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Francescangeli F, De Angelis ML, Rossi R, Sette G, Eramo A, Boe A, Guardiola O, Tang T, Yu SC, Minchiotti G, Zeuner A. CRIPTO Is a Marker of Chemotherapy-Induced Stem Cell Expansion in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:830873. [PMID: 35719935 PMCID: PMC9200964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.830873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is the mainstay for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, NSCLC cells are either intrinsically chemoresistant or rapidly develop therapy resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are widely recognized as the cell population responsible for resistance to systemic therapies, but the molecular responses of CSCs to chemotherapeutic agents are largely unknown. We identified the embryonic protein CRIPTO in stem cell-enriched spheroid cultures of adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) derived from NSCLC surgical specimens. The CRIPTO-positive population had increased clonogenic capacity and expression of stem cell-related factors. Stemness-related properties were also obtained with forced CRIPTO expression, whereas CRIPTO downregulation resulted in cell cycle blockade and CSCs death. Cell populations positive and negative for CRIPTO expression were interconvertible, and interfering with their reciprocal equilibrium resulted in altered homeostasis of cell expansion both in spheroid cultures and in tumor xenografts. Chemotherapy treatment of NSCLC cells resulted in reduction of cell number followed by increased CRIPTO expression and selective survival of CRIPTO-positive cells. In NSCLC tumor xenografts, chemotherapeutic agents induced partial cell death and tumor stabilization followed by CRIPTO overexpression and tumor progression. Altogether, these findings indicate CRIPTO as a marker of lung CSCs possibly implicated in cancer cell plasticity and post-chemotherapy tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rachele Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Guardiola
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, ChongQing, China.,International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, ChongQing, China
| | - Shi-Cang Yu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, ChongQing, China.,International Joint Research Center for Precision Biotherapy, Ministry of Science and Technology, ChongQing, China
| | - Gabriella Minchiotti
- Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Naples, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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2
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Freeman DW, Rodrigues Sousa E, Karkampouna S, Zoni E, Gray PC, Salomon DS, Kruithof-de Julio M, Spike BT. Whence CRIPTO: The Reemergence of an Oncofetal Factor in 'Wounds' That Fail to Heal. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10164. [PMID: 34576327 PMCID: PMC8472190 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There exists a set of factors termed oncofetal proteins that play key roles in ontogeny before they decline or disappear as the organism's tissues achieve homeostasis, only to then re-emerge in cancer. Although the unique therapeutic potential presented by such factors has been recognized for more than a century, their clinical utility has yet to be fully realized1. This review highlights the small signaling protein CRIPTO encoded by the tumor derived growth factor 1 (TDGF1/Tdgf1) gene, an oft cited oncofetal protein whose presence in the cancer literature as a tumor promoter, diagnostic marker and viable therapeutic target continues to grow. We touch lightly on features well established and well-reviewed since its discovery more than 30 years ago, including CRIPTO's early developmental roles and modulation of SMAD2/3 activation by a selected set of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands. We predominantly focus instead on more recent and less well understood additions to the CRIPTO signaling repertoire, on its potential upstream regulators and on new conceptual ground for understanding its mode of action in the multicellular and often stressful contexts of neoplastic transformation and progression. We ask whence it re-emerges in cancer and where it 'hides' between the time of its fetal activity and its oncogenic reemergence. In this regard, we examine CRIPTO's restriction to rare cells in the adult, its potential for paracrine crosstalk, and its emerging role in inflammation and tissue regeneration-roles it may reprise in tumorigenesis, acting on subsets of tumor cells to foster cancer initiation and progression. We also consider critical gaps in knowledge and resources that stand between the recent, exciting momentum in the CRIPTO field and highly actionable CRIPTO manipulation for cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W. Freeman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA;
| | - Elisa Rodrigues Sousa
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Sofia Karkampouna
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Eugenio Zoni
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
| | - Peter C. Gray
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - David S. Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 20893, USA;
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Urology Research Laboratory, Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (E.R.S.); (S.K.); (E.Z.)
- Translational Organoid Models, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, University Hospital of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin T. Spike
- Department of Oncological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA;
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Wang Y, Li X, Wang S, Song Z, Bao Y, Zheng L, Wang G, Sun Y. miR-3929 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Downregulating Cripto-1 Expression in Cervical Cancer Cells. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:425-436. [PMID: 34569498 DOI: 10.1159/000518521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cripto-1 is highly expressed in many cancers, and downregulating its expression may become a promising approach for cancer treatment. However, the regulation of Cripto-1 expression is not well characterized. In this study, we focused on the post-transcriptional regulation of Cripto-1 expression and analyzed the potential miRNAs that bind to the 3'UTR of Cripto-1 mRNA. miR-3929 was found to be able to bind to the 3'UTR and downregulate the expression of Cripto-1 in cervical cancer cells. Then, we analyzed the effect of miR-3929 on the biological behavior of cervical cancer cells, finding that miR-3929 could reduce cell viability, DNA synthesis, and Ki67 expression and induce cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase; overexpression of Cripto-1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-3929 on proliferation. Moreover, DAPI staining and flow cytometry revealed that miR-3929-induced cell apoptosis is dependent on the mitochondrial pathway; the overexpression of Cripto-1 reversed the proapoptotic effect of miR-3929. Finally, the in vivo results showed that miR-3929 significantly inhibits the growth of HeLa xenograft tumors in nude mice. Therefore, our findings suggest that miR-3929 inhibits the proliferation and induces the apoptosis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating Cripto-1 via specifically targeting the 3'UTR of its mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoli Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuyue Wang
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine Gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenbo Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongli Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine Gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Guannan Wang
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine Gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Research Center of Agriculture and Medicine Gene Engineering of Ministry of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
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4
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Qiu W, Kuo CY, Tian Y, Su GH. Dual Roles of the Activin Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070821. [PMID: 34356885 PMCID: PMC8301451 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin, a member of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in many physiological processes, such as embryonic development and follicle development, as well as in multiple human diseases including cancer. Genetic mutations in the activin signaling pathway have been reported in many cancer types, indicating that activin signaling plays a critical role in tumorigenesis. Recent evidence reveals that activin signaling may function as a tumor-suppressor in tumor initiation, and a promoter in the later progression and metastasis of tumors. This article reviews many aspects of activin, including the signaling cascade of activin, activin-related proteins, and its role in tumorigenesis, particularly in pancreatic cancer development. The mechanisms regulating its dual roles in tumorigenesis remain to be elucidated. Further understanding of the activin signaling pathway may identify potential therapeutic targets for human cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanglong Qiu
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Chia-Yu Kuo
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Yu Tian
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gloria H. Su
- The Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; (W.Q.); (C.K.); (Y.T.)
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ishii H, Afify SM, Hassan G, Salomon DS, Seno M. Cripto-1 as a Potential Target of Cancer Stem Cells for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102491. [PMID: 34065315 PMCID: PMC8160785 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is gaining attention as a potential fourth treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cancer stem cells have recently been recognized and validated as a key target for cancer treatment. Cripto-1, which is a GPI-anchored membrane-bound protein that functions as a co-receptor of Nodal, is a marker of cancer stem cells. Since Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family, which performs an important role in stem cells and cancer stem cells, the inhibition of Cripto-1 could be a strategy by which to block Nodal signaling and thereby suppress cancer stem cells. We propose that Cripto-1 may be a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Abstract The immune system has been found to be suppressed in cancer patients. Cancer cells are extremely resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, conventional immunotherapy, or cancer antigen vaccine therapy. Cancer immunotherapy, which is mainly based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as those for PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4, is an effective treatment method. However, no immunotherapeutic target has been found that retains validity in the face of tumor diversity. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β cytokine family possesses broad biological activity and is involved in the induction and/or transdifferentiation of helper T cells, which are important in immunotherapy. Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family playing important roles in tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), interacting with the co-receptor Cripto-1, as well as with Activin type IB (Alk4) and Activin typeIIreceptors, and maintaining stemness and Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CSCs. In recent years, it has been reported that Cripto-1 could be a potential therapeutic target in CSCs. Here, we review the accumulated literature on the molecular mechanisms by which Cripto-1 functions in CSCs and discuss the potential of Cripto-1 as an immunotherapeutic target in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ishii
- GSP Enterprise, Inc., 1-4-38 12F Minato-machi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0017, Japan;
| | - Said M. Afify
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin ElKoum Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
| | - David S. Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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6
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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7
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Exogenous Cripto-1 Suppresses Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cell Model. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113345. [PMID: 30373174 PMCID: PMC6274844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored signaling protein of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-Cripto-1-FRL1-Cryptic (CFC) family and plays a significant role in the early developmental stages and in the different types of cancer cells, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and tumor angiogenesis. Previously, we have developed cancer stem cells (miPS-LLCcm) from mouse iPSCs by culturing them in the presence of conditioned medium of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells for four weeks. Nodal and Cripto-1 were confirmed to be expressed in miPS-LLCcm cells by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (rt-qPCR) implying that Cr-1 was required in maintaining stemness. To investigate the biological effect of adding exogenous soluble CR-1 to the cancer stem cells, we have prepared a C-terminally truncated soluble form of recombinant human CR-1 protein (rhsfCR-1), in which the GPI anchored moiety was removed by substitution of a stop codon through site-directed mutagenesis. rhsfCR-1 effectively suppressed the proliferation and sphere forming ability of miPS-LLCcm cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0 to 5 µg/mL, due to the suppression of Nodal-Cripto-1/ALK4/Smad2 signaling pathway. Frequency of sphere-forming cells was dropped from 1/40 to 1/69 by rhsfCR-1 at 1 µg/mL. Moreover, rhsfCR-1 in the range of 0 to 1 µg/mL also limited the differentiation of miPS-LLCcm cells into vascular endothelial cells probably due to the suppression of self-renewal, which should reduce the number of cells with stemness property. As demonstrated by a soluble form of exogenous Cripto-1 in this study, the efficient blockade would be an attractive way to study Cripto-1 dependent cancer stem cell properties for therapeutic application.
