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Pinkeova A, Tomikova A, Bertokova A, Fabinyova E, Bartova R, Jane E, Hroncekova S, Sievert KD, Sokol R, Jirasko M, Kucera R, Eder IE, Horninger W, Klocker H, Ďubjaková P, Fillo J, Bertok T, Tkac J. Glycoprofiling of proteins as prostate cancer biomarkers: A multinational population study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300430. [PMID: 38498504 PMCID: PMC10947713 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The glycoprofiling of two proteins, the free form of the prostate-specific antigen (fPSA) and zinc-α-2-glycoprotein (ZA2G), was assessed to determine their suitability as prostate cancer (PCa) biomarkers. The glycoprofiling of proteins was performed by analysing changes in the glycan composition on fPSA and ZA2G using lectins (proteins that recognise glycans, i.e. complex carbohydrates). The specific glycoprofiling of the proteins was performed using magnetic beads (MBs) modified with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and antibodies that selectively enriched fPSA or ZA2G from human serum samples. Subsequently, the antibody-captured glycoproteins were incubated on lectin-coated ELISA plates. In addition, a novel glycoprotein standard (GPS) was used to normalise the assay. The glycoprofiling of fPSA and ZA2G was performed in human serum samples obtained from men undergoing a prostate biopsy after an elevated serum PSA, and prostate cancer patients with or without prior therapy. The results are presented in the form of an ROC (Receiver Operating Curve). A DCA (Decision Curve Analysis) to evaluate the clinical performance and net benefit of fPSA glycan-based biomarkers was also performed. While the glycoprofiling of ZA2G showed little promise as a potential PCa biomarker, the glycoprofiling of fPSA would appear to have significant clinical potential. Hence, the GIA (Glycobiopsy ImmunoAssay) test integrates the glycoprofiling of fPSA (i.e. two glycan forms of fPSA). The GIA test could be used for early diagnoses of PCa (AUC = 0.83; n = 559 samples) with a potential for use in therapy-monitoring (AUC = 0.90; n = 176 samples). Moreover, the analysis of a subset of serum samples (n = 215) revealed that the GIA test (AUC = 0.81) outperformed the PHI (Prostate Health Index) test (AUC = 0.69) in discriminating between men with prostate cancer and those with benign serum PSA elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pinkeova
- Glycanostics, Ltd., Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | | | | | | | - Eduard Jane
- Glycanostics, Ltd., Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | | | - Roman Sokol
- Private Urological Ambulance, Trencin, Slovak Republic
| | - Michal Jirasko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Kucera
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Immunochemistry Diagnostics, University Hospital in Pilsen, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Horninger
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Juraj Fillo
- University Hospital Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Bertok
- Glycanostics, Ltd., Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Jan Tkac
- Glycanostics, Ltd., Bratislava, Slovak Republic
- Institute of Chemistry, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
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Neuwirt H, Eder IE, Gauckler P, Horvath L, Koeck S, Noflatscher M, Schaefer B, Simeon A, Petzer V, Prodinger WM, Berendonk C. Impact of familiarity with the format of the exam on performance in the OSCE of undergraduate medical students - an interventional study. BMC Med Educ 2024; 24:179. [PMID: 38395807 PMCID: PMC10893607 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05091-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessments, such as summative structured examinations, aim to verify whether students have acquired the necessary competencies. It is important to familiarize students with the examination format prior to the assessment to ensure that true competency is measured. However, it is unclear whether students can demonstrate their true potential or possibly perform less effectively due to the unfamiliar examination format. Hence, we questioned whether a 10-min active familiarization in the form of simulation improved medical students´ OSCE performance. Next, we wanted to elucidate whether the effect depends on whether the familiarization procedure is active or passive. METHODS We implemented an intervention consisting of a 10-min active simulation to prepare the students for the OSCE setting. We compared the impact of this intervention on performance to no intervention in 5th-year medical students (n = 1284) from 2018 until 2022. Recently, a passive lecture, in which the OSCE setting is explained without active participation of the students, was introduced as a comparator group. Students who participated in neither the intervention nor the passive lecture group formed the control group. The OSCE performance between the groups and the impact of gender was assessed using X2, nonparametric tests and regression analysis (total n = 362). RESULTS We found that active familiarization of students (n = 188) yields significantly better performance compared to the passive comparator (Cohen´s d = 0.857, p < 0.001, n = 52) and control group (Cohen´s d = 0.473, p < 0.001, n = 122). In multivariate regression analysis, active intervention remained the only significant variable with a 2.945-fold increase in the probability of passing the exam (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS A short 10-min active intervention to familiarize students with the OSCE setting significantly improved student performance. We suggest that curricula should include simulations on the exam setting in addition to courses that increase knowledge or skills to mitigate the negative effect of nonfamiliarity with the OSCE exam setting on the students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV - Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philipp Gauckler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV - Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lena Horvath
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Koeck
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Noflatscher
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Cardiology and Angiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Benedikt Schaefer
- Department of Internal Medicine I - Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anja Simeon
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Verena Petzer
- Department of Internal Medicine V - Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang M Prodinger
- Vice Rectorate for Teaching and Study Affairs, Medical University of Innsbruck, Fritz-Pregl-Strasse 3, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Berendonk
- Institute for Medical Education (IML) - Assessment and Evaluation Unit (AAE), University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
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Ladurner M, Wieser M, Eigentler A, Seewald M, Dobler G, Neuwirt H, Kafka M, Heidegger I, Horninger W, Bektic J, Klocker H, Obrist P, Eder IE. Validation of Cell-Free RNA and Circulating Tumor Cells for Molecular Marker Analysis in Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081004. [PMID: 34440208 PMCID: PMC8391593 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since tissue material is often lacking in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa), there is increasing interest in using liquid biopsies for treatment decision and monitoring therapy responses. The purpose of this study was to validate the usefulness of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and plasma-derived cell-free (cf) RNA as starting material for gene expression analysis through qPCR. CTCs were identified upon prostate-specific membrane antigen and/or cytokeratin positivity after enrichment with ScreenCell (Westford, Massachusetts, USA) filters or the microfluidic ParsortixTM (Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom) system. Overall, 50% (28/56) of the patients had ≥5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood. However, CTC count did not correlate with Gleason score, serum PSA, or gene expression. Notably, we observed high expression of CD45 in CTC samples after enrichment, which could be successfully eliminated through picking of single cells. Gene expression in picked CTCs was, however, rather low. In cfRNA from plasma, on the other hand, gene expression levels were higher compared to those found in CTCs. Moreover, we found that PSA was significantly increased in plasma-derived cfRNA of mPCa patients compared to healthy controls. High PSA expression was also associated with poor overall survival, indicating that using cfRNA from plasma could be used as a valuable tool for molecular expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ladurner
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Manuel Wieser
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, 6511 Zams, Austria; (M.W.); (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Andrea Eigentler
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Martin Seewald
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, 6511 Zams, Austria; (M.W.); (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Gabriele Dobler
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV-Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Mona Kafka
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Wolfgang Horninger
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Jasmin Bektic
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Peter Obrist
- Tyrolpath Obrist Brunhuber GmbH, 6511 Zams, Austria; (M.W.); (M.S.); (P.O.)
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.L.); (A.E.); (G.D.); (M.K.); (I.H.); (W.H.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-24819; Fax: +43-512-504-24817
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Kafka M, Mayr F, Temml V, Möller G, Adamski J, Höfer J, Schwaiger S, Heidegger I, Matuszczak B, Schuster D, Klocker H, Bektic J, Stuppner H, Eder IE. Dual Inhibitory Action of a Novel AKR1C3 Inhibitor on Both Full-Length AR and the Variant AR-V7 in Enzalutamide Resistant Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2092. [PMID: 32731472 PMCID: PMC7465893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded use of second-generation antiandrogens revolutionized the treatment landscape of progressed prostate cancer. However, resistances to these novel drugs are already the next obstacle to be solved. Various previous studies depicted an involvement of the enzyme AKR1C3 in the process of castration resistance as well as in the resistance to 2nd generation antiandrogens like enzalutamide. In our study, we examined the potential of natural AKR1C3 inhibitors in various prostate cancer cell lines and a three-dimensional co-culture spheroid model consisting of cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) mimicking enzalutamide resistant prostate cancer. One of our compounds, named MF-15, expressed strong antineoplastic effects especially in cell culture models with significant enzalutamide resistance. Furthermore, MF-15 exhibited a strong effect on androgen receptor (AR) signaling, including significant inhibition of AR activity, downregulation of androgen-regulated genes, lower prostate specific antigen (PSA) production, and decreased AR and AKR1C3 expression, indicating a bi-functional effect. Even more important, we demonstrated a persisting inhibition of AR activity in the presence of AR-V7 and further showed that MF-15 non-competitively binds within the DNA binding domain of the AR. The data suggest MF-15 as useful drug to overcome enzalutamide resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Kafka
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Fabian Mayr
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Veronika Temml
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Gabriele Möller
- Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.M.); (J.A.)
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Research Unit Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany; (G.M.); (J.A.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 637551, Singapore
- Lehrstuhl für Experimentelle Genetik, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Julia Höfer
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Stefan Schwaiger
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Barbara Matuszczak
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.M.); (D.S.)
| | - Daniela Schuster
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (B.M.); (D.S.)
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Jasmin Bektic
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
| | - Hermann Stuppner
- Institute of Pharmacy/Pharmacognosy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (F.M.); (V.T.); (S.S.); (H.S.)
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (M.K.); (J.H.); (I.H.); (H.K.); (J.B.)
