Kit signaling inhibits the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway through PLCγ1: implication in stem cell factor radioprotective effect

Citrulline, A Potential Biomarker of Radiation-Induced Small Intestine Damage

Radiation damage assessment of the small intestine is important in nuclear accidents or routine radiotherapy of abdominal tumors. This article reviews the clinical symptoms and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced small intestinal damage and summarizes recent research on biomarkers of such damage. Citrulline is the most promising biomarker for the evaluation of radiation-induced small intestinal damage caused by radiotherapy and nuclear accidents. This article also summarizes the factors influencing plasma citrulline measurement investigated in the latest research, as well as new findings on the concentration of citrulline in saliva and urine after different types of radiation.

Differential use of BTK and PLC in FcεRI- and KIT-mediated mast cell activation: A marginal role of BTK upon KIT activation

In mast cells (MCs), the TEC family kinase (TFK) BTK constitutes a central regulator of antigen (Ag)-triggered, FcεRI-mediated PLCγ phosphorylation, Ca²⁺ mobilization, degranulation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Less is known about the function of BTK in the context of stem cell factor (SCF)-induced KIT signaling. In bone marrow-derived MCs (BMMCs), Ag stimulation caused intense phosphorylation of BTK at Y551 in its active center and at Y223 in its SH3-domain, whereas in response to SCF only Y223 was significantly phosphorylated. Further data using the TFK inhibitor Ibrutinib indicated that BTK Y223 is phosphorylated by a non-BTK TFK upon SCF stimulation. In line, SCF-induced PLCγ1 phosphorylation was stronger attenuated by Ibrutinib than by BTK deficiency. Subsequent pharmacological analysis of PLCγ function revealed a total block of SCF-induced Ca²⁺ mobilization by PLC inhibition, whereas only the sustained phase of Ca²⁺ flux was curtailed in Ag-stimulated BMMCs. Despite this severe stimulus-dependent difference in inducing Ca²⁺ mobilization, PLCγ inhibition suppressed Ag- and SCF-induced degranulation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production to comparable extents, suggesting involvement of additional TFK(s) or PLCγ-dependent signaling components. In addition to PLCγ, the MAPKs p38 and JNK were activated by Ag in a BTK-dependent manner; this was not observed upon SCF stimulation. Hence, FcεRI and KIT employ different mechanisms for activating PLCγ, p38, and JNK, which might strengthen their cooperation regarding pro-inflammatory MC effector functions. Importantly, our data clearly demonstrate that analyzing BTK Y223 phosphorylation is not sufficient to prove BTK activation.

CD117/c-kit in Cancer Stem Cell-Mediated Progression and Therapeutic Resistance

Metastasis is the primary cause of cancer patient morbidity and mortality, but due to persisting gaps in our knowledge, it remains untreatable. Metastases often occur as patient tumors progress or recur after initial therapy. Tumor recurrence at the primary site may be driven by a cancer stem-like cell or tumor progenitor cell, while recurrence at a secondary site is driven by metastatic cancer stem cells or metastasis-initiating cells. Ongoing efforts are aimed at identifying and characterizing these stem-like cells driving recurrence and metastasis. One potential marker for the cancer stem-like cell subpopulation is CD117/c-kit, a tyrosine kinase receptor associated with cancer progression and normal stem cell maintenance. Further, activation of CD117 by its ligand stem cell factor (SCF; kit ligand) in the progenitor cell niche stimulates several signaling pathways driving proliferation, survival, and migration. This review examines evidence that the SCF/CD117 signaling axis may contribute to the control of cancer progression through the regulation of stemness and resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

The stem cell factor (SCF)/c-KIT signalling in testis and prostate cancer

The stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine that specifically binds the tyrosine kinase receptor c-KIT. The SCF/c-KIT interaction leads to receptor dimerization, activation of kinase activity and initiation of several signal transduction pathways that control cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and migration in several tissues. The activity of SCF/c-KIT system is linked with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), the Src, the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT), the phospholipase-C (PLC-γ) and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Moreover, it has been reported that cancer cases display an overactivation of c-KIT due to the presence of gain-of-function mutations or receptor overexpression, which renders c-KIT a tempting target for cancer treatment. In the case of male cancers the most documented activated pathways are the PI3-K and Src, both enhancing abnormal cell proliferation. It is also known that the Src activity in prostate cancer cases depends on the presence of tr-KIT, the cytoplasmic truncated variant of c-KIT that is specifically expressed in tumour tissues and, thus, a very interesting target for drug development. The present review provides an overview of the signalling pathways activated by SCF/c-KIT and discusses the potential application of c-KIT inhibitors for treatment of testicular and prostatic cancers.

In cancer cell lines inhibition of SCF/c-Kit pathway leads to radiosensitization only when SCF is strongly over-expressed

Background and purpose

The SCF/c-Kit pathway is often overexpressed in human tumors leading to an enhanced tumorigenesis, proliferation and migration. It was now tested for NSCLC and prostate cancer cells growing in 2D and 3D whether the inhibition of this pathway can be used to achieve a significant radiosensitization and whether a respective biomarker may be identified.

Material and methods

Experiments were performed with different cancer cell lines (NSCLC: H23, H520, H226, H1975 and PrCa: DU145) growing either under 2D or 3D conditions. Expression of SCF and c-Kit was determined by RT-PCR and Western blot, SCF was knocked down by siRNA, c-Kit was inhibited by ISCK03 inhibitor and cell survival was determined by colony formation assay.

Results

There is a profound variation in the expression of both c-Kit and SCF with no association between each other. Neither levels did correlate with the respective cellular radiosensitivity determined for 2D or 3D with only a trend seen for SCF. Knock-down of SCF was generally found to result in no or only minor reduction of plating efficiency or cellular radioresistance. A significant reduction was only obtained for H520 cells characterized by an extreme over-expression of SCF. The inhibition of c-Kit by a specific inhibitor was also found to result only in minor radiosensitization.

Conclusion

Generally, the SCF/c-Kit pathway does not have a dominant effect on both, cell survival and radioresponse and, as a consequence, knockdown of this pathway does not result in a strong effect on radioresistance, except when SCF is strongly over-expressed.

Label-free Quantitative Analysis of Changes in Broiler Liver Proteins under Heat Stress using SWATH-MS Technology

High temperature is one of the key environmental stressors affecting broiler production efficiency and meat yield. Knowledge of broiler self-regulation mechanisms under heat stress is important for the modern scale of poultry breeding. In the present study, the SWATH strategy was employed to investigate the temporal response of the broiler liver to heat stress. A total of 4,271 proteins were identified and used to generate a reference library for SWATH analysis. During this analysis, 2,377 proteins were quantified, with a coefficient of variation ≤25% among technical and biological replicates. A total of 257 proteins showed differential expression between the control and heat stressed groups. Consistent results for 26 and 5 differential proteins were validated respectively by MRM and western blotting quantitative analyses. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the up- and down-regulation of these proteins appear involved in the following three categories of cellular pathways and metabolisms: 1) inhibit the ERK signaling pathway; 2) affect broiler liver lipid and amino acid metabolism; 3) induce liver cell immune responses to adapt to the high temperatures and reduce mortality. The study reported here provides an insight into broiler self-regulation mechanisms and shed light on the improved broiler adaptability to high-temperature environments.

A survival Kit for pancreatic beta cells: stem cell factor and c-Kit receptor tyrosine kinase

The interactions between c-Kit and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), play an important role in haematopoiesis, pigmentation and gametogenesis. c-Kit is also found in the pancreas, and recent studies have revealed that c-Kit marks a subpopulation of highly proliferative pancreatic endocrine cells that may harbour islet precursors. c-Kit governs and maintains pancreatic endocrine cell maturation and function via multiple signalling pathways. In this review we address the importance of c-Kit signalling within the pancreas, including its profound role in islet morphogenesis, islet vascularisation, and beta cell survival and function. We also discuss the impact of c-Kit signalling in pancreatic disease and the use of c-Kit as a potential target for the development of cell-based and novel drug therapies in the treatment of diabetes.

The SCF/c-KIT system in the male: Survival strategies in fertility and cancer

Maintaining the delicate balance between cell survival and death is of the utmost importance for the proper development of germ cells and subsequent fertility. On the other hand, the fine regulation of tissue homeostasis by mechanisms that control cell fate is a factor that can prevent carcinogenesis. c-KIT is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase activated by its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF). c-KIT signaling plays a crucial role in cell fate decisions, specifically controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. Indeed, deregulating the SCF/c-KIT system by attenuation or overactivation of its signaling strength is linked to male infertility and cancer, and rebalancing its activity via c-KIT inhibitors has proven beneficial in treating human tumors that contain gain-of-function mutations or overexpress c-KIT. This review addresses the roles of SCF and c-KIT in the male reproductive tract, and discusses the potential application of c-KIT target therapies in disorders of the reproductive system.

Roles and regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase-2 in cellular and pathological processes

Our understanding of the functions of ceramide signaling has advanced tremendously over the past decade. In this review, we focus on the roles and regulation of neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2), an enzyme that generates the bioactive lipid ceramide through the hydrolysis of the membrane lipid sphingomyelin. A large body of work has now implicated nSMase2 in a diverse set of cellular functions, physiological processes, and disease pathologies. We discuss different aspects of this enzyme's regulation from transcriptional, post-translational, and biochemical. Furthermore, we highlight nSMase2 involvement in cellular processes including inflammatory signaling, exosome generation, cell growth, and apoptosis, which in turn play important roles in pathologies such as cancer metastasis, Alzheimer's disease, and other organ systems disorders. Lastly, we examine avenues where targeted nSMase2-inhibition may be clinically beneficial in disease scenarios.

Co-stimulation with stem cell factor and erythropoietin enhances migration of c-Kit expressing cervical cancer cells through the sustained activation of ERK1/2

The cytokines erythropoietin (Epo) and stem cell factor (SCF), coupled with the cooperation between their receptors (EpoR and c-Kit), are essential components of normal physiological erythropoiesis. In earlier studies, we demonstrated the expression of c-Kit and EpoR in cervical cancer cells. It was identified that SCF is a survival factor, whereas Epo promotes cell proliferation. Cooperation between EpoR and SCF in cervical cancer has rarely been studied, despite the fact that cell migration and anchorage independent growth are considered initial steps in metastasis. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyse the effect of SCF and Epo alone, or in combination, on the migration and anchorage independent growth of two cervical cancer-derived cell lines. First, we demonstrated the expression of EpoR and c-Kit in the cell lines. Next, we evaluated anchorage independent growth, and identified that Epo and SCF produced a modest number of colonies, whereas the combination Epo/SCF induced a significantly higher number of colonies. Migration was then evaluated in Boyden chambers. Co-stimulation with Epo/SCF induced a significantly higher number of migrating cells than either cytokine alone. SCF-, Epo- and Epo/SCF-induced migration was inhibited by blocking phosphorylation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2). Accordingly, western blot analysis demonstrated that the JAK2/signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (STAT5) axis was activated in all cases. By contrast, inhibition of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) 1/2 abrogated migration induced by SCF and Epo/SCF only. Concurrently, Epo induced a modest, transient activation of ERK1/2, whereas SCF and Epo/SCF prompted a strong, sustained phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The results from this study have revealed that co-stimulation with Epo/SCF promotes migration and anchorage independent cell growth, and that co-signalling from EpoR and c-Kit converge on JAK2/STAT5 activation. Furthermore, SCF- and Epo/SCF-induced migration depends on the sustained activation of ERK1/2. These results indicate that co-signalling from different cytokine receptors induces migration, and this suggests that migratory behaviour may be regulated by the cooperative activity of Epo and SCF in cells expressing their cognate receptors.

The effect of imatinib mesylate on the proliferation, invasive ability, and radiosensitivity of retinoblastoma cell lines

PURPOSE

Our aim was to evaluate the potential effect of imatinib mesylate (IM), a small molecule that specifically inhibits the tyrosine quinase receptors, on the proliferation and invasive abilities of two human retinoblastoma (Rb) cell lines. Furthermore, the ability of IM to radiosensitize Rb cells was evaluated. The potential targets of IM (C-kit, PDGRF-α and -β, and c-Abl) were also investigated in these cell lines.

METHODS

Two human Rb cell lines (WERI-RB-1 and Y79) were cultured under normal growth conditions. An MTT-based proliferation assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were performed with and without exposure to 10 μM of IM. The cells were also irradiated with graded dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy with and without IM and their proliferations rates were analyzed. Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis of cytospins were performed to evaluate the expression of C-kit, PDGRF-α and -β, and c-Abl.

RESULTS

When IM was added to both cell lines a statistically significant (P<0.05) reduction in proliferation and invasive ability were observed. Exposure to IM also significantly increased the radiosensitivity of both Rb cell lines. The c-Abl expression was strongly positive, PDGRF-α and -β expression were also positive but the C-kit expression was negative in both cell lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that Gleevec may be useful as an adjuvant treatment in Rb patients, specially those considered for radiation therapy.

Stem Cell Factor Receptor/c-Kit: From Basic Science to Clinical Implications

Stem cell factor (SCF) is a dimeric molecule that exerts its biological functions by binding to and activating the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Kit. Activation of c-Kit leads to its autophosphorylation and initiation of signal transduction. Signaling proteins are recruited to activated c-Kit by certain interaction domains (e.g., SH2 and PTB) that specifically bind to phosphorylated tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of c-Kit. Activation of c-Kit signaling has been found to mediate cell survival, migration, and proliferation depending on the cell type. Signaling from c-Kit is crucial for normal hematopoiesis, pigmentation, fertility, gut movement, and some aspects of the nervous system. Deregulated c-Kit kinase activity has been found in a number of pathological conditions, including cancer and allergy. The observation that gain-of-function mutations in c-Kit can promote tumor formation and progression has stimulated the development of therapeutics agents targeting this receptor, e.g., the clinically used inhibitor imatinib mesylate. Also other clinically used multiselective kinase inhibitors, for instance, sorafenib and sunitinib, have c-Kit included in their range of targets. Furthermore, loss-of-function mutations in c-Kit have been observed and shown to give rise to a condition called piebaldism. This review provides a summary of our current knowledge regarding structural and functional aspects of c-Kit signaling both under normal and pathological conditions, as well as advances in the development of low-molecular-weight molecules inhibiting c-Kit function.

