Altered processing of a major secreted phosphoprotein correlates with tumorigenicity in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed mammalian cells

Osteopontin increases hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth in a CD44 dependant manner

AIM: To investigate the role of osteopontin (OPN) and its splice variants in the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: The expression of OPN variants in HCC cell lines as well as HCC tissue samples and non-tumour tissue was studied using polymerase chain reaction. OPN variant cDNAs were cloned into a mammalian expression vector allowing both transient expression and the production of stable OPN expressing cell lines. OPN expression was studied in these cells using Western blotting, immunofluoresnce and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. A CD44 blocking antibody and siRNA targeting of CD44 were used to examine the role of this receptor in the OPN stimulated cell growth observed in culture. Huh-7 cells stably expressing either OPN-A, -B or -C were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of nude mice to observe in vivo tumour growth. Expression of OPN mRNA and protein in these tumours was examined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS: OPN is expressed in HCC in 3 forms, the full length OPN-A and 2 splice variants OPN-B and -C. OPN variant expression was noted in HCC tissue as well as cognate surrounding cirrhotic liver tissue. Expression of these OPN variants in the HCC derived cell line Huh-7 resulted in secretion of OPN into the culture medium. Transfer of OPN conditioned media to naïve Huh-7 and HepG2 cells resulted in significant cell growth suggesting that all OPN variants can modulate cell proliferation in a paracrine manner. Furthermore the OPN mediated increase in cellular proliferation was dependent on CD44 as only CD44 positive cell lines responded to OPN conditioned media while siRNA knockdown of CD44 blocked the proliferative effect. OPN expression also increased the proliferation of Huh-7 cells in a subcutaneous nude mouse tumour model, with Huh-7 cells expressing OPN-A showing the greatest proliferative effect.

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that OPN plays a significant role in the proliferation of HCC through interaction with the cell surface receptor CD44. Modulation of this interaction could represent a novel strategy for the control of HCC.

An osteopontin splice variant induces anchorage independence in human breast cancer cells

In malignant tumors, metastasis genes are typically deregulated by aberrant expression or splicing. Osteopontin is expressed at high levels by various cancers and contributes importantly to their invasive potential. In contrast, osteopontin derived from host cells induces cellular immunity and could bolster antitumor protection by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Here we show that breast cancer cells express multiple splice variants of osteopontin. According to RT-PCR analysis of human breast tissue specimens, the splice variant osteopontin-c is a highly specific marker for transformed cells, which is not expressed in their surrounding normal tissue. The full-length form of osteopontin aggregates in the presence of physiologic amounts of calcium and, in this state, leads to enhanced cell adhesion. Ostensibly, this effect is inhibitory for tumor cell dissemination. The shortest splice variant, osteopontin-c, does not aggregate in the presence of calcium and enhances clone formation in soft agar. According to microarray analysis, osteopontin-c induces the expression of oxidoreductases, consistent with protection from anoikis during anchorage-independent growth. These studies define a third functional domain of osteopontin, beside the C-terminal CD44-binding site and the central integrin-binding site. They also provide evidence for a bifunctional character of osteopontin, with the soluble form supporting invasiveness and the aggregated form promoting adhesion.

Altered sialylation of osteopontin prevents its receptor-mediated binding on the surface of oncogenically transformed tsB77 cells

It has been reported previously that oncogenically transformed cells secrete different molecular forms of osteopontin (OPN), a sialic acid-rich, adhesive, phosphoglycoprotein, than OPNs secreted by their nontransformed counterparts. However, the origin of the OPN isoform secreted by the transformed cells and whether it has different physiological properties which may serve transformation-specific functions remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Rat-1 cells transformed by a temperature-sensitive mutant of Rous sarcoma virus (tsB77) secrete two discrete molecular forms of OPN, a 69-kDa OPN at the nonpermissive temperature (41 degrees C) and a 62-kDa form at the permissive temperature (34 degrees C). However, tsB77 cells at both temperatures transcribe a single 1.6 kb OPN mRNA and contain only the 69-kDa form of OPN intracellularly, suggesting that the 69-kDa OPN is modified to the 62-kDa form prior to or immediately after secretion by cells at 34 degrees C. We ruled out proteolytic cleavage, differential phosphorylation, or lack of N- or O-linked carbohydrates as the possible mechanism, but found that the 62-kDa OPN contains significantly reduced levels of sialic acid, as compared to its 69-kDa form. The binding assays using 32P-labeled OPN revealed that only the 69-kDa OPN, not its 62-kDa form, undergoes receptor-mediated localization on the cell surface, although tsB77 cells synthesize OPN receptors (alpha(v)beta3 integrins) at both permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. Furthermore, 125I-labeled purified milk OPN, which is highly sialylated and shows cell surface binding, upon digestion with neuraminidase failed to interact with the cell surface. Taken together, these results suggest that the difference between the 69-kDa and 62-kDa isoforms of OPN resides in their sialic acid content, and sialylation of OPN is crucial for its receptor-mediated binding on tsB77 cells. The data presented here demonstrate for the first time a physiological role of sialic acids in this protein, and raise the possibility that oncogenically transformed tsB77 cells may exploit the lack of OPN-receptor interactions for their invasive behavior.

