A multifunctional androgen receptor screening assay using the high-throughput Hypercyt flow cytometry system

Endocrine Disruption of Propylparaben in the Male Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis): Tissue Injuries and Abnormal Gene Expressions of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal-Liver Axis

Propylparaben (PrP) is a widely used preservative that is constantly detected in aquatic environments and poses a potential threat to aquatic ecosystems. In the present work, adult male mosquitofish were acutely (4d) and chronically (32d) exposed to environmentally and humanly realistic concentrations of PrP (0, 0.15, 6.00 and 240 μg/L), aimed to investigate the toxic effects, endocrine disruption and possible mechanisms of PrP. Histological analysis showed time- and dose-dependent manners in the morphological injuries of brain, liver and testes. Histopathological alterations in the liver were found in 4d and severe damage was identified in 32d, including hepatic sinus dilatation, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cytolysis and nuclear aggregation. Tissue impairments in the brain and testes were detected in 32d; cell cavitation, cytomorphosis and blurred cell boundaries appeared in the brain, while the testes lesions contained spermatogenic cell lesion, decreased mature seminal vesicle, sperm cells gathering, seminiferous tubules disorder and dilated intercellular space. Furthermore, delayed spermatogenesis had occurred. The transcriptional changes of 19 genes along the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal-liver (HPGL) axis were investigated across the three organs. The disrupted expression of genes such as Ers, Ars, Vtgs, cyp19a, star, hsd3b, hsd17b3 and shh indicated the possible abnormal steroidogenesis, estrogenic or antiandrogen effects of PrP. Overall, the present results provided evidences for the toxigenicity and endocrine disruptive effects on the male mosquitofish of chronic PrP exposure, which highlights the need for more investigations of its potential health risks.

Screening for androgen agonists using autonomously bioluminescent HEK293 reporter cells

Due to the public health concerns of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, there is an increasing demand to develop improved high-throughput detection assays for enhanced exposure control and risk assessment. A substrate-free, autobioluminescent HEK293_ARE/Gal4-Lux assay was developed to screen compounds for their ability to induce androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transcriptional activation. The assay was validated against a group of 40 recommended chemicals and achieved an overall 87.5% accuracy in qualitatively classifying positive and negative AR agonists. The HEK293_ARE/Gal4-Lux assay was demonstrated as a suitable tool for Tier 1 AR agonist screening. By eliminating exogenous substrate, this assay provided a significant advantage over traditional reporter assays by enabling higher-throughput screening with reduced testing costs while maintaining detection accuracy.

A human optimized version of the bacterial luciferase gene cassette was developed such that bioluminescence is controlled by exposure to androgen-disruptor chemicals. This cassette, along with the androgen receptor gene, was co-transfected into an HEK293 human cell host that naturally lacks hormone receptors. The resulting reporter cell line was used to screen compounds for androgenic activity in a low cost, high throughput format.

Examining the evidence of non-monotonic dose-response in Androgen Receptor agonism high-throughput screening assay

Modern High-Throughput Screening (HTS) techniques allow to determine in vitro bioactivity of tens of thousands of chemicals within a relatively short period of time and tested compounds are usually interpreted as either active or inactive. The interpretation is mostly based on the assumption of monotonic dose-response. This approach ignores potential abnormal dose-response relationships, such as non-monotonic dose-response (NMDR). NMDR presents a serious challenge to toxicologists and pharmacologists, since they undermine the usefulness of such concepts as lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) and no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL). The possible presence of the NMDR in Androgen receptor (AR) agonism was examined for a structurally diverse set of chemicals (~8 300 unique compounds) from Tox21 project library. The source of activity data is Tox21 AR agonism luciferase-based HTS on the MDA-MB-453 cell line. The examination of curve fitting for 35,328 dose-response data entries was based on modified version of existing criteria for determination of NMDR. The bias that arises from compounds' cytotoxicity and interference with firefly luciferase protein was also studied. The examination has shown evidence of NMDR for several compounds, including known AR antagonists (e. g. Cyproterone acetate) and other known endocrine disruptors (e. g. Tranilast). Compounds were divided into 3 groups based on chemical class, known biological activity profile and the shape of dose-response curve. The challenges of using HTS data to determine NMDR and benefits of this analysis are discussed.