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Kafka M, Eder IE, Klocker H, Heidegger I. Emerging promising biomarkers for treatment decision in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Urol Oncol 2020; 38:801-815. [PMID: 32591248 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common causes of death in males. Even if treatment is often of curative intent in early stages of the disease, up to 50% of patients relapse after primary therapy. Moreover, 10% to 15% of patients present in a primary metastatic stage of disease. In the past years the treatment landscape of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer expanded due to the development of second-generation antiandrogens (abiraterone acetate, enzalutamide), chemotherapeutic agents and radium-223. With the availability of several therapeutic lines, we are now confronted with the problem of choosing the most suitable therapy in each state of disease. As often observed in clinical routine, prostate specific antigen is not sufficient for early prediction of a therapy response. Furthermore, biomarkers for prediction of the optimal first-line therapy are badly needed in order to avoid primary resistance. Therefore, the present short review article gives an overview of currently available clinical and preclinical biomarkers for treatment response to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer therapeutic agents with the aim of providing support for a personalized decision-making process in everyday use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Kafka
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Gruber M, Ferrone L, Puhr M, Santer FR, Furlan T, Eder IE, Sampson N, Schäfer G, Handle F, Culig Z. p300 is upregulated by docetaxel and is a target in chemoresistant prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2020; 27:187-198. [PMID: 31951590 PMCID: PMC7040497 DOI: 10.1530/erc-19-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Administration of the microtubule inhibitor docetaxel is a common treatment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and results in prolonged patient overall survival. Usually, after a short period of time chemotherapy resistance emerges and there is urgent need to find new therapeutic targets to overcome therapy resistance. The lysine-acetyltransferase p300 has been correlated to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Here, we aimed to clarify a possible function of p300 in chemotherapy resistance and verify p300 as a target in chemoresistant PCa. Immunohistochemistry staining of tissue samples revealed significantly higher p300 protein expression in patients who received docetaxel as a neoadjuvant therapy compared to control patients. Elevated p300 expression was confirmed by analysis of publicly available patient data, where significantly higher p300 mRNA expression was found in tissue of mCRPC tumors of docetaxel-treated patients. Consistently, docetaxel-resistant PCa cells showed increased p300 protein expression compared to docetaxel-sensitive counterparts. Docetaxel treatment of PCa cells for 72 h resulted in elevated p300 expression. shRNA-mediated p300 knockdown did not alter colony formation efficiency in docetaxel-sensitive cells, but significantly reduced clonogenic potential of docetaxel-resistant cells. Downregulation of p300 in docetaxel-resistant cells also impaired cell migration and invasion. Taken together, we showed that p300 is upregulated by docetaxel, and our findings suggest that p300 is a possible co-target in treatment of chemoresistant PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Gruber
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lavinia Ferrone
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Martin Puhr
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Frédéric R Santer
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tobias Furlan
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Natalie Sampson
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Department of Pathology, Neuropathology, and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Handle
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zoran Culig
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Neuwirt H, Bouchal J, Kharaishvili G, Ploner C, Jöhrer K, Pitterl F, Weber A, Klocker H, Eder IE. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote prostate tumor growth and progression through upregulation of cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:11. [PMID: 31980029 PMCID: PMC6979368 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Androgen receptor targeted therapies have emerged as an effective tool to manage advanced prostate cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, frequent occurrence of therapy resistance represents a major challenge in the clinical management of patients, also because the molecular mechanisms behind therapy resistance are not yet fully understood. In the present study, we therefore aimed to identify novel targets to intervene with therapy resistance using gene expression analysis of PCa co-culture spheroids where PCa cells are grown in the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and which have been previously shown to be a reliable model for antiandrogen resistance. Methods Gene expression changes of co-culture spheroids (LNCaP and DuCaP seeded together with CAFs) were identified by Illumina microarray profiling. Real-time PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and cell viability assays in 2D and 3D culture were performed to validate the expression of selected targets in vitro and in vivo. Cytokine profiling was conducted to analyze CAF-conditioned medium. Results Gene expression analysis of co-culture spheroids revealed that CAFs induced a significant upregulation of cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis pathways in PCa cells. Cytokine profiling revealed high amounts of pro-inflammatory, pro-migratory and pro-angiogenic factors in the CAF supernatant. In particular, two genes, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A synthase 2 (HMGCS2) and aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3), were significantly upregulated in PCa cells upon co-culture with CAFs. Both enzymes were also significantly increased in human PCa compared to benign tissue with AKR1C3 expression even being associated with Gleason score and metastatic status. Inhibiting HMGCS2 and AKR1C3 resulted in significant growth retardation of co-culture spheroids as well as of various castration and enzalutamide resistant cell lines in 2D and 3D culture, underscoring their putative role in PCa. Importantly, dual targeting of cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis with simvastatin, a commonly prescribed cholesterol synthesis inhibitor, and an inhibitor against AKR1C3 had the strongest growth inhibitory effect. Conclusions From our results we conclude that CAFs induce an upregulation of cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis in PCa cells, driving them into AR targeted therapy resistance. Blocking both pathways with simvastatin and an AKR1C3 inhibitor may therefore be a promising approach to overcome resistances to AR targeted therapies in PCa. Video abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV - Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Gvantsa Kharaishvili
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Christian Ploner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karin Jöhrer
- Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria.,Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Florian Pitterl
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anja Weber
- Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Loeschenberger B, Niess L, Würzner R, Schwelberger H, Eder IE, Puhr M, Guenther J, Troppmair J, Rudnicki M, Neuwirt H. Calcineurin inhibitor-induced complement system activation via ERK1/2 signalling is inhibited by SOCS-3 in human renal tubule cells. Eur J Immunol 2017; 48:330-343. [PMID: 29143318 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
One factor that significantly contributes to renal allograft loss is chronic calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity (CIN). Among other factors, the complement (C-) system has been proposed to be involved CIN development. Hence, we investigated the impact of CNIs on intracellular signalling and the effects on the C-system in human renal tubule cells. In a qPCR array, CNI treatment upregulated C-factors and downregulated SOCS-3 and the complement inhibitors CD46 and CD55. Additionally, ERK1/-2 was required for these regulations. Following knock-down and overexpression of SOCS-3, we found that SOCS-3 inhibits ERK1/-2 signalling. Finally, we assessed terminal complement complex formation, cell viability and apoptosis. Terminal complement complex formation was induced by CNIs. Cell viability was significantly decreased, whereas apoptosis was increased. Both effects were reversed under complement component-depleted conditions. In vivo, increased ERK1/-2 phosphorylation and SOCS-3 downregulation were observed at the time of transplantation in renal allograft patients who developed a progressive decline of renal function in the follow-up compared to stable patients. The progressive cohort also had lower total C3 levels, suggesting higher complement activity at baseline. In conclusion, our data suggest that SOCS-3 inhibits CNI-induced ERK1/-2 signalling, thereby blunting the negative control of C-system activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lea Niess
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hubert Schwelberger
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Puhr
- Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Guenther
- Daniel Swarovski Research Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant- and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jakob Troppmair
- Daniel Swarovski Research Laboratory, Department of Visceral, Transplant- and Thoracic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Rudnicki
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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9
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Eder T, Weber A, Neuwirt H, Grünbacher G, Ploner C, Klocker H, Sampson N, Eder IE. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Modify the Response of Prostate Cancer Cells to Androgen and Anti-Androgens in Three-Dimensional Spheroid Culture. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:E1458. [PMID: 27598125 PMCID: PMC5037737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17091458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) targeting remains the gold standard treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PCa); however, treatment resistance remains a major clinical problem. To study the therapeutic effects of clinically used anti-androgens we characterized herein a tissue-mimetic three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model whereby PCa cells were cultured alone or with PCa-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Notably, the ratio of PCa cells to CAFs significantly increased in time in favor of the tumor cells within the spheroids strongly mimicking PCa in vivo. Despite this loss of CAFs, the stromal cells, which were not sensitive to androgen and even stimulated by the anti-androgens, significantly influenced the sensitivity of PCa cells to androgen and to the anti-androgens bicalutamide and enzalutamide. In particular, DuCaP cells lost sensitivity to enzalutamide when co-cultured with CAFs. In LAPC4/CAF and LNCaP/CAF co-culture spheroids the impact of the CAFs was less pronounced. In addition, 3D spheroids exhibited a significant increase in E-cadherin and substantial expression of vimentin in co-culture spheroids, whereas AR levels remained unchanged or even decreased. In LNCaP/CAF spheroids we further found increased Akt signaling that could be inhibited by the phosphatidyl-inositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002, thereby overcoming the anti-androgen resistance of the spheroids. Our data show that CAFs influence drug response of PCa cells with varying impact and further suggest this spheroid model is a valuable in vitro drug testing tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
- Translational Radio Oncology Laboratory, Department of Radio oncology and Radiotherapy, Charité University Hospital, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Partner Site, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Anja Weber
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV-Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Georg Grünbacher
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Christian Ploner
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Natalie Sampson
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Iris E Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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10
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Löschenberger B, Niess L, Eder IE, Würzner R, Neuwirt H. SP634THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM AND MAPK SIGNALING IN CALCINEURIN-INHIBITOR INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw177.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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11
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Schöpf B, Schäfer G, Weber A, Talasz H, Eder IE, Klocker H, Gnaiger E. Oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function differ between human prostate tissue and cultured cells. FEBS J 2016; 283:2181-96. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.13733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Schöpf
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology Department of Medical Genetics Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Division of Experimental Urology Department of Urology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
- Department of Pathology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Anja Weber
- Division of Experimental Urology Department of Urology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Heribert Talasz
- Biocenter Section for Clinical Biochemistry Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology Department of Urology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology Department of Urology Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
| | - Erich Gnaiger
- Department of General and Transplant Surgery D. Swarovski Research Laboratory Medical University of Innsbruck Austria
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12
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Santer FR, Erb HHH, Oh SJ, Handle F, Feiersinger GE, Luef B, Bu H, Schäfer G, Ploner C, Egger M, Rane JK, Maitland NJ, Klocker H, Eder IE, Culig Z. Mechanistic rationale for MCL1 inhibition during androgen deprivation therapy. Oncotarget 2016; 6:6105-22. [PMID: 25749045 PMCID: PMC4467425 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen deprivation therapy induces apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Here we set out to analyze whether MCL1, a known mediator of chemotherapy resistance regulates the cellular response to androgen withdrawal. Analysis of MCL1 protein and mRNA expression in PCa tissue and primary cell culture specimens of luminal and basal origin, respectively, reveals higher expression in cancerous tissue compared to benign origin. Using PCa cellular models in vitro and in vivo we show that MCL1 expression is upregulated in androgen-deprived PCa cells. Regulation of MCL1 through the AR signaling axis is indirectly mediated via a cell cycle-dependent mechanism. Using constructs downregulating or overexpressing MCL1 we demonstrate that expression of MCL1 prevents induction of apoptosis when PCa cells are grown under steroid-deprived conditions. The BH3-mimetic Obatoclax induces apoptosis and decreases MCL1 expression in androgen-sensitive PCa cells, while castration-resistant PCa cells are less sensitive and react with an upregulation of MCL1 expression. Synergistic effects of Obatoclax with androgen receptor inactivation can be observed. Moreover, clonogenicity of primary basal PCa cells is efficiently inhibited by Obatoclax. Altogether, our results suggest that MCL1 is a key molecule deciding over the fate of PCa cells upon inactivation of androgen receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric R Santer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Holger H H Erb
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria.,Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Su Jung Oh
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Handle
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gertrud E Feiersinger
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Luef
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Huajie Bu
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christian Ploner
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martina Egger
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jayant K Rane
- Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Norman J Maitland
- Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck, Austria
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13
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Ofer P, Heidegger I, Eder IE, Schöpf B, Neuwirt H, Geley S, Klocker H, Massoner P. Both IGF1R and INSR Knockdown Exert Antitumorigenic Effects in Prostate Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1694-707. [PMID: 26452103 PMCID: PMC4669362 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The IGF network with its main receptors IGF receptor 1 (IGF1R) and insulin receptor (INSR) is of major importance for cancer initiation and progression. To date, clinical studies targeting this network were disappointing and call for thorough analysis of the IGF network in cancer models. We highlight the oncogenic effects controlled by IGF1R and INSR in prostate cancer cells and show similarities as well as differences after receptor knockdown (KD). In PC3 prostate cancer cells stably transduced with inducible short hairpin RNAs, targeting IGF1R or INSR attenuated cell growth and proliferation ultimately driving cells into apoptosis. IGF1R KD triggered rapid and strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic responses, whereas these effects were less pronounced and delayed after INSR KD. Down-regulation of the antiapoptotic proteins myeloid cell leukemia-1 and survivin was observed in both KDs, whereas IGF1R KD also attenuated expression of prosurvival proteins B cell lymphoma-2 and B cell lymphoma-xL. Receptor KD induced cell death involved autophagy in particular upon IGF1R KD; however, no difference in mitochondrial energy metabolism was observed. In a mouse xenograft model, induction of IGF1R or INSR KD after tumor establishment eradicated most of the tumors. After 20 days of receptor KD, tumor cells were found only in 1/14 IGF1R and 3/14 INSR KD tumor remnants. Collectively, our data underline the oncogenic functions of IGF1R and INSR in prostate cancer namely growth, proliferation, and survival in vitro as well as in vivo and identify myeloid cell leukemia-1 and survivin as important mediators of inhibitory and apoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Ofer
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernd Schöpf
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stephan Geley
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Petra Massoner
- Division of Experimental Urology (P.O., I.H., I.E.E., H.K., P.M.), Department of Urology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Division of Genetic Epidemiology (B.S.), Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Internal Medicine IV (N.H.), Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; and Division of Molecular Pathophysiology (S.G.), Biocenter, Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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14
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Puhr M, Hoefer J, Neuwirt H, Eder IE, Kern J, Schäfer G, Geley S, Heidegger I, Klocker H, Culig Z. PIAS1 is a crucial factor for prostate cancer cell survival and a valid target in docetaxel resistant cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:12043-56. [PMID: 25474038 PMCID: PMC4322998 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Occurrence of an inherent or acquired resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel is a major burden for patients suffering from different kinds of malignancies, including castration resistant prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study we address the question whether PIAS1 targeting can be used to establish a basis for improved PCa treatment. The expression status and functional relevance of PIAS1 was evaluated in primary tumors, in metastatic lesions, in tissue of patients after docetaxel chemotherapy, and in docetaxel resistant cells. Patient data were complemented by functional studies on PIAS1 knockdown in vitro as well as in chicken chorioallantoic membrane and mouse xenograft in vivo models. PIAS1 was found to be overexpressed in local and metastatic PCa and its expression was further elevated in tumors after docetaxel treatment as well as in docetaxel resistant cells. Furthermore, PIAS1 knockdown experiments revealed an increased expression of tumor suppressor p21 and declined expression of anti-apoptotic protein Mcl1, which caused diminished cell proliferation and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. In summary, the presented data indicate that PIAS1 is crucial for parental and docetaxel resistant PCa cell survival and is therefore a promising new target for treatment of primary, metastatic, and chemotherapy resistant PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Puhr
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Hoefer
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johann Kern
- Oncotyrol Laboratory for Tumor Biology and Angiogenesis, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stephan Geley
- Division of Molecular Pathophysiology, Innsbruck Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Dueregger A, Schöpf B, Eder T, Höfer J, Gnaiger E, Aufinger A, Kenner L, Perktold B, Ramoner R, Klocker H, Eder IE. Differential Utilization of Dietary Fatty Acids in Benign and Malignant Cells of the Prostate. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135704. [PMID: 26285134 PMCID: PMC4540467 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells adapt via metabolic reprogramming to meet elevated energy demands due to continuous proliferation, for example by switching to alternative energy sources. Nutrients such as glucose, fatty acids, ketone bodies and amino acids may be utilized as preferred substrates to fulfill increased energy requirements. In this study we investigated the metabolic characteristics of benign and cancer cells of the prostate with respect to their utilization of medium chain (MCTs) and long chain triglycerides (LCTs) under standard and glucose-starved culture conditions by assessing cell viability, glycolytic activity, mitochondrial respiration, the expression of genes encoding key metabolic enzymes as well as mitochondrial mass and mtDNA content. We report that BE prostate cells (RWPE-1) have a higher competence to utilize fatty acids as energy source than PCa cells (LNCaP, ABL, PC3) as shown not only by increased cell viability upon fatty acid supplementation but also by an increased ß-oxidation of fatty acids, although the base-line respiration was 2-fold higher in prostate cancer cells. Moreover, BE RWPE-1 cells were found to compensate for glucose starvation in the presence of fatty acids. Of notice, these findings were confirmed in vivo by showing that PCa tissue has a lower capacity in oxidizing fatty acids than benign prostate. Collectively, these metabolic differences between benign and prostate cancer cells and especially their differential utilization of fatty acids could be exploited to establish novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dueregger
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Oncotyrol GmbH, Center for Personalized Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernd Schöpf
- Oncotyrol GmbH, Center for Personalized Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Medical Genetics, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Oroboros Instruments, High-Resolution Respirometry, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Theresa Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Höfer
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Erich Gnaiger
- Oroboros Instruments, High-Resolution Respirometry, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of General and Transplant Surgery, D. Swarovski Research Laboratory, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 66/6, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Astrid Aufinger
- Clinical Institute for Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Kenner
- Clinical Institute for Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Perktold
- Diätologie, FHG-Zentrum Für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Reinhold Ramoner
- Diätologie, FHG-Zentrum Für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Oncotyrol GmbH, Center for Personalized Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
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16
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Santer FR, Erb HH, Oh SJ, Handle F, Feiersinger GE, Luef B, Bu H, Schäfer G, Ploner C, Egger M, Rane JK, Maitland NJ, Klocker H, Eder IE, Culig Z. Abstract 3: Mechanistic rationale for MCL1 inhibition during androgen deprivation therapy. Cancer Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The cellular consequences of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a first-line therapy for locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), are induction of apoptosis or G1 cell cycle arrest. Inability of PCa cells to induce apoptosis is the starting point of development of castration resistance. Hence, an improved therapy should target the cell cycle-arrested cells in a combinatorial approach together with currently applied ADT. Here we set out to analyze whether MCL1, a pro-survival member of the BCL2 family and known mediator of chemotherapy resistance regulates the cellular response to androgen withdrawal. Analysis of MCL1 protein and mRNA expression in PCa tissue and primary cell culture specimens of luminal and basal origin, respectively, reveals higher expression in cancerous tissue compared to benign origin. Using PCa cellular models in vitro and in vivo we show that MCL1 expression is regulated through the action of androgens and upregulated in androgen-sensitive PCa cells when grown under steroid-deprived conditions. Analysis of the underlying mechanism suggests that regulation of MCL1 through the AR signaling axis is indirectly mediated via a cell cycle-dependent mechanism. Using constructs downregulating or overexpressing MCL1 we demonstrate that expression of MCL1 prevents induction of apoptosis when androgen-sensitive PCa cells are grown under steroid-deprived conditions. The BH3-mimetic Obatoclax induces apoptosis and decreases MCL1 expression in androgen-sensitive PCa cells, while castration-resistant PCa cells are less sensitive and react with an upregulation of MCL1 expression. Synergistic effects of Obatoclax with androgen receptor inactivation can be observed in androgen-sensitive cells. In addition, Obatoclax efficiently inhibits clonogenicity of primary basal PCa cells. Altogether, our results suggest that MCL1 is a key molecule deciding over the fate of PCa cells upon inactivation of androgen receptor signaling and provide a mechanistic rationale for a clinical assessment of a MCL1-targeting therapy adjuvant to ADT.
