Probing RAS Function Using Monobody and NanoBiT Technologies

Missense mutations in the RAS family of oncogenes (HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS) are present in approximately 20% of human cancers, making RAS a valuable therapeutic target (Prior et al., Cancer Res 80:2969-2974, 2020). Although decades of research efforts to develop therapeutic inhibitors of RAS were unsuccessful, there has been success in recent years with the entrance of FDA-approved KRASG12C-specific inhibitors to the clinic (Skoulidis et al., N Engl J Med 384:2371-2381, 2021; Jänne et al., N Engl J Med 387:120-131, 2022). Additionally, KRASG12D-specific inhibitors are presently undergoing clinical trials (Wang et al., J Med Chem 65:3123-3133, 2022). The advent of these allele specific inhibitors has disproved the previous notion that RAS is undruggable. Despite these advancements in RAS-targeted therapeutics, several RAS mutants that frequently arise in cancers remain without tractable drugs. Thus, it is critical to further understand the function and biology of RAS in cells and to develop tools to identify novel therapeutic vulnerabilities for development of anti-RAS therapeutics. To do this, we have exploited the use of monobody (Mb) technology to develop specific protein-based inhibitors of selected RAS isoforms and mutants (Spencer-Smith et al., Nat Chem Biol 13:62-68, 2017; Khan et al., Cell Rep 38:110322, 2022; Wallon et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 119:e2204481119, 2022; Khan et al., Small GTPases 13:114-127, 2021; Khan et al., Oncogene 38:2984-2993, 2019). Herein, we describe our combined use of Mbs and NanoLuc Binary Technology (NanoBiT) to analyze RAS protein-protein interactions and to screen for RAS-binding small molecules in live-cell, high-throughput assays.

MAP4K4 promotes pancreatic tumorigenesis via phosphorylation and activation of mixed lineage kinase 3

MAP4K4 is a Ste20 member and reported to play important roles in various pathologies, including in cancer. However, the mechanism by which MAP4K4 promotes pancreatic cancer is not fully understood. It is suggested that MAP4K4 might function as a cancer promoter via specific downstream target(s) in an organ-specific manner. Here we identified MLK3 as a direct downstream target of MAP4K4. The MAP4K4 and MLK3 associates with each other, and MAP4K4 phosphorylates MLK3 on Thr738 and increases MLK3 kinase activity and downstream signaling. The phosphorylation of MLK3 by MAP4K4 promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Moreover, MAP4K4 is overexpressed in human pancreatic tumors and directly correlates with the disease progression. The MAP4K4-specific pharmacological inhibitor, GNE-495, impedes pancreatic cancer cell growth, migration, induces cell death, and arrests cell cycle progression. Additionally, the GNE-495 reduced the tumor burden and extended survival of the KPC mice with pancreatic cancer. The MAP4K4 inhibitor also reduced MAP4K4 protein expression, tumor stroma, and induced cell death in murine pancreatic tumors. These findings collectively suggest that MLK3 phosphorylation by MAP4K4 promotes pancreatic cancer, and therefore therapies targeting MAP4K4 might alleviate the pancreatic cancer tumor burden in patients.

Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 phosphorylates prolyl-isomerase PIN1 and potentiates GLI1 signaling in pancreatic cancer development

The transcription factor Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog 1 (GLI1) is activated by sonic hedgehog (SHH) cascade and is an established driver of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, therapies targeting upstream hedgehog signaling have shown little to no efficacy in clinical trials. Here, we identify Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) as a druggable regulator of oncogenic GLI1. Earlier, we reported that MLK3 phosphorylated a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase PIN1 on the S138 site, and the PIN1-pS138 translocated to the nucleus. In this report, we identify GLI1 as one of the targets of PIN1-pS138 and demonstrate that PIN1-pS138 is upregulated in human PDAC and strongly associates with the upregulation of GLI1 and MLK3 expression. Moreover, we also identified two new phosphorylation sites on GLI1, T394, and S1089, which are directly phosphorylated by MLK3 to promote GLI1 nuclear translocation, transcriptional activity, and cell proliferation. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 by CEP-1347 promoted apoptosis in PDAC cell lines, reduced tumor burden, extended survival, and reduced GLI1 expression in the Pdx1-Cre x LSL-KRASG12D x LSL-TP53R172H (KPC) mouse model of PDAC. These findings collectively suggest that MLK3 is an important regulator of oncogenic GLI1 and that therapies targeting MLK3 warrant consideration in the management of PDAC patients.

Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 Promotes Dexamethasone-Induced Thymocyte Apoptosis

Dexamethasone (DEX) is a corticosteroid known to regulate T-lymphocyte growth/differentiation and used in the clinic as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant agent. The glucocorticoid hormones, including DEX, can induce thymocyte apoptosis. It has been reported that DEX-induced thymocyte apoptosis is associated with an early stage ceramide generation. Since we reported earlier that ceramide induces Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) activation and therefore, we probed whether MLK3 inhibition could attenuate DEX-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Here, we report that genetic loss of MLK3, a member of MAP3K family attenuates DEX-induced apoptosis in thymocytes. To understand any differences in thymic T cell surface markers at the basal level between WT and MLK3−/− mice, we determined protein expression of various surface proteins involved in T cell activation and apoptosis. Flow cytometry analyses indicated that the genetic loss of MLK3 increases CD27 expression on thymic CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+ T cells; however, CD28 expression was mainly increased on CD8+ and CD4+CD8+ T cells due to loss of MLK3. Interestingly, genetic loss of MLK3 paradoxically regulated CD70 expression on thymic and splenic T cells. Furthermore, 4–5 weeks old WT and MLK3−/− mice were challenged with DEX for 24 h, and apoptosis in thymic T cells was determined. The flow cytometry results showed a significant decrease in the DEX-induced apoptosis in thymic CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD8+ T cells, isolated from MLK3−/− mice. Taken together, these results suggest that MLK3 could be a potential target for DEX-induced thymocyte apoptosis and its inhibitors can be used to mitigate thymocyte apoptosis.

Berberine Represses β-Catenin Translation Involving 4E-BPs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin axis occurs in several gastrointestinal malignancies due to inactivating mutations of adenomatous polyposis coli (in colorectal cancer) or activating mutations of β-catenin itself [in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)]. These lead to β-catenin stabilization, increase in β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-mediated transcriptional activation, and target gene expression, many of which are involved in tumor progression. While studying pharmaceutical agents that can target β-catenin in cancer cells, we observed that the plant compound berberine (BBR), a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), can reduce β-catenin expression and downstream signaling in HCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. More in-depth analyses to understand the mechanism revealed that BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin occurs independently of AMPK activation and does not involve transcriptional or post-translational mechanisms. Pretreatment with protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide antagonized BBR-induced β-catenin reduction, suggesting that BBR affects β-catenin translation. BBR treatment also antagonized mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity and was associated with increased recruitment of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein (4E-BP) 1 in the translational complex, which was revealed by 7-methyl-cap-binding assays, suggesting inhibition of cap-dependent translation. Interestingly, knocking down 4E-BP1 and 4E-BP2 significantly attenuated BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin levels and expression of its downstream target genes. Moreover, cells with 4E-BP knockdown were resistant to BBR-induced cell death and were resensitized to BBR after pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. Our findings indicate that BBR antagonizes β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin translation and mTOR activity and thereby reduces HCC cell survival. These also suggest that BBR could be used for targeting HCCs that express mutated/activated β-catenin variants that are currently undruggable. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: β-catenin signaling is aberrantly activated in different gastrointestinal cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, which is currently undruggable. In this study we describe a novel mechanism of targeting β-catenin translation via utilizing a plant compound, berberine. Our findings provide a new avenue of targeting β-catenin axis in cancer, which can be utilized toward the designing of effective therapeutic strategies to combat β-catenin-dependent cancers.

