inhibition of beta1 integrins (antibody blocking), inhibition of Fak (pharmacologic inhibition or overexpression of dominant negative mutants), or by maintaining cells in suspension. Activation parameters of Fak, Src, Akt-1, and Erk1/2 were analyzed. Activities of Src, Akt-1, or Erk1/2 were also blocked by pharmacological inhibition or by overexpression of dominant-negative mutants. We report that: (1) the loss or inhibition of beta1 integrin binding activity causes anoikis and results in a down-activation of Fak, Src, Akt-1, and Erk1/2 in both undifferentiated, and differentiated cells; (2) the inhibition of Fak likewise causes anoikis and a down-activation of Src, Akt-1, and Erk1/2, regardless of the differentiation state; (3) Src, PI3-K/Akt-1, and MEK/Erk contribute to the survival of differentiated cells, whereas MEK/Erk does not play a role in the survival of undifferentiated ones; (4) the inhibition/loss of beta1 integrin binding and/or Fak activity results in a loss of Src engagement with Fak, regardless of the state of differentiation; and (5) Src contributes to the activation of both the PI3-K/Akt-1 and MEK/Erk pathways in undifferentiated cells, but does not influence PI3-K/Akt-1 in differentiated ones. Hence, Fak/Src signaling to the PI3-K/Akt-1 and MEK/Erk pathways undergoes a differentiation state-specific uncoupling which ultimately reflects upon the selective engagement of these same pathways in the mediation of intestinal epithelial cell survival.

CUB domain-containing protein 1 is a novel regulator of anoikis resistance in lung adenocarcinoma

Malignant tumor cells frequently achieve resistance to anoikis, a form of apoptosis induced by detachment from the basement membrane, which results in the anchorage-independent growth of these cells. Although the involvement of Src family kinases (SFKs) in this alteration has been reported, little is known about the signaling pathways involved in the regulation of anoikis under the control of SFKs. In this study, we identified a membrane protein, CUB-domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1), as an SFK-binding phosphoprotein associated with the anchorage independence of human lung adenocarcinoma. Using RNA interference suppression and overexpression of CDCP1 mutants in lung cancer cells, we found that tyrosine-phosphorylated CDCP1 is required to overcome anoikis in lung cancer cells. An apoptosis-related molecule, protein kinase Cdelta, was found to be phosphorylated by the CDCP1-SFK complex and was essential for anoikis resistance downstream of CDCP1. Loss of CDCP1 also inhibited the metastatic potential of the A549 cells in vivo. Our findings indicate that CDCP1 is a novel target for treating cancer-specific disorders, such as metastasis, by regulating anoikis in lung adenocarcinoma.

Downstream intracellular effectors of epidermal growth factor receptor as targets for anticancer therapy

In recent years, the knowledge about mutations in components of the intracellular signal transduction pathway has greatly improved. Pivotal target molecules, such as Ras, PI3K, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and PKC, form an important biochemical network, which, when mutated, drives cell growth in an unlimited manner. Cancer cells have been shown to be able to harness different growth factor signalling pathways. Protein kinase inhibitors, targeted to the above pathways, have demonstrated activity against several solid tumours and are generally better tolerated than standard cytotoxic agents. The future challenge will be to find the most clever way to use combinations of these novel compounds.

Cell-cell contacts prevent anoikis in primary human colonic epithelial cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Colonic epithelial cells (CECs) receive important survival signals from the extracellular matrix and undergo detachment-induced apoptosis (anoikis) as soon as they lose their cell-matrix anchorage. In contrast to the established role of cell-matrix contact, the role of cell-cell contacts as a physiologic survival factor for CECs is less clear.

METHODS

Intact CEC crypts gently centrifuged to form a cell aggregate in which cell-cell contacts were maintained. Induction of apoptosis was assessed by Western Blot analysis, colorimetric assays, DNA electrophoresis, 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining, and flow cytometry. Activation of survival pathways was analyzed by Western blot. The role of mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), and Src signaling was investigated using specific inhibitors.

RESULTS

Despite a complete loss of cell-matrix adhesion after CEC isolation, activation of caspases was blocked and anoikis was prevented when cell-cell contacts were preserved. CECs with preserved cell-cell contacts exhibited a rapid dephosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase. Aggregated CECs had stable levels of active beta-catenin and phosphorylated Akt, Erk1/2, and epidermal growth factor receptor, but CECs undergoing anoikis rapidly degraded beta-catenin and dephosphorylated Akt. Inhibition of Src- and PI3-K-dependent signaling reversed the antiapoptotic effect of cell-cell contact preservation, while inhibition of the MEK pathway had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrity of cell-cell contacts compensates for the loss of cell-matrix contact-mediated survival signals in CECs and prevents apoptosis. Cell-cell contact-triggered CEC survival involves antiapoptotic signaling through beta-catenin-, Src-, and PI3-K/Akt- but not through MEK- and focal adhesion kinase-dependent pathways.

Focal adhesion kinase and p53 signaling in cancer cells

The progression of human cancer is characterized by a process of tumor cell motility, invasion, and metastasis to distant sites, requiring the cancer cells to be able to survive the apoptotic pressures of anchorage-independent conditions. One of the critical tyrosine kinases linked to these processes of tumor invasion and survival is the focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK was first isolated from human tumors, and FAK mRNA was found to be upregulated in invasive and metastatic human breast and colon cancer samples. Recently, the FAK promoter was cloned, and it has been found to contain p53-binding sites. p53 inhibits FAK transcription, and recent data show direct binding of FAK and p53 proteins in vitro and in vivo. The structure of FAK and p53, proteins interacting with FAK, and the role of FAK in tumorigenesis and FAK-p53-related therapy are reviewed. This review focuses on FAK signal transduction pathways, particularly on FAK and p53 signaling, revealing a new paradigm in cell biology, linking signaling from the extracellular matrix to the nucleus.