Citation Format: Frédéric R. Santer, Holger H.H. Erb, Su Jung Oh, Florian Handle, Gertrud E. Feiersinger, Birgit Luef, Huajie Bu, Georg Schäfer, Christian Ploner, Martina Egger, Jayant K. Rane, Norman J. Maitland, Helmut Klocker, Iris E. Eder, Zoran Culig. Mechanistic rationale for MCL1 inhibition during androgen deprivation therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger H.H. Erb
- 2Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Su Jung Oh
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Birgit Luef
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Huajie Bu
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Martina Egger
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jayant K. Rane
- 2Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Norman J. Maitland
- 2Yorkshire Cancer Research Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | | | - Iris E. Eder
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- 1Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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17
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Neuwirt H, Wabnig E, Feistritzer C, Eder IE, Salvador C, Puhr M, Culig Z, Massoner P, Tiefenthaler M, Steurer M, Konwalinka G. Akacid medical formulation induces apoptosis in myeloid and lymphatic leukemic cell lines in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117806. [PMID: 25680181 PMCID: PMC4334520 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Akacid medical formulation (AMF) is an oligoguanidine that exerts biocidal activity against airborne and surface microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and molds, while showing relatively low toxicity to humans. We have previously shown that AMF exerts antiproliferative effects on a variety of solid tumor cell lines. In this study we raised the question whether AMF could also substantially inhibit cell growth or induce apoptosis in cell lines derived from hematologic malignancies such as leukemia or lymphoma. We found that AMF has antiproliferative effects on various hematologic cell lines derived from human leukemia and lymphoma. Additionally, we show that AMF induces apoptosis in leukemia cell lines not only via the extrinsic and intrinsic pathway, but also in a caspase-independent manner. This effect was found also in G0-arrested cells. Finally, in our animal experiments utilizing male nu/nu Balb/c mice we found a significant growth retardation, which was immunohistochemically associated with a significantly lower number of KI67-positive cells and caspase-3 induction in AMF-treated mice.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Caspase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Caspases/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme Activation/drug effects
- G1 Phase Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Guanidines/administration & dosage
- Guanidines/pharmacology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphoid/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- Male
- Mice
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Elisabeth Wabnig
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Feistritzer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Department of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christina Salvador
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Puhr
- Department of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Department of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Petra Massoner
- Department of Experimental Urology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Tiefenthaler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Steurer
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Guenther Konwalinka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Dueregger A, Heidegger I, Ofer P, Perktold B, Ramoner R, Klocker H, Eder IE. The use of dietary supplements to alleviate androgen deprivation therapy side effects during prostate cancer treatment. Nutrients 2014; 6:4491-519. [PMID: 25338271 PMCID: PMC4210931 DOI: 10.3390/nu6104491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa), the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of male cancer death in Western societies, is typically androgen-dependent, a characteristic that underlies the rationale of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Approximately 90% of patients initially respond to ADT strategies, however many experience side effects including hot flashes, cardiotoxicity, metabolic and musculoskeletal alterations. This review summarizes pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the ability of dietary supplements to alleviate adverse effects arising from ADT. In particular, we focus on herbal compounds, phytoestrogens, selenium (Se), fatty acids (FA), calcium, and Vitamins D and E. Indeed, there is some evidence that calcium and Vitamin D can prevent the development of osteoporosis during ADT. On the other hand, caution should be taken with the antioxidants Se and Vitamin E until the basis underlying their respective association with type 2 diabetes mellitus and PCa tumor development has been clarified. However, many other promising supplements have not yet been subjected large-scale clinical trials making it difficult to assess their efficacy. Given the demographic trend of increased PCa diagnoses and dependence on ADT as a major therapeutic strategy, further studies are required to objectively evaluate these supplements as adjuvant for PCa patients receiving ADT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Dueregger
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, A-6020 Austria.
| | - Isabel Heidegger
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, A-6020 Austria.
| | - Philipp Ofer
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, A-6020 Austria.
| | - Bernhard Perktold
- Department of Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria.
| | - Reinhold Ramoner
- Department of Dietetics, University of Applied Sciences Tyrol, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria.
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, A-6020 Austria.
| | - Iris E Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, A-6020 Austria.
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19
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Hoefer J, Kern J, Ofer P, Eder IE, Schäfer G, Dietrich D, Kristiansen G, Geley S, Rainer J, Gunsilius E, Klocker H, Culig Z, Puhr M. SOCS2 correlates with malignancy and exerts growth-promoting effects in prostate cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:175-87. [PMID: 24280133 PMCID: PMC3907181 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Deregulation of cytokine and growth factor signaling due to an altered expression of endogenous regulators is well recognized in prostate cancer (PCa) and other cancers. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) is a key regulator of the GH, IGF, and prolactin signaling pathways that have been implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the expression patterns and functional significance of SOCS2 in PCa. Protein expression analysis employing tissue microarrays from two independent patient cohorts revealed a significantly enhanced expression in tumor tissue compared with benign tissue as well as association with Gleason score and disease progression. In vitro and in vivo assays uncovered the involvement of SOCS2 in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. Functionally, SOCS2 knockdown inhibited PCa cell proliferation and xenograft growth in a CAM assay. Decreased cell growth after SOCS2 downregulation was associated with cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, we proved that SOCS2 expression is significantly elevated upon androgenic stimulation in androgen receptor (AR)-positive cell lines, providing a possible mechanistic explanation for high SOCS2 levels in PCa tissue. Consequently, SOCS2 expression correlated with AR expression in the malignant tissue of patients. On the whole, our study linked increased SOCS2 expression in PCa with a pro-proliferative role in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hoefer
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
| | - Johann Kern
- Oncotyrol Laboratory for Tumor Biology and AngiogenesisInnsbruckAustria
| | - Philipp Ofer
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
| | - Iris E Eder
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
| | - Dimo Dietrich
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Hospital BonnBonnGermany
| | | | - Stephan Geley
- Division of Molecular PathophysiologyInnsbruck Biocenter Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | - Johannes Rainer
- Division of Molecular PathophysiologyInnsbruck Biocenter Medical University InnsbruckInnsbruckAustria
| | | | - Helmut Klocker
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
| | - Zoran Culig
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
- Correspondence should be addressed to Z Culig or M Puhr Emails: or
| | - Martin Puhr
- Experimental Urology, Department of UrologyInnsbruck Medical UniversityAnichstrasse 35A-6020, InnsbruckAustria
- Correspondence should be addressed to Z Culig or M Puhr Emails: or
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20
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Heidegger I, Massoner P, Eder IE, Pircher A, Pichler R, Aigner F, Bektic J, Horninger W, Klocker H. Novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 138:248-56. [PMID: 23792785 PMCID: PMC3834152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in men in developed countries. Once the tumor has achieved a castration-refractory metastatic stage, treatment options are limited with the average survival of patients ranging from two to three years only. Recently, new drugs for treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) have been approved, and others are in an advanced stage of clinical testing. In this review we provide an overview of the new therapeutic agents that arrived in the clinical praxis or are tested in clinical studies and their mode of action including hormone synthesis inhibitors, new androgen receptor blockers, bone targeting and antiangiogenic agents, endothelin receptor antagonists, growth factor inhibitors, novel radiotherapeutics and taxanes, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Results and limitations from clinical studies as well as future needs for improvement of CRPC treatments are critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Heidegger
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Petra Massoner
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Iris E. Eder
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Renate Pichler
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Friedrich Aigner
- Department of Radiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jasmin Bektic
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Horninger
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Corresponding author at: Department of Urology, Division of Experimental Urology, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Tel.: +43 512 504 24818; fax: +43 512 504 24817.
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21
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Eder IE, Egger M, Neuwirt H, Seifarth C, Maddalo D, Desiniotis A, Schäfer G, Puhr M, Bektic J, Cato ACB, Klocker H. Enhanced inhibition of prostate tumor growth by dual targeting the androgen receptor and the regulatory subunit type iα of protein kinase a in vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:11942-62. [PMID: 23736698 PMCID: PMC3709765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140611942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression to castration resistance is a major problem in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and is likely to be driven by activation of several molecular pathways, including androgen receptor (AR) and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). In this study, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of a combined inhibition of the AR and the regulatory subunit type Iα (RIα) of protein kinase A with second generation antisense oligonucleotides (ODNs) in androgen-sensitive LNCaP and castration-resistant LNCaPabl tumors in vivo. We found that targeting the AR alone inhibited LNCaP, as well as LNCaPabl tumors. Combined inhibition resulted in an improved response over single targeting and even a complete tumor remission in LNCaPabl. Western blot analysis revealed that both ODNs were effective in reducing their target proteins when administered alone or in combination. In addition, treatment with the ODNs was associated with an induction of apoptosis. Our data suggest that dual targeting of the AR and PKARIα is more effective in inhibiting LNCaP and LNCaPabl tumor growth than single treatment and may give a treatment benefit, especially in castration-resistant prostate cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E. Eder
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +43-512-504-24819; Fax: +43-512-504-24817
| | - Martina Egger
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV—Nephrology and Hypertension, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mail:
| | - Christof Seifarth
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
- Oncotyrol Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine GmbH, Karl-Kapferer-Straße 5, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Danilo Maddalo
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; E-Mails: (D.M.); (A.C.B.C.)
| | - Andreas Desiniotis
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Georg Schäfer
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Martin Puhr
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Jasmin Bektic
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
| | - Andrew C. B. Cato
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Toxicology and Genetics, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; E-Mails: (D.M.); (A.C.B.C.)
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Anichstraße 35, Austria; E-Mails: (M.E.); (C.S.); (A.D.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (J.B.); (H.K.)
