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Tang Z, Zhang Z, Lin Q, Xu R, Chen J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Shi C, Liu Y, Yang H, Wang Z. HIF-1α/BNIP3-Mediated Autophagy Contributes to the Luteinization of Granulosa Cells During the Formation of Corpus Luteum. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:619924. [PMID: 33537309 PMCID: PMC7848109 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.619924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the luteinization after ovulation in mammalian ovary, the containing cells undergo an energy consuming function re-determination process to differentiate into luteal cells under avascular environment. Previous evidences have delineated the contribution of autophagy to the cell differentiation and the catabolic homeostasis in various types of mammalian cells, whereas few interest had been focused on the involvement of autophagy in the luteinization of granulosa cells during the formation of early corpus luteum. Herein, the present study investigated that expression and contribution of autophagy during granulosa cell luteinization and early luteal development through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results clearly demonstrated that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy plays a vital role in the luteinization of granulosa cells during the early luteal formation in vivo and in vitro. In the neonatal corpus luteum, HIF-1α up-regulated BNIP3 expressions, which contributed to the autophagic initiation by disrupting beclin1 from Bcl-2/beclin1 complex and protected cells from apoptosis by curbing the skew of mitochondria balance under avascular niche. Notably, Inhibition of HIF-1α activity by echinomycin enhanced the levels of cytoplasmic cytochrome c and cell apoptosis in the nascent corpus luteum. These findings revealed that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy enabled the process of granulosa cell luteinization and protected the granulosa-lutein cells from further apoptosis under hypoxia niche. To our knowledge, the present study firstly clarified that HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy contributes to the luteinization of granulosa cells during the formation of pregnant corpus luteum, which will help us further understanding the luteal biology and provide us new clues for the treatment of luteal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zonghao Tang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education and Sichuan Province, Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingqiang Lin
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Renfeng Xu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Chen
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yedong Tang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Congjian Shi
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongqin Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, Provincial University Key Laboratory of Sport and Health Science, Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Annese T, Tamma R, Ruggieri S, Ribatti D. Erythropoietin in tumor angiogenesis. Exp Cell Res 2019; 374:266-273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Furlan A, Vercamer C, Heliot L, Wernert N, Desbiens X, Pourtier A. Ets-1 drives breast cancer cell angiogenic potential and interactions between breast cancer and endothelial cells. Int J Oncol 2018; 54:29-40. [PMID: 30365153 PMCID: PMC6254994 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ets-1 transcription factor overexpression in breast cancers is associated with invasive features and is associated with a poor prognosis. Beyond its role in driving carcinoma cell invasion, in this study, we wished to determine whether Ets-1 overexpression in cancer cells promotes angiogenesis by creating a paracrine pro-invasive environment for endothelial cells as well. To address this question, we set up different co-culture models of cancer cells with endothelial cells. Conditioned media from cancer cells induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration and morphogenesis in matrix models. Of note, co-culture assays in three-dimensional matrix models also revealed the reciprocal induction of cancer cell morphogenesis by endothelial cells, in support of an angiocrine action on tumor cells. Ets-1 emerged as a key regulator of the angiogenic potential of breast cancer cells, favoring their ability to induce, in a paracrine manner, the morphogenesis of endothelial cells and also to physically interact with the latter. Nevertheless, Ets-1 overexpression in cancer cells also restrained their chemoattractive potential for endothelial cells both in Boyden chambers and in ex vivo 3D co-cultures. Finally, Ets-1 modulation in breast cancer cells qualitatively altered the angiogenic pattern of experimental in vivo tumors, with a balance between vessel recruitment and intratumoral small capillaries sprouting. Taken together, our data highlight a critical and intriguing role for Ets-1 in the angiogenic potential of breast cancer cells, and reveal another facet of Ets-1 oncogenic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Furlan
- UMR8161 CNRS/University of Lille/Pasteur Institute of Lille, Biology Institute of Lille, F-59021 Lille CEDEX, France
| | - Chantal Vercamer
- UMR8161 CNRS/University of Lille/Pasteur Institute of Lille, Biology Institute of Lille, F-59021 Lille CEDEX, France
| | - Laurent Heliot
- UMR8523 PhLAM, CNRS/University of Lille, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq CEDEX, France
| | - Nicolas Wernert
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, 53011 Bonn, Germany
| | - Xavier Desbiens
- UMR8161 CNRS/University of Lille/Pasteur Institute of Lille, Biology Institute of Lille, F-59021 Lille CEDEX, France
| | - Albin Pourtier
- UMR8161 CNRS/University of Lille/Pasteur Institute of Lille, Biology Institute of Lille, F-59021 Lille CEDEX, France
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Gladstone M, Su TT. Radiation responses and resistance. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 299:235-53. [PMID: 22959305 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394310-1.00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxic effect of ionizing radiation makes it a popular therapeutic tool against cancer. It is, however, a double-edged sword. Radiation exposure unleashes a plethora of protective and survival mechanisms that include increased proliferation, remodeling of the vasculature and altered cell motility. These mechanisms can play a pro-survival role in remaining cells, contributing to repopulation of tumors after radiation treatment. Understanding these mechanisms and finding ways to minimize their impact would improve the outcome of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Gladstone
