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Doronzo A, Porcelli L, Marziliano D, Inglese G, Argentiero A, Azzariti A, Solimando AG. Gene Expression Comparison between Alcohol-Exposed versus Not Exposed Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients Reveals a Peculiar TGFβ-Related Phenotype: An Exploratory Analysis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59050872. [PMID: 37241104 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59050872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Over the past few decades, there has been much debate and research into the link between alcohol consumption and the development and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Objectives: To contribute to the ongoing discussion and gain further insights into this topic, our study analysed the gene expression differences in PDAC patients based on their alcohol consumption history. Methods: To this end, we interrogated a large publicly available dataset. We next validated our findings in vitro. Results: Our findings revealed that patients with a history of alcohol consumption showed significant enrichment in the TGFβ-pathway: a signaling pathway implicated in cancer development and tumor progression. Specifically, our bioinformatic dissection of gene expression differences in 171 patients with PDAC showed that those who had consumed alcohol had higher levels of TGFβ-related genes. Moreover, we validated the role of the TGFβ pathway as one of the molecular drivers in producing massive stroma, a hallmark feature of PDAC, in patients with a history of alcohol consumption. This suggests that inhibition of the TGFβ pathway could serve as a novel therapeutic target for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption and lead to increased sensitivity to chemotherapy. Our study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the link between alcohol consumption and PDAC progression. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential significance of the TGFβ pathway as a therapeutic target. The development of TGFβ-inhibitors may pave the way for developing more effective treatment strategies for PDAC patients with a history of alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Doronzo
- U.O.C. Oncologia-Ospedale Mons. R. Dimiccoli, 76121 Barletta, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Donatello Marziliano
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Inglese
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Argentiero
- Medical Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- Laboratory of Experimental Pharmacology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area-(DiMePRe-J), School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
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Chen J, Ding ZY, Li S, Liu S, Xiao C, Li Z, Zhang BX, Chen XP, Yang X. Targeting transforming growth factor-β signaling for enhanced cancer chemotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:1345-1363. [PMID: 33391538 PMCID: PMC7738904 DOI: 10.7150/thno.51383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past decades, drugs targeting transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling have received tremendous attention for late-stage cancer treatment since TGFβ signaling has been recognized as a prime driver for tumor progression and metastasis. Nonetheless, in healthy and pre-malignant tissues, TGFβ functions as a potent tumor suppressor. Furthermore, TGFβ signaling plays a key role in normal development and homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and immune evasion, and by suppressing tumor-associated inflammation. Therefore, targeting TGFβ signaling for cancer therapy is challenging. Recently, we and others showed that blocking TGFβ signaling increased chemotherapy efficacy, particularly for nanomedicines. In this review, we briefly introduce the TGFβ signaling pathway, and the multifaceted functions of TGFβ signaling in cancer, including regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the behavior of cancer cells. We also summarize TGFβ targeting agents. Then, we highlight TGFβ inhibition strategies to restore the extracellular matrix (ECM), regulate the tumor vasculature, reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and impair the stemness of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) to enhance cancer chemotherapy efficacy. Finally, the current challenges and future opportunities in targeting TGFβ signaling for cancer therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitang Chen
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Ze-yang Ding
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Si Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Sha Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chen Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Zifu Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Bi-xiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-ping Chen
- Hepatic Surgery Center, and Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Diseases, National Medical Center for Major Public Health Events, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry and Materia Medical, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- GBA Research Innovation Institute for Nanotechnology, Guangdong, 510530, China
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Hesler RA, Huang JJ, Starr MD, Treboschi VM, Bernanke AG, Nixon AB, McCall SJ, White RR, Blobe GC. TGF-β-induced stromal CYR61 promotes resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through downregulation of the nucleoside transporters hENT1 and hCNT3. Carcinogenesis 2017; 37:1041-1051. [PMID: 27604902 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgw093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal cancer in part due to inherent resistance to chemotherapy, including the first-line drug gemcitabine. Although low expression of the nucleoside transporters hENT1 and hCNT3 that mediate cellular uptake of gemcitabine has been linked to gemcitabine resistance, the mechanisms regulating their expression in the PDAC tumor microenvironment are largely unknown. Here, we report that the matricellular protein cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) negatively regulates the nucleoside transporters hENT1 and hCNT3. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of CYR61 increased expression of hENT1 and hCNT3, increased cellular uptake of gemcitabine and sensitized PDAC cells to gemcitabine-induced apoptosis. In PDAC patient samples, expression of hENT1 and hCNT3 negatively correlates with expression of CYR61 . We demonstrate that stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are a source of CYR61 within the PDAC tumor microenvironment. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induces the expression of CYR61 in PSCs through canonical TGF-β-ALK5-Smad2/3 signaling. Activation of TGF-β signaling or expression of CYR61 in PSCs promotes resistance to gemcitabine in PDAC cells in an in vitro co-culture assay. Our results identify CYR61 as a TGF-β-induced stromal-derived factor that regulates gemcitabine sensitivity in PDAC and suggest that targeting CYR61 may improve chemotherapy response in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark D Starr
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Rebekah R White
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, B354 LSRC Research Drive , Box 91004, Durham, NC 27708 , USA
| | - Gerard C Blobe
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine
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Khalafalla FG, Khan MW. Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Fighting Against Multiple Opponents. CANCER GROWTH AND METASTASIS 2017; 10:1179064417709287. [PMID: 28579826 PMCID: PMC5436837 DOI: 10.1177/1179064417709287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and one of the most lethal human cancers. Inflammation is a critical component in PDAC initiation and progression. Inflammation also contributes to the aggressiveness of PDAC indirectly via induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), altogether leading to enhanced resistance to chemotherapy and poor survival rates. This review gives an overview of the key pro-inflammatory signaling pathways involved in PDAC pathogenesis and discusses the role of inflammation in induction of EMT and development of chemoresistance in patients with PDAC.
