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Bai X, Zhou Y, Yokota Y, Matsumoto Y, Zhai B, Maarouf N, Hayashi H, Carlson R, Zhang S, Sousa A, Sun B, Ghanbari H, Dong X, Wands JR. Adaptive antitumor immune response stimulated by bio-nanoparticle based vaccine and checkpoint blockade. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:132. [PMID: 35392977 PMCID: PMC8991500 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interactions between tumor and microenvironment determine individual response to immunotherapy. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have exhibited suboptimal responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH), an oncofetal protein and tumor associated antigen (TAA), is a potential target for immunotherapy. METHODS Subcutaneous HCC and orthotopic TNBC murine models were established in immunocompetent BALB/c mice with injection of BNL-T3 and 4 T1 cells, respectively. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, H&E, flow cytometry, ELISA and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were performed. RESULTS The ASPH-MYC signaling cascade upregulates PD-L1 expression on breast and liver tumor cells. A bio-nanoparticle based λ phage vaccine targeting ASPH was administrated to mice harboring syngeneic HCC or TNBC tumors, either alone or in combination with PD-1 blockade. In control, autocrine chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13)-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CXCR5) axis promoted tumor development and progression in HCC and TNBC. Interactions between PD-L1+ cancer cells and PD-1+ T cells resulted in T cell exhaustion and apoptosis, causing immune evasion of cancer cells. In contrast, combination therapy (Vaccine+PD-1 inhibitor) significantly suppressed primary hepatic or mammary tumor growth (with distant pulmonary metastases in TNBC). Adaptive immune responses were attributed to expansion of activated CD4+ T helper type 1 (Th1)/CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) that displayed enhanced effector functions, and maturation of plasma cells that secreted high titers of ASPH-specific antibody. Combination therapy significantly reduced tumor infiltration of immunosuppressive CD4+/CD25+/FOXP3+ Tregs. When the PD-1/PD-L1 signal was inhibited, CXCL13 produced by ASPH+ cancer cells recruited CXCR5+/CD8+ T lymphocytes to tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), comprising effector and memory CTLs, T follicular helper cells, B cell germinal center, and follicular dendritic cells. TLSs facilitate activation and maturation of DCs and actively recruit immune subsets to tumor microenvironment. These CTLs secreted CXCL13 to recruit more CXCR5+ immune cells and to lyse CXCR5+ cancer cells. Upon combination treatment, formation of TLSs predicts sensitivity to ICI blockade. Combination therapy substantially prolonged overall survival of mice with HCC or TNBC. CONCLUSIONS Synergistic antitumor efficacy attributable to a λ phage vaccine specifically targeting ASPH, an ideal TAA, combined with ICIs, inhibits tumor growth and progression of TNBC and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Zhou
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuki Yokota
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumoto
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Bo Zhai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Nader Maarouf
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Hikaru Hayashi
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Aryanna Sousa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hossein Ghanbari
- Currently at Athanor Biosciences Inc., Halethorpe, MD, 21227, USA
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA.
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, RI, 02903, Providence, USA.
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Babich M, Sharma A, Li T, Radosevich JA. Labyrinthin: A distinct pan-adenocarcinoma diagnostic and immunotherapeutic tumor specific antigen. Heliyon 2022; 8:e08988. [PMID: 35252607 PMCID: PMC8891966 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e08988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural analysis and detection of optimal cell surface localization of labyrinthin, a pan-adenocarcinoma target, was studied with respect to adenocarcinoma specificity vs. normal and non-adenocarcinoma cells. Patient-derived tissue microarray immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 729 commercially prepared tissue blocks of lung, colon, breast, pancreas, prostate, and ovary cancers combined, plus a National Cancer Institute (NCI) tissue microarray derived from another 236 cases. The results confirmed that anti-labyrinthin mouse monoclonal MCA 44-3A6 antibody recognized adenocarcinomas, but not normal or non-adenocarcinoma cancer cells. The consensus of multiple topology analysis programs on labyrinthin (255 amino acids) estimate a type II cell membrane associated protein with an N-terminus signal peptide. However, because the labyrinthin sequence is enveloped within the 758 amino acids of the intracellular aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase (ASPH), a purported tumor associated antigen, standard IHC methods that permeabilize cells can expose common epitopes. To circumvent antibody cross-reactivity, cell surface labyrinthin was distinguished from intracellular ASPH by FACS analysis of permeabilized vs non-permeabilized cells. All permeabilized normal, adeno-and non-adenocarcinoma cells produced a strong MCA 44-3A6 binding signal, likely reflecting co-recognition of intracellular ASPH proteins along with internalized labyrinthin, but in non-permeabilized cells only adenocarcinoma cells were positive for labyrinthin. Confocal microscopy confirmed the FACS results. Labyrinthin as a functional cell-surface marker was suggested when: 1) WI-38 normal lung fibroblasts transfected with labyrinthin sense cDNA displayed a cancerous phenotype; 2) antisense transfection of A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells appeared more normal; and 3) MCA44-3A6 suppressed A549 cell proliferation. Collectively, the data indicate that labyrinthin is a unique, promising adenocarcinoma tumor-specific antigen and therapeutic target. The study also raises a controversial issue on the extent, specificity, and usefulness of ASPH as an adenocarcinoma tumor-associated antigen.
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Holtzman NG, Lebowitz MS, Koka R, Baer MR, Malhotra K, Shahlaee A, Ghanbari HA, Bentzen SM, Emadi A. Aspartate β-Hydroxylase (ASPH) Expression in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2022; 11:783744. [PMID: 35004304 PMCID: PMC8727599 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.783744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is an embryonic transmembrane protein aberrantly upregulated in cancer cells, associated with malignant transformation and, in some reports, with poor clinical prognosis. Objective To report the expression patterns of ASPH in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Cell surface expression of ASPH was measured via 8-color multiparameter flow cytometry in 41 AML patient samples (31 bone marrow, 10 blood) using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated anti-ASPH antibody, SNS-622. A mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of 10 was used as a cutoff for ASPH surface expression positivity. Data regarding patient and disease characteristics were collected. Results ASPH surface expression was found on AML blasts in 16 samples (39%). Higher ASPH expression was seen in myeloblasts of African American patients (p=0.02), but no correlation was found between ASPH expression and other patient or disease characteristics. No association was found between ASPH status and CR rate (p=0.53), EFS (p=0.87), or OS (p=0.17). Conclusions ASPH is expressed on blasts in approximately 40% of AML cases, and may serve as a new therapeutically targetable leukemia-associated antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa G Holtzman
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | | | - Rima Koka
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Maria R Baer
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kanam Malhotra
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Amir Shahlaee
- Sensei Biotherapeutics Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | | | - Søren M Bentzen
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ashkan Emadi
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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4
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Greve JM, Pinkham AM, Thompson Z, Cowan JA. Active site characterization and activity of the human aspartyl (asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase. Metallomics 2021; 13:6372921. [PMID: 34543426 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfab056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Human aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a member of the superfamily of nonheme Fe2+/α-ketoglutarate (αKG) dependent oxygenase enzymes with a noncanonical active site. HAAH hydroxylates epidermal growth factor (EGF) like domains to form the β-hydroxylated product from substrate asparagine or aspartic acid and has been suggested to have a negative impact in a variety of cancers. In addition to iron, HAAH also binds divalent calcium, although the role of the latter is not understood. Herein, the metal binding chemistry and influence on enzyme stability and activity have been evaluated by a combined biochemical and biophysical approach. Metal binding parameters for the HAAH active site were determined by use of isothermal titration calorimetry, demonstrating a high-affinity regulatory binding site for Ca2+ in the catalytic domain in addition to the catalytic Fe2+ cofactor. We have analyzed various active site derivatives, utilizing LC-MS and a new HPLC technique to determine the role of metal binding and the second coordination sphere in enzyme activity, discovering a previously unreported residue as vital for HAAH turnover. This analysis of the in vitro biochemical function of HAAH furthers the understanding of its importance to cellular biochemistry and metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna M Greve
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Andrew M Pinkham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zechariah Thompson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - J A Cowan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 100 West 18th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Bakhtiari H, Palizban AA, Khanahmad H, Mofid MR. Novel Approach to Overcome Defects of Cell-SELEX in Developing Aptamers against Aspartate β-Hydroxylase. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:11005-11014. [PMID: 34056254 PMCID: PMC8153902 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c00876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell-based aptamer selection (Cell-SELEX) against predefined protein targets that benefits using the native form of the targets is the most promising approach to achieve aptamer probes capable of recognizing targets under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The major disadvantages in Cell-SELEX are the imperfectness of the negative selection step and the lengthy procedure of selection. Here, we introduced the Counter-SELEX as part of our modified Cell-SELEX and implemented deep sequencing to overcome these shortcomings in developing aptamers against aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) as a known tumor marker. In parallel with the conventional Cell-SELEX, five consecutive cycles of counter selection were accomplished using sequences bound to negative cells (the Counter-SELEX) to detect oligos that are not specific for ASPH. After high-throughput sequencing, the representative of each promising achieved family was subjected to further confirmatory analysis via flow cytometry, followed by the fluorescence immunostaining of histopathological sections. Implementing our innovative complementary method, annoying mis-selected sequences in Cell-SELEX enriched pools were effectively identified and removed. According to the affinity assay on the cells displaying ASPH, three aptamers, AP-Cell 1, AP-Cell 2, and AP-Cell 3, with K d values of 47.51, 39.38, and 65.23 nM, respectively, were obtained, while AP-Cell 1 and 3 could then successfully spot ASPH displayed on the tissues. Our study showed that the Counter-SELEX could be considered as a complementary method for Cell-SELEX to overcome the imperfectness of the negative selection step. Moreover, high-throughput nucleotide sequencing could help to shorten the overall process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadi Bakhtiari
