Expression profiles of p53/p73, NME and GLI families in metastatic melanoma tissue and cell lines

Unlike other tumours, TP53 is rarely mutated in melanoma; however, it fails to function as a tumour suppressor. We assume that its functions might be altered through interactions with several families of proteins, including p53/p73, NME and GLI. To elucidate the potential interplay among these families we analysed the expression profiles of aforementioned genes and proteins in a panel of melanoma cell lines, metastatic melanoma specimens and healthy corresponding tissue. Using qPCR a higher level of NME1 gene expression and lower levels of Δ40p53β, ΔNp73, GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1 were observed in tumour samples compared to healthy tissue. Protein expression of Δ133p53α, Δ160p53α and ΔNp73α isoforms, NME1 and NME2, and N'ΔGLI1, GLI1FL, GLI2ΔN isoforms was elevated in tumour tissue, whereas ∆Np73β was downregulated. The results in melanoma cell lines, in general, support these findings. In addition, we correlated expression profiles with clinical features and outcome. Higher Δ133p53β and p53α mRNA and both GLI1 mRNA and GLI3R protein expression had a negative impact on the overall survival. Shorter overall survival was also connected with lower p53β and NME1 gene expression levels. In conclusion, all examined genes may have implications in melanoma development and functional inactivity of TP53.

Awd, the homolog of metastasis suppressor gene Nm23, regulates Drosophila epithelial cell invasion

Border cell migration during Drosophila melanogaster oogenesis is a highly pliable model for studying epithelial to mesenchymal transition and directional cell migration. The process involves delamination of a group of 6 to 10 follicle cells from the epithelium followed by guided migration and invasion through the nurse cell complex toward the oocyte. The guidance cue is mainly provided by the homolog of platelet-derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor family of growth factor, or Pvf, emanating from the oocyte, although Drosophila epidermal growth factor receptor signaling also plays an auxiliary role. Earlier studies implicated a stringent control of the strength of Pvf-mediated signaling since both down-regulation of Pvf and overexpression of active Pvf receptor (Pvr) resulted in stalled border cell migration. Here we show that the metastasis suppressor gene homolog Nm23/awd is a negative regulator of border cell migration. Its down-regulation allows for optimal spatial signaling from two crucial pathways, Pvr and JAK/STAT. Its overexpression in the border cells results in stalled migration and can revert the phenotype of overexpressing constitutive Pvr or dominant-negative dynamin. This is a rare example demonstrating the relevance of a metastasis suppressor gene function utilized in a developmental process involving cell invasion.

Clinical significance of nm23 gene expression in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

The expression of the nm23 gene has been associated with the development of metastasis. Numerous studies have shown down-regulation of nm23 expression in metastatic breast and colon cancer. The expression of the putative metastasis-suppressor gene nm23 in gastric carcinoma is controversial. The aim of this study was the analysis of nm23 expression in a large series of gastric cancer patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective immunohistochemical study specimens obtained from 116 gastric cancer patients (mean age 64 years; range: 33-85) who had undergone gastrectomy with extended lymphadenectomy were analyzed. Nm23 expression in the tumor epithelium was studied by immunohistochemistry followed by a semi-quantitative (score 0-3) evaluation. Statistical analysis including Chi-square test, uni- and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

RESULTS

The nm23 staining pattern was positive (score 2-3) in 100 (86.2%) specimens and negative (score 0-1) in 16 (13.8%) samples. Lymph node metastasis was found in 65% of the patients. No significant correlations could be determined between nm23 expression and other variables such as gender, age, tumor differentiation, WHO-, Laurén-, Goseki-, or Ming-classification. The intensity of nm23 staining in the tumor cells was not significantly correlated with depth of tumor infiltration (T-stage), lymph node metastasis (N-stage), distant metastasis (M-stage), UICC-stage, or prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Our series did not show a correlation of nm23 expression in terms of lymph node and distant metastasis or prognosis in gastric cancer patients.

The upregulation of expressed proteins in HepG2 cells transfected by the recombinant plasmid-containing HBx gene

It is known that the hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of HCC, but the exact functions and molecular mechanisms of HBx in HCC are not well understood. In the present study, HepG2 cell lines were cultured and transfected with pEGFP-N1 and pEGFP-N1-X. Twenty-four hours after transfection, cells were harvested and total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent. The expression of HBx in HepG2 cell line was assayed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and was detected by Western blotting. Moreover, proteomic analysis was performed for the HepG2-pEGFP-X cells and HepG2-pEGFP control cells. The combination of 2DE and MALDI-TOF-MS/MS revealed that SEC13L1 (SEC13-like 1 isoform b), PA28 alpha (proteasome activator REG alpha), serine-threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP) and nm23/nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NME) were upregulated in HepG2-pEGFP-X cells. STRAP is known to be a WD40 domain-containing protein, which interacts with TbetaR-I and TbetaR-II and negatively regulates TGF-beta signalling, was also found increased in human cancers. NME is known to be involved in the regulation of cancer cell progression and metastasis. These results would help the understanding of how HBx maintains tumorigenicity and progression of HCC.

