1
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Houvast RD, Badr N, March T, de Muynck LDAN, Sier VQ, Schomann T, Bhairosingh S, Baart VM, Peeters JAHM, van Westen GJP, Plückthun A, Burggraaf J, Kuppen PJK, Vahrmeijer AL, Sier CFM. Preclinical evaluation of EpCAM-binding designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) as targeting moieties for bimodal near-infrared fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging of cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:2179-2192. [PMID: 37642704 PMCID: PMC11178671 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06407-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) can play a key role in improving radical resection rates by assisting surgeons to gain adequate visualization of malignant tissue intraoperatively. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) possess optimal pharmacokinetic and other properties for in vivo imaging. This study aims to evaluate the preclinical potential of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-binding DARPins as targeting moieties for near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA) imaging of cancer. METHODS EpCAM-binding DARPins Ac2, Ec4.1, and non-binding control DARPin Off7 were conjugated to IRDye 800CW and their binding efficacy was evaluated on EpCAM-positive HT-29 and EpCAM-negative COLO-320 human colon cancer cell lines. Thereafter, NIRF and PA imaging of all three conjugates were performed in HT-29_luc2 tumor-bearing mice. At 24 h post-injection, tumors and organs were resected and tracer biodistributions were analyzed. RESULTS Ac2-800CW and Ec4.1-800CW specifically bound to HT-29 cells, but not to COLO-320 cells. Next, 6 nmol and 24 h were established as the optimal in vivo dose and imaging time point for both DARPin tracers. At 24 h post-injection, mean tumor-to-background ratios of 2.60 ± 0.3 and 3.1 ± 0.3 were observed for Ac2-800CW and Ec4.1-800CW, respectively, allowing clear tumor delineation using the clinical Artemis NIRF imager. Biodistribution analyses in non-neoplastic tissue solely showed high fluorescence signal in the liver and kidney, which reflects the clearance of the DARPin tracers. CONCLUSION Our encouraging results show that EpCAM-binding DARPins are a promising class of targeting moieties for pan-carcinoma targeting, providing clear tumor delineation at 24 h post-injection. The work described provides the preclinical foundation for DARPin-based bimodal NIRF/PA imaging of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben D Houvast
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Nada Badr
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Taryn March
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Vincent Q Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Timo Schomann
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Shadhvi Bhairosingh
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Victor M Baart
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Judith A H M Peeters
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard J P van Westen
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacobus Burggraaf
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelis F M Sier
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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2
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Mueller JPJ, Dobosz M, O’Brien N, Abdoush N, Giusti AM, Lechmann M, Osl F, Wolf AK, Arellano-Viera E, Shaikh H, Sauer M, Rosenwald A, Herting F, Umaña P, Colombetti S, Pöschinger T, Beilhack A. ROCKETS - a novel one-for-all toolbox for light sheet microscopy in drug discovery. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1034032. [PMID: 36845124 PMCID: PMC9945347 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1034032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancing novel immunotherapy strategies requires refined tools in preclinical research to thoroughly assess drug targets, biodistribution, safety, and efficacy. Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) offers unprecedented fast volumetric ex vivo imaging of large tissue samples in high resolution. Yet, to date laborious and unstandardized tissue processing procedures have limited throughput and broader applications in immunological research. Therefore, we developed a simple and harmonized protocol for processing, clearing and imaging of all mouse organs and even entire mouse bodies. Applying this Rapid Optical Clearing Kit for Enhanced Tissue Scanning (ROCKETS) in combination with LSFM allowed us to comprehensively study the in vivo biodistribution of an antibody targeting Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) in 3D. Quantitative high-resolution scans of whole organs did not only reveal known EpCAM expression patterns but, importantly, uncovered several new EpCAM-binding sites. We identified gustatory papillae of the tongue, choroid plexi in the brain and duodenal papillae as previously unanticipated locations of high EpCAM expression. Subsequently, we confirmed high EpCAM expression also in human tongue and duodenal specimens. Choroid plexi and duodenal papillae may be considered as particularly sensitive sites due to their importance for liquor production or as critical junctions draining bile and digestive pancreatic enzymes into the small bowel, respectively. These newly gained insights appear highly relevant for clinical translation of EpCAM-addressing immunotherapies. Thus, ROCKETS in combination with LSFM may help to set new standards for preclinical evaluation of immunotherapeutic strategies. In conclusion, we propose ROCKETS as an ideal platform for a broader application of LSFM in immunological research optimally suited for quantitative co-localization studies of immunotherapeutic drugs and defined cell populations in the microanatomical context of organs or even whole mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg P. J. Mueller
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Michael Dobosz
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Nils O’Brien