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22
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Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common causes of male cancer-related death in Western nations. The cellular response to androgens is mediated via the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-inducible transcription factor whose dysregulation plays a key role during PCa development and progression following androgen deprivation therapy, the current mainstay systemic treatment for advanced PCa. Thus, a better understanding of AR signaling and new strategies to abrogate AR activity are essential for improved therapeutic intervention. Consequently, a large number of experimental cell culture models have been established to facilitate in vitro investigations into the role of AR signaling in PCa development and progression. These different model systems mimic distinct stages of this heterogeneous disease and exhibit differences with respect to AR expression/status and androgen responsiveness. Technological advances have facilitated the development of in vitro systems that more closely reflect the physiological setting, for example via the use of three-dimensional coculture to study the interaction of prostate epithelial cells with the stroma, endothelium, immune system and tissue matrix environment. This review provides an overview of the most commonly used in vitro cell models currently available to study AR signaling with particular focus on their use in addressing key questions relating to the development and progression of PCa. It is hoped that the continued development of in vitro models will provide more biologically relevant platforms for mechanistic studies, drug discovery and design ensuring a more rapid transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Sampson
- Division of Experimental Urology, Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstraße 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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23
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Neuwirt H, Eder IE, Puhr M, Rudnicki M. SOCS-3 is downregulated in progressive CKD patients and regulates proliferation in human renal proximal tubule cells in a STAT1/3 independent manner. J Transl Med 2013; 93:123-34. [PMID: 23108375 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2012.154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferation and the sequence of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), called epithelial-mesenchymal-epithelial (EME) cycling are pivotal mechanisms of kidney repair and fibrosis. Furthermore, data suggest that dedifferentiation (EMT) is a prerequisite for proliferation of tubule cells. These processes have been shown to be regulated by STAT1/3 signaling. Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3) is a negative regulator of STAT1/3 signaling. Using a transcriptomics data set of patients with proteinuric kidney diseases we found that low levels of SOCS-3 RNA were associated with high-serum creatinine values in the long-term follow-up, which suggested a role of SOCS-3, regulated signaling in progression of chronic kidney disease. This result was validated in an independent cohort of patients with proteinuric nephropathies on protein level. In addition ∼60% of STAT target genes were differentially expressed in relation to stable kidney disease patients. Using two renal cellular models and SOCS-3 knockdown by short interfering RNA we investigated SOCS-3 effects on oncostatin M-induced STAT activation, differentiation and proliferation. SOCS-3 knockdown resulted in enhanced pSTAT1/3 phosphorylation and epithelial differentiation. The latter effect was only slightly enhanced by OSM treatment. Cellular proliferation was inhibited after SOCS-3 knockdown. This effect could not be further stimulated by OSM. Effects of SOCS-3 knockdown were not enhanced by downregulation of STAT1/3, suggesting a STAT independent effect on cell cycle regulators. Indeed, knockdown and overexpression of SOCS-3 were associated with decrease and increase of cyclin D1, -E and proliferation, respectively. In summary, SOCS-3 inhibits phosphorylation of pSTAT1/3 in renal tubule cells. Additionally, we show for the first time that-in vivo-loss of SOCS-3 is associated with unfavorable prognosis. In vitro, downregulation of SOCS-3 inhibits dedifferentiation (EMT) and cellular proliferation in kidney proximal tubule cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Neuwirt
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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24
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Desiniotis A, Schäfer G, Klocker H, Eder IE. Enhanced antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects on prostate cancer cells by simultaneously inhibiting androgen receptor and cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. Int J Cancer 2010; 126:775-89. [PMID: 19653278 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The androgen-signaling pathway with the androgen receptor (AR) as its key molecule is widely understood to influence prostate tumor growth significantly even after androgen ablation. Under androgen-deprived conditions, the AR may be activated inappropriately through interaction with other molecules, including cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA). In a previous study, we have shown that knocking down the AR significantly inhibits prostate tumor growth. In this study, we show that combined inhibition of the AR and the regulatory subunit I alpha of PKA (RIalpha) with small interference RNAs significantly increased the growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of AR knockdown. This treatment strategy was effective in androgen-sensitive and in androgen ablation-resistant prostate cancer cells. In addition, we report that downregulating PKA RIalpha was sufficient to inhibit PKA signaling and interestingly also impaired AR expression and activation. Vice versa, AR knockdown induced a decline in PKA RIalpha, associated with reduced PKA activity. This mutual influence on expression level was specific, because siRNAs against the AR did not affect expression of PKA RIalpha in AR negative DU-145 cells and a siRNA control did not affect protein expression. Another important finding of our study was that depletion of PKA RIalpha also potentiated the antiproliferative effect of the antiandrogen bicalutamide in androgen-sensitive LNCaP. We therefore concluded that combined inhibition of PKA RIalpha and AR may be a promising new therapeutic option for prostate cancer patients and might be superior to solely preventing AR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Desiniotis
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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25
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Haag P, Frauscher F, Gradl J, Seitz A, Schäfer G, Lindner JR, Klibanov AL, Bartsch G, Klocker H, Eder IE. Microbubble-enhanced ultrasound to deliver an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide targeting the human androgen receptor into prostate tumours. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2006; 102:103-13. [PMID: 17055720 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2006.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We have shown recently that downregulation of the androgen receptor (AR), one of the key players in prostate tumor cells, with short antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) results in inhibition of prostate tumor growth. Particularly with regard to an application of these antisense drugs in vivo, we now investigated the usefulness of microbubble-enhanced ultrasound to deliver these ODNs into prostate cancer cells. Our short antisense AR ODNs were loaded onto the lipid surface of cationic gas-filled microbubbles by ion charge binding, and delivered into the cells by bursting the loaded microbubbles with ultrasound. In vitro experiments were initially performed to show that this kind of delivery system works in principle. In fact, transfection of prostate tumor cells with antisense AR ODNs using microbubble-enhanced ultrasound resulted in 49% transfected cells, associated with a decrease in AR expression compared to untreated controls. In vivo, uptake of a digoxigenin-labelled ODN was found in prostate tumour xenografts in nude mice following intratumoral or intravenous injection of loaded microbubbles and subsequent exposure of the tumour to ultrasound, respectively. Our results show that ultrasound seems to be the driving force of this delivery system. Uptake of the ODN was also observed in tumors after treatment with ultrasound alone, with only minor differences compared to the combined use of microbubbles and ultrasound.
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MESH Headings
- Androgen Receptor Antagonists
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Down-Regulation
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Therapy
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Microbubbles
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Prostatic Neoplasms/therapy
- RNA, Messenger/antagonists & inhibitors
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Ultrasonics
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Haag
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, A-6020 Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, Austria
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26
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Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key regulatory role in hormone-naive, as well as in advanced, therapy-resistant prostate cancer. Therefore, the development of novel treatment strategies using new means for targeting AR function in prostate tumors aims at providing better options for control of progression and progressive disease. This review summarizes recent attempts in this field with a critical view on their clinical usefulness. In addition to classic endocrine therapy by surgical and/or chemical castration, there are concepts to inhibit the AR directly through anti-androgens, selective AR modulators, naturally occurring AR inhibitors, neutralizing antibodies and dominant-negative peptides. A unique possibility to prevent AR expression at the transcriptional level represents the use of antisense technology. The advantage of this method is that AR expression, and thus any aberrant route of its activation is prevented. Furthermore, there are several approaches by which AR signaling is inactivated indirectly. Degradation of heat-shock proteins, which direct appropriate AR protein folding, or modulation of various growth factor signaling cascades, which are thought to contribute to AR activation in the androgen-deprived patient, have been investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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27
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Bektic J, Guggenberger R, Eder IE, Pelzer AE, Berger AP, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Molecular effects of the isoflavonoid genistein in prostate cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 4:124-9. [PMID: 16197614 DOI: 10.3816/cgc.2005.n.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Differences in diet have been proposed to be at least partially responsible for the low rate of prostate cancer in Asian populations compared with men in Western countries. One of the compounds that occurs in a greater quantity in the Eastern diet is genistein, an isoflavonoid found in high concentrations in serum after ingestion of soy-rich foods. Extensive molecular studies have been performed to determine its potential health benefits. The mechanism of action of genistein is complex and includes several cellular pathways. In addition to its estrogenic and/or antiestrogenic activities, genistein has been reported to inhibit steroidogenesis and block several protein tyrosine kinases, including epidermal growth factor receptor and src tyrosine kinases. Moreover, it arrests the cell cycle, induces apoptosis, and has antiangiogenic and antimetastatic properties and antioxidant activity. Herein, we review the current literature on the molecular mechanisms of genistein in relation to its effects on prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bektic
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Austria
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Hååg P, Bektic J, Bartsch G, Klocker H, Eder IE. Androgen receptor down regulation by small interference RNA induces cell growth inhibition in androgen sensitive as well as in androgen independent prostate cancer cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2005; 96:251-8. [PMID: 15982869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2005.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2005] [Accepted: 04/04/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of androgen receptor (AR) down regulation with a small interference RNA molecule (siRNA_AR(start)) on androgen sensitive LNCaP and androgen independent LNCaPabl prostate cancer cells, the latter representing an in vitro model for the development of therapy resistance in prostate cancer. Although LNCaPabl cells express increased levels of AR in comparison with androgen sensitive LNCaP cells, the protein was significantly down regulated in response to siRNA_AR(start) treatment. This AR down regulation resulted in a marked cell growth inhibition in both cell lines. By contrast, DU-145 prostate cancer cells, which lack AR expression, were not inhibited by the siRNA_AR(start). In consequence to AR down regulation, both cell lines, LNCaP and LNCaPabl, shared a highly similar gene expression profile in terms of major changes in cell cycle regulatory genes. The cell cycle inhibitor p21(Waf1/Cip1) as well as cyclin D1 were significantly up regulated by siRNA_AR(start) treatment, considering a switch in cyclin expression towards cell cycle retardation. Control molecules had moderate effects on cell proliferation and gene expression, respectively. In summary, we found that AR inhibition with siRNA induces cell growth retardation in androgen sensitive as well as in androgen independent prostate cancer cells and thus may represent an interesting approach to combat hormone-refractory prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Hååg
- Department of Urology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, Austria
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Abstract
Androgen ablation is the choice of treatment for patients with advanced prostate cancer. Although untreated tumors are mostly androgen-dependent, hormone withdrawal is only palliative. The major problem in prostate cancer treatment represents the progression to androgen-independent growth during therapy, rendering current strategies inefficient. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop novel treatments to combat therapy-resistant prostate cancer. Intensive research strongly improved the knowledge about the molecular changes, which are believed to occur during prostate carcinogenesis and progression to androgen-independence. This in turn led to the identification of several interesting genes, which may be useful as targets for prostate cancer gene therapy. In fact, there is a broad range of different gene therapy approaches in the field of prostate cancer, some of which have already progressed to clinical evaluation in patients. Promising data and best benefit for patients currently provide studies where gene therapy strategies are combined with conventional treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. In this review we will give an overview of several interesting gene therapy concepts and delivery systems in prostate cancer and discuss their usefulness in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Abstract