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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Naseemuddin M, Iqbal A, Nasti TH, Ghandhi JL, Kapadia AD, Yusuf N. Cell mediated immune responses through TLR4 prevents DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in mice. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:765-74. [PMID: 21455984 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate signals that are critically involved in the initiation of adaptive immune responses and many tumorigenic chemicals have been associated with activation of those pathways. To determine the role of TLR-4 (TLR4) in mammary carcinogenesis, we subjected TLR4 deficient and wild type (WT) mice to oral gavage with carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbon 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA). TLR4 deficient mice developed more tumors relative to the WT mice. T cells of TLR4 deficient mice produced elevated levels of IL-17 and lower levels of IFN-γ relative to WT mice. IL-12 secreted by CD11c(+) cells was higher in WT mice, whereas greater amounts of IL-23 were produced by CD11c(+) cells from TLR4 deficient mice. Moreover, there was higher incidence of regulatory T cells in TLR4 deficient mice than WT mice. Similarly, various markers of angiogenesis [matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, CD31 and vascular endothelial growth factor] were highly expressed in tumors from TLR4 deficient mice than WT mice. The results of this study indicate that TLR4 plays an important role in the prevention of DMBA induced mouse mammary tumorigenesis and efforts to divert the cell-mediated immune response may, therefore, prove to be beneficial in the prevention of mammary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Naseemuddin
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA
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6
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Hoffman RM. Nestin-driven green fluorescent protein as an imaging marker for nascent blood vessels in mouse models of cancer. Methods Mol Biol 2011; 689:183-204. [PMID: 21153793 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-60761-950-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A transgenic mouse, in which the regulatory elements of the stem cell marker, nestin drive green fluorescent protein (ND-GFP), expresses GFP in nascent blood vessels. Red fluorescent protein (RFP)-expressing tumors transplanted to nestin-GFP mice enable specific visualization of nascent vessels in the growing tumors. The ND-GFP mouse was also utilized to develop a rapid in vivo/ex vivo fluorescent angiogenesis assay by implanting Gelfoam(®), a surgical sponge derived from pigskin, which was rapidly vascularized by fluorescent nascent blood vessels. Angiogenesis could be imaged and quantified when stimulated or inhibited by specific compounds in both tumors and Gelfoam(®). These fluorescent models can be used to study the early events of angiogenesis and to quantitatively determine efficacy of antiangiogenesis compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer Inc and Department of Surgery, University of California, 7917, Ostrow Street, San Diego, CA 92111, USA.
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Bauer DR, Olafsson R, Montilla LG, Witte RS. 3-D photoacoustic and pulse echo imaging of prostate tumor progression in the mouse window chamber. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2011; 16:026012. [PMID: 21361696 PMCID: PMC3065344 DOI: 10.1117/1.3540668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 12/18/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the tumor microenvironment is critical to characterizing how cancers operate and predicting their response to treatment. We describe a novel, high-resolution coregistered photoacoustic (PA) and pulse echo (PE) ultrasound system used to image the tumor microenvironment. Compared to traditional optical systems, the platform provides complementary contrast and important depth information. Three mice are implanted with a dorsal skin flap window chamber and injected with PC-3 prostate tumor cells transfected with green fluorescent protein. The ensuing tumor invasion is mapped during three weeks or more using simultaneous PA and PE imaging at 25 MHz, combined with optical and fluorescent techniques. Pulse echo imaging provides details of tumor structure and the surrounding environment with 100-μm(3) resolution. Tumor size increases dramatically with an average volumetric growth rate of 5.35 mm(3)/day, correlating well with 2-D fluorescent imaging (R = 0.97, p < 0.01). Photoacoustic imaging is able to track the underlying vascular network and identify hemorrhaging, while PA spectroscopy helps classify blood vessels according to their optical absorption spectrum, suggesting variation in blood oxygen saturation. Photoacoustic and PE imaging are safe, translational modalities that provide enhanced depth resolution and complementary contrast to track the tumor microenvironment, evaluate new cancer therapies, and develop molecular contrast agents in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Bauer
- University of Arizona, Department of Radiology, 1609 North Warren Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA.
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Yusuf N, Nasti TH, Meleth S, Elmets CA. Resveratrol enhances cell-mediated immune response to DMBA through TLR4 and prevents DMBA induced cutaneous carcinogenesis. Mol Carcinog 2009; 48:713-23. [PMID: 19142898 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate signals that are critically involved in innate immune responses and that contribute to the initiation of adaptive immune responses. Resveratrol (trans-3,5,4-trihydroxystilbene), a polyphenol found in red grapes and in several other plant sources, is an effective chemopreventive agent in cutaneous chemical carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether TLR4 was required for the chemopreventive action of resveratrol in DMBA skin carcinogenesis. For this purpose, mice with normal and deficient TLR4 function were compared when pretreated with resveratrol and then subjected to a DMBA-induced skin carcinogenesis protocol. There were fewer tumors/group (P < 0.001) in resveratrol treated TLR4 competent C3H/HeN mice than in TLR4 deficient C3H/HeJ mice. In addition, the size of tumors in C3H/HeN mice was reduced in vivo and their survival in vitro was inhibited by resveratrol to a significantly greater extent than in C3H/HeJ mice. Resveratrol inhibited angiogenesis to a much greater extent in the TLR4 competent mice than in TLR4 deficient mice. IFN-gamma and IL-12 levels were also increased in TLR4 competent mice compared to TLR4 deficient mice, and TLR4 competent C3H/HeN mice exhibited a greater increase in the cell-mediated immune response to DMBA. The results of this study indicate that TLR4 is an important mediator of resveratrol chemoprevention in DMBA skin tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabiha Yusuf