Regulation of cardiac cAMP synthesis and contractility by nucleoside diphosphate kinase B/G protein beta gamma dimer complexes

Heterotrimeric G proteins are pivotal regulators of myocardial contractility. In addition to the receptor-induced GDP/GTP exchange, G protein alpha subunits can be activated by a phosphate transfer via a plasma membrane-associated complex of nucleoside diphosphate kinase B (NDPK B) and G protein betagamma-dimers (Gbetagamma). To investigate the physiological role of this phosphate transfer in cardiomyocytes, we generated a Gbeta1gamma2-dimer carrying a single amino acid exchange at the intermediately phosphorylated His-266 in the beta1 subunit (Gbeta1H266Lgamma2). Recombinantly expressed Gbeta1H266Lgamma2 were integrated into heterotrimeric G proteins in rat cardiomyocytes but were deficient in intermediate Gbeta phosphorylation. Compared with wild-type Gbeta1gamma2 (Gbeta1WTgamma2), overexpression of Gbeta1H266Lgamma2 suppressed basal cAMP formation up to 55%. A similar decrease in basal cAMP production occurred when the formation of NDPK B/Gbetagamma complexes was attenuated by siRNA-mediated NDPK B knockdown. In adult rat cardiomyocytes expressing Gbeta1H266Lgamma2, the basal contractility was suppressed by approximately 50% which correlated to similarly reduced basal cAMP levels and reduced Ser16-phosphorylation of phospholamban. In the presence of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol, the total cAMP formation and contractility were significantly lower in Gbeta1H266Lgamma2 than in Gbeta1WTgamma2 expressing cardiomyocytes. However, the relative isoproterenol-induced increased was not affected by Gbeta1H266Lgamma2. We conclude that the receptor-independent activation of G proteins via NDPK B/Gbetagamma complexes requires the intermediate phosphorylation of G protein beta subunits at His-266. Our results highlight the histidine kinase activity of NDPK B for Gbeta and demonstrate its contribution to the receptor-independent regulation of cAMP synthesis and contractility in intact cardiomyocytes.

Histidine phosphorylation of the potassium channel KCa3.1 by nucleoside diphosphate kinase B is required for activation of KCa3.1 and CD4 T cells

The Ca2+ -activated K+ channel KCa3.1 is required for Ca2+ influx and the subsequent activation of B and T cells. Inhibitors of KCa3.1 are in development to treat autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection, underscoring the importance in understanding how these channels are regulated. We show that nucleoside diphosphate kinase B (NDPK-B), a mammalian histidine kinase, functions downstream of PI(3)P to activate KCa3.1. NDPK-B directly binds and activates KCa3.1 by phosphorylating histidine 358 in the carboxyl terminus of KCa3.1. Endogenous NDPK-B is also critical for KCa3.1 channel activity and the subsequent activation of CD4 T cells. These findings provide one of the best examples whereby histidine phosphorylation regulates a biological process in mammals, and provide an example whereby a channel is regulated by histidine phosphorylation. The critical role for NDPK-B in the reactivation of CD4 T cells indicates that understanding NDPK-B regulation should uncover novel pathways required for T cell activation.

Expression of CD44, E-cadherin, and antimetastatic protein nm23-H1 in complete hydatidiform moles

INTRODUCTION

There is scant information about the expression of CD44 and E-cadherin, two cell adhesion molecules, and the antimetastatic protein nm23-H1, in complete hydatidiform moles. We measured the expression of these markers to determine their usefulness in predicting the development of invasive disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of 27 patients with complete hydatidiform moles, collecting clinical information including the patient's age, pre-evacuation hCG level, pathology, hCG monitoring, and the development of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Immunohistochemical staining for CD44, E-cadherin, and nm23-H1 was performed. CD44 expression was classified as positive or negative. For E-cadherin and nm23-H1, the intensity of expression was graded on a 0 to 3 scale. Chi-square or Fisher's exact testing was used to evaluate the relationship between these markers and the development of invasive disease.

RESULTS

CD44 was expressed in 26% of cases. E-cadherin expression was 1+, 2+, and 3+in 8%, 33%, and 59% of cases, respectively. Nm23-H1 expression was 1+, 2+, and 3+in 4%, 11%, and 85% of cases. The risk of developing invasive disease did not correlate with the expression of CD44, E-cadherin, or nm23-H1.

CONCLUSION

In this preliminary study, there is no relationship between CD44, E-cadherin, and nm23-H1 expression in complete hydatidiform moles and the risk of invasive disease. Other molecular markers predictive of invasive disease should be sought to limit hCG surveillance to those at risk.

Efficient expression of haloarchaeal nucleoside diphosphate kinase via strong porin promoter in moderately halophilic bacteria

Enzymes from extremely halophilic archaea require high concentration of salts for their proper folding and consequently are expressed as an unfolded and inactive form in Escherichia coli. Moderate halophile, which accumulates protein stabilizers, i.e., compatible solutes, is an attractive host cell for the recombinant production of heterologous proteins, since such protein stabilizers may help folding of expressed proteins. Here, we succeeded in efficient expression and purification to homogeneity of recombinant haloarchaeal nucleoside diphosphate kinase (HsNDK) in moderate halophile using newly isolated strong porin promoter.

Expression in E. coli and purification of the nucleoside diphosphate kinase b from Leishmania major

Leishmaniasis is considered by the World Health Organization to be the second most important disease caused by a protozoan parasite. Biochemical and molecular biology studies can help in the understanding of the biology of the Leishmania parasite. All protozoan parasites, including Leishmania, are unable to synthesize purines de novo, and nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDK) are involved in the salvage pathway by which free purines are converted to nucleosides and subsequently to nucleotides. In this report, we describe the cloning of NDK coding-sequence from Leishmania major, the expression of the enzyme containing a His(6)-tag in Escherichia coli, and purification of the catalytically active native protein by affinity chromatography using Ni-NTA resin.

The intratumoral microvessel density and expression of bFGF and nm23-H1 in colorectal cancