Ultrafast Background-Free Ultrasound Imaging Using Blinking Nanoparticles

Localization-based ultrasound imaging methods that use microbubbles or nanodroplets offer high-resolution imaging with improved sensitivity and reduced background signal. However, these methods require long acquisition times (typically seconds to minutes), preventing their use for real-time imaging and, thus, limiting their clinical translational potential. Here, we present a new ultrafast localization method using blinking ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles (BNPs). When activated with high frame rate (1 kHz) plane wave ultrasound pulses with a mechanical index of 1.5, the BNPs incept growth of micrometer-sized bubbles, which in turn collapse and generate a blinking ultrasound signal. We showed that background-free ultrasound images could be obtained by localizing these blinking events using acquisition times as low as 11 ms. In addition, we demonstrated that BNPs enable in vivo background-free ultrasound imaging in mice. We envision that BNPs will facilitate the clinical translation of localization-based ultrasound imaging for more sensitive detection of cancer and other diseases.

Hybrid Silica-Coated PLGA Nanoparticles for Enhanced Enzyme-Based Therapeutics

Some cancer cells rely heavily on non-essential biomolecules for survival, growth, and proliferation. Enzyme based therapeutics can eliminate these biomolecules, thus specifically targeting neoplastic cells; however, enzyme therapeutics are susceptible to immune clearance, exhibit short half-lives, and require frequent administration. Encapsulation of therapeutic cargo within biocompatible and biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) is a strategy for controlled release. Unfortunately, PLGA NPs exhibit burst release of cargo shortly after delivery or upon introduction to aqueous environments where they decompose via hydrolysis. Here, we show the generation of hybrid silica-coated PLGA (SiLGA) NPs as viable drug delivery vehicles exhibiting sub-200 nm diameters, a metastable Zeta potential, and high loading efficiency and content. Compared to uncoated PLGA NPs, SiLGA NPs offer greater retention of enzymatic activity and slow the burst release of cargo. Thus, SiLGA encapsulation of therapeutic enzymes, such as asparaginase, could reduce frequency of administration, increase half-life, and improve efficacy for patients with a range of diseases.

Computational Modeling of TP63-TP53 Interaction and Rational Design of Inhibitors: Implications for Therapeutics

Tumor protein p63 (TP63) is a member of the TP53 protein family that are important for development and in tumor suppression. Unlike TP53, TP63 is rarely mutated in cancer, but instead different TP63 isoforms regulate its activity. TA isoforms (TAp63) act as tumor suppressors, whereas ΔN isoforms are strong drivers of squamous or squamous-like cancers. Many of these tumors become addicted to ΔN isoforms and removal of ΔN isoforms result in cancer cell death. Furthermore, some TP53 conformational mutants (TP53CM) gain the ability to interact with TAp63 isoforms and inhibit their antitumorigenic function, while indirectly promoting tumorigenic function of ΔN isoforms, but the exact mechanism of TP63-TP53CM interaction is unclear. The changes in the balance of TP63 isoform activity are crucial to understanding the transition between normal and tumor cells. Here, we modeled TP63-TP53CM complex using computational approaches. We then used our models to design peptides to disrupt the TP63-TP53CM interaction and restore antitumorigenic TAp63 function. In addition, we studied ΔN isoform oligomerization and designed peptides to inhibit its oligomerization and reduce their tumorigenic activity. We show that some of our peptides promoted cell death in a TP63 highly expressed cancer cell line, but not in a TP63 lowly expressed cancer cell line. Furthermore, we performed kinetic-binding assays to validate binding of our peptides to their targets. Our computational and experimental analyses present a detailed model for the TP63-TP53CM interaction and provide a framework for potential therapeutic peptides for the elimination of TP53CM cancer cells.

Molecular modelling of the FOXO4-TP53 interaction to design senolytic peptides for the elimination of senescent cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Senescent cells accumulate in tissues over time as part of the natural ageing process and the removal of senescent cells has shown promise for alleviating many different age-related diseases in mice. Cancer is an age-associated disease and there are numerous mechanisms driving cellular senescence in cancer that can be detrimental to recovery. Thus, it would be beneficial to develop a senolytic that acts not only on ageing cells but also senescent cancer cells to prevent cancer recurrence or progression.

METHODS

We used molecular modelling to develop a series of rationally designed peptides to mimic and target FOXO4 disrupting the FOXO4-TP53 interaction and releasing TP53 to induce apoptosis. We then tested these peptides as senolytic agents for the elimination of senescent cells both in cell culture and in vivo.

FINDINGS

Here we show that these peptides can act as senolytics for eliminating senescent human cancer cells both in cell culture and in orthotopic mouse models. We then further characterized one peptide, ES2, showing that it disrupts FOXO4-TP53 foci, activates TP53 mediated apoptosis and preferentially binds FOXO4 compared to TP53. Next, we show that intratumoural delivery of ES2 plus a BRAF inhibitor results in a significant increase in apoptosis and a survival advantage in mouse models of melanoma. Finally, we show that repeated systemic delivery of ES2 to older mice results in reduced senescent cell numbers in the liver with minimal toxicity.

INTERPRETATION

Taken together, our results reveal that peptides can be generated to specifically target and eliminate FOXO4+ senescent cancer cells, which has implications for eradicating residual disease and as a combination therapy for frontline treatment of cancer.

FUNDING

This work was supported by the Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center at Oregon Health & Science University.