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294-0019, USA
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Kern J, Steurer M, Gastl G, Gunsilius E, Untergasser G. Vasohibin inhibits angiogenic sprouting in vitro and supports vascular maturation processes in vivo. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:284. [PMID: 19682397 PMCID: PMC2739223 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 08/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The murine homologue of human vasohibin (mVASH1), a putative antiangiogenic protein, was investigated for its effects on in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. METHODS Cell growth and migration were analyzed in murine fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells. Angiogenic sprouting was studied in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in the spheroid sprouting assay. In vivo effects on blood vessel formation were investigated in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and in the C57BL/6 melanoma xenograft model. RESULTS Purified murine and human VASH1 protein induced apoptosis of murine fibroblasts in vitro, but not of vascular aortic smooth muscle cells (AoSMC) or endothelial cells. Adenoviral overexpression of murine and human VASH1 inhibited capillary sprouting of HUVECs in the spheroid assay. Administration of recombinant murine and human VASH1 inhibited growth of large vessels in the CAM assay and promoted the formation of a dense, fine vascular network. Murine VASH1-overexpressing B16F10 melanomas displayed a reduction in large vessels and vascular area. Moreover, tumors showed more microvessels that stained positive for the mural cell markers alpha-smooth muscle cell actin (ASMA) and proteoglycan (NG2). CONCLUSION Our data imply that murine VASH1 causes angiogenic remodelling by inhibiting angiogenic sprouting and large vessel growth, thereby supporting the formation of a vascular bed consisting predominantly of mature microvessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Kern
- Division of Internal Medicine V, Tumor Biology & Angiogenesis Laboratory, Medical University Innsbruck, Innrain 66, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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Lowndes SA, Sheldon HV, Cai S, Taylor JM, Harris AL. Copper chelator ATN-224 inhibits endothelial function by multiple mechanisms. Microvasc Res 2009; 77:314-26. [PMID: 19323979 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Copper is required for the proliferation of endothelial cells and copper-lowering therapy reduces tumour growth in animal models. It has been reported that ATN-224, a novel copper chelator, potently inhibits the activity of the copper-dependent enzyme superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in endothelial cells. We performed microarray analysis of gene expression in endothelial cells exposed to ATN-224 which revealed upregulation of stress response genes including heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and differential regulation of several genes previously implicated in angiogenesis including CXCR4, ANGP2, PGES2, RHAMM, ITB4 and AQP1 (p<0.01). These changes were confirmed on qPCR. Treatment of HUVEC with ATN-224 caused increased superoxide levels, phospho-ERK signalling, nuclear NRF1 expression, HO-1 expression and induction of the anti-apoptotic proteins P21, BCL2 and BCLXL. There was also nuclear translocation of SOD1. SOD1 RNA interference replicated the effects of ATN-224 on endothelial cell function but did not cause upregulation of HO-1 or PGES2, suggesting additional mechanisms of action of ATN-224. Downregulation of AQP1, which has been shown to have a role in angiogenesis, was seen with both ATN-224 and SOD1 siRNA. AQP1 expression could be rescued after ATN-224 by added copper. RNA interference to AQP1 inhibited endothelial proliferation and migration, confirming the role of AQP1 in endothelial cell function. Therefore regulation of AQP1 may represent an important action of copper chelation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Lowndes
- Cancer Research UK Department of Medical Oncology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
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Deoxycholate promotes survival of breast cancer cells by reducing the level of pro-apoptotic ceramide. Breast Cancer Res 2008; 10:R106. [PMID: 19087284 PMCID: PMC2656903 DOI: 10.1186/bcr2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction At physiologic concentration in serum, the bile acid sodium deoxycholate (DC) induces survival and migration of breast cancer cells. Here we provide evidence of a novel mechanism by which DC reduces apoptosis that is induced by the sphingolipid ceramide in breast cancer cells. Methods Murine mammacarcinoma 4T1 cells were used in vitro to determine apoptosis and alteration of sphingolipid metabolism by DC, and in vivo to quantify the effect of DC on metastasis. Results We found that DC increased the number of intestinal metastases generated from 4T1 cell tumors grafted into the fat pad. The metastatic nodes contained slowly dividing cancer cells in immediate vicinity of newly formed blood vessels. These cells were positive for CD44, a marker that has been suggested to be expressed on breast cancer stem cells. In culture, a subpopulation (3 ± 1%) of slowly dividing, CD44+ cells gave rise to rapidly dividing, CD44- cells. DC promoted survival of CD44+ cells, which was concurrent with reduced levels of activated caspase 3 and ceramide, a sphingolipid inducing apoptosis in 4T1 cells. Z-guggulsterone, an antagonist of the farnesoid-X-receptor, obliterated this anti-apoptotic effect, indicating that DC increased cell survival via farnesoid-X-receptor. DC also increased the gene expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Flk-1), suggesting that DC enhanced the initial growth of secondary tumors adjacent to blood vessels. The Flk-1 antagonist SU5416 obliterated the reduction of ceramide and apoptosis by DC, indicating that enhanced cell survival is due to Flk-1-induced reduction in ceramide. Conclusions Our findings show, for the first time, that DC is a natural tumor promoter by elevating Flk-1 and decreasing ceramide-mediated apoptosis of breast cancer progenitor cells. Reducing the level or effect of serum DC and elevating ceramide in breast cancer progenitor cells by treatment with Z-guggulsterone and/or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2/Flk-1 antagonists may thus be a promising strategy to reduce breast cancer metastasis.
