Interaction of CD44 with different forms of hyaluronic acid. Its role in adhesion and migration of tumor cells

Recent Advances of Engineered Cell Membrane-Based Nanotherapeutics to Combat Inflammatory Diseases

An immune reaction known as inflammation serves as a shield from external danger signals, but an overactive immune system may additionally lead to tissue damage and even a variety of inflammatory disorders. By inheriting biological functionalities and serving as both a therapeutic medication and a drug carrier, cell membrane-based nanotherapeutics offer the potential to treat inflammatory disorders. To further strengthen the anti-inflammatory benefits of natural cell membranes, researchers alter and optimize the membranes using engineering methods. This review focuses on engineered cell membrane-based nanotherapeutics (ECMNs) and their application in treating inflammation-related diseases. Specifically, this article discusses the methods of engineering cell membranes for inflammatory diseases and examines the progress of ECMNs in inflammation-targeted therapy, inflammation-neutralizing therapy, and inflammation-immunomodulatory therapy. Additionally, the article looks into the perspectives and challenges of ECMNs in inflammatory treatment and offers suggestions as well as guidance to encourage further investigations and implementations in this area.

Nano-based drug delivery systems in hepatocellular carcinoma

The high recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and poor prognosis after medical treatment reflects the necessity to improve the current chemotherapy protocols, particularly drug delivery methods. Development of targeted and efficient drug delivery systems (DDSs), in all active, passive and stimuli-responsive forms for selective delivery of therapeutic drugs to the tumour site has been extended to improve efficacy and reduce the severe side effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology offer promising breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of cancer cells. In this review, the specific design of DDSs based on the different nano-particles and their surface engineering is discussed. In addition, the innovative clinical studies in which nano-based DDS was used in the treatment of HCC were highlighted.

Hyaluronan: Sources, Structure, Features and Applications

Hyaluronan (HA) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is present in a variety of body tissues and organs. Hyaluronan has a wide range of biological activities that are frequently influenced by molar mass; however, they also depend greatly on the source, purity, and kind of impurities in hyaluronan. High-molar-mass HA has anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiangiogenic properties, while low-molar-mass HA has opposite properties. A number of chemical modifications have been performed to enhance the stability of HA and its applications in medical practice. Hyaluronan is widely applied in medicine, such as viscosupplementation, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, wound healing, cosmetics, and drug delivery. In this review, we summarized several medical applications of polymers based on the hyaluronan backbone.

Advances in drug delivery systems, challenges and future directions

Advances in molecular pharmacology and an improved understanding of the mechanism of most diseases have created the need to specifically target the cells involved in the initiation and progression of diseases. This is especially true for most life-threatening diseases requiring therapeutic agents which have numerous side effects, thus requiring accurate tissue targeting to minimize systemic exposure. Recent drug delivery systems (DDS) are formulated using advanced technology to accelerate systemic drug delivery to the specific target site, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing off-target accumulation in the body. As a result, they play an important role in disease management and treatment. Recent DDS offer greater advantages when compared to conventional drug delivery systems due to their enhanced performance, automation, precision, and efficacy. They are made of nanomaterials or miniaturized devices with multifunctional components that are biocompatible, biodegradable, and have high viscoelasticity with an extended circulating half-life. This review, therefore, provides a comprehensive insight into the history and technological advancement of drug delivery systems. It updates the most recent drug delivery systems, their therapeutic applications, challenges associated with their use, and future directions for improved performance and use.

CD44 in Bone Metastasis Development: A Key Player in the Fate Decisions of the Invading Cells?

A participant in key developmental processes, the adhesion glycoprotein CD44 is also expressed in several types of malignancies and can promote metastasis. In addition, the expression of CD44 isoforms in different types of cancer such as prostate and breast cancers may facilitate bone metastases by enhancing tumorigenicity, osteomimicry, cell migration, homing to bone, and anchorage within the bone specialized domains. Moreover, there is evidence that the CD44-ICD fragments in breast cancer cells may promote the cells' osteolytic nature. Yet the mechanisms by which CD44 and its downstream effectors promote the establishment of these cells within the bone are not fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the current data on the roles played by CD44 in cancer progression and bone metastasis and the possible effects of its interaction with the different components of the bone marrow milieu.

Fluorescence turn-on Cu2-xSe@HA-rhodamine 6G FRET nanoprobe for hyaluronidase detection and imaging

The application of nanostructures to design fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based sensing platforms has been greatly concerned with the demand for sensitive and selective detection of biomolecules. Here, a novel sensitive turn-on fluorescence strategy based on the FRET mechanism has been designed for hyaluronidase (HAase) detection through the modulation of Cu_2-xSe@HA-Rh6G nanoprobe fabricated by self-assembly of rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) together with Cu_2-xSe@HA nanoparticles through electrostatic adsorption. The Cu_2-xSe@HA had extensive localized surface plasma resonance (LSPR) absorption in the wide range of ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and showed good light capture characteristics, which can be acted as good acceptors in the FRET interactions with Rh6G, inducing its efficient fluorescence quenching. In the presence of HAase, the FRET process was disrupted and the fluorescence signal was recovered. In the range of 0.1-10.0 U/mL, the fluorescence recovery of Rh6G showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of HAase, and the detection limit was 0.06 U/mL. The sensing platform has been used for HAase detection in real urine samples and cancer cells imaging.

Diffusion of Vanadium Ions in Artificial Saliva and Its Elimination from the Oral Cavity by Pharmacological Compounds Present in Mouthwashes

In this study, diffusion coefficients of ammonium vanadate at tracer concentrations in artificial saliva with and without sodium fluoride, at different pH values, were measured using an experimental model based on the Taylor dispersion technique. Ternary mutual diffusion coefficients (D11, D22, D12, and D21) for four aqueous systems {NH4VO3 (component 1) + β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (component 2),} {NH4VO3 (component 1) + β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) (component 2)}, {NH4VO3 (component 1) + sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (component 2)} and {NH4VO3 (component 1) + sodium hyaluronate (NaHy) (component 2)} at 25.00 °C were also measured by using the same technique. These data showed that diffusion of ammonium vanadate was strongly affected in all aqueous media studied. Furthermore, a significant coupled diffusion of this salt and β-CD was observed through the non-zero values of the cross-diffusion coefficients, D12, allowing us to conclude that there is a strong interaction between these two components. This finding is very promising considering the removal, from the oral cavity, of vanadium resulting from tribocorrosion of Ti-6Al-4V prosthetic devices.

Polysaccharide-Drug Conjugates: A Tool for Enhanced Cancer Therapy

Cancer is one of the most widespread deadly diseases, following cardiovascular disease, worldwide. Chemotherapy is widely used in combination with surgery, hormone and radiation therapy to treat various cancers. However, chemotherapeutic drugs can cause severe side effects due to non-specific targeting, poor bioavailability, low therapeutic indices, and high dose requirements. Several drug carriers successfully overcome these issues and deliver drugs to the desired sites, reducing the side effects. Among various drug delivery systems, polysaccharide-based carriers that target only the cancer cells have been developed to overcome the toxicity of chemotherapeutics. Polysaccharides are non-toxic, biodegradable, hydrophilic biopolymers that can be easily modified chemically to improve the bioavailability and stability for delivering therapeutics into cancer tissues. Different polysaccharides, such as chitosan, alginates, cyclodextrin, pullulan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, guar gum, pectin, and cellulose, have been used in anti-cancer drug delivery systems. This review highlights the recent progress made in polysaccharides-based drug carriers in anti-cancer therapy.

Nanotechnology-Based Biopolymeric Oral Delivery Platforms for Advanced Cancer Treatment

Routes of drug administration and their corresponding physiochemical characteristics play major roles in drug therapeutic efficiency and biological effects. Each route of delivery has favourable aspects and limitations. The oral route of delivery is the most convenient, widely accepted and safe route. However, the oral route of chemotherapeutics to date have displayed high gastric degradation, low aqueous solubility, poor formulation stability and minimum intestinal absorption. Thus, mainstream anti-cancer drugs in current formulations are not suitable as oral chemotherapeutic formulations. The use of biopolymers such as chitosan, gelatin, hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid, for the synthesis of oral delivery platforms, have potential to help overcome problems associated with oral delivery of chemotherapeutics. Biopolymers have favourable stimuli-responsive properties, and thus can be used to improve oral bioavailability of anti-cancer drugs. These biopolymeric formulations can protect gastric-sensitive drugs from pH degradation, target specific binding sites for targeted absorption and consequently control drug release. In this review, the use of various biopolymers as oral drug delivery systems for chemotherapeutics will be discussed.

Application of hyaluronic acid as carriers in drug delivery

Hyaluronic acid has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nonimmunogenicity. In addition, it has the ability to recognize specific receptors that are overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells, and cancer drugs can be targeted to the tumor cells to better kill them. Therefore, hyaluronic acid has attracted much attention as drug delivery vehicle. Herein, the application of hyaluronic acid as carrier in drug delivery was analyzed and summarized in detail. It showed that hyaluronic acid would have broad prospects for drug delivery.

Hyaluronic acid-coated poly(β-amino) ester nanoparticles as carrier of doxorubicin for overcoming drug resistance in breast cancer cells

Hyaluronic acid-coated poly(β-amino) ester nanoparticles used as carrier for doxorubicin could efficiently overcome the drug resistance in breast cancer cells.

In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, bioavailability and tolerance of an injectable vehicle for adipose-derived stem/stromal cells for plastic surgery indications

Soft tissue reconstruction is a challenge in plastic surgery, when replacing lost materials and correcting contour defects. Many permanent and temporary fillers have been used to restore the volume of these lesions, but often with poor results and even complications. Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) and adipose tissue engineering have been suggested as valuable alternatives. In order to inject these cultured cells, it was essential to find a suitable vehicle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Cytocare(®), an injectable medical device, composed of hyaluronic acid plus amino acids, vitamins and mineral salts. First, ASC viability and bioavailability in the 3 different available Cytocare(®) formulations using the MTT test were assessed; then an animal experiment, testing the tolerance after intradermal injections of both Cytocare(®) alone and with ASCs was carried out. Our in vitro results demonstrate a high biocompatibility of Cytocare(®) resulting in a better viability of ASCs when cultured in Cytocare(®) compared to culture medium (p < 0.05, Mann and Whitney). Cytocare(®) also permits their bioavailability and proliferation, making it a potential transfer vehicle that can retain the cells before their integration around the recipient site. Finally, our animal experiment shows that the ASC + Cytocare(®) combination is well tolerated. In conclusion, Cytocare(®) can be used as a biocompatible scaffold for cultured ASCs in therapeutic treatments, ensuring ASC bioavailability, as well as evidence of excellent tolerance in nude mice.

CD44 regulates cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via modulation of c-Src transcription in human breast cancer cells

CD44 was recently identified as a cancer initiation marker on the cell membrane. The cytoplasmic tail of CD44 is known to bind ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) proteins, cytoskeletal proteins like ankyrin, and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src. CD44 transmits its oncogenic signaling via c-Src and its downstream effectors. To investigate the role of CD44 in breast cancer cells, we generated CD44 knock-down cells via retroviral delivery of shRNA against CD44. We found that silencing of CD44 decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells. The expression and activity of cell migration-related proteins, including c-Src, paxillin, and FAK were decreased by CD44 silencing. We also found that the c-Jun protein level was negatively regulated via induction of a GSK-3β-dependent degradation pathway in CD44 knock-down cells. The expression level of Sp1, a target gene product of c-Jun, was also decreased in these cells. Finally, CD44 knock-down suppressed both mRNA and protein levels of c-Src and its downstream MAPK pathway as a result of down-regulation of Sp1 as a transcription factor for c-Src. Collectively, these results indicate that biological changes induced by CD44 silencing are mediated by cumulative down-regulation of c-Jun, Sp1, and c-Src in human breast cancer cells.

Corticosteroid administration reduces the concentration of hyaluronan in bronchoalveolar lavage in a murine model of eosinophilic airway inflammation

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of corticosteroid administration on the concentration of hyaluronan (HA) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in a murine model of eosinophilic airway inflammation and to study the mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Untreated-mice or mice treated with 1 μg/g/day betamethasone (Bm) or 0.25 μg/g/day(-1) budesonide (Bd) were sensitized and challenged with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) or saline (control group). The concentration of HA in BAL was determined by ELISA. In vitro migration assays were performed using a Boyden chamber and the expression of HA synthases (HAS) was analyzed by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

We found a significant increase (P < 0.01) in the levels of HA in BAL from Dp-treated mice that was prevented by Bm or Bd. Corticosteroids also inhibited the increase in HAS expression, and the phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in the lungs of challenged mice. Finally, we found that low molecular weight HA induces the chemotaxis of BAL cells in vitro through a mechanism mediated by CD44.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that corticosteroids prevent the increase in HA in BAL from Dp-challenged mice. This effect is associated with reduced expression of HAS and reduced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK in the lungs of challenged mice.

Enhancive effects of Lewis y antigen on CD44-mediated adhesion and spreading of human ovarian cancer cell line RMG-I

Background

This study aimed to investigate the molecular structural relationship between cell adhesive molecule CD44 and Lewis y antigen, and determine the effects of Lewis y antigen on CD44-mediated adhesion and spreading of ovarian cancer cell line RMG-I and the Lewis y antigen-overexpressed cell line RMG-I-H.

Methods

The expression of CD44 in RMG-I and RMG-I-H cells before and after treatment of Lewis y monoclonal antibody was detected by immunocytochemistry; the expression of Lewis y antigen and CD44 was detected by Western Blot. The structural relationship between Lewis y antigen and CD44 was determined by immunoprecipitation and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The adhesion and spreading of RMG-I and RMG-I-H cells on hyaluronic acid (HA) were observed. The expression of CD44 mRNA in RMG-I and RMG-I-H cells was detected by real-time RT-PCR.

Results

Immunocytochemistry revealed that the expression of CD44 was significantly higher in RMG-I-H cells than in RMG-I cells (P < 0.01), and its expression in both cell lines was significantly decreased after treatment of Lewis y monoclonal antibody (both P < 0.01). Western Blot confirmed that the content of CD44 in RMG-I-H cells was 1.46 times of that in RMG-I cells. The co-location of Lewis y antigen and CD44 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation. The co-expression of CD44 and Lewis y antigen in RMG-I-H cells was 2.24 times of that in RMG-I cells. The adhesion and spreading of RMG-I-H cells on HA were significantly enhanced as compared to those of RMG-I cells (P < 0.01), and this enhancement was inhibited by Lewis y monoclonal antibody (P < 0.01). The mRNA level of CD44 in both cell lines was similar (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Lewis y antigen strengthens CD44-mediated adhesion and spreading of ovarian cancer cells.

Effect of adipic dihydrazide modification on the performance of collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold

Collagen and hydrazide-functionalized hyaluronic acid derivatives were hybridized by gelating and genipin crosslinking to form composite hydrogel. The study contributed to the understanding of the effects of adipic dihydrazide modification on the physicochemical and biological properties of the collagen/hyaluronic acid scaffold. The investigation included morphology observation, mechanical measurement, swelling evaluation, and collagenase degradation. The results revealed that the stability of composites was increased through adipic dihydrazide modification and genipin crosslinking. The improved biocompatibility and retention of hyaluronic acid made the composite material more favorable to chondrocytes growing, suggesting the prepared scaffold might be high potential for chondrogenesis.

The effect of hyaluronic Acid on the invasiveness of malignant glioma cells : comparison of invasion potential at hyaluronic Acid hydrogel and matrigel

OBJECTIVE

Hyaluronidase (HAse), a degrading enzyme of hyaluronic acid (HA), is highly expressed in patients with malignant glioma. The purpose of this study was to verify whether HAse is related to the invasion of glioma cells. We also investigated if glioma cells with higher mobility in 2-dimensioal (2-D) method have also higher mobility at 3-dimensional (3-D) environment.

METHODS

Malignant glioma cell lines (U87MG, U251MG, U343MG-A, and U373MG) were used, and their HAse expressions were evaluated by HA zymography. The migration ability was evaluated by simple scratch technique. The invasiveness of each cell lines was evaluated by Matrigel invasion assay and HA hydrogel invasion assay. In HA hydrogel invasion assay, colonies larger than 150 microm were regarded as positive ones and counted. Statistical analysis of migration ability and invasion properties of each cell lines was performed using t-test.

RESULTS

In scratch test to examine migration ability of each cell lines, U87MG cells were most motile than others, and U343MG-A least motile. The HAse was expressed in U251MG and U343MG-A cell lines. However, U87MG and U373MG cell lines did not express HAse activity. In Matrigel invasion assay, the cell lines expressing HAse (U251MG and U343MG-A) were more invasive in the presence of HA than HAse deficient cell lines (U87MG and U373MG). In HA hydrogel invasion assay, the HAse-expressing cell lines formed colonies more invasively than HAse-deficient ones.

CONCLUSION

Malignant Glioma cells expressing HAse were more invasive than HAse-deficient ones in 3-dimensional environment. Therefore, it might be suggested that invasion of malignant gliomas is suppressed by inhibition of HAse expression or HA secretion. Additionally, the ability of 2-D migration and 3-D invasion might not be always coincident to each other in malignant glioma cells.

Expression of tenascin-c and CD44 receptors in cardiac myxomas

BACKGROUND

Myxomas are the most frequent primary cardiac neoplasms. They have an abundant extracellular matrix rich in proteoglycans. Interactions between cells and matrix are very important in the development of tumors, but data about myxomas in this setting are scarce because of the rarity of such neoplasms. The expression of tenascin-c and hyaluran receptors in cardiac myxoma has never been investigated. Moreover, it is now well recognized that cells of cardiac myxoma differentiate along endothelial lines.

METHODS

We have analyzed left atrial myxomas from 13 consecutive patients (six male and seven female, surgically treated), via immunohistochemical methods for the expression of molecules also implicated in angiogenesis in normal and pathological conditions, like tenascin-c and hyaluran receptors CD44s, CD44v5 and CD44v6.

RESULTS

Our data suggest that tenascin-c and CD44s play a synergic and perhaps complementary role in development of cardiac myxomas. In particular, tenascin-c seems to promote aggregation of cells and differentiation in vascular structures, whereas CD44s receptors might be important for cellular motility. Cell proliferation rate in such tumors was very low (MIB-1 labeling index <1%) and uniform in all the areas of the neoplasms regardless of the presence of characteristic structures such as cords and rings of multinucleated cells or the expression of tenascin-c and CD44 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that cardiac myxomas express in the extracellular matrix tenascin-c and on the cellular membranes of neoplastic cells the hyaluran receptor CD44s. Such molecules take part in the mechanism of development of the myxomas and might be in the future the target of nonsurgical treatments.

Localization of CD44 and hyaluronan in the synovial membrane of the rat temporomandibular joint

Previous studies have pointed out a lack of adhesion structures in the synovial lining layer of the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) despite showing an epithelial arrangement. CD44, a major cell adhesion molecule, plays crucial roles as an anchor between cells and extracellular matrices by binding hyaluronan (HA) for the development of organs or the metastasis of tumors. The present study examined the localization of CD44 in the synovial membrane of the rat TMJ by immunocytochemistry for OX50, ED1, and Hsp25, which are markers for the rat CD44, macrophage-like type A, and fibroblast-like type B synoviocytes, respectively. Histochemistry for HA-binding protein (HABP) was also employed for the detection of HA. OX50 immunoreactions were found along the cell surface and, in particular, accumulated along the surface of the articular cavity. Observations by a double immunostaining and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that all the OX50-immunopositive cells were categorized as fibroblastic type B cells, which had many caveolae and a few vesicles reactive to intense OX50. However, the macrophage-like type A cells did not have any OX50 immunoreaction in the synovial lining layer. A strong HABP reaction was discernable in the extracellular matrix surrounding both OX50-positive and -negative cells in the synovial lining layers, exhibiting a meshwork distribution, but weak in its sublining layer. This localization pattern of CD44 and HABP might be involved in the formation of the epithelial arrangement of the synovial lining layer. Furthermore, OX50 immunonegativity in the type A cells suggests their low phagocytotic activity in the rat TMJ under normal conditions.

Hyaluronic acid inhibits adhesion of hepatic stellate cells in spite of its stimulation of DNA synthesis

Unbalanced accumulation of fibers in extracellular matrix (ECM) results from attachment and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during chronic liver diseases, in which the content of hyaluronic acid (HA), a glycosaminoglycan, in ECM changes. No information is available on the effect of HA on adhesion and activation of HSCs although that of collagen (Col) on HSCs was extensively studied. This study investigated the effects of HA with or without Col on adhesion of HSCs or the rate of DNA synthesis. Attachment of primary cultured HSCs was microscopically monitored in the plate simultaneously coated with HA or other ECM components. HA inhibited adhesion of quiescent HSCs at least up to 7 days after seeding, whereas HSCs were adherent to plastic or type I collagen (Col-I), type III collagen (Col-III), type IV collagen (Col-IV) or fibronectin. Both microscopy and alpha-smooth muscle actin immunocytochemistry revealed that the number of HSCs, which had been re-seeded after 15 days of culture, attached to HA-coated area was remarkably lower compared to that of HSCs on Col-I or plastic. Incorporation of HA into Col-I prevented adhesion of activated HSCs to matrix film. The number of HSCs adherent to HA at early times after seeding was minimal and significantly lower than that of the cells adherent to plastic. In contrast, either Col-I or Col-IV increased the number of adherent cells. Attachment of HSCs to plastic was inhibited by soluble HA in culture medium. CD44, the cell surface receptor to which HA binds, was immunochemically detected in HSCs. Adhesion of HSCs to plastic, HA or Col-I was not changed by anti-CD44 antibody. Either HA or Col increased the basal or platelet-derived growth factor-inducible rate of thymidine incorporation into DNA in HSCs. In conclusion, HA inhibits adhesion of quiescent or activated HSCs in spite of its stimulation of DNA synthesis, whereas Col increases HSC attachment and DNA synthesis, and inhibition of HSC adhesion by HA does not involve CD44.