Relevance of circulating hybrid cells as a non-invasive biomarker for myriad solid tumors

Metastatic progression defines the final stages of tumor evolution and underlies the majority of cancer-related deaths. The heterogeneity in disseminated tumor cell populations capable of seeding and growing in distant organ sites contributes to the development of treatment resistant disease. We recently reported the identification of a novel tumor-derived cell population, circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), harboring attributes from both macrophages and neoplastic cells, including functional characteristics important to metastatic spread. These disseminated hybrids outnumber conventionally defined circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in cancer patients. It is unknown if CHCs represent a generalized cancer mechanism for cell dissemination, or if this population is relevant to the metastatic cascade. Herein, we detect CHCs in the peripheral blood of patients with cancer in myriad disease sites encompassing epithelial and non-epithelial malignancies. Further, we demonstrate that in vivo-derived hybrid cells harbor tumor-initiating capacity in murine cancer models and that CHCs from human breast cancer patients express stem cell antigens, features consistent with the potential to seed and grow at metastatic sites. Finally, we reveal heterogeneity of CHC phenotypes reflect key tumor features, including oncogenic mutations and functional protein expression. Importantly, this novel population of disseminated neoplastic cells opens a new area in cancer biology and renewed opportunity for battling metastatic disease.

Nanoinformatics, and the big challenges for the science of small things

The combination of computational chemistry and computational materials science with machine learning and artificial intelligence provides a powerful way of relating structural features of nanomaterials with functional properties. However, combining these fundamentally different scientific approaches is not as straightforward as it seems. Machine learning methods were developed for large data sets with small numbers of consistent features. Typically nanomaterials data sets are small, with high dimensionality and high variance in the feature space, and suffer from numerous destructive biases. None of the established data science or machine learning methods in widespread use today were devised with (nano)materials data sets in mind, but there are ways to overcome these challenges and use them reliably. In this review we will discuss domain-specific constraints on data-driven nanomaterials design, and explore the differences between nanomaterials simulation and nanoinformatics that can be leveraged for greater impact.

P5584Causes of death within the first year after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Lessons from EVERY-TAVI registry

Background

According to current recommendations, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) should only be performed among patients with a life expectancy of at least one year. However, many deaths occur within the first year after TAVI.

Purpose

To assess the causes of death within one year after TAVI.

Methods

Data was taken between November 2007 and December 2017 from the EVERY-TAVI registry. Patients who died during TAVI or experienced mechanical complications requiring surgery were excluded from the analysis. We assessed the causes of death over 3 periods post-TAVI: within the first 30 days, between 30 and 90 days, and between 90 and 365 days.

Results

Overall, 2389 patients underwent TAVI without mechanical complications. Among them, 320 (1.3%) died within one year. Age was the main cause of death, accounting for 73 deaths (22.8%), followed by heart failure (20.6%) and infections (18.7%). During the first month, cardiogenic shock was the main cause of death (25.4%), followed by infections (22.2%) and terminal heart failure (20.6%), while age was responsible of only one death (1.6%). During the two following months, heart failure was the main cause of death (33.3%), followed by infections (21.2%), and the percentage of deaths due to age increased to 18.2%. After 3 months, age was the main cause of death (31.4%), followed by infection (16.8%) and heart failure (16.2%).

Causes of death within one year of TAVI Cause of death All (n=320) <30 days (n=63) 30–90 days (n=66) >90 days (n=191) Older age, n (%) 73 (22.8) 1 (1.6) 12 (18.2) 60 (31.4) Terminal heart failure, n (%) 66 (20.6) 13 (20.6) 22 (33.3) 31 (16.2) Infection, n (%) 60 (18.7) 14 (22.2) 14 (21.2) 32 (16.8) Terminal renal failure, n (%) 26 (8.1) 4 (6.3) 5 (7.6) 17 (8.9) Cardiogenic shock, n (%) 26 (8.1) 16 (25.4) 4 (6.1) 6 (3.1) Malignancies, n (%) 18 (5.6) 0 (0.0) 2 (3.0) 16 (8.4) Sudden death, n (%) 17 (5.3) 6 (9.5) 2 (3.0) 9 (4.7) Stroke, n (%) 12 (3.7) 4 (6.3) 2 (3.0) 6 (3.1) Accident, n (%) 7 (2.2) 2 (3.2) 0 (0.0) 5 (2.6) Myocardial infarction, n (%) 7 (2.2) 2 (3.2) 2 (3.0) 3 (1.6) Non-cardiac surgery, n (%) 5 (1.6) 1 (1.6) 1 (1.5) 3 (1.6) Pulmonary embolism, n (%) 3 (0.9) 0 (0.0) 0 (0.0) 3 (1.6)

Conclusion

Cardiogenic shock is the main cause within the first month after TAVI, while older age is the main cause overall and after the initial months, highlighting the need to more carefully selection of patients undergoing TAVI.

Cell fusion potentiates tumor heterogeneity and reveals circulating hybrid cells that correlate with stage and survival

High lethality rates associated with metastatic cancer highlight an urgent medical need for improved understanding of biologic mechanisms driving metastatic spread and identification of biomarkers predicting late-stage progression. Numerous neoplastic cell intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms fuel tumor progression; however, mechanisms driving heterogeneity of neoplastic cells in solid tumors remain obscure. Increased mutational rates of neoplastic cells in stressed environments are implicated but cannot explain all aspects of tumor heterogeneity. We present evidence that fusion of neoplastic cells with leukocytes (for example, macrophages) contributes to tumor heterogeneity, resulting in cells exhibiting increased metastatic behavior. Fusion hybrids (cells harboring hematopoietic and epithelial properties) are readily detectible in cell culture and tumor-bearing mice. Further, hybrids enumerated in peripheral blood of human cancer patients correlate with disease stage and predict overall survival. This unique population of neoplastic cells provides a novel biomarker for tumor staging, as well as a potential therapeutic target for intervention.

Between-region genetic divergence reflects the mode and tempo of tumor evolution

Given the implications of tumor dynamics for precision medicine, there is a need to systematically characterize the mode of evolution across diverse solid tumor types. In particular, methods to infer the role of natural selection within established human tumors are lacking. By simulating spatial tumor growth under different evolutionary modes and examining patterns of between-region subclonal genetic divergence from multiregion sequencing (MRS) data, we demonstrate that it is feasible to distinguish tumors driven by strong positive subclonal selection from those evolving neutrally or under weak selection, as the latter fail to dramatically alter subclonal composition. We developed a classifier based on measures of between-region subclonal genetic divergence and projected patient data into model space, finding different modes of evolution both within and between solid tumor types. Our findings have broad implications for how human tumors progress, how they accumulate intratumoral heterogeneity, and ultimately how they may be more effectively treated.

Abstract A14: Transforming growth factor beta signaling regulates the fate of intestinal stem cells

Transforming growth factor beta signaling has important roles in stem cell behavior, differentiation, cell motility, cell cycle and apoptosis. Here, we have utilized a novel mouse model that facilitates the sporadic inactivation of TgfβR2 via frameshift reversion of Cre in single, isolated cells and concomitant lineage tracing with a Cre-reporter. Short-term lineage tracing of TgfβR2-deficient crypts revealed reduced expansion suggesting a growth disadvantage among crypts. In contrast, long-term lineage tracing of TgfβR2-deficient crypts revealed an increased number suggesting a growth advantage within the crypt. To reconcile these apparently contradictory findings, we studied the dynamics of proliferative, Lgr5+ stem cells following TgfβR2 loss. We found that TgfβR2-deficient stem cell lineages required more time to reach monoclonality within the crypt. Using mathematical modeling of stem cell neutral drift, we found that increased “stemness” or a greater probability of a self-renewing asymmetrical outcome for TgfβR2-deficient stem cells was more consistent with our experimental results. Further analysis of TgfβR2-deficient stem cells in vivo revealed a decreased production of Paneth cells, a finding we corroborated in cultured intestinal organoids by treating with either a TgfβR1/2 inhibitor or low levels of the Tgfβ1 ligand. Recent studies by others suggested that quiescent stem cells are intermediaries between proliferative Lgr5+ stem cells and Paneth cells and that Tgfβ signaling is important in the formation of quiescent stem cells in other tissues. Therefore, we are currently asking whether Tgfβ signaling is important in the formation of quiescent stem cells in the intestine.

Citation Format: Jared M. Fischer, Ashleigh Miller, Peter P. Calabrese, Darryl Shibata, R Michael Liskay. Transforming growth factor beta signaling regulates the fate of intestinal stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A14.

Occult progression by Apc-deficient intestinal crypts as a target for chemoprevention

Although Apc mutation is widely considered an initiating event in colorectal cancer, little is known about the earliest stages of tumorigenesis following sporadic Apc loss. Therefore, we have utilized a novel mouse model that facilitates the sporadic inactivation of Apc via frameshift reversion of Cre in single, isolated cells and subsequently tracks the fates of Apc-deficient intestinal cells. Our results suggest that consistent with Apc being a 'gatekeeper', loss of Apc early in life during intestinal growth leads to adenomas or increased crypt fission, manifested by fields of mutant but otherwise normal-appearing crypts. In contrast, Apc loss occurring later in life has minimal consequences, with mutant crypts being less prone to either increased crypt fission or adenoma formation. Using the stem cell-specific Lgr5-CreER mouse, we generated different sized fields of Apc-deficient crypts via independent recombination events and found that field size correlates with progression to adenoma. To evaluate this early stage prior to adenoma formation as a therapeutic target, we examined the chemopreventive effects of sulindac on Apc-deficient occult crypt fission. We found that sulindac treatment started early in life inhibits the morphologically occult spread of Apc-deficient crypts and thus reduces adenoma numbers. Taken together these results suggest that: (i) earlier Apc loss promotes increased crypt fission, (ii) a field of Apc-deficient crypts, which can form via occult crypt fission or independent neighboring events, is an important intermediate between loss of Apc and adenoma formation and (iii) normal-appearing Apc-deficient crypts are potential unappreciated targets for cancer screening and chemoprevention.

Mutation in aging mice occurs in diverse cell types that proliferate postmutation

To determine the relationship between aging, cell proliferation and mutation in different cell types, hearts, brains and kidneys from G11 PLAP mice between 1 week and 24 months of age were examined. Mutant cells were detected in tissue sections by staining for Placental Alkaline Phosphatase (PLAP) activity, an activity that marks cells that have sustained a frameshift mutation in a mononucleotide tract inserted into the coding region of the human gene encoding PLAP. The number of PLAP(+) cells increased with age in all three tissues. The types of cells exhibiting a mutant phenotype included cells that are proliferative, such as kidney epithelial cells, and cells that do not frequently replicate, such as cardiac muscle cells and neurons. In the brain, PLAP(+) cells appeared in various locations and occurred at similar frequencies in different regions. Within the cerebellum, PLAP(+) Purkinje cell neurons appeared at a rate similar to that seen in the brain as a whole. PLAP(+) cells were observed in kidney-specific cell types such as those in glomeruli and collecting tubules, as well as in connective tissue and blood vessels. In the heart, PLAP(+) cells appeared to be cardiac muscle cells. Regardless of tissue and cell type, PLAP(+) cells occurred as singletons and in clusters, both of which increased in frequency with age. These data show that age-associated accumulation of mutant cells occurs in diverse cell types and is due to both new mutation and proliferation of mutant cells, even in cell types that tend to not proliferate.

Visualizing loss of heterozygosity in living mouse cells and tissues

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in somatic cells can contribute to the genesis of cancer, but little is known about the frequency with which LOH occurs in normal cells of the body. To detect LOH in situ, we studied mouse shYFP embryonic stem (ES) cells and cells of the intestinal epithelia derived from these ES cells. shYFP ES cells are heterozygous at the ROSA26 locus. One copy of the locus carries a gene encoding a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), while the other copy harbors an shRNA gene that produces a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecule that causes degradation of YFP mRNA. Nearly all cells in shYFP populations were faintly fluorescent, but brightly fluorescent cells arose at a rate of approximately 10(-5)bright cells/generation. Bright cells lacked the gene encoding the shRNA and contained two copies of the YFP gene. Comparison of these results to previous data on LOH in ES cells that lacked interfering shRNA showed that LOH in shYFP cells was not influenced by the presence of the shRNA. Bright cells were also seen in intestinal villi of chimeric mice made by injecting blastocysts with shYFP cells. These data demonstrate that this approach can detect LOH and suggest that it will allow detection of LOH in a broad array of tissues and cell types in transgenic mice made from shYFP cells.