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Fannon M, Forsten-Williams K, Nugent MA, Gregory KJ, Chu CL, Goerges-Wildt AL, Panigrahy D, Kaipainen A, Barnes C, Lapp C, Shing Y. Sucrose octasulfate regulates fibroblast growth factor-2 binding, transport, and activity: potential for regulation of tumor growth. J Cell Physiol 2008; 215:434-41. [PMID: 18163458 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The antithrombotic activity of heparin has largely been credited with the success found in some cancer treatment by heparin. There are, however, many potent growth factors involved in tumor and blood vessel growth that bind to heparin with high affinity and their regulation by heparin may play a role in heparin's efficacy. We therefore chose to study the activity of a heparin analog, sucrose octasulfate (SOS), which has been similarly shown to interact with heparin-binding growth factors. Using mouse melanoma and lung carcinoma models, we demonstrate in vivo inhibition of tumor growth by SOS. SOS, however, showed little effect in coagulation assays indicating that this activity was not a primary mechanism of action for this molecule. Studies were then performed to assess the effect of SOS on basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) activity, a growth factor which promotes tumor and blood vessel growth and is produced by B16 melanoma cells. SOS potently inhibited FGF-2 binding to endothelial cells and stripped pre-bound FGF-2 from cells. SOS also regulated FGF-2 stimulated proliferation. Further, SOS facilitated FGF-2 diffusion through Descemet's membrane, a heparan sulfate-rich basement membrane from the cornea, suggesting a possible role in FGF-2 clearance. Our results suggest that molecules such as SOS have the potential to remove growth factors from tumor microenvironments and the approach offers an attractive area for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fannon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
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Ritter E, Perry A, Yu J, Wang T, Tang L, Bieberich E. Breast cancer cell-derived fibroblast growth factor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor are chemoattractants for bone marrow stromal stem cells. Ann Surg 2008; 247:310-4. [PMID: 18216538 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e31816401d5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent efforts by the scientific community to characterize the complex interplay between different cell types involved in the development of tumors have led us to investigate the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) in the development of breast cancer. METHODS Using modified Boyden chamber assays, we measured the in vitro migration effect on murine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Additionally, we assayed for the presence of receptors for these growth factors on MSCs, and for the presence of VEGF and FGF2 in breast cancer-conditioned media. We measured the change in migration of MSCs toward breast cancer when we depleted these growth factors from breast cancer-conditioned media. Further, we conducted a series of standard curve migration assays for basal media supplemented with physiologic concentrations of VEGF and FGF2. RESULTS Analysis of gene expression and protein analysis demonstrated the expression of FGF2 and VEGF by the breast cancer cells, and the presence of VEGF (FLK1) and FGF2 receptors on the MSCs. We also demonstrated a reduction in migration when we antibody-depleted VEGF and FGF2 from breast cancer-conditioned media. Additionally, we found the physiologic concentrations of VEGF and FGF2 at 12 and 15 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that VEGF and FGF2 induce migration of MSCs are secreted by breast cancer cells, their receptors are present on MSCs, and depletion of these growth factors reduces migration, and are therefore 2 relevant growth factors for MSC migration toward breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Ritter
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA.
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Oldham M, Sakhalkar H, Oliver T, Allan Johnson G, Dewhirst M. Optical clearing of unsectioned specimens for three-dimensional imaging via optical transmission and emission tomography. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2008; 13:021113. [PMID: 18465962 PMCID: PMC2746042 DOI: 10.1117/1.2907968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Optical computed tomography (optical-CT) and optical emission computed tomography (optical-ECT) are new techniques that enable unprecedented high-resolution 3-D multimodal imaging of tissue structure and function. Applications include imaging macroscopic gene expression and microvasculature structure in unsectioned biological specimens up to 8 cm(3). A key requisite for these imaging techniques is effective sample preparation including optical clearing, which enables light transport through the sample while preserving the signal (either light absorbing stain or fluorescent proteins) in representative form. We review recent developments in optical-CT and optical-ECT, and compatible "fluorescence-friendly" optical clearing protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Oldham
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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Zou Y, Chen Y, Jiang Y, Gao J, Gu J. Targeting matrix metalloproteinases and endothelial cells with a fusion peptide against tumor. Cancer Res 2007; 67:7295-300. [PMID: 17671198 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-3920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Development of novel therapy for patients with tumor is still a challenge at the present time. We designed a fusion peptide (RK5) with two targets as a novel agent against tumor. The fusion peptide RK5 containing the kringle 5 fragment of human plasminogen and a decapeptide (CTTHWGFTLC) was constructed and expressed in yeast. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, proliferation, and migration of endothelial cells were examined in vitro, respectively. Angiogenesis, tumor growth, metastasis, and survival time were evaluated in in vivo models. Administration of RK5 was delivered by both protein and gene approach. The results showed that RK5 inhibited the activity of MMP-9 and exhibited more inhibitory effects on proliferation and migration of endothelial cells than that of kringle 5 fragment and decapeptide individually. RK5 also inhibited angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis and increased survival time of mice bearing tumor. In addition, the effectiveness of RK5 could be achieved by both protein and gene delivery. In conclusion, RK5 has potential to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis and to prolong survival time of animals bearing tumor. Therefore, fusion peptide RK5 with two targets provides a new design for the development of antitumor drugs and has potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Zou
- National Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering and Plant Gene Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, China
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16
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Abstract
Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression is widely used for tracking of cells in vivo. Three human osteosarcoma cell lines were transfected with GFP and analyzed for expression of tissue markers and physiology. GFP-mediated increased tumor aggression in vivo in one cell line was corroborated by altered expression of bone markers and osteoblast-like cell biology in vitro as a result of transfection. The use of GFP for cell tracking in osteosarcoma animal models should therefore be used with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crispin R Dass
- Department of Orthopaedics, University of Melbourne/St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia.