Activation of proMMP-2 and Src by HHV8 vGPCR in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection and demonstrates pathological angiogenesis similar to that observed with another HHV8-linked disease, namely Kaposi Sarcoma (KS). Importantly, the HHV8 encoded viral G-protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR) induces KS lesions in a murine model. Investigating the impact of vGPCR expression on the angiogenic activity of human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAEC) can yield insight into the pathobiology of HHV8-associated vascular disorders, particularly PAH. Cultured HPAECs were transduced with retroviral vectors carrying either control or vGPCR coding regions. vGPCR expression selectively activated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, a pivotal matrix modulating enzyme during angiogenesis. A membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) neutralizing antibody and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) independently blocked vGPCR-induced MMP-2 activation. vGPCR expression concordantly promoted MMP-2 activation by increasing MT1-MMP expression while decreasing TIMP-2 expression. vGPCR activated Src kinase as demonstrated by phosphorylation of Src and its substrate focal adhesion kinase (FAK). vGPCR promoted angiogenesis of HPAECs as demonstrated by a substantial increase in tubulogenesis in vitro. The Src inhibitors PP2 and SU6656 significantly diminished vGPCR-induced MMP-2 activation and tubulogenesis. Our findings indicate that vGPCR induces MMP-2 activation in HPAECs through regulation of MT1-MMP and TIMP-2 expression. vGPCR activates Src and inhibition of such activation abrogates proMMP-2 activation and in vitro angiogenesis induced by vGCPR. The current study implicates vGPCR as an etiological agent in iPAH and identifies Src and MMP-2 as potential therapeutic targets in HHV8 associated KS and iPAH.

RhoGDIbeta lacking the N-terminal regulatory domain suppresses metastasis by promoting anoikis in v-src-transformed cells

Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitors (RhoGDIs) regulate the activity of Rho family GTPases. RhoGDIbeta (LyGDI/GDID4/RhoGDI2) has two caspase cleavage sites after Asp19 and Asp55. The resulting cleavage products, DeltaN(1-19)RhoGDIbeta and DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta, are expressed in cells under conditions that activate caspases. DeltaN(1-19)RhoGDIbeta, which can inhibit GDP dissociation, is implicated in the process of apoptosis, whereas the physiological roles for DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta, which lacks the ability to inhibit GDP dissociation, are largely unknown. To explore the roles of DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta, we examined the phenotypes of v-src-transformed metastatic fibroblasts transfected with plasmids for expressing DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta. Although the expression of DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta had no effect on the rate of growth in vitro, it suppressed experimental metastasis and decreased the rate of growth in vivo. In addition, DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta-expressing cells had enhanced adhesion to fibronectin, laminin, and collagens but reduced retention in the lung after intravenous injection. Also, the expression of DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta promoted anoikis without affecting the levels of activated Rac1 or Cdc42. Furthermore, DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta did not affect the expression or phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinases, or Akt1 before or after induction of anoikis. Thus, DeltaN(1-55)RhoGDIbeta appears to promote anoikis by undefined mechanisms, thereby suppressing metastasis in v-src-transformed fibroblasts.

Tiam1 regulates cell adhesion, migration and apoptosis in colon tumor cells

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 regulates numerous biologic properties including migration and invasion. We demonstrated previously that colon tumor cells biologically selected for increased migration were increased in Tiam1 expression. Cells selected for increased Tiam1 expression or that ectopically overexpress Tiam1 were increased in metastatic potential. Here, we demonstrate that Tiam1 regulates additional functions associated with metastasis, including reduced cellular adhesion and resistance to anoikis. Tiam1 effects on cellular migration are mediated through its downstream substrate, Rac. Increased Tiam1 expression also leads to anoikis-resistance, whereas decreasing Tiam1 expression by siRNA sensitizes cells to this form of apoptosis; however, Tiam1's regulation of anoikis is Rac-independent. Staurosporine sensitivity is also Rac-independent, suggesting Tiam1's effects on apoptosis require other effectors. As many of the observed phenotypes are characteristic of a transition of transformed epithelial cells to a mesenchymal-like phenotype, we also examined biochemical properties associated with an EMT. We demonstrate an increase in vimentin expression in cell lines that overexpress Tiam1 and have a more metastatic phenotype. Concomitant with this increase, we observe a decrease in E-cadherin expression in these cells. Lastly, we stained a panel of human colorectal specimens and adjacent normal tissue, and demonstrate that Tiam1 is overexpressed in a subset of human colorectal tumors. In summary, in colon tumor cells, Tiam1 affects multiple properties associated with acquisition of the metastatic phenotype, and may represent a marker of colon tumor progression and metastasis in a subset of tumors.

5-aminosalicylic acid enhances anchorage-independent colorectal cancer cell death

Resistance to anoikis, the cell death triggered by the loss of anchorage to the substratum, is an essential prerequisite in the proliferation and diffusion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. We examined whether 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), a drug that seems to reduce the risk of colitis-associated CRC, enhances CRC cell anoikis. To this end, Colo205 cells were treated with 5-ASA in the presence or absence of inhibitors of caspases (zVAD-fmk) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). We demonstrate that 5-ASA enhances Colo205 cell death. Although 5-ASA induces dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and caspase-3 activation, zVAD-fmk does not completely prevent the 5-ASA-induced cell death. 5-ASA also enhances the synthesis of ROS. However, inhibitors of ROS reduce the fraction of 5-ASA-induced Colo205 cell death but do not confer protection. In contrast, the 5-ASA-mediated Colo205 cell death is preventable by Bcl-2 over-expression. These data suggest a mechanism by which 5-ASA interferes with colon carcinogenesis.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 mediates migration of human colorectal carcinoma cells by activation of Src family kinases

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the predominant pro-angiogenic cytokine in human malignancy, and its expression correlates with disease recurrence and poor outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. Recently, expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) has been observed on tumours of epithelial origin, including those arising in the colon, but the molecular mechanisms governing potential VEGF-driven biologic functioning in these tumours are not well characterised. In this report, we investigated the role of Src family kinases (SFKs) in VEGF-mediated signalling in human colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cell lines. Vascular endothelial growth factor specifically activated SFKs in HT29 and KM12L4 CRC cell lines. Further, VEGF stimulation resulted in enhanced cellular migration, which was effectively blocked by pharmacologic inhibition of VEGFR-1 or Src kinase. Correspondingly, migration studies using siRNA clones with reduced Src expression confirmed the requirement for Src in VEGF-induced migration in these cells. Furthermore, VEGF treatment enhanced VEGFR-1/SFK complex formation and increased tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, p130 cas and paxillin. Finally, we demonstrate that VEGF-induced migration is not due, at least in part, to VEGF acting as a mitogen. These results suggest that VEGFR-1 promotes migration of tumour cells through a Src-dependent pathway linked to activation of focal adhesion components that regulate this process.