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Palizban
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department
of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Mofid
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, I. R. Iran
- . Tel: +983137927047. Fax: +983136680011
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6
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Nagaoka K, Ogawa K, Ji C, Cao KY, Bai X, Mulla J, Cheng Z, Wands JR, Huang CK. Targeting Aspartate Beta-Hydroxylase with the Small Molecule Inhibitor MO-I-1182 Suppresses Cholangiocarcinoma Metastasis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:1080-1089. [PMID: 32445050 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is a devastating disease with a 2% 5-year survival if the disease has spread outside the liver. The enzyme aspartate beta-hydroxylase (ASPH) has been demonstrated to be highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma but not in normal bile ducts and found to stimulate tumor cell migration. In addition, it was found that targeting ASPH inhibits cholangiocarcinoma malignant progression. However, it is not clear whether targeting ASPH with the small molecule inhibitor MO-I-1182 suppresses cholangiocarcinoma metastasis. The current study aims to study the efficacy of MO-I-1182 in suppressing cholangiocarcinoma metastasis. METHODS The analysis was performed in vitro and in vivo with a preclinical animal model by using molecular and biochemical strategies to regulate ASPH expression and function. RESULTS Knockdown of ASPH substantially inhibited cell migration and invasion in two human cholangiocarcinoma cell lines. Targeting ASPH with a small molecule inhibitor suppressed cholangiocarcinoma progression. Molecular mechanism studies demonstrated that knockdown of ASPH subsequently suppressed protein levels of the matrix metalloproteinases. The ASPH knockdown experiments suggest that this enzyme may modulate cholangiocarcinoma metastasis by regulating matrix metalloproteinases expression. Furthermore, using an ASPH inhibitor in a rat cholangiocarcinoma intrahepatic model established with BED-Neu-CL#24 cholangiocarcinoma cells, it was found that targeting ASPH inhibited intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis and downstream expression of the matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSION ASPH may modulate cholangiocarcinoma metastasis via matrix metalloproteinases expression. Taken together, targeting ASPH function may inhibit intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Kousuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Chengcheng Ji
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Kevin Y Cao
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Joud Mulla
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Zhixiang Cheng
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, 55 Claverick St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
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Zheng W, Wang X, Hu J, Bai B, Zhu H. Diverse molecular functions of aspartate β‑hydroxylase in cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2020; 44:2364-2372. [PMID: 33125119 PMCID: PMC7610305 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartate/asparagine β-hydroxylase (AspH) is a type II transmembrane protein that catalyzes the post-translational hydroxylation of definite aspartyl and asparaginyl residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains of substrates. In the last few decades, accumulating evidence has indicated that AspH expression is upregulated in numerous types of human malignant cancer and is associated with poor survival and prognosis. The AspH protein aggregates on the surface of tumor cells, which contributes to inducing tumor cell migration, infiltration and metastasis. However, small-molecule inhibitors targeting hydroxylase activity can markedly block these processes, both in vitro and in vivo. Immunization of tumor-bearing mice with a phage vaccine fused with the AspH protein can substantially delay tumor growth and progression. Additionally, AspH antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were identified in the spleen of tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, these agents may be used as novel strategies for cancer treatment. The present review summarizes the current progress on the underlying mechanisms of AspH expression in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Zheng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Jinhui Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Bingjun Bai
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Hongbo Zhu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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8
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Kanwal M, Smahel M, Olsen M, Smahelova J, Tachezy R. Aspartate β-hydroxylase as a target for cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:163. [PMID: 32811566 PMCID: PMC7433162 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As metastasis is a major cause of death in cancer patients, new anti-metastatic strategies are needed to improve cancer therapy outcomes. Numerous pathways have been shown to contribute to migration and invasion of malignant tumors. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a key player in the malignant transformation of solid tumors by enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. ASPH also promotes tumor growth by stimulation of angiogenesis and immunosuppression. These effects are mainly achieved via the activation of Notch and SRC signaling pathways. ASPH expression is upregulated by growth factors and hypoxia in different human tumors and its inactivation may have broad clinical impact. Therefore, small molecule inhibitors of ASPH enzymatic activity have been developed and their anti-metastatic effect confirmed in preclinical mouse models. ASPH can also be targeted by monoclonal antibodies and has also been used as a tumor-associated antigen to induce both cluster of differentiation (CD) 8+ and CD4+ T cells in mice. The PAN-301-1 vaccine against ASPH has already been tested in a phase 1 clinical trial in patients with prostate cancer. In summary, ASPH is a promising target for anti-tumor and anti-metastatic therapy based on inactivation of catalytic activity and/or immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Kanwal
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Smahel
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Mark Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy - Glendale, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- Crenae Therapeutics, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jana Smahelova
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Ruth Tachezy
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czech Republic
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9
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Ogawa K, Lin Q, Li L, Bai X, Chen X, Chen H, Kong R, Wang Y, Zhu H, He F, Xu Q, Liu L, Li M, Zhang S, Nagaoka K, Carlson R, Safran H, Charpentier K, Sun B, Wands J, Dong X. Prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes initiates pancreatic cancer pulmonary metastasis. Cancer Lett 2020; 481:63-75. [PMID: 32145343 PMCID: PMC7309190 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To demonstrate multifaceted contribution of aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis, in vitro metastasis assay and patient derived xenograft (PDX) murine models were established. ASPH propagates aggressive phenotypes characterized by enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 2-D/3-D invasion, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation/remodeling, angiogenesis, stemness, transendothelial migration and metastatic colonization/outgrowth at distant sites. Mechanistically, ASPH activates Notch cascade through direct physical interactions with Notch1/JAGs and ADAMs. The ASPH-Notch axis enables prometastatic secretome trafficking via exosomes, subsequently initiates MMPs mediated ECM degradation/remodeling as an effector for invasiveness. Consequently, ASPH fosters primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in PDX models, which was blocked by a newly developed small molecule inhibitor (SMI) specifically against ASPH's β-hydroxylase activity. Clinically, ASPH is silenced in normal pancreas, progressively upregulated from pre-malignant lesions to invasive/advanced stage PDAC. Relatively high levels of ASPH-Notch network components independently/jointly predict curtailed overall survival (OS) in PDAC patients (log-rank test, Ps < 0.001; Cox proportional hazards regression, P < 0.001). Therefore, ASPH-Notch axis is essential for propagating multiple-steps of metastasis and predicts prognosis of PDAC patients. A specific SMI targeting ASPH offers a novel therapeutic approach to substantially retard PDAC development/progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Qiushi Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Internal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Fuliang He
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, The 9th Affiliated Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA; Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, PR China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Harbin, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The University of Sciences and Technology of China, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei City 230001, An Hui Province, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Immunobiology & Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Howard Safran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital/The Miriam Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kevin Charpentier
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China.
| | - Jack Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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10
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Benelli R, Costa D, Mastracci L, Grillo F, Olsen MJ, Barboro P, Poggi A, Ferrari N. Aspartate-β-Hydroxylase: A Promising Target to Limit the Local Invasiveness of Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040971. [PMID: 32295249 PMCID: PMC7226058 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer's (CRC) ability to invade local tissues and lymph nodes and generate distant metastases is the key for TNM classification. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), a transmembrane protein that catalyzes Notch receptors and ligand activation, is involved in tumor invasion. Because Notch is involved in gut homeostasis, it could be a target for CRC therapy. ASPH mRNA and protein expression, promoter methylation and gene copy numbers were evaluated using the TCGA and CPTAC human CRC datasets. Using digital pathology, ASPH was scored in the luminal area (LM), center tumor (CT) and invasive margin (IM) of 100 human CRCs. The effect of ASPH targeting on invasiveness and viability was tested by siRNA knockdown and small molecule inhibitors (SMI). Bioinformatics analysis showed increased expression of ASPH mRNA and protein in CRC, paired with a decreased methylation profile. ASPH genetic gain or amplification was frequent (56%), while deletion was rare (0.03%). Digital pathology analysis showed that ASPH exerted its pathological activity in the invasive margin of the tumor, affecting invasive front morphology, tumor budding and patients' overall survival. In vitro, ASPH targeting by siRNA or SMI reduced cell invasion and growth and caused Notch-1 downregulation. This study demonstrates that ASPH targeting by specific inhibitors could improve CRC treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Benelli
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-5558234
| | - Delfina Costa
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.G.)
- Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (L.M.); (F.G.)
- Anatomia patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche Integrate (DISC), Università di Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Mark Jon Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Campus Glendale, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA;
| | - Paola Barboro
- Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Poggi
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
| | - Nicoletta Ferrari
- SSD Oncologia Molecolare e Angiogenesi, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; (D.C.); (A.P.); (N.F.)
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11
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Ogawa K, Lin Q, Li L, Bai X, Chen X, Chen H, Kong R, Wang Y, Zhu H, He F, Xu Q, Liu L, Li M, Zhang S, Nagaoka K, Carlson R, Safran H, Charpentier K, Sun B, Wands J, Dong X. Aspartate β-hydroxylase promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma metastasis through activation of SRC signaling pathway. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:144. [PMID: 31888763 PMCID: PMC6937817 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0837-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Signaling pathways critical for embryonic development re-emerge in adult pancreas during tumorigenesis. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) drives embryonic cell motility/invasion in pancreatic development/differentiation. We explored if dysregulated ASPH is critically involved in pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. METHODS To demonstrate if/how ASPH mediates malignant phenotypes, proliferation, migration, 2-D/3-D invasion, pancreatosphere formation, immunofluorescence, Western blot, co-immunoprecipitation, invadopodia formation/maturation/function, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and self-developed in vitro metastasis assays were performed. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were established to illustrate in vivo antitumor effects of the third-generation small molecule inhibitor specifically against ASPH's β-hydroxylase activity. Prognostic values of ASPH network components were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier plots, log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS ASPH renders pancreatic cancer cells more aggressive phenotypes characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), 2-D/3-D invasion, invadopodia formation/function as demonstrated by extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, stemness (cancer stem cell marker upregulation and pancreatosphere formation), transendothelial migration (mimicking intravasation/extravasation), and sphere formation (mimicking metastatic colonization/outgrowth at distant sites). Mechanistically, ASPH activates SRC cascade through direct physical interaction with ADAM12/ADAM15 independent of FAK. The ASPH-SRC axis enables invadopodia construction and initiates MMP-mediated ECM degradation/remodeling as executors for invasiveness. Pharmacologic inhibition of invadopodia attenuates in vitro metastasis. ASPH fosters primary tumor development and pulmonary metastasis in PDX models of PDAC, which is blocked by a leading compound specifically against ASPH enzymatic activity. ASPH is silenced in normal pancreas, progressively upregulated from pre-malignant lesions to invasive/advanced stages of PDAC. Expression profiling of ASPH-SRC network components independently/jointly predicts clinical outcome of PDAC patients. Compared to a negative-low level, a moderate-very high level of ASPH, ADAM12, activated SRC, and MMPs correlated with curtailed overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer patients (log-rank test, ps < 0.001). The more unfavorable molecules patients carry, the more deleterious prognosis is destinated. Patients with 0-2 (n = 4), 3-5 (n = 8), 6-8 (n = 24), and 9-12 (n = 73) unfavorable expression scores of the 5 molecules had median survival time of 55.4, 15.9, 9.7, and 5.0 months, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Targeting the ASPH-SRC axis, which is essential for propagating multi-step PDAC metastasis, may specifically/substantially retard development/progression and thus improve prognosis of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Qiushi Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA
| | - Le Li
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA.,Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Internal Medical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150040, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Chen
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Kong
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuliang He
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA.,Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, The 9th Affiliated Hospital of Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinggang Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA.,Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, The University of Sciences and Technology of China, No. 17 Lujiang Road, Hefei City, 230001, An Hui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Immunobiology & Transplant Science Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Howard Safran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Rhode Island Hospital/The Miriam Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kevin Charpentier
- Department of Surgery, Rhode Island Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Bei Sun
- Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery; Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jack Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, 55 Claverick Street, 4th Fl., Providence, RI, 02903, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 731014, USA. .,Department of Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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12
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Pfeffer I, Brewitz L, Krojer T, Jensen SA, Kochan GT, Kershaw NJ, Hewitson KS, McNeill LA, Kramer H, Münzel M, Hopkinson RJ, Oppermann U, Handford PA, McDonough MA, Schofield CJ. Aspartate/asparagine-β-hydroxylase crystal structures reveal an unexpected epidermal growth factor-like domain substrate disulfide pattern. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4910. [PMID: 31659163 PMCID: PMC6817910 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12711-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
AspH is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane-anchored 2-oxoglutarate oxygenase whose C-terminal oxygenase and tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains present in the ER lumen. AspH catalyses hydroxylation of asparaginyl- and aspartyl-residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs). Here we report crystal structures of human AspH, with and without substrate, that reveal substantial conformational changes of the oxygenase and TPR domains during substrate binding. Fe(II)-binding by AspH is unusual, employing only two Fe(II)-binding ligands (His679/His725). Most EGFD structures adopt an established fold with a conserved Cys1–3, 2–4, 5–6 disulfide bonding pattern; an unexpected Cys3–4 disulfide bonding pattern is observed in AspH-EGFD substrate complexes, the catalytic relevance of which is supported by studies involving stable cyclic peptide substrate analogues and by effects of Ca(II) ions on activity. The results have implications for EGFD disulfide pattern processing in the ER and will enable medicinal chemistry efforts targeting human 2OG oxygenases. AspH catalyses hydroxylation of asparagine and aspartate residues in epidermal growth factor-like domains (EGFDs). Here, the authors present crystal structures of AspH with and without substrates and show that AspH uses EFGD substrates with a non-canonical disulfide pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Pfeffer
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Lennart Brewitz
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Tobias Krojer
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Sacha A Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Grazyna T Kochan
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Nadia J Kershaw
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Kirsty S Hewitson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Luke A McNeill
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Holger Kramer
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Martin Münzel
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Richard J Hopkinson
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Udo Oppermann
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Roosevelt Drive, Headington, OX3 7DQ, UK.,NDORMS, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, Old Road, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - Penny A Handford
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Michael A McDonough
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
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13
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Nagaoka K, Bai X, Ogawa K, Dong X, Zhang S, Zhou Y, Carlson RI, Jiang ZG, Fuller S, Lebowitz MS, Ghanbari H, Wands JR. Anti-tumor activity of antibody drug conjugate targeting aspartate-β-hydroxylase in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2019; 449:87-98. [PMID: 30768955 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.006] [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: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely aggressive malignancy with very limited treatment options. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) are promising cytotoxic agents capable of highly selective delivery. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a type II transmembrane protein highly expressed in PDACs (97.1%) but not normal pancreas. We investigated anti-tumor effects of an ADC guided by a human monoclonal antibody (SNS-622) against ASPH in human PDAC cell lines and derived subcutaneous (s.c.) xenograft as well as a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) murine model with spontaneous pulmonary metastasis. The cytotoxic effects exhibited by several candidate payloads linked to SNS-622 antibody targeting ASPH+ PDACs were analyzed. After i.v. administration of SNS-622-emtansine (DM1) ADC, the primary PDAC tumor growth and progression (number and size of pulmonary metastases) were determined. The PDAC cell lines, s.c. and PDX tumors treated with ADC were tested for cell proliferation, cytotoxicity and apoptosis by MTS and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. SNS-622-DM1 construct has demonstrated optimal anti-tumor effects in vitro. In the PDX model of human PDAC, SNS-622-DM1 ADC exerted substantially inhibitory effects on tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis through attenuating proliferation and promoting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Nagaoka
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xuewei Bai
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pancreatic and Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Songhua Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Yanmei Zhou
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang Province, PR China
| | - Rolf I Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jack R Wands
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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14