Rationalized inhibition of mixed lineage kinase 3 and CD70 enhances life span and antitumor efficacy of CD8+ T cells

BACKGROUND

The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are important for T cell survival and their effector function. Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) (MAP3K11) is an upstream regulator of MAP kinases and emerging as a potential candidate for targeted cancer therapy; yet, its role in T cell survival and effector function is not known.

METHODS

T cell phenotypes, apoptosis and intracellular cytokine expressions were analyzed by flow cytometry. The apoptosis-associated gene expressions in CD8+CD38+ T cells were measured using RT2 PCR array. In vivo effect of combined blockade of MLK3 and CD70 was analyzed in 4T1 tumor model in immunocompetent mice. The serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We report that genetic loss or pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 induces CD70-TNFα-TNFRSF1a axis-mediated apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. The genetic loss of MLK3 decreases CD8+ T cell population, whereas CD4+ T cells are partially increased under basal condition. Moreover, the loss of MLK3 induces CD70-mediated apoptosis in CD8+ T cells but not in CD4+ T cells. Among the activated CD8+ T cell phenotypes, CD8+CD38+ T cell population shows more than five fold increase in apoptosis due to loss of MLK3, and the expression of TNFRSF1a is significantly higher in CD8+CD38+ T cells. In addition, we observed that CD70 is an upstream regulator of TNFα-TNFRSF1a axis and necessary for induction of apoptosis in CD8+ T cells. Importantly, blockade of CD70 attenuates apoptosis and enhances effector function of CD8+ T cells from MLK3-/- mice. In immune-competent breast cancer mouse model, pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 along with CD70 increased tumor infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, leading to reduction in tumor burden largely via mitochondrial apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Together, these results demonstrate that MLK3 plays an important role in CD8+ T cell survival and effector function and MLK3-CD70 axis could serve as a potential target in cancer.

β-hCG-induced mutant BRCA1 ignites drug resistance in susceptible breast tissue

β-hCG expression in breast cancer is highly controversial with reports supporting both protective and tumorigenic effects. It has also been reported that risk of breast cancer at an early age is increased with full-term pregnancies if a woman is a BRCA1 mutation carrier. We have already demonstrated that BRCA1-defective cells express high levels of β-hCG and that when BRCA1 is restored, β-hCG level is reduced. Also, BRCA1 can bind to the promoter and reduce the levels of β-hCG. β-hCG induces tumorigenicity in BRCA1-defective cells by directly binding to TGFBRII and induces TGFBRII-mediated cell proliferation. In this study, we analyzed the mechanism of action of β-hCG on BRCA1 expression and its influence on drug sensitivity in breast cancer cells. We demonstrate that β-hCG induces mutant BRCA1 protein expression in BRCA1 mutant cells; however, in BRCA1 wild-type cells, β-hCG reduced wild-type BRCA1 protein expression. Transcriptionally, β-hCG could induce Slug/LSD1-mediated repression of wild-type and mutant BRCA1 messenger RNA levels. However, β-hCG induces HSP90-mediated stabilization of mutant BRCA1 and hence the overexpression of mutant BRCA1 protein, resulting in partial restoration of homologous recombination repair of damaged DNA. This contributes to drug resistance to HSP90 inhibitor 17AAG in BRCA1-defective cancer cells. A combination of HSP90 inhibitor and TGFBRII inhibitor has shown to sensitize β-hCG expressing BRCA1-defective breast cancers to cell death. Targeting the β-hCG-HSP90-TGFBRII axis could prove an effective treatment strategy for BRCA1-mutated breast tumors.

Paradoxical Role of MLK3-CTLA-4 axis in Triple-negative Breast Cancer and CD8+ T cells

Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAP3K family member, is an upstream regulator of MAP kinases and reported to mediate cytotoxic drug-induced breast cancer cell death, suggesting that MLK3 could serve as a therapeutic target in breast cancer. However, the function of MLK3 in host immunity and Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) are not known. The small-molecule inhibitor of MLK3, URMC-099, was able to induce caspase activity and promote apoptosis in TNBC cells, both in vivo and in vitro settings. The cytokine levels in TNBC xenograft tumors were either decreased or unchanged except for a significant increase in IL-1β level upon MLK3 inhibition. However, most of the Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines were found to be up-regulated in the serum of tumor-bearing mice. The expression of T cell activation marker, CD69 on splenic, and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells was increased upon inhibition of MLK3. Furthermore, the number of effector CD8+ T cells was also increased upon inhibition of MLK3 in tumor-bearing mice. We also observed that proteins, implicated in CD8+ T cell exhaustion, TIM3, LAG3, NFATc1, and CTLA-4 were up-regulated on CD8+ T cells upon MLK3 inhibition. Additionally, genetic loss/pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 increased expression of CTLA-4 on TNBC and CD8+ T cells via NFATc1. Paradoxically, the cellular proliferation of TNBC cells, expressing CTLA-4 was up-regulated, however it was opposite in CD8+ T cells. Most importantly, the combined blockade of MLK3 and CTLA-4 increased tumor infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and correspondingly decreased the cellular proliferation and survival of tumor cells. Collectively, these results suggest that combined blocked of MLK3 and CTLA-4 could serve as a novel immunotherapy approach for TNBC.

Mixed lineage kinase 3 inhibition induces T cell activation and cytotoxicity

Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), also known as MAP3K11, was initially identified in a megakaryocytic cell line and is an emerging therapeutic target in cancer, yet its role in immune cells is not known. Here, we report that loss or pharmacological inhibition of MLK3 promotes activation and cytotoxicity of T cells. MLK3 is abundantly expressed in T cells, and its loss alters serum chemokines, cytokines, and CD28 protein expression on T cells and its subsets. MLK3 loss or pharmacological inhibition induces activation of T cells in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo conditions, irrespective of T cell activating agents. Conversely, overexpression of MLK3 decreases T cell activation. Mechanistically, loss or inhibition of MLK3 down-regulates expression of a prolyl-isomerase, Ppia, which is directly phosphorylated by MLK3 to increase its isomerase activity. Moreover, MLK3 also phosphorylates nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFATc1) and regulates its nuclear translocation via interaction with Ppia, and this regulates T cell effector function. In an immune-competent mouse model of breast cancer, MLK3 inhibitor increases Granzyme B-positive CD8+ T cells and decreases MLK3 and Ppia gene expression in tumor-infiltrating T cells. Likewise, the MLK3 inhibitor in pan T cells, isolated from breast cancer patients, also increases cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These results collectively demonstrate that MLK3 plays an important role in T cell biology, and targeting MLK3 could serve as a potential therapeutic intervention via increasing T cell cytotoxicity in cancer.