Expression and loss of alleles in cultured mouse embryonic fibroblasts and stem cells carrying allelic fluorescent protein genes

Background

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) contributes to many cancers, but the rate at which these events occur in normal cells of the body is not clear. LOH would be detectable in diverse cell types in the body if this event were to confer an obvious cellular phenotype. Mice that carry two different fluorescent protein genes as alleles of a locus would seem to be a useful tool for addressing this issue because LOH would change a cell's phenotype from dichromatic to monochromatic. In addition, LOH caused by mitotic crossing over might be discernable in tissues because this event produces a pair of neighboring monochromatic cells that are different colors.

Results

As a step in assessing the utility of this approach, we derived primary embryonic fibroblast populations and embryonic stem cell lines from mice that carried two different fluorescent protein genes as alleles at the chromosome 6 locus, ROSA26. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) showed that the vast majority of cells in each line expressed the two marker proteins at similar levels, and that populations exhibited expression noise similar to that seen in bacteria and yeast. Cells with a monochromatic phenotype were present at frequencies on the order of 10^-4 and appeared to be produced at a rate of approximately 10^-5 variant cells per mitosis. 45 of 45 stably monochromatic ES cell clones exhibited loss of the expected allele at the ROSA26 locus. More than half of these clones retained heterozygosity at a locus between ROSA26 and the centromere. Other clones exhibited LOH near the centromere, but were disomic for chromosome 6.

Conclusion

Allelic fluorescent markers allowed LOH at the ROSA26 locus to be detected by FACS. LOH at this locus was usually not accompanied by LOH near the centromere, suggesting that mitotic recombination was the major cause of ROSA26 LOH. Dichromatic mouse embryonic cells provide a novel system for studying genetic/karyotypic stability and factors influencing expression from allelic genes. Similar approaches will allow these phenomena to be studied in tissues.

Exposure of mice to arsenic and/or benzo[a]pyrene does not increase the frequency of Aprt-deficient cells recovered from explanted skin of Aprt heterozygous mice

Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water is linked to cancer in humans, but the mechanism of arsenic-induced cancer is not clear. Arsenic is not a powerful point mutagen, but can cause chromosome malsegregation and mitotic recombination, two events that can cause loss of tumor suppressor alleles and thereby contribute to the evolution of cancerous cells. To determine whether arsenic increases the frequency of allele loss due to either malsegregation or mitotic recombination in vivo, Aprt(+/-) hybrid mice were exposed to sodium arsenite (10 mg/L) in their drinking water for 10 weeks. To determine whether arsenic enhances the action of a known mutagen, half of the arsenic-treated mice were exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) for 8 weeks by skin painting (500 nmoles/week). Cells were taken from painted dorsal skin and cultured in the presence of 2,6-diaminopurine (DAP), to select colonies lacking adenosine phosphoribosyl transferase (Aprt) activity. The frequency of DAP-resistant (DAP(r)) colonies varied substantially within the treatment groups, but there was no significant difference between the groups. Analysis of DNA from DAP(r) colonies suggested that mitotic recombination contributed to the loss of wild-type Aprt allele. Whether arsenic or BaP enhanced or diminished the frequency of this process could not be deduced from these data.

Co-mutagenic activity of arsenic and benzo[a]pyrene in mouse skin

Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water is linked to skin, lung and bladder cancer in humans. The mechanism of arsenic-induced cancer is not clear, but exposure to arsenic and polycyclic arylhydrocarbons (PAH) is more carcinogenic than exposure to either type of carcinogen alone. Arsenic can also generate reactive oxygen species, suggesting that oxidation of DNA may play a role in carcinogenesis. Oxidization of guanosines in polyG tracts is known to cause frameshift mutations, and such events can be detected in situ using the G11 placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) transgenic mouse model, which reports frameshift mutations in a run of 11 G:C basepairs by generating cells containing heat-resistant alkaline phosphatase activity. PAH can also induce frameshift mutations. In the study described here, FVB/N mice carrying the G11 PLAP transgene were crossed to C57Bl/6 mice. Half of the hybrid mice were given drinking water with sodium arsenite (10 mg/L) for 10 weeks. Half of the arsenic treated mice were also exposed to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) by skin painting (500 nmol/week) for 8 weeks. Another group of mice was exposed to BaP but not arsenic. The effect on frameshift mutation was assessed by staining sections of skin tissue to detect cells with PLAP activity. Arsenic alone had no significant effect. On average, mice given BaP alone had approximately three times more PLAP-positive (PLAP+) cells. By contrast, mice exposed to both arsenic and BaP exhibited 10-fold more PLAP+ cells in the skin, and these cells were often arranged in large clusters, suggesting derivation from stem cells. Whereas combined treatment produced more PLAP+ cells, stable BaP adduct levels and arsenic burdens were not higher in mice exposed to both agents compared to mice exposed to either one agent or the other.

Increased mutation in mice genetically predisposed to oxidative damage in the brain

Harlequin (Hq) mice develop ataxia due to an X-linked recessive mutation in the gene encoding apoptosis-inducing factor (Aif). Brain cells in Hq mice contain the modified base 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), suggesting that the defect in Aif causes increased DNA oxidation in these cells. Because oxidative damage is mutagenic, Hq mice might suffer increased mutation in the brain. To examine this possibility, mutation in the brain was assessed using the Tg(betaA-G11PLAP) mouse model, which allows mutant cells to be visualized in tissue sections in situ. Hq mice exhibited more and larger patches of PLAP positive tissue in the brain. PLAP+ cells were observed in all areas of the brain. No increase in the number of PLAP+ cells was seen in three other tissues, suggesting that the effect of Aif deficiency on mutation was specific to brain.

Modeling variation in tumors in vivo

Transgenic mice that allow mutant cells to be visualized in situ were used to study variation in tumors. These mice carry the G11 placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) transgene, a mutant allele rendered incapable of producing its enzyme product by a frameshift caused by insertion of a tract of G:C base pairs in a coding region. Spontaneous deletion of one G:C base pair from this tract restores gene function, and cells with PLAP activity can be detected histochemically. To study tumors, the G11 PLAP transgene was introduced into the polyoma virus middle T antigen mammary tumor model. Tumors in these mice exhibited up to 300 times more PLAP+ cells than normal tissues. PLAP+ cells were located throughout each tumor. Many of the PLAP+ cells were singlets, but clusters also were common, with one cluster containing >30,000 cells. Comparison of these data to simulations produced by computer models suggested that multiple factors were involved in generating mutant cells in tumors. Although genetic instability appeared to have occurred in most tumors, large clusters were much more common than expected based on instability alone.

Phylogenetic identification of Pneumocystis murina sp. nov., a new species in laboratory mice

Pneumocystisis a fungal genus that contains multiple species. One member of the genus that has not been formally analysed for its phylogenetic relationships and possible species status is thePneumocystisfound in laboratory mice,Pneumocystis murinasp. nov. (type strain ATCC PRA-111T=CBS 114898T), formerly known asPneumocystis cariniif. sp.muris. To advance research in this area, approximately 3000 bp of additional DNA sequence were obtained from the locus encoding rRNAs. This sequence and others were used to determine genetic distances betweenP. murinaand other members of the genus. These distances indicated thatP. murinaDNA is most similar to that of the species ofPneumocystisfound in laboratory rats. Nevertheless,P. murinais at least as diverged from these otherPneumocystisspecies as species in other fungal genera are from each other. The 18S rRNA gene sequence divergence exhibited byP. murinacould not be ascribed to accelerated evolution of this gene as similar levels of divergence were observed at seven other loci. When five genes were used to construct phylogenetic trees for fivePneumocystistaxa, includingP. murina, all the trees had the same topology, indicating that genes do not flow among these taxa. The gene trees were all strongly supported by statistical tests. When sequences from the rRNA-encoding locus were used to estimate the time of divergence ofP. murina, the results indicated thatP. murinais as old as the mouse. Taken together, these data support previous recognition of multiple species in the genus and indicate thatP. murinais a phylogenetic species as well.

Natural selection for grazer resistance to toxic cyanobacteria: evolution of phenotypic plasticity?

We studied the selection response of the freshwater grazing zooplankter, Daphnia galeata, to increased abundance of cyanobacteria in its environment. Cyanobacteria are a poor-quality and often toxic food. Distinct genotypes of D. galeata were hatched from diapausing eggs extracted from three time horizons in the sediments of Lake Constance, Europe, covering the period 1962 to 1997, a time of change in both the prevalence of planktonic cyanobacteria and levels of phosphorus pollution. We assessed whether the grazers evolved to become more resistant to dietary cyanobacteria by exposing genetically distinct clones to two diets, one composed only of the nutritious green alga, Scenedesmus obliquus (good food), and the other a mixture of S. obliquus and the toxic cyanobacterium Microcvstis aeruginosa (poor food). Genotype performance was measured as the specific rate of weight gain from neonate to maturity (gj). We evaluated evolutionary change in the Daphnia population using an analysis of reaction norms based on relative (log-transformed) changes in gj. Log(gj) is a measure of the proportional effect of dietary cyanobacteria on other fitness components of the Daphnia phenotype. For comparison, we also analyze absolute (i.e., nontransformed) changes in gj and discuss the interpretations of the two approaches. Statistical results using a general linear model demonstrate a significant effect of genotype (showing differences in gj among genotypes), a significant genotype x food-type interaction (showing differences in phenotypic plasticity among genotypes), and, in the case of log-transformed data, a significant sediment-genotype-age x food-type interaction. The latter shows that phenotypic plasticity evolved over the period studied. Two constraints act on response to selection in the D. galeata-Lake Constance system. First, gj on a diet containing poor food is highly correlated with gj on a diet of good food, thus evolving resistance also meant evolving an increase in gj on both diets. Second, because genotypes with a high gj also grow to a large adult body size, which in turn increases Daphnia vulnerability to fish predation, we suggest that selection only acted to favor genotypes possessing a high potential gj after cyanobacteria became prevalent. The presence of cyanobacteria depressed realized gj and led to animals of small adult body size even if their genotypes had the potential for high gj and large size. With realized gj reduced, genotypes with an inherently high value could be selected even in the presence of predatory fish. The joint action of selection by dietary cyanobacteria and vulnerability to fish predation provides an explanation for the observed evolution of resistance to poor food through reduced phenotypic plasticity.

Depletion of natural killer cells from the graft reduces interferon-gamma levels and lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha release in F1 hybrid mice with acute graft-versus-host disease

BACKGROUND

We wished to determine whether removal of NK1.1+ cells from the graft provides protection against acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by obviating the Th1 immune response that underlies the development of this disease.

METHODS

Graft-versus-host (GVH) reactions were induced in two groups of (C57BL/6 x DBA/2)F1 hybrid mice. The first received grafts harvested from polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-stimulated, C57BL/6 donors and depleted in vitro of NK1.1+ cells. This treatment provides protection against GVHD-associated mortality and cachexia. The second received unmodified grafts. We compared interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 production as well as the levels of engraftment in these two groups. Lipopolysaccharide-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) release was also compared since TNF-alpha levels in GVH mice following injection of a sublethal dose of endotoxin provide an index of macrophage priming by Th1 cytokines.

RESULTS

Interferon-gamma production was absent in recipients of NK1.1-depleted grafts at the time when high levels were seen in recipients of unmodified grafts. Following lipopolysaccharide injection, high levels of TNF-alpha were observed in recipients of unmodified grafts, whereas negligible amounts were present in recipients of NK1.1-depleted grafts. The use of NK1.1-depleted grafts did not result in a reduced level of engraftment of CD4+ or CD8+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that NK1.1 depletion of the graft confers protection against mortality by interfering with an immunoregulatory mechanism that results in the development of a Th1 response in GVH mice, and does not result in abortion of the graft. Because macrophage priming is prevented, recipients are also protected from the exaggerated sensitivity to endotoxin seen in mice with acute GVHD.

Murine graft-versus-host disease in an F1-hybrid model using IFN-gamma gene knockout donors

These experiments were performed to determine whether the absence of donor-derived IFN-gamma would influence the outcome of acute graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). Graft-vs-host reactions were induced in B6D2F1 hybrids using grafts from either IFN-gamma gene knockout (gko) or wild-type, C57BL/6J, parental strain donors. GVHD was equally lethal in both groups, but IFN-gamma gko graft recipients developed a more protracted form of the disease. These mice developed early wasting that persisted until death. IFN-gamma was present in spleen cell cultures from wild-type graft recipients, but was absent in cultures from IFN-gamma gko graft recipients. Both recipient groups showed macrophage priming for LPS-induced TNF-alpha release. Engraftment of donor-derived CD4+ and CD8+ cells was greater in IFN-gamma gko graft recipients. Pathologic changes in IFN-gamma gko graft recipients were different from those typically seen in acute GVHD. The syndrome developing in IFN-gamma gko recipients consisted of patchy alopecia, corneal dryness and clouding, and lymphocytic infiltration of the liver, pancreas, salivary gland, lung, and kidney. Lymphocytic infiltrates were also present in the epidermis and the epithelium of both bile and salivary gland ducts. Some of the lesions closely resembled those seen in the "sicca"/Sjogren's-like syndrome associated with chronic GVHD; however, there was no evidence of immune complex deposition in the kidney. These results indicate that GVHD in IFN-gamma gko graft recipients shares many features with acute GVHD, but both the duration of the disease and its pathologic manifestations are different. Our results suggest that IFN-gamma plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD by increasing the rate at which mortality develops.

Comparison of spiral CT scan and arteriography for evaluation of renal and visceral arteries

Renal and visceral artery images obtained concurrently with spiral CT and conventional arteriography were compared for 32 patients. Indications for imaging were occlusive disease (n = 12), aneurysmal disease (n = 9), and renal or visceral artery disease (n = 11). Conventional arteriography enabled visualization of 64 renal arteries and 15 accessory renal arteries. Lateral aortograms obtained in 15 patients enabled visualization of 14 superior mesenteric (SMA) and 14 celiac arteries. Spiral CT enabled visualization of 60 renal arteries, 12 accessory renal arteries, 27 SMAs, and 22 celiac arteries. Calcification or a disparity in timing of contrast material injection and scanning prevented visualization of the celiac artery in 10 patients and the SMA in four patients. With conventional arteriography as the standard for comparison, spiral CT had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% for depiction of at least 75% stenosis in the main renal artery. By means of the Pearson correlation coefficient, significant correlation (p < 0.001) was confirmed between spiral CT and arteriography for evaluation of stenosis of the main renal artery, SMA, and celiac artery. This early experience suggests that spiral CT may be useful in evaluation of renal and visceral arteries and their relationship to aortic disease.

Effects of forage particle size and long hay for cows fed total mixed rations based on alfalfa and corn

A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, in which particle length of alfalfa silage in the TMR and supplementary long alfalfa-grass hay were the factors, was used to determine whether hay benefits lactating cows and whether its effects depend on fibrosity of the main forage source. Without supplementary hay, TMR contained 45% forage, including corn silage, and 26 to 27.5% NDF. When hay was fed, the amount of alfalfa silage in the corresponding TMR was reduced. In the production trial, 40 cows (20 multiparous) were fed the diets for 8 wk in early lactation. No interactions of silage length and hay occurred on any production variables except lactose concentration in the milk of multiparous cows. Addition of hay to the diet enhanced DMI, without effect on production, so efficiency of milk production was reduced. Shorter alfalfa silage enhanced DMI by multiparous cows, reduced SCM and FCM in primiparous cows, and depressed fat test in both groups. Milk composition and component production generally were unaffected. Five rumen-fistulated cows in early to midlactation each were given the four treatments during four 3-wk periods. Hay enhanced rumination when short alfalfa silage was fed but tended to reduce it on long alfalfa silage. Hay also depressed rumen pH and enhanced VFA concentrations. Alfalfa silage length had minimal effects on rumination and no effect on fermentation, and neither hay nor silage length affected digestion of silage DM or NDF in the rumen. Addition of hay to the diet may not be beneficial for cows fed TMR, but longer term feeding studies are needed.

A new fluorescent test for cell vitality using calcofluor white M2R

The fluorescent fabric-brightener dye, Calcofluor white M2R (CFW), can be used to distinguish between living and dead cells from a variety of animal and plant sources. CFW does not stain living mouse fibroblasts or trout red blood cells and stains only the cell walls in living cells from the epidermis of onion bulb scale, staminal hairs of Tradescantia, and longitudinal sections of broad bean stems and roots. Heat-killed plant or animal cells are recognized by their lightly stained cytoplasm and brightly stained nuclei. The optimum staining concentrations were very low (0.01% to 0.03%) and nontoxic. Using onion scale epidermis in which some cells had been killed by heating as a test system, and the plasmolysis-deplasmolysis rection as the ultimate test for cell vitality, results from CFW staining correctly predicted cell vitality for about 98% of the cells tested. This success rate was comparable to those for Evans blue, uranin or neutral red in this test system.

Mechanism of seed priming in circumventing thermodormancy in lettuce

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv Minetto) seeds were primed in aerated solutions of 1% K(3)PO(4) or water at 15 degrees C in the dark for various periods of time to determine the manner by which seed priming bypasses thermodormancy. Seeds which were not primed did not germinate at 35 degrees C, whereas those which were primed for 20 h in 1% K(3)PO(4) or distilled H(2)O had up to 86% germination. The rate of water uptake and respiration during priming were similar regardless of soak solution. Cell elongation occurred in both water and 1% K(3)PO(4), 4 to 6 h prior to cell division. Both processes commenced sooner in water than K(3)PO(4). Radicle protrusion (germination) occurred in the priming solution at 21 h in water and 27 h in 1% K(3)PO(4).Respiration, radicle protrusion and cell division consistently occurred sooner in primed (redried) seeds compared to nonprimed seeds when they were imbibed at 25 degrees C. Cell division and elongation commenced after 10 h imbibition in primed (redried) seeds imbibed at 35 degrees C. Neither process occurred in nonprimed seeds. Respiratory rates were higher in both primed and nonprimed seeds imbibed at 35 degrees C compared to those imbibed at 25 degrees C, although radicle protrusion did not occur in nonprimed seeds which were imbibed at 35 degrees C. It is apparent that cell elongation and division are inhibited during high temperature imbibition in nonprimed lettuce seeds. Seed priming appears to lead to the irreversible initiation of cell elongation, thus overcoming thermodormancy.

Determinants of ryegrass pollen cytochrome c recognized by human IgE and murine monoclonal antibodies

In attempts to produce fragments of an allergenic molecule which would retain allergenic and/or antigenic determinant(s), the cytochrome c of ryegrass (RG) pollen, which had been shown to be an allergenic constituent of this pollen, was digested with trypsin and chymotrypsin and the resulting fragments were separated by high performance liquid chromatography. Several of these fragments were shown, with the aid of the radioallergosorbent test and solid phase radioimmunoassays, to bind IgE antibodies present in a pool of six sera from grass-sensitive patients and three murine monoclonal antibodies, designated as Mab 41, Mab 42 and Mab 43, which had been originally produced against the crossreacting cytochrome c of Kentucky bluegrass (KBG). In summary, (i) fragments C-67 and C-74 reacted with all antibodies, (ii) fragments T-45, T-46 and C-69 bound to human IgE antibodies as well as to Mab 41 and Mab 42, but not to Mab 43, (iii) fragment T-44 reacted only with Mab 41 and Mab 42, and (iv) fragment C-83 bound only Mab 42 and Mab 43. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that (i) immunochemically active fragments of the RG cytochrome c can be readily produced by enzymatic degradation, (ii) there is significant crossreaction between the antigenic determinants of RG and KBG cytochromes c, (iii) whereas all fragments possessed at least two of the original antigenic determinants, fragments C-83 and T-44 were devoid of allergenic determinants, (iv) the antigenic determinants recognized by Mab 41 and Mab 42 were different from those reacting with human IgE antibodies and Mab 43, (v) each of the three monoclonal antibodies recognized a distinct antigenic determinant, (vi) fragments C-67 and C-74 possessed all determinants recognized by the human IgE and mouse antibodies used.

Regional measurements of blood-to-tissue transport in experimental RG-2 rat gliomas

Regional measurements of blood-to-tissue transport were performed in transplanted RG-2 rat gliomas using [alpha- 14C]aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), quantitative autoradiography, and equations to express a unidirectional transfer constant. Thirty-eight intracranial tumors in ten rats were analyzed according to location; 23 intraparenchymal tumors, eight meningeal tumors, six fourth-ventricular tumors, and one third-ventricular tumor were studied. Except for the small third-ventricular tumor, the transfer constant (K) for AIB was similar in all groups and ranged from 0.031 to 0.038 ml/g/min. Within individual tumors, regional variation of K was also small, although some local variation could be correlated with histological features. The K for AIB decreased in brain around tumor and, at a distance of 300 microns from tumor edge, had returned to values similar to those of normal cortex (0.002 ml/g/min). An average extraction fraction (E) of 0.09 was calculated for AIB in the RG-2 tumors. The low E suggests that delivery of water-soluble chemotherapeutic drugs to RG-2 tumors should be limited more by capillary permeability or surface area than by blood flow. RG-2 is an ideal experimental tumor with which to test drug delivery and the methods that attempt to increase drug delivery in brain tumors.

Regional measurements of blood flow in experimental RG-2 rat gliomas

Regional measurements of blood flow (F) were performed in transplanted intracerebral RG-2 rat gliomas using [14C]iodoantipyrine, Kety-Schmidt blood flow equations, and quantitative autoradiography. Twenty-nine intracranial tumors in ten rats were analyzed by location; 18 intraparenchymal, seven meningeal, two third-ventricular, and two fourth-ventricular tumors were studied. For all tumors, averaged mean F was 91 +/- 33 (S.D.) ml/hg/min. In all but one tumor, mean F was intermediate between normal cortex and corpus callosum values. There was moderate regional variation: averaged mean F was lower in tumor center (78 +/- 47 ml/hg/min) than in tumor periphery (93 +/- 30 ml/hg/min). Within individual tumors, F showed moderate variation which correlated to some extent with histological features; a regional F of less than 10 ml/hg/min was observed in only one tumor within an area of necrosis. F in regions of brain immediately surrounding the tumor was higher than in tumor periphery. Blood flow to RG-2 tumors seems unlikely to limit drug delivery any more than to normal brain, and the consistent levels from tumor to tumor and within individual tumors make the RG-2 model an excellent one with which to study drug delivery in experimental brain tumors.

