Dihydrofolate reductase gene amplification and possible rearrangement in estrogen-responsive methotrexate-resistant human breast cancer cells

Targeting Mitochondria with ClpP Agonists as a Novel Therapeutic Opportunity in Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy worldwide and the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Despite the recent development of new therapeutics including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, triple-negative breast cancer remains an aggressive form of breast cancer, and thus improved treatments are needed. In recent decades, it has become increasingly clear that breast cancers harbor metabolic plasticity that is controlled by mitochondria. A myriad of studies provide evidence that mitochondria are essential to breast cancer progression. Mitochondria in breast cancers are widely reprogrammed to enhance energy production and biosynthesis of macromolecules required for tumor growth. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of mitochondrial roles in breast cancers and elucidate why mitochondria are a rational therapeutic target. We will then outline the status of the use of mitochondria-targeting drugs in breast cancers, and highlight ClpP agonists as emerging mitochondria-targeting drugs with a unique mechanism of action. We also illustrate possible drug combination strategies and challenges in the future breast cancer clinic.

Exploring the Molecular Mechanism of the Drug-Treated Breast Cancer Based on Gene Expression Microarray

: Breast cancer (BRCA) remains the leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the present study, we identified novel biomarkers expressed during estradiol and tamoxifen treatment of BRCA. The microarray dataset of E-MTAB-4975 from Array Express database was downloaded, and the differential expressed genes (DEGs) between estradiol-treated BRCA sample and tamoxifen-treated BRCA sample were identified by limma package. The pathway and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, module analysis, construction of target genes-miRNA interaction network and target genes-transcription factor (TF) interaction network were performed using bioinformatics tools. The expression, prognostic values, and mutation of hub genes were validated by SurvExpress database, cBioPortal, and human protein atlas (HPA) database. A total of 856 genes (421 up-regulated genes and 435 down-regulated genes) were identified in T47D (overexpressing Split Ends (SPEN) + estradiol) samples compared to T47D (overexpressing Split Ends (SPEN) + tamoxifen) samples. Pathway and GO enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly enriched in response to lysine degradation II (pipecolate pathway), cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, cell cycle pathway, and response to cytokine pathway. DEGs (MCM2, TCF4, OLR1, HSPA5, MAP1LC3B, SQSTM1, NEU1, HIST1H1B, RAD51, RFC3, MCM10, ISG15, TNFRSF10B, GBP2, IGFBP5, SOD2, DHF and MT1H) , which were significantly up- and down-regulated in estradiol and tamoxifen-treated BRCA samples, were selected as hub genes according to the results of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, module analysis, target genes-miRNA interaction network and target genes-TF interaction network analysis. The SurvExpress database, cBioPortal, and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database further confirmed that patients with higher expression levels of these hub genes experienced a shorter overall survival. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was performed, and potential therapeutic applications of estradiol and tamoxifen were predicted in BRCA samples. The data may unravel the future molecular mechanisms of BRCA.

Engineering targeted chromosomal amplifications in human breast epithelial cells

Chromosomal amplifications are among the most common genetic alterations found in human cancers. However, experimental systems to study the processes that lead to specific, recurrent amplification events in human cancers are lacking. Moreover, some common amplifications, such as that at 8p11-12 in breast cancer, harbor multiple driver oncogenes, which are poorly modeled by conventional overexpression approaches. We sought to develop an experimental system to model recurrent chromosomal amplification events in human cell lines. Our strategy is to use homologous-recombination-mediated gene targeting to deliver a dominantly selectable, amplifiable marker to a specified chromosomal location. We used adeno-associated virus vectors to target human MCF-7 breast cancer cells at the ZNF703 locus, in the recurrent 8p11-12 amplicon, using the E. coli inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) enzyme as a marker. We applied selective pressure using IMPDH inhibitors. Surviving clones were found to have increased copy number of ZNF703 (average 2.5-fold increase) by droplet digital PCR and FISH. Genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization confirmed that amplifications had occurred on the short arm of chromosome 8, without changes on 8q or other chromosomes. Patterns of amplification were variable and similar to those seen in primary human breast cancers, including “sawtooth” patterns, distal copy number loss, and large continuous regions of copy number gain. This system will allow study of the cis- and trans-acting factors that are permissive for chromosomal amplification and provide a model to analyze oncogene cooperativity in amplifications harboring multiple candidate driver genes.

Mechanisms of acquired resistance to 2-(4-Amino-3-methylphenyl)benzothiazole in breast cancer cell lines

Compounds within the 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazole class represent extremely potent and selective experimental antitumour agents. The lysylamide prodrug of 2-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)-5-fluorobenzothiazole is undergoing phase I clinical evaluation. Extensive studies to elucidate mechanisms underlying the stark selectivity demonstrated potent cytosolic AhR ligand binding and cytochrome P450 1A1-catalysed bioactivation. Two human derived breast cell lines, initially exquisitely sensitive to this class of agent (GI50 < 5 nM) have been derived displaying acquired resistance to 2-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)benzothiazole (DF 203; GI50 > 50 microM). Cross resistance to 2-(4-amino-3-iodophenyl)benzothiazole and 2-(4-amino-3-cyanophenyl)benzothiazole is observed (GI50 > 30 microM) as is > 100-fold reduced sensitivity of the two variant lines to 2-(4-amino-3-methylphenyl)-5-fluorobenzothiazole (5F 203). In contrast, cell lines possessing acquired resistance to DF 203 (203R) retain sensitivity to benzo[a]pyrene and doxorubicin. Examination of DF 203-treated cells by confocal microscopy and HPLC analyses of nutrient media concur revealing diminished depletion of DF 203 from medium and impaired intracellular DF 203 retention. In contrast to cytosolic arylhydrocarbon (AhR) receptors of wild type cells, AhR appears constitutively localised within nuclei of 203R cells; consequently, DF 203 fails to drive transcription of cyp1a1. DF 203- and 5F 203-derived DNA adducts fall significantly in 203R cells. Reduced number and intensity of gamma H2AX foci report protection against DF 203-evoked DNA double strand breaks. In conclusion, aberrant AhR signalling underlies at least in part acquired resistance to DF 203. Intriguingly, comparisons of gene transcription profiles between sensitive and resistant paired lines reveal > 5-fold up-regulation of cyp1b1 expression, a protein implicated in resistance to therapeutic agents.

Overexpression of estrogen receptor-α in the endometrial carcinoma cell line Ishikawa: inhibition of growth and angiogenic factors

BACKGROUND

A high level of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) is believed to be favorable in the prognosis and treatment of endometrial, ovarian, and breast cancer. High levels of ER-alpha have been shown to inhibit the growth and invasive, metastatic potential of breast cancer cell lines. To bring about these inhibitory effects, ER-alpha probably acts through other cellular factors involved in the regulation of cell growth.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of high levels ER-alpha in growth inhibition of endometrial cancer cells.

METHODS

A human ER-alpha cDNA was stably overexpressed in an endometrial cancer cell line, namely, Ishikawa. ER-alpha-overexpressing, parent, and control Ishikawa cells were grown in vitro and their growth rates were compared by cell count. ER-alpha-overexpressing and parent Ishikawa cells were also grown in vitro as tumors in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, and tumor growth and angiogenesis was measured. Finally, levels of angiogenesis-modulating factors, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined in relation to ER overexpression.

RESULTS

The growth of Ishikawa cells was found inhibited in culture as well as in the CAM model. Angiogenesis of CAM tumors was also found inhibited in ER-overexpressing cells. Angiogenic factor VEGF was inhibited whereas the activity of NOS was found elevated following ER overexpression.

CONCLUSION

Our work on the Ishikawa cell line indicates that high levels of ER-alpha in endometrial cancer may inhibit cancer growth by modulating angiogenic factors, thereby limiting the blood supply to the growing tumor. Our results support the earlier data from other groups that have shown a positive correlation between high ER content and better prognosis of endometrial cancers.

Transcriptional activation of thymidylate synthase by 17beta-estradiol in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Thymidylate synthase (TS) catalyzes methylation of deoxyuridine phosphate to give deoxythymidine phosphate, and 17beta-estradiol (E2) induces TS gene expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Analysis of the TS gene promoter showed that E2-responsiveness required the -229 to -140 promoter region containing a G-rich sequence and CACCC box. Subsequent mutational analysis of this region indicated that only the G-rich motif (-150 to -142) was required for E2 action. Results of gel mobility shift and in vitro DNA footprinting assays showed that both estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and Sp1 proteins were required for hormone-induced trans-activation that involved ERalpha/Sp1 binding to the G-rich site in which only Sp1 protein bound DNA. Both proteins also interacted in Drosophila cells in functional assays, confirming the transcriptional activation of TS-involved ERalpha/Sp1, and this adds to the increasing number of genes that are activated through this pathway in breast cancer cells.

Resistance to methotrexate in SKOV-3 cell lines after chronic exposure to carbamazepine is associated with a decreased expression of folate receptor

The detrimental effect of chronic administration of carbamazepine (CBZ) on serum and erythrocyte folates of patients has been extensively analyzed. However, at present, no data have been reported on the effect of CBZ on the intracellular content and activity of antimetabolite cytotoxic agents that can be used together with CBZ in the treatment of cancer patients. To investigate this issue, we chronically exposed in vitro the human ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 (grown under physiological folate concentrations) to CBZ, thus selecting SKOV-CBZ clones (SKOV-CBZ-50-2, SKOV-CBZ-50-5 and SKOV-CBZ-100-2) able to grow in the continuous presence of the antiepileptic drug. All of the SKOV-CBZ clones were more resistant to methotrexate (MTX) than the parental cells. MTX resistance index, as determined by the ratio between MTX concentrations inhibiting cell growth by 50% (MTX IC(50)) in SKOV-CBZ clones and in the parental cells, ranged between 3- and 5-fold. This resistance was related to a reduced intracellular content of MTX. No alteration activity of the cellular enzymes directly involved in MTX cytotoxicity (dihydrofolate reductase, thymidylate synthase [TS] and folylpolyglutamate synthetase) was observed. SKOV-CBZ clones were cross-resistant to the TS inhibitors tomudex and CB3717, but not to the TS inhibitor 5-fluoro-deoxy uridine and other antineoplastic drugs (cisplatin, doxorubicin, vincristine and taxol), whose cellular uptake is derived from transmembrane transport mechanisms different from folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) or reduced folate carrier (RFC). FRalpha mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower in SKOV-CBZ clones than in the parental cells. The reduced level of FRalpha in SKOV-CBZ clones was associated with a decreased binding capacity of folic acid. No variation of mRNA RFC expression in the SKOV-CBZ clones as compared to the parental cells was observed. Thus, after chronic exposure to CBZ, SKOV-CBZ clones develop resistance towards MTX due to defective MTX uptake.

Atypical multidrug resistance: breast cancer resistance protein messenger RNA expression in mitoxantrone-selected cell lines

BACKGROUND

Human cancer cell lines grown in the presence of the cytotoxic agent mitoxantrone frequently develop resistance associated with a reduction in intracellular drug accumulation without increased expression of the known drug resistance transporters P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance protein (also known as multidrug resistance-associated protein). Breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) is a recently described adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter associated with resistance to mitoxantrone and anthracyclines. This study was undertaken to test the prevalence of BCRP overexpression in cell lines selected for growth in the presence of mitoxantrone.

METHODS

Total cellular RNA or poly A+ RNA and genomic DNA were isolated from parental and drug-selected cell lines. Expression of BCRP messenger RNA (mRNA) and amplification of the BCRP gene were analyzed by northern and Southern blot hybridization, respectively.

RESULTS

A variety of drug-resistant human cancer cell lines derived by selection with mitoxantrone markedly overexpressed BCRP mRNA; these cell lines included sublines of human breast carcinoma (MCF-7), colon carcinoma (S1 and HT29), gastric carcinoma (EPG85-257), fibrosarcoma (EPF86-079), and myeloma (8226) origins. Analysis of genomic DNA from BCRP-overexpressing MCF-7/MX cells demonstrated that the BCRP gene was also amplified in these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of BCRP mRNA is frequently observed in multidrug-resistant cell lines selected with mitoxantrone, suggesting that BCRP is likely to be a major cellular defense mechanism elicited in response to exposure to this drug. It is likely that BCRP is the putative "mitoxantrone transporter" hypothesized to be present in these cell lines.

Estrogen induces adenosine deaminase gene expression in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells: role of estrogen receptor-Sp1 interactions

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene expression is induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells, whereas the antiestrogens 4'-hydroxytamoxifen and ICI 182,780 exhibit partial estrogen receptor (ER) agonist/antagonist and antagonist activities, respectively. Previous studies have shown that the -211 to +11 region of the ADA gene promoter contains six GC-rich sites (I-VI) that bind Sp1 protein, and these elements are required for high basal expression. In transient transfection studies with pADA211, which contains the -211 to +11 ADA gene promoter linked to a bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) reporter gene, E2 and tamoxifen (but not ICI 182,780) induced CAT activity. Ligand-induced transactivation was observed only in cells cotransfected with expression plasmids for wild-type ER or HE11, which does not contain the DNA-binding domain of the ER. Cotransfection with HE15 and HE19, which contain the DNA-binding domain and activation function-1 (AF-1) and AF-2 of the ER, respectively, did not result in E2-induced activity. Subsequent deletion analysis of the ADA gene promoter showed that Sp1 binding site IV (-79 to -73) was primarily responsible for hormone responsiveness. ER activation of ADA gene expression is another example of an E2-induced gene that is dependent on ER/Sp1 interactions with a site-specific GC-rich motif.

Oestrogen receptors and cardiovascular disease

1. Animal and human studies indicate that female sex hormones are protective against the development of coronary atherosclerosis. 2. Experiments on vascular smooth muscle cells suggest a direct effect of oestrogen on vascular tissue. Although oestrogen receptors (ER) in vascular tissues and an association between ER stimulation and physiological effects have been demonstrated, the cellular mechanisms underlying the effects of oestrogen on the arterial wall remain to be defined. 3. Elucidation of the cellular mechanism underlying the effects of oestrogen on vascular smooth muscle will provide insights into coronary atherosclerosis and will provide an opportunity to apply the protective effects of oestrogen to women in older age groups and to the male population.

Ovarian cancer, Part I: Biology

The ovary is among the more complex organs of the body and its functions are achieved by numerous cell types. All of these cell types have some tendency to undergo malignant transformation, but the vast majority of ovarian cancers are believed to be the result of malignant transformation of the ovarian surface epithelium. The concept that most ovarian cancer arises from this modified peritoneal mesothelium is credited to Sir Spencer Wells in 1872. Ovarian cancer is the most frequently fatal gynecologic malignancy, and approximately 20,000 cases per year are diagnosed in the United States. Progress in understanding the biology of this disease, including factors involved in its etiology, progression, and tendency to change from a relatively chemotherapy-sensitive tumor to one with marked drug resistance, has been slow. In this review, the complex features of the normal ovarian surface epithelial cells are considered in relation to the etiology and progression of the disease. The hypothesis that incessant or repetitious ovulation contributes to the initiation of the disease is explored in detail based on experimental data, epidemiologic information, and the potential for antioncogene inactivation in this interesting cell type. Lastly, based on the experimental data available, potential mechanisms of resistance to platinum, the cornerstone of aggressive ovarian cancer therapy, are discussed, as are approaches to overcoming drug resistance. It is hoped that the reader will be left with the feeling that the pace of our understanding of the biology of ovarian cancer is increasing at such a rate that answers to the questions of etiology and why chemotherapy often fails will be known in the foreseeable future.

Effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on cell growth and the secretion of the estrogen-induced 34-, 52- and 160-kDa proteins in human breast cancer cells

The effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on the growth of estrogen-responsive MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in the presence of 17 beta-estradiol was determined. After treatment with 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM), TCDD (10 nM) and 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM) plus TCDD (10 nM) the cells were monitored daily for cell growth and DNA content for 7 days. The results showed that TCDD inhibited cell proliferation and DNA content of untreated cells and inhibited the 17 beta-estradiol-stimulated cell proliferation and increase in cellular DNA content. In contrast, TCDD did not effect the growth of estrogen non-responsive MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. TCDD (0.1-10 nM) also caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the 17 beta-estradiol-induced proliferation in MCF-7 cells. The effects of TCDD on the 17 beta-estradiol-induced secretion of the 52-kDa protein (i.e. procathepsin D), the 34-kDa (cathepsin D) and 160-kDa proteins were also determined in the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. The levels of the proteins were determined by autoradiographic analysis of the incorporation of [35S]methionine into the secreted proteins which were separated by denaturing sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM), TCDD (10 and 100 nM) and 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM) plus TCDD (10 nM) resulted in levels of the 52-kDa protein which were 497, 63.6, 98.1 and 66.3%, respectively, of the corresponding levels observed in control (untreated) cells. Using the same concentrations, the levels of the 34-kDa protein secreted into the media were 372, 42.3, 64.0 and 43.8% of control values, respectively, and the corresponding levels of the 160-kDa protein were 381, 52.9, 71.2 and 76.6% of the control values, respectively. In contrast, treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM), TCDD (10 and 100 nM) and 17 beta-estradiol (1 nM) plus TCDD (10 nM) resulted in a 31-39% reduction in the secretion of the 52-kDa protein however these effects were not statistically different from the control values. In addition, the treatments did not cause any significant effects on the secretion of the 34- and 160-kDa proteins by MDA-MB-231 cells. These results clearly confirm and extend the range of antiestrogenic effects caused by TCDD in estrogen-responsive MCF-7 cells and indicate that the MDA-MB-231 cells are not responsive to the antiestrogenic effects of TCDD.

Amplification of multicistronic plasmids in the human 293 cell line and secretion of correctly processed recombinant human protein C

We have constructed multicistronic vectors containing the cDNAs for murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), hygromycin phosphotransferase (HyPR), and human protein C (HPC), an antithrombotic factor. Using a sequential selection protocol with hygromycin (Hy) and methotrexate (MTX), we demonstrate the selective amplification of the murine dhfr cDNA in the adenovirus-transformed human kidney cell line 293, and the coamplification of the cDNA for HPC. Such recombinant 293 cell lines secreted HPC at levels as high as 25 micrograms/10(6) cells/day. In addition, we found that the complex vitamin K-dependent posttranslational modification of gamma-carboxylation of glutamate was not limiting at these high secretion levels, although the proteolytic processing of the protein was slightly reduced. Further, the HPC secreted from the gene-amplified cell lines had full anticoagulant activity when compared to plasma-derived HPC.

Mechanisms of normal and malignant breast epithelial growth regulation

In this presentation we review information highlighting the multiple roles of both steroidal and polypeptide regulators of mammary epithelial cell growth with some additional emphasis on the work of our laboratory. The effects of both classes of hormones are complex and involve multiple interactions with epithelial components (malignant or normal) and the stromal compartment. Estrogens induce growth regulatory polypeptide growth factors which are responsible for many of the induced phenotypic effects in hormone-dependent breast cancer. Progression of hormone-dependent breast cancer to hormone independence probably involves multiple genetic mechanisms of oncogene activation, loss of the estrogen receptor, or loss of hormone responsivity of other gene products. Initial carcinogenesis and progression of mammary epithelium to cancer probably also requires both proliferative stimuli (estrogen, polypeptide growth factors) and genetic damage, leading to qualitatively different hormonal responses (hormone responsive cancer). New therapeutic strategies based on these biological considerations are emerging, including a variety of approaches which interfere at multiple points with ability of ligand to induce receptor signaling.

Structure and function of the pS2 gene and estrogen receptor in human breast cancer cells

The role of estrogen in the growth of human breast cancers has been investigated at two levels. First, we have studied the pS2 gene, whose transcription is stimulated by estrogen in the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. The pS2 gene product is a small, secreted polypeptide currently of unknown function, but with structural features similar to some growth factors. The expression of the pS2 gene has so far been detected only in MCF-7 cells and some breast cancer biopsies. Preliminary studies indicate that pS2 is a potential marker for hormone-dependent breast cancer. Ongoing studies will continue to focus on the implicated role of pS2 in the estrogen-mediated growth of breast cancers and its possible use as a marker for estrogen-dependent tumors. Second, we have analyzed the structure and function of the human ER. The receptor stimulates pS2 gene transcription by interacting with an ERE in the 5'-flanking region of that gene. A mutational analysis of the receptor protein has localized a DNA-binding domain, which determines target gene specificity, and a hormone-binding domain. These domains appear to be the only two regions of the receptor which are absolutely required for the transcription-activating function of the ER in transfection assays with reporter plasmids. The N-terminal region of the protein (regions A and B), which is necessary for increasing the efficiency of gene expression using the pS2 ERE, but not a vitellogenin ERE, may also play a role in transcription activation. Further progress in the characterization of the ER functional domains will require studies on target genes in a more physiological chromatin environment, as well as detailed physical analyses of receptor structure.

Growth regulatory peptide production by human breast carcinoma cells

The mechanisms by which human breast cancers regulate their own growth have been studied by us in an in vitro model system. We showed that specific growth factors (IGF-I, TGF alpha, PDGF) are secreted by human breast cancer cells. A variety of experiments suggest that they are involved in tumor growth and progression. These activities are induced by estradiol in hormone-dependent breast cancer cells and secreted constitutively by estrogen-independent cells. Concentrates of conditioned medium derived from breast cancer cells can induce the growth of hormone-dependent cells in vivo in athymic nude mice. Hormone-dependent breast cancer cells also secrete TGF beta. TGF beta is growth inhibitory. Growth inhibitors such as antiestrogens or glucocorticoids increase TGF beta secretion. An antiestrogen-resistant mutant of MCF-7 cells does not secrete TGF beta when treated with antiestrogen, but is growth inhibited when treated with exogenous TGF beta. Thus, TGF beta functions as a negative autocrine growth regulator and is probably responsible for some of the growth inhibitory effects of antiestrogens.

Growth regulation of human breast carcinoma occurs through regulated growth factor secretion

We describe studies on human breast cancer in which it is shown that specific growth factors (IGF-I, TGF alpha, PDGF) are secreted by human breast cancer cells and likely to be involved in tumor growth and progression. These activities are regulated by estradiol in hormone-dependent breast cancer and secreted constitutively by hormone-independent cells. These growth factor activities can induce the growth of hormone-dependent cells in vivo in athymic nude mice. Hormone-dependent breast cancer cells also secrete TGF beta, a growth-inhibitory substance, when treated with antiestrogens. TGF beta functions as a negative autocrine growth regulator and is responsible for some of the growth-inhibitory effects of antiestrogens.

8th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium--Plenary lecture. Autocrine and paracrine growth regulation of human breast cancer

We consider the hypothesis that estrogen control of hormone dependent breast cancer is mediated by autocrine and paracrine growth factors secreted by the breast cancer cells themselves. Though we show direct, unmediated effects of estrogen on specific cell functions, we also provide evidence that human breast cancer cells secrete a collection of growth factors (IGF-I, TGF alpha, TGF beta, a PDGF-like competency factor, and at least one new epithelial colony stimulating factor). Some of these are estrogen-regulated in hormone dependent cells, and are constitutively increased in cells which acquire independence either spontaneously or by ras transfection. Collectively, the secreted growth factors are capable of promoting tumor formation by MCF-7 cells in nude mice, though not to the same extent as estrogens. There would seem to be potential for clinical intervention in the autocrine and paracrine control of breast cancer cells, including some cells which are no longer dependent on estrogens.

Autocrine and paracrine growth regulation of human breast cancer

Previous work from our laboratory has demonstrated that human breast cancer (BC) cells in culture can be stimulated by physiologic concentrations of estrogen. In an effort to further understand this process, we have examined the biochemical and biological properties of proteins secreted by human BC cells in vitro. We have developed a defined medium system which simultaneously allows the collection of factors secreted by the BC cells, facilitates their purification and allows for an unequivocal assay of their effect on other BC cells. By both biochemical and radioimmunoassay procedures, MCF-7 cells secrete large quantities of IGF-I-like activity. The cells contain receptors for IGF-I and are stimulated by physiologic concentrations of IGF-I. Multiple additional peaks of growth stimulatory activity can be obtained by partial purification of conditioned media from human BC cells by sequential dialysis, acid extraction and Biogel P60 chromatography. These peaks are induced up to 200-fold by physiologic concentrations of estrogen. Several of these peaks cross-react in a radioreceptor assay with EGF and are thus candidates for transforming growth factors. Monoclonal antibodies (MCA) have been prepared which react with secreted proteins from the MCF-7 cells. One of these MCAs binds to material from MCF-7 and ZR-75-1 hormone-dependent BC cells only when these two lines are treated with estrogen but reacts with conditioned medium from several other hormone-independent cell lines in the absence of estrogen stimulation. This MCA is currently undergoing further characterization and evaluation of its biological potency. We conclude that with estrogen stimulation, hormone-dependent human BC cells secrete peptides which when partially purified can replace estrogen as a mitogen. Their role as autocrine or paracrine growth factors and their effects on surrounding nonneoplastic stroma may suggest a means of interfering with tumor proliferation.

Translocation chromosome 7 of A431 cells contains amplification and rearrangement of EGF receptor gene responsible for production of variant mRNA

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, along with several oncogene protein products, possesses tyrosine-specific protein kinase activity. Furthermore, the EGF receptor has structural similarity to the putitive v-erb-B transforming protein. Because of these closely shared characteristics, it is important to elucidate the possible involvement of the EGF receptor in malignant transformation. The epidermal carcinoma cell line A431 exhibits an abnormally high number of EGF receptors, which is associated with the presence of translocation chromosome M4. Recently, A431 cells have been shown to contain amplified sequences for the EGF receptor gene(s) and also to produce a variant mRNA which diverges from the normal EGF receptor mRNA at the 3' end. Here we report, using the human EGF receptor cDNA probe pE7, that the chromosome M4 has a six- to sevenfold amplification of the EGF receptor gene. Furthermore, the presence of M4 in somatic cell hybrids correlates with the production of the variant 2.9-kb mRNA. This aberrant mRNA is apparently generated by an intrachromosomal rearrangement which was detected using as a probe a fragment of the pE15cDNA encoding the variant mRNA.

Deletion of the diploid dihydrofolate reductase locus from cultured mammalian cells

Gamma rays have been used to induce Chinese hamster ovary cell mutants in which the entire locus for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) has been eliminated. These mutants were isolated in two steps from a methotrexate-resistant clone (Flintoff, Davidson, and Siminovitch (1976). Somat. Cell Genet. 2, 245-262). The resistant cells contain amplified copies of a mutant dhfr gene that codes for a drug-resistant form of the enzyme. In the first step, methotrexate-sensitive mutants of the amplified line were selected. These mutants exhibit a reduced level of DHFR activity and contain a reduced number of dhfr genes. The remaining DHFR activity is methotrexate-sensitive. These mutants appear to be hemizygotes that have lost all copies of the amplified altered dhfr genes and retain one wild-type allele. In a second mutagenic step, mutants completely deficient in DHFR activity were isolated. Three of four of these mutants were the result of double deletions: they lack all traces of dhfr DNA sequences. The fourth mutant contains a deletion that extends through the 5' half of the dhfr gene. The hemizygotes for dhfr should be useful for the study of mutation at an autosomal mammalian locus without the complications of diploidy.