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Nassri Abdoush
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Giusti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Martin Lechmann
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Franz Osl
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Katrin Wolf
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Estibaliz Arellano-Viera
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Haroon Shaikh
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Sauer
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Frank Herting
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Sara Colombetti
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Glycart AG, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Pöschinger
- Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Beilhack
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research Laboratory (IZKF) Würzburg, Department of Internal Medicine II, Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine, Würzburg University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
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3
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Tang D, Chen Y, Fu GB, Yuan TJ, Huang WJ, Wang ZY, Li WJ, Jiao YF, Yu WF, Yan HX. EpCAM inhibits differentiation of human liver progenitor cells into hepatocytes in vitro by activating Notch1 signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 525:S0006-291X(20)30309-0. [PMID: 32087972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In both normal turnover of the hepatic tissue and acute hepatic injury, the liver predominantly activates terminally differentiated hepatocytes to proliferate and repair. However, in chronic and severe chronic injury, this capacity fails, and liver progenitor cells (LPCs) can give rise to hepatocytes to restore both hepatic architecture and liver metabolic function. Although the promotion of LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation to acquire a considerable number of functional hepatocytes could serve as a potentially new therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease, its development first requires the identification of the molecular mechanisms driving this process. Here, we found that the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a progenitor cell marker, regulates the differentiation of LPCs into hepatocytes through Notch1 signaling pathway. Western blotting (WB) revealed a consistent expression pattern of EpCAM and Notch1 during LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation in vitro. Additionally, overexpression of EpCAM blocked LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation, which was in consistent with the repressive role of Notch signaling during hepatic differentiation. WB and immunofluorescence data also showed that the upregulation of EpCAM expression increased the generation of Notch intracellular domain (N1ICD), indicating the promotion of Notch1 activity. Our results established the EpCAM-Notch1 signaling axis as an inhibitory mechanism preventing LPC-to-hepatocyte differentiation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gong-Bo Fu
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Jie Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Jian Huang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Wang
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Jian Li
- Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Fu Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Wei-Feng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - He-Xin Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Interventional Oncology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Ishiguro K, Yan IK, Lewis-Tuffin L, Patel T. Targeting Liver Cancer Stem Cells Using Engineered Biological Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Cancer. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:298-313. [PMID: 32025612 PMCID: PMC6996342 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
By exploiting their biological functions, the use of biological nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles can provide an efficient and effective approach for hepatic delivery of RNA‐based therapeutics for the treatment of liver cancers such as hepatocellular cancer (HCC). Targeting liver cancer stem cells (LCSC) within HCC provide an untapped opportunity to improve outcomes by enhancing therapeutic responses. Cells with tumor‐initiating capabilities such as LCSC can be identified by expression of markers such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on their cell surface. EpCAM is a target of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, a fundamental pathway in stem‐cell growth. Moreover, mutations in the β‐catenin gene are frequently observed in HCC and can be associated with constitutive activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. However, targeting these pathways for the treatment of HCC has been challenging. Using RNA nanotechnology, we developed engineered biological nanoparticles capable of specific and effective delivery of RNA therapeutics targeting β‐catenin to LCSC. Extracellular vesicles isolated from milk were loaded with small interfering RNA to β‐catenin and decorated with RNA scaffolds to incorporate RNA aptamers capable of binding to EpCAM. Cellular uptake of these EpCAM‐targeting therapeutic milk‐derived nanovesicles in vitro resulted in loss of β‐catenin expression and decreased proliferation. The uptake and therapeutic efficacy of these engineered biological nanotherapeutics was demonstrated in vivo using tumor xenograft mouse models. Conclusion: β‐catenin can be targeted directly to control the proliferation of hepatic cancer stem cells using small interfering RNA delivered using target‐specific biological nanoparticles. Application of this RNA nanotechnology–based approach to engineer biological nanotherapeutics provides a platform for developing cell‐surface molecule–directed targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Ishiguro