Correction: Mixed lineage kinase 3 promotes breast tumorigenesis via phosphorylation and activation of p21-activated kinase 1

The original version of this Article did not acknowledge Pradeep Sathyanarayana as an author. His affiliation is Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, Maine, USA.

Mixed lineage kinase 3 promotes breast tumorigenesis via phosphorylation and activation of p21-activated kinase 1

Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), a MAP3K member has been envisioned as a viable drug target in cancer, yet its detailed function and signaling is not fully elucidated. We identified that MLK3 tightly associates with an oncogene, PAK1. Mammalian PAK1 being a Ste20 (MAP4K) member, we tested whether it is an upstream regulator of MLK3. In contrast to our hypothesis, MLK3 activated PAK1 kinase activity directly, as well as in the cells. Although, MLK3 can phosphorylate PAK1 on Ser133 and Ser204 sites, PAK1S133A mutant is constitutively active, whereas, PAK1S204A is not activated by MLK3. Stable overexpression of PAK1S204A in breast cancer cells, impedes migration, invasion, and NFĸB activity. In vivo breast cancer cell tumorigenesis is significantly reduced in tumors expressing PAK1S204A mutant. These results suggest that mammalian PAK1 does not act as a MAP4K and MLK3-induced direct activation of PAK1 plays a key role in breast cancer tumorigenesis.

Abstract 2390: When MLK3 meets PAK1: Its implication in breast cancer tumorigenesis

Mixed Lineage Kinase-3, also known as MAP3K11 is a member of a larger family of MAP3Ks, called MLKs. MLK3 has been reported to play an important role in pro-apoptotic signaling, however its role in tumorigenesis is still not fully elucidated. Previously, we reported that MLK3 is down regulated by estrogen and HER2 amplification and this down regulation provided a survival advantage to ER+ and HER2+ breast cancer cells. To further understand the role of MLK3 signaling in breast cancer pathogenesis, we aimed to identify the upstream kinase(s) that might regulate MLK3 activity and perhaps tumorigenesis.

Based on available information from yeast, where Ste20 members are upstream of Ste11 (i.e. MAP3K), we hypothesized that mammalian homologue of Ste20, PAK1 could be upstream of MLK3. PAK1 kinase has been reported to be a major oncogene in many cancers, including breast cancer. Our results were however, counterintuitive to our hypothesis. We observed that instead, MLK3 was able to associate, and activate PAK1 Kinase activity. These results suggested that perhaps MLK3 is either upstream or parallel to PAK1 in the mammalian signaling network. We also observed that PAK1 was phosphorylated by MLK3 on Ser133 and Ser204 sites. Interestingly, Alanine substitution of S133 site constitutively activated PAK1 kinase activity, whereas Alanine substitution of the S204 site completely blocked MLK3-induced PAK1 activation. Constitutive active MLK3 was not able to phosphorylate and activate double mutant PAK1 S133A, S204A in vitro or in HEK293 cells, clearly indicated that PAK1 S204 site is important for MLK3-induced PAK1 activation. Since PAK1 is an oncogene in breast cancer, we determined the biological effect of S204 phosphorylation on breast cancer progression. Stable breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-468, expressing PAK1 S204A, inhibited migration, invasion and showed significantly smaller tumors, compared to WT PAK1-expressing cells. Taken together, our results suggest that MLK3-induced modulation of PAK1 activity plays a major role in breast cancer tumorigenesis.

First two authors are equally contributed

Citation Format: Subhasis Das, Rakesh Sathish Nair, Rajakishore Mishra, Tanmoy Bhowmik, Basabi Rana, Ajay Rana. When MLK3 meets PAK1: Its implication in breast cancer tumorigenesis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2390.

Transcriptional regulation of mixed lineage kinase 3 by estrogen and its implication in ER-positive breast cancer pathogenesis

Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3), also called as MAP3K11 is a tightly regulated MAP3K member but its cellular function is still not fully understood. Earlier we reported post-translational regulation of MLK3 by estrogen (E2) that inhibited the kinase activity and favored survival of ER+ breast cancer cells. Here we report that MLK3 is also transcriptionally downregulated by E2 in ER+ breast cancer cells. Publicly available data and in situ hybridization of human breast tumors showed significant down regulation of MLK3 transcripts in ER+ tumors. The basal level of MLK3 transcripts and protein in ER+ breast cancer cell lines were significantly lower, and the protein expression was further down regulated by E2 in a time-dependent manner. Analysis of the promoter of MLK3 revealed two ERE sites which were regulated by E2 in ER+ but not in ER- breast cancer cell lines. Both ERα and ERβ were able to bind to MLK3 promoter and recruit nuclear receptor co-repressors (NCoR, SMRT and LCoR), leading to down-regulation of MLK3 transcripts. Collectively these results suggest that recruitment of nuclear receptor co-repressor is a key feature of ligand-dependent transcriptional repression of MLK3 by ERs. Therefore coordinated transcriptional and post-translational repression of pro-apoptotic MLK3 probably is one of the mechanisms by which ER+ breast cancer cells proliferate and survive.

Molecular trail for the anticancer behavior of a novel copper carbohydrazone complex in BRCA1 mutated breast cancer

Novel chelated metal complexes were synthesized from carbohydrazones to thiocarbohydrazones using metal-based drug designing platforms and their combination effect with Pb, a naphthaquinone were analyzed for anticancer activity in breast cancer cell lines. A panel of BRCA1 wild-type and mutated breast cancer cells: MCF-7 (BRCA1⁺ /ER⁺ ), MDA-MB-231 (BRCA1⁺ /ERα^- ), HCC-1937 (BRCA1^- /ERα^- ), HCC1937/wt BRCA1, MX1 (BRCA1^- /ERα^- ), and MDA-MB-436 (BRCA1^- /ERα^- ) were screened for anti-cancer activity. Cu₂ (HL)(HSO₄ ) · H₂ O]SO₄  · 6 H₂ O (CS2) is the most potent anticancer agent among the copper carbohydrazone and thiocarbohydrazone complexes analyzed in this study. It can be suggested that the presence of sulphate, as pharmacologically active centre, can induce cytotoxicity more effectively when compared to chlorine, bromine, perchlorate, and methanol. This is the first report demonstrating that CS2 can bind to DNA by hindering BamH1 activity and could induce DNA double strand breaks as evidenced by γ-H2AX expression. In addition to this, CS2 could also act as a Topo II inhibitor at a much lower concentration than etoposide and induce apoptosis, making it a potent anticancer agent. In combination with Pb, a potent ROS inducer, CS2 could induce synergistic anti-cancer activity in HR/ BRCA1 defective breast cancer cells. This is the first study reporting the mechanism involved in the induction of apoptosis for a metal chelated copper carbohydrazone complex and its combination effects with Pb in HR defective, BRCA1 mutated breast cancer cells.