Src activation of Stat3 is an independent requirement from NF-kappaB activation for constitutive IL-8 expression in human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells

Human pancreatic tumors often overexpress the angiogenesis-promoting factor Interleukin 8 (IL-8), in part due to overexpression of NF-kappaB, a frequent occurrence in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In this study, we demonstrate that reducing c-Src kinase activity, through either pharmacologic inhibition or small interfering RNA-targeted reduction of Src expression, significantly decreased IL-8 expression (P < 0.05) without affecting NF-kappaB-mediated transcription, but by decreasing phosphorylation of STAT3. To ascertain whether Src-mediated expression of IL-8 was dependent on STAT3, we used stable clones expressing a dominant-negative isoform of STAT3 that inhibits endogenous STAT3 phosphorylation and subsequent DNA binding and STAT3-mediated gene expression or a constitutively activated isoform of STAT3. IL-8 expression was significantly lower in clones expressing the dominant-negative isoform and significantly increased in clones expressing the activated isoform (P < 0.05 for both). Pharmacologic inhibition of NF-kappaB activity significantly reduced basal IL-8 expression and tumor necrosis factor-induced IL-8 expression (P < 0.05 for both), yet NF-kappaB activity was not dependent on Src. We therefore suggest that Src activation, through phosphorylation of STAT3, and NF-kappaB are all required for expression of IL-8 a critical angiogenic-promoting factor in pancreatic adenocarcinomas.

PI3-K/Akt-mediated anoikis resistance of human osteosarcoma cells requires Src activation

Considerable advances in understanding the mechanisms associated with anoikis resistance of normal and malignant epithelial cells have been made. However, little is still known about the pathways involved in anoikis resistance of non-epithelial cells such as fibroblasts and sarcomas. Our results show that Src activity contributes to anoikis resistance of human osteosarcoma SAOS-2 cells. Src was found to be upregulated in anoikis resistant SAOS cells, and pharmacological inhibition of its activity resulted in the restoration of anoikis sensitivity. A normal pattern of dephosphorylation of FAK was observed upon cell detachment of both anoikis sensitive and resistant SAOS-2 cells, suggesting that FAK activity during anoikis resistance is not essential. The activity of Akt was found to be upregulated in anoikis resistant SAOSar cells and the pharmacological inhibition of PI3-K activity restored sensitivity to anoikis resistant cells, reconfirming the critical role of PI3-K/Akt pathway in cell survival. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Src resulted in a decrease of Akt phosphorylation at Ser473. Altogether, these studies indicated a survival pathway mediated by the Src-dependent activation of the PI3-K/Akt pathway in a manner independent of FAK activity.

Inhibition of SRC expression and activity inhibits tumor progression and metastasis of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells in an orthotopic nude mouse model

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Src is overexpressed in 70% of pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Here, we describe the effect of molecular and pharmacological down-regulation of Src on incidence, growth, and metastasis of pancreatic tumor cells in an orthotopic model. Src expression in L3.6pl human pancreatic tumor cells was reduced by stable expression of a plasmid encoding small interfering RNA (siRNA) to c-src. In stable siRNA clones, Src expression was reduced >80%, with no change in expression of the related kinases c-Yes and c-Lyn, and proliferation rates were similar in all clones. Phosphorylation of Akt and p44/42 Erk mitogen-activated protein kinase and production of VEGF and IL-8 in culture supernatants were also reduced (P < 0.005). On orthotopic implantation of varying cell numbers into nude mice, tumor incidence was unchanged; however, in the siRNA clones, large tumors failed to develop, and incidence of metastasis was significantly reduced, suggesting that c-Src activity is critical to tumor progression. To examine this possibility further, animals bearing established wild-type tumors were treated with the Src/Abl-selective inhibitor BMS-354825 (dasatinib). Tumor size was decreased, and incidence of metastases was significantly reduced in treated mice compared with controls. These results demonstrate that Src activation contributes to pancreatic tumor progression in this model, offering Src as a candidate for targeted therapy.

AP23846, a novel and highly potent Src family kinase inhibitor, reduces vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8 expression in human solid tumor cell lines and abrogates downstream angiogenic processes

c-Src is frequently activated in human malignancies, including colon, breast, and pancreatic carcinomas. Several recent studies have shown that activation of Src family kinases leads to tumor progression and metastasis by increasing cellular migration and invasion, promoting cell growth and survival, and deregulating expression of proangiogenic molecules. Therefore, selective inhibitors of Src are being developed for cancer therapy. In this study, we characterize the biological effects of the novel ATP-based Src family kinase inhibitor, AP23846, in tumor cells with high Src activity. As a lead compound, AP23846 is a potent c-Src kinase inhibitor (IC50 approximately 0.5 nmol/L in vitro, approximately 10-fold more potent than PP2, the most widely used commercially available Src family kinase inhibitor). At concentrations of 1 micromol/L, AP23846 led to complete Src inhibition for 48 hours in cells. No cytotoxicity was observed under these conditions, although proliferation rates were slower. Therefore, this was an excellent inhibitor to examine Src-regulated signaling pathways in tumor cells. AP23846 reduced cellular migration, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-8 in a dose-dependent fashion in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells grown in vitro. Correspondingly, cell culture supernatants from L3.6pl pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells pretreated with AP23846 failed to promote migration of hepatic endothelial cells in vitro and failed to support angiogenesis into gel foams implanted s.c. in mice in vivo. These results suggest that Src inhibitors affect biological properties of tumor progression and may be useful as cancer therapeutic agents in more advanced disease.

Antianoikis Effect of Nuclear Factor-κB through Up-regulated Expression of Osteoprotegerin, BCL-2, and IAP-1

Epithelial cells undergo a form of apoptosis termed anoikis when they lose extracellular attachments. We evaluated the role of transcription factor NF-kappaB in the regulation of anoikis susceptibility of intestinal epithelial cells. Culture of rat intestinal epithelial cells in suspension induced NF-kappaB activation, which blocked the anoikis of those cells, as assessed by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 cleavage. Activation of NF-kappaB after the loss of extracellular attachments required focal adhesion kinase tyrosine 397 phosphorylation. This triggered a signaling cascade through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and AKT, to induce DNA binding of the RelA/p65 NF-kappaB polypeptide. NF-kappaB activated in this manner induced the up-regulated expression of a distinct program of genes that included osteoprotegerin, BCL-2, and IAP-1 (inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1). Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that NF-kappaB directly regulated the promoters of these 3 genes. Knock-down of the expression of osteoprotegerin, BCL-2, or inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 by RNA interference showed that these factors inhibit anoikis, and genetic reconstitution of their expression alone or in combination restored normal levels of anoikis to NF-kappaB-inactive intestinal epithelial cells. Together, these findings have identified the molecular components of a previously unrecognized antianoikis pathway in intestinal epithelial cells.

CD99 acts as an oncosuppressor in osteosarcoma

CD99 was recently reported to be under control of the osteoblast-specific transcription factor Cbfa1 (RUNX2) in osteoblasts, suggesting a role in the phato-physiology of these cells. No extensive information is available on the role(s) of this molecule in malignant phenotype, and osteosarcoma, in particular, has never been studied. We report that in 11 different cell lines and 17 clinical samples CD99 expression is either undetectable or very low. Being expressed in the normal counterpart, we tested the hypothesis that CD99 down-regulation may have a role in osteosarcoma development and progression. CD99-forced expression in two osteosarcoma cell lines significantly reduced resistance to anoikis, inhibited growth in anchorage independence as well as cell migration, and led to abrogation of tumorigenic and metastatic ability. Therefore, the molecule acts as a potent suppressor of malignancy in osteosarcoma. CD99 gene transfection induces caveolin-1 up-regulation and the two molecules were found to colocalize on the cell surface. Treatment with antisense oligonucleotides to caveolin-1 abrogates the effects of CD99 on migration. The findings point to an antioncogenic role for CD99 in osteosarcoma, likely through the regulation of caveolin-1 and inhibition of c-Src kinase activity.

Quinazoline α1-Blockers: Are there any News about their Efficacy in Inhibiting Prostate Tumor Growth?

α1-adrenoceptor agonists have recently been recognized as growth factors for several cell types, including both stromal smooth muscle- and epithelial cells of the prostate gland, by triggering off a cascade of intracellular signal transduction pathway that controls cell proliferation. On the contrary, quinazoline α1 -blockers (doxazosin, terazosin, prazosin) inhibit cell kinetics and induce, above all, anoikis and apoptotic death of both stromal smooth muscle- and epithelial cells, through α1 -adrenoceptor-indipendent mechanisms, thus preventing or delaying prostate tumor growth.

Constitutive activation of JAK3/STAT3 in colon carcinoma tumors and cell lines: inhibition of JAK3/STAT3 signaling induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest of colon carcinoma cells

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has oncogenic potential. The biological effects of STAT3 have not been studied extensively in the pathogenesis of colon cancer, nor has the role of Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), the physiological activator of STAT3, been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that activated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and activated JAK3 (pJAK3) are expressed constitutively in two colon cancer cell lines, SW480 and HT29. To evaluate the significance of JAK3/STAT3 signaling, we inhibited JAK3 with AG490 and STAT3 with a dominant-negative construct. Inhibition of JAK3 down-regulated pSTAT3. The blockade of JAK3/STAT3 signaling significantly decreased viability of colon cancer cells due to apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest through down-regulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-X(L), Mcl-1, and cyclin D2 and up-regulation of p21(waf1/cip1) and p27(kip1). We also examined histological sections from 22 tumors from patients with stage II or stage IV colon cancer and found STAT3, JAK3, and their activated forms to be frequently expressed. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction identified JAK3 mRNA in colon cancer cell lines and primary tumors. Our findings illustrate the biological importance of JAK3/STAT3 activation in the oncogenesis of colon cancer and provide novel evidence that JAK3 is expressed and contributes to STAT3 activation in this malignant neoplasm.

Construction and characterization of multiple human colon cancer cell lines for inducibly regulated gene expression

Validation of targets for cancer drug discovery requires robust experimental models. Systems based on inducible gene expression are well suited to this purpose but are difficult to establish in several epithelial cell types. Using the recently discovered transcriptional transactivator (rtTA2S-M2), we developed a strategy for fast and efficient generation of Tet On cells. Multiple clones of HCT116, SW480, and HT29 human colon cancer cells for doxycycline-regulated gene expression were constructed that constitutively express green fluorescent protein (GFP) for selection/maintenance purposes. The cell lines displayed good fold inducibility (49-124xHCT116; 178-621xSW480; 261-787xHT29) and minimal leakiness after transient transfection with a luciferase reporter or with vectors driving inducible expression of red fluorescent protein (dsRed2), constitutively active c-Src or dominant negative K-Ras4B. The clones preserved their transformed phenotype as demonstrated by comparing their properties to respective wild type cells, in terms of growth in vitro and in vivo (as tumor xenografts), cell cycle traverse, and sensitivity to drugs used in chemotherapy. These engineered cell lines enabled tightly controlled inducible gene expression both in vitro and in vivo, and proved well suited for construction of double-stable cell lines inducibly expressing a protein of interest. As such they represent a useful research tool for example, to dissect oncogene function(s) in colon cancer. Supplementary material for this article be found at http://www.mrw.interscience.wiley.com/suppmat/0730-2312/suppmat/94/suppmat_welman.doc.

c-Src regulates constitutive and EGF-mediated VEGF expression in pancreatic tumor cells through activation of phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase and p38 MAPK

OBJECTIVES

Multiple signaling proteins may be aberrantly activated and/or overexpressed in pancreatic tumors, including the nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Src. The goal of this study was to determine the role of Src in regulating VEGF expression and angiogenic potential in pancreatic cancer cell lines.

METHODS

Src activity was inhibited using the Src family kinase selective inhibitor PP2, and c-Src expression was down-regulated via siRNA. The activities of downstream signaling molecules phosphatidyl inositol 3'-kinase (PI3K) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were disrupted via selective inhibitors. In vivo angiogenesis was assessed through the use of a gel-foam assay.

RESULTS

Inhibition of Src activity or expression decreases both constitutive and EGF-induced VEGF production. Both the PI3K/Akt and p38 MAPK pathways are activated in a Src family kinase-dependent fashion on EGF-R activation and are important for EGF-mediated VEGF production in pancreatic cancer cells. Additionally, media from Src-inhibited L3.6pl cells fail to promote angiogenesis into gel foams implanted subcutaneously into mice, whereas media from control cells promote a robust angiogenic response.

CONCLUSIONS

Src activity contributes to constitutive and EGF-induced VEGF expression and angiogenic potential in pancreatic cancer cells. Therefore, Src may be a viable target for antiangiogenesis therapy in pancreatic cancer.

Differential Effect of the Focal Adhesion Kinase Y397F Mutant on v-Src-Stimulated Cell Invasion and Tumor Growth

Upon cell adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) rapidly undergoes autophosphorylation on its Tyr-397 which consequently serves as a binding site for the Src homology 2 domains of the Src family protein kinases and several other intracellular signaling molecules. In this study, we have attempted to examine the effect of the FAK Y397F mutant on v-Src-stimulated cell transformation by establishing an inducible expression of the Y397F mutant in v-Src-transformed FAK-null (FAK(-/-)) mouse embryo fibroblasts. We found that the FAK Y397F mutant had both positive and negative effects on v-Src-stimulated cell transformation; it promoted v-Src-stimulated invasion, but on the other hand it inhibited the v-Src-stimulated anchorage-independent cell growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo . The positive effect of the Y397F mutant on v-Src-stimulated invasion was correlated with an increased expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, both of which were inhibited by the specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin or a dominant negative mutant of AKT, suggesting a critical role for the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway in both events. However, the expression of the Y397F mutant rendered v-Src-transformed FAK(-/-) cells susceptible to anoikis, correlated with suppression on v-Src-stimulated activation of ERK and AKT. In addition, under anoikis stress, the induction of the Y397F mutant in v-Src-transformed FAK(-/-) cells selectively led to a decrease in the level of p130(Cas), but not other focal adhesion proteins such as talin, vinculin, and paxillin. These results suggest that FAK may increase the susceptibility of v-Src-transformed cells to anoikis by modulating the level of p130(Cas).

SKI-606, a Src/Abl inhibitor with in vivo activity in colon tumor xenograft models

Src up-regulation is a common event in human cancers. In colorectal cancer, increased Src levels are an indicator of poor prognosis, and progression to metastatic disease is associated with substantial increases in Src activity. Therefore, we examined the activity of SKI-606, a potent inhibitor of Src and Abl kinases, against colon tumor lines in vitro and in s.c. tumor xenograft models. SKI-606 inhibited Src autophosphorylation with an IC(50) of approximately 0.25 micromol/L in HT29 cells. Phosphorylation of Tyr(925) of focal adhesion kinase, a Src substrate, was reduced by similar concentrations of inhibitor. Antiproliferative activity on plastic did not correlate with Src inhibition in either HT29 or Colo205 cells (IC(50)s, 1.5 and 2.5 micromol/L, respectively), although submicromolar concentrations of SKI-606 inhibited HT29 cell colony formation in soft agar. SKI-606 also caused loosely aggregated Colo205 spheroids to condense into compact spheroids. On oral administration to nude mice at the lowest efficacious dose, peak plasma concentrations of approximately 3 micromol/L, an oral bioavailability of 18%, and a t(1/2) of 8.6 hours were observed. SKI-606 was orally active in s.c. colon tumor xenograft models and caused substantial reductions in Src autophosphorylation on Tyr(418) in HT29 and Colo205 tumors. SKI-606 inhibited HT29 tumor growth on once daily administration, whereas twice daily administration was necessary to inhibit Colo205, HCT116, and DLD1 tumor growth. These results support development of SKI-606 as a therapeutic agent for treatment of colorectal cancer.

Dok-R mediates attenuation of epidermal growth factor-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt activation through processive recruitment of c-Src and Csk

Dok-R has previously been shown to associate with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and become tyrosine phosphorylated in response to EGF stimulation. The recruitment of Dok-R to the EGFR, which is mediated through its phosphotyrosine binding (PTB) domain, results in attenuation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Dok-R's ability to attenuate EGF-driven MAPK activation is independent of its ability to recruit rasGAP, a known attenuator of MAPK activity, suggesting an alternate Dok-R-mediated pathway. Herein, we have determined the structural determinants within Dok-R that are required for its ability to attenuate EGF signaling and to associate with c-Src and with the Src family kinase (SFK)-inhibitory kinase, Csk. We demonstrate that Dok-R associates constitutively with c-Src through an SH3-dependent interaction and that this association is essential to Dok-R's ability to attenuate c-Src activity and diminish MAPK and Akt/PKB activity. We further illustrate that EGF-dependent phosphorylation of Dok-R requires SFK activity and, more specifically, that SFK-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine 402 on Dok-R facilitates the inducible recruitment of Csk. We propose that recruitment of Csk to Dok-R serves to bring Csk to c-Src and down-regulate its activity, resulting in a concomitant attenuation of MAPK and Akt/PKB activity. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Dok-R can abrogate c-Src's ability to protect the breast cancer cell line SKBR3 from anoikis and that an association with c-Src and Csk is required for this activity. Collectively these results demonstrate that Dok-R acts as an EGFR-recruited scaffolding molecule that processively assembles c-Src and Csk to attenuate signaling from the EGFR.

A novel Src kinase inhibitor, M475271, inhibits VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation and migration

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was reported to be a potent proangiogenic factor that plays a pivotal role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. M475271, 4-quinazolinamine, N-(2-chloro-5-methoxyphenyl)-6-methoxy-7-[(1-methyl-4-piperidinyl) methoxy]-(9Cl), is a new anilinoquinazoline derivative that showed selective inhibition of Src kinase activity and tumor growth in vivo. Here, we examined the effect of M475271 on VEGF-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration and their intracellular mechanisms. Our findings showed that M475271 pretreatment resulted in a significant inhibition of VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation, [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, and migration. M475271 inhibited VEGF-induced Flk-1 and Src phosphorylation and their association. Confocal laser microscopic examination confirmed the inhibitory effect of M475271 on VEGF-induced Flk-1/Src association. M475271 inhibited VEGF-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 but not Akt activation in a concentration-dependent manner. M475271, PI3-K inhibitor, and p38 inhibitor inhibited VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation and migration. However, a MEK1/2 inhibitor inhibited VEGF-induced proliferation but not migration. These findings suggest that M475271 attenuates VEGF-induced HUVEC proliferation and migration through the inhibition of signaling pathways involving Src, ERK1/2, and/or p38. Taken together, these data indicate that M475271 may be a useful candidate for inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation and migration relevant to angiogenesis.

Domain-specific function of ShcC docking protein in neuroblastoma cells

ShcC is a family member of the Shc docking proteins that possess two different phosphotyrosine-binding motifs and conduct signals as Grb2-binding substrates of various receptor tyrosine kinases. We have recently shown that some neuroblastoma cell lines, such as NB-39-nu cells, express a protein complex of hyperphosphorylated ShcC and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), which is self-activated by gene amplification. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of a mutant ShcC lacking Grb2-binding sites, 3YF-ShcC, significantly impaired the survival, differentiation and motility of NB-39-nu cells by blocking the ERK and Akt pathways. On the other hand, cells overexpressing ShcC or 3YF-ShcC, but not a mutant ShcC that lacks SH2, showed decreased anchorage independency and in vivo tumorigenicity, suggesting a novel ShcC-specific suppressive effect through its SH2 domain on cell transformation. Notably, overexpression of ShcC suppressed the sustained phosphorylation of Src family kinase after cell detachment, which might be independent of phosphorylation of Grb2-binding site. It was indicated that the Src/Fyn-Cas pathway is modulated as a target of these suppressive effects by ShcC. Reciprocal change of ShcC expression and phosphorylation observed in malignant neuroblastoma cell lines might be explained by these phosphotyrosine-dependent and -independent functions of ShcC.