- Department of Transplantation Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL.,Department of Cancer Biology Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL
| | - Irene K Yan
- Department of Transplantation Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL.,Department of Cancer Biology Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL
| | | | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL.,Department of Cancer Biology Mayo Clinic Jacksonville FL
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5
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Wu H, Yang L. Arg753Gln Polymorphisms in Toll-Like Receptor 2 Gene are Associated with Tuberculosis Risk: A Meta-Analysis. Med Sci Monit 2015. [PMID: 26220088 PMCID: PMC4523069 DOI: 10.12659/msm.893214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Numerous epidemiological studies have reported the association between polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB). However, the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a quantitative meta-analysis to evaluate associations between the polymorphism of Arg753Gln of the TLR2 gene and susceptibility to TB. Material/Methods Three databases (PubMed, CNKI and Embase) were systematically searched for eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as our index were used to assess the relation between the TLR2 gene Arg753Gln polymorphism and risk of TB. Overall and subgroup analyses were conducted according to the available information. Results With a detailed selection, 7 eligible studies with 1486 cases and 1322 controls were identified in our meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between TLR2 gene Arg753Gln polymorphism and the risk of TB (additive model: P<0.01, OR=2.89, 95% CI: 2.13–3.91; GA vs. GG: P<0.01, OR=2.92, 95% CI: 2.09–4.08). Interestingly, subgroup analysis based on ethnicity indicated that TB risk was significantly increased in Asians (additive model: P<0.01, OR=3.17, 95% CI: 2.31–4.35; GA vs. GG: P<0.01, OR=3.29, 95% CI: 2.32–4.68); by contrast, there was no association found in whites (additive model: P=0.40, OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.15–2.13; GA vs. GG: P=0.40, OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.15–2.13). Conclusions Our meta-analysis provides evidence that the TLR2 gene Arg753Gln polymorphism is a risk factor to TB, especially in Asian populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangyu Wu
- Department of Medicine, The General Hospital of Beijing Military Command, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The General Hospital of Beijing Military Command, Beijing, China (mainland)
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6
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Dollé L, Theise ND, Schmelzer E, Boulter L, Gires O, van Grunsven LA. EpCAM and the biology of hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G233-50. [PMID: 25477371 PMCID: PMC4329473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00069.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, which is frequently and highly expressed on carcinomas, tumor-initiating cells, selected tissue progenitors, and embryonic and adult stem cells. During liver development, EpCAM demonstrates a dynamic expression, since it can be detected in fetal liver, including cells of the parenchyma, whereas mature hepatocytes are devoid of EpCAM. Liver regeneration is associated with a population of EpCAM-positive cells within ductular reactions, which gradually lose the expression of EpCAM along with maturation into hepatocytes. EpCAM can be switched on and off through a wide panel of strategies to fine-tune EpCAM-dependent functional and differentiative traits. EpCAM-associated functions relate to cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, maintenance of a pluripotent state, regulation of differentiation, migration, and invasion. These functions can be conferred by the full-length protein and/or EpCAM-derived fragments, which are generated upon regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Control by EpCAM therefore not only depends on the presence of full-length EpCAM at cellular membranes but also on varying rates of the formation of EpCAM-derived fragments that have their own regulatory properties and on changes in the association of EpCAM with interaction partners. Thus spatiotemporal localization of EpCAM in immature liver progenitors, transit-amplifying cells, and mature liver cells will decisively impact the regulation of EpCAM functions and might be one of the triggers that contributes to the adaptive processes in stem/progenitor cell lineages. This review will summarize EpCAM-related molecular events and how they relate to hepatobiliary differentiation and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Dollé
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Neil D. Theise
- 2Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York;
| | - Eva Schmelzer
- 3McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
| | - Luke Boulter
- 4Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, Scotland; and
| | - Olivier Gires
- 5Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
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Le PT, Pearce MM, Zhang S, Campbell EM, Fok CS, Mueller ER, Brincat CA, Wolfe AJ, Brubaker L. IL22 regulates human urothelial cell sensory and innate functions through modulation of the acetylcholine response, immunoregulatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides: assessment of an in vitro model. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111375. [PMID: 25354343 PMCID: PMC4213028 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human urinary disorders are generally studied in rodent models due to limitations of functional in vitro culture models of primary human urothelial cells (HUCs). Current HUC culture models are often derived from immortalized cancer cell lines, which likely have functional characteristics differ from healthy human urothelium. Here, we described a simple explant culture technique to generate HUCs and assessed their in vitro functions. Using transmission electron microscopy, we assessed morphology and heterogeneity of the generated HUCs and characterized their intercellular membrane structural proteins relative to ex vivo urothelium tissue. We demonstrated that our cultured HUCs are free of fibroblasts. They are also heterogeneous, containing cells characteristic of both immature basal cells and mature superficial urothelial cells. The cultured HUCs expressed muscarinic receptors (MR1 and MR2), carnitine acetyltransferase (CarAT), immunoregulatory cytokines IL7, IL15, and IL23, as well as the chemokine CCL20. HUCs also expressed epithelial cell-specific molecules essential for forming intercellular structures that maintain the functional capacity to form the physiological barrier of the human bladder urothelium. A subset of HUCs, identified by the high expression of CD44, expressed the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) along with its co-receptor CD14. We demonstrated that HUCs express, at the mRNA level, both forms of the IL22 receptor, the membrane-associated (IL22RA1) and the secreted soluble (IL22RA2) forms; in turn, IL22 inhibited expression of MR1 and induced expression of CarAT and two antimicrobial peptides (S100A9 and lipocalin-2). While the cellular sources of IL22 have yet to be identified, the HUC cytokine and chemokine profiles support the concept that IL22-producing cells are present in the human bladder mucosa tissue and that IL22 plays a regulatory role in HUC functions. Thus, the described explant technique is clearly capable of generating functional HUCs suitable for the study of human urinary tract disorders, including interactions between urothelium and IL22-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phong T. Le
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Meghan M. Pearce
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Shubin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Edward M. Campbell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Cynthia S. Fok
- University of Minnesota, Department of Urology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth R. Mueller
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Cynthia A. Brincat
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alan J. Wolfe
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Linda Brubaker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
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Fan S, Elmer KR, Meyer A. Positive Darwinian selection drives the evolution of the morphology-related gene, EPCAM, in particularly species-rich lineages of African cichlid fishes. J Mol Evol 2011; 73:1-9. [PMID: 21811860 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-011-9452-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The study of genetic evolution within the context of adaptive radiations offers insights to genes and selection pressures that result in rapid morphological change. Cichlid fishes are very species-rich and variable in coloration, behavior, and morphology, and so provide a classical model system for studying the genetics of adaptive radiation. In this study, we researched the evolution of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM), a candidate gene for the adaptive evolution of morphology broadly, and skin development specifically, in fishes. We compared EPCAM gene sequences from a rapidly speciating African cichlid lineage (the haplochromines), a species-poor African lineage (Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus), and a very young adaptive radiation in the Neotropics (sympatric crater lake Midas cichlids, Amphilophus sp.). Our results, based on a hierarchy of evolutionary analyses of nucleotide substitution, demonstrate that there are different selection pressures on the EPCAM gene among the cichlid lineages. Several waves of positive natural selection were identified not only on the terminal branches, but also on ancestral branches. Interestingly, significant positive or directional selection was found in the haplochromine cichlids only but not the comparatively species-poor tilapia lineage. We hypothesize that the strong signal of selection in the ancestral African cichlid lineage coincided with the transition from riverine to lacustrine habitat. The two neotropical species for which we collected new sequence data were invariant in the EPCAM locus. Our results suggest that functional changes promoted by positive Darwinian selection are widespread in the EPCAM gene during African cichlid evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Fan
- Lehrstuhl für Zoologie und Evolutionsbiologie, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, 78457 Constance, Germany
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9
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Metsuyanim S, Harari-Steinberg O, Buzhor E, Omer D, Pode-Shakked N, Ben-Hur H, Halperin R, Schneider D, Dekel B. Expression of stem cell markers in the human fetal kidney. PLoS One 2009; 4:e6709. [PMID: 19696931 PMCID: PMC2725321 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0006709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the human fetal kidney (HFK) self-renewing stem cells residing in the metanephric mesenchyme (MM)/blastema are induced to form all cell types of the nephron till 34th week of gestation. Definition of useful markers is crucial for the identification of HFK stem cells. Because wilms' tumor, a pediatric renal cancer, initiates from retention of renal stem cells, we hypothesized that surface antigens previously up-regulated in microarrays of both HFK and blastema-enriched stem-like wilms' tumor xenografts (NCAM, ACVRIIB, DLK1/PREF, GPR39, FZD7, FZD2, NTRK2) are likely to be relevant markers. Comprehensive profiling of these putative and of additional stem cell markers (CD34, CD133, c-Kit, CD90, CD105, CD24) in mid-gestation HFK was performed using immunostaining and FACS in conjunction with EpCAM, an epithelial surface marker that is absent from the MM and increases along nephron differentiation and hence can be separated into negative, dim or bright fractions. No marker