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Lee SH, Park SW. [Inflammation and Cancer Development in Pancreatic and Biliary Tract Cancer]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2016; 66:325-39. [PMID: 26691190 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2015.66.6.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation has been known to be a risk for many kinds of cancers, including pancreatic and biliary tract cancer. Recently, inflammatory process has emerged as a key mediator of cancer development and progression. Many efforts with experimental results have been given to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to inflammation-induced tumorigenesis. Diverse inflammatory pathways have been investigated and inhibitors for inflammation-related signaling pathways have been developed for cancer treatment. This review will summarize recent outcomes about this distinctive process in pancreatic and biliary tract cancer. Taking this evidence into consideration, modulation of inflammatory process will provide useful options for pancreatic and biliary tract cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Pancreatobiliary Cancer Center, Yonsei Cancer Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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6
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Fullerton PT, Creighton CJ, Matzuk MM. Insights Into SMAD4 Loss in Pancreatic Cancer From Inducible Restoration of TGF-β Signaling. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1440-53. [PMID: 26284758 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The TGF-β signaling protein SMAD family member 4 is lost in 60% of PDAC, and this has been associated with poorer prognosis. However, the mechanisms by which SMAD4 loss promotes PDAC development are not fully understood. We expressed SMAD4 in human PDAC cell lines BxPC3 and CFPAC1 by selection of stable clones containing an inducible SMAD4 tetracycline inducible expression system construct. After 24 hours of SMAD4 expression, TGF-β signaling-dependent G1 arrest was observed in BxPC3 cells with an increase in the G1 phase fraction from 48.9% to 71.5%. Inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A by small interfering RNA eliminated the antiproliferative effect, indicating that up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A/p21 by TGF-β signaling is necessary for the phenotype. SMAD4 expression had no impact on invasion in BxPC3 cells, but reduced migration. Microarray analysis of gene expression at 8, 24, and 48 hours after SMAD4 expression characterized the regulatory impact of SMAD4 expression in a SMAD4-null PDAC cell line and identified novel targets of TGF-β signaling. Among the novel TGF-β targets identified are anthrax toxin receptor 2 (3.58× at 8 h), tubulin, β-3 class III (7.35× at 8 h), cell migration inducing protein, hyaluronan binding (8.07× at 8 h), IL-1 receptor-like 1 (0.403× at 8 h), regulator of G protein signaling 4 (0.293× at 8 h), and THAP domain containing 11 (0.262× at 8 h). The gene expression changes we observed upon restoration of TGF-β signaling provide numerous new targets for future investigations into PDAC biology and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Fullerton
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Pathology and Immunology (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), Pharmacology (M.M.M.), and Medicine (C.J.C.); the Center for Drug Discovery (P.T.F., M.M.M.); and the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center (P.T.F., C.J.C., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Pathology and Immunology (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), Pharmacology (M.M.M.), and Medicine (C.J.C.); the Center for Drug Discovery (P.T.F., M.M.M.); and the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center (P.T.F., C.J.C., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Pathology and Immunology (P.T.F., M.M.M.), Molecular and Cellular Biology (M.M.M.), Pharmacology (M.M.M.), and Medicine (C.J.C.); the Center for Drug Discovery (P.T.F., M.M.M.); and the Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center (P.T.F., C.J.C., M.M.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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7
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Greco SH, Tomkötter L, Vahle AK, Rokosh R, Avanzi A, Mahmood SK, Deutsch M, Alothman S, Alqunaibit D, Ochi A, Zambirinis C, Mohaimin T, Rendon M, Levie E, Pansari M, Torres-Hernandez A, Daley D, Barilla R, Pachter HL, Tippens D, Malik H, Boutajangout A, Wisniewski T, Miller G. TGF-β Blockade Reduces Mortality and Metabolic Changes in a Validated Murine Model of Pancreatic Cancer Cachexia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132786. [PMID: 26172047 PMCID: PMC4501823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating condition characterized by a combination of anorexia, muscle wasting, weight loss, and malnutrition. This condition affects an overwhelming majority of patients with pancreatic cancer and is a primary cause of cancer-related death. However, few, if any, effective therapies exist for both treatment and prevention of this syndrome. In order to develop novel therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer cachexia, appropriate animal models are necessary. In this study, we developed and validated a syngeneic, metastatic, murine model of pancreatic cancer cachexia. Using our model, we investigated the ability of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) blockade to mitigate the metabolic changes associated with cachexia. We found that TGF-β inhibition using the anti-TGF-β antibody 1D11.16.8 significantly improved overall mortality, weight loss, fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral density, and skeletal muscle proteolysis in mice harboring advanced pancreatic cancer. Other immunotherapeutic strategies we employed were not effective. Collectively, we validated a simplified but useful model of pancreatic cancer cachexia to investigate immunologic treatment strategies. In addition, we showed that TGF-β inhibition can decrease the metabolic changes associated with cancer cachexia and improve overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie H. Greco
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lena Tomkötter
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Anne-Kristin Vahle
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rae Rokosh
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Antonina Avanzi
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Syed Kashif Mahmood
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Deutsch
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Sara Alothman
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dalia Alqunaibit
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Atsuo Ochi
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Constantinos Zambirinis
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Tasnima Mohaimin
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mauricio Rendon
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Elliot Levie
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mridul Pansari
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alejandro Torres-Hernandez
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Donnele Daley
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rocky Barilla
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - H. Leon Pachter
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Daniel Tippens
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Hassan Malik
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Allal Boutajangout
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Thomas Wisniewski
- Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - George Miller