Immunodetection of enamel- and cementum-related (bone) proteins at the enamel-free area and cervical portion of the tooth in rat molars

Enamel and dentin at the cervical portion of the tooth are frequently covered by a collagen-free matrix referred to as acellular afibrillar cementum (AAC). It is believed that AAC deposition occurs when the enamel organ is displaced or disrupted, and mesenchymal cells from the dental follicle gain access to the tooth surface, differentiate into cementoblasts, and secrete noncollagenous proteins typically found in collagen-based mineralized tissues. A similar thin layer of mineralized matrix is found at the enamel-free area (EFA) of rodent molars, but in this case the matrix is covered by inner enamel epithelium (IEE) throughout development. We have, therefore, used this site as a paradigm to test the hypothesis that typical mesenchymal matrix proteins can also be found in association with epithelial cells. To this end, we have analyzed the presence and distribution of enamel- and cementum-related matrix proteins at the EFA and at the cervical portion of the tooth. Rat mandibular molars were processed for colloidal gold immunolabeling with antibodies to amelogenins, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OC), and dentin sialoprotein (DSP), and the plasma proteins alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein and albumin. The EFA matrix was immunoreactive for amelogenins as well as for BSP, OPN, OC, and alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein, but not for albumin and DSP. The AAC was, similar to the EFA matrix, labeled for BSP, OPN, OC, and alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein. These data show for the first time that the EFA matrix is comprised of a mixture of enamel- and cementum-related proteins, a situation that parallels the distribution of matrix constituents at the cervical portion of the tooth. Since the EFA matrix is deposited on top of the mineralized dentin, and since the enamel organ seals off the forming matrix, it is concluded that EFA cells are responsible for the production of these proteins. Consistent with previous reports showing that epithelial cells can produce both BSP and OPN in some circumstances, the data also suggest that AAC may be deposited by cells of epithelial origin. Furthermore, they lend support to the possibility that cells derived from Hertwig's epithelial root sheath may likewise be capable of producing cementum matrix proteins.

Quantification of osteopontin in human plasma with an ELISA: basal levels in pre- and postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVES

To develop an immunoassay for osteopontin (OPN), a secreted phosphoglycoprotein that is implicated in a number of human diseases, and establish basal plasma OPN levels in healthy women.

DESIGN AND METHODS

An antigen-capture ELISA was developed to quantity OPN in plasma using a combination of mouse monoclonal and rabbit polyclonal antibodies. Basal OPN levels were determined in blood plasma of 21 pre- and 14 postmenopausal women obtained at 7-day intervals over a 4-week period.

RESULTS

A group of 35 healthy women had a median OPN level of 31 micrograms/L (range = 14-64 micrograms/L). Comparison between pre- and postmenopausal women showed that their 4-week average OPN levels did not differ significantly (p > 0.16, Mann-Whitney test), and that levels in each premenopausal individual remained constant during the menstrual cycle, unaffected by cyclical levels of leuteinizing hormone and progesterone.

CONCLUSION

Systematic quantification of plasma OPN can now be done by ELISA, which was used to establish basal plasma OPN levels in a group of healthy women. Levels in pre- and postmenopausal women appeared relatively stable over a 4-week period.

Regulation of osteopontin expression in osteoblasts

Osteopontin (OPN) is a prominent bone matrix protein that is synthesized by osteoblastic cells. To elucidate the function of OPN in bone we studied the regulated expression of the rat OPN protein during bone formation in vivo and in vitro. OPN mRNA is expressed by preosteoblastic cells early in bone formation, but the highest expression is observed in mature osteoblasts at sites of bone remodelling. A low-phosphorylated, 55-kDa form of OPN is produced by the preosteoblastic cells, whereas osteoblasts produce a highly phosphorylated, 44-kDa protein; the two forms of OPN corresponding to pp69 and pp62 in transformed rat cells. The synthesis of the 55-kDa OPN correlates with the formation of a 'cement' matrix that is synthesized prior to bone deposition, whereas the 44-kDa OPN synthesized by osteoblasts associates rapidly with hydroxyapatite, possibly regulating crystal growth, and may also provide a substratum for osteoclast attachment. Expression of OPN mRNA is upregulated by growth and differentiation factors (PDGF, EGF, TGF-beta and BMP-7/OP-1) and by mechanical stress, which promote bone formation, as well as by osteotropic hormones (retinoic acid and vitamin D3), which can promote bone resorption and remodelling. However, OPN mRNA is down-regulated by bisphosphonates, which abrogate bone resorption. Regulation of OPN expression is, therefore, consistent with a multiplicity of functions for OPN that involve specific structural motifs in both the synthesis and resorption of bone.

Developmental expression of osteopontin (OPN) mRNA in rat tissues: evidence for a role for OPN in bone formation and resorption

Osteopontin (OPN) is a 34-kDa, highly-phosphorylated glycoprotein with cell attachment properties that is a prominent constituent of the bone matrix. To aid in elucidating the function of this protein we have studied the cellular expression of OPN mRNA during the formation, growth and maturation of rat calvarial (membranous) and tibial (endochondral) bone. From Northern hybridization analysis OPN expression was demonstrated in the kidney and gravid uterus as well as in bone tissues. Compared to collagen, the expression of OPN was low in early bone formation but increased subsequently and reached peak levels in 14-day-old bone. However, both the collagen and OPN mRNAs decreased markedly thereafter and remained low in young adult bone. From in situ hybridization studies using a [35S]-labelled rat OPN cRNA probe, OPN mRNA was localized to osteoblastic cells in newly-forming calvariae, jaw bones, and in the metaphyseal and periosteal bone of the tibia. In contrast to bone sialoprotein (BSP), which is expressed almost exclusively by osteoblasts at sites of de novo bone formation, OPN transcripts were present in cells lining both endosteal and periosteal bone surfaces, and in osteocytes. Moreover, expression of OPN persisted during the subsequent growth and remodelling of both membranous and endochondral bone and was expressed at particularly high levels by bone cells and hypertrophic chondrocytes at sites of osteoclastic resorption. In the more mature bone of young adult rats OPN expression was significantly reduced but remained detectable in bone cells lining periosteal and endosteal surfaces and in the primary and secondary spongiosa of the tibia. These studies on the developmental expression of OPN support the concept of a multifunctional role for OPN in bone formation and remodelling. Thus, the expression of OPN by osteoblasts early in bone development is consistent with a role for this protein in the formation of bone matrix, whereas the peak expression of OPN later in bone development, together with high expression at sites of rapid remodelling, indicate that OPN deposited on the surface of mineralized connective tissues may provide a template for osteoclastic resorption.

Differential regulation of the 55 and 44 kDa forms of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP-1, osteopontin) in normal and transformed rat bone cells by osteotropic hormones, growth factors and a tumor promoter

Confluent cultures of rat bone cells synthesize several forms of secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP-1, osteopontin), the major phosphorylated forms of which migrate at 55 and 44 kDa on 15% cross-linked SDS-PAGE gels and correspond to the transformation-associated proteins pp 69 and pp 62. A clonal rat calvarial cell line (RCA 11), which expressed the highest level of SPP-1, produced only the 55 kDa form of the phosphorylated protein, whereas normal rat calvarial cells enriched in osteoblastic cells (RC IV cells) produced mostly the 55 kDa form, with small amounts of the 44 kDa form. In contrast, a 44 kDa form was the major [32PO4]-labelled SPP-1 synthesized by a rat osteocarcoma cell line (ROS 17/2.8 cells) with lesser amounts of the 55 kDa SPP-1. When [35S]methionine was used to measure protein synthesis, only the 55 kDa SPP-1 could be clearly detected in confluent cultures of each cell population, indicating that the 55 kDa SPP-1 is the prominent form of SPP-1 synthesized by each cell population. Following treatment of the normal rat bone cells for 24 h with osteotropic hormones (vit D3, PTH and RA), growth factors (PDGF, EGF, TGF-beta), a tumor promoter (TPA) and a plant lectin (Con A), the 55 kDa [35S]methionine labelled SPP-1 was increased 1.7-8.3-fold. Similar, but generally lower responses were observed in the clonal RCA 11 cell line, whereas the ROS 17/2.8 cells were more refractory, showing only a strong response to vit D3. In general, vit D3 produced the strongest stimulation in all populations with TGF-beta producing a good response in the non-transformed cells and RA in the RC IV cells. In contrast, PTH was inhibitory in both RCA 11 and ROS 17/2.8 cells. In most, but not all, cases the alteration in SPP-1 synthesis reflected similar changes in SPP-1 mRNA and in the intensity of the [32PO4]-labelled 55 kDa SPP-1. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that bone cells produce several forms of SPP-1 which are differentially regulated in normal and transformed cells through both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms.