Because of the heterogeneity of prostate cancer knowledge about the genes involved in prostate carcinogenesis is still very limited. Previously, the use of novel high-throughput technologies offered the possibility to investigate broad gene expression profiles and thus helped to improve understanding of the molecular basis of prostate disease. Many candidate genes have been identified so far which have a more or less strong effect on prostate cancer. This vast number of gene expression changes show that it is unlikely that only one gene promotes prostate cancer. Conversely, it seems more likely that a broad network of molecular changes is involved in the complex cascade of events which lead to tumour formation and progression, respectively. A few of these novel molecular targets are currently under clinical evaluation. This paper gives an overview of several interesting candidate genes which may be useful as improved biomarkers for diagnosis or as targets for developing novel treatment methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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31
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Pfeil K, Eder IE, Bektic J, Huebl H, Pycha A, Schaefer G, Rogatsch H, Bartsch G, Klocker H. 424: Overexpression of the Anti-Apoptotic Protein MCL-1 is an Early Event in Prostate Cancer. J Urol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(18)37686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Thelen P, Grzmil M, Eder IE, Spengler B, Burfeind P, Klocker H, Ringert RH. 609: Effects of Sirna and Phytoestrogen Treatments on the Expression of Genes Regulated through the Androgen Receptor of Lncap Prostate Cancer Cells. J Urol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(18)37871-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Strasser H, Tiefenthaler M, Eder IE, Steinlechner M, Hering S, Konwalinka G, Bartsch G, Fritsch H. 1738: Urinary Incontinence-A Metabolic Disease. J Urol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s0022-5347(18)38930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pfeil K, Eder IE, Putz T, Ramoner R, Culig Z, Ueberall F, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Long-term androgen-ablation causes increased resistance to PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition in prostate cancer cells. Prostate 2004; 58:259-68. [PMID: 14743465 DOI: 10.1002/pros.10332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In advanced stages of prostate cancer, the phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling cascade, one of the major survival pathways in the cell, is frequently constitutively activated due to mutation or loss of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). Using cell culture models representing different tumor stages, we explored the effect of inhibition of this survival pathway on the induction of apoptosis. METHODS Inhibition of the survival kinase Akt and induction of apoptosis was analyzed in androgen-insensitive DU145 and PC-3 cells, in androgen-responsive LNCaP, and in androgen-independent long-term androgen-ablated LNCaP-abl cells representing therapy-resistant prostate cancer cells. Activated Akt was determined by immunoblotting using a phospho-Akt specific antibody. Induction of apoptosis was analyzed employing annexing V and propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry and measurement of cleavage of the caspases substrate poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). RESULTS IGF-1, EGF, and heregulin but not PDGF or activators of protein kinase A induced phosphorylation of Akt in DU145 cells and activation was completely blocked by the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. In the hormone-responsive prostate cancer cell line LNCaP that has a constitutively switched-on Akt kinase, LY294002 caused a dose- and time-dependent Akt inhibition, which was absent in long-term androgen-ablated LNCaP sublines. In agreement with the resistance to inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway, long-term androgen-ablated LNCaP sublines remained relatively resistant to induction of cell death by LY294002 or the cytotoxic drug etoposide. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway restored the sensitivity of long-term androgen-ablated cells to induction of apoptosis by a cytotoxic drug almost completely. CONCLUSION These results suggest that long-term androgen ablation therapy for prostate cancer reinforces the PI3K/Akt pathway and impedes its inhibition thus contributing to increased resistance of tumor cells to induction of apoptosis. With regard to treatment of therapy-refractory prostate cancer, these findings suggest effectiveness of a combination of cytotoxic treatment and inhibition of the PI3K-Akt survival pathway in tumor cells after failure of androgen-ablation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Pfeil
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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Klocker H, Eder IE, Culig Z, Bartsch G. [Clinical consequences of androgen receptor malfunction]. Verh Dtsch Ges Pathol 2004; 88:122-9. [PMID: 16892542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR), the mediator of the effects of the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, plays a crucial role in development of male sex and in the function of male sexual organs. Pathological alterations of AR structure and function are a major cause of androgen insensitivity in male pseudohermaphroditism and the accompanying deformations of genital organs, or result in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). In addition, AR alterations that generate a hyperreactive receptor contribute to the development of resistance to hormone ablation therapy in prostate cancer. AR mutations found in patients with male pseudohermaphroditism usually are missens mutations that result in exchange of a single amino acid and cause complete or partial loss of function. The molecular change underlaying spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy is an extension of a poly-CAG repeat in the AR gene. The affected receptor tends to form aggregates, which damage motoneurons. Androgen ablation therapy puts prostate tumor cells under selection pressure that finally results in development of a hyperreactive androgen receptor that is activated under the conditions of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Klocker
- Universitäitsklinik für Urologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Eder IE, Haag P, Basik M, Mousses S, Bektic J, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Gene expression changes following androgen receptor elimination in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Mol Carcinog 2003; 37:181-91. [PMID: 12891627 DOI: 10.1002/mc.10136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We have shown recently that inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) expression with an antisense AR oligonucleotide (ODN) inhibits LNCaP prostate tumor cells in vitro as well as in vivo. In this study, we investigated gene expression changes that occur after AR signaling blockade, either through AR elimination by antisense treatment or through complete androgen receptor inhibition by androgen deprivation combined with the antiandrogen bicalutamide, in order to search for genes that are directly or indirectly regulated through the AR. Gene expression changes were investigated with cDNA NIH 10K gene microarrays in response to treatment over 48 h. Expression of selected genes was further analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and radioimmunoassay. A comparison of antisense-treated and androgen-deprived cells revealed several concordances such as significant downregulation of prostate-specific genes, cell-cycle regulatory genes, genes of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, and several cytoskeletal genes. However, there were also several genes that were differentially regulated. Among the genes that were exclusively changed by treatment with the antisense AR ODN were the insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and the phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase type I alpha (PIP5KIA). On the other hand, complete androgen receptor blockade induced changes in the expression of the prostate overexpressed gene 1 and the S100 calcium binding protein P. In summary, we identified a cohort of interesting genes whose expression was highly affected by elimination of the AR in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Further investigations are warranted to clarify their role in the AR signaling pathway and their susceptibility as a target for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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37
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Eder IE, Hoffmann J, Rogatsch H, Schäfer G, Zopf D, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Inhibition of LNCaP prostate tumor growth in vivo by an antisense oligonucleotide directed against the human androgen receptor. Cancer Gene Ther 2002; 9:117-25. [PMID: 11857028 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2001] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We have shown recently that a 15-mer phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (ODNas750/15) that hybridizes to the (CAG)n polyglutamine region of mRNA encoding human androgen receptor (AR) inhibits the expression of AR in LNCaP prostate cancer cells in vitro. This AR downregulation was accompanied by significant cell growth inhibition and reduced PSA secretion. In the present study we investigated the effects of this antisense AR ODN on prostate tumor growth in vivo using a mouse xenograft model. Via subcutaneously implanted diffusion pumps, either ODNas750/15 or a scrambled control sequence ODNsr750/15 was continuously administered into LNCaP tumor-bearing male nude mice for 7 weeks. Compared with untreated control animals, treatment with ODNas750/15 resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition. Retardation of tumor growth was also significant in castrated mice, whereas the scrambled control ODN did not exert any effects. No side effects such as loss of body weight were observed at any time of treatment. ODN treatment was well tolerated and, in contrast to castration, did not induce shrinkage of mouse prostates. Both AR expression in the tumor and PSA levels in mouse serum correlated with tumor size. However, we failed to demonstrate a correlation between tumor retardation and Ki-67 antigen expression and the number of apoptotic cells, respectively. Testing of antisense-treated LNCaP cells revealed that expression levels of other proteins that contain shorter polyglutamine sequence stretches such as HDAC2, TFIID, and c-jun were not affected. The present study demonstrates that downregulation of AR with antisense ODNas750/15 causes prostate tumor growth inhibition. These results further point out the important role of the AR in prostate tumors and support further testing of AR downregulation for treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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Eder IE, Culig Z, Putz T, Nessler-Menardi C, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Molecular biology of the androgen receptor: from molecular understanding to the clinic. Eur Urol 2001; 40:241-51. [PMID: 11684838 DOI: 10.1159/000049782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is the key regulatory element of androgen signaling in the cell. It mediates action of androgens and is therefore essential for growth, function and differentiation of the human male urogenital tract. Genetic alterations in the AR gene may cause impaired development resulting in androgen insensitivity syndromes (AIS) or in neurodegenerative diseases like Kennedy syndrome. Besides the crucial role in the process of virilization during embryogenesis and puberty, the AR also plays an important role in the adult man as the intracellular mediator of androgen action. Androgen withdrawal and/or AR blockade is the main choice of treatment of nonorgan-confined prostate cancer. Unfortunately, this treatment is only palliative and a majority of these tumors recur and progress to an androgen-independent and therapy-resistant stage. Recent findings gave new insight into the molecular structure and function of the AR and improved our understanding about prostate cancer progression, consequently resulting in the development of novel treatments. It has become evident that the AR is a nuclear transcription factor that can be activated ligand-dependently by androgens as well as ligand-independently by other hormones and various growth factors, respectively. Moreover, it was shown that the interaction of the AR with other proteins of the intracellular signal transduction cascade may promote prostate tumor growth. This review will summarize the most important findings about the AR and the androgen signaling pathway to improve the understanding of prostate diseases and novel treatment strategies that may be useful in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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Stenzl A, Ninkovic M, Ashammakhi N, Eder IE, Bartsch G. [Reconstruction of the lower urinary tract. Developments at the beginning of a new century]. Urologe A 2001; 40:368-75. [PMID: 11594210 DOI: 10.1007/s001200170022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal segments are currently by far the most popular method to create a bladder substitute. Attempts have been made to further reduce the morbidity and burden for patients by using minimal invasive techniques for both cystectomy and urinary diversion. However, laparoscopy for acceptable forms of urinary diversion is time consuming and costly. A neobladder "off the shelf" would be a better solution. Tissue engineering is an exciting new field which enables the cultivation and expansion of individual bladder cells obtained by transurethral biopsy, the attachment of these cells to a support matrix, and their reimplantation into the body. Advances both in biomaterials as well as in the cultivation and expansion of bladder cells are described. Promising routine clinical applications of tissue engineering may still need several years. Free neurovascular muscle transfer to the bladder demonstrated both experimentally and clinically to be a suitable treatment modality in patients with bladder acontractility. This may therefore be the next logical step towards an improved bladder substitute by combining well vascularized flaps with urothelial cell seeding. Thus a combination of commonly used flap techniques and tissue engineering may soon be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Stenzl
- Urologische Universitäts-Klinik Innsbruck/Osterreich.