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Lucas T, Benihoud K, Vigant F, Schmidt CQA, Bachem MG, Simmet T, Kochanek S. Hexon modification to improve the activity of oncolytic adenovirus vectors against neoplastic and stromal cells in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117254. [PMID: 25692292 PMCID: PMC4332860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary pancreatic carcinoma has an unfavourable prognosis and standard treatment strategies mostly fail in advanced cases. Virotherapy might overcome this resistance to current treatment modalities. However, data from clinical studies with oncolytic viruses, including replicating adenoviral (Ad) vectors, have shown only limited activity against pancreatic cancer and other carcinomas. Since pancreatic carcinomas have a complex tumor architecture and frequently a strong stromal compartment consisting of non-neoplastic cell types (mainly pancreatic stellate cells = hPSCs) and extracellular matrix, it is not surprising that Ad vectors replicating in neoplastic cells will likely fail to eradicate this aggressive tumor type. Because the TGFβ receptor (TGFBR) is expressed on both neoplastic cells and hPSCs we inserted the TGFBR targeting peptide CKS17 into the hypervariable region 5 (HVR5) of the capsid protein hexon with the aim to generate a replicating Ad vector with improved activity in complex tumors. We demonstrated increased transduction of both pancreatic cancer cell lines and of hPSCs and enhanced cytotoxicity in co-cultures of both cell types. Surface plasmon resonance analysis demonstrated decreased binding of coagulation factor X to CKS17-modified Ad particles and in vivo biodistribution studies performed in mice indicated decreased transduction of hepatocytes. Thus, to increase activity of replicating Ad vectors we propose to relax tumor cell selectivity by genetic hexon-mediated targeting to the TGFBR (or other receptors present on both neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells within the tumor) to enable replication also in the stromal cell compartment of tumors, while abolishing hepatocyte transduction, and thereby increasing safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Lucas
- Department of Gene Therapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karim Benihoud
- Univ. Paris-Sud, Orsay Cedex, France and CNRS UMR 8203, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Frédéric Vigant
- Univ. Paris-Sud, Orsay Cedex, France and CNRS UMR 8203, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Christoph Q. Andreas Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Tierforschungszentrum, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Max G. Bachem
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Simmet
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products & Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Kochanek
- Department of Gene Therapy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- * E-mail:
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The role of inflammation in pancreatic cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 816:129-51. [PMID: 24818722 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0837-8_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Inflammatory processes have emerged as key mediators of pancreatic cancer development and progression. In genetically engineered mouse models, induction of pancreatitis accelerates PDAC development, and patients with chronic pancreatitis are known to have a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In recent years, much effort has been given to identify the underlying mechanisms that contribute to inflammation-induced tumorigenesis. Many inflammatory pathways have been identified and inhibitors have been developed in order to prevent cancer development and progression. In this chapter, we discuss the role of inflammatory pathways in the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer as well as the role of inhibitors used in treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer.
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10
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Murphy SJ, Hart SN, Lima JF, Kipp BR, Klebig M, Winters JL, Szabo C, Zhang L, Eckloff BW, Petersen GM, Scherer SE, Gibbs RA, McWilliams RR, Vasmatzis G, Couch FJ. Genetic alterations associated with progression from pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia to invasive pancreatic tumor. Gastroenterology 2013; 145:1098-1109.e1. [PMID: 23912084 PMCID: PMC3926442 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.07.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Increasing grade of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) has been associated with progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the mechanisms that control progression from PanINs to PDAC are not well understood. We investigated the genetic alterations involved in this process. METHODS Genomic DNA samples from laser-capture microdissected PDACs and adjacent PanIN2 and PanIN3 lesions from 10 patients with pancreatic cancer were analyzed by exome sequencing. RESULTS Similar numbers of somatic mutations were identified in PanINs and tumors, but the mutational load varied greatly among cases. Ten of the 15 isolated PanINs shared more than 50% of somatic mutations with associated tumors. Mutations common to tumors and clonally related PanIN2 and PanIN3 lesions were identified as genes that could promote carcinogenesis. KRAS and TP53 frequently were altered in PanINs and tumors, but few other recurrently modified genes were detected. Mutations in DNA damage response genes were prevalent in all samples. Genes that encode proteins involved in gap junctions, the actin cytoskeleton, the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, axon guidance, and cell-cycle regulation were among the earliest targets of mutagenesis in PanINs that progressed to PDAC. CONCLUSIONS Early stage PanIN2 lesions appear to contain many of the somatic gene alterations required for PDAC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Murphy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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11
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Kovacevic Z, Chikhani S, Lui GYL, Sivagurunathan S, Richardson DR. The iron-regulated metastasis suppressor NDRG1 targets NEDD4L, PTEN, and SMAD4 and inhibits the PI3K and Ras signaling pathways. Antioxid Redox Signal 2013; 18:874-87. [PMID: 22462691 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2011.4273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The metastasis suppressor gene, N-myc downstream regulated gene-1 (NDRG1), is negatively correlated with tumor progression in multiple neoplasms, including pancreatic cancer. Moreover, NDRG1 is an iron-regulated gene that is markedly upregulated by cellular iron-depletion using novel antitumor agents such as the chelator, di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT), in pancreatic cancer cells. However, the exact function(s) of NDRG1 remain to be established and are important to elucidate. RESULTS In the current study, using gene-array analysis along with NDRG1 overexpression and silencing, we identified the molecular targets of NDRG1 in three pancreatic cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that NDRG1 upregulates neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) and GLI-similar-3 (GLIS3). Further studies examining the downstream effects of NEDD4L led to the discovery that NDRG1 affects the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway, leading to the upregulation of two key tumor suppressor proteins, namely phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog-4 (SMAD4). Moreover, NDRG1 inhibited the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ras oncogenic pathways. INNOVATION This study provides significant insights into the mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of NDRG1. For the first time, a role for NDRG1 is established in regulating the key signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis (TGF-β, PI3K, and Ras pathways). CONCLUSION The identified target genes of NDRG1 and their effect on the TGF-β signaling pathway reveal its molecular function in pancreatic cancer and a novel therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaklina Kovacevic
- Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD With some 220,000 new cases/year in the world, pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the fourth highest cause of death by cancers. Among newly diagnosed patients about 210,000 will die within 9 months following diagnosis. Therefore, effective adjuncts to current treatment strategies are necessary. Because embryological signaling pathways are upregulated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, they represent potential targets for future therapies. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Our aim is to present the Notch pathway, and to describe its involvement in pancreatic pathophysiology/carcinogenesis. This pathway appeared as a prime target for pancreatic cancer therapy. In the light of the crosstalk of Notch with other survival/embryologic pathways, drugs affecting more than one pathway may have to be combined. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Drugs against gamma-secretases could thus serve in cancer treatment and can be combined with drugs targeting survival pathways interplaying with Notch such as Hedgehog. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Downregulation of Notch contributes to the inhibition and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells whereas Hedgehog inhibition will allow for enhanced delivery of drugs to the tumor. Both pathway inhibitors appear to have synergistic effects for future therapeutics for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, once safety issues of compounds are overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Ristorcelli
- INSERM UMR 911-CR02, Faculty of Medicine, 27 BL Jean Moulin, Marseille 13005, France
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13
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Dempe S, Stroh-Dege AY, Schwarz E, Rommelaere J, Dinsart C. SMAD4: a predictive marker of PDAC cell permissiveness for oncolytic infection with parvovirus H-1PV. Int J Cancer 2010; 126:2914-27. [PMID: 19856310 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents the eighth frequent solid tumor and fourth leading cause of cancer death. Because current treatments against PDAC are still unsatisfactory, new anticancer strategies are required, including oncolytic viruses. Among these, autonomous parvoviruses (PV), like MVMp (minute virus of mice) and H-1PV are being explored as candidates for cancer gene therapy. Human PDAC cell lines were identified to display various susceptibilities to an infection with H-1PV. The correlation between the integrity of the transcription factor SMAD4, mutated in 50% of all PDAC, and H-1PV permissiveness was particularly striking. Indeed, mutation or deletion of SMAD4 dramatically reduced the activity of the P4 promoter and, consequently, the accumulation of the pivotal NS1 protein. By means of DNA affinity immunoblotting, novel binding sites for SMAD4 and c-JUN transcription factors could be identified in the P4 promoter of H-1PV. The overexpression of wild-type SMAD4 in deficient cell lines (AsPC-1, Capan-1) stimulated the activity of the P4 promoter, whereas interference of endogenous SMAD4 function with a dominant-negative mutant decreased the viral promoter activity in wild-type SMAD4-expressing cells (Panc-1, MiaPaCa-2) reducing progeny virus production. In conclusion, the importance of members of the SMAD family for H-1PV early promoter P4 activity should guide us to select SMAD4-positive PDACs, which may be possible targets for an H-1PV-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dempe
- Abt F010, Infection and Cancer Program, Tumor Virology Division, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, Heidelberg, Germany
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Yang H, Lee CJ, Zhang L, Sans MD, Simeone DM. Regulation of transforming growth factor beta-induced responses by protein kinase A in pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 295:G170-G178. [PMID: 18467503 PMCID: PMC2494718 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00492.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
TGF-beta is an important regulator of growth and differentiation in the pancreas and has been implicated in pancreatic tumorigenesis. We have recently demonstrated that TGF-beta can activate protein kinase A (PKA) in mink lung epithelial cells (Zhang L, Duan C, Binkley C, Li G, Uhler M, Logsdon C, Simeone D. Mol Cell Biol 24: 2169-2180, 2004). In this study, we sought to determine whether TGF-beta activates PKA in pancreatic acinar cells, the mechanism by which PKA is activated, and PKA's role in TGF-beta-mediated growth regulatory responses. TGF-beta rapidly activated PKA in pancreatic acini while having no effect on intracellular cAMP levels. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated a physical interaction between a Smad3/Smad4 complex and the regulatory subunits of PKA. TGF-beta also induced activation of the PKA-dependent transcription factor CREB. Both the specific PKA inhibitor H89 and PKI peptide significantly blocked TGF-beta's ability to activate PKA and CREB. TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition and TGF-beta-induced p21 and SnoN expression in pancreatic acinar cells were blocked by H89 and PKI peptide. This study demonstrates that this novel cross talk between TGF-beta and PKA signaling pathways may play an important role in regulating TGF-beta signaling in the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huibin Yang
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cheong J. Lee
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria Dolors Sans
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Diane M. Simeone
- Departments of Surgery and Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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15
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The Effect of Transforming Growth Factor β on Human Neuroendocrine Tumor BON Cell Proliferation and Differentiation Is Mediated through Somatostatin Signaling. Mol Cancer Res 2008; 6:1029-42. [DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-07-2073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Dornhöfer N, Spong S, Bennewith K, Salim A, Klaus S, Kambham N, Wong C, Kaper F, Sutphin P, Nacamuli R, Nacalumi R, Höckel M, Le Q, Longaker M, Yang G, Koong A, Giaccia A. Connective Tissue Growth Factor–Specific Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Inhibits Pancreatic Tumor Growth and Metastasis. Cancer Res 2006; 66:5816-27. [PMID: 16740721 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is highly aggressive and refractory to most existing therapies. Past studies have shown that connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression is elevated in human pancreatic adenocarcinomas and some pancreatic cancer cell lines. To address whether and how CTGF influences tumor growth, we generated pancreatic tumor cell lines that overexpress different levels of human CTGF. The effect of CTGF overexpression on cell proliferation was measured in vitro in monolayer culture, suspension culture, or soft agar, and in vivo in tumor xenografts. Although there was no effect of CTGF expression on proliferation in two-dimensional cultures, anchorage-independent growth (AIG) was enhanced. The capacity of CTGF to enhance AIG in vitro was linked to enhanced pancreatic tumor growth in vivo when these cells were implanted s.c. in nude mice. Administration of a neutralizing CTGF-specific monoclonal antibody, FG-3019, had no effect on monolayer cell proliferation, but blocked AIG in soft agar. Consistent with this observation, anti-CTGF treatment of mice bearing