The murine gene encoding secreted phosphoprotein 1 (osteopontin): promoter structure, activity, and induction in vivo by estrogen and progesterone

Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (Spp-1) is a 41.5-kDa bone sialoprotein presumed to be important in the development and functioning of a number of mammalian organs and possibly also in the progression of malignancies. We report here the isolation of a phage lambda genomic clone of the murine Spp-1 gene containing the promoter and first six exons (4.6 kb of the 5.7-kb gene). We have found another exon located 5' to the 'exon 1' reported by Miyazaki et al. [J. Biol. Chem. 265 (1990) 14432-14438]. The DNA upstream from this 5' exon functions as a promoter in epidermal fibroblast and osteoblast-like cells, as demonstrated by transient transfection assays, S1 mapping of the transcription start point, and sequence analysis revealing TATA-like (TTTAAA) and CAAT (its inverse complement) boxes. A small region of the promoter (nt -253 to +79) was able to direct high-level expression of a fused cat reporter gene in JB6 mouse epidermal cells. The transient transfection assays indicated the presence of a positive transcription element between nt -543 and -253 and a negative transcription element between nt -777 and -543. Addition of the tumor promoter, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), resulted in a 1.5-3-fold induction of transcription, depending on the promoter construct and the TPA concentration. The Spp-1 mRNA was localized in several tissues, consistent with previous reports, and to novel sites in ovary, and in the skin and ventral fatty tissue of pregnant and lactating mice. The induction of Spp-1 mRNA was partially mimicked by painting beta-estradiol or progesterone on the skin of nonpregnant females.

Multiple forms of SppI (secreted phosphoprotein, osteopontin) synthesized by normal and transformed rat bone cell populations: regulation by TGF-beta

Metabolic labeling has revealed that rat bone cell populations in culture synthesize several forms of the secreted phosphoprotein, SppI. Most cell populations produced two major [32PO4]-labeled forms that behaved anomolously on SDS-PAGE migrating at 60 kDa and 56 kDa on 10% gels and 55 kDa and 44 kDa on 15% gels. Minor forms of intermediate sizes were also resolved. In normal bone cells the 60 kDa form was predominant and was the only form produced by the clonal bone cell line, RCA 11, whereas the 56 kDa a form predominated in the transformed bone cell line, ROS 17/2.8. In all populations [35S]-methionine-labeling revealed SppIs at approximately 60 kDa but no 56 kDa form. Each form of SppI was specifically cleaved by thrombin which generated fragments of approximately 28 kDa. Transforming growth factor beta 1 increased SppI mRNA levels 3 to 6-fold within 24 h in the normal bone cells, but no increase occurred in the ROS 17/2.8 cells. The elevated expression of SppI was reflected in a selective increase in the synthesis of the [32PO4]-and [35S]-methionine-labeled 60 kDa SppIs.

Identification of the major phosphoprotein secreted by many rodent cell lines as 2ar/osteopontin: enhanced expression in H-ras-transformed 3T3 cells

/ar, a tumor promoter-inducible protein secreted by mouse JB6 epidermal cells, is the murine homolog of rat osteopontin, or 44 kD bone phosphoprotein. We report here that 2ar is also related to pp69, a major phosphoprotein secreted by normal rat kidney cells. Antisera raised against pp69 and against beta-galactosidase-2ar fusion proteins are able to immunoprecipitate the same major phosphoproteins, of apparent Mr 55-69 kD, secreted by several rat and mouse cell lines. The levels of secreted protein and cytoplasmic mRNA are dramatically elevated in NIH 3T3 cells transformed with the human bladder cancer T24 (H-ras) oncogene. These results and the work of Senger and colleagues (Cancer Res., 45, 5818-5823, 1985) imply that enhanced secretion of 2ar/pp69/osteopontin by transformation of a wide variety of mammalian fibroblasts and epithelial cells is often correlated with tumorigenicity.