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 increases colon carcinoma growth at metastatic sites in an orthotopic nude mouse model

Alterations in migration and adhesion are critical to invasion and metastasis. To examine signaling pathways important for colon tumor metastasis, cells of increased migratory potential from the low migratory SW480 human colorectal carcinoma parental cell line were biologically selected by serial migration through modified Boyden chambers. Several sublines were obtained with statistically significantly increased migration relative to the parental cell line. One highly migratory population was single-cell cloned and characterized. The migratory clones exhibit a four- to five-fold increase in protein and mRNA expression of T-lymphoma invasion and metastasis gene 1 (Tiam1), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor. To determine directly the role of Tiam1 in the migration of these migratory sublines, the parental SW480 cell line was transfected with a plasmid encoding the Tiam1 protein, and single cell clones were established. Ectopic expression of Tiam1 in these clones led to morphologic changes identical to biologically selected clones and increased migration. Finally, the implantation of clones that overexpress Tiam1 into the cecum of athymic mice resulted in tumor growth in the spleen, liver, and lung, whereas parental cells do not form tumors by this route of injection. These results demonstrate that overexpression of Tiam1 contributes to the metastatic phenotype of colon cancer cells.

Neuropilin-1 Suppresses Tumorigenic Properties in a Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cell Line Lacking Neuropilin-1 Coreceptors

Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) was first described as a coreceptor implicated in neuronal guidance that bound members of the semaphorin/collapsin family. NRP-1 is also expressed in endothelial cells and is believed to promote angiogenesis by acting as a coreceptor with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor 2. Recent studies suggest that NRP-1 can function through both a VEGF-dependent and VEGF-independent fashion. Expression of NRP-1 has been shown in many human tumors, including pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The exact role of NRP-1 in tumor cells is unknown, particularly in cells that lack the NRP-1 coreceptors VEGF receptor 2 and Plexin-A1. To discern the regulatory role(s) of NRP-1 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma that lack these coreceptors, we overexpressed both full-length NRP-1 and a deletion form of NRP-1 that does not interact with semaphorin or VEGF. Overexpression of either isoform reduced several key tumorigenic properties, including anchorage-independent cell growth and migration in vitro, and resulted in reduced tumor incidence and tumor volume in vivo. Conversely, reduction of NRP-1 expression by small interfering RNA targeting led to enhanced tumor growth. Thus, NRP-1 may play distinct growth regulatory roles in different tumor types, and altering NRP-1 expression or function may be a means of influencing the growth of pancreatic cancers.

Inhibition of SRC tyrosine kinase as treatment for human pancreatic cancer growing orthotopically in nude mice

PURPOSE

The Src family comprises a family of nonreceptor intracellular tyrosine kinases that mediate a variety of cellular pathways. Src kinases are overexpressed in a variety of human tumors, including cancer of the colon, breast, and pancreas, and they are an integral part of tumor cell signaling pathways associated with migration, proliferation, adhesion, and angiogenesis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We investigated whether the blockade of Src kinase by daily oral administration of the novel Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor AZM475271 [kindly provided by AstraZeneca (Macclesfield, United Kingdom)], alone or in combination with intraperitoneal gemcitabine, can inhibit growth and metastasis of orthotopically implanted human pancreatic carcinoma cells in nude mice.

RESULTS

Treatment with AZM475271 alone reduced the primary pancreatic tumor volume by approximately 40%, whereas AZM475271 plus gemcitabine reduced tumor volume by 90%. Furthermore, treatment with AZM475271 and gemcitabine significantly reduced metastasis: none of eight animals who received the combination treatment had lymph node or liver metastases, compared with five of five and three of five animals, respectively, in the control group (P = 0.001). Src inhibition by AZM475271 (alone or with gemcitabine) was associated with significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, decreased tumor microvessel density, and increased apoptosis in vivo. Moreover, these effects were all significantly increased when gemcitabine was combined with AZM475271 compared with gemcitabine alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Src inhibition by AZM475271, either alone or in combination with gemcitabine, demonstrated significant antitumor and antimetastatic activity in an orthotopic nude mouse model for human pancreatic cancer. The combination of AZM475271 with gemcitabine sensitized tumor cells to the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine.

Role of NF-kappaB signaling in hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-mediated cell protection

The cytokine scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF/SF) protects epithelial, carcinoma, and other cell types against cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by DNA-damaging agents such as ionizing radiation and adriamycin (ADR, a topoisomerase IIalpha inhibitor). We investigated the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) signaling in HGF/SF-mediated protection of human prostate cancer (DU-145) and Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells against ADR. HGF/SF caused the rapid nuclear translocation of the p65 (RelA) subunit of NF-kappaB associated with the transient loss of the inhibitory subunit IkappaB-alpha. Exposure to HGF/SF caused the activation of an NF-kappaB luciferase reporter that was blocked or attenuated by the expression of a mutant 'super-repressor' IkappaB-alpha. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay supershift assays revealed that HGF/SF treatment induced the transient binding of various NF-kappaB family proteins (p65, p50, c-Rel, and RelB) with radiolabeled NF-kappaB-binding oligonucleotides. The HGF/SF-mediated protection of DU-145 and MDCK cells against ADR (demonstrated using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays) was abrogated by the IkappaB-alpha super-repressor. The ability of HGF/SF to activate NF-kappaB signaling was dependent on c-Akt --> Pak1 (p21-associated kinase-1) signaling (with Pak1 downstream of c-Akt) and was inhibited by the tumor suppressor PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog). Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinase and Src family kinases significantly inhibited HGF/SF-mediated activation of NF-kappaB, while inhibitors of MEK, protein kinase C, and p70 S6 kinase had a modest effect or no effect on NF-kappaB activity. HGF/SF induced the expression of several known NF-kappaB target genes (cIAP-1 (cellular inhibitor of apoptosis-1), cIAP-2, and TRAF-2 (TNF receptor-associated factor-2)) in an NF-kappaB-dependent manner; HGF/SF blocked the inhibition of expression of these genes by ADR. Experimental manipulation of expression of these genes suggests that they (particularly TRAF-2 and cIAP-2) contribute to the protection against ADR by HGF/SF. These findings suggest that HGF/SF activates NF-kappaB through a c-Akt --> Pak1 signaling pathway that is also dependent on Src, and that NF-kappaB contributes to HGF/SF-mediated protection against ADR.