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17
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Hardee ME, Cao Y, Fu P, Jiang X, Zhao Y, Rabbani ZN, Vujaskovic Z, Dewhirst MW, Arcasoy MO. Erythropoietin blockade inhibits the induction of tumor angiogenesis and progression. PLoS One 2007; 2:e549. [PMID: 17579721 PMCID: PMC1891087 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2007] [Accepted: 05/29/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The induction of tumor angiogenesis, a pathologic process critical for tumor progression, is mediated by multiple regulatory factors released by tumor and host cells. We investigated the role of the hematopoietic cytokine erythropoietin as an angiogenic factor that modulates tumor progression. Methodology/Principal Findings Fluorescently-labeled rodent mammary carcinoma cells were injected into dorsal skin-fold window chambers in mice, an angiogenesis model that allows direct, non-invasive, serial visualization and real-time assessment of tumor cells and neovascularization simultaneously using intravital microscopy and computerized image analysis during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. Erythropoietin or its antagonist proteins were co-injected with tumor cells into window chambers. In vivo growth of cells engineered to stably express a constitutively active erythropoietin receptor EPOR-R129C or the erythropoietin antagonist R103A-EPO were analyzed in window chambers and in the mammary fat pads of athymic nude mice. Co-injection of erythropoietin with tumor cells or expression of EPOR-R129C in tumor cells significantly stimulated tumor neovascularization and growth in window chambers. Co-injection of erythropoietin antagonist proteins (soluble EPOR or anti-EPO antibody) with tumor cells or stable expression of antagonist R103A-EPO protein secreted from tumor cells inhibited angiogenesis and impaired tumor growth. In orthotopic tumor xenograft studies, EPOR-R129C expression significantly promoted tumor growth associated with increased expression of Ki67 proliferation antigen, enhanced microvessel density, decreased tumor hypoxia, and increased phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinases ERK1/2. R103A-EPO antagonist expression in mammary carcinoma cells was associated with near-complete disruption of primary tumor formation in the mammary fat pad. Conclusions/Significance These data indicate that erythropoietin is an important angiogenic factor that regulates the induction of tumor cell-induced neovascularization and growth during the initial stages of tumorigenesis. The suppression of tumor angiogenesis and progression by erythropoietin blockade suggests that erythropoietin may constitute a potential target for the therapeutic modulation of angiogenesis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E. Hardee
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yiting Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Xiaohong Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yulin Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zahid N. Rabbani
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Zeljko Vujaskovic
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Mark W. Dewhirst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Murat O. Arcasoy
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- * To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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18
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Sakhalkar HS, Dewhirst M, Oliver T, Cao Y, Oldham M. Functional imaging in bulk tissue specimens using optical emission tomography: fluorescence preservation during optical clearing. Phys Med Biol 2007; 52:2035-54. [PMID: 17404454 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/52/8/001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Optical emission computed tomography (optical-ECT) is a technique for imaging the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of fluorescent probes in biological tissue specimens with high contrast and spatial resolution. In optical-ECT, functional information can be imaged by (i) systemic application of functional labels (e.g. fluorophore labelled proteins) and/or (ii) endogenous expression of fluorescent reporter proteins (e.g. red fluorescent protein (RFP), green fluorescent protein (GFP)) in vivo. An essential prerequisite for optical-ECT is optical clearing, a procedure where tissue specimens are made transparent to light by sequential perfusion with fixing, dehydrating and clearing agents. In this study, we investigate clearing protocols involving a selection of common fixing (4% buffered paraformaldehyde (PFA), methanol and ethanol), dehydrating (methanol and ethanol) and clearing agents (methyl salicylate and benzyl-alcohol-benzyl-benzoate (BABB)) in order to determine a 'fluorescence friendly' clearing procedure. Cell culture experiments were employed to optimize the sequence of chemical treatments that best preserve fluorescence. Texas red (TxRed), fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), RFP and GFP were tested as fluorophores and fluorescent reporter proteins of interest. Fluorescent and control cells were imaged on a microscope using a DSred2 and FITC filter set. The most promising clearing protocols of cell culture experiments were applied to whole xenograft tumour specimens, to test their effectiveness in large unsectioned samples. Fluorescence of TxRed/FITC fluorophores was not found to be significantly affected by any of the test clearing protocols. RFP and GFP fluorescence, however, was found to be significantly greater when cell fixation was in ethanol. Fixation in either PFA or methanol resulted in diminished fluorescence. After ethanol fixation, the RFP and GFP fluorescence proved remarkably robust to subsequent exposure to either methyl salicylate or BABB. The optimized optical clearing procedure of ethanol fixation followed by methyl salicylate clearing preserved the fluorescence of constitutive RFP in whole xenograft tumour specimens, about 1 cc in dimension, indicating successful extension from cell plating experiments to whole tissue samples. Finally, the feasibility of imaging the 3D distribution of viable tumour cells (as indicated by the RFP emission) is demonstrated by optical-ECT imaging of cleared xenograft tumours using an in-house system.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Sakhalkar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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19