Regional cerebral blood flow in the beagle puppy model of neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage: studies during systemic hypertension

The newborn beagle puppy serves as an animal model for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) of the premature infant. Since increased systemic blood pressure has been implicated in the genesis of IVH in both babies and puppies, we studied regional cerebral blood flow in control and hypertensive puppies. Hypertension significantly increased blood flow to all structures. The largest increases occurred in gray matter, especially deep cerebral and brainstem nuclei. Blood flow also increased to deep hemispheric white matter, but the magnitude of the increase was smaller. Hypertension also increased blood flow to the subependymal germinal matrix (GM). The magnitude of the increase to most of the GM was small and similar to deep hemispheric white matter. The increase to the most rostral GM was higher and equal to the mean increase seen in gray matter. This rostral-caudal gradient of hypertension-induced hyperperfusion may explain the tendency for IVH to occur in rostral GM in premature babies. However, the failure to find a disproportionate increase in blood flow to GM during hypertension implies that additional factors besides hypertension-induced GM hyperperfusion may be involved in the pathogenesis of IVH.

Spatial distribution of proliferating cells in avian sarcoma virus-induced gliomas

We studied the regional distribution of proliferating tumor cells in five avian sarcoma virus-induced gliomas. The labeling index and spatial distribution of [3H]thymidine (dThd)-labeled tumor cells were determined in serial sections of each tumor with a computer-assisted digitizing system. The density of [3H]dThd-labeled cells showed marked regional variation in each tumor, and the ratio of the density of [3H]dThd-labeled cells in tumor periphery to tumor center varied from 0.86 to 1.38. The labeling index generally, but not always, reflected [3H]dThd-labeled cell density. This study indicates that proliferating pools of glioma tumor cells exhibit regional variability in concentration and that the highest numbers of proliferating cells may be predominantly located in central regions of tumor and not in tumor periphery as assumed previously. In all tumors, large numbers of proliferating cells were present in all parts of the tumor.

Regional cerebral blood flow in the newborn beagle pup: the germinal matrix is a "low-flow" structure

The newborn beagle pup serves as a model for neonatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Fluctuations in germinal matrix blood flow are left to play a major role in the pathogenesis of IVH. We studied regional cerebral blood flow in awake newborn beagle pups utilizing [14C]-iodoantipyrine as a blood flow indicator and quantitative autoradiography. The equilibrium [tissue]:[blood] partition coefficient for iodoantipyrine was 1.13 +/- .06 for grey matter. Blood flow was calculated for cerebral cortex (frontal = 59 +/- 9 ml/100 g/min), 14 subcortical nuclear structures (e.g., caudate = 45 +/- 6 ml/100 g/min), 3 white matter structure (centrum semiovale = 7 +/- 1 ml/100 g/min), and germinal matrix (7 +/- 1 ml/100 g/min) (mean +/- S.E.). We conclude that under normal physiologic conditions the germinal matrix receives relatively low blood flow. This information can be used for comparison with germinal matrix blood flow during adverse experimental conditions.

Permeability of different experimental brain tumor models to horseradish peroxidase

The permeability of different brain tumor models to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was examined by determining the fraction of tumor that contained HRP after intravenous administration. The intracerebral tumor models studied were Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV)-induced tumors and tumors from transplanted RG-2, S69-C1-5, and 9L cell lines. The average fraction of RG-2 tumors permeable to HRP was .95; of S69-C1-5 tumors, .699; of ASV-induced tumors. .63; and of 9L tumors, .52. Except for the RG-2 tumors, there was considerable regional variation in HRP permeability, which was most marked in the ASV-induced tumors. In ASV-induced tumors, HRP permeability did not correlate with tumor histological classification, size, or anatomic location within the brain. The subcutaneous tumor models studied were RG-2-, S69-C1-5, and 9L-transplanted tumors in rats, and human glioblastoma cell lines transplanted into nude mice. All were completely permeable to HRP. These results indicate that significant differences in permeability to HRP exist among brain tumor models when the tumors are intracerebral, and that all subcutaneous tumors from transplanted glial cell lines are completely permeable to HRP. These variables must be considered in future studies of permeability in experimental brain tumors. Care must be exercised in extrapolating results about permeability from one brain tumor model to another.

Computed tomography of virally induced canine brain tumors: a preliminary report

Seven neonatal dogs were inoculated intracerebrally with Avian Sarcoma Virus (ASV) and studied by computed tomography (CT) for intracranial tumors. The tumor yield was five anaplastic astrocytomas and two sarcomas, with an average latency of 57 days. Computed tomography accurately detected all tumors over 5 mm in diameter and predicted the size of the tumors within 3 mm. The intensity of contrast enhancement was directly related to the dose of Conray-60. The area of enhancement on the CT scan correlated precisely with tumor permeability as determined histologically with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Edema seen in CT scans correlated well with edema present in histological sections. Peritumoral edema was impermeable to both Conray-60 and HRP. The ASV-induced canine brain tumor model appears well suited for future CT studies.

Experimental gliomas: an autoradiographic study of the endothelial component

Autochthonous gliomas were induced in rats by intracerebral inoculation of avian of avian sarcoma virus and studied by 3H-thymidine autoradiography. Parenchymal glial tumor cells had a 3H-labeling index (LI) of 3.0 to 13.6%. Endothelial cells in tumor blood vessels had an LI of 2.6 to 34.3%, independent of and in most instances higher than the LI of the glial tumor. Endothelial cells of normal blood vessels had an average LI of 0.3%. This study documents the high proliferative rate of the endothelial cells in anaplastic experimental gliomas, and emphasizes the necessity for seeking direct, incontrovertible evidence to determine whether or not the rapidly proliferating endothelial cells are malignant.