Automated spectrophotometric assay for cell division regulation in yeast

A spectrophotometric assay is presented for monitoring the regulation of cell division by the polypeptide alpha-factor in cultures of living cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. This assay is simple, automated, and may have wider application in the study of other eucaryotic cells that do not require anchorage for cell growth. The kinetics of absorbance change were monitored continuously over time in yeast cell cultures that were mixed and aerated in cuvettes fitted with top-loading propeller stirrers. The absorbance doubling time. TD(Abs), was identical to the cell number doubling time in the absence of cell division arrest by alpha-factor. alpha-Factor lengthened the TD(Abs) during division arrest. At pH 5.8, 10(5) 381G cells/ml, the Khalf-maximal was 250 +/- 50 nM alpha-factor for the TD(Abs) increase during arrest, with a maximum increase of five-fold. After a period of time the TD(Abs) abruptly shortened. This is defined as the spectrophotometric recovery time (RTspec) and was compared to the time of recovery that is due to the reinitiation of cell division monitored by bud emergence (RTBE). RTBE occurred 40 +/- 5 min prior to RTspec when recovery was spontaneous or was artificially induced by the removal of alpha-factor (pH 5.8, 381G). The difference between RTBE and RTspec was independent of alpha-factor concentration between 0.05 and 1 microM and cell concentration between 1 and greater than or equal to 25 x 10(5) cells/ml (pH 5.8, 381G) but was both pH and cell strain dependent. At pH 5.8 and 2.7 the recovery from arrest occurred by inactivation of alpha-factor. The TD(Abs) increase during arrest appears to be due to an alpha-factor-induced inhibition of net cell mass increase, an effect that has not been reported previously. Evidence is presented that this process is also correlated with the formation of cell projections.

Epidermal and transforming growth factors modulate secretion of a 69 kDa phosphoprotein in normal rat kidney fibroblasts

Our study shows that the secretion of a major non-glycosylated, phosphoprotein of 69 kDa (pp69) is a specific marker for non-transformed NRK-49F cells. Treatment of NRK-49F cells with EGF alone or with different combinations of EGF plus TGF-beta modulates the secretion of pp69, suggesting its relationship with cellular proliferation. Antibody raised against pp69 recognizes, in addition to pp69, another major phospho-protein of 62 kDa (pp62) secreted by RR1022 and spontaneously transformed NRK-49F cells. Immunoprecipitation of total cell lysates from both NRK-49F and RR1022 cells with anti-pp69 antibody detected only pp69. These observations suggest a precursor-product relationship between pp69 secreted by non-transformed NRK-49F cells and pp62 secreted by transformed cells.

Ability of oncogenically transformed cells to grow without anchorage correlates with phosphorylation of a group of cell surface membrane proteins

Anchorage-independent growth in vitro is strongly correlated with cellular malignancy in vivo and it has been shown that retinoic acid (RA; a vitamin A analog) inhibits anchorage-independent growth of a wide variety of oncogenically transformed cells (RA-sensitive cells). We report here that decreased or lack of phosphorylation of a group of low molecular weight (20-30 kD) cell surface membrane proteins, particularly one of Mr 28 kD, correlates strongly with RA-induced loss of anchorage-independent growth of RA-sensitive cells. Our studies also show that this group of proteins are not phosphorylated in non-transformed cells which do not grow in an anchorage-independent manner. Analysis of [35S]methionine-labeled proteins revealed that these polypeptides are present in both RA-treated and untreated cell surface membranes. This suggests that modulation of phosphorylation rather than lack of synthesis of these proteins is correlated with anchorage regulation of cells. V8 protease mapping of the 28 kD phosphoprotein from transformed cells, irrespective of their origin or of transforming agents, revealed complete fragment homology. Furthermore, the 28 kD phosphoprotein was found to be phosphorylated exclusively at threonine residues. The data obtained from this study suggest that the ability of cells to grow without anchorage is correlated with the phosphorylation of a group of cell surface membrane proteins and RA inhibits anchorage-independent growth by interfering with the phosphorylation rather than synthesis of these proteins.