A transient increase in the activity of Src-family kinases induced by cell detachment delays anoikis of intestinal epithelial cells

Detachment of epithelial cells from the basement membrane (BM) induces apoptosis, a phenomenon now widely known as anoikis. Studies in mammary and intestinal epithelial cells have shown that the loss of attachment to the BM rapidly triggers reversible proapoptotic events from which the cells can recover if they reattach within a certain period. Thus, cells seem to be transiently protected from the initial detachment-induced proapoptotic events. The molecular mechanisms underlying such transient protection against anoikis are unknown. In this paper, we present evidence indicating that detachment of intestinal epithelial cells triggers a transient, yet significant increase in the activity of the tyrosine kinases c-Src and c-Fyn, and that this activation of Src-family kinases (SFK) contributes to the transient protection against anoikis in these cells. The protective signals from SFK are mediated by the PI3K pathway, and caveolin-1. In addition, we show that the MEK1-ERK1/2 pathway acts in a synergistic manner with SFK to protect intestinal epithelial cells from anoikis.

Src inhibition enhances paclitaxel cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells by caspase-9-independent activation of caspase-3

Src tyrosine kinase has been found to be overexpressed and activated in a high proportion of ovarian cancers and ovarian cancer cell lines. Furthermore, Src activation is associated with activation of growth and survival signaling pathways. The present study was conducted in order to determine the effects of Src inhibition on ovarian cancer cell survival in response to chemotherapeutic agents. Inhibition of Src, either pharmacologically or through expression of a Src dominant-negative fusion construct, enhanced the cytotoxicity of two different classes of chemotherapeutics: paclitaxel and cisplatinum, in both mouse and human ovarian cancer cells. Interestingly, Src inhibition also restored sensitivity to drug-resistant ovarian cancer cells. The increased cytotoxicity in response to Src inhibition was associated with a large increase in processing and activation of caspase-3. The activation of caspase-3 seems to be independent of cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activation. The present study indicates that Src tyrosine kinase may provide an important target for small molecule inhibition in ovarian cancer.

Active participation of endothelial cells in inflammation

Leukocyte migration from the blood into tissues is vital for immune surveillance and inflammation. During this diapedesis of leukocytes, the leukocytes bind to endothelial cell adhesion molecules and then migrate across the vascular endothelium. Endothelial cell adhesion molecules and their counter-receptors on leukocytes generate intracellular signals. This review focuses on the active function of endothelial cells during leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. We include a discussion of the "outside-in" signals in endothelial cells, which are stimulated by antibody cross-linking or leukocyte binding to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Some of these signals in endothelial cells have been demonstrated to actively participate in leukocyte migration. We suggest that some of the adhesion molecule signals, which have not been assigned a function, are consistent with signals that stimulate retraction of lateral junctions, stimulate endothelial cell basal surface adhesion, or induce gene expression.

SRC gene expression in human cancer: the role of transcriptional activation

Human pp60c-Src (or c-Src) is a 60 kDa nonreceptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the SRC gene and is the cellular homologue to the potent transforming v-Src viral oncogene. c-Src functions at the hub of a vast array of signal transduction cascades that influence cellular proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival. c-Src activation has been documented in upwards of 50% of tumors derived from the colon, liver, lung, breast, and pancreas. Therefore, a major focus has been to understand the mechanisms of c-Src activation in human cancer. Early studies concentrated on post-translational mechanisms that lead to increased c-Src kinase activity, which often correlated with overexpression of c-Src protein. More recently, the discovery of an activating SRC mutation in a small subset of advanced colon tumors has been reported. In addition, elevated SRC transcription has been identified as yet another mechanism contributing significantly to c-Src activation in a subset of human colon cancer cell lines. Interestingly, histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, agents with well-documented anti-cancer activity, repress SRC transcription in a wide variety of human cancer cell lines. Analysis of the mechanisms behind HDAC inhibitor mediated repression could be utilized in the future to specifically inhibit SRC gene expression in human cancer.

FLICE/caspase-8 activation triggers anoikis induced by β1-integrin blockade in human keratinocytes

β1-integrin protects keratinocyte stem cells (KSC) from cell-detachment apoptosis (`anoikis'). Here we show that caspase-8 active protein is detected in both young transit amplifying (TA) cells and TA cells, but not in KSC. On suspension, caspases are activated earlier in young TA than in KSC, whereas anti-β1-integrin neutralizing antibody accelerates caspase activation in both KSC and young TA. Caspases 8 and 10 are the first caspases to be activated whereas caspase-8 inhibitor zIETD-fmk delays the activation of Bid, caspase-9 and caspase-3. However, the caspase-9 inhibitor zLEDH-fmk does not block the activation of caspase-8, Bid, caspase-10 and caspase-3. Moreover, caspase-8, but not caspase-9 inhibitor partially prevents keratinocyte anoikis. As FLIP inhibits caspase-8 processing, we retrovirally infected HaCaT keratinocytes with c-FLIPL. Anti-β1-integrin fails to activate caspase-8, Bid, caspase-9 and to induce the release of cytochrome c in c-FLIPL overexpressing keratinocytes. Finally, overexpression of c-FLIPL partially prevents anoikis in both suspended and anti-β1 integrin-treated cells. Taken together, these results indicate that the extrinsic apoptotic pathway triggered by caspase-8 predominates in keratinocyte anoikis. However, the release of cytochrome c and the later activation of caspase-9 seem to suggest that the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway may intervene as a positive feedback loop of caspase activation.

Newest findings on the oldest oncogene; how activated src does it

Oncogenic forms of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src alter cell structure, in particular the actin cytoskeleton and the adhesion networks that control cell migration, and also transmit signals that regulate proliferation and cell survival. Recent work indicates that they do so by influencing the RhoA-ROCK pathway that controls contractile actin filament assembly, the STAT family of transcription factors needed for transformation, and the Cbl ubiquitin ligase that controls Src protein levels. These studies also shed light on the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) downstream of v-Src and other signalling pathways in controlling migration, invasion and survival of transformed cells. Src directly phosphorylates integrins and can also modulate R-Ras activity. Moreover, it stimulates the E-cadherin regulator Hakai, interacts with and phosphorylates the novel podosome-linked adaptor protein Fish, and progressively phosphorylates the gap junction component connexion 43. A recurring theme is the identification of novel and important Src substrates that mediate key biological events associated with transformation.

