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Gao X, Jiang P, Wei X, Zhang W, Zheng J, Sun S, Yao H, Liu X, Zhang Q. Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma via anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:154. [PMID: 36793021 PMCID: PMC9930235 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Galectin-3 (Gal-3), the only chimeric β-galactosides-binding lectin, consists of Gal-3N (N-terminal regulatory peptide) and Gal-3C (C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domain). Interestingly, Gal-3C could specifically inhibit endogenous full-length Gal-3 to exhibit anti-tumor activity. Here, we aimed to further improve the anti-tumor activity of Gal-3C via developing novel fusion proteins. METHODS PK5 (the fifth kringle domain of plasminogen) was introduced to the N-terminus of Gal-3C via rigid linker (RL) to generate novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C. Then, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of PK5-RL-Gal-3C in vivo and in vitro by using several experiments, and figured out their molecular mechanisms in anti-angiogenesis and cytotoxicity to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS Our results show that PK5-RL-Gal-3C can inhibit HCC both in vivo and in vitro without obvious toxicity, and also significantly prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Mechanically, we find that PK5-RL-Gal-3C inhibits angiogenesis and show cytotoxicity to HCC. In detail, HUVEC-related and matrigel plug assays indicate that PK5-RL-Gal-3C plays an important role in inhibiting angiogenesis by regulating HIF1α/VEGF and Ang-2 both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, PK5-RL-Gal-3C induces cell cycle arrest at G1 phase and apoptosis with inhibition of Cyclin D1, Cyclin D3, CDK4, and Bcl-2, but activation of p27, p21, caspase-3, -8 and -9. CONCLUSION Novel fusion protein PK5-RL-Gal-3C is potent therapeutic agent by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis in HCC and potential antagonist of Gal-3, which provides new strategy for exploring novel antagonist of Gal-3 and promotes their application in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoge Gao
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,Nanjing International Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Pin Jiang
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,Medical Oncology of Huangmei People’s Hospital, Huanggang, Hubei Province 435500 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohuan Wei
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,Nanjing International Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,Nanjing International Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiwei Zheng
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Oral Medicine, School of Stomatology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shishuo Sun
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.413389.40000 0004 1758 1622Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province 221004 People’s Republic of China ,Nanjing International Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Yao
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Cancer Biotherapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan Province, 650118, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiangye Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qing Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China. .,Center of Clinical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China. .,Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, People's Republic of China. .,Nanjing International Hospital Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210000, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang W, Jin G, Cai F, Chen X, Cao N, Zhang X, Liu J, Chen F, Wang F, Dong W, Zhuang H, Hua ZC. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 increases radioresistance of lung cancer cells by enhancing the DNA damage response. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-20. [PMID: 30804322 PMCID: PMC6389946 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0209-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is a frequent mode of cancer treatment, although the development of radioresistance limits its effectiveness. Extensive investigations indicate the diversity of the mechanisms underlying radioresistance. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) on lung cancer radioresistance and the associated mechanisms. Our data showed that ERK5 is activated during solid lung cancer development, and ectopic expression of ERK5 promoted cell proliferation and G2/M cell cycle transition. In addition, we found that ERK5 is a potential regulator of radiosensitivity in lung cancer cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that ERK5 could trigger IR-induced activation of Chk1, which has been implicated in DNA repair and cell cycle arrest in response to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Subsequently, ERK5 knockdown or pharmacological inhibition selectively inhibited colony formation of lung cancer cells and enhanced IR-induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis. In vivo, ERK5 knockdown strongly radiosensitized A549 and LLC tumor xenografts to inhibition, with a higher apoptotic response and reduced tumor neovascularization. Taken together, our data indicate that ERK5 is a novel potential target for the treatment of lung cancer, and its expression might be used as a biomarker to predict radiosensitivity in NSCLC patients. Resistance to radiotherapy in patients with lung cancer may be countered by targeting a protein involved in promoting DNA repair. Radiotherapy causes DNA double-stranded breaks in lung cancer cells in order to kill them. However, cancer cells can show improved DNA repair and responses to damage, resulting in resistance to treatment. Zi-Chun Hua, Hongqin Zhuang at Nanjing University in China and co-workers examined the activity of the extracellular signal-related kinase 5 (ERK5) protein in response to the stress of ionizing radiation. They found that after radiation exposure ERK5 increased expression of another protein involved in DNA repair, facilitating cancer cell recovery. Knocking out ERK5 suppressed this resistance to radiotherapy. ERK5 could be a valuable target for treating lung cancer, and ERK5 expression level could be used as a biomarker for patient sensitivity to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Guanghui Jin
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Fangfang Cai
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xiao Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Nini Cao
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jia Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Wei Dong
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hongqin Zhuang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China.
| | - Zi-Chun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China. .,Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University and Jiangsu Target Pharma Laboratories Inc., Changzhou, 213164, PR China.