established CTGF-expressing tumors abrogated CTGF-dependent tumor growth and inhibited lymph node metastases without any toxicity observed in normal tissue. Together, these studies implicate CTGF as a new target in pancreatic cancer and suggest that inhibition of CTGF with a human monoclonal antibody may control primary and metastatic tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Dornhöfer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Yasutome M, Gunn J, Korc M. Restoration of Smad4 in BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells attenuates proliferation without altering angiogenesis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2006; 22:461-73. [PMID: 16320109 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-005-2891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive human malignancy in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signal transducer, Smad4, is commonly mutated or deleted. BxPC3 human pancreatic cancer cells exhibit a homozygous deletion of the Smad4 gene, yet are growth inhibited by TGF-beta1. In the present study, we sought to determine whether reintroduction of Smad4 into BxPC3 cells alters their behavior in vitro and in vivo. Sham transfected and Smad4 expressing BxPC3 cells exhibited similar responses to TGF-beta1 with respect to p21 upregulation, hypophosphorylation of the RB protein, Smad2 phosphorylation, and Smad2/3 nuclear translocation. TGF-beta1 did not alter p27 expression, and silencing of p21 with an appropriate siRNA markedly attenuated TGF-beta1-mediated growth inhibition. Nonetheless, the presence of Smad4 was associated in vitro with a more prolonged doubling time, enhanced sensitivity to the growth inhibitory actions of exogenous TGF-beta1, and a more flattened cellular morphology. In vivo, Smad4 expression resulted in delayed tumor growth and decreased cellular proliferation, without effects on either apoptosis or angiogenesis. These findings indicate that, in spite of the absence of Smad4, growth inhibition in BxPC3 cells by TGF-beta1 is dependent on p21 upregulation and maintenance of RB in a hypophosphorylated, active state. Moreover, the presence of a functional Smad4 attenuates the capacity of BxPC3 cells to proliferate in vivo. However, this effect is transient, indicating that Smad4 growth inhibitory actions are circumvented in the later stages of pancreatic tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Yasutome
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, USA
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18
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Williams TM, Williams ME, Heaton JH, Gelehrter TD, Innis JW. Group 13 HOX proteins interact with the MH2 domain of R-Smads and modulate Smad transcriptional activation functions independent of HOX DNA-binding capability. Nucleic Acids Res 2005; 33:4475-84. [PMID: 16087734 PMCID: PMC1183491 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gki761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions with co-factors provide a means by which HOX proteins exert specificity. To identify candidate protein interactors of HOXA13, we created and screened an E11.5–E12.5, distal limb bud yeast two-hybrid prey library. Among the interactors, we isolated the BMP-signaling effector Smad5, which interacted with the paralogous HOXD13 but not with HOXA11 or HOXA9, revealing unique interaction capabilities of the AbdB-like HOX proteins. Using deletion mutants, we determined that the MH2 domain of Smad5 is necessary for HOXA13 interaction. This is the first report demonstrating an interaction between HOX proteins and the MH2 domain of Smad proteins. HOXA13 and HOXD13 also bind to other BMP and TGF-β/Activin-regulated Smad proteins including Smad1 and Smad2, but not Smad4. Furthermore, HOXD13 could be co-immunoprecipitated with Smad1 from cells. Expression of HOXA13, HOXD13 or a HOXD13 homeodomain mutant (HOXD13IQN>AAA) antagonized TGF-β-stimulated transcriptional activation of the pAdtrack-3TP-Lux reporter vector in Mv1Lu cells as well as the Smad3/Smad4-activated pTRS6-E1b promoter in Hep3B cells. Finally, using mammalian one-hybrid assay, we show that transcriptional activation by a GAL4/Smad3-C-terminus fusion protein is specifically inhibited by HOXA13. Our results identify a new co-factor for HOX group 13 proteins and suggest that HOX proteins may modulate Smad-mediated transcriptional activity through protein–protein interactions without the requirement for HOX monomeric DNA-binding capability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joanne H. Heaton
- Department of Human Genetics, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey W. Innis
- Department of Human Genetics, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of MichiganAnn Arbor, MI, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +1 734 647 3817; Fax: +1 734 763 3784;
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Dudas M, Kaartinen V. Tgf-beta superfamily and mouse craniofacial development: interplay of morphogenetic proteins and receptor signaling controls normal formation of the face. Curr Top Dev Biol 2005; 66:65-133. [PMID: 15797452 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(05)66003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marek Dudas
- Developmental Biology Program at the Saban Research Institute of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA
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Subramanian G, Schwarz RE, Higgins L, McEnroe G, Chakravarty S, Dugar S, Reiss M. Targeting endogenous transforming growth factor beta receptor signaling in SMAD4-deficient human pancreatic carcinoma cells inhibits their invasive phenotype1. Cancer Res 2004; 64:5200-11. [PMID: 15289325 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-04-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) suppresses tumor formation by blocking cell cycle progression and maintaining tissue homeostasis. In pancreatic carcinomas, this tumor suppressive activity is often lost by inactivation of the TGF-beta-signaling mediator, Smad4. We found that human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines that have undergone deletion of MADH4 constitutively expressed high endogenous levels of phosphorylated receptor-associated Smad proteins (pR-Smad2 and pR-Smad3), whereas Smad4-positive lines did not. These elevated pR-Smad levels could not be attributed to a decreased dephosphorylation rate nor to increased expression of TGF-beta type I (TbetaR-I) or type II (TbetaR-II) receptors. Although minimal amounts of free bioactive TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 were detected in conditioned medium, treatment with a pan-specific (but not a TGF-beta3 specific) TGF-beta-neutralizing antibody and with anti-alpha(V)beta(6) integrin antibody decreased steady-state pSmad2 levels and activation of a TGF-beta-inducible reporter gene in neighboring cells, respectively. Thus, activation of TGF-beta at the cell surface was responsible for the increased autocrine endogenous and paracrine signaling. Blocking TbetaR-I activity using a selective kinase inhibitor (SD-093) strongly decreased the in vitro motility and invasiveness of the pancreatic carcinoma cells without affecting their growth characteristics, morphology, or the subcellular distribution of E-cadherin and F-actin. Moreover, exogenous TGF-beta strongly stimulated in vitro invasiveness of BxPC-3 cells, an effect that could also be blocked by SD-093. Thus, the motile and invasive properties of Smad4-deficient pancreatic cancer cells are at least partly driven by activation of endogenous TGF-beta signaling. Therefore, targeting the TbetaR-I kinase represents a potentially powerful novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Subramanian
- Departments of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology), The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 195 Little Albany Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