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Oldham M, Sakhalkar H, Oliver T, Wang YM, Kirpatrick J, Cao Y, Badea C, Johnson GA, Dewhirst M. Three-dimensional imaging of xenograft tumors using optical computed and emission tomography. Med Phys 2006; 33:3193-202. [PMID: 17022212 PMCID: PMC1616943 DOI: 10.1118/1.2217109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The physical basis and preliminary applications of optical computed tomography (optical-CT) and optical emission computed tomography (optical-ECT) are introduced, as new techniques with potential to provide unique 3D information on a variety of aspects of tumor structure and function. A particular focus here is imaging tumor micro-vasculature, and the spatial distribution of viable tumor cells, although the techniques have the potential for much wider application. The principle attractiveness of optical-CT and optical-ECT are that high resolution (<20 microm) and high contrast co-registered 3D images of structure and function can be acquired for relatively large intact samples. The unique combination of high contrast and resolution offers advantages over micro-CT and micro-MRI, and the lack of requirement for sectioning offers advantages over confocal microscopy, conventional microscopy, and histological sectioning techniques. Optical-CT/ECT are implemented using in-house custom apparatus and a commercial dissecting microscope capable of both transmission and fluorescence imaging. Basic studies to characterize imaging performance are presented. Negligible geometrical distortion and accurate reconstruction of relative attenuation coefficients was observed. Optical-CT and optical-ECT are investigated here by application to high resolution imaging of HCT116 xenograft tumors, about 1 cc in dimension, which were transfected with constitutive red fluorescent protein (RFP). Tumor microvasculature was stained in vivo by tail vein injection of either passive absorbing dyes or active fluorescent markers (FITC conjugated lectin). Prior to imaging, the tumors were removed (ex vivo) and optically cleared in a key process to make the samples amenable to light transmission. The cleared tumors were imaged in three modes (i) optical-CT to image the 3D distribution of microvasculature as indicated by absorbing dye, (ii) optical-ECT using the FITC excitation and emission filter set, to determine microvasculature as indicated by lectin-endothelial binding, and (iii) optical-ECT using the DSRed2 filter set to determine the 3D distribution of viable tumor as indicated by RFP emission. A clear correlation was observed between the independent vasculature imaging modes (i) and (ii) and postimaging histological sections, providing substantial validation of the optical-CT and optical-ECT techniques. Strong correlation was also observed between the RFP imaging of mode iii, and modes i and ii, supporting the intuitive conclusion that well-perfused regions contain significant viable tumor. In summary, optical-CT and optical-ECT, when combined with new optical clearing techniques, represent powerful new imaging modalities with potential for providing unique information on the structure and function of tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Colonic Neoplasms/pathology
- Humans
- Image Enhancement/methods
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation
- Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional/instrumentation
- Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods
- Mice
- Microscopy/instrumentation
- Microscopy/methods
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Subtraction Technique
- Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
- Tomography, Optical/instrumentation
- Tomography, Optical/methods
- Tomography, X-Ray Computed
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Oldham
- Department of Radiation Oncology Physics, and Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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20
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Hussein MR. Tumour-associated macrophages and melanoma tumourigenesis: integrating the complexity. Int J Exp Pathol 2006; 87:163-76. [PMID: 16709225 PMCID: PMC2517364 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2006.00478.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
When the body discovers a tumour cell (foreign antigen), several kinds of mechanisms and cells operate in what is called an immune response. The latter has evolved into two mechanisms: non-specific immunity and specific immunity, which are closely linked to and influence each other. The former represents the first line of defence against neoplastic cells. The adaptive (specific) immunity is orchestrated by antigen-specific T and B lymphocytes. The effector cells of innate immunity include granulocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells. Among these cells, macrophages represent the most important part of innate immunity against tumours. Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important antigen-presenting cells and as such an understanding of their interactions with tumour cells gives insights into novel therapeutic strategies. In tumours, the effect of TAMs is the outcome of their two concomitantly competing interactions: tumour growth reduction and tumour growth promotion. The macrophage (TAMs) content of melanoma ranges from 0 to 30% and their density increases with increasing tumour thickness. The melanoma cells and TAMs seem to interact with each other through the release of soluble factors that either prevent or enhance tumour growth. For instance, syngeneic macrophages from tumour-bearing mice can inhibit melanoma growth in the nude mice more than the control macrophages. Alternatively, metastatic B16 melanoma cells can produce some macrophage cytotoxic substances that help tumour cells not only escape the host immunosurveillance system but also prevent distant metastasis. Together, these observations suggest opposing effects for these soluble factors in melanoma. To date, little is available in the literature about the interactions between TAMs and melanoma cells. This viewpoint not only tries to examine these interactions but also provides relevant speculations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud R Hussein
- Department of Histopathology, Assuit University Hospitals, Faculty of Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt.
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21
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Vanclée A, van Gelder M, Schouten HC, Bos GMJ. Graft-versus-tumor effects on murine mammary carcinoma in a model of nonmyeloablative haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2006; 37:1043-9. [PMID: 16708063 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bmt.1705383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Despite a slight decrease in mortality over the last decade, breast cancer still remains a leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although anti-tumor effects have been observed after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), this treatment is not standard care owing to graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and scarcity of suitable donors. With the aim of reducing treatment-related mortality and increasing donor availability in clinical situations, we developed a preclinical mouse model that combines nonmyeloablative conditioning with the use of haploidentical donor-recipient pairs. To mimic active disease, CB6F1 mice were inoculated with 5 x 10(4) 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells 10 days before transplantation. Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) was used as GVHD prophylaxis. Syngeneic (CB6F1) SCT did not cure any of the mice and KGF treatment did not influence tumor development. After transplantation with haploidentical (B6CBAF1) bone marrow and splenocytes, however, tumor outgrowth was reduced and long-term disease-free survival (>3 months) was observed in 9/18 (50%) (P=0.0011) of the animals. We conclude that in a model of murine breast cancer, a graft-versus-tumor effect can be induced by a nonmyeloablative haploidentical SCT procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Vanclée