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Brivio S, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Strazzabosco M. Molecular Mechanisms Driving Cholangiocarcinoma Invasiveness: An Overview. Gene Expr 2018; 18:31-50. [PMID: 29070148 PMCID: PMC5860940 DOI: 10.3727/105221617x15088670121925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of invasive functions by tumor cells is a first and crucial step toward the development of metastasis, which nowadays represents the main cause of cancer-related death. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a primary liver cancer originating from the biliary epithelium, typically develops intrahepatic or lymph node metastases at early stages, thus preventing the majority of patients from undergoing curative treatments, consistent with their very poor prognosis. As in most carcinomas, CCA cells gradually adopt a motile, mesenchymal-like phenotype, enabling them to cross the basement membrane, detach from the primary tumor, and invade the surrounding stroma. Unfortunately, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that synergistically orchestrate this proinvasive phenotypic switch. Autocrine and paracrine signals (cyto/chemokines, growth factors, and morphogens) permeating the tumor microenvironment undoubtedly play a prominent role in this context. Moreover, a number of recently identified signaling systems are currently drawing attention as putative mechanistic determinants of CCA cell invasion. They encompass transcription factors, protein kinases and phosphatases, ubiquitin ligases, adaptor proteins, and miRNAs, whose aberrant expression may result from either stochastic mutations or the abnormal activation of upstream pro-oncogenic pathways. Herein we sought to summarize the most relevant molecules in this field and to discuss their mechanism of action and potential prognostic relevance in CCA. Hopefully, a deeper knowledge of the molecular determinants of CCA invasiveness will help to identify clinically useful biomarkers and novel druggable targets, with the ultimate goal to develop innovative approaches to the management of this devastating malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Brivio
- *School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- *School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- †International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- †International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- ‡Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- §Liver Center, School of Medicine Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- *School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- †International Center for Digestive Health, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- §Liver Center, School of Medicine Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Iwagami Y, Casulli S, Nagaoka K, Kim M, Carlson RI, Ogawa K, Lebowitz MS, Fuller S, Biswas B, Stewart S, Dong X, Ghanbari H, Wands JR. Lambda phage-based vaccine induces antitumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00407. [PMID: 28971150 PMCID: PMC5619992 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a difficult to treat tumor with a poor prognosis. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a highly conserved enzyme overexpressed on the cell surface of both murine and human HCC cells. METHODS We evaluated therapeutic effects of nanoparticle lambda (λ) phage vaccine constructs against ASPH expressing murine liver tumors. Mice were immunized before and after subcutaneous implantation of a syngeneic BNL HCC cell line. Antitumor actively was assessed by generation of antigen specific cellular immune responses and the identification of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes. RESULTS Prophylactic and therapeutic immunization significantly delayed HCC growth and progression. ASPH-antigen specific CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were identified in the spleen of tumor bearing mice and cytotoxicity was directed against ASPH expressing BNL HCC cells. Furthermore, vaccination generated antigen specific Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion by immune cells. There was widespread necrosis with infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in HCC tumors of λ phage vaccinated mice compared to controls. Moreover, further confirmation of anti-tumor effects on ASPH expressing tumor cell growth were obtained in another murine syngeneic vaccine model with pulmonary metastases. CONCLUSIONS These observations suggest that ASPH may serve as a highly antigenic target for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Iwagami
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Sarah Casulli
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Katsuya Nagaoka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Miran Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Rolf I Carlson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Kosuke Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | | | - Steve Fuller
- Panacea Pharmaceuticals, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877, USA
| | | | | | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | | | - Jack R Wands
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
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16
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Revskaya E, Jiang Z, Morgenstern A, Bruchertseifer F, Sesay M, Walker S, Fuller S, Lebowitz MS, Gravekamp C, Ghanbari HA, Dadachova E. A Radiolabeled Fully Human Antibody to Human Aspartyl (Asparaginyl) β-Hydroxylase Is a Promising Agent for Imaging and Therapy of Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2017; 32:57-65. [PMID: 28301261 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2016.2141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a need for novel effective and safe therapies for metastatic breast cancer based on targeting tumor-specific molecular markers of cancer. Human aspartyl (asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a highly conserved enzyme that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains in transformation-associated proteins and is overexpressed in a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. A fully human monoclonal antibody (mAb) PAN-622 has been developed to HAAH. In this study, they describe the development of PAN-622 mAb as an agent for imaging and radioimmunotherapy of metastatic breast cancer. PAN-622 was conjugated to several ligands such as DOTA, CHXA″, and DTPA to enable subsequent radiolabeling and its immunoreactivity was evaluated by an HAAH-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and binding to the HAAH-positive cells. As a result, DTPA-PAN-622 was chosen to investigate biodistribution in healthy CD-1 female mice and 4T1 mammary tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. The 111In-DTPA-pan622 mAb concentrated in the primary tumors and to some degree in lung metastases as shown by SPECT/CT and Cherenkov imaging. A pilot therapy study with 213Bi-DTPA-PAN-622 demonstrated a significant effect on the primary tumor. The authors concluded that human mAb PAN-622 to HAAH is a promising reagent for development of imaging and possible therapeutic agents for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Revskaya
- 1 Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York
| | - Zewei Jiang
- 1 Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York
| | - Alfred Morgenstern
- 2 European Commission, Joint Research Centre , Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Frank Bruchertseifer
- 2 European Commission, Joint Research Centre , Directorate for Nuclear Safety and Security, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Susan Walker
- 4 Panacea Pharmaceuticals , Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | | | | | - Claudia Gravekamp
- 1 Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York
| | | | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- 1 Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York
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17
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Huyan T, Li Q, Dong DD, Yang H, Xue XP, Huang QS. Development of a novel anti-human aspartyl-(asparaginyl) β-hydroxylase monoclonal antibody with diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:1539-1546. [PMID: 28454288 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase (HAAH) has recently been the subject of several studies, as it was previously observed to be overexpressed in numerous types of carcinoma cells and tissues in patient tumor samples. HAAH has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis, indicating that it may be an important target and biomarker for tumor diagnosis and treatment. However, the immunological tools currently available for the study of this protein, including monoclonal antibodies, are limited, as is the present knowledge regarding the role of HAAH in tumor therapy and diagnosis. In the present study, a recombinant C-terminal domain of HAAH was expressed in Pichia pastoris and a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting HAAH (HAAH-C) was constructed. Immunofluorescence and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays were used to demonstrate the specificity and ADCC activity of this antibody. The results demonstrated that this anti-C-terminal HAAH mAB, in combination with an existing anti-N terminal HAAH mAb, exhibited a high response to native HAAH from carcinoma cell culture supernatant, as measured with a double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. This validated novel mAB-HAAH-C may prompt further studies into the underlying mechanisms of HAAH, and the exploration of its potential in tumor diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huyan
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
| | - Dan-Dan Dong
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xue
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
| | - Qing-Sheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, P.R. China
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Sturla LM, Tong M, Hebda N, Gao J, Thomas JM, Olsen M, de la Monte SM. Aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH): A potential therapeutic target in human malignant gliomas. Heliyon 2016; 2:e00203. [PMID: 27981247 PMCID: PMC5144823 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite therapeutic advances, survival with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remains below 15 months from diagnosis due to GBM's highly infiltrative nature which precludes complete surgical resection. Patient outcomes could potentially be improved by targeting genes and pathways that drive neoplastic cell motility and invasiveness, including hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α), NOTCH, and aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH). METHODS Human astrocytoma biopsy specimens (n = 37), WHO Grades II-IV, were analyzed for levels and distributions of ASPH and HIF-1α immunoreactivity by immunohistochemical staining, and ASPH, Notch, JAG, HES1, HEY1 and HIF1α mRNA expression by quantigene multiplex analysis. The effects of small molecule inhibitors on ASPH's catalytic activity, cell viability and directional motility were examined in vitro in established GBM cell lines and primary tumor cells from an invasive mouse model of GBM. RESULTS The highest grade astrocytoma, i.e. GBM was associated with the highest levels of ASPH and HIF1α, and both proteins were more abundantly distributed in hypoxic compared with normoxic regions of tumor. Furthermore, mining of the TCGA database revealed higher levels of ASPH expression in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM, which is associated with more aggressive and invasive behavior. In contrast, lower grade astrocytomas had low expression levels of ASPH and HIF1α. In vitro experiments demonstrated that small molecule inhibitors targeting ASPH's catalytic activity significantly reduced GBM viability and directional motility. Similar effects occurred in GBM cells that were transduced with a lentiviral sh-ASPH construct. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that increased ASPH expression could serve as a prognostic biomarker of gliomas and may assist in assigning tumor grade when biopsy specimens are scant. In addition, the findings suggest that GBM treatment strategies could be made more effective by including small molecule inhibitors of ASPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Sturla
- Liver Research Center, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pathology, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Neurology, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Medicine, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Ming Tong
- Liver Research Center, Providence, RI, United States; Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Nick Hebda
- Department of Neurology, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Jinsong Gao
- Department of Medicine, Providence, RI, United States; Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - John-Michael Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Midwestern University, United States
| | - Mark Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Midwestern University, United States
| | - Suzanne M de la Monte
- Liver Research Center, Providence, RI, United States; Division of Gastroenterology, Providence, RI, United States; Division of Neuropathology, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Pathology, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Neurology, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Medicine, Providence, RI, United States; Rhode Island Hospital and the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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Huang CK, Iwagami Y, Aihara A, Chung W, de la Monte S, Thomas JM, Olsen M, Carlson R, Yu T, Dong X, Wands J. Anti-Tumor Effects of Second Generation β-Hydroxylase Inhibitors on Cholangiocarcinoma Development and Progression. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150336. [PMID: 26954680 PMCID: PMC4783022 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has a poor prognosis due to widespread intrahepatic spread. Aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH) is a transmembrane protein and catalyzes the hydroxylation of aspartyl and asparaginyl residues in calcium binding epidermal growth factor (cbEGF)-like domains of various proteins, including Notch receptors and ligands. ASPH is highly overexpressed (>95%) in human CCA tumors. We explored the molecular mechanisms by which ASPH mediated the CCA malignant phenotype and evaluated the potential of ASPH as a therapeutic target for CCA. The importance of expression and enzymatic activity of ASPH for CCA growth and progression was examined using shRNA "knockdown" and a mutant construct that reduced its catalytic activity. Second generation small molecule inhibitors (SMIs) of β-hydroxylase activity were developed and used to target ASPH in vitro and in vivo. Subcutaneous and intrahepatic xenograft rodent models were employed to determine anti-tumor effects on CCA growth and development. It was found that the enzymatic activity of ASPH was critical for mediating CCA progression, as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Mechanistically, ASPH overexpression promoted Notch activation and modulated CCA progression through a Notch1-dependent cyclin D1 pathway. Targeting ASPH with shRNAs or a SMI significantly suppressed CCA growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Kuei Huang
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Yoshifumi Iwagami
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Arihiro Aihara
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Waihong Chung
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Suzanne de la Monte
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - John-Michael Thomas
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy Glendale, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mark Olsen
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy Glendale, Midwestern University, Glendale, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Rolf Carlson
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Tunan Yu
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Xiaoqun Dong
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, The University of Rhode Island, Pharmacy Building, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Jack Wands
- Liver Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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XUE TIAN, SU JING, LI HONGMIN, XUE XIAOPING. Evaluation of HAAH/humbug quantitative detection in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2014; 33:329-37. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Huyan T, Li Q, Ye LJ, Yang H, Xue XP, Zhang MJ, Huang QS, Yin DC, Shang P. Inhibition of human natural killer cell functional activity by human aspartyl β-hydroxylase. Int Immunopharmacol 2014; 23:452-9. [PMID: 25281391 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Revised: 09/13/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system and play pivotal roles as inflammatory regulators and in tumor surveillance. Human aspartyl β-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum protein with hydroxylation activity, which is over-expressed in many malignant neoplasms and can be detected from the sera of tumor patients. HAAH is involved in regulating tumor cell infiltration and metastasis. Escaping from immune surveillance may help tumor cell infiltration and metastasis. However, the effects of HAAH on tumor immune surveillance have not yet been investigated carefully. The present study investigated the potential use of HAAH as an immune regulator of human NK cells. We assessed the effects of recombinant HAAH (r-HAAH) on primary human NK cell morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, receptors expression and cytokine/cytolytic proteins production. Our results demonstrated that r-HAAH negatively affects NK cell activity in a time and dose-dependent manner. It noticeably reduces the viability of the NK cells by increasing apoptosis and necrosis via caspase signaling pathways. Moreover, r-HAAH reduces the NK cell cytotoxicity by inhibiting surface expression of NKG2D, NKp44 and IFN-γ secretion. These findings suggest that one of the ways by which HAAH actively promotes tumor formation and proliferation is by inhibiting NK cell-surveillance activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Huyan
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Lin-Jie Ye
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ping Xue
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Ming-Jie Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China; Laboratory of Molecular Virology, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 1401 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Qing-Sheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Da-Chuan Yin
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Peng Shang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 YouyiXilu, Xi'an 710072, Shaanxi, PR China
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Wiggers JK, Ruys AT, Groot Koerkamp B, Beuers U, ten Kate FJ, van Gulik TM. Differences in immunohistochemical biomarkers between intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 29:1582-94. [PMID: 24787096 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Cholangiocarcinomas of different locations differ in growth patterns, symptoms, treatment response, and survival. Still, they are regarded in many studies as a uniform malignancy. Because intra- (iCCA) and extrahepatic (eCCA) cholangiocarcinoma display such differences, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze differences in the immunohistochemical profile of these tumors. METHODS In February 2014, we searched the two main medical literature databases MEDLINE and EMBASE. We extracted risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals from the identified studies and performed random-effects model meta-analyses in accordance with PRISMA and REMARK guidelines. RESULTS A total of 54 cohort studies, including 4458 patients and studying 102 individual markers met the inclusion criteria. Of the 57 markers that were evaluated in more than 30 iCCA and eCCA patients, 18 showed a statistically significant difference in expression between iCCA and eCCA. Biomarkers expressed differently between iCCA and eCCA included potential targets of therapy: EGFR, c-erbB-2 and VEGF-A. Several markers showed no statistical difference but large 95% confidence intervals, suggesting insufficient sample size. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review shows differences in marker expression between iCCA and eCCA. Consequently, patients with iCCA and eCCA may benefit from different treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimme K Wiggers
- Department of Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ruys AT, Groot Koerkamp B, Wiggers JK, Klümpen HJ, ten Kate FJ, van Gulik TM. Prognostic Biomarkers in Patients with Resected Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 2013; 21:487-500. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-013-3286-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Noda T, Shimoda M, Ortiz V, Sirica AE, Wands JR. Immunization with aspartate-β-hydroxylase-loaded dendritic cells produces antitumor effects in a rat model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2012; 55:86-97. [PMID: 21898484 PMCID: PMC3242918 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dendritic cells (DCs) capture and process proteins and present peptides on the cell surface in the context of major histocompatibility complex I and II molecules to induce antigen-specific T cell immune responses. The aims of this study were to (1) employ an expanded and purified DC population and load them with aspartate-β-hydroxylase (ASPH), a highly expressed tumor-associated cell surface protein, and (2) to determine if immunization induced antitumor effects in an orthotopic rat model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Splenocytes were incubated with ASPH-coated beads and passed through a magnetic field to yield an 80% pure DC OX62+ population. This DC subset was stimulated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin-4, CD40L, and interferon-γ, resulting in a 40-fold increase in interleukin-12A messenger RNA expression to subsequently generate a T helper 1-type immune response. After incubation with the cytokine cocktail, DCs were found to have matured, as demonstrated by increased expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 costimulatory molecules. Immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs induced antigen-specific immunity. A clone of the parental tumorigenic rat BDEneu cholangiocyte cell line, designated BDEneu-CL24, was found to have the highest number of cells expressing this surface protein (97%); it maintained the same phenotypic characteristics of the parental cell line and was used to produce intrahepatic tumors in immunocompetent syngeneic Fisher-344 rats. Immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs generated cytotoxicity against cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro and significantly suppressed intrahepatic tumor growth and metastasis, and was associated with increased CD3+ lymphocyte infiltration into the tumors. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that immunization with ASPH-loaded DCs may constitute a novel therapeutic approach for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, because this protein also appears to be highly conserved and expressed on human hepatobiliary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Noda
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Masafumi Shimoda
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Vivian Ortiz
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alphonse E. Sirica
- Department of Pathology, Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
| | - Jack R. Wands
- The Liver Research Center, Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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Sirica AE. The role of cancer-associated myofibroblasts in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 9:44-54. [PMID: 22143274 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2011.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is typically characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma, of which cancer-associated myofibroblasts (which express α-smooth muscle actin), are a major cellular component. These stromal myofibroblasts have a crucial role in accelerating the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and in promoting resistance to therapy through interactive autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways that promote malignant cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, apoptosis resistance and/or epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These changes correlate with aggressive tumor behavior. Hypoxic desmoplasia and aberrant Hedgehog signaling between stromal myofibroblastic cells and cholangiocarcinoma cells are also critical modulators of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression and therapy resistance. A novel strategy has been developed to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, based on targeting of multiple interactive pathways between cancer-associated myofibroblasts and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells that are associated with disease progression and poor survival. Unique organotypic cell culture and orthotopic rat models of cholangiocarcinoma progression are well suited to the rapid preclinical testing of this potentially paradigm-shifting strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse E Sirica
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia, VA 23298-0297, USA.
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The role of cancer-associated myofibroblasts in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. NATURE REVIEWS. GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY 2011. [PMID: 22143274 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2011.222.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is typically characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma, of which cancer-associated myofibroblasts (which express α-smooth muscle actin), are a major cellular component. These stromal myofibroblasts have a crucial role in accelerating the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and in promoting resistance to therapy through interactive autocrine and paracrine signaling pathways that promote malignant cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, apoptosis resistance and/or epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These changes correlate with aggressive tumor behavior. Hypoxic desmoplasia and aberrant Hedgehog signaling between stromal myofibroblastic cells and cholangiocarcinoma cells are also critical modulators of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression and therapy resistance. A novel strategy has been developed to achieve improved therapeutic outcomes in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, based on targeting of multiple interactive pathways between cancer-associated myofibroblasts and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cells that are associated with disease progression and poor survival. Unique organotypic cell culture and orthotopic rat models of cholangiocarcinoma progression are well suited to the rapid preclinical testing of this potentially paradigm-shifting strategy.
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Yang H, Wang H, Xue T, Xue XP, Huyan T, Wang W, Song K. Single-chain variable fragment antibody against human aspartyl/asparaginyl beta-hydroxylase expressed in recombinant Escherichia coli. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2011; 30:69-79. [PMID: 21466288 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2010.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The human aspartyl beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) is a highly conserved enzyme that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains in transformation-associated proteins. Previous studies showed that the gene of HAAH was overexpressed in many human malignancies. In the present study, the HAAH-specific single-chain variable fragment (ScFv) antibody was produced in recombinant Escherichia coli. The variable regions of the genes of the heavy chain (VH) and light chain (VL) cloned from the hybridoma cells G3/F11 were connected with a flexible linker using an overlap extension polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the anti-HAAH VH was a member of the VH V gene family and the VL gene belonged to the Vκ gene family VI subgroup. Extensive efforts to express the functional ScFv antibody in E. coli have been made by using two different prokaryotic expression vectors-pHEN1 and pET-16b-to compare the expression level and solubility of the antibody. The recombinant pHEN1/E1-anti-HAAH vector could express soluble ScFv, although the yield was only 7.8% of the total cellular protein. However, the pET-16b/E2-anti-HAAH vector produced the ScFv as inclusion bodies inside the host cytoplasm, although the expression level of the antibody was quite high (28.5% of the total cellular protein). Soluble ScFv antibody produced by pHEN1/E1-anti-HAAH was characterized for its antigen-binding characteristics. Its antigen affinity as antibody was measured by indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay analysis and proved to have high binding activity to the antigen HAAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 Youyi West Road, Xi'an, China
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Wang K, Liu J, Yan ZL, Li J, Shi LH, Cong WM, Xia Y, Zou QF, Xi T, Shen F, Wang HY, Wu MC. Overexpression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase in hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with worse surgical outcome. Hepatology 2010; 52:164-73. [PMID: 20578260 DOI: 10.1002/hep.23650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The association between the overexpression of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase (AAH) and the invasiveness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro has been reported. However, the prognostic value of AAH expression in HCC remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between AAH expression, tumor recurrence, and patient survival. We identified AAH as the most overexpressed gene in HCC by way of complementary DNA microarray hybridization. A prospective study of 233 patients undergoing curative resection indicated that AAH expression was an independent factor affecting recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 3.161, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.115-4.724, P < 0.001) and survival (HR 2.712, 95% CI 1.734-4.241, P < 0.001). Patients with AAH overexpression had a poorer prognosis than those with AAH underexpression (P < 0.001 for both recurrence and survival). In Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A patients with AAH overexpression or underexpression, the tumor recurrence and survival rates were also statistically different (45% and 85% versus16% and 33% in 1- and 3-year cumulative recurrence rates, respectively; 73% and 37% versus 90% and 80% in 1- and 3-year survival rates, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Furthermore, in stage A patients with tumors measuring < or =5 cm in diameter, the time to recurrence was 26.7 +/- 1.6 versus 51.9 +/- 2.8 months, and the 1- and 3- year survival rates were 97% and 52% versus 100% and 90% in AAH overexpression and underexpression patients, respectively (P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION AAH overexpression in HCC is strongly correlated with worse surgical outcome, and this molecule likely provides a more precise prognostic predictor in early stage HCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Wang
- Department of Comprehensive Treatment, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, P. R. China
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Xue T, Xue XP, Huang QS, Wei L, Sun K, Xue T. Monoclonal antibodies against human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase developed by DNA immunization. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2009; 28:251-7. [PMID: 19663697 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2009.0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We newly cloned the gene encoding the human aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (HAAH) from the surgical tissue of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was designed to generate HAAH-specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) for further exploration of its structure and function. Mice were co-immunized with naked plasmid DNA containing N-terminal domain of encoding HAAH gene and recombinant HAAH polypeptide. Hybridomas were developed by the electrofusion of the splenocytes from mice immunized with plasmid DNA to Sp2/0 myeloma cells in vitro. Three hybridoma cell lines (designated G3, G9, and F11, respectively) stably secreting HAAH-specific MAbs were obtained. The specificity and sensitivity of MAbs were assessed by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Results showed that the three MAbs belong to IgG1 kappa isotype, the titer of MAbs reached was 5 x 10(4) - 1 x 10(5), and the affinity constant (k(aff)) of MAbs ranged between 2.5 x 10(8) - 1.1 x 10(9). MAb G3 was preliminarily applied to detection expression of HAAH for seven tumor tissues, including hepatocellular carcinoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and glioblastoma by immunohistochemical stain. Our studies demonstrated that co-immunization of naked DNA containing encoding gene of target antigen and recombinant target protein, and combined with in vitro electrofusion, is an effective and simple method to raise MAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xue
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Road, Xi'an, China
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Longato L, de la Monte S, Kuzushita N, Horimoto M, Rogers AB, Slagle BL, Wands JR. Overexpression of insulin receptor substrate-1 and hepatitis Bx genes causes premalignant alterations in the liver. Hepatology 2009; 49:1935-43. [PMID: 19475691 PMCID: PMC2754284 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Activation of the insulin (IN)/insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/mitogen-associated protein kinase (MAPK) and the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling cascades occurs frequently in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with persistent viral infection. The aims of this study were to provide a chronic proliferative stimulus through IRS-1 in the context of hepatitis Bx (HBx) protein expression in transgenic mice and determine if constitutive expression of these genes is sufficient to cause hepatocyte dysplasia and cellular transformation. We generated transgenic mice in which the HBx (ATX), IRS-1, or both (ATX+/IRS-1) genes were expressed under a liver-specific promoter. We also assessed histology and oxidative damage as well as up-regulation of molecules related to these signal transduction cascades in the liver by quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Whereas mice with a single transgene (ATX or IRS-1) did not develop tumors, ATX+/IRS-1+ double transgenic livers had increased frequency of hepatocellular dysplasia and developed HCC. All three transgenic lines had significantly increased insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), Wnt 1 and Wnt 3 mRNA levels, and evidence of DNA damage and oxidative stress. The ATX+/IRS+ double transgenic mice were distinguished by having the highest level of activation of Wnt 3 and Frizzled 7 and selectively increased expression of IGF-II, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase, a gene associated with increased cell migration. CONCLUSION These results suggest that continued expression of the ATX or IRS-1 transgenes can contribute to hepatocyte transformation but are not sufficient to trigger neoplastic changes in the liver. However, dual expression that activates both the IN/IRS-1/MAPK and Wnt/beta-catenin cascades is sufficient to cause dysplasia and HCC in a previously normal liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Longato
- Liver Research Center and Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Suzanne de la Monte
- Liver Research Center and Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Noriyoshi Kuzushita
- Liver Research Center and Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | - Masayoshi Horimoto
- Liver Research Center and Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
| | | | - Betty L. Slagle
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030
| | - Jack R. Wands
- Liver Research Center and Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903
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Luu M, Sabo E, de la Monte SM, Greaves W, Wang J, Tavares R, Simao L, Wands JR, Resnick MB, Wang L. Prognostic value of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug expression in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2009; 40:639-44. [PMID: 19200576 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 11/04/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite improvements in the detection and use of biomarkers, including epidermal growth factor receptor, ERCC1, and p16, the 5-year survival rate with non-small cell lung cancer remains at 15%. This suggests that additional biomarkers are needed to better prognosticate clinical course and guide therapeutic approaches. Previous studies showed that increased levels of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase and a highly related molecule, humbug, correlate with clinical course and survival with hepatic, biliary, pancreatic, and colon carcinomas. We now characterize the prognostic use of aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug immunoreactivity in different subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer. Tissue microarrays including 375 paraffin-embedded non-small cell lung cancers (195 adenocarcinomas; 18 bronchioloalveolar carcinomas; 113 squamous cell carcinomas; and 49 large cell carcinomas) were immunostained with FB50 monoclonal antibody, which recognizes human aspartyl (asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase/humbug. Immunoreactivity (intensity and distribution) in neoplastic cells were scored under code, and data were subjected to univariate and Cox multivariate analyses, adjusting for age, stage, and treatment. High levels of FB50 immunoreactivity were more often detected in adenocarcinomas (28% for adenocarcinoma, 17% for bronchioloalveolar carcinoma), compared with squamous cell carcinomas (10%) and large cell carcinomas (10%). Univariate analysis demonstrated inverse relationships between intensity of FB50 immunoreactivity and survival with squamous cell carcinoma (P = .004), and a strong trend with respect to large cell carcinoma (P = .057). Cox multivariate test showed that FB50 immunoreactivity (P = .025), clinical stage (P = .029), and tumor size (P = .0001) were all independent predictors of survival with squamous cell carcinoma. High levels of FB50 immunohistochemical staining correlate with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma subtype. Therefore, FB50 immunoreactivity may be useful in defining patient subsets that are likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Luu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Finotti A, Treves S, Zorzato F, Gambari R, Feriotto G. Upstream stimulatory factors are involved in the P1 promoter directed transcription of the A beta H-J-J locus. BMC Mol Biol 2008; 9:110. [PMID: 19087304 PMCID: PMC2625362 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2199-9-110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing of the locus A beta H-J-J generates functionally distinct proteins: the enzyme aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH), truncated homologs of AAH with a role in calcium homeostasis humbug and junctate and a structural protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes junctin. AAH and humbug are over expressed in a broad range of malignant neoplasms. We have previously reported that this locus contains two promoters, P1 and P2. While AAH and humbug are expressed in most tissues under the regulation of the P1 promoter, AAH, junctin and junctate are predominantly expressed in excitable tissues under the control of the P2 promoter. We previously demonstrated that Sp transcription factors positively regulate the P1 promoter. RESULTS In the present study, we extended the functional characterization of the P1 promoter of the A beta H-J-J locus. We demonstrated by quantitative Real-time RT-PCR that mRNAs from the P1 promoter are actively transcribed in all the human cell lines analysed. To investigate the transcription mechanism we transiently transfected HeLa cells with sequentially deleted reporter constructs containing different regions of the -661/+81 P1 nucleotide sequence. Our results showed that (i) this promoter fragment is a powerful activator of the reporter gene in HeLa cell line, (ii) the region spanning 512 bp upstream of the transcription start site exhibits maximal level of transcriptional activity, (iii) progressive deletions from -512 gradually reduce reporter expression. The region responsible for maximal transcription contains an E-box site; we characterized the molecular interactions between USF1/2 with this E-box element by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis. In addition, our USF1 and USF2 chromatin immunoprecipitation results demonstrate that these transcription factors bind the P1 promoter in vivo. A functional role of USF1/USF2 in upregulating P1-directed transcription was demonstrated by analysis of the effects of (i) in vitro mutagenesis of the P1/E-box binding site, (ii) RNA interference targeting USF1 transcripts. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that USF factors positively regulate the core of P1 promoter, and, together with our previously data, we can conclude that both Sp and USF DNA interaction and transcription activity are involved in the P1 promoter dependent expression of AAH and humbug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Finotti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Biology Section, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 74, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Sirica AE, Nathanson MH, Gores GJ, Larusso NF. Pathobiology of biliary epithelia and cholangiocarcinoma: proceedings of the Henry M. and Lillian Stratton Basic Research Single-Topic Conference. Hepatology 2008; 48:2040-6. [PMID: 18855901 PMCID: PMC3724356 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In June 2008, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) sponsored the Henry M. and Lillian Stratton Basic Research Single-Topic Conference on the Pathobiology of Biliary Epithelia and Cholangiocarcinoma, which was held in Atlanta, GA. Attendees from 12 different countries participated in this conference, making it a truly international scientific event. Both oral and poster presentations were given by multidisciplinary experts, who highlighted important areas of current basic and translational research on biliary epithelial cell biology and pathophysiology, and on the etiology, cellular and molecular pathogenesis, and target-based therapy of cholangiocarcinoma. The specific goals and objectives of the conference were: (1) to advance knowledge of basic and molecular mechanisms underlying developmental and proliferative disorders of the biliary tract; (2) to foster a better and more comprehensive understanding of mechanisms regulating biliary epithelial (cholangiocyte) growth and transport, signaling, cell survival, and abnormalities that result in disease; and (3) to understand basic mechanisms of cholangiocarcinoma development and progression, with the added goal of identifying and exploiting potentially critical molecular pathways that may be targeted therapeutically. A number of interrelated themes emerged from the oral and poster sessions that affected current understandings of the complex organization of transcriptional and signaling mechanisms that regulate bile duct development, hepatic progenitor cell expansion, cholangiocyte secretory functions and proliferation, and mechanisms of cholangiocarcinogenesis and malignant cholangiocyte progression. Most notable were the critical questions raised as to how best to exploit aberrant signaling pathways associated with biliary disease as potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonse E Sirica
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathogenesis, Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Gundogan F, Elwood G, Longato L, Tong M, Feijoo A, Carlson RI, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Impaired placentation in fetal alcohol syndrome. Placenta 2007; 29:148-57. [PMID: 18054075 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2007.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 10/09/2007] [Accepted: 10/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is one of the key features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and IUGR can be mediated by impaired placentation. Insulin-like growth factors (IGF) regulate placentation due to stimulatory effects on extravillous trophoblasts, which are highly motile and invasive. Previous studies demonstrated that extravillous trophoblasts express high levels of aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH), a gene that is regulated by IGF and has a critical role in cell motility and invasion. The present study examines the hypothesis that ethanol impaired placentation is associated with inhibition of AAH expression in trophoblasts. Pregnant Long Evans rats were fed isocaloric liquid diets containing 0% or 37% ethanol by caloric content. Placentas harvested on gestation day 16 were used for histopathological, mRNA, and protein studies to examine AAH expression in relation to the integrity of placentation and ethanol exposure. Chronic ethanol feeding prevented or impaired the physiological conversion of uterine vessels required for expansion of maternal circulation into placenta, a crucial process for adequate placentation. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated significant reductions in IRS-1, IRS-2, and significant increases in IGF-II and IGF-II receptor mRNA levels in ethanol-exposed placentas. These abnormalities were associated with significantly reduced levels of AAH expression in trophoblastic cells, particularly within the mesometrial triangle (deep placental bed) as demonstrated by real time quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, ELISA, and immunohistochemical staining. Ethanol-impaired placentation is associated with inhibition of AAH expression in trophoblasts. This effect of chronic gestational exposure to ethanol may contribute to IUGR in FAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gundogan
- Department of Pathology and Medicine, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Feriotto G, Finotti A, Breveglieri G, Treves S, Zorzato F, Gambari R. Transcriptional activity and Sp 1/3 transcription factor binding to the P1 promoter sequences of the human AbetaH-J-J locus. FEBS J 2007; 274:4476-90. [PMID: 17681019 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.05976.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing of the locus AbetaH-J-J generates functionally distinct proteins: the enzyme aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase, humbug and junctate (truncated homologs of aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase with a role in calcium regulation), and junctin (a structural protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane). Aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and humbug are overexpressed in a broad range of malignant neoplasms. We have previously reported the gene structure of this locus, showing the presence of two putative promoters, P1 and P2, and characterized the P2 sequences, directing tissue-specific transcription of junctin, aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and junctate. In addition, aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase and humbug are expressed from exon 1 by the P1 promoter. The present study identifies and functionally characterizes the P1 promoter activity of the AbetaH-J-J locus. We demonstrate that mRNAs from the P1 promoter are actively transcribed in all the human tissues and cell lines analyzed, and define the transcription start point in HeLa and RD cells. To investigate the transcription mechanism we cloned 1.7 kb upstream of exon 1 from a human BAC clone, and produced progressively deleted reporter constructs. Our results showed that: (a) the 1.7 kb fragment was a powerful activator of the reporter gene in human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) and human embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell lines; (b) 512 bp upstream of the transcription start site were essential for maximal promoter activity; and (c) progressive deletions from -512 resulted in gradually decreased reporter expression. The region responsible for maximal transcription contains at least 12 GC boxes homologous to binding sequences of specific transcription factor 1 (Sp1); by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis, we identified three GC-rich elements that bind Sp transcription factor family nuclear factors with very high efficiency. A functional role of Sp transcription factors in upregulating P1-directed transcription was demonstrated by analysis of the effects of: (a) in vitro mutagenesis of the Sp1 transcription factor binding sites; (b) transfection with Sp transcription factor 1/3 expression vectors; and (c) treatment with decoy oligonucleotides targeting Sp transcription factors. In addition, Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factor chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated in vivo binding of these proteins to P1 promoter. Our results suggest that Sp transcription factors positively regulate the core of the P1 promoter, and the comparison of the two promoters of the AbetaH-J-J locus demonstrates that they are very different with regard to transcriptional efficiency and ability to direct tissue-specific transcription.
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Differential growth factor regulation of aspartyl-(asparaginyl)-beta-hydroxylase family genes in SH-Sy5y human neuroblastoma cells. BMC Cell Biol 2006; 7:41. [PMID: 17156427 PMCID: PMC1764734 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2121-7-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2006] [Accepted: 12/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aspartyl (asparaginyl)-β-hydroxylase (AAH) hydroxylates Asp and Asn residues within EGF-like domains of Notch and Jagged, which mediate cell motility and differentiation. This study examines the expression, regulation and function of AAH, and its related transcripts, Humbug and Junctin, which lack catalytic domains, using SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells. Results Real time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated 8- or 9-fold higher levels of Humbug than AAH and Junctin, and lower levels of all 3 transcripts in normal human brains compared with neuroblastic tumor cells. AAH and Humbug expression were significantly increased in response to insulin and IGF-I stimulation, and these effects were associated with increased directional motility. However, over-expression of AAH and not Humbug significantly increased motility. Treatment with chemical inhibitors of Akt, Erk MAPK, or cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk-5) significantly reduced IGF-I stimulated AAH and Humbug expression and motility relative to vehicle-treated control cells. In addition, significantly increased AAH and Humbug expression and directional motility were observed in cells co-transfected with Cdk-5 plus its p35 or p25 regulatory partner. Further studies demonstrated that activated Cdk-5 mediated its stimulatory effects on AAH through Erk MAPK and PI3 kinase. Conclusion AAH and Humbug are over-expressed in SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells, and their mRNAs are regulated by insulin/IGF-1 signaling through Erk MAPK, PI3 kinase-Akt, and Cdk-5, which are known mediators of cell migration. Although AAH and Humbug share regulatory signaling pathways, AAH and not Humbug mediates directional motility in SH-Sy5y neuroblastoma cells.
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Wang J, de la Monte SM, Sabo E, Kethu S, Tavares R, Branda M, Simao L, Wands JR, Resnick MB. Prognostic value of humbug gene overexpression in stage II colon cancer. Hum Pathol 2006; 38:17-25. [PMID: 17020779 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2006.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2006] [Revised: 07/11/2006] [Accepted: 07/12/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of aspartyl (asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) has been demonstrated in hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, and pancreatic carcinoma. AAH has an important role in regulating cell motility and invasiveness. Humbug is a truncated homolog of AAH, with a role in calcium regulation. The present study examines the prognostic use of AAH and humbug gene expression in stage II colon cancer. One hundred thirty cases of TNM stage II colon carcinoma were retrieved from the Rhode Island Hospital pathology archives. Tissue microarrays were immunostained with the FB50 and 15C7 monoclonal antibodies generated to recombinant AAH. However, FB50 also recognizes humbug. In addition, AAH and humbug expression was analyzed in samples of colon cancer and adjacent normal mucosa by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Humbug (FB50) expression was localized to the tumor cytoplasm, whereas normal colonic epithelium did not exhibit significant immunoreactivity. Humbug staining was detected in 85% of the neoplasms, 23% of which stained strongly. Strong humbug immunoreactivity positively correlated with nuclear grade (P = .006) and inversely with survival (P = .027). In contrast to humbug, AAH (15C7) immunoreactivity was seen in normal and neoplastic epithelium. There was no correlation between AAH immunoreactivity and tumor grade, or survival. Correspondingly, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies demonstrated up-regulation of humbug but not AAH in 95% of colon carcinomas relative to adjacent colon cancer-free mucosa (P < .0001). This study demonstrates that high levels of humbug immunoreactivity in colon carcinomas correlate with histologic grade and tumor behavior, suggesting that humbug can serve as a prognostic biomarker of TNM stage II colon cancers. In addition, molecular studies demonstrated that the increased levels of FB50 detected were due to humbug, as opposed to AAH overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiYi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Gundogan F, Elwood G, Greco D, Rubin LP, Pinar H, Carlson RI, Wands JR, de la Monte SM. Role of aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase in placental implantation: Relevance to early pregnancy loss. Hum Pathol 2006; 38:50-9. [PMID: 16949909 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2006.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aspartyl-(asparaginyl) beta-hydroxylase (AAH) is a type 2 transmembrane protein with catalytic activity that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains of proteins that have a functional role in cell motility and invasion. Extravillous cytotrophoblasts (CTB) are motile and invasive unpolarized epithelial cells that mediate early implantation through interaction with the endometrium. This study characterizes the potential role of AAH in CTB implantation using human placentas from (1) terminated pregnancies (n = 11), (2) normal term deliveries (n = 21), (3) spontaneous abortuses (n = 21), and (4) small-for-gestational-age (SGA) term deliveries (n = 21). The SGA cases all had established clinical histories of intrauterine growth restriction or preeclampsia. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of placenta were immunostained using the 15C7 monoclonal antibody generated to recombinant AAH. In addition, snap-frozen or RNAlater-preserved specimens (Ambion, Austin, TX) were used for RNA analysis of AAH expression by real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and protein analysis by Western blotting. The immunohistochemical staining studies demonstrated AAH expression in amniocytes, villous CTB, syncytiotrophoblast, extravillous CTB, decidua, and endometrial glands at all gestational ages and in all 4 groups. Higher levels of AAH immunoreactivity were observed in extravillous CTB compared with villous CTB. Immunohistochemical staining and RNA analysis demonstrated abundant AAH expression in placental trophoblastic cells as well as in decidua and endometrial glands, with reduced expression in spontaneous abortion and SGA, suggesting that AAH may serve as a biomarker of impaired implantation. The high levels of AAH in decidua and endometrial glands suggest a role for this molecule in "receptivity" of endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Gundogan
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants Hospital, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI 02905, USA.
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Xian ZH, Zhang SH, Cong WM, Yan HX, Wang K, Wu MC. Expression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase and its clinicopathological significance in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2006; 19:280-6. [PMID: 16341145 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The human aspartyl beta-hydroxylase is a highly conserved enzyme that hydroxylates epidermal growth factor-like domains in transformation-associated proteins. The aspartyl beta-hydroxylase gene is upregulated in many human malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aspartyl beta-hydroxylase mRNA levels were measured in 161 hepatocellular carcinomas and paired nontumorous liver tissues by conventional and real-time RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was performed using EnVision Plus system. The results showed that aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was overexpressed in 150 of 161 hepatocellular carcinomas (93%), including 45 of 48 unifocal small hepatocellular carcinomas (94%). Aspartyl beta-hydroxylase was highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells in contrast to its low level of expression in non-neoplastic liver cells. The protein expression level of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase in the hepatocellular carcinoma was parallel with the mRNA expression level (r=0.6594, P<0.0001). A significantly higher tumor aspartyl beta-hydroxylase overexpression level was associated with the presence of intrahepatic metastasis and the progression of histological grades. In conclusion, aspartyl beta-hydroxylase is overexpressed frequently in hepatocellular carcinoma, including early-stage small hepatocellular carcinoma, indicating that overexpression of aspartyl beta-hydroxylase plays a role in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hong Xian
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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