High-throughput screen identifies 5-HT receptor as a modulator of AR and a therapeutic target for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Eradication of persistent androgen receptor (AR) activity in castration-resistant prostate cancer may be a promising strategy to overcome castration resistance. We aimed to identify novel compounds that inhibit AR activity and could be potential therapeutic agents for prostate cancer.

METHODS

A high-throughput screening system involving cell lines stably expressing AR protein and AR-responsive luciferase was employed for the 1260 compound library. Molecular and antitumor effects on candidate pathways that interacted with AR signaling were examined in prostate cancer cells expressing AR.

RESULTS

The high-throughput screening identified various potential compounds that interfered with AR signaling through known and novel pathways. Among them, a 5-hydroxytryptamine 5A (5-HT5A) receptor antagonist suppressed AR activity through protein kinase A signaling, which was confirmed by 5-HT5A receptor knockdown. Consistently, 5-HT5A receptor inhibitors showed cytotoxic effects toward prostate cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study identifies 5-HT5A receptor as a promising therapeutic target for prostate cancer via its interaction with AR signaling.

A magic drug target: Androgen receptor

Androgen receptor (AR) is closely associated with a group of hormone-related diseases including the cancers of prostate, breast, ovary, pancreas, etc and anabolic deficiencies such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis. Depending on the specific type and stage of the diseases, AR ligands including not only antagonists but also agonists and modulators are considered as potential therapeutics, which makes AR an extremely interesting drug target. Here, we at first review the current understandings on the structural characteristics of AR, and then address why and how AR is investigated as a drug target for the relevant diseases and summarize the representative antagonists and agonists targeting five prospective small molecule binding sites at AR, including ligand-binding pocket, activation function-2 site, binding function-3 site, DNA-binding domain, and N-terminal domain, providing recent insights from a target and drug development view. Further comprehensive studies on AR and AR ligands would bring fruitful information and push the therapy of AR relevant diseases forward.

Circulating steroid hormone variations throughout different stages of prostate cancer

Steroid hormones play a central role in the maintenance and progression of prostate cancer. The androgen receptor is the primary driver of tumor cell proliferation and is activated by the androgens testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. Inhibition of this pathway through medical or surgical castration improves survival in the majority of advanced prostate cancer patients. However, conversion of adrenal androgen precursors and alternative steroidogenic pathways have been found to contribute to tumor progression and resistance to treatment. The emergence of highly accurate detection methods allows us to study steroidogenic mechanisms in more detail, even after treatment with potent steroidogenic inhibitors such as the CYP17A1 inhibitor abiraterone. A clear overview of steroid hormone levels in patients throughout the local, metastatic and castration-resistant stages of prostate cancer and treatment modalities is key toward a better understanding of their role in tumor progression and treatment resistance. In this review, we summarize the currently available data on steroid hormones that have been implicated in the various stages of prostate cancer. Additionally, this review addresses the implications of these findings, highlights important studies in this field and identifies current gaps in literature.

Antioxidants Abrogate Alpha-Tocopherylquinone-Mediated Down-Regulation of the Androgen Receptor in Androgen-Responsive Prostate Cancer Cells

Tocopherylquinone (TQ), the oxidation product of alpha-tocopherol (AT), is a bioactive molecule with distinct properties from AT. In this study, AT and TQ are investigated for their comparative effects on growth and androgenic activity in prostate cancer cells. TQ potently inhibited the growth of androgen-responsive prostate cancer cell lines (e.g., LAPC4 and LNCaP cells), whereas the growth of androgen-independent prostate cancer cells (e.g., DU145 cells) was not affected by TQ. Due to the growth inhibitory effects induced by TQ on androgen-responsive cells, the anti-androgenic properties of TQ were examined. TQ inhibited the androgen-induced activation of an androgen-responsive reporter and inhibited the release of prostate specific antigen from LNCaP cells. TQ pretreatment was also found to inhibit AR activation as measured using the Multifunctional Androgen Receptor Screening assay. Furthermore, TQ decreased androgen-responsive gene expression, including TM4SF1, KLK2, and PSA over 5-fold, whereas AT did not affect the expression of androgen-responsive genes. Of importance, the antiandrogenic effects of TQ on prostate cancer cells were found to result from androgen receptor protein down-regulation produced by TQ that was not observed with AT treatment. Moreover, none of the androgenic endpoints assessed were affected by AT. The down-regulation of androgen receptor protein by TQ was abrogated by co-treatment with antioxidants. Overall, the biological actions of TQ were found to be distinct from AT, where TQ was found to be a potent inhibitor of cell growth and androgenic activity in androgen-responsive prostate cancer cells.

Cell-based assays for screening androgen receptor ligands

The androgen receptor (AR, NR3C4) mediates the majority of androgen effects on target cells. The AR is activated following ligand binding that result is enhanced of target gene transcription. Several cell-based model systems have been developed that allow sensitive detection and monitoring of steroids or other compounds with AR bioactivity. Most cell-based AR reporter models use transgenic gene constructs that include an androgen response element that controls reporter gene expression. The DNA cis-regulatory elements that respond to AR share sequence similarity with cis-regulatory elements for glucocorticoid (GR, NR3C1), mineralocorticoid (MR, NR3C2), and progesterone (PGR, NR3C3) receptors, which has compromised AR selectivity for some models. In recent years, the sensitivity and selectivity of AR bioassays have been significantly improved through careful selection of cell models, utilization of improved reporter genes, and the use of yeast two-hybrid AR systems. This review summarizes and compares the currently available androgen-responsive cell model systems.

Cluster cytometry for high-capacity bioanalysis

Flow cytometry specializes in high-content measurements of cells and particles in suspension. Having long excelled in analytical throughput of single cells and particles, only recently with the advent of HyperCyt sampling technology, flow cytometry's multiexperiment throughput has begun to approach the point of practicality for efficiently analyzing hundreds-of-thousands of samples, the realm of high-throughput screening (HTS). To extend performance and automation compatibility, we built a HyperCyt-linked Cluster Cytometer platform, a network of flow cytometers for analyzing samples displayed in high-density, 1,536-well plate format. To assess the performance, we used cell- and microsphere-based HTS assays that had been well characterized in the previous studies. Experiments addressed important technical issues: challenges of small wells (assay volumes 10 μL or less, reagent mixing, cell and particle suspension), detecting and correcting for differences in performance of individual flow cytometers, and the ability to reanalyze a plate in the event of problems encountered during the primary analysis. Boosting sample throughput an additional fourfold, this platform is uniquely positioned to synergize with expanding suspension array and cell barcoding technologies in which as many as 100 experiments are performed in a single well or sample. As high-performance flow cytometers shrink in cost and size, cluster cytometry promises to become a practical, productive approach for HTS, and other large-scale investigations of biological complexity.

The curcumin analog ca27 down-regulates androgen receptor through an oxidative stress mediated mechanism in human prostate cancer cells

BACKGROUND

The androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in prostate cancer development and progression. Therefore, the inhibition of AR function is an established therapeutic intervention. Since the expression of the AR is retained and often increased in progressive disease, AR protein down-regulation is a promising therapeutic approach against prostate cancer. We show here that the curcumin analog 27 (ca27) down-regulates AR expression in several prostate cancer cell lines.

METHODS

ca27 at low micromolar concentrations was tested for its effect on AR expression, AR activation, and induction of oxidative stress in human LNCaP, C4-2, and LAPC-4 prostate cancer cells.

RESULTS

ca27 induced the down-regulation of AR protein expression in LNCaP, C4-2, and LAPC-4 cells within 12 hr. Further, ca27 led to the rapid induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To further support this finding, ca27 treatment led to the activation of the cellular redox sensor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the induction of the Nrf2-regulated genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and aldoketoreductase 1C1. We show that ROS production preceded AR protein loss and that ca27-mediated down-regulation of the AR was attenuated by the antioxidant, N-acetyl cysteine.

CONCLUSIONS

ca27 induces ROS and mediates AR protein down-regulation through an oxidative stress mechanism of action. Our results suggest that ca27 represents a novel agent for the elucidation of mechanisms of AR down-regulation, which could lead to effective new anti-androgenic strategies for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Identification and characterization of MEL-3, a novel AR antagonist that suppresses prostate cancer cell growth

Antiandrogens are an important component of prostate cancer therapy as the androgen receptor (AR) is the key regulator of prostate cancer growth and survival. Current AR antagonists, such as bicalutamide and hydroxyflutamide, have a low affinity for the AR and as a result block AR signaling insufficiently. Moreover, many patients develop a resistance for bicalutamide or hydroxyflutamide during therapy or show a clinical improvement after withdrawal of the antiandrogen. New and more effective AR antagonists are needed to ensure follow-up of these patients. We therefore developed a screening system to identify novel AR antagonists from a collection of compounds. MEL-3 [8-(propan-2-yl)-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrazino[3,2,1-jk]carbazole] was selected as potent inhibitor of the AR and was further characterized in vitro. On different prostate cancer cell lines MEL-3 displayed an improved therapeutic profile compared with bicalutamide. Not only cell growth was inhibited but also the expression of androgen-regulated genes: PSA and FKBP5. Prostate cancer is often associated with mutated ARs that respond to a broadened spectrum of ligands including the current antiandrogens used in the clinic, hydroxyflutamide and bicalutamide. The activity of two mutant receptors (AR T877A and AR W741C) was shown to be reduced in presence of MEL-3, providing evidence that MEL-3 can potentially be a follow-up treatment for bicalutamide- and hydroxyflutamide-resistant patients. The mechanism of action of MEL-3 on the molecular level was further explored by comparing the structure-activity relationship of different chemical derivatives of MEL-3 with the in silico docking of MEL-3 derivatives in the binding pocket of the AR.

Cell-based screening using high-throughput flow cytometry

This review describes the use of high-throughput flow cytometry for performing multiplexed cell-based and bead-based screens. With the many advances in cell-based analysis and screening, flow cytometry has historically been underutilized as a screening tool largely due to the limitations in handling large numbers of samples. However, there has been a resurgence in the use of flow cytometry due to a combination of innovations around instrumentation and a growing need for cell-based and bead-based applications. The HTFC™ Screening System (IntelliCyt Corporation, Albuquerque, NM) is a novel flow cytometry-based screening platform that incorporates a fast sample-loading technology, HyperCyt®, with a two-laser, six-parameter flow cytometer and powerful data analysis capabilities. The system is capable of running multiplexed screening assays at speeds of up to 40 wells per minute, enabling the processing of a 96- and 384-well plates in as little as 3 and 12 min, respectively. Embedded in the system is HyperView®, a data analysis software package that allows rapid identification of hits from multiplexed high-throughput flow cytometry screening campaigns. In addition, the software is incorporated into a server-based data management platform that enables seamless data accessibility and collaboration across multiple sites. High-throughput flow cytometry using the HyperCyt technology has been applied to numerous assay areas and screening campaigns, including efflux transporters, whole cell and receptor binding assays, functional G-protein-coupled receptor screening, in vitro toxicology, and antibody screening.

Advances in flow cytometry for drug screening

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD

Flow cytometry is considered today as a mature technology. Recently, it has become an accurate tool for screening applications. Yet, not many studies have been published emphasizing flow cytometry as a tool of choice for drug screening except multiplex bead assay.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW

Scanning the literature for technology breakouts in screening by flow is not an easy task. When a private industry has an accurate and fast screening technology on hands, why should they make public a tool precious for their screening applications? On the European academic side, there are regrettably few grants to help develop and publish screening methodologies. So, a less scientific way to find out is a close market survey seeking new instruments and associated kits or new methods. From here, can one expect flow cytometry to be a tool with new potential for drug discovery?

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN

As the machines are getting simpler to use, a need for plug-and-analyze software has emerged. New analysis tools remain an important step as they will permit to analyze and compare several parameters in a multi-well format simultaneously and this for several cell types for cytomics: a multiparametric, dynamic approach to cell research as cytomics has a practical role to play in drug discovery within the immediate limitations of cell-based analyses.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

Developing new software with multi-well comparison capabilities and most importantly real-time interaction on cytograms can easily circumvent the lack of fluorescent channels on small bench top machines.