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21
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Kim R, Emi M, Tanabe K, Uchida Y, Toge T. The role of Fas ligand and transforming growth factor beta in tumor progression: molecular mechanisms of immune privilege via Fas-mediated apoptosis and potential targets for cancer therapy. Cancer 2004; 100:2281-91. [PMID: 15160330 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.20270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the fact that expression of Fas ligand (FasL) in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and in natural killer (NK) cells plays an important role in Fas-mediated tumor killing, During tumor progression FasL-expressing tumor cells are involved in counterattacking to kill tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Soluble FasL levels also increase with tumor progression in solid tumors, and this increase inhibits Fas-mediated tumor killing by CTLs and NK cells. The increased expression of FasL in tumor cells is associated with decreased expression of Fas; and the promoter region of the FASL gene is regulated by transcription factors, such as neuronal factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and AP-1, in the tumor microenvironment. Although the ratio of FasL expression to Fas expression in tumor cells is not strongly related to the induction of apoptosis in TILs, increased expression of FasL is associated with decreased Fas levels in tumor cells that can escape immune surveillance and facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a potent growth inhibitor and has tumor-suppressing activity in the early phases of carcinogenesis. During subsequent tumor progression, the increased secretion of TGF-beta by both tumor cells and, in a paracrine fashion, stromal cells, is involved in the enhancement of tumor invasion and metastasis accompanied by immunosuppression. Herein, the authors review the clinical significance of FasL and TGF-beta expression patterns as features of immune privilege accompanying tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. Potential strategies for identifying which molecules can serve as targets for effective antitumor therapy also are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungsa Kim
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Sears D, Erickson RA, Sayage-Rabie L, Escobar MC. TGF-beta and p53 staining in CT-guided and endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspirates of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Dig Dis Sci 2004; 49:828-32. [PMID: 15259505 DOI: 10.1023/b:ddas.0000030095.71501.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Our purpose was to determine if fine-needle aspirates of pancreatic adenocarcinoma would produce material amenable to tumor marker staining and to correlate the expression of TGF-beta and p53 with patient and tumor data. One hundred twenty specimens were analyzed. TGF-beta was positive in 26% of cases and had no correlation with patient's age, sex, survival, stage, grade, or size. p53 was positive in 22% of the cases and correlated only with grade 1 tumors. Expression of TGF-beta and p53 can be tested on preserved cytologic specimens. This is the largest study to date correlating TGF-beta and p53 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and patient demographics, prognosis, and tumor attributes. This is also the first study that did not select for surgical candidates. TGF-beta expression does not appear to have prognostic significance in pancreatic cancer. p53 was more common in well-differentiated tumors and may be an early mutation lost in more poorly differentiated tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Sears
- Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, Scott & White Memorial Hospital, Temple, Texas 76502, USA.
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Mithani SK, Balch GC, Shiou SR, Whitehead RH, Datta PK, Beauchamp RD. Smad3 has a critical role in TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition and apoptosis in colonic epithelial cells. J Surg Res 2004; 117:296-305. [PMID: 15047135 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-4804(03)00335-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smad proteins play a key role in TGF-beta signaling that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Mice deficient in Smad3 develop colonic adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS We developed a Smad3-deficient colonocyte cell line that was used to study TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis was compared to young adult mouse colonocyte (YAMC) control cells. Growth inhibition was assessed by cell count and ((3)H)-thymidine incorporation assay. Transcriptional response to TGF-beta was measured by transfecting the reporters p3TP-Lux and p(CAGA)(9)-MLP-luc. TGF-beta-induced apoptosis was assessed using ELISA and Hoechst staining. Mediators of cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis were assayed by Western blot. RESULTS Smad3-/- cells were resistant to TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition compared to control cells. Ninety-eight percent of cell count growth inhibition observed in YAMC cells, while 34% inhibition was observed in Smad3-/- cells after TGF-beta treatment. ((3)H)-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by 61% in YAMC cells, while Smad3-/- cells showed 25% inhibition after TGF-beta treatment. Smad3-/- cells were deficient in luciferase reporter induction by TGF-beta. TGF-beta induced apoptosis 8-fold in YAMC cells, but had no effect on apoptosis in Smad3-/- cells. p21(Cip11) and PAI-1 are induced in YAMC cells by TGF-beta, but unchanged in Smad3-/- cells. TGF-beta decreases cyclin D1 levels in YAMC cells but does not affect levels in Smad3-/- cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the loss of Smad3 contributes to resistance of TGF-beta growth inhibition and apoptosis in colonic epithelium. This may represent a mechanism by which cells are able to escape antiproliferative controls and embark on a pathway toward neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail K Mithani
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-2730, USA
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Ijichi H, Otsuka M, Tateishi K, Ikenoue T, Kawakami T, Kanai F, Arakawa Y, Seki N, Shimizu K, Miyazono K, Kawabe T, Omata M. Smad4-independent regulation of p21/WAF1 by transforming growth factor-beta. Oncogene 2004; 23:1043-51. [PMID: 14762439 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1207222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)-Smad signaling pathway inhibits the growth of human epithelial cells and plays a role in tumor suppression. The Smad4 gene is mutated or deleted in 50% of pancreatic cancers. In this study, the Smad4-null pancreatic cancer cell line BxPC-3 was transfected with either the Smad4 expression vector or the empty vector and incubated in the presence or absence of TGF-beta. The cells were analysed using a cDNA microarray, which included 2280 named genes to screen for target genes regulated by TGF-beta in either a Smad4-dependent or -independent manner. The microarray and subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the Smad4-independent and -dependent signaling pathways driven by TGF-beta upregulated only one of the 2280 genes, respectively, suggesting that Smad4-independent signaling downstream of TGF-beta might be as widespread as Smad4-dependent signaling. In this study, we demonstrated that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21/WAF1, which has been considered the major effector of the Smad-dependent growth inhibitory signal of TGF-beta, is upregulated in a Smad4-independent manner. The upregulation occurs through Smad2/3-dependent transcriptional activation of the p21/WAF1 promoter region. These results suggest a novel mechanism of gene regulation, that is, a novel signal mediator other than Smad4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Ijichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