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) Impedes MLK3 Kinase Activity to Support Breast Cancer Cell Survival

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is amplified in ∼ 15-20% of human breast cancer and is important for tumor etiology and therapeutic options of breast cancer. Up-regulation of HER2 oncogene initiates cascades of events cumulating to the stimulation of transforming PI3K/AKT signaling, which also plays a dominant role in supporting cell survival and efficacy of HER2-directed therapies. Although investigating the underlying mechanisms by which HER2 promotes cell survival, we noticed a profound reduction in the kinase activity of a pro-apoptotic mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) in HER2-positive (HER2+) but not in HER2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer tissues, whereas both HER2+ and HER2- tumors expressed a comparable level of MLK3 protein. Furthermore, the kinase activity of MLK3 was inversely correlated with HER2+ tumor grades. Moreover, HER2-directed drugs such as trastuzumab and lapatinib as well as depletion of HER2 or HER3 stimulated MLK3 kinase activity in HER2+ breast cancer cell lines. In addition, the noted inhibitory effect of HER2 on MLK3 kinase activity was mediated via its phosphorylation on Ser(674) by AKT and that pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K/AKT prevented trastuzumab- and lapatinib-induced stimulation of MLK3 activity. Consistent with the pro-apoptotic function of MLK3, stable knockdown of MLK3 in the HER2+ cell line blunted the pro-apoptotic effects of trastuzumab and lapatinib. These findings suggest that HER2 activation inhibits the pro-apoptotic function of MLK3, which plays a mechanistic role in mediating anti-tumor activities of HER2-directed therapies. In brief, MLK3 represents a newly recognized integral component of HER2 biology in HER2+ breast tumors.

Abstract 3618: SGKs survival signal via inhibition of pro-apoptotic Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MAP3K11) in cancer cells

Survival of cancer cells requires activation of pro-survival and inhibition of pro-apoptotic pathways in concert. It is utmost important to understand the underlying molecular pathways that regulate cancer cell survival and death, so that specific inhibitor could be identified and used to target cancer cell death pathways. Dexamethasone (DEX) is routinely administered to cancer patients, in order to reduce allergic responses. It is reported that DEX use in certain cancer patients could lead to early cancer relapse and detrimental. Earlier, we reported that insulin regulated PI3K-AKT pathway down regulated pro-apoptotic Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MLK3) and this down regulation of kinase activity, favored cancer cell survival. Since SGK family members are also regulated by PI3K via Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) in response to DEX, and SGK is reported to have similar function like AKT, we hypothesized that SGKs might also regulate pro-apoptotic function of MLK3, similar to AKT but probably via a non-redundant pathway.

Here we report that MLK3 is a direct target of SGK in cancer cells. Endogenous SGK physically associated with and phosphorylated MLK3 in HepG2 cells and this interaction was regulated by synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone. JNK and MLK3 kinase activities were significantly inhibited either by over expression of SGK3 or by dexamethasone. The SGK3 and dexamethasone-mediated attenuation of MLK3, MKK7 and JNK kinase activities were blocked by PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, suggesting a link between PI3K-SGK and MLK3-JNK signaling pathways. SGK phosphorylated MLK3 both in vivo and in vitro. SGK1 and SGK2/3 phosphorylated MLK3 on Ser674 and Thr738, respectively. Furthermore, SGK3 inhibited MLK3-mediated cell death and JNK kinase activity in a manner, dependent on Thr738 phosphorylation of MLK3. Taken together, these data define the mechanisms of glucocorticoid-mediated inhibition of MLK3-JNK axis and cell death pathways. Furthermore, our data also identify MLK3 as an indirect target of glucocorticoids that might play a significant role in the pro-survival and anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoid in cancer cell. Therefore, it is conceivable that targetting MLK3 with its agonist, ceramide (by nano-ceramide particles) could possibly overcome DEX-induced cancer relapse.

This work is supported by VA Grant #: BX000312 and NIH, R01 CA 176846 to AR; and VA Grant #: BX000571to BR.

Citation Format: Gautam V. Sondarva, Velusamy Rangasamy, Navin Viswakarma, Subhasis Das, Rakesh Sathish Nair, Basabi Rana, Ajay Rana. SGKs survival signal via inhibition of pro-apoptotic Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MAP3K11) in cancer cells. [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 3618. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3618

Abstract 2203: Regulation of hedgehog signaling by Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MAP3K11) in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains a most deadly malignancy, with less than 5% survival over 5-year. The treatment of PDA is limited due to lack of multiple drug options, however, Gemcitabine which is widely used for PDA, finally develops resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify new pathways that can alternatively be targeted in PDA. Here we report a novel pathway that promotes oncogenic potential of Gli1, an effector of hedgehog pathway (Hh). We recently reported that MLK3 phosphorylates Pin1 on Ser138 site and increases its catalytic activity and nuclear translocation. In order to identify targets of nuclear p-Pin1, we performed cancer specific gene expression profiling and found 13-fold up-regulation of Gli1 transcript, suggesting MLK3-Pin1-Gli1 axis could activate Hh pathway. Indeed we observed that all three proteins were overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc-1, MiaPaca2, AsPC-I) compared to epithelial (HPDE) cells. Most importantly, MLK3, pMLK3, Pin1 and Gli1 were overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues, compared to normal adjacent tissues. Expression of Pin1 and Gli1 was also higher in tumors from PDA mouse model (KPC mouse). Interestingly, MLK3 was able to directly phosphorylate Gli1 on specific residues and the transcriptional activity of Gli1 was synergistically regulated by Pin1 and MLK3 together, which was partially blocked by MLK3 pan-inhibitor, CEP-1347. CEP-1347 also down-regulated the expression of sonic hedgehog (Shh) in Panc-1 cells suggesting that MLK3 regulates Gli1 signaling at transcriptional and post-translational levels. These results prompted us to identify the ligand(s) that could activate this axis in PDA. Quite interestingly, while doing cytokine/chemokine profiling, specifically regulated by MLK3, we observed about 7-8 folds up regulation of CXCL5 in the liver of WT mice compared to MLK3 KO mice. CXCL5 up regulation was also found in the pancreas of the WT mice. Furthermore, the MLK3 was activated by CXCL5 in pancreatic cancer cell line and MLK3 kinase activities also directly correlated with the reported expression of CXCL5 in different pancreatic cell lines. In conclusion, our findings suggest that pathological activation of MLK3-Pin1 axis by CXCL5, could promote survival of pancreatic cancer cells via Hh pathway activation. Thus targeting CXCL5-MLK3-Pin1-Gli1 axis might abrogate pancreatic cancer cell growth.