Role of intracellular tyrosines in activating KIT-induced myeloproliferative disease

Gain-of-function mutations in KIT receptor in humans are associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), systemic mastocytosis (SM), and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The intracellular signals that contribute to oncogenic KIT induced myeloproliferative disease (MPD) are poorly understood. Here, we show that oncogenic KITD814V induced MPD occurs in the absence of ligand stimulation. The intracellular tyrosine residues are important for KITD814V induced MPD, albeit to varying degrees. Among the seven intracellular tyrosines examined, tyrosine 719 alone plays a unique role in regulating KITD814V induced proliferation and survival in vitro, and MPD in vivo. Importantly, the extent to which AKT, ERK and Stat5 signaling pathways are activated via the seven intracellular tyrosines in KITD814V impacts the latency of MPD and severity of the disease. Our results identify critical signaling molecules involved in regulating KITD814V induced MPD, which might be useful for developing novel therapeutic targets for hematologic malignancies involving this mutation.

Molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in tyrosine kinases cAbl and cKit

The inhibition of protein kinases has gained general acceptance as an effective approach to treat a wide range of cancers. However, in many cases, prolonged administration of kinase inhibitors often leads to acquired resistance, and the therapeutic effect is subsequently diminished. The wealth of recent studies using biochemical, kinetic, and structural approaches have revealed the molecular basis for the clinically observed resistance. In this review, we highlight several of the most common molecular mechanisms that lead to acquired resistance to kinase inhibitors observed with the cAbl (cellular form of the Abelson leukemia virus tyrosine kinase) and the type III receptor tyrosine kinase cKit, including a newly identified mechanism resulting from accelerated kinase activation caused by mutations in the activation loop. Strategies to overcome the loss of drug sensitivity that represents a challenge currently facing the field and the emerging approaches to circumvent resistance are discussed.

Cancer treatment strategies targeting sphingolipid metabolism

Ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate are related sphingolipid metabolites that can be generated through a de novo biosynthetic route or derived from the recycling of membrane sphingomyelin. Both these lipids regulate cellular responses to stress, with generally opposing effects. Sphingosine-1-phosphate functions as a growth and survival factor, acting as a ligand for a family of G protein-coupled receptors, whereas ceramide activates intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways through receptor-independent mechanisms. A growing body of evidence has implicated ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate and the genes involved in their synthesis, catabolism and signaling in various aspects of oncogenesis, cancer progression and drug- and radiation resistance. This may be explained in part by the finding that both lipids impinge upon the PI3K/ AKT pathway, which represses apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, sphingolipids influence cell cycle progression, telomerase function, cell migration and stem cell biology. Considering the central role of ceramide in mediating physiological as well as pharmacologically stimulated apoptosis, ceramide can be considered a tumor-suppressor lipid. In contrast, sphingosine-1-phosphate can be considered a tumor-promoting lipid, and the enzyme responsible for its synthesis functions as an oncogene. Not surprisingly, genetic mutations that result in reduced ceramide generation, increased sphingosine-1-phosphate synthesis or which reduce steady state ceramide levels and increase sphingosine-1-phosphate levels have been identified as mechanisms of tumor progression and drug resistance in cancer cells. Pharmacological tools for modulating sphingolipid pathways are being developed and represent novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cancer.

Stem cell factor rescues tyrosinase expression and pigmentation in discreet anatomic locations in albino mice

The K14-SCF transgenic murine model of variant pigmentation is based on epidermal expression of stem cell factor (SCF) on the C57BL/6J background. In this system, constitutive expression of SCF by epidermal keratinocytes results in retention of melanocytes in the interfollicular basal layer and pigmentation of the epidermis itself. Here, we extend this animal model by developing a compound mutant transgenic amelanotic animal defective at both the melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r) and tyrosinase (Tyr) loci. In the presence of K14-Scf, tyrosinase-mutant animals (previously thought incapable of synthesizing melanin) exhibited progressive robust epidermal pigmentation with age in the ears and tails. Furthermore, K14-SCF Tyr(c2j/c2j) animals demonstrated tyrosinase expression and enzymatic activity, suggesting that the c2j Tyr defect can be rescued in part by SCF in the ears and tail. Lastly, UV sensitivity of K14-Scf congenic animals depended mainly on the amount of eumelanin present in the skin. These findings suggest that c-kit signaling can overcome the c2j Tyr mutation in the ears and tails of aging animals and that UV resistance depends on accumulation of epidermal eumelanin.

Radiosensitization effect of STI-571 on pancreatic cancer cells in vitro

PURPOSE

To examine STI-571-induced radiosensitivity in human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Three human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Bxpc-3, Capan-1, and MiaPaCa-2) exhibiting different expression levels of c-Kit and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRbeta) and showing different K-ras mutation types were used. For evaluation of the antitumor activity of STI-571 in combination with radiation, clonogenic survival assays, Western blot analysis, and the annexin V/propidium iodide assay with microscopic evaluation by 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole were conducted.

RESULTS

Dramatic phosphorylated (p)-c-Kit and p-PDGFRbeta attenuation, a modest dose- and time-dependent growth inhibition, and significant radiosensitization were observed after STI-571 treatment in view of apoptosis, although the levels of growth inhibition and increased radiosensitization were different according to cell lines. The grades of radiosensitivity corresponded to the attenuation levels of p-c-Kit and p-PDGFRbeta by STI-571, particularly to those of p-c-Kit, and the radiosensitivity was partially affected by K-ras mutation in pancreatic cancer cells. Among downstream pathways associated with c-Kit or PDGFRbeta, p-PLCgamma was more closely related to radiosensitivity compared with p-Akt1 or p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1.

CONCLUSION

STI-571 enhances radiation response in pancreatic cancer cells. This effect is affected by the attenuation levels of p-c-Kit or p-PDGFRbeta, and K-ras mutation status. Among them, p-c-Kit plays more important roles in the radiosensitivity in pancreatic cancer compared with p-PDGFRbeta or K-ras mutation status.

Effects of a 2-step culture with cytokine combinations on megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis from carbon-ion beam-irradiated human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

To evaluate whether the continuous treatment of two cytokine combinations is effective in megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells exposed to heavy ion beams, the effects of a 2-step culture by a combination of recombinant human interleukin-3 (IL-3) + stem cell factor (SCF) + thrombopoietin (TPO), which just slightly protected against carbon-ion beam-induced damages, and a combination of IL-3 + TPO, which selectively stimulated the differentiation of the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to megakaryocytes and platelets, were examined. CD34(+)-hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells isolated from the human placental and umbilical cord blood were exposed to carbon-ion beams (LET = 50 keV/microm) at 2 Gy. These cells were cultured under three cytokine conditions. The number of megakaryocytes, platelets and hematopoietic progenitors were assessed using a flow cytometer and a clonogenic assay at 14 and 21 days after irradiation, respectively. However, the efficacy of each 2-step culture was equal or lower than that of using the IL-3 + SCF + TPO combination alone and the 2-step culture could not induce megakaryocytes and platelets from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells exposed to high LET-radiation such as carbon-ion beams. Therefore, additional cytokines and/or hematopoietic promoting compounds might be required to overcome damage to hematopoietic cells by high LET radiation.

KIT associated intracellular tyrosines play an essential role in EpoR co-signaling

KIT and erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) mediated co-signaling is essential for normal erythroid cell expansion, however the intracellular signals that contribute to cooperative signaling are poorly understood. Here, we examined the role of intracellular tyrosine residues in KIT and EpoR cooperation by co-expressing tyrosine (Y) to phenylalanine (F) and deletion mutants of KIT and EpoR in 32D cells. Of the four EpoR mutants examined, only EpoR-Y343 induced proliferation to near wildtype EpoR levels. A modest increase in the growth was also observed in 32D cells expressing the EpoR-Y343F; however neither EpoR-W282R nor EpoR-F8 showed any increase in growth over baseline. Biochemical analysis revealed that EpoR-Y343 induced the activation of Stat5, PI-3Kinase/Akt and MAP kinase Erk1/2 to near wildtype EpoR levels, while the remaining mutants failed to activate any of these signals. Interestingly, none of the EpoR mutants cooperated with WT KIT, although EpoR-Y343 showed a modest increase in co-signaling. Loss of seven tyrosine residues in KIT (KIT-F7) completely abrogated EpoR induced co-signaling. Restoring the Src kinase binding sites in KIT-F7 alone or together with the PI3Kinase binding site restored KIT induced signals as well as co-signals with WT EpoR, although restoring the Src kinase binding sites along with the PLC-gamma binding site repressed both KIT induced signaling as well as co-signaling with WT EpoR. Taken together, these results suggest that KIT and EpoR mediated co-signaling requires intracellular tyrosine residues and tyrosine residues that bind Src kinases in the KIT receptor appear to be sufficient for restoring both KIT signaling as well as co-signaling with EpoR. In contrast, restoration of the PLC-gamma binding site in the context of Src binding sites appears to antagonize the positive signals induced via the Src kinase binding sites in the KIT receptor.

IL-12 facilitates both the recovery of endogenous hematopoiesis and the engraftment of stem cells after ionizing radiation

OBJECTIVE

Severe myelosuppression is a common side effect of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Methods have been developed to protect patients by stimulating white blood cell or red blood cell recovery/production using growth factors such as G-CSF or EPO. However, there is no available means to stimulate the full-lineage blood cell recovery from severe myelosuppression. In this study, we used lethally or sublethally irradiated animal models to evaluate the hematopoiesis stimulating effect of IL-12.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IL-12-treated lethally or sublethally irradiated animals were examined for the survival/lifespan, the function assays (bone marrow transplantation, CFU-S(12), CFC) of bone marrow cell subsets, and apoptosis assay.

RESULTS

Using a low dose of IL-12 (10 times lower than previously reported dose), 91.4% of lethally irradiated animals survived long term without adverse effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) system. The reconstituted hematopoietic system was derived from long-term reconstituting hematopoietic stem cells (LTR HSC), which reconstituted hematopoiesis both endogenously after lethal radiation and in secondary recipients by bone marrow transplantation (BMT). IL-12 significantly attenuated the decline of blood cell counts in sublethally irradiated animals. The IL-12-stimulated hematopoiesis recovery resulted in a full-lineage blood cell production, including white and red blood cells, and platelets. There was no detectable expression of IL-12 receptor on LTR HSC. In IL-12-treated animals, the number of Sca-1(+) cells was significantly higher than in animals without IL-12 treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we showed a low dose of IL-12 has hematopoietic-protecting effects, which can attenuate severe myelosuppresion caused by lethal or sublethal irradiation. This study, together with previous studies showing IL-12 is also an anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic agent, suggest IL-12 may have clinical significance in cancer treatment and BMT.

Stem cell c-KIT and HOXB4 genes: critical roles and mechanisms in self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess a distinct ability to perpetuate through self-renewal and to generate progeny that differentiate into mature cells of myeloid and lymphoid lineages. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which HSCs replicate and differentiate from the perspective of developing new approaches for HSC transplantation is necessary for further advances. The interaction of the receptor tyrosine kinase--c-KIT--with its ligand stem cell factor plays a key role in HSC survival, mitogenesis, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, homing, migration, and functional activation. Evidence that activating site-directed point mutations in the c-KIT gene contributes to its ligand-independent constitutive activation, which induces enhanced proliferation of HSCs, is accumulating. Similarly, and equally important, self-renewal is a process by which HSCs generate daughter cells via division. Self-renewal is necessary for retaining the HSC pool. Therefore, elucidating the molecular machinery that governs self-renewal is of key importance. The transcription factor, HOXB4 is a key molecule that has been reported to induce the in vitro expansion of HSCs via self-renewal. However, critical downstream effector molecules of HOXB4 remain to be determined. This concisely reviewed information on c-KIT and HOXB4 helps us to update our understanding of their function and mechanism of action in self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation of HSCs, particularly modulation by c-KIT mutant interactions, and HOXB4 overexpression showing certain therapeutic implications.

Interaction between stem cell factor and endothelin-1: effects on melanogenesis in human skin xenografts

The two paracrine melanogenic cytokines, stem cell factor (SCF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), have been demonstrated to play pivotal roles in skin pigmentation including UVB-induced pigmentation and senile lentigo. However, little is known regarding their interactive effect on skin pigmentation. In order to investigate their roles in vivo, facultative pigmentation of human skin xenografts on severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice was assessed. After 1 week of acclimation in a pathogen-free barrier, dermatomed fresh cadaveric skin was surgically grafted onto the back of the mice and allowed to heal for 5-6 weeks prior to cytokine administration. Intradermal injections of SCF at 0.7 or 2.0 microg significantly increased skin pigmentation when compared to vehicle control. Despite the lack of a dose-dependent pigmentation response following ET-1 administration, the combination of 0.2 microg SCF and 0.1 microg ET-1 demonstrated a statistically significant increase in tyrosinase gene expression substantiated by the enhancement of melanin content and skin pigmentation compared to treatment with SCF alone or ET-1 alone. These findings establish an in vivo interaction between SCF and ET-1 with regard to their capacity to effect an increase in skin pigmentation.

Stem cell factor expression, mast cells and inflammation in asthma

The Kit ligand SCF or stem cell factor (SCF) is a multipotent growth factor, acting as an important growth factor for human mast cells. SCF induces chemotaxis and survival of the mast cell, as well as proliferation and differentiation of immature mast cells from CD34(+) progenitors. Additionally, SCF enhances antigen-induced degranulation of human lung-derived mast cells, and induces a mast cell hyperplasia after subcutaneous administration. SCF expression increases in the airways of asthmatic patients, and this is reversed after treatment with glucocorticoids. A role for SCF may thus be hypothesized in diseases associated with a local increase in the number and/or activation of mast cells, as occurring in the airways in asthma. SCF will be reviewed as a potential therapeutic target in asthma, to control the regulation of mast cell number and activation. We here report the main pathways of SCF synthesis and signalling, and its potential role on airway function and asthma.

Systemic mastocytosis

Systemic mastocytosis is a fascinating disease with diverse clinical features. There have been numerous advances in understanding the basis of clinical manifestations of this disease and of its molecular pathogenesis in the last several decades. The development of methods to study mast cell biology using cell culture and murine models has proven invaluable in this regard. Clarification of the roles of mast cells in various biological processes has expanded our understanding of their importance in innate immunity, as well as allergy. New diagnostic methods have allowed the design of detailed criteria to assist in distinguishing reactive mast cell hyperplasia from systemic mastocytosis. Variants and subvariants of systemic mastocytosis have been defined to assist in determining prognosis and in management of the disease. Elucidation of the roles of the Kit receptor tyrosine kinase and signal transduction pathway activation has contributed to development of potential targeted therapeutic approaches that may prove useful in the future.

Human fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF-20; CG53135-05): a novel cytoprotectant with radioprotective potential

The aim was to evaluate the radioprotective properties of recombinant human fibroblast growth factor 20 (FGF-20; CG53135-05) in vitro and in vivo and to examine its effects on known cellular pathways of radioprotection. Relative transcript levels of the cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), Mn-super oxide dismutase (SOD), CuZn-SOD, extracellular (EC)-SOD, nuclear respiratory factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and intestinal trefoil factor 3 (ITF3) genes, which are involved in radiation response pathways, were assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in NIH/3T3, IEC18, CCD-18Co, CCD-1070sk and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cells exposed to FGF-20. Activation of the radioprotective signal transduction pathways initiating with the serine/threonine Akt kinase and the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) were analysed. Levels of intracellular hydrogen peroxide and cytosolic redox potential were also measured in irradiated and unirradiated cells in the presence or absence of FGF-20. The effects of FGF-20 on cell survival in vitro following ionizing radiation were evaluated using clonogenic assays. To test the potential activity of FGF-20 as a radioprotectant in vivo, mice were administered a single dose of FGF-20 (4 mg kg(-1), intraperitoneally (i.p.) 1 day before lethal total-body irradiation and evaluated for survival. In vitro exposure to FGF-20 increased expression of the Nrf2 transcription factor and oxygen radical scavenging enzymes such as MnSOD, activated signal transduction pathways (ERK and Akt) and resulted in increased survival of irradiated cells in vitro. FGF-20 treatment also resulted in a concomitant reduction in intracellular levels of injurious reactive oxygen species (ROS) following acute ionizing irradiation. Finally, prophylactic administration of FGF-20 to mice before potentially lethal, whole-body X-irradiation led to significant increases in overall survival. FGF-20 reduced the lethal effects of acute ionizing radiation exposure in cells by up-regulating important signalling and free radical scavenging pathways. Survival-sparing effects of FGF-20 prophylaxis in acutely irradiated mice presumably are elicited by comparable mechanisms. These results indicate that FGF-20, has significant radioprotective attributes with potential applications in clinical and non-clinical exposure settings.

Soluble factor(s) from bone marrow cells can rescue lethally irradiated mice by protecting endogenous hematopoietic stem cells

OBJECTIVE

Ionizing radiation-induced myeloablation can be rescued via bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or administration of cytokines if given within 2 hours after radiation exposure. There is no evidence for the existence of soluble factors that can rescue an animal after a lethal dose of radiation when administered several hours postradiation. We established a system that could test the possibility for the existence of soluble factors that could be used more than 2 hours postirradiation to rescue animals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals with an implanted TheraCyte immunoisolation device (TID) received lethal-dose radiation and then normal bone marrow Lin- cells were loaded into the device (thereby preventing direct interaction between donor and recipient cells). Animal survival was evaluated and stem cell activity was tested with secondary bone marrow transplantation and flow cytometry analysis. Donor cell gene expression of five antiapoptotic cytokines was examined.

RESULTS

Bone marrow Lin- cells rescued lethally irradiated animals via soluble factor(s). Bone marrow cells from the rescued animals can rescue and repopulate secondary lethally irradiated animals. Within the first 6 hours post-lethal-dose radiation, there is no significant change of gene expression of the known radioprotective factors TPO, SCF, IL-3, Flt-3 ligand, and SDF-1.

CONCLUSION

Hematopoietic stem cells can be protected in lethally irradiated animals by soluble factors produced by bone marrow Lin- cells.

Normal and Oncogenic Forms of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Kit

Kit is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that binds stem cell factor. This receptor ligand combination is important for normal hematopoiesis, as well as pigmentation, gut function, and reproduction. Structurally, Kit has both an extracellular and intracellular region. Theintra-cellular region is comprised of a juxtamembrane domain (JMD), a kinase domain, a kinase insert, and a carboxyl tail. Inappropriate expression or activation of Kit is associated with a variety of diseases in humans. Activating mutations in Kit have been identified primarily in the JMD and the second part of the kinase domain and have been associated with gastrointestinal stromal cell tumors and mastocytosis, respectively. There are also reports of activating mutations in some forms of germ cell tumors and core binding factor leukemias. Since the cloning of the Kit ligand in the early 1990s, there has been an explosion of information relating to the mechanism of action of normal forms of Kit as well as activated mutants. This is important because understanding this RTK at the biochemical level could assist in the development of therapeutics to treat primary and secondary defects in the tissues that require Kit. Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms mediating transformation of cells by activated Kit mutants will help in the design of interventions for human disease associated with these mutations. The objective of this review is to summarize what is known about normal and oncogenic forms of Kit. We will place particular emphasis on recent developments in understanding the mechanisms of action of normal and activated forms of this RTK and its association with human disease, particularly in hematopoietic cells.

Activation of c-kit by stem cell factor induces radioresistance to apoptosis through ERK-dependent expression of survivin in HL60 cells

We investigated the effect of SCF, a c-kit ligand, on the radiosensitivity of HL60 cells. X-ray-induced apoptosis in HL60 cells was significantly lower in the presence of SCF than in the absence of SCF. This attenuation of X-ray-induced apoptosis by SCF was abolished by PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor), but not by wortmannin (a PI3-K inhibitor) or GF109203X (a PKC inhibitor). The expression of phospho-ERK1/2 (active form) and the ERK1/2-regulated expression of survivin were found to increase in cells treated with X irradiation and SCF. However, X irradiation alone induced down-regulation of the expression of phospho-ERK1/2. Our findings suggest that activation of c-kit by SCF confers radioresistance through up-regulation of ERK-dependent survivin expression in HL60 cells.

Perspectives on cancer therapy-induced mucosal injury: pathogenesis, measurement, epidemiology, and consequences for patients

BACKGROUND

A frequent complication of anticancer treatment, oral and gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis, threatens the effectiveness of therapy because it leads to dose reductions, increases healthcare costs, and impairs patients' quality of life. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and the International Society for Oral Oncology assembled an international multidisciplinary panel of experts to create clinical practice guidelines for the prevention, evaluation, and treatment of mucositis.

METHODS

The panelists examined medical literature published from January 1966 through May 2002, presented their findings at two separate conferences, and then created a writing committee that produced two articles: the current study and another that codifies the clinical implications of the panel's findings in practice guidelines.

RESULTS

New evidence supports the view that oral mucositis is a complex process involving all the tissues and cellular elements of the mucosa. Other findings suggest that some aspects of mucositis risk may be determined genetically. GI proapoptotic and antiapoptotic gene levels change along the GI tract, perhaps explaining differences in the frequency with which mucositis occurs at different sites. Studies of mucositis incidence in clinical trials by quality and using meta-analysis techniques produced estimates of incidence that are presented herein for what to our knowledge may be a broader range of cancers than ever presented before.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the pathobiology of mucositis, its incidence, and scoring are essential for progress in research and care directed at this common side-effect of anticancer therapies.

c-Kit-mediated overlapping and unique functional and biochemical outcomes via diverse signaling pathways

A critical issue in understanding receptor tyrosine kinase signaling is the individual contribution of diverse signaling pathways in regulating cellular growth, survival, and migration. We generated a functionally and biochemically inert c-Kit receptor that lacked the binding sites for seven early signaling pathways. Restoring the Src family kinase (SFK) binding sites in the mutated c-Kit receptor restored cellular survival and migration but only partially rescued proliferation and was associated with the rescue of the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase, Rac/JNK kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3 kinase)/Akt pathways. In contrast, restoring the PI-3 kinase binding site in the mutated receptor did not affect cellular proliferation but resulted in a modest correction in cell survival and migration, despite a complete rescue in the activation of the PI-3 kinase/Akt pathway. Surprisingly, restoring the binding sites for Grb2, Grb7, or phospholipase C-gamma had no effect on cellular growth or survival, migration, or activation of any of the downstream signaling pathways. These results argue that SFKs play a unique role in the control of multiple cellular functions and in the activation of distinct biochemical pathways via c-Kit.

Acute expression of RET/PTC induces isozyme-specific activation and subsequent downregulation of PKCɛ in PCCL3 thyroid cells

Most papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) have an isozyme-specific reduction of protein kinase C (PKC)epsilon, which occurs through a post-transcriptional mechanism. Here, we test whether the oncoprotein RET/PTC could be responsible for this effect, since RET/PTC rearrangements are quite prevalent in PTC and RET/PTC activates PLCgamma, an upstream modulator of PKCs. At 3 h after induction of RET/PTC1 or RET/PTC3 expression, there was evidence of PKCepsilon activation. Activation was restricted to PKCepsilon, as acute expression of RET/PTC did not change the subcellular distribution of other PKC isozymes expressed in PCCL3 cells. Prolonged RET/PTC expression (2-6 days) produced an isozyme-specific change in PKCepsilon subcellular localization and a decrease in total PKCepsilon levels. The expression of RET/PTC3(Y541F), which does not interact with PLCgamma, but signals normally through other RET effectors, had no effect on PKCepsilon distribution at any of the time points examined. However, downregulation of total PKCepsilon levels was only partially prevented by expression of RET/PTC(Y541F). Cells with decreased PKCepsilon following prolonged expression of RET/PTC were relatively resistant to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis. Based on our previous observation that PCCL3 cells expressing a dominant-negative PKCepsilon are also markedly resistant to apoptosis, we propose that selective downregulation of PKCepsilon following prolonged RET/PTC activation promotes cell survival and clonal expansion.