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8
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Karkampouna S, van der Helm D, Gray PC, Chen L, Klima I, Grosjean J, Burgmans MC, Farina-Sarasqueta A, Snaar-Jagalska EB, Stroka DM, Terracciano L, van Hoek B, Schaapherder AF, Osanto S, Thalmann GN, Verspaget HW, Coenraad MJ, Kruithof-de Julio M. CRIPTO promotes an aggressive tumour phenotype and resistance to treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pathol 2018; 245:297-310. [PMID: 29604056 DOI: 10.1002/path.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite increasing treatment options for this disease, prognosis remains poor. CRIPTO (TDGF1) protein is expressed at high levels in several human tumours and promotes oncogenic phenotype. Its expression has been correlated to poor prognosis in HCC. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the basis for the effects of CRIPTO in HCC. We investigated CRIPTO expression levels in three cohorts of clinical cirrhotic and HCC specimens. We addressed the role of CRIPTO in hepatic tumourigenesis using Cre-loxP-controlled lentiviral vectors expressing CRIPTO in cell line-derived xenografts. Responses to standard treatments (sorafenib, doxorubicin) were assessed directly on xenograft-derived ex vivo tumour slices. CRIPTO-overexpressing patient-derived xenografts were established and used for ex vivo drug response assays. The effects of sorafenib and doxorubicin treatment in combination with a CRIPTO pathway inhibitor were tested in ex vivo cultures of xenograft models and 3D cultures. CRIPTO protein was found highly expressed in human cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma specimens but not in those of healthy participants. Stable overexpression of CRIPTO in human HepG2 cells caused epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, increased expression of cancer stem cell markers, and enhanced cell proliferation and migration. HepG2-CRIPTO cells formed tumours when injected into immune-compromised mice, whereas HepG2 cells lacking stable CRIPTO overexpression did not. High-level CRIPTO expression in xenograft models was associated with resistance to sorafenib, which could be modulated using a CRIPTO pathway inhibitor in ex vivo tumour slices. Our data suggest that a subgroup of CRIPTO-expressing HCC patients may benefit from a combinatorial treatment scheme and that sorafenib resistance may be circumvented by inhibition of the CRIPTO pathway. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Karkampouna
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Danny van der Helm
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Gray
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lanpeng Chen
- Institute of Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irena Klima
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joël Grosjean
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Burgmans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ewa B Snaar-Jagalska
- Institute of Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah M Stroka
- Department of Biomedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Susan Osanto
- Department of Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - George N Thalmann
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Urology, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Hein W Verspaget
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Minneke J Coenraad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Urology, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
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9
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Park KS, Moon YW, Raffeld M, Lee DH, Wang Y, Giaccone G. High cripto-1 and low miR-205 expression levels as prognostic markers in early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2017; 116:38-45. [PMID: 29413049 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cripto-1 (CR-1) plays a critical role in the activation of SMAD, SRC, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and has been shown to be prognostic in several cancer types. In addition, we showed that CR-1 renders EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to EGFR-TKI through the activation of SRC and EMT via miR-205 downregulation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between expression of CR-1 and miR-205 and prognosis of NSCLC patients with or without EGFR mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 265 patients with stage I (AJCC 6th edition) radically resected NSCLC were tested for CR-1 expression and EGFR mutations by immunohistochemistry and miR-205 expression via qPCR assay. RESULTS CR-1 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray on 265 T1-2N0 surgical NSCLC samples. Of the 265 tumors, 250 (94%) expressed various levels of CR-1. A significant inverse correlation was identified between expression of miR-205 and CR-1. NSCLC patients (T1N0, n = 106) with high CR-1 expression had worse prognosis (shorter recurrence-free survival, p = .045) than those with low CR-1 expression. A similar trend was observed in NSCLC patients with normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (serum CEA levels <5 ng/ml; n = 179; p = .085); however, no significant correlation was found between CR-1 expression and survival rate in the T2N0 or high CEA groups. In addition, NSCLC patients with low miR-205 expression (n = 126) had poorer prognosis in terms of recurrence than those with high miR-205 expression (n = 127; p = .001). CONCLUSION High CR-1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC with low tumor burden and may be used to select high-risk patients for adjuvant chemotherapy in early NSCLC. Moreover, low miR-205 expression likely related to high CR-1 expression could be a prognostic marker for patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Seo Park
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA; Institute for Innovative Cancer Research, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Raffeld
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yisong Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA.
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10
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Kong B, Wang W, Esposito I, Friess H, Michalski CW, Kleeff J. Increased expression of Nodal correlates with reduced patient survival in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2015; 15:156-61. [PMID: 25708930 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodal (nodal growth differentiation factor) and its inhibitor Lefty (left right determination factor), which are ligands of the TGF (transforming growth factor) β superfamily, are responsible for the determination of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates. Nodal/Lefty signaling has been suggested to play a role in the development of metastatic melanoma and breast cancer. However, it remains unclear whether this pathway is also involved in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS Pancreatic cancer patient specimens with clinical data (n = 54) were used to investigate the clinical significance of Nodal-Lefty signaling. A set of in vitro assays were carried out in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (Colo-357) to assess the functional relevance of Nodal-Lefty signaling. RESULTS Nodal was absent in the human normal pancreas, while Lefty was present in islet cells. Though Nodal and Lefty expression were found in cancer cells at various expression levels, the cancer-associated tubular complexes were particularly positive for Lefty. Survival analysis revealed that high expression of Nodal correlated with reduced patient survival (median survival 17.8 vs 33.0 months, p = 0.013). Cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed Nodal and Lefty at different levels. In vitro functional assays revealed that treatment with human recombinant Nodal inhibited cell growth and increased invasion of Colo-357 pancreatic cancer cells whereas no effect was found upon treatment with recombinant Lefty. CONCLUSION Nodal-Lefty signaling might be involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC as Nodal expression marks a subtype of PDAC with unfavorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weibin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Irene Esposito
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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Ruggiero D, Nappo S, Nutile T, Sorice R, Talotta F, Giorgio E, Bellenguez C, Leutenegger AL, Liguori GL, Ciullo M. Genetic variants modulating CRIPTO serum levels identified by genome-wide association study in Cilento isolates. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004976. [PMID: 25629528 PMCID: PMC4309561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripto, the founding member of the EGF-CFC genes, plays an essential role in embryo development and is involved in cancer progression. Cripto is a GPI-anchored protein that can interact with various components of multiple signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt and MAPK, driving different processes, among them epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, and stem cell renewal. Cripto protein can also be cleaved and released outside the cell in a soluble and still active form. Cripto is not significantly expressed in adult somatic tissues and its re-expression has been observed associated to pathological conditions, mainly cancer. Accordingly, CRIPTO has been detected at very low levels in the plasma of healthy volunteers, whereas its levels are significantly higher in patients with breast, colon or glioblastoma tumors. These data suggest that CRIPTO levels in human plasma or serum may have clinical significance. However, very little is known about the variability of serum levels of CRIPTO at a population level and the genetic contribution underlying this variability remains unknown. Here, we report the first genome-wide association study of CRIPTO serum levels in isolated populations (n = 1,054) from Cilento area in South Italy. The most associated SNPs (p-value<5*10-8) were all located on chromosome 3p22.1-3p21.3, in the CRIPTO gene region. Overall six CRIPTO associated loci were replicated in an independent sample (n = 535). Pathway analysis identified a main network including two other genes, besides CRIPTO, in the associated regions, involved in cell movement and proliferation. The replicated loci explain more than 87% of the CRIPTO variance, with 85% explained by the most associated SNP. Moreover, the functional analysis of the main associated locus identified a causal variant in the 5’UTR of CRIPTO gene which is able to strongly modulate CRIPTO expression through an AP-1-mediate transcriptional regulation. Cripto gene has a fundamental role in embryo development and is also involved in cancer. The protein is bound to the cell membrane through an anchor, that can be cleaved, causing the secretion of the protein, in a still active form. In the adult, CRIPTO is detected at very low levels in normal tissues and in the blood, while its increase in both tissues and blood is associated to pathological conditions, mainly cancer. As other GPI linked proteins such as the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), one of the most used tumor markers, CRIPTO is able to reach the bloodstream. Therefore, CRIPTO represents a new promising biomarker and potential therapeutic target, and blood CRIPTO levels might be associated to clinical features. Here we examined the variability of blood CRIPTO levels at a population level (population isolates from the Cilento region in South Italy) and we investigated the genetic architecture underlying this variability. We reported the association of common genetic variants with the levels of CRIPTO protein in the blood and we identified a main locus on chromosome 3 and additional five associated loci. Moreover, through functional analyses, we were able to uncover the mechanism responsible for the variation in CRIPTO levels, which is a regulation mediated by the transcriptional factor AP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ruggiero
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Nappo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Nutile
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Rossella Sorice
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Giorgio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Celine Bellenguez
- Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
- Inserm, U744, Lille, France
- Université Lille-Nord de France, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Louise Leutenegger
- Inserm, U946, Paris, France
- Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, IUH, UMR-S 946, Paris, France
| | - Giovanna L. Liguori
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Marina Ciullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A. Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Pilgaard L, Mortensen JH, Henriksen M, Olesen P, Sørensen P, Laursen R, Vyberg M, Agger R, Zachar V, Moos T, Duroux M. Cripto-1 expression in glioblastoma multiforme. Brain Pathol 2014; 24:360-70. [PMID: 24521322 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive cancer with a very poor prognosis. Cripto-1 (CR-1) has a key regulatory role in embryogenesis, while in adult tissue re-expression of CR-1 has been correlated to malignant progression in solid cancers of non-neuronal origin. As CR-1 expression has yet to be described in cerebral cancer and CR-1 is regulated by signaling pathways dysregulated in GBM, we aimed to investigate CR-1 in the context of expression in GBM. The study was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemistry to analyze the blood and tissue from 28 GBM and 4 low-grade glioma patients. Within the patient cohort, we found high CR-1 protein levels in blood plasma to significantly correlate with a shorter overall survival. We identified CR-1 in different areas of GBM tissue, including perivascular tumor cells, and in endothelial cells. Collectively, our data suggest that CR-1 could be a prognostic biomarker for GBM with the potential of being a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Pilgaard
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Biomedicine Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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13
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Jiang PC, Zhu L, Fan Y, Zhao HL. Clinicopathological and biological significance of cripto overexpression in human colon cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:8630-8637. [PMID: 24379580 PMCID: PMC3870508 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i46.8630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To assess the clinicopathological and biological significance of cripto in human colorectal cancer.
METHODS: Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine cripto mRNA levels in primary colon cancer and normal colon tissues as well as normal and metastatic lymph nodes from colon cancers. Human colon cancer LS-174T cells were transfected with cripto small interfering RNA (siRNA), and mRNA and protein levels were evaluated using real-time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. The growth of cancer cells was evaluated using the MTT assay and colony formation in soft agar. Invasion was examined using a Transwell assay, and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 and MMP-9 were determined using western blot assay.
RESULTS: Cripto was significantly overexpressed in primary colon cancer and metastatic lymph nodes. Silencing cripto gene expression with cripto siRNA resulted in a significant decrease in colony formation in soft agar in the colon cancer cell line LS-174T. Cripto siRNA treatment decreased the migration and invasion capabilities of the colon cancer cell line LS-174T in vitro. Furthermore, cripto siRNA treatment inhibited the expression of matrix MMP-7 and MMP-9.
CONCLUSION: The results provide evidence that cripto siRNA could be an effective approach for the inhibition of cancer cell invasion and migration and thus has potential for use in devising novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for colon cancer metastasis.
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Doi Y, Yashiro M, Yamada N, Amano R, Noda S, Hirakawa K. VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling plays an important role for the motility of pancreas cancer cells. Ann Surg Oncol 2011; 19:2733-43. [PMID: 22207048 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-011-2181-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal solid tumors. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are expressed not only by endothelial cells but also by pancreatic cancer cells. VEGFRs might play an important role for the development of pancreatic cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of VEGF/VEGFR-2-targeted therapy in pancreatic carcinoma. METHODS Five pancreatic carcinoma cell lines were used. The expression level of VEGFR-2 of cancer cells was examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of VEGFs, bevacizumab as an anti-VEGF antibody, sunitinib as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor against VEGFRs, and VEGF-R2 siRNA on the motility activity of pancreatic cancer cells were examined by invasion assay and wound healing assay. The effect of VEGF, bevacizumab, and sunitinib on the phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and downstream effecter molecules, MAPK and PI3K, was examined by western blot. RESULTS Pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed VEGFR-2. VEGF-A significantly increased the motility of pancreas cancer cells, which was inhibited by VEGFR-2 siRNA. Conditioned medium from pancreas cancer cells significantly stimulated the motility of pancreas cancer cells. VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors, bevacizumab and sunitinib, significantly decreased the motility of pancreas cancer cells. VEGFR-2 phosphorylation level of pancreas cancer cells was increased by VEGF-A. Bevacizumab and sunitinib decreased the level of VEGFR-2 phosphorylation, p-ERK, and p-Akt expression. VEGF-A decreased zonula occludens (ZO-1) or ZO-2 expression in pancreas cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS VEGF-A/VEGFR-2 signaling plays an important role in inducing invasion and migration of pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Doi
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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15
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Cho K, Matsuda Y, Ueda J, Uchida E, Naito Z, Ishiwata T. Keratinocyte growth factor induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression and correlates with venous invasion in pancreatic cancer. Int J Oncol 2011; 40:1040-8. [PMID: 22159401 PMCID: PMC3584520 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2011.1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), also known as fibroblast growth factor-7, and KGF receptor (KGFR) play important roles in the growth of epithelial cells and are overexpressed in a variety of malignant epithelial tumors, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We previously reported that co-expression of KGF and KGFR in PDAC is associated with venous invasion, enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor A expression and poor prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is known to participate in the degradation of type IV collagen, which is a primary component of extracellular matrices in the vascular basement membrane. In the present study, we examined the expression and roles of KGF, KGFR and MMP-9 in human PDAC cell lines and tissues. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated the expression of MMP-9 mRNA in all eight PDAC cell lines. KGF, KGFR and MMP-9 were, respectively, expressed in 27 (43%), 23 (37%) and 35 (56%) of 63 patients. Each expression of KGF, KGFR or MMP-9 correlated positively with venous invasion. Furthermore, expression of KGF or MMP-9 correlated positively with liver metastasis. KGF-positive cases exhibited shorter survival than KGF-negative cases, while KGFR and MMP-9 expression were unrelated to prognosis. Administration of recombinant human KGF increased MMP-9 expression in PDAC cells, while transient transfection with short hairpin RNAs targeting KGF transcripts reduced MMP-9 expression in PDAC cells. Moreover, recombinant human KGF significantly enhanced migration and invasion of PDAC cells. These findings suggest that KGF and KGFR promote venous invasion via MMP-9 in PDAC, and closely correlate with liver metastasis. The KGF/KGFR pathway may be a critical therapeutic target for PDAC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Cho
- Departments of Pathology and Integrative Oncological Pathology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
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Nodal/Activin Signaling Drives Self-Renewal and Tumorigenicity of Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells and Provides a Target for Combined Drug Therapy. Cell Stem Cell 2011; 9:433-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Revised: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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VINTER-JENSEN LARS. Pharmacological effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) with focus on the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts. APMIS 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.1999.tb05690.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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de Castro NP, Rangel MC, Nagaoka T, Salomon DS, Bianco C. Cripto-1: an embryonic gene that promotes tumorigenesis. Future Oncol 2010; 6:1127-42. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.10.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that cell fate regulation during embryonic development and oncogenic transformation share common regulatory mechanisms and signaling pathways. Indeed, an embryonic gene member of the EGF–Cripto-1/FRL1/Cryptic family, Cripto-1, has been implicated in embryogenesis and in carcinogenesis. Cripto-1 together with the TGF-β ligand Nodal is a key regulator of embryonic development and is a marker of undifferentiated human and mouse embryonic stem cells. While Cripto-1 expression is very low in normal adult tissues, Cripto-1 is re-expressed at high levels in several different human tumors, modulating cancer cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stimulating tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, inhibition of Cripto-1 expression using blocking antibodies or antisense expression vectors might be a useful modality not only to target fully differentiated cancer cells but also to target a subpopulation of tumor cells with stem-like characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Pereira de Castro
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Maria Cristina Rangel
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tadahiro Nagaoka
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David S Salomon
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Dr., Bldg 37 Room 1112, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Zhong XY, Zhang LH, Jia SQ, Shi T, Niu ZJ, Du H, Zhang GG, Hu Y, Lu AP, Li JY, Ji JF. Positive association of up-regulated Cripto-1 and down-regulated E-cadherin with tumour progression and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Histopathology 2008; 52:560-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2008.02971.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Prognostic significance of growth factors and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator system in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Pancreas 2008; 36:160-7. [PMID: 18376307 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0b013e31815750f0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of growth factors and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) using a multigene assay. METHODS Messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 15 genes from epidermal growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and uPA families were measured in 46 PDAC tissue samples using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These results were compared with those of the uninvolved adjacent (AP) tissue and benign mucinous cystadenomas (BMC). The mRNA expression was evaluated using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC AUC) analyses. Their relationship with prognosis was tested by Cox regression multivariate analysis. RESULTS All genes were overexpressed in most of the PDAC tissue. When compared with AP tissue, the median expression values for IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) and uPA receptor (uPAR) was 9.8- and 9.6-fold, respectively. Expression levels of uPA, uPAR, IGF-I, and IGFBP-3 mRNA were significantly greater in PDAC than in BMC. The IGFBP-3 mRNA expression demonstrated greatest ROC AUC values for PDAC versus AP tissue (ROC AUC, 0.745; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.86); whereas ROC AUC values were greatest for uPAR when PDAC was compared with BMC (ROC AUC, 0.846; 95% CI, 0.76-0.94). The combination of uPA, uPAR, and IGF-I significantly improved discriminatory power (ROC AUC, 0.965; 95% CI, 0.93-1.00). The IGFBP-3, uPA, plasminogen activator inhibitor-2, and International Union Against Cancer stage had a significant influence on survival, but the effect of IGFBP-3 was lost after multivariate stepwise analysis. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that there is an influence of IGF system in tumor progression from BMC to PDAC, whereas the uPA/uPAR system has the greater influence on survival in PDAC.
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Cho K, Ishiwata T, Uchida E, Nakazawa N, Korc M, Naito Z, Tajiri T. Enhanced expression of keratinocyte growth factor and its receptor correlates with venous invasion in pancreatic cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:1964-74. [PMID: 17525264 PMCID: PMC1899460 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and KGF receptor (KGFR) have been implicated in cancer growth as well as tissue development and repair. In this study, we examined whether KGF and KGFR have a role in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). KGFR mRNA was expressed in eight pancreatic cancer cell lines, whereas the KGF mRNA was detected in seven of the cell lines and was absent in MIA PaCa-2 cells. KGFR and KGF immunoreactivity were localized in the cancer cells in 41.5 and 34.0% of patients, respectively. There was a significant correlation between KGFR or KGF immunoreactivity and venous invasion and a significant correlation between the presence of both markers and venous invasion, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A expression, and poor prognosis. Exogenous KGF increased VEGF-A expression and release in MIA PaCa-2 cells, and PANC-1 cells stably transfected to overexpress KGF-exhibited increased VEGF-A expression. Moreover, short hairpin-KGFR transfection in MIA PaCa-2 cells reduced the stimulatory effect of exogenous KGF on VEGF-A expression. Short hairpin-KGF transfection in KLM-1 cells reduced VEGF-A expression in the cells. KGFR and KGF may act to promote venous invasion and tumor angiogenesis in PDAC, raising the possibility that they may serve as novel therapeutic targets in anti-angiogenic strategies in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Cho
- Department of Integrative Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8602, Japan
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Welsch T, Endlich K, Giese T, Büchler MW, Schmidt J. Eps8 is increased in pancreatic cancer and required for dynamic actin-based cell protrusions and intercellular cytoskeletal organization. Cancer Lett 2007; 255:205-18. [PMID: 17537571 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2006] [Revised: 04/18/2007] [Accepted: 04/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the role of Eps8 in pancreatic cancer. Eps8 was significantly increased in pancreatic cancer and colocalized with F-actin, predominantly in pancreatic ductal cells. Eps8 levels were higher in cell lines derived from ascites and metastases than in those from primary tumors. Expression correlated positively with the migratory potential of tumor cells. Eps8 localized to the tips of F-actin filaments, filopodia, and the leading edge of cells. Eps8 knockdown altered cell shape and actin-based cytoskeletal structures, impairing protrusion formation and cell-cell junctions. We concluded that Eps8 is increased in pancreatic cancer and correlates with migratory potential and tumor progression in vitro. Eps8 is essential for actin dynamics and cell interactions, independent of Eps8-like gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Welsch
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Yeh JJ, Der CJ. Targeting signal transduction in pancreatic cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2007; 11:673-94. [PMID: 17465725 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.11.5.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate of 4%. The only opportunity for improved survival continues to be complete surgical resection for those with localized disease. Although chemotherapeutic options are limited for the few patients with resectable disease, this problem is even more magnified in the majority (85%) of patients with unresectable or metastastic disease. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improved therapeutic options. The recent success of inhibitors of signal transduction for the treatment of other cancers supports the need to identify and validate aberrant signaling pathways important for pancreatic tumor growth. This review focuses on the validation of specific signaling networks and the present status of inhibitors of these pathways as therapeutic approaches for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen Jen Yeh
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Surgical Oncology, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Mallikarjuna K, Vaijayanthi P, Krishnakumar S. Cripto-1 expression in uveal melanoma: an immunohistochemical study. Exp Eye Res 2007; 84:1060-6. [PMID: 17412323 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2007.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2006] [Revised: 10/26/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human Cripto, the founder member of the epidermal growth factor-Cripto-FRL1-Cryptic (EGF-CFC) family, plays an important role during early embryonic development and in particular in carcinogenesis and the development of cancer metastases. Cripto-1 is over-expressed in most cancers, but is absent or only weakly expressed in normal cells. For this reason, Cripto-1 could be of potential value in the targeted treatment. There is no information on the expression of Cripto-1 in human uveal melanoma. Cripto-1 reactivity was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on 36 archival uveal melanomas using the polyclonal antibody to Cripto-1. The tumors were divided in to 2 groups. There were 18 uveal melanomas with no intrascleral or extrascleral extension and 18 uveal melanomas with intrascleral/extrascleral extension/liver metastasis. Cripto-1 reactivity was correlated with tumor aggressiveness and cell type. Furthermore, we studied the immunolocalization of Cripto-1 in 4 uveal melanoma cell lines OCM-1, OCM-8, and 92-1, and OMM-1 and in 2 primary uveal melanocyte cultures. Cripto-1 was expressed in both the non-invasive and aggressive uveal melanomas. Cripto-1 was positive in the 4 uveal melanoma cell lines and absent in the primary uveal melanocyte cultures. Retinal tissue did not express Cripto-1. The results suggest that Cripto-1 is expressed in uveal melanoma, negative in the non-neoplastic ocular tissue and point to its use as a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kandalam Mallikarjuna
- Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, 18 College Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India
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Gong YP, Yarrow PM, Carmalt HL, Kwun SY, Kennedy CW, Lin BPC, Xing PX, Gillett DJ. Overexpression of Cripto and its prognostic significance in breast cancer: a study with long-term survival. Eur J Surg Oncol 2006; 33:438-43. [PMID: 17125961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2006.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cripto is a founding member of the EGF-CFC family, and plays an important role in tumourigenesis, tumour cell proliferation and migration. We aimed to determine the significance of Cripto expression on the survival of patients with breast cancer. METHODS Immunohistochemical detection of Cripto was performed by using mAb C13 on 120 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast tumour specimens in tissue microarrays. This cohort comprises a series of 120 patients with primary operable breast cancer diagnosed between 1989 and 1995, retrieved from the Concord Repatriation General Hospital breast carcinoma database. RESULTS Using a cutoff value of 80%, Cripto overexpressed in 57 of the 120 (47.5%) patients. We found significant associations between overexpression of Cripto and the Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI, p<0.01), histological grade (p<0.01), pathological tumour type (p=0.04), PR (p=0.02) as well as Ki-67 (p=0.02). Univariate analysis reveals that there is a significant correlation between overexpression of Cripto and survival (p=0.0003). Cox regression analysis indicates that the overexpression of Cripto is an independent prognostic factor in breast cancer (HR 2.79, 95%CI 1.20-6.50). CONCLUSION The unique epitope recognized by mAb C13 is overexpressed on breast tumour tissues. In this series of invasive breast cancers, overexpression of Cripto was more often found in high grade and poor prognosis tumours compared to low grade and good prognosis breast cancers. Moreover, overexpression of Cripto was significantly associated with decreased patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y P Gong
- Department of Breast Endocrine Surgery, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Hospital Road, Concord NSW 2137, Australia
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Welsch T, Kleeff J, Seitz HK, Büchler P, Friess H, Büchler MW. Update on pancreatic cancer and alcohol-associated risk. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2006; 21 Suppl 3:S69-75. [PMID: 16958677 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04574.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is characterized by extremely aggressive behavior, with an overall 5-year survival of <4%. Because conventional and specifically tailored therapeutic regimens have little impact on patient survival, epidemiological and molecular research aims at identifying and reducing risk factors. Cigarette smoking, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and chronic pancreatitis are amenable to medical prevention or therapy. Heavy alcohol consumption is an inconsistent single risk factor for pancreatic cancer but may promote carcinogenesis by increasing the risk of diabetes mellitus or chronic pancreatitis. For various agents, the key carcinogenic effect is probably an inflammatory response in the pancreatic tissue. On the molecular level, mutations of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, as well as various epigenetic alterations, such as overexpression of growth factors and their receptors, are important in tumorigenesis. Complete and safe surgical resection, together with adjuvant therapy, offers prolonged survival, with 5-year survival rates of approximately 25%. However, for unresectable or disseminated disease, which constitutes the vast majority of cases, treatment is palliative. Despite increasing knowledge about the molecular pathology of pancreatic cancer and despite advances in treatment, the overall course of the disease is dismal, and reinforced efforts to reduce incidence and improve outcome are needed desperately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Welsch
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive human malignancies, with an overall 5-year survival rate of less than 4%. On the molecular level, an increasing number of genetic and epigenetic alterations have been discovered, with a particular focus on growth factors and related pathways. Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibodies, and other approaches have been developed in recent years to target these signal transduction pathways, and first clinical trials show encouraging results. In addition, molecular alterations have been identified that enable the cancer cells to invade the perineurium and the retroperitoneal space, thus explaining at least in part the high rate of local recurrence and the severe pain syndrome. Technically, pancreatic surgery has advanced, with acceptable morbidity and mortality rates in high-volume centers. Randomized controlled trials are increasingly carried out to define the best palliative and adjuvant therapy for this disease. Translational research combined with clinical trials will hopefully lead to improved survival and better quality of life for pancreatic cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Kleeff
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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28
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Strizzi L, Bianco C, Normanno N, Salomon D. Cripto-1: a multifunctional modulator during embryogenesis and oncogenesis. Oncogene 2005; 24:5731-41. [PMID: 16123806 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1208918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It is increasingly evident that genes known to perform critical roles during early embryogenesis, particularly during stem cell renewal, pluripotentiality and survival, are also expressed during the development of cancer. In this regard, oncogenesis may be considered as the recapitulation of embryogenesis in an inappropriate temporal and spatial manner. The epidermal growth factor-Cripto-1/FRL1/cryptic family of proteins consists of extracellular and cell-associated proteins that have been identified in several vertebrate species. During early embryogenesis, epidermal growth factor-Cripto-1/FRL1/cryptic proteins perform an obligatory role as coreceptors for the transforming growth factor-beta subfamily of proteins, which includes Nodal. Cripto-1 has also been shown to function as a ligand through a Nodal/Alk4-independent signaling pathway that involves binding to glypican-1 and the subsequent activation through src of phosphoinositol-3 kinase/Akt and ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase intracellular pathways. Expression of Cripto-1 is increased in several human cancers and its overexpression is associated with the development of mammary tumors in mice. Here, we review the role of Cripto-1 during embryogenesis, cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis and how these activities may relate to cellular transformation and tumorigenesis. We also briefly discuss evidence suggesting that Cripto-1 may be involved in stem cell maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Strizzi
- Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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29
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Shirk AJ, Kuver R. Epidermal growth factor mediates detachment from and invasion through collagen I and Matrigel in Capan-1 pancreatic cancer cells. BMC Gastroenterol 2005; 5:12. [PMID: 15801978 PMCID: PMC1079814 DOI: 10.1186/1471-230x-5-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2004] [Accepted: 03/31/2005] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a highly invasive neoplasm. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor are over expressed in pancreatic cancer, and expression correlates with invasion and metastasis. We hypothesized that EGF receptor and integrin signalling pathways interact in mediating cellular adhesion and invasion in pancreatic cancer, and that invasiveness correlates temporally with detachment from extracellular matrix. METHODS We tested this hypothesis by investigating the role of EGF in mediating adhesion to and invasion through collagen I and Matrigel in the metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Capan-1. Adhesion and invasion were measured using in vitro assays of fluorescently-labeled cells. Adhesion and invasion assays were also performed in the primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line MIA PaCa-2. RESULTS EGF inhibited adhesion to collagen I and Matrigel in Capan-1 cells. The loss of adhesion was reversed by AG825, an inhibitor of erbB2 receptor signalling and by wortmannin, a PI3K inhibitor, but not by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. EGF stimulated invasion through collagen I and Matrigel at concentrations and time courses similar to those mediating detachment from these extracellular matrix components. Adhesion to collagen I was different in MIA PaCa-2 cells, with no significant change elicited following EGF treatment, whereas treatment with the EGF family member heregulin-alpha elicited a marked increase in adhesion. Invasion through Matrigel in response to EGF, however, was similar to that observed in Capan-1 cells. CONCLUSION An inverse relationship exists between adhesion and invasion capabilities in Capan-1 cells but not in MIA PaCa-2 cells. EGF receptor signalling involving the erbB2 and PI3K pathways plays a role in mediating these events in Capan-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Shirk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and the Puget Sound Veterans Administration Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington USA
| | - Rahul Kuver
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, and the Puget Sound Veterans Administration Health Care System, Seattle Division, Seattle, Washington USA
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30
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Bianco C, Strizzi L, Normanno N, Khan N, Salomon DS. Cripto-1: an oncofetal gene with many faces. Curr Top Dev Biol 2005; 67:85-133. [PMID: 15949532 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(05)67003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (CR-1), a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-CFC family, has been implicated in embryogenesis and in carcinogenesis. During early vertebrate development, CR-1 functions as a co-receptor for Nodal, a transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) family member and is essential for mesoderm and endoderm formation and anterior-posterior and left-right axis establishment. In adult tissues, CR-1 is expressed at a low level in all stages of mammary gland development and expression increases during pregnancy and lactation. Overexpression of CR-1 in mouse mammary epithelial cells leads to their transformation in vitro and, when injected into mammary glands, produces ductal hyperplasias. CR-1 can also enhance migration, invasion, branching morphogenesis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of several mouse mammary epithelial cell lines. Furthermore, transgenic mouse studies have shown that overexpression of a human CR-1 transgene in the mammary gland under the transcriptional control of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter results in mammary hyperplasias and papillary adenocarcinomas. Finally, CR-1 is expressed at high levels in approximately 50 to 80% of different types of human carcinomas, including breast, cervix, colon, stomach, pancreas, lung, ovary, and testis. In conclusion, EGF-CFC proteins play dual roles as embryonic pattern formation genes and as oncogenes. While during embryogenesis EGF-CFC proteins perform specific and regulatory functions related to cell and tissue patterning, inappropriate expression of these molecules in adult tissues can lead to cellular proliferation and transformation and therefore may be important in the etiology and/or progression of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Bianco
- Tumor Growth Factor Section, Mammary Biology & Tumorigenesis Laboratory Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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31
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Xing PX, Hu XF, Pietersz GA, Hosick HL, McKenzie IFC. Cripto: a novel target for antibody-based cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Res 2004; 64:4018-23. [PMID: 15173016 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-3888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cripto, a member of the epidermal growth factor-Cripto-FRL-Criptic (EGF-CFC) family, has been described recently as a potential target for immunotherapy (Adkins et al., J Clin Invest 2003;112:575-87). We have produced rat monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to a Cripto 17-mer peptide, corresponding to the "EGF-like" motif of Cripto. The mAbs react with most cancers of the breast, colon, lung, stomach, and pancreas but do not react or react weakly with normal tissues. The mAbs inhibit cancer cell growth in vitro, and this effect was greater with cytotoxic drugs such as 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cisplatin. The anti-Cripto mAbs prevent tumor development in vivo and inhibit the growth of established tumors of LS174T colon xenografts in Scid mice. The growth inhibitory effects with these mAbs may be greater than those described elsewhere, possibly because of IgM giving more effective cross-linking or binding to a different epitope (EGF-like region versus CFC region). The mechanism of inhibitory effects of the Cripto mAbs includes both cancer cell apoptosis, activation of c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase and p38 kinase signaling pathways and blocking of Akt phosphorylation. Thus, Cripto is a unique target, and mAbs to Cripto could be of therapeutic value for human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Xiang Xing
- Cancer Immunotherapy Laboratory, Austin Research Institute, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
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32
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Hartel M, Tempia-Caliera AA, Wente MN, Z'graggen K, Friess H, Büchler MW. Evidence-based surgery in chronic pancreatitis. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2003; 388:132-9. [PMID: 12712343 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-003-0361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2003] [Accepted: 01/31/2003] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past two decades our knowledge of the pathophysiology and surgical treatment options in chronic pancreatitis has improved substantially. Surgical treatment in chronic pancreatitis has evolved from extending to organ-preserving procedures. DISCUSSION The classical Whipple resection is no longer a standard procedure in chronic pancreatitis, and is continuously being replaced by operations such as the duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection and pylorus-preserving Whipple. These procedures allow the preservation of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function, provides pain relief in up to 90% of patients, and contributes to an improvement in life quality. CONCLUSIONS In addition to presently available results from randomized controlled trials, new studies comparing available surgical approaches in chronic pancreatitis are needed to determine which procedure is the most effective in the treating chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Hartel
- Department of General Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 110, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Korc M. Pathways for aberrant angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer. Mol Cancer 2003; 2:8. [PMID: 12556241 PMCID: PMC149422 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2002] [Accepted: 01/07/2003] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease. Although the specific mechanisms that dictate its biological aggressiveness are not clearly established, it is characterized by a variety of molecular alterations as well as by the overexpression of mitogenic and angiogenic growth factors and their receptors. PDACs also express high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recent studies indicate that suppression of VEGF expression attenuates pancreatic cancer cell tumorigenicity in a nude mouse model, and that VEGF can exert direct mitogenic effects on some pancreatic cancer cells. These findings suggest that cancer cell derived VEGF promotes pancreatic cancer growth in vivo via a paracrine angiogenic pathway and an autocrine mitogenic pathway, and provide novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention in this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Korc
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697, USA.
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34
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Abstract
In this article the role of different growth factors and their receptors in the pathogenesis of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer is discussed. The expression of members of the epidermal growth factor family, the fibroblast growth factor family, the transforming growth factor-beta family, the platelet-derived growth factor family, the nerve growth factor family, the insulin-like growth factor family and their signaling receptors is presented, and a correlation of the molecular data with clinical and pathological changes is performed. A number of these growth factors and their receptors are markedly overexpressed in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. In chronic pancreatitis, overexpression of growth factors and their receptors contributes to tissue remodeling and fibrogenesis. In contrast to chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer is associated with a variety of genetic alterations, including mutations in tumor suppressor genes and cell cycle regulators. In the presence of these genetic disturbances, enhanced expression of growth factors and their receptors contributes to cell proliferation and enhances the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. In summary, growth factors and their receptors are often altered in chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and contribute to various pathogenetic aspects in these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Balaz
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
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35
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Yan YT, Liu JJ, Luo Y, E C, Haltiwanger RS, Abate-Shen C, Shen MM. Dual roles of Cripto as a ligand and coreceptor in the nodal signaling pathway. Mol Cell Biol 2002; 22:4439-49. [PMID: 12052855 PMCID: PMC133918 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.22.13.4439-4449.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The EGF-CFC gene Cripto encodes an extracellular protein that has been implicated in the signaling pathway for the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) ligand Nodal. Although recent findings in frog and fish embryos have suggested that EGF-CFC proteins function as coreceptors for Nodal, studies in cell culture have implicated Cripto as a growth factor-like signaling molecule. Here we reconcile these apparently disparate models of Cripto function by using a mammalian cell culture assay to investigate the signaling activities of Nodal and EGF-CFC proteins. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we found that Cripto has activities consistent with its being a coreceptor for Nodal. However, Cripto can also function as a secreted signaling factor in cell coculture assays, suggesting that it may also act as a coligand for Nodal. Furthermore, we found that the ability of Cripto to bind to Nodal and mediate Nodal signaling requires the addition of an O-linked fucose monosaccharide to a conserved site within EGF-CFC proteins. We propose a model in which Cripto has dual roles as a coreceptor as well as a coligand for Nodal and that this signaling interaction with Nodal is regulated by an unusual form of glycosylation. Our findings highlight the significance of extracellular modulation of ligand activity as an important means of regulating TGF beta signaling pathways during vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Yan
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatric, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, USA
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Persico MG, Liguori GL, Parisi S, D'Andrea D, Salomon DS, Minchiotti G. Cripto in tumors and embryo development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2001; 1552:87-93. [PMID: 11825688 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-419x(01)00039-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M G Persico
- International Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Via G. Marconi 12, 80125 Naples, Italy.
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Wechselberger C, Ebert AD, Bianco C, Khan NI, Sun Y, Wallace-Jones B, Montesano R, Salomon DS. Cripto-1 enhances migration and branching morphogenesis of mouse mammary epithelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2001; 266:95-105. [PMID: 11339828 DOI: 10.1006/excr.2001.5195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is an EGF-CFC protein that performs an important role during early vertebrate development and is overexpressed in several types of human cancer. In the present study mouse EpH4, NMuMG, and TAC-2 mammary epithelial cells that are negative for endogenous cripto-1 expression were transfected with the murine cripto-1 cDNA. Cripto-1-transfected cell lines exhibited functional and physiological differences from the original cell lines including enhanced anchorage-independent growth in soft agar (EpH4 cells), growth in serum-free medium, increased proliferation, and formation of branching, duct-like structures when grown in a three-dimensional collagen type I matrix. Furthermore, cripto-1-expressing cell lines showed elevated migration in vitro in Boyden chamber and wound-healing assays. These results indicate that cripto-1 can function through an autocrine pathway that enables mammary epithelial cells to undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Wechselberger
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Tumor Growth Factor Section, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 5B39, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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38
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Ertoy D, Ayhan A, Saraç E, Karaağaoğlu E, Yasui W, Tahara E, Ayhan A. Clinicopathological implication of cripto expression in early stage invasive cervical carcinomas. Eur J Cancer 2000; 36:1002-7. [PMID: 10885604 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(00)00033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the expression of cripto (CR-1) protein in matched sets of non-neoplastic cervical epithelium, primary cervical carcinoma and metastatic tumours in the lymph nodes to investigate its role in uterine cervical cancer development and progression. Ninety-four primary cervical carcinomas in an early clinical stage and having the same surgical treatment modality were analysed. Immunoreactivity in the primary tumour was compared with that of non-neoplastic cervical epithelium and metastatic lymph nodes. The conventional clinicopathological prognostic variables for cervical carcinomas such as grade, tumour size, depth of invasion, parametrial and endometrial extension, lymphovascular space involvement and lymph node metastasis status were also compared with CR-1 expression of the primary tumour. Strong CR-1 immunopositivity was significantly correlated with tumour size and lymphovascular space involvement (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between CR-1 immunoreactivity and endometrial extension as well as parametrial involvement (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the CR-1 expression level was increased in metastatic lymph nodes compared with their primary tumours. These results suggest that CR-1 may contribute to disease progression in cervical carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ertoy
- Department of Pathology, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Sakorafas GH, Tsiotou AG, Tsiotos GG. Molecular biology of pancreatic cancer; oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes, growth factors, and their receptors from a clinical perspective. Cancer Treat Rev 2000; 26:29-52. [PMID: 10660490 DOI: 10.1053/ctrv.1999.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and the fifth in women. Prognosis remains dismal, mainly because the diagnosis is made late in the clinical course of the disease. The need to improve the diagnosis, detection, and treatment of pancreatic cancer is great. It is in this type of cancer, in which the mortality is so great and the clinical detection so difficult that the recent advances of molecular biology may have a significant impact. Genetic alterations can be detected at different levels. These alterations include oncogene mutations (most commonly, K-ras mutations, which occur in 75% to more than 95% of pancreatic cancer tissues), tumour suppressor genes alterations (mainly, p53, p16, DCC, etc.), overexpression of growth factors (such as EGF, TGF alpha, TGF beta 1-3, aFGF, bTGF, etc.) and their receptors (i.e., EGF receptor, TGF beta receptor I-III, etc.). Insights into the molecular genetics of pancreatic carcinogenesis are beginning to form a genetic model for pancreatic cancer and its precursors. These improvements in our understanding of the molecular biology of pancreatic cancer are not simply of research interest, but may have clinical implications, such as risk assessment, early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Sakorafas
- Department of Surgery, 251 Hellenic Air Force (HAF) Hospital, Messogion and Katehaki, Athens, 115 25 (Papagos), Greece
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Beger HG, Schlosser W, Friess HM, Büchler MW. Duodenum-preserving head resection in chronic pancreatitis changes the natural course of the disease: a single-center 26-year experience. Ann Surg 1999; 230:512-9; discussion 519-23. [PMID: 10522721 PMCID: PMC1420900 DOI: 10.1097/00000658-199910000-00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To present preoperative and early postoperative data for 504 patients who underwent duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) for severe chronic pancreatitis (CP). BACKGROUND The pancreatic head is considered to be the pacemaker of the disease in alcohol-induced CP. Indications for surgery in CP are intractable pain and local complications. DPPHR offers the advantage of treating the complications related to the inflammatory process in the head, relieving the pain syndrome, and preserving the bilioduodenal anatomy, and it may have the potential to change the natural course of chronic pancreatitis. METHODS Between November 1972 and December 1998, 504 patients with chronic pancreatitis and an inflammatory mass in the pancreatic head were treated surgically after medical pain treatment for a median of 3.6 years. The procedure resulted in a hospital mortality rate of 0.8%. A continuous follow-up investigation lasting up to 26 years was conducted, during which the patients were reevaluated four times (1983, 1987, 1994, 1996). Between November 1982 and October 1996, 388 patients treated surgically were reinvestigated to evaluate the late outcome; the follow-up rate was 94% (25 patients were lost to follow-up). The reinvestigation evaluation included glucose tolerance test, exocrine pancreatic function test, pain status, physical status, professional and social rehabilitation, and quality of life. RESULTS After an observation period of up to 14 years, 78.8% of the patients were completely pain-free and 12.5% had (yearly) pain. 91.3% were considered as pain-free; 8.7% had continuing abdominal pain; 12% had abdominal complaints. During the 14 years of follow-up, only 9% were admitted to the hospital for acute episodes of chronic pancreatitis. Endocrine function was improved in 11%; in 21%, diabetes developed de novo. The rate of hospital admission for acute episodes decreased from 69% before surgery to 9% after surgery. In the clinical management period of 9 years (median), the frequency of hospital admission dropped from 5.4 per patient before surgery to 2.7 after surgery. Fourteen years after surgery, 69% of the patients were professionally rehabilitated; in 72%, the quality of life index (Karnofsky criteria) was 90 to 100 and in 18%, it was <80. CONCLUSION In patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis in whom an inflammatory mass has developed in the pancreatic head, DPPHR results in a change in the natural course of the disease in terms of pain status, frequency of acute episodes, need for further hospital admission, late death, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- H G Beger
- Department of General Surgery, University of Ulm, Germany
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41
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Abstract
Significant progress has been made in the characterization of the structure and function of pancreatic ductal cells. Our understanding at this point in time extends to knowledge of specific molecules that provide for the structural composition of the ductal cells, their interactions with the local environment, and the regulation of their growth and properties of differentiation. Knowledge of the molecular composition and structure of the secretory products of epithelial cells in the pancreas also has increased so that we now understand the individual contributions of several secretory products to the overall function of pancreatic juice. Further study of these parameters will give us important insight into the normal function of the ductal cells and into how these processes are altered during the development and progression of diseases of the pancreas such as pancreatitis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-6805, USA.
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Miknyoczki SJ, Lang D, Huang L, Klein-Szanto AJ, Dionne CA, Ruggeri BA. Neurotrophins and Trk receptors in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: expression patterns and effects on in vitro invasive behavior. Int J Cancer 1999; 81:417-27. [PMID: 10209957 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19990505)81:3<417::aid-ijc16>3.0.co;2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aggressive and highly metastatic behavior observed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) may be due to autocrine and/or paracrine interactions (tumor/stromal) involving altered expression of peptide growth factors and their corresponding receptors. The neurotrophin (NT) growth factor family and their cognate receptors have been demonstrated to play a role in the invasiveness, chemotactic behavior and tumor cell survival of both neuronal and non-neuronal cancers. We hypothesized that aberrant expression of the NTs and/or the Trk receptors may contribute to the malignant phenotype of PDAC, specifically tumor cell invasiveness, through autocrine and/or paracrine interactions. In this study, we examined the expression of NTs, Trks and p75NGFR by immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization analyses in both normal (n=14) and neoplastic pancreas (n=47) and PDAC-derived cell lines (n=6). Further, we evaluated the effects of various NTs on the in vitro invasive and chemotactic behavior on 6 human PDAC-derived cell lines in a modified Boyden chamber assay. Brain-derived nerve growth factor (BDNF), NT-3, NT-4/5 and Trks A, B and C exhibited diffuse cytoplasmic and membranous immunostaining patterns in both the ducts and the acini of the exocrine pancreas and the islets of the endocrine pancreas of both normal and PDAC specimens. NT expression was primarily within the stromal compartment of the tumor, while Trk expression was weak or absent. We observed a 68%, 64% and 66% increase in the expression of Trks A, B and C, respectively, in the ductal elements of the PDAC samples examined compared with the normal adjacent tissue. Invasiveness of 4 of 6 PDAC cell lines was significantly inhibited (p<0.05) when the cells were incubated with 100 ng/ml NT. However, when select cell lines were incubated with lower concentrations of NT-3 and BDNF (0, 1, 5, 25 and 50 ng/ml), invasiveness was significantly stimulated (p<0.05) through the Matrigel matrix. Collectively, our data suggest the possibility that paracrine and/or autocrine NT-Trk interactions may influence the phenotype (possibly the invasive behavior) of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Miknyoczki
- Department of Pathology, MCP-Hahnemann University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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43
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Friess H, Kleeff J, Kulli C, Wagner M, Sawhney H, Büchler MW. The impact of different types of surgery in pancreatic cancer. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 1999; 25:124-31. [PMID: 10218452 DOI: 10.1053/ejso.1998.0613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Friess
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Bern, Switzerland
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44
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Graber HU, Friess H, Kaufmann B, Willi D, Zimmermann A, Korc M, Büchler MW. ErbB-4 mRNA expression is decreased in non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. Int J Cancer 1999; 84:24-7. [PMID: 9988227 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19990219)84:1<24::aid-ijc5>3.0.co;2-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The erbB-4 gene encodes a detected receptor protein that possesses intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and belongs to the family of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); erbB-4 is stimulated by the heregulins and betacellulin, which enables this receptor to form heterodimers with erbB-2, a prerequisite for erbB-2 activation. Because the expression of erbB-4 mRNA is generally low in the pancreas, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to determine the erbB-4 levels in human normal and cancerous pancreatic tissue. Our results show that the mRNA expression of this receptor is 6-fold decreased in the non-metastatic stages of pancreatic cancer when compared to tumors with lymph node or distant metastases or to the normal pancreas. In addition, immunohistochemistry demonstrated that in the normal pancreas, the erbB-4 antigen was predominantly present in the cell membrane and cytoplasm of the ductal and acinar cells and at a much lower level, in islet cells. In pancreatic cancer, 61 of 75 samples exhibited weak to moderate immunoreactivity for erbB-4 in the tumor cells. Moreover, in the peri-tumorous region with chronic pancreatitis-like morphological changes, there was weak-to-moderate erbB-4 immunostaining in small ductules and degenerating acinar cells. Uni- and multivariate survival analyses using as variables age, sex, stage of cancer, histo-pathological grading, and erbB-4 immunoreactivity, revealed a significant effect for stage of cancer (p < 0.01) whereby the risk of dying was 2.3 times higher in patients with metastases than in patients without. However, the level of erbB-4 immunoreactivity in pancreatic cancer cells had no influence on patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- H U Graber
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Bern, Switzerland
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45
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Haycox A, Lombard M, Neoptolemos J, Walley T. Review article: current practice and future perspectives in detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1998; 12:937-48. [PMID: 9798798 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.1998.00393.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the tenth most prevalent malignancy and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the developed world. Less than 10% of patients survive for more than 1 year following diagnosis and the 5-year survival rate (0.4%) is the lowest of any cancer. The poor prognosis associated with this diagnosis led in the past to therapeutic nihilism on the part of clinicians who were all too aware of the limitations of their available therapeutic strategies. Breaking this therapeutic impasse requires a significant expansion in the knowledge of clinicians concerning the pathogenesis and behaviour of pancreatic cancer. Recent advances in the scientific understanding of the aetiology of pancreatic cancer has facilitated progress towards the development of promising and innovative approaches to the early detection and diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. While acknowledging that pancreatic cancer will continue to present significant challenges to both scientists and clinicians in the foreseeable future, it is becoming increasingly clear that recent advances in our scientific knowledge base holds the potential to significantly improve prognosis for patients. The challenge facing both scientists and clinicians is how best to translate such promising scientific advances into survival and quality of life benefits to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Haycox
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, UK.
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46
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Ishiwata T, Friess H, Büchler MW, Lopez ME, Korc M. Characterization of keratinocyte growth factor and receptor expression in human pancreatic cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 1998; 153:213-22. [PMID: 9665482 PMCID: PMC1852955 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)65562-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/1998] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is an angiogenic and mitogenic polypeptide that has been implicated in cancer growth and tissue development and repair. Its actions are dependent on its binding to a specific cell-surface KGF receptor (KGFR), which is encoded by the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor type II (FGFR-2) gene. In the present study, we compared the immunohistochemical localization of KGF and KGFR/FGFR-2 in the normal and cancerous pancreas using specific antibodies that recognize KGF and KGFR/FGFR-2 and examined the expression of KGF, KGFR, and FGFR-2 in human pancreatic cancer by in situ hybridization with the corresponding riboprobes. In the normal pancreas, KGF immunoreactivity was present principally in the islet cells, whereas KGFR/FGFR-2 immunoreactivity was present both in the islet and ductal cells. In the pancreatic cancers, moderate KGF and moderate to strong KGFR/FGFR-2 immunoreactivity was present in many of the cancer cells. Furthermore, the ductal and acinar cells adjacent to the cancer cells exhibited moderate to strong KGF and KGFR/FGFR-2 immunoreactivity. By in situ hybridization, KGF, KGFR, and FGFR-2 were overexpressed and co-localized in the cancer cells within the pancreatic tumor mass but were even more abundant in the acinar and ductal cells adjacent to the cancer cells. These findings indicate that KGF, KGFR, and FGFR-2 are overexpressed in both the cancer cells and the adjacent pancreatic parenchyma and raise the possibility that KGF may act in an autocrine and paracrine manner to enhance pancreatic cancer cell growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ishiwata
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA
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47
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Liu N, Furukawa T, Kobari M, Tsao MS. Comparative phenotypic studies of duct epithelial cell lines derived from normal human pancreas and pancreatic carcinoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 1998; 153:263-9. [PMID: 9665487 PMCID: PMC1852927 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)65567-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We have investigated the mRNA/protein expression of several tyrosine kinase receptors, growth factors, and p16INK4A cyclin inhibitor in cell lines derived from normal human pancreatic duct epithelium (HPDE) and compared them with those of five pancreatic ductal carcinoma cell lines. Cultured HPDE cells express low levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), erbB2, transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, Met/hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and keratinocyte growth factor (KGF). They also expressed high levels of amphiregulin but did not express EGF and cripto. The expression levels were similar in primary normal HPDE cells and those expressing transfected E6E7 genes of human papilloma virus-16, but their immortalization appeared to enhance the expression of EGFR and Met/HGFR. In comparison, pancreatic carcinoma cell lines commonly demonstrated overexpression of EGFR, erbB2, TGF-alpha, Met/HGFR, VEGF, and KGF, but they consistently showed marked down-regulation of amphiregulin mRNA expression. In contrast to all carcinoma cell lines that showed deletions of the p16 gene, HPDE cells consistently demonstrated normal p16 genotype and its mRNA expression. This is the first report that compares the phenotypic expression of cultured pancreatic ductal carcinoma cells with epithelial cell lines derived from normal human pancreatic ducts. The findings confirm that malignant transformation of human pancreatic duct cells commonly results in a deregulation of expression of various growth factors and receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Liu
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto Hospital/Princess Margaret Hospital and University of Toronto, Canada
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Kintner RL, Hosick HL. Reduction of Cripto-1 expression by a hammerhead-shaped RNA molecule results from inhibition of translation rather than mRNA cleavage. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 245:774-9. [PMID: 9588190 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.8517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 (CR-1) is a transforming growth factor which has been associated with breast, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Overexpression of CR-1 in non-tumorigenic mouse mammary epithelial cells and fibroblasts results in an increase in anchorage-dependent and -independent growth in vitro. Reduction of CR-1 expression in human colon carcinoma or embryonal teratoma cells results in a decrease in growth in vitro. In an effort to better define the role of CR-1 in breast cancer, we have developed an underexpression vector for CR-1 to reduce CR-1 levels in a tumorigenic mouse mammary epithelial cell line (-SA). This vector specifically targets the expression of the murine homolog of CR-1 in murine cancer lines and utilizes a hammerhead ribozyme-like structure directed toward the extreme 5' end of the Cripto-1 mRNA. We dramatically reduced expression of CR-1 through the expression of this RNA. This is the first use of a ribozyme-like molecule to alter Cripto-1 expression. This ribozyme-shaped molecule appears to act principally through a block in translation. A possible mechanism for this block is described, and its implications for modifying expression of other bioactive proteins are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Kintner
- Department of Genetics & Cell Biology, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-4234, USA
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49
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Bramhall SR. The use of molecular technology in the differentiation of pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PANCREATOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF PANCREATOLOGY 1998; 23:83-100. [PMID: 9629506 DOI: 10.1385/ijgc:23:2:83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONCLUSION It is concluded that currently there are limitations in the use of some of the proposed tests, whereas in the future, further progress in our understanding of the molecular biology of pancreatic disease and the development and application of existing techniques should have a greater impact on clinical practice. BACKGROUND Fifteen to 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with a resectable mass in the head of the pancreas, but there is a subgroup of patients for whom it is difficult to reach the correct diagnosis. METHOD This article addresses how molecular technology can be used to aid in the diagnosis of this group of patients. The clinical and scientific literature is reviewed by accessing papers through the Medline database. RESULTS This article reviews the limitations of conventional imaging techniques and the limitations of fine needle aspiration cytology and cytological examination of pancreatic duct secretions. The molecular biology of both pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis is then reviewed with emphasis on the common molecular defects seen in these diseases. The current use of molecular techniques in the examination of cytological and histological specimens, stool, blood, and pancreatic duct secretions and how this helps discriminate between benign and malignant lesions of the pancreas is addressed. Finally, the use of novel serum screening tests in groups at high risk of pancreatic cancer is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S R Bramhall
- University Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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50
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Seno M, DeSantis M, Kannan S, Bianco C, Tada H, Kim N, Kosaka M, Gullick WJ, Yamada H, Salomon DS. Purification and characterization of a recombinant human cripto-1 protein. Growth Factors 1998; 15:215-29. [PMID: 9570042 DOI: 10.3109/08977199809002118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 (CR-1) is a novel protein that contains a modified EGF-like motif and that does not directly bind to any of the known erb B type-1 receptor tyrosine kinase receptors. To more clearly define the biological effects of CR-1 and to more adequately compare the structure-function relationships of CR-1 with other members of the EGF family of growth factors, we have expressed a modified, full-length recombinant human CR-1 protein (rhCR-1) in E. coli and have devised a procedure for the solubilization, refolding and purification of a biologically active form of this protein. We have generated the mature form of hCR-1 from computer assisted predictions of potential signal peptide cleavage sites. Expression of the modified rhCR-1 protein in E. coli was limited to the inclusion bodies. The rhCR-1 protein was found to be expressed at high levels in bacterial cells when fused to a histidine-tag sequence. Refolding of rhCR-1 was found to be difficult because of the large number of cysteine residues in the protein which results in protein aggregation. By chemically modifying the cysteine residues in the rhCR-1 protein with 3-trimethylammoniopropyl methanethiosulfonate, additional positive charges have been introduced into the protein by this disulfiding reagent. This modification facilitates solubilization of the protein when rhCR-1 is denatured. The solubilized, denatured protein was then purified by CM cation exchange and C4 reverse phase HPLC chromatography and refolded in a redox buffer. The refolded, modified rhCR-1 protein was found to be biologically active by its ability to inhibit beta-casein expression, to stimulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc and the activation of MAPK and by its capacity to facilitate branching growth of mouse mammary epithelial cells in type I collagen gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seno
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, Okayama University, Japan.
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