This work is supported by VA Grant #: BX000312 (AR) and BX000571 (BR).

Citation Format: Navin Viswakarma, Gautam Sondarva, Rajakishore Mishra, Rakesh Sathish Nair, Subhasis Das, Basabi Rana, Ajay Rana. Regulation of hedgehog signaling by Mixed Lineage Kinase 3 (MAP3K11) in pancreatic cancer. [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 2203. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2203

Abstract 1829: Regulation of Mixed Lineage Kinase-3 activity by Her2 and its implication in death or survival

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cell growth and differentiation signaling pathways. The protein Her2 is significantly overexpressed in 20-30% of breast cancer. The available clinical data proves that Her2 amplification in breast cancer is associated with worst overall survival. Therefore, Her2 has become a very important candidate for drug targeting and currently Her2 positive patients are treated with humanized monoclonal antibody, Trastuzumab (Herceptin) and a small molecule, Lapatinib that blocks Her2 tyrosine kinase activity. It is reported that Her2 amplification leads to activation of multiple survival pathways, including PI3K-Akt. However, it is not clearly known how Trastuzumab promotes cell death and what pro-apoptotic pathways are activated downstream of Her2 blockage? It is also reported that patients on Trastuzumab develop subsequent resistance to the therapy.

Previously we published that in breast cancer tumors, a pro-apoptotic kinase, Mixed Lineage Kinase-3 (MLK-3) was inhibited, specifically in estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors. The kinase activity of MLK-3 was down regulated by estrogen and this prevented MLK-3-mediated cell death. Since Her2 serves as a drug target in breast cancer, therefore, we asked whether Her2 plays any role in regulating MLK-3 kinase activation and whether MLK-3 plays any role in Trastuzumab resistance.

Our results showed that the endogenous MLK-3 kinase activity was up-regulated in SkBr3 cells upon treatment with Trastuzumab and Lapatinib. Whether the activation of MLK-3 upon Her2 blockage leads to cell death or survival is still not known and experiments are underway to investigate these aspects. We also observed that Her3 was the dimerization partner of Her2 in Trastuzumab- or Lapatinib- mediated MLK-3 activation. Not knowing any role of MLK-3 in Trastuzumab resistance, we used Trastuzumab sensitive and resistant BT474 cell model to investigate the role of MLK-3 in Trastuzumab resistance. Our data clearly showed that knockdown of MLK-3 caused spontaneous cell death in resistant cells. The Trastuzumab treatment further amplified cell death in MLK-3 knockdown resistant cells. The Akt1 activation in these cells was also diminished upon MLK-3 knockdown.

Taken together, our data demonstrate that like ER, the Her2 also down regulates MLK-3 kinase activity and perhaps promote cell survival. Furthermore, paradoxically, the MLK-3 knockdown promoted cell death in Trastuzumab resistance BT474 cells, suggesting that MLK-3 could also serve as survival factor in resistant cells. Whether MLK-3 serves as a pro-apoptotic kinase or survival kinase in Trastuzumab mediated pathway needs to be extensively examined in near future.

Citation Format: Subhasis Das, Gautam Sondarva, Navin Viswakarma, Rakesh Sathish Nair, Clodia Osipo, Basabi Rana, Ajay Rana. Regulation of Mixed Lineage Kinase-3 activity by Her2 and its implication in death or survival. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1829. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1829

Evaluation of unscheduled DNA synthesis (UDS) and replicative DNA synthesis (RDS) following treatment of rats and mice with p-dichlorobenzene

p-Dichlorobenzene (PDCB) has been reported to produce tumors in the male and female mouse liver and in the male rat kidney in 2-year gavage studies (NPT, 1987). To elucidate the possible mechanisms of carcinogenicity more fully, UDS and RDS were evaluated in B6C3F1 mouse hepatocytes and F-344 rat kidney cells by autoradiography following in vivo administration of PDCB. All corn oil gavage doses of PDCB (300, 600, and 1,000 mg/kg) and the negative control resulted in < 0 net grains/nucleus (NG) in the mouse liver and rat kidney, indicating that PDCB does not induce UDS in either tissue. Compared to controls with < or = 0.29% hepatocytes in S-phase (%S), treatment of mice induced 0.46, 1.90, and 1.52 %S (males) and 2.61, 1.18, and 4.45 %S (females), which indicates that PDCB acts as an inducer of cell proliferation in the liver. In male rat kidney cells, the same doses produced 0.87, 0.67, and 1.01 %S (0.38% in controls) and in females 0.48, 0.43, and 0.32 %S (0.52% in controls), indicating that PDCB induces cell replication in the male but not the female rat kidney. Therefore, these data demonstrate that PDCB is not genotoxic in the mouse liver or rat kidney at single oral doses comparable to the daily doses given in the National Toxicology Program (NTP) bioassay (NTP, 1987). Furthermore, the increases in RDS support the hypotheses that mouse liver tumor formation occurs via stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation and male rat kidney carcinogenesis via increased renal cell proliferation.

Evaluation of lymphopenia among workers with low-level benzene exposure and the utility of routine data collection

Whether low-level benzene exposure produces health effects is controversial. We used routinely collected data from our medical/industrial hygiene system to study 387 workers with daily 8-hour time-weighted exposures averaging 0.55 ppm. The cross-sectional repeated survey design included 553 unexposed workers. Lymphopenia is considered to be the earliest and most sensitive indicator of benzene toxicity. We found no increase in the prevalence of lymphopenia among benzene-exposed workers (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.8), taking into account smoking, age, and sex. There also was no increase in risk among workers exposed 5 or more years (odds ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.2 to 1.9). Examination of other measures of hematotoxicity, including mean corpuscular volume and counts of total white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and platelets, produced similar results. We conclude that risk of lymphopenia and other early indicators of hematotoxicity are not increased among workers in this study who were exposed to low levels of benzene.

Mixture risk assessment: a case study of Monsanto experiences

Monsanto employs several pragmatic approaches for evaluating the toxicity of mixtures. These approaches are similar to those recommended by many national and international agencies. When conducting hazard and risk assessments, priority is always given to using data collected directly on the mixture of concern. To provide an example of the first tier of evaluation, actual data on acute respiratory irritation studies on mixtures were evaluated to determine whether the principle of additivity was applicable to the mixture evaluated. If actual data on the mixture are unavailable, extrapolation across similar mixtures is considered. Because many formulations are quite similar in composition, the toxicity data from one mixture can be extended to a closely related mixture in a scientifically justifiable manner. An example of a family of products where such extrapolations have been made is presented to exemplify this second approach. Lastly, if data on similar mixtures are unavailable, data on component fractions are used to predict the toxicity of the mixture. In this third approach, process knowledge and scientific judgement are used to determine how the known toxicological properties of the individual fractions affect toxicity of the mixture. Three examples of plant effluents where toxicological data on fractions were used to predict the toxicity of the mixture are discussed. The results of the analysis are used to discuss the predictive value of each of the above mentioned toxicological approaches for evaluating chemical mixtures.