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Maastricht, Universiteitssingel 50, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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22
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Fathers KE, Stone CM, Minhas K, Marriott JJA, Greenwood JD, Dumont DJ, Coomber BL. Heterogeneity of Tie2 expression in tumor microcirculation: influence of cancer type, implantation site, and response to therapy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2006; 167:1753-62. [PMID: 16314485 PMCID: PMC1613180 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)61256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate the expression of the Tie2/Tek tyrosine kinase receptor in tumor blood vessels, we examined Tie2lacZ(+)/RAG1(-) mice. There was considerable heterogeneity (Tie2-negative, Tie2-positive, or Tie2-composite blood vessels) in subcutaneous xenografts of human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116; 97.5% Tie2-positive vessels) versus human melanoma (WM115; 75.9% Tie2-positive vessels). Similar patterns of Tie2 expression occurred in abdominal metastases derived from the same cell lines. Immunostaining for endothelial markers and Tie2 revealed that endogenous protein levels corresponded with transgene activity. Endothelial cells were confirmed to be of mouse origin through triple immunofluorescence staining with mouse antiserum to human nuclei, isolectin GS-IB(4), and anti-Tie2. Similar Tie2 heterogeneity was observed in clinical specimens from a variety of human cancers, including malignant melanoma and colorectal carcinoma. We also examined the effect of Tek-Delta Fc anti-angiogenic therapy on tumor growth and Tie2 expression patterns in HCT116 and WM115 subcutaneous xenografts. Tek-Delta induced extensive tumor regression in HCT116 tumors and concomitant reductions in Tie2-expressing blood vessels. However, no significant responses were seen in Tek-Delta-treated WM115 tumors. Thus, vascular heterogeneity of Tie2 expression is cancer-type specific, suggesting that the tumor microenvironment and/or direct cancer cell interactions influence Tie2 endothelial expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Fathers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada
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23
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Grichnik JM, Burch JA, Schulteis RD, Shan S, Liu J, Darrow TL, Vervaert CE, Seigler HF. Melanoma, a Tumor Based on a Mutant Stem Cell? J Invest Dermatol 2006; 126:142-53. [PMID: 16417230 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells play a critical role in normal tissue maintenance, and mutations in these stem cells may give rise to cancer. We hypothesize that melanoma develops from a mutated stem cell and therefore residual stem cell characteristics should be able to be identified in melanoma cell lines. We studied three metastatic melanoma cell lines that exhibited multiple morphologic forms in culture and demonstrated the capacity to pigment. We used the ability to efflux Hoechst 33342 dye, a technique known to enrich for stem cells in many tissues, to segregate cell populations. The cells with the greatest ability to efflux the dye were (1) small in size, (2) had the capacity to give rise to larger cell forms, and (3) had the greatest ability to expand in culture. The small cells were found to have a decreased proliferative rate and were less melanized. Large dendritic cells that appeared to be nonproliferative were identified in cultures. Treatment with cytosine beta-D-arabinofuranoside hydrochloride (Ara-C) expanded the large cell population but the residual proliferative capacity, both in vitro and in vivo, remained concentrated in the smaller cell fraction. Antigenic staining patterns were variable and heterogeneous. Nestin (a neural stem cell marker) and gp100 (premelanosomal marker) favored the smaller cell population, while nerve growth factor receptor often labeled larger cells. Morphologic and antigenic heterogeneity remained intact after clonal purification. These findings are consistent with the behavior expected for a tumor based on stem cell biology; this finding has diagnostic and therapeutic implications for melanocytic neoplasias.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Grichnik
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
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24
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Abstract
Copper stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and is required for the secretion of several angiogenic factors by tumour cells. Copper chelation decreases the secretion of many of these factors. Serum copper levels are upregulated in many human tumours and correlate with tumour burden and prognosis. Copper chelators reduce tumour growth and microvascular density in animal models. New orally active copper chelators have enabled clinical trials to be undertaken, and there are several studies ongoing. A unifying mechanism of action by which copper chelation inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and tumour secretion of angiogenic factors remains to be elucidated, but possible targets include copper-dependent enzymes, chaperones, and transporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Lowndes
- Cancer Research UK Medical Oncology Unit, The Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK.
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25
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Hedley BD, Winquist E, Chambers AF. Therapeutic targets for antimetastatic therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2005; 8:527-36. [PMID: 15584860 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.8.6.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Metastases are responsible for most cancer deaths. Despite dramatic advances in cancer therapy, the presence of metastases implies a significantly shortened survival and reduced quality of remaining life. Aside from prevention of cancer altogether, or significant improvements in early detection for most cancers, effective novel therapeutic strategies targeting metastasis should provide the greatest clinical benefit. Metastasis research has shown that many of the initial steps in metastasis are completed with a high degree of efficiency and may have occurred by the time of clinical diagnosis. Therefore, targeting the later stages of metastasis may offer a more promising therapeutic approach for the development of antimetastatic therapies. Appropriate clinical strategies include targeting dormant solitary cells, active preangiogenic metastases, or vascularised metastases. Dormancy of solitary single cells, seen clinically and experimentally, may be an explanation for cancer recurrence. Eradication or inactivation of these dormant cells could provide large benefit for patients. However, little is known about what makes cancer cells dormant and, therefore, a greater knowledge of the mechanisms of dormancy is needed. This review discusses potential biological targets, as defined by the steps in the metastatic process, for antimetastatic therapies and provides examples of clinical strategies for preventing or treating successful metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Hedley
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, N6A 4L6, Canada.