Expression of the proto-oncogene c-KIT in normal and tumor tissues from colorectal carcinoma patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The proto-oncogene c-KIT encodes a tyrosine kinase receptor essential during embryonic development and postnatal life. Although deregulated expression of c-KIT has been reported, its role in colorectal carcinoma remains controversial: some authors have described a correlation between c-KIT expression and colorectal cancer (CRC), while others have failed to detect the receptor in the majority of neoplasia examined. To address this question, we designed a prospective study to analyze the expression of c-KIT in normal and neoplastic colonic mucosa of the same patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed the tissues of 20 patients undergoing surgical resection for colorectal carcinoma by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, whose results were correlated with histopathological parameters.

RESULTS

Most patients (90%) showed c-KIT expression in normal tissue both at RNA and protein level, while in neoplastic tissue it was observed in 30% of patients at RNA level and in 10% at protein level. By immunohistochemistry the localization of c-KIT protein in the normal colon was restricted to interstitial cells scattered in the stroma, whereas the non-neoplastic epithelium was always negative. The mucinous carcinomas were all c-KIT negative, whereas the only case in which c-KIT was displayed in the neoplastic epithelium was a G3 adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

Most colorectal carcinomas do not express c-KIT. We suggest that c-KIT expression is rarely present in this neoplasia; thus, the use of receptor inhibitors should be conducted in selected sub-groups of colon carcinoma patients, subsequent to the clear demonstration of c-KIT overexpression in the neoplastic cells.

Combination of an SRC kinase inhibitor with a novel pharmacological antagonist of the urokinase receptor diminishes in vitro colon cancer invasiveness

PURPOSE

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR) contributes to colon cancer invasion and metastases. We have shown previously that u-PAR expression in colon cancer is driven by the Src tyrosine kinase. In the current study, we determined the ability of PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine), a Src kinase inhibitor, to reduce u-PAR expression and colon cancer invasion.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Western blotting, Northern blotting, and u-PAR promoter-reporter assays were performed to determine whether PP2 represses u-PAR expression. In vitro invasion assays were used to determine whether this kinase inhibitor, with or without a novel u-PAR antagonist, diminished cultured colon cancer invasiveness.

RESULTS

A constitutively active c-Src increased in vitro invasiveness of SW480 cells, whereas HT-29 cells expressing antisense c-Src showed diminished invasiveness, validating c-Src as a target for low molecular weight compound(s). The Src inhibitor PP2 reduced u-PAR transcription in HT-29 cells over the concentration range that blocked Src kinase activity. PP2 also reduced u-PAR protein amounts in three other colon cancer cell lines with modest to high constitutive Src activity. Treatment of HT-29 cells and 2C8 cells (a SW480 clone expressing a constitutively active Src) with PP2 diminished their in vitro invasiveness. Furthermore, combination of the Src inhibitor with a novel u-PAR peptide antagonist (NI-5.12) proved superior to the individual agents in suppressing invasiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

A c-Src kinase inhibitor represses u-PAR expression and, alone or in combination with a u-PAR antagonist, diminishes colon cancer invasiveness. Thus, concurrent targeting of c-Src expression and pharmacological blockade of the u-PAR may represent a novel means of controlling colon cancer spread.

Altered regulation of Src upon cell detachment protects human lung adenocarcinoma cells from anoikis

Src plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, and migration. Altered Src activity has been strongly implicated in the development, growth, progression, and metastasis of human cancers. We have analysed the change and regulation of Src upon cell detachment in anoikis-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma cells and compared with that of relatively normal and anoikis-sensitive epithelial cells. We found that Src activity was increased in the anoikis-resistant lung tumor cells when they were detached and cultured in suspension. The detachment-induced Src activation in the tumor cells compensates for the loss of cell survival signals caused by disruption of cell--matrix interactions and contributes to anoikis resistance of the tumor cells. Pyk2, rather than PI 3K/Akt or Erk, appears to be the key downstream effecter of Src in mediating the cell survival signals. The increased Src activity is mainly due to the phosphorylation of Tyr-419, rather than the dephosphorylation of Tyr-530 of Src protein. PDGFR, not FAK or EGFR, appears to be the upstream protein tyrosine kinase responsible for the detachment-induced Src activation in the lung tumor cells. The increased Src activity upon cell detachment may contribute to the metastasis potential of malignant tumors.

The interplay between Src and integrins in normal and tumor biology

Src family nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinases transduce signals that control normal cellular processes such as cell proliferation, adhesion and motility. Normally, cellular Src is held in an inactive state, but in several cancer types, abnormal events lead to elevated kinase activity of the protein and cause pleiotropic cellular responses inducing transformation and metastasis. A prerequisite of the ability of a cancer cell to undergo metastasis into distant tissues is to penetrate surrounding extracellular matrices. These processes are facilitated by the integrin family of cell adhesion molecules. As is the case with Src, altered integrin activity or substrate affinity can contribute to the neoplastic phenotype. Therefore, understanding the interplay between Src and integrin function has been of intense interest over the past few years. This review focuses on the role of Src and integrin signaling in normal cells and how this is deregulated in human cancer. We will identify the key players in the integrin-mediated signaling pathways involved in cell motility and apoptosis, such as FAK, paxillin and p130(CAS), and discuss how Src signaling affects the formation of focal adhesions and the extracellular matrix.

Overexpression of cortactin is involved in motility and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The molecular basis of the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the crucial genes involved in metastasis of HCC.

METHODS

We compared expression profiles among highly metastatic HCC cell lines and non-metastatic HCC cell lines by using oligonucleotide array to identify genes associated with metastasis. We further investigated the effect of identified gene on cell motility and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we examined immunohistochemistry in human tissue samples.

RESULTS

We identified 39 genes whose expression levels were significantly correlated with metastatic ability (P<0.05). Of these genes, we further investigated cortactin, because this cortical actin-associated protein is a substrate of Src, whose activation has been shown to be involved in HCC cell migration and metastasis. Overexpression of cortactin in a non-metastatic HCC cell line increased cell motility, and resulted in metastasis in an orthotopic model. Furthermore, immunohistochemical expression of cortactin revealed its significant overexpression in HCC with intrahepatic metastasis compared with HCC without intrahepatic metastasis (P<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of cortactin may play a role in the metastasis of HCC by influencing cell motility, and cortactin could be a sensitive marker for HCC with intrahepatic metastasis.