Biochemical toxicology and disposition of Therminol 66 heat transfer fluid after inhalation or after dietary administration to male Sprague-Dawley rats

The objectives of this study were to determine the disposition of Therminol 66 in rats and to determine the effects of this heat-transfer fluid on liver and kidney microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes. Therminol 66 was administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats at various doses as either a single oral administration at 0, 100, or 300 mg/kg, or as a single 6-h inhalation exposure at 0 or 350 mg/m3. Animals were killed 48 h after gavage or after termination of inhalation exposure. Additional groups of animals were exposed to Therminol 66 via the diet at 0, 100, 500, or 5000 ppm for 14 d, or via repeated inhalation exposure at 0, 25, 250, or 1200 mg/m3 for 6 h/d for 14 d. These exposure scenarios represent approximately equivalent doses of Therminol 66 by the different routes of administration. No change in body weight was observed after acute oral or inhalation exposure, and little change in body weight was observed in animals administered Therminol 66 via the diet except at the highest dose. There was no change in kidney weight, and liver weights were increased only at the higher doses of Therminol 66. The body weight gain of animals exposed to Therminol 66 via inhalation decreased in a dose-dependent manner over the 2-wk exposure period. Results from the disposition study indicated that Therminol 66 did not appear to accumulate in the tissues examined and did not appear to be extensively absorbed after a single oral dose of 300 mg/kg. The whole-body elimination half-life was approximately 14 h and occurred primarily via the feces. There was no significant induction of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity after single oral or inhalation exposures to Therminol 66. Ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECOD) was significantly induced only in animals exposed to 350 mg/m3 via inhalation. Repeated dietary and inhalation exposures resulted in AHH and ECOD induction only at the highest doses, and the kidney appeared to be less sensitive than the liver. Animals exposed via inhalation demonstrated a greater hepatic inductive effect than did animals exposed via the diet, which may be due to absorption differences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Toxicity of calcium sodium metaphosphate fiber. I. In vitro and in vivo degradation and clearance studies

In an experiment to ascertain the degradability of calcium sodium metaphosphate (CSM) fiber in vitro, 32P-labeled CSM fiber was incubated in media with or without rat lung epithelial cells (LEC) or rat alveolar macrophages (RAM). The amount of radioactivity appearing in the filtrate of the media in the presence of cells minus the radioactivity in the media in the absence of cells was considered to reflect cell-aided dissolution of the fiber. LEC and RAM cells increased the degree of dissolution two- and sevenfold, respectively, compared to their respective media controls in a 7-day time period. In a separate experiment, male Fischer rats were given 32P-labeled CSM fiber either by intraperitoneal injection or by intratracheal instillation and the amount of radioactivity appearing in the urine and feces was measured over a period of 60 days. Selected animals from this experiment were also subjected to whole-body autoradiography 0, 1, 5, 15, 30, and 60 days postexposure. After intraperitoneal injection, approximately 0.9% of the administered dose appeared in the urine. A similar percentage of the dose was eliminated in the urine when the fibers were administered by intratracheal instillation; however, the amount of radioactivity in the feces after intratracheal instillation, i.e., 11.6% of the administered dose, was much higher than that after intraperitoneal dose, i.e., 0.24% of the administered dose. Whole-body autoradiographs showed a time-related increase in radioactivity at a site other than the site of administration, and the location of this radioactivity appeared to be exclusively associated with mineralized tissue. The clearance of nonradiolabeled CSM fiber (approximately 200,000 fibers) from rat lung after intratracheal inhalation (IH) and intratracheal instillation (IT) was monitored. Approximately 93% of the initial fiber load after IH and approximately 84% of the initial fiber load after IT was cleared from the lung in 6 months. Histological and biochemical evaluation of the rat lungs did not reveal any indication of fibrosis up to a period of 6 months. All the studies discussed indicate that CSM is degradable in biological systems and is cleared from the lung after IT and IH administration. These attributes of CSM fiber should reduce the potential for chronic adverse effects in the lung after inhalation.

Toxicity of calcium sodium metaphosphate fiber. II. Chronic inhalation and oncogenicity study

Male and female Fischer 344 rats (80/sex/group) were exposed to CSM fiber 6 hr/day, 5 days/week at target-exposure levels of 0, 1, 5, or 25 mg/m3 for 24 months, corresponding to 0, 27, 80, and 513 fibers/cc, respectively. Number and size of the airborne fibers were determined during the course of the study. At 3 and 12 months, 10 rats/sex/group were euthanized and at 18 and 24 months 5 rats/sex/group were euthanized. In addition, 5 rats/sex/group were removed from exposure at 18 months and maintained for a 6-month recovery period. All animals surviving at the completion of the exposure period were maintained in a clean environment for up to 5 additional months. Clinical laboratory examinations were performed on 10 animals/sex/group at 3, 12, and 24 months. The number of fibers in the lung were also determined at 3, 12, 18, and 24 months. Body weight and survival did not appear to be affected by treatment. There were no biologically significant effects on clinical parameters. There was a dose-related increase in lung weight during the exposure period which was generally reversible during the recovery periods. There also was a dose-related increase in the number of fibers/milligram of lung, but no increase in lung fiber burden after the first 3 months. The number of fibers in the lungs of animals exposed to CSM fiber for 18 months and allowed 6-month recovery period showed a decrease especially at the high dose. No increase in tumors (benign or malignant) was observed in this study. Microscopic changes considered reflective of an irritant response were observed in the nasal turbinates notably at the 5 and 25 mg/m3 levels. Histological changes were also observed in the lungs at the 5 and 25 mg/m3 levels. The incidence and/or severity of histopathological changes in the 1 mg/m3 group was considered to be essentially comparable to controls.

The genotoxic potential of linear alkylbenzene mixtures in a short-term test battery

Alkylate 215 (A-215), Alkylate 225 (A-225), and Alkylate 230 (A-230) are mixtures of C10-C14 linear alkylbenzenes used as intermediates for the manufacture of detergents. These products were evaluated for genotoxic activity in the Ames bacterial mutagenesis assay (strains TA98, 100, 1535, and 1537), the CHO/HGPRT mammalian cell forward gene mutation assay, and the in vivo rat bone marrow chromosome assay. The Ames and CHO/HGPRT assays were conducted both with and without the addition of Aroclor-induced rat liver S9. The maximum concentrations evaluated were 10 mg/plate (A-215) and 3 mg/plate (A-225 and A-230) for the Ames test, and 1.5 mg/ml (A-215 and A-225) and 2.0 mg/ml (A-230) for the CHO/HGPRT assay. In each case, the highest concentrations produced evidence of either toxicity or insolubility. The highest dose in the bone marrow cytogenetics assay was 12,700 mg/kg, a level which produced significant weight loss. The results of all tests were negative, indicating a lack of genotoxic activity as measured by the battery of tests used.

Subchronic rat inhalation study with Skydrol 500B-4 fire resistant hydraulic fluid

Skydrol 500B-4 fire resistant hydraulic fluid, a proprietary phosphate ester mixture composed principally of dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) and tributyl phosphate (TBP) and used as a commercial airline hydraulic fluid, was evaluated in an inhalation toxicity study of Sprague-Dawley rats. Target exposure levels used in the study were 0, 5, 100, and 300 mg/m3, and exposures were maintained for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week. Mass median aerodynamic diameters determined for particles in the mid- and high-exposure inhalation chambers were 2.85 microns and 3.31 microns, with geometric standard deviations of 1.99 microns and 1.92 microns, respectively. The percentage of particles less than 10 microns in diameter were 96.4% in the mid-exposure chamber and 95.5% in the high-exposure chamber. After 6 weeks of Skydrol exposure, 10 rats/sex/group were euthanized and then assessed for indications of possible chemical toxicity. Another 15 rats/sex/group were studied for a total of 13 weeks of exposure. The only clinical sign of chemical toxicity was the observation of a reddish nasal discharge with accompanying oral salivation in mid- and high-exposure animals of both sexes, indicative of an irritant response. Statistically significant reduced body weights; increased absolute and relative liver weights; and decreased erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit values were observed in high-exposure female rats euthanized after 13 weeks of Skydrol exposure. High-exposure male rats also had increased absolute and relative liver weights and decreased hematocrit values after 13 weeks. Plasma cholinesterase levels were decreased in high-exposure female rats both 6 and 13 weeks after the study was initiated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation of teratogenic potential of N-formylpiperidine in rats

The teratogenic potential of a versatile solvent, N-formylpiperidine (NFP), was evaluated in the rat. Three groups of 25 mated female Sprague-Dawley rats were given 110, 220, or 440 mg/kg/day NFP in distilled water by gavage on Days 6 through 20 of gestation. A control group of 25 animals received distilled water on a comparable regimen. Maternal animals were observed daily for signs of toxicity; body weights and food consumption were measured at regular intervals throughout the study. All animals were euthanized on Gestation Day 21 and the fetuses examined for cleft palate and external abnormalities. One-half of the fetuses in each litter were examined for visceral anomalies while the remaining fetuses were examined for skeletal malformations after appropriate staining. One female in the high dosage group died on Gestation Day 12. Clinical signs of toxicity, observed in 6 females in the high dosage group, included tremors, convulsive movements, and an apparent weakness of the legs. Maternal toxicity, in terms of significantly decreased body weight and food consumption, was observed in the mid and high dosage groups. Food consumption was also significantly depressed for the first 4 days of dosing in the low dosage group. There was a significant increase in number of resorptions in the high dosage group when compared to controls. No effects were observed on other reproductive parameters. Mean fetal body weight was significantly lower in the high dosage group when compared to controls. While the incidence of fetal malformations on a litter basis was higher in the high dosage group, this change was not statistically significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A study of the hematologic effects of chronic low-level exposure to benzene

A study of 200 persons working with benzene showed no differences in commonly measured hematologic outcomes when compared with 268 nonbenzene workers in the same plant. Exposures ranged from 0.01 ppm to a high of 1.40 ppm 8-hour time weighted average over a 10-year period. Several other factors (age, sex, race, and smoking), however, were associated with these outcomes, indicating the importance of considering confounding factors when comparing hematology results. Exposure to low levels of benzene does not appear to produce an increased level of abnormal hematology measures detectable in routine medical surveillance.

Subchronic and reproduction studies with dibutyl phenyl phosphate in Sprague-Dawley rats

Dibutyl phenyl phosphate (DBPP) was administered to male and female Sprague-Dawley rats in their diets in separate subchronic (91-day) and two-generation reproduction studies. Dose levels of DBPP were 5, 50, and 250 mg/kg/day in both studies. In the reproduction study, cross-fostering was performed between some high-exposure and control litter offspring and dams following a second mating of F0 animals. Compared to control animals, body weights were consistently lower in high-exposure adult animals in both studies; this observation was less consistent in mid-exposure adult rats. High-exposure rats in the subchronic study had decreased erythrocyte counts and hematocrit and hemoglobin levels. They also had increased absolute and/or relative liver weights with concomitant decreased hepatocytic vacuolation and increased fatty accumulation. In the reproduction study, mating and fertility indices were comparable among the parental animals in both generations, but survivability among high-exposure pups reared by control dams appeared to be decreased. Urinary bladder histopathologic changes, consisting of mononuclear cell infiltration and transitional epithelial hyperplasia, were noted in mid- and high-exposure rats from both studies. The no observable adverse effect level in both of these studies was 5 mg/kg/day.

Chronic toxicity, oncogenic potential, and reproductive toxicity of p-nitroaniline in rats

Dose levels for these studies were selected mainly on the basis of subchronic studies, although consideration was also given to workplace exposure levels and proposed mechanism of tumor formation with structurally similar compounds. For the chronic study, groups of 60 male and 60 female Sprague-Dawley CD (Registered Trademark of Charles River Breeding Laboratories, Portage, MI) rats were given 0, 0.25, 1.5, or 9.0 mg/kg/day paranitroaniline (PNA) by gavage in corn oil for a period of 2 years. Parameters monitored included clinical observations, ophthalmoscopic exams, body weights, food consumption, hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis at regular intervals throughout the study. All gross lesions and over 40 tissues were examined histologically for all control and high-dosage-level animals. Gross lesions, spleens, and livers of low- and mid-dosage groups were also examined histologically. For the reproduction study, groups of 15 male and 30 female rats, designated as F0 generation, were given PNA at the same levels as the chronic study for 14 weeks prior to mating and during mating, gestation, and lactation. Selected groups of 15 male and 30 female rats of the F1 generation received the same dose of PNA for 18 weeks prior to mating and during mating, gestation, and lactation. F2 pups were observed through weaning at which time they were euthanized. Observations made during the study included body weights, food consumption, mating and fertility indices, pup and litter survival indices, and histopathology of selected tissues. In the chronic study, except for a slight decrease in survival of high-dose male rats late in the study, survival in all treated groups was comparable to controls. Blood methemoglobin levels were elevated in the mid- and high-dosage groups, while slight anemia was observed in the high-dosage group also. Spleen weights were significantly increased in the high-dosage groups. An accumulation of brown pigment was observed in the cytoplasm of the sinusoidal macrophages or littoral cells of the liver and in the reticuloendothelial cells of the spleen. No treatment-related increase in tumor incidence was observed. In the reproduction study, no consistent pattern of effect from treatment between the F0 and F1 generation was seen in mating, pregnancy, or fertility indices. Thus, administration of PNA at levels which produced significant methemoglobinemia and low-level anemia in the rat and histological changes in the spleen produced no tumors or reproducible effects on reproductive performance.