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26
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Nagy N, Szolnoky G, Szabad G, Bata-Csörgo Z, Dobozy A, Kemeny L, Szell M. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 Gene in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency with Leg Ulcer. J Invest Dermatol 2005; 124:1085-8. [PMID: 15854058 DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202x.2005.23689.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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27
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Rothhammer T, Poser I, Soncin F, Bataille F, Moser M, Bosserhoff AK. Bone Morphogenic Proteins Are Overexpressed in Malignant Melanoma and Promote Cell Invasion and Migration. Cancer Res 2005. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.448.65.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Malignant melanoma cells are known to have altered expression of growth factors compared with normal human melanocytes. These changes probably favor tumor growth and progression and influence the tumor environment. The induction of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β2, and TGF-β3 expression in malignant melanoma has been reported before, whereas the expression of related bone morphogenic protein (BMP) molecules has not been analyzed in melanomas until now. Here, we show that BMP4 and BMP7 are up-regulated in nine melanoma cell lines, whereas BMP2 is overexpressed in only two of the analyzed cell lines. Immunohistochemistry of primary and metastatic melanoma also shows increased BMP4 and BMP7 expression compared with nevi. Promoter studies reveal that expression is controlled at the transcriptional level. The transcription factor Ets-1 was identified as a positive regulator for BMP4 expression. In order to determine the functional relevance of BMP expression in malignant melanoma, chordin-expressing cell clones and antisense BMP4 cell clones were generated. The clones in which BMP4 activity and expression are reduced show no changes in proliferation or in attachment-independent growth when compared with controls. However, a strong reduction of migratory and invasive properties was observed in these cells, suggesting that BMP4 promotes melanoma cell invasion and migration and therefore has an important role in the progression of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ina Poser
- 1University of Regensburg Medical School, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Fabrice Soncin
- 2Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR8526, Institut de Biologie de Lille, Lille, France; and
| | - Frauke Bataille
- 1University of Regensburg Medical School, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Moser
- 3Max-Plank-Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
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28
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Graells J, Vinyals A, Figueras A, Llorens A, Moreno A, Marcoval J, Gonzalez FJ, Fabra A. Overproduction of VEGF concomitantly expressed with its receptors promotes growth and survival of melanoma cells through MAPK and PI3K signaling. J Invest Dermatol 2005; 123:1151-61. [PMID: 15610528 DOI: 10.1111/j.0022-202x.2004.23460.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important mediator of tumor-associated angiogenesis, and consequently it has been associated with metastasis. We report here that the overexpression of VEGF(165) in melanoma xenografts promotes an acceleration of tumor growth and an increase in angiogenesis as well as the spontaneous metastasis formation. In addition, VEGF receptors (VEGFR)1, VEGFR2 and neurophilin-1 are expressed in A375 melanoma cells. Forced overexpression of VEGF in these cells induces cell growth and triggers survival activity in serum-starved cultures, by a mechanism dependent on the mitogen-activating protein kinase signaling pathway. Furthermore, these effects are dependent MEK 1/2 activity. Kinase domain region-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors dramatically reduced DNA synthesis to 20% with respect to the controls, although they did not completely suppress either the p44 or p42-phosphorylated forms of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase. These inhibitors also provoked a decrease in Akt phosphorylation. We observed a dramatic reduction in survival after treatment with phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)-specific inhibitor in the presence of specific tyrosinase inhibitors. We suggest that the overproduction of VEGF(165) concomitantly expressed with its receptors favors cell growth and survival of melanoma cells through MAPK and PI3K signaling pathways. These data support the involvement in melanoma growth and survival of a VEGF-dependent internal autocrine loop mechanism, at least in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Graells
- Department of Dermatology, Ciutat Sanitaria i Universitaria de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
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29
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Abstract
We have developed three unique mouse models to image angiogenesis with fluorescent proteins, which are described in this review. First, we have adapted the surgical orthotopic implantation (SOI) model to image angiogenesis of human tumors labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) transplanted in nude mice. The nonluminous induced capillaries are clearly visible by contrast against the very bright tumor fluorescence examined either intravitally or by whole-body imaging in real time. Intravital images of an SOI model of human pancreatic tumors expressing GFP visualized angiogenic capillaries at both primary and metastatic sites. Whole-body optical imaging showed that blood vessel density increased linearly over a 20-week period in an SOI model of human breast cancer expressing GFP. Opening a reversible skin-flap in the light path markedly reduces signal attenuation, increasing detection sensitivity many-fold and enabling vessels to be externally visualized in GFP-expressing tumors growing on internal organs. The second model utilizes dual-color fluorescence imaging, effected by using red fluorescent protein (RFP)-expressing tumors growing in GFP-expressing transgenic mice that express GFP in all cells. This dual-color model visualizes with great clarity the details of the tumor-stroma interaction, especially tumor-induced angiogenesis. The GFP-expressing tumor vasculature, both nascent and mature, are readily distinguished interacting with the RFP-expressing tumor cells. Using a spectral imaging system based on liquid crystal tunable filters, we were able to separate individual spectral species on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Such techniques non-invasively visualized the presence of host GFP-expressing vessels within an RFP-labeled orthotopic human breast tumor by real-time whole-body imaging. The third model involves a transgenic mouse in which the regulatory elements of the stem cell marker nestin drive GFP. The nestin-GFP mouse expresses GFP in areas of the brain, hair follicle stem cells, and in a network of blood vessels in the skin interconnecting hair follicles. RFP-expressing tumors transplanted to nestin-GFP mice enable specific visualization of nascent vessels in skin-growing tumors such as melanoma. Thus, fluorescent proteins expressed in vivo offer very high resolution and sensitivity for real-time imaging of angiogenesis.
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30
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Dewhirst MW, Richardson R, Cardenas-Navia I, Cao Y. The relationship between the tumor physiologic microenvironment and angiogenesis. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2004; 18:973-90, vii. [PMID: 15474330 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2004.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This article examines the pathophysiology of tumors, with an emphasis on how these features influence angiogenesis in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Dewhirst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Room 201, Medical Science Research Building, Research Drive, Box 3455, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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HOFFMAN ROBERTM. Imaging tumor angiogenesis with fluorescent proteins. APMIS 2004. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2004.t01-1-apm11207-0805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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