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25
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Wimmel A, Wiedenmann B, Rosewicz S. Autocrine growth inhibition by transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) in human neuroendocrine tumour cells. Gut 2003; 52:1308-16. [PMID: 12912863 PMCID: PMC1773805 DOI: 10.1136/gut.52.9.1308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The role of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFbeta-1) in neuroendocrine tumour biology is currently unknown. We therefore examined the expression and biological significance of TGFbeta signalling components in neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) tract. METHODS Expression of TGFbeta-1 and its receptors, Smads and Smad regulated proteins, was examined in surgically resected NET specimens and human NET cell lines by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and ELISA. Activation of TGFbeta-1 dependent promoters was tested by transactivation assays. Growth regulation was evaluated by cell numbers, soft agar assays, and cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry. The role of endogenous TGFbeta was assessed by a TGFbeta neutralising antibody and stable transfection of a dominant negative TGFbetaR II receptor construct. RESULTS Coexpression of TGFbeta-1 and its receptors TGFbetaR I and TGFbetaR II was detected in 67% of human NETs and in all three NET cell lines examined. NET cell lines expressed the TGFbeta signal transducers Smad 2, 3, and 4. In two of the three cell lines, TGFbeta-1 treatment resulted in transactivation of a TGFbeta responsive reporter construct as well as inhibition of c-myc and induction of p21((WAF1)) expression. TGFbeta-1 inhibited anchorage dependent and independent growth in a time and dose dependent manner in TGFbeta-1 responsive cell lines. TGFbeta-1 mediated growth inhibition was due to G1 arrest without evidence of induction of apoptosis. Functional inactivation of endogenous TGFbeta revealed the existence of an autocrine antiproliferative loop in NET cells. CONCLUSIONS Neuroendocrine tumour cells of the gastroenteropancreatic tract are subject to paracrine and autocrine growth inhibition by TGFbeta-1, which may account in part for the low proliferative index of this tumour entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wimmel
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Hepatologie, Gastroenterologie, Endokrinologie und Stoffwechsel, CVK, Charité, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Kracklauer MP, Schmidt C, Sclabas GM. TGFbeta1 signaling via alphaVbeta6 integrin. Mol Cancer 2003; 2:28. [PMID: 12935295 PMCID: PMC184456 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-2-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2003] [Accepted: 08/07/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) is a potent inhibitor of epithelial cell growth, thus playing an important role in tissue homeostasis. Most carcinoma cells exhibit a reduced sensitivity for TGFbeta1 mediated growth inhibition, suggesting TGFbeta1 participation in the development of these cancers. The tumor suppressor gene DPC4/SMAD4, which is frequently inactivated in carcinoma cells, has been described as a key player in TGFbeta1 mediated growth inhibition. However, some carcinoma cells lacking functional SMAD4 are sensitive to TGFbeta1 induced growth inhibition, thus requiring a SMAD4 independent TGFbeta1 pathway. RESULTS Here we report that mature TGFbeta1 is a ligand for the integrin alphaVbeta6, independent of the common integrin binding sequence motif RGD. After TGFbeta1 binds to alphaVbeta6 integrin, different signaling proteins are activated in TGFbeta1-sensitive carcinoma cells, but not in cells that are insensitive to TGFbeta1. Among others, interaction of TGFbeta1 with the alphaVbeta6 integrin resulted in an upregulation of the cell cycle inhibitors p21/WAF1 and p27 leading to growth inhibition in SMAD4 deleted as well as in SMAD4 wildtype carcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide support for the existence of an alternate TGFbeta1 signaling pathway that is independent of the known SMAD pathway. This alternate pathway involves alphaVbeta6 integrin and the Ras/MAP kinase pathway and does not employ an RGD motif in TGFbeta1-sensitive tumor cells. The combined action of these two pathways seems to be necessary to elicit a complete TGFbeta1 signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P Kracklauer
- Section of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, A4800, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Molecular Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Guido M Sclabas
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Molecular Oncology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, The University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, 3010, Switzerland
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Fink SP, Mikkola D, Willson JKV, Markowitz S. TGF-beta-induced nuclear localization of Smad2 and Smad3 in Smad4 null cancer cell lines. Oncogene 2003; 22:1317-23. [PMID: 12618756 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1206128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Smad4 is a tumor suppressor gene that is commonly lost or mutated in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. The activated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor phosphorylates Smad2 and Smad3, which then complex with Smad4 and translocate to the nucleus. Smad4 mutations when detected as present in some human cancers have been considered sufficient to inactivate TGF-beta signaling. In this work, we describe a colon cancer cell line, VACO-9M, that is Smad4 null when analysed by multiple assays. To study the role of Smad4 in TGF-beta-induced translocation of the receptor-activated Smads to the nucleus, we analysed by immunofluorescence the cellular localization of endogenous Smad2 and Smad3 after TGF-beta treatment of VACO-9M, plus four additional Smad4 null cell lines of breast (MDA-MB-468), or pancreatic (BxPC3, Hs766T, CFPAC-1) origin. In each cell line, TGF-beta treatment resulted in both Smad2 and Smad3 moving to the nucleus in a Smad4-independent fashion. Nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3 was, however, not sufficient to activate reporters for TGF-beta-induced transcriptional responses, which were however restored by transient transfection of wild-type Smad4. We conclude that Smad4 is not required for nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3, but is needed for activation of at least certain transcriptional responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen P Fink
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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28