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Hobisch A, Hoffmann J, Lambrinidis L, Eder IE, Bartsch G, Klocker H, Culig Z. Antagonist/agonist balance of the nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide (Casodex) in a new prostate cancer model. Urol Int 2001; 65:73-9. [PMID: 11025427 DOI: 10.1159/000064843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgen ablation is standard therapy for advanced prostate carcinoma. It can be administered either as a monotherapy or as a combined androgen blockade. In the present study we have investigated molecular mechanisms which are responsible for the development of resistance to therapy in advanced prostate cancer. For this purpose, we have cultured LNCaP cells in steroid-depleted medium for 1 year. The newly generated subline LNCaP-abl was characterized. In early passages (<75) LNCaP-abl cells showed a biphasic hypersensitive response to androgenic stimulation. Passages later than 75 are inhibited by androgen. Proliferation of LNCaP-abl cells was stimulated by the pure nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide (Casodex). To improve our understanding of changes which occur during intermittent androgen ablation, we have generated the sublines LNCaP-R (reversal; cultured with fetal calf serum) and LNCaP-RA (reversal and androgen; cultured with fetal calf serum and androgen) from LNCaP-abl cells. In both cell lines an increase of the basal proliferation rate was observed. Androgen receptor expression in LNCaP-abl cells was 4-fold higher than that in parental LNCaP cells (4.7 vs. 1.2 fmol/microg protein). Androgen receptor content in LNCaP-R cells was 1.8 fmol/microg protein and in LNCaP-RA cells 1.0 fmol/microg protein. The basal androgen receptor activity was 30-fold higher in LNCaP-abl cells compared to that in parental LNCaP cells. This basal activity was reduced in LNCaP-RA cells. Both androgen and the nonsteroidal androgen receptor antagonist hydroxyflutamide induced a 2- to 4-fold higher activation of androgen receptor in LNCaP-abl than in LNCaP cells. There was a switch from an antagonist to an agonist of the nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide (Casodex) in LNCaP-abl cells. Antagonistic properties of this androgen receptor blocker were again observed in both sublines (LNCaP-R and LNCaP-RA) derived from LNCaP-abl cells. In concordance with proliferation data in vitro, growth of LNCaP-abl cells in nude mice was stimulated by bicalutamide. In contrast, supplementation of androgen led to inhibition of proliferation of these cells. The present study provides new information that is useful for a better understanding of therapy-refractory prostate cancer. It is also important for the development of new therapy strategies for advanced carcinoma of the prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hobisch
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Höltl L, Eder IE, Klocker H, Hobisch A, Bartsch G, Stenzl A. Photodynamic diagnosis with 5-aminolevulinic acid in the treatment of secondary urethral tumors: first in vitro and in vivo results. Eur Urol 2001; 39:178-82. [PMID: 11223677 DOI: 10.1159/000052433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) is able to detect dysplasia and transitional cell cancer of the bladder. We report our first experiences using PDD in the urethra. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three patients with secondary transitional cell cancer of the urethra were treated by using PDD. 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was applied in a mixture with lubricant to achieve long enough contact with the urothelium. Negative effects were tested in vitro on three bladder cell lines. RESULTS In vitro assays showed no enhanced negative effects on the viability of bladder cells using the combination of ALA/lubricant and medium in comparison to lubricant/medium alone. All patients showed markedly fluorescent areas, which were resected. The treatment was well tolerated without side effects attributable to the photosensitizer containing lubricant. CONCLUSION Lubricant with ALA forms a viscous solution, which can successfully be used for PDD in the urethra. Thus marking tumors by fluorescence may improve transurethral resection and thus preserve the urethra.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Höltl
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Eder IE, Corvin S, Maneschg C, Cronauer MV, Bartsch G, Zhang J, Stenzl A, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Selective culture conditions for different types of primary human bladder cells. World J Urol 2000; 18:371-5. [PMID: 11131317 DOI: 10.1007/pl00007081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- I E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen receptor (AR) transcriptional activity is modulated by cofactor proteins. They act as costimulators, corepressors, or bridging proteins, and a disbalanced expression may contribute to the altered activity of the AR in advanced prostate cancer. We investigated the expression of a series of steroid receptor cofactors in prostate cancer cell lines, including several LNCaP sublines, and in prostate stromal cells. METHODS Expression of cofactors was analyzed by means of RT-PCR in PC-3, Du-145, LNCaP, three sublines of LNCaP established after long-term androgen deprivation, and two strains of primary prostate stroma cells. Expression in LNCaP and LNCaP-abl cells (which represented an advanced tumor cell) was analyzed employing semiquantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS Ten of the 12 cofactors tested were expressed in all cells analyzed (AIB1, ARA54, ARA70, CBP, cyclin D1, Her2/neu/erbB2, BAG-1/M/L, SRC-1, SMRT, and TIF2). Only ARA55 and FHL2 mRNAs were not detected in all cells. ARA55 mRNA was absent in LNCaP cells, LNCaP sublines, and DU-145 cells; FHL2 was not expressed in LNCaP cells and its derivatives. The expression pattern was identical in LNCaP cells, and the long-term androgen ablated LNCaP sublines. Moreover, comparison of expression levels in LNCaP and LNCaP-abl cells revealed a slight reduction in LNCaP-abl cells but no gross differences. CONCLUSIONS Prostatic cells express a great number of steroid receptor cofactors. AR activity thus seems to be modulated in a very complex way in prostate cells.
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Klocker H, Culig Z, Eder IE, Nessler-Menardi C, Hobisch A, Putz T, Bartsch G, Peterziel H, Cato AC. Mechanism of androgen receptor activation and possible implications for chemoprevention trials. Eur Urol 2000; 35:413-9. [PMID: 10325498 DOI: 10.1159/000019918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are pivotal regulators of prostate cell growth, differentiation and function, and their actions are believed to be involved in prostate cancer development. The androgen-signaling pathway in the prostate gland is therefore one of the possible sites of intervention in prostate cancer prevention efforts. The central element of androgen signaling in the cell is the androgen receptor (AR), a member of the superfamily of nuclear receptors. Binding of androgen to its ligand-binding domain transforms the receptor to an active transcription factor that regulates gene expression by interacting with specific regulatory elements in the promoters of genes. In addition to this genomic action, the AR also interacts with other signaling pathways through protein-protein interaction, for example with AP-1 or Ets transcription factors. It is not only the action of androgenic hormones, but also the interactions with growth factor and protein kinase A-signaling pathways that can induce activation of AR. Moreover, these ligand-independent activators act synergistically together with low concentrations of androgens. The effects of long-term androgen deprivation on androgen signaling have been investigated in the LNCaP cell culture system. Long-term culture in a steroid-free medium results in a subline showing a hyperreactive AR characterized by increased AR expression and enhanced AR transcriptional activity in an environment with low levels of androgen hormones. It is not yet clear if similar changes also occur in normal or premalignant prostate epithelial cells and are thus relevant for prevention trials which interfere with androgen hormone signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Klocker
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
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Eder IE, Culig Z, Ramoner R, Thurnher M, Putz T, Nessler-Menardi C, Tiefenthaler M, Bartsch G, Klocker H. Inhibition of LncaP prostate cancer cells by means of androgen receptor antisense oligonucleotides. Cancer Gene Ther 2000; 7:997-1007. [PMID: 10917202 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Currently available methods for treatment of human prostatic carcinoma aim to inactivate the androgen receptor (AR) by androgen deprivation or blockade with anti-androgens. Failure of endocrine therapy and tumor progression is characterized by androgen-independent growth despite high levels of AR expression in metastatic disease. We inhibited AR expression in LNCaP prostate tumor cells by using antisense AR oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) and explored whether antisense AR treatment would be conceivable as a therapy for advanced prostate cancer. Among the various AR antisense ODNs tested, a 15-base ODN targeting the CAG repeats encoding the poly-glutamine region of the AR (as750/15) was found to be most effective. Treatment of LNCaP cells with as750/15 reduced AR expression to approximately 2% within 24 hours compared with mock-treated controls. AR down-regulation resulted in significant cell growth inhibition, strongly reduced secretion of the androgen-regulated prostate-specific antigen, reduction of epidermal growth factor receptor expression, and an increase in apoptotic cells. Mis-sense and mismatched control ODNs had no or only slight effects. Antisense inhibition was also very efficient in LNCaP-abl cells, a subline established after long-term androgen ablation of LNCaP cells, resulting in inhibition of AR expression and cell proliferation that was similar to that seen for parental LNCaP cells. This study shows that inhibition of AR expression by antisense AR ODNs may be a promising new approach for treatment of advanced human prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- I E Eder
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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46
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Cronauer MV, Stadlmann S, Klocker H, Abendstein B, Eder IE, Rogatsch H, Zeimet AG, Marth C, Offner FA. Basic fibroblast growth factor synthesis by human peritoneal mesothelial cells: induction by interleukin-1. Am J Pathol 1999; 155:1977-84. [PMID: 10595927 PMCID: PMC1866924 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)65516-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Peritoneal mesothelial cells are uniquely located to regulate cellular events in the peritoneal cavity and are an important source for various cytokines and growth factors. This study was conducted to analyze the capacity of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) to synthesize and release basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and to characterize its regulation by inflammatory cytokines. HPMCs constitutively synthesized and released considerable amounts of bFGF as detected by a specific immunoassay. Almost 80% of bFGF (1547 +/- 173 pg/10(5) cells) was localized intracellularly. Approximately 20% of the bFGF (357 +/- 27 pg/10(5) cells) was associated with extracellular matrix components on the HPMC surface. Small amounts of bFGF (<1%) were detectable in tissue culture supernatants (8.4 +/- 1.4 pg/10(5) cells). Treatment of HPMCs with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta; 1 ng/ml) resulted in a significant increase in bFGF production. The intracellular bFGF content showed a rapid but only transient increase, which was significant above background levels after 24 hours (41% increase; P < 0.05). This increase in intracellular bFGF concentration was associated with an induction of the release of bFGF. Within 96 hours, the release of bFGF to the cell surface and into the supernatant increased by 58% (564 +/- 52.4 pg/10(5) cells; P < 0.01) and by 214% (26.4 +/- 3.2 pg/10(5) cells; P < 0.001), respectively. Neither tumor necrosis factor-alpha nor interferon-gamma affected bFGF synthesis by HPMCs. Stimulation of HPMCs with IL-1beta increased steady-state levels of bFGF-specific mRNA. Immunohistochemical analyses of peritoneal tissue revealed constitutive expression of bFGF by HPMCs. This in situ expression proved to be most pronounced in areas of serosal inflammation in activated HPMCs. Our study demonstrates that HPMCs synthesize and release significant amounts of bFGF and that the expression of this growth factor is significantly up-regulated by the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta. The data support the view that HPMCs are key regulators of abdominal disease processes such as peritonitis, peritoneal fibrosis, or peritoneal tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Cronauer