was specifically localized to the MM. Nevertheless, FZD7 and NTRK2 were preferentially localized to the MM and emerging tubules (<10% of HFK cells) and were mostly present within the EpCAMneg and EpCAMdim fractions, indicating putative stem/progenitor markers. In contrast, single markers such as CD24 and CD133 as well as double-positive CD24+CD133+ cells comprise >50% of HFK cells and predominantly co-express EpCAMbright, indicating they are mostly markers of differentiation. Furthermore, localization of NCAM exclusively in the MM and in its nephron progenitor derivatives but also in stroma and the expression pattern of significantly elevated renal stem/progenitor genes Six2, Wt1, Cited1, and Sall1 in NCAM+EpCAM- and to a lesser extent in NCAM+EpCAM+ fractions confirmed regional identity of cells and assisted us in pinpointing the presence of subpopulations that are putative MM-derived progenitor cells (NCAM+EpCAM+FZD7+), MM stem cells (NCAM+EpCAM-FZD7+) or both (NCAM+FZD7+). These results and concepts provide a framework for developing cell selection strategies for human renal cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Metsuyanim
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit Harari-Steinberg
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ella Buzhor
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dorit Omer
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naomi Pode-Shakked
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Herzl Ben-Hur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Zeriffin, Israel
| | - Reuvit Halperin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Zeriffin, Israel
| | - David Schneider
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Zeriffin, Israel
| | - Benjamin Dekel
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Slanchev K, Carney TJ, Stemmler MP, Koschorz B, Amsterdam A, Schwarz H, Hammerschmidt M. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM is required for epithelial morphogenesis and integrity during zebrafish epiboly and skin development. PLoS Genet 2009; 5:e1000563. [PMID: 19609345 PMCID: PMC2700972 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1000563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2008] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant expression of the transmembrane protein EpCAM is associated with tumor progression, affecting different cellular processes such as cell–cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, signaling, and invasion. However, the in vivo function of EpCAM still remains elusive due to the lack of genetic loss-of-function studies. Here, we describe epcam (tacstd) null mutants in zebrafish. Maternal-zygotic mutants display compromised basal protrusive activity and epithelial morphogenesis in cells of the enveloping layer (EVL) during epiboly. In partial redundancy with E-cadherin (Ecad), EpCAM made by EVL cells is further required for cell–cell adhesion within the EVL and, possibly, for proper attachment of underlying deep cells to the inner surface of the EVL, thereby also affecting deep cell epiboly movements. During later development, EpCAM per se becomes indispensable for epithelial integrity within the periderm of the skin, secondarily leading to disrupted morphology of the underlying basal epidermis and moderate hyper-proliferation of skin cells. On the molecular level, EVL cells of epcam mutant embryos display reduced levels of membranous Ecad, accompanied by an enrichment of tight junction proteins and a basal extension of apical junction complexes (AJCs). Our data suggest that EpCAM acts as a partner of E-cadherin to control adhesiveness and integrity as well as plasticity and morphogenesis within simple epithelia. In addition, EpCAM is required for the interaction of the epithelia with underlying cell layers. EpCAM is a well-established marker for carcinomas of epithelial origin and a potential target for immunotherapy. In vitro analyses have implicated EpCAM in a plethora of different cellular processes, such as adhesion, motility, proliferation, differentiation, and signaling. Strikingly, depending on the context, EpCAM displayed rather opposite effects, either promoting or attenuating cell–cell adhesion versus cell migration and tissue invasion, a phenomenon described as the “double-face” of EpCAM. However, the in vivo relevance of its different effects remained largely unclear. Here, we present the first genetic analysis of EpCAM function in vivo, based on loss-of-function mutants in the zebrafish. As it is in mammals, zebrafish EpCAM is expressed in simple epithelia. Mutant embryos display defects both in epithelial morphogenesis and in epithelial integrity. Reduced epithelial morphogenesis is accompanied, and possibly caused, by an extension of apical junctional complexes and compromised basal protrusive activity. Furthermore, mutant epithelia display alterations in the relative abundance of adherence junction versus tight junction components. In addition, EpCAM tightly cooperates with E-cadherin and has a previously unrecognized trans effect on the morphogenesis and integrity of underlying cell layers. Cell differentiation and proliferation in EpCAM mutants are not, or only secondarily, affected. During later development and adulthood, EpCAM is largely dispensable, reinforcing its suitability as a target for anti-carcinoma immunotherapy with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krasimir Slanchev
- Georges-Koehler-Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Carney
- Georges-Koehler-Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Koschorz
- Georges-Koehler-Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adam Amsterdam
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Heinz Schwarz
- Max-Planck Institute of Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Hammerschmidt
- Georges-Koehler-Laboratory, Max-Planck Institute of Immunobiology, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Developmental Biology, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- * E-mail:
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