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Alcock RA, Dey S, Chendil D, Inayat MS, Mohiuddin M, Hartman G, Chatfield LK, Gallicchio VS, Ahmed MM. Farnesyltransferase inhibitor (L-744,832) restores TGF-beta type II receptor expression and enhances radiation sensitivity in K-ras mutant pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa-2. Oncogene 2002; 21:7883-90. [PMID: 12420225 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1205948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2002] [Revised: 07/31/2002] [Accepted: 08/07/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Activated ras is known to dysregulate TGF-beta signaling by altering the expression of TGF-beta type II receptor (RII). It is well documented that tumor cells harboring mutant ras are more resistant to radiation than cells with wild-type ras. In this study, we hypothesized that the use of farnesyltransferase inhibitor (FTI, L-744,832) may directly restore TGF-beta signaling through RII expression via ras dependent or independent pathway leading to induction of radiation sensitivity. Two pancreatic cancer cell lines, BxPC-3 and MIA PaCa-2 were used in this study. FTI inhibited farnesylation of Ras protein more significantly in MIA PaCa-2 than BxPC-3 cells. In contrast, MIA PaCa-2 cells were resistant to radiation when compared to BxPC-3 cells. BxPC-3 cells were more resistant to FTI than MIA PaCa-2 cells. In combination treatment, no significant radiosensitizing effect of FTI was observed in BxPC-3 cells at 5 or 10 microM. However, in MIA PaCa-2 cells, a significant radiosensitizing effect was observed at both 5 and 10 microM concentrations (P>0.004). The TGF-beta effector gene p21(waf1/cip1) was elevated in combination treatment in MIA PaCa-2 but not in BxPC-3 cells. In MIA PaCa-2 cells, FTI induced TGF-beta responsive promoter activity as assessed by 3TP-luciferase activity. A further induction of luciferase activity was observed in MIA PaCa-2 cells treated with radiation and FTI. Induction of TGF-beta signaling by FTI was mediated through restoration of the RII expression, as demonstrated by RT-PCR analysis. In addition, re-expression of RII by FTI was associated with a decrease in DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) levels. Thus, these findings suggest that the L-744,832 treatment restores the RII expression through inhibition of DNMT1 levels causing induction of TGF-beta signaling by radiation and this forms a novel molecular mechanism of radiosensitization by FTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael A Alcock
- Department of Radiation Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
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Lala PK, Lee BP, Xu G, Chakraborty C. Human placental trophoblast as an in vitro model for tumor progression. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2002; 80:142-9. [PMID: 11934257 DOI: 10.1139/y02-006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The human placenta is a highly invasive tumor-like structure in which a subpopulation of placental trophoblast cells known as the "extravillous trophoblast" (EVT) invades the uterine decidua and its vasculature to establish adequate fetal-maternal exchange of molecules. By utilizing in vitro-propagated short-lived EVT cell lines we found that molecular mechanisms responsible for their invasiveness are identical to those of cancer cells; however, unlike cancer cells, their proliferation, migration, and invasiveness in situ are stringently controlled by decidua-derived transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. By SV40T antigen transfection of normal EVT cells followed by a forced crisis regimen in culture we produced an immortalized premalignant derivative that is hyperproliferative, hyperinvasive, and deficient in gap-junctional intercellular communication. Both premalignant and malignant EVT (JAR and JEG-3 choriocarcinoma) cell lines were found to be TGF-beta-resistant. Using these cell lines, we investigated genetic changes responsible for transition of the normal EVT cells to premalignant and malignant phenotype. Hyperinvasiveness in both cases resulted from a downregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP)-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 genes. In contrast to normal EVT cells, both cell types failed to upregulate these genes in response to TGF-beta. Loss of TGF-beta response in malignant EVT cells was explained by the loss of expression of Smad3 gene. Differential mRNA display of normal and premalignant EVT cells identified up- and down-regulation of numerous known or novel genes in premalignant EVT cells, with potential oncogenic and (or) tumor-suppressor functions, e.g., loss of fibronectin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-5). Premalignant EVT cells also lost IGF receptor type 2 (IGFR-II). IGFBP-5 was shown to be a negative regulator of IGF-1-induced proliferation of premalignant EVT cells, so that loss of IGFBP-5 as well as IGFR-II permitted their unrestricted proliferation in an IGF-I-rich microenvironment of the fetal-maternal interface. The present model may be a good prototype for identifying genetic changes underlying epithelial tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- P K Lala
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
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30
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Xu G, Chakraborty C, Lala PK. Expression of TGF-beta signaling genes in the normal, premalignant, and malignant human trophoblast: loss of smad3 in choriocarcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 287:47-55. [PMID: 11549251 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We had earlier shown that TGF-beta controls proliferation, migration, and invasiveness of normal human trophoblast cells, whereas premalignant and malignant trophoblast cells are resistant to TGF-beta. To identify signaling defects responsible for TGF-beta resistance in premalignant and malignant trophoblasts, we have compared the expression of TGF-beta signaling molecules in a normal trophoblast cell line (HTR-8), its premalignant derivative (RSVT2/C), and two choriocarcinoma cell lines (JAR and JEG-3). RT-PCR analysis revealed that all these cell lines expressed the mRNA of TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3, TGF-beta receptors type I, II, and III, and post-receptor signaling genes smad2, smad3, smad4, smad6, and smad7 with the exception that TGF-beta2 and smad3 were undetectable in JAR and JEG-3 cells. Immunoblot analysis confirmed the absence of smad3 protein in choriocarcinoma cells. Treatment with TGF-beta1 induced smad3 phosphorylation and smad3 translocation to the nucleus in the normal and premalignant trophoblast cells. These results suggest that loss of smad3 may account for a functional disruption in the TGF-beta signaling pathway in choriocarcinomas, but not in the premalignant trophoblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Xu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada N6A 5C1
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Zhang L, Graziano K, Pham T, Logsdon CD, Simeone DM. Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of dominant-negative Smad4 blocks TGF-beta signaling in pancreatic acinar cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2001; 280:G1247-53. [PMID: 11352818 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.2001.280.6.g1247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a potent inhibitor of pancreatic acinar cell growth. Smad4 is a central mediator in the TGF-beta signaling pathway. To study the effect of Smad4 on pancreatic growth, cell cycle protein expression, and the expression of a TGF-beta-responsive promoter in vitro, we constructed an adenovirus containing dominant-negative COOH terminal truncated Smad4 (AddnSmad4) downstream of the rat elastase promoter. Acinar cells expressed dominant-negative Smad4 within 8 h after infection, and expression persisted for 72 h. Mouse pancreatic acini were infected with either AddnSmad4 or control adenovirus expressing green fluorescent protein, and TGF-beta was added 8 h after infection. Acinar cells were then incubated for 1, 2, or 3 days, and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation was determined. AddnSmad4 significantly reduced TGF-beta inhibition of [(3)H]thymidine incorporation, with maximal effects on day 3. AddnSmad4 also completely blocked TGF-beta-mediated growth inhibition in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor. We next examined the effects of AddnSmad4 on TGF-beta-induced expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins p21(Cip1) and p27(Kip1). TGF-beta induced upregulation of p21(Cip1), which was completely blocked by AddnSmad4. AddnSmad4 also inhibited TGF-beta-induced expression of the TGF-beta-responsive luciferase reporter 3TP-Lux. These results show that Smad4 is essential in TGF-beta-mediated signaling in pancreatic acinar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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