- Department of Pathology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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47
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Culig Z, Hoffmann J, Erdel M, Eder IE, Hobisch A, Hittmair A, Bartsch G, Utermann G, Schneider MR, Parczyk K, Klocker H. Switch from antagonist to agonist of the androgen receptor bicalutamide is associated with prostate tumour progression in a new model system. Br J Cancer 1999; 81:242-51. [PMID: 10496349 PMCID: PMC2362859 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6690684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced prostate cancer is treated by androgen ablation and/or androgen receptor (AR) antagonists. In order to investigate the mechanisms relevant to the development of therapy-resistant tumours, we established a new tumour model which closely resembles the situation in patients who receive androgen ablation therapy. Androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells were kept in androgen-depleted medium for 87 passages. The new LNCaP cell subline established in this manner, LNCaP-abl, displayed a hypersensitive biphasic proliferative response to androgen until passage 75. Maximal proliferation of LNCaP-abl cells was achieved at 0.001 nM of the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone (R1881), whereas 0.01 nM of this compound induced the same effect in parental cells. At later passages (> 75), androgen exerted an inhibitory effect on growth of LNCaP-abl cells. The non-steroidal anti-androgen bicalutamide stimulated proliferation of LNCaP-abl cells. AR protein expression in LNCaP-abl cells increased approximately fourfold. The basal AR transcriptional activity was 30-fold higher in LNCaP-abl than in LNCaP cells. R1881 stimulated reporter gene activity in LNCaP-abl cells even at 0.01 nM, whereas 0.1 nM of R1881 was needed for induction of the same level of reporter gene activity in LNCaP cells. Bicalutamide that acts as a pure antagonist in parental LNCaP cells showed agonistic effects on AR transactivation activity in LNCaP-abl cells and was not able to block the effects of androgen in these cells. The non-steroidal AR blocker hydroxyflutamide exerted stimulatory effects on AR activity in both LNCaP and LNCaP-abl cells; however, the induction of reporter gene activity by hydroxyflutamide was 2.4- to 4-fold higher in the LNCaP-abl subline. The changes in AR activity were associated neither with a new alteration in AR cDNA sequence nor with amplification of the AR gene. Growth of LNCaP-abl xenografts in nude mice was stimulated by bicalutamide and repressed by testosterone. In conclusion, our results show for the first time that the nonsteroidal anti-androgen bicalutamide acquires agonistic properties during long-term androgen ablation. These findings may have repercussions on the natural course of prostate cancer with androgen deprivation and on strategies of therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Culig
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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48
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Putz T, Culig Z, Eder IE, Nessler-Menardi C, Bartsch G, Grunicke H, Uberall F, Klocker H. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor blockade inhibits the action of EGF, insulin-like growth factor I, and a protein kinase A activator on the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in prostate cancer cell lines. Cancer Res 1999; 59:227-33. [PMID: 9892211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are potent mitogens that regulate proliferation of prostate cancer cells via autocrine and paracrine loops and promote tumor metastasis. They exert their action through binding to the corresponding cell surface receptors that initiate an intracellular phosphorylation cascade, leading to the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which recruit transcription factors. We have studied the effects of EGF, IGF-I, and the protein kinase A (PKA) activator forskolin on the activation of p42/ extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)2, which is a key kinase in mediation of growth factor-induced mitogenesis in prostate cancer cells. The activity of p42/ERK2 was determined by immune complex kinase assays and by immunoblotting using a phospho p44/p42 MAPK-specific antibody. EGF, IGF-I, and forskolin-induced PKA activity stimulate intracellular signaling pathways converging at the level of p42/ERK2. In the androgen-insensitive DU145 cell line, there is a constitutive basal p42/ ERK2 activity that is not present in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells. Constitutive p42/ERK2 activity is abrogated by blockade of the EGF receptor. Hence, it is obviously caused by an autocrine loop involving this receptor. The effects of EGF on p42/ERK2 are potentiated by forskolin in both cell lines. The blockade of PKA by the specific inhibitor H89 attenuates this synergism. This finding is in contrast to those obtained in several other systems studied thus far, in which PKA activators inhibited MAPKs. p42/ERK2 in DU145 cells is highly responsive to IGF-I stimulation, whereas no effect of IGF-I on p42/ERK2 can be measured in LNCaP cells. Moreover, our results demonstrate that selective blockade of the EGF receptor in prostate cancer cells does not only inhibit the action of EGF, but also IGF-I-induced activation of the MAPK pathway and the interaction with the PKA pathway. In conclusion, these findings offer new possibilities for a therapeutical intervention in prostate cancer by targeting signaling pathways of growth factors and PKA.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Putz
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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49
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Hobisch A, Eder IE, Putz T, Horninger W, Bartsch G, Klocker H, Culig Z. Interleukin-6 regulates prostate-specific protein expression in prostate carcinoma cells by activation of the androgen receptor. Cancer Res 1998; 58:4640-5. [PMID: 9788616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels are frequently elevated in sera of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. IL-6 receptors are expressed in prostate cancer cell lines, as well as in benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer tissue specimens. The androgen receptor (AR) is a key transcription factor that is present in all stages of prostate carcinoma, even in therapy-refractory tumors. In an attempt to investigate possible cross-talk between IL-6 and androgen signal transduction cascades, we tested the effects of this cytokine on AR transcriptional activity. The regulation of AR activity by IL-6 was studied in DU-145 cells, which were cotransfected with the androgen-responsive reporter plasmid ARE2TATACAT and the AR expression vector pSG5AR. We show that IL-6 up-regulates AR activity in a ligand-independent manner, as well as synergistically, with very low doses of the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone (5-10 pM). Therefore, AR activation by IL-6 may be operative in prostate cancer patients who have decreased androgen levels because of androgen ablation therapy. The maximal induction of reporter gene activity by IL-6 alone (50 ng/ml) was 67% of that stimulated by 1 nM of methyltrienolone. The nonsteroidal antiandrogen bicalutamide (Casodex) nearly completely inhibited AR activation by IL-6. IL-6 effects on AR activity were also abolished or greatly reduced by inhibitors of protein kinase A and C and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. In concordance with the results obtained in DU-145 cells, IL-6 induced AR-regulated prostate-specific antigen mRNA and protein in LNCaP cells. Stimulation of prostate-specific antigen protein secretion by IL-6 was antagonized by bicalutamide and inhibitors of protein kinase A and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Taken together, our data show for the first time that IL-6 is a nonsteroidal activator of the AR and that this activation is implicated in the regulation of prostate-specific proteins. Keeping in mind that IL-6, its receptor, and the AR are expressed in prostate cancers, cross-talk between IL-6 and AR signaling pathways may have clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hobisch
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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50
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Culig Z, Hobisch A, Herold M, Hittmair A, Thurnher M, Eder IE, Cronauer MV, Rieser C, Ramoner R, Bartsch G, Klocker H, Konwalinka G. Interleukin 1beta mediates the modulatory effects of monocytes on LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. Br J Cancer 1998; 78:1004-11. [PMID: 9792142 PMCID: PMC2063143 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1998.619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferative and secretory responses in androgen-sensitive prostate cancer LNCaP cells are regulated by steroid and peptide hormones and by differentiation-promoting substances. In the present study, we evaluated whether peripheral blood monocytes that exhibit anti-tumour activity in haematopoietic and solid tumours influence growth and secretion in the LNCaP cell line. For this purpose, LNCaP cells were incubated with monocyte-conditioned medium (MCM), and proliferation as well as expression of androgen receptor (AR) and secretion of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were assessed. Conditioned medium from monocytes reduced proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Incubation with 40% MCM caused a 50% reduction in cell proliferation. AR protein decreased by 70% and PSA levels in supernatants from LNCaP cells were reduced by approximately 80% following treatment with MCM. We focused on the contribution of two major products of activated monocytes, prostaglandin E2 and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), to the MCM modulatory action. LNCaP cells treated with prostaglandin E2 showed neither a reduction in proliferation nor a down-regulation of AR and PSA levels. The effects of MCM on cellular proliferation, AR protein and PSA secretion were abolished by pretreatment of MCM with a neutralizing anti-IL-1beta antibody. In addition, recombinant IL-1beta was able to replace MCM for the inhibition of proliferation and down-regulation of AR and PSA proteins. LNCaP cells were shown to express the IL-1beta receptor type 1, which transduces IL-1beta signal. Our findings reveal that monocyte-derived IL-1beta inhibits the proliferation of androgen-responsive prostate tumour cells and reduces AR and PSA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Culig
- Department of Urology, University of Innsbruck, Austria
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