Intronic splicing of hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1): a biologically relevant indicator of poor outcome in multiple myeloma

In this study, we show that the hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) gene undergoes aberrant intronic splicing in multiple myeloma (MM). In addition to HAS1 full length (HAS1(FL)), we identify 3 novel splice variants of HAS1, HAS1Va, HAS1Vb, and HAS1Vc, detected in patients with MM or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). HAS1Vb and HAS1Vc undergo intronic splicing with creation of a premature stop codon. MM cells expressing one or more HAS1 variants synthesize extracellular and/or intracellular hyaluronan (HA). Expression of the HAS1Vb splice variant was significantly correlated with reduced survival (P = .001). Together, alternative HAS1 gene splicing, the correlations between HAS1 splicing and HA synthesis, and the correlations between HAS1 splicing and reduced survival of MM patients support the hypothesis that the family of HAS1 protein plays a significant role in disease progression. Further, expression of HAS1Vb, in conjunction with HAS1(FL) and/or other HAS1 variants, may lead to accumulation of intracellular HA molecules and an impact on receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM)-mediated mitotic abnormalities in MM. This study highlights the potential importance of HAS1 and its alternative splicing in pathophysiology of MGUS and MM.

Modulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity by hyaluronan is dependent on NF-kappaB activity in lymphoma cell lines with dissimilar invasive behavior

Expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as well as its relationship with hyaluronan (HA) and NF-kappaB activity were analyzed in two murine lymphoma cell lines with dissimilar migration and invasive behavior. MMP activity was evaluated by zymograms in supernatants, membrane extracts of tumor cells, and in the organs invaded by these cells. The more aggressive LBLa cell line showed MMP-9 activity in vitro, which increased after HA treatment and was blocked by anti-CD44 mAb. Such activity was not found in the less aggressive LBLc. MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity was found in organs invaded by both cell lines, although differential MMP-9 activity was observed in lung infiltrated only by LBLa cell line. NF-kappaB activation was evaluated to determine whether differential activity of MMP-9 was dependent on downstream signaling pathway, showing higher NF-kappaB activity in the more aggressive LBLa cell line. Our results showed that MMP-9 activity modulated by HA through NF-kappaB signaling pathway may be involved in the aggressive behavior of LBLa.

Hyaluronic-acid butyric esters as promising antineoplastic agents in human lung carcinoma: a preclinical study

New promising compounds, derived from the esterification of hyaluronic acid with butyric acid, were investigated in vitro on a non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line (NCI-H460) and an its metastatic subclone (NCI-H460M). All new compounds exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on both cell lines, which expressed CD44, the specific surface receptor for hyaluronic acid, in a very high percentage of cells (90%). HE1, the most effective of these compounds, was 10-fold more effective than sodium butyrate (NaB) in inhibiting cell proliferation. Similarly to NaB, after 24 hours of treatment, HE1 affected the expression of three cell cycle-related proteins (p27(kip1), p53 and p21(waf1)) responsible for growth arrest, indicating that the presence of the hyaluronic acid backbone does not interfere with the biologic activity. Intratumoral treatment with HE1 demonstrated a marked efficacy on primary tumor growth and on lung metastases formation of the murine Lewis Lung Carcinoma model. Altogether, present findings suggest a possible clinical application of these novel butyric pro-drugs in primary and metastatic lung cancer.

Involvement of stromal proteoglycans in tumour progression

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) belong to a class of extracellular macromolecules necessary for the growth of any multicellular structures, including tumours. Transformed cells induce stromal reaction either per se or by activation of the mesenchymal cells. Tumour stroma contains several chondroitin sulphate and heparan sulphate proteoglycans. These proteoglycans and their glycosaminoglycan chains modify cell behaviour by interacting with different molecules such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, proteinases and their inhibitors. This review describes the main proteoglycans of tumour stoma and discusses their implication in the regulation of the activity of extracellular proteins and peptides.