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Ahn JH, Yu HK, Lee HJ, Hong SW, Kim SJ, Kim JS. Suppression of colorectal cancer liver metastasis by apolipoprotein(a) kringle V in a nude mouse model through the induction of apoptosis in tumor-associated endothelial cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93794. [PMID: 24699568 PMCID: PMC3974802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of liver metastases in colorectal cancer patients is the primary cause of patient death. Current therapies directed at liver metastasis from colorectal cancer have had minimal impact on patient outcomes. Therefore, the development of alternative treatment strategies for liver metastasis is needed. In the present study, we demonstrated that recombinant human apolipoprotein(a) kringle V, also known as rhLK8, induced the apoptotic turnover of endothelial cells in vitro through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. The interaction of rhLK8 with glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) may be involved in the induction of apoptosis because the inhibition of GRP78 by GRP78-specific antibodies or siRNA knockdown inhibited the rhLK8-mediated apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. Next, to evaluate the effects of rhLK8 on angiogenesis and metastasis, an experimental model of liver metastasis was established by injecting a human colorectal cancer cell line, LS174T, into the spleens of BALB/c nude mice. The systemic administration of rhLK8 significantly suppressed liver metastasis from human colorectal cancer cells and improved host survival compared with controls. The combination of rhLK8 and 5-fluorouracil substantially increased these survival benefits compared with either therapy alone. Histological observation showed significant induction of apoptosis among tumor-associated endothelial cells in liver metastases from rhLK8-treated mice compared with control mice. Collectively, these results suggest that the combination of rhLK8 with conventional chemotherapy may be a promising approach for the treatment of patients with life-threatening colorectal cancer liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hyung Ahn
- Cancer Biology Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Yu
- Cancer Biology Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Jeong Lee
- Cancer Biology Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Republic of Korea
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Soon Won Hong
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Sevrance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JSK); (SJK)
| | - Jang-Seong Kim
- Cancer Biology Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Republic of Korea
- Research Center of Integrative Cellulomics, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JSK); (SJK)
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Zhang M, Guo R, Shi S, Miao Y, Zhang Y, Li B. Baculovirus vector-mediated transfer of sodium iodide symporter and plasminogen kringle 5 genes for tumor radioiodide therapy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92326. [PMID: 24647588 PMCID: PMC3960225 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both tumor cells and their supporting endothelial cells should be considered for targeted cell killing when designing cancer treatments. Here we investigated the feasibility of combining radioiodide and antiangiogenic therapies after baculovirus-mediated transfer of genes encoding the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) and plasminogen kringle 5 (K5). Methods A recombinant baculovirus containing the NIS gene under control of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter and the K5 gene driven by the early growth response 1 (Egr1) promoter was developed. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the activation of hTERT transcription. NIS and K5 gene expression were identified by Western blot and Real-Time PCR. Functional NIS activity in baculovirus-infected Hela cells was confirmed by the uptake of 125I and cytotoxicity of 131I. The apoptotic effect of 131I-induced K5 on baculovirus-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was analyzed by a flow cytometry-based assay. In vivo, NIS reporter gene imaging and therapeutic experiments with 131I were performed. Finally, the microvessel density (MVD) in tumors after treatment was determined by CD31 immunostaining. Results The activation of hTERT transcription was specifically up-regulated in tumor cells. NIS gene expression markedly increased in baculovirus-infected HeLa cells, but not in MRC5 cells. The Hela cells showed a significant increase of 125I uptake, which was inhibited by NaClO4, and a notably decreased cell survival rate by 131I treatment. Expression of the K5 gene induced by 131I was elevated in a dose- and time-dependent manner and resulted in the apoptosis of HUVECs. Furthermore, 131I SPECT imaging clearly showed cervical tumor xenografts infected with recombinant baculovirus. Following therapy, tumor growth was significantly retarded. CD31 immunostaining confirmed a significant decrease of MVD. Conclusion The recombinant baculovirus supports a promising strategy of NIS-based raidoiodide therapy combined with K5-based antiangiogenic therapy by targeting both the tumor and its supporting vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Shi
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Miao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail:
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5
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Cai WB, Zhang Y, Cheng R, Wang Z, Fang SH, Xu ZM, Yang X, Yang ZH, Ma JX, Shao CK, Gao GQ. Dual inhibition of plasminogen kringle 5 on angiogenesis and chemotaxis suppresses tumor metastasis by targeting HIF-1α pathway. PLoS One 2012; 7:e53152. [PMID: 23300882 PMCID: PMC3534244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We had demonstrated that plasminogen kringle 5 (K5), a potent angiogenic inhibitor, inhibited retinal neovascularization and hepatocellular carcinoma growth by anti-angiogenesis. The current study investigated the effects and the underlying mechanisms of K5 on both tumor growth and spontaneous pulmonary metastasis in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) implanted mouse model. Similarly, K5 could decrease expression of VEGF in LLC cells and grafted tissues and suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth. K5 had no direct effect on proliferation and apoptosis of LLC. However, K5 could significantly inhibit SDF-1α-induced chemotaxis movement of LLC cells and resulted in a great reduction of surface metastatic nodules and micrometastases in the lungs of LLC tumor-bearing mice. K5 also decreased expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) in LLC cells and grafted tissues. Furthermore, K5 down-regulated SDF-1α expression in metastatic lung tissues of LLC-bearing mice. Therefore, K5 may suppress tumor pulmonary metastasis through inhibiting SDF-1α-CXCR4 chemotaxis movement and down-regulation of VEGF. Moreover, the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a crucial transcriptional factor for both VEGF and CXCR4 expression, was evaluated. The siRNA of HIF-1α attenuated expression of VEGF and CXCR4 and inhibited LLC migration. K5 decreased HIF-1α protein level and impaired nuclear HIF-1α accumulation. These results showed for the first time that K5 inhibits LLC growth and metastasis via the dual effects of anti-angiogenesis and suppression of tumor cell motility by targeting the pivotal molecule, HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Bin Cai
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Huan Fang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- DME Center, Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zu-Min Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecules from Marine Microorganisms (Sun Yat-sen University), Department of Education of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Han Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Xing Ma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Chun-Kui Shao
- Department of Pathology, the Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (GQG); (CKS)
| | - Guo-Quan Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- China Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail: (GQG); (CKS)
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Targeted antivascular therapy with the apolipoprotein(a) kringle V, rhLK8, inhibits the growth and metastasis of human prostate cancer in an orthotopic nude mouse model. Neoplasia 2012; 14:335-43. [PMID: 22577348 DOI: 10.1593/neo.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivascular therapy has emerged as a rational strategy to improve the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer owing to the necessity of establishing a vascular network for the growth and progression of the primary and metastatic tumor. We determined whether recombinant human apolipoprotein(a) kringle V, rhLK8, produces therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic human prostate cancer animal model. Fifty thousand androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells (PC-3MM2) were injected into the prostate of nude mice. After 3 days, these mice were randomized to receive the vehicle solution (intraperitoneally [i.p.], daily), paclitaxel (8 mg/kg i.p., weekly), rhLK8 (50 mg/kg i.p., daily), or a combination of paclitaxel and rhLK8 for 4 weeks. Treatment with paclitaxel or rhLK8 alone did not show significant therapeutic effects on tumor incidence or on tumor size compared with the control group. The combination of rhLK8 and paclitaxel significantly reduced tumor size and incidence of lymph node metastasis. Significant reduction in microvessel density and cellular proliferation and induction of apoptosis of tumor cells, and tumor-associated endothelial cells, were also achieved. Similarly, PC-3MM2 tumors growing in the tibia showed significant suppression of tumor growth and lymph node metastasis by the combination treatment with rhLK8 and paclitaxel. The integrity of the bone was significantly preserved, and apoptosis of tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells was increased. In conclusion, these results suggest that targeting the tumor microenvironment with the antivascular effect of rhLK8 combined with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy could be a new and effective approach in the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer and their metastases.
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Jiang W, Jin G, Ma D, Wang F, Fu T, Chen X, Chen X, Jia K, Marikar FMMT, Hua Z. Modification of cyclic NGR tumor neovasculature-homing motif sequence to human plasminogen kringle 5 improves inhibition of tumor growth. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37132. [PMID: 22590653 PMCID: PMC3349653 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood vessels in tumors express higher level of aminopeptidase N (APN) than normal tissues. Evidence suggests that the CNGRC motif is an APN ligand which targets tumor vasculature. Increased expression of APN in tumor vascular endothelium, therefore, offers an opportunity for targeted delivery of NGR peptide-linked drugs to tumors. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS To determine whether an additional cyclic CNGRC sequence could improve endothelial cell homing and antitumor effect, human plasminogen kringle 5 (hPK5) was modified genetically to introduce a CNGRC motif (NGR-hPK5) and was subsequently expressed in yeast. The biological activity of NGR-hPK5 was assessed and compared with that of wild-type hPK5, in vitro and in vivo. NGR-hPK5 showed more potent antiangiogenic activity than wild-type hPK5: the former had a stronger inhibitory effect on proliferation, migration and cord formation of vascular endothelial cells, and produced a stronger antiangiogenic response in the CAM assay. To evaluate the tumor-targeting ability, both wild-type hPK5 and NGR-hPK5 were (99 m)Tc-labeled, for tracking biodistribution in the in vivo tumor model. By planar imaging and biodistribution analyses of major organs, NGR-hPK5 was found localized to tumor tissues at a higher level than wild-type hPK5 (approximately 3-fold). Finally, the effects of wild-type hPK5 and NGR-modified hPK5 on tumor growth were investigated in two tumor model systems. NGR modification improved tumor localization and, as a consequence, effectively inhibited the growth of mouse Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Colo 205) cells in tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These studies indicated that the addition of an APN targeting peptide NGR sequence could improve the ability of hPK5 to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Jin
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Dingyuan Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiwen Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunzhi Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Faiz M. M. T. Marikar
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zichun Hua
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and School of Stomatology, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
- Changzhou High-Tech Research Institute of Nanjing University, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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8
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Xu Z, Fang S, Zuo Y, Zhang Y, Cheng R, Wang Q, Yang Z, Cai W, Ma J, Yang X, Gao G. Combination of pigment epithelium-derived factor with radiotherapy enhances the antitumor effects on nasopharyngeal carcinoma by downregulating vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis. Cancer Sci 2011; 102:1789-98. [PMID: 21707863 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2011.02013.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), which has the highest incidence in South China, is mainly treated by radiotherapy. However, the survival rate remains low. Angiogenesis is closely correlated with progress of NPC. Thus, the combination of anti-angiogenesis with radiation is an attractive strategy for NPC treatment. A heterogenic xenografted human NPC nude mice model was established to investigate the effect of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a potent anti-angiogenic factor, and the combined effect of PEDF and radiotherapy on nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pigment epithelium- derived factor remarkably suppressed the growth of NPC by 43.52% and decreased the tumor microvessel density (MVD). Pigment epithelium-derived factor had no effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of NPC cell lines by MTT and flow cytometry assay. However, PEDF decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in NPC cell lines by downregulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1a, a crucial transcriptional factor for VEGF expression, as demonstrated by western blotting and immunofluorescent staining assay. Interestingly, irradiation alone could also effectively downregulate VEGF and MVD of xenografted tumor, which indicates that irradiation suppresses NPC not only by killing tumor cells but also through anti-angiogenesis. Furthermore, combined treatment of PEDF with irradiation enhanced the antitumor efficacy. The MVD and VEGF in the combined therapy were much less than in the treatment with PEDF or radiotherapy alone. Our observation demonstrated that the combination of PEDF with radiotherapy enhances the efficacy of the antitumor effect on NPC by the coordinated inhibition on angiogenesis, which implies the potential role of PEDF as an adjuvant agent for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zumin Xu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Preparation and characterization of RGD tumour-homing-peptide-modified plasminogen K5. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2010; 57:17-24. [PMID: 20718711 DOI: 10.1042/ba20100225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plasminogen K5 (kringle 5) has strong inhibitory effects on endothelial-cell proliferation and migration. It was reported that K5 can reduce tumour neovascularization, resulting in clinically relevant antitumour effects. To determine whether addition of a tumour-targeting peptide could improve the tumour homing and antitumour activities of K5, we genetically modified K5 with an RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) motif, which is a ligand with high affinity for αvβ₃ and αvβ₅ integrins. The fusion protein RGD-K5 was expressed in the Pichia pastoris system and the biological activity of RGD-K5 was assessed in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the RGD-K5 exhibited a more potent effect of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and migration compared with that of traditional K5. RGD-K5 also displayed stronger anti-angiogenic activity in a CAM (chick chorioallantoic membrane) assay. Furthermore, RGD-K5 also showed stronger anti-angiogenic and antitumour effects in B16F10 melanoma-bearing mice compared with traditional K5. In conclusion, the biological activity of K5 can be further improved by the addition of a tumour-homing peptide, and the RGD-K5 may prove to be a promising novel candidate for cancer therapy.
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Feng ZJ, Gao SB, Wu Y, Xu XF, Hua X, Jin GH. Lung cancer cell migration is regulated via repressing growth factor PTN/RPTP β/ζ signaling by menin. Oncogene 2010; 29:5416-26. [PMID: 20639902 PMCID: PMC3007126 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Menin encoded by the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene is associated with chromatin and the nuclear matrix and exerts multiple biological functions including regulation of cell proliferation and adhesion. Men1 mutations increase the likelihood of lung cancer development in mice. Menin expression is reduced in certain human non-small cell lung cancer cells, and reduction of menin is closely correlated with increased lung cancer metastasis to lymph nodes. However, it is poorly understood whether menin affects migration of lung cancer cells. In this study, we show that menin-regulated A549 lung cancer cell migration, which was mediated by growth factor pleiotrophin (PTN) and its cell surface receptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase beta/zeta (RPTP β/ζ). Ectopic menin expression significantly repressed PTN transcription, but indirectly inhibited RPTP β/ζ expression through repressing PTN expression. Further studies revealed that menin-regulated cell migration through PTN/RPTP β/ζ, in conjunction with integrin αvβ3, focal adhesion kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the molecular basis for menin/PTN-mediated regulation of A549 lung cancer cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z-J Feng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
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Ansell PJ, Zhang H, Davidson DJ, Harlan JE, Xue J, Brodjian S, Lesniewski R, McKeegan E. Recombinant kringle 5 from plasminogen antagonises hepatocyte growth factor-mediated signalling. Eur J Cancer 2010; 46:966-73. [PMID: 20061137 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The blood protein plasminogen is proteolytically cleaved to produce angiostatin and kringle 5 (K5), both of which are known angiogenesis inhibitors. A common structural element between K5, angiostatin and other endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors is the presence of the kringle protein-interacting domain. Another kringle domain-containing protein, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), promotes angiogenesis by binding to and stimulating the tyrosine kinase receptor Met. HGF binding to Met is dependent on the kringle domains of HGF. Because both K5 and HGF contain kringle motifs and because these proteins have opposite effects on angiogenesis, we hypothesised that K5 can antagonise HGF-mediated signalling in a Met-dependent manner. We determined that K5 binding to H1299 cells is competed by HGF suggesting that these two proteins bind to the same protein. Purified K5 immunoprecipitates with Met and this interaction is abolished by increasing doses of HGF. Using proliferation, phosphorylation of Met and Akt as markers of HGF activity, we determined that K5 inhibits HGF-mediated signalling. Taken together, these data support a model by which K5 binds to Met and functions as a competitive antagonist of HGF signalling and presents a novel mechanism of action of K5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Ansell
- Department of Cancer Research, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA.
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McFarland BC, Stewart J, Hamza A, Nordal R, Davidson DJ, Henkin J, Gladson CL. Plasminogen kringle 5 induces apoptosis of brain microvessel endothelial cells: sensitization by radiation and requirement for GRP78 and LRP1. Cancer Res 2009; 69:5537-45. [PMID: 19549899 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-4841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant plasminogen kringle 5 (rK5) has been shown to induce apoptosis of dermal microvessel endothelial cells (MvEC) in a manner that requires glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). As we are interested in antiangiogenic therapy for glioblastoma tumors, and the effectiveness of antiangiogenic therapy can be enhanced when combined with radiation, we investigated the proapoptotic effects of rK5 combined with radiation on brain MvEC. We found that rK5 treatment of brain MvEC induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner and that prior irradiation significantly sensitized (500-fold) the cells to rK5-induced apoptosis. The rK5-induced apoptosis of both unirradiated and irradiated MvEC required expression of GRP78 and the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a scavenger receptor, based on down-regulation studies with small interfering RNA, and blocking studies with either a GRP78 antibody or a competitive inhibitor of ligand binding to LRP1. Furthermore, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was found to be a necessary downstream effector for rK5-induced apoptosis. These data suggest that irradiation sensitizes brain MvEC to the rK5-induced apoptosis and that this signal requires LRP1 internalization of GRP78 and the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Our findings suggest that prior irradiation would have a dose-sparing effect on rK5 antiangiogenic therapy for brain tumors and further suggest that the effects of rK5 would be tumor specific, as the expression of GRP78 protein is up-regulated on the brain MvEC in glioblastoma tumor biopsies compared with the normal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden C McFarland
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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