Assessment of the delayed neurotoxicity of tributyl phosphate, tributoxyethyl phosphate, and dibutylphenyl phosphate

There industrial organophosphorus compounds were tested for their ability to cause organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) in the adult hen. The compounds tested were tributyl phosphate (TBP), tributoxyethyl phosphate (TBEP), and dibutylphenyl phosphate (DBPP). The acute oral LD50 of TBP and DBPP were estimated to be 1,863 and 1,500 mg/kg, respectively, and the dose equal to the LD50 was used as a test dose. The acute oral LD50 of TBEP was greater than 5,000 mg/kg and 5,000 mg/kg was used as a test dose. An oral dose of 750 mg tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) was used as a positive control. For the acute delayed neurotoxicity test, hens were given two test doses of the test materials 21 days apart and killed 21 days after the second dose. None of the hens given TBP, TBEP, or DBPP exhibited nerve damage or clinical signs which distinguished them from untreated control animals. A single dose of TOCP resulted in paralysis and a histopathological profile typical of a distal neuropathy. For the assay of the inhibition of esterases, hens were killed 24 hours after a single dose equal to the greater of either the LD50 or 5000 mg/kg. TOCP administration resulted in over 90% inhibition of brain neurotoxic esterase (NTE), but none of the other three compounds inhibited NTE to an extent (greater than 70%) which would be expected to result in OPIDN. Administration of TOCP, TBEP, or DBPP resulted in approximately a 70% decrease in plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity. TBP caused a 2-3 fold increase in BuChE activity. TBEP administration resulted in about 45% inhibition of acetycholinesterase (AChE) in brain. These results indicate that TBP, TBEP, and DBPP are all unlikely to cause OPIDN with any single sublethal dose.

Subchronic inhalation and oral toxicity of hydrogenated terphenyls in rats

The subchronic toxicity of a commercial blend of partially hydrogenated terphenyl was evaluated in rats by inhalation and oral routes of exposure. Animals were exposed to target concentrations of 0, 10, 100, or 500 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week or were offered diets daily with concentrations of 0, 50, 200, or 2000 ppm. Each study lasted approximately 14 weeks. The study designs included observations for clinical signs, body weights, ophthalmic exams, hematology and clinical chemistry, major organ weights, and gross and histopathology. No treatment-related effects were noted in the ophthalmic exams. Body weights were slightly depressed in high-dose males from the inhalation study and high-dose females in the dietary study. Liver and liver/body weights were increased in high-dose animals of both sexes and high- and mid-dose males in the dietary and inhalation studies, respectively. In the high-dose females of the dietary study, kidney and kidney/body weights were increased with increased adrenal and adrenal/body weights were also observed. No compound-related gross lesions nor pathological correlates to the organ weight changes were observed in either study. The no-adverse effect levels were considered to be 100 mg/m3 and 200 ppm (15.9 mg/kg) for the inhalation and dietary studies, respectively. These data indicate that a wide margin of safety exists for hydrogenated terphenyl workplace exposure.

A two-generation reproduction study with monochlorobenzene vapor in rats

Groups of 30 male and 30 female Sprague-Dawley CD rats, designated as the F0 generation, were exposed to vapor of monochlorobenzene (MCB) at target concentrations of 0, 50, 150, or 450 ppm for 10 weeks prior to mating and during mating, gestation, and lactation. The progeny of the F0 generation was designated as the F1 generation and groups of 30 male and 30 female F1 animals were exposed to the same concentrations of MCB as the F0 parents. Exposure of F1 animals was initiated 1 week postweaning and lasted 11 weeks prior to mating and through mating, gestation, and lactation. All F2 pups were observed through weaning at which time they were killed. Observations made during the study included body weights, food consumption, mating and fertility indices, pup and litter survival indices, and histopathology of selected tissues. No mortality was observed during the course of this study. Body weights and food consumption for all treated groups were comparable to controls during the growth period. Maternal body weight data during gestation and lactation were also comparable between the control and treated groups. Mating and fertility indices for males and females for both generations appeared unaffected by treatment. Pup and litter survival indices for all treated groups were comparable to those of controls. Hepatocellular hypertrophy and renal changes (tubular dilation with eosinophilic material, interstitial nephritis, and foci of regenerative epithelium) were observed among F0 and F1 male rats exposed to 150 and 450 ppm MCB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Assessment of toxicity of o-nitrochlorobenzene in rats following a 4-week inhalation exposure

o-Nitrochlorobenzene (ONCB) is a chemical intermediate used for the synthesis of various industrial chemicals. To evaluate the subchronic toxicity of this compound, three groups of 15 male and 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to ONCB vapor 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks at target concentrations of 10, 30, or 60 mg/m3. A control group of 15 animals/sex was exposed to room air in a separate inhalation chamber. Concentrations of ONCB in the chambers were determined at least three times a day using a uv spectrophotometer. Parameters monitored in this study included observation for signs of toxicity, body weights, ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology, and clinical chemistry. At necropsy, selected organ weights were recorded and over 35 tissues/animal were examined microscopically for all control and high-exposure level animals. No mortality was observed in this study. Mean body weights of all groups were comparable to controls. Animals exposed to the mid and high concentrations of ONCB showed a significant increase in blood methemoglobin and a significant decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell counts. Spleen and liver weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased for these two groups. Microscopic changes, observed only in the spleen, included increased degree of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis. These data suggest that the toxicity of ONCB is comparable to that of its structural analog, p-nitrochlorobenzene. Thus these two compounds should have similar work-place exposure limits.

Subchronic inhalation toxicity of p-nitroaniline and p-nitrochlorobenzene in rats

For evaluation of subchronic toxicity of the two single-ring nitroaromatics, p-nitroaniline (PNA) and p-nitrochlorobenzene (PNCB), groups of 10 male and 10 female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to an aerosol/vapor of PNA in isopropanol at target concentrations of 0, 10, 30, or 90 mg/m3 or to PNCB vaporized from a solution in ethylene glycol monoethyl ether at target concentrations of 0, 5, 15, or 45 mg/m3 for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Clinical signs of toxicity, body weights, results of ophthalmoscopic exam, hematology and clinical chemistry tests, organ weights, gross and histopathological changes were recorded. Exposure to PNA or PNCB resulted in a dose-related increase in blood methemoglobin levels. Mean red blood cell counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin were significantly decreased in mid and high level animals exposed to PNCB. Mean spleen weights (absolute and relative to body weight) were significantly increased at the high dose levels in the two studies. A slight increase in spleen weights was also observed at the low concentration level in the PNA study. Absolute and relative liver weights also were increased among animals exposed to 45 mg/m3 PNCB. Microscopic changes were observed mainly in the spleen and included an increase in intensity of extramedullary hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis with both compounds. Spleens of animals exposed to PNCB also exhibited congestion. Neither PNA nor PNCB exhibited significant toxicological effects other than those of methemoglobinemia, anemia, and splenic changes classically associated with nitroaromatics at levels significantly above presently accepted occupational standard. Our data suggest that the current TLV for PNA which is 3 mg/m3 will provide adequate protection to the workers. OSHA's PEL of 1 mg/m3 for PNCB is to be preferred over the current TLV of 3 mg/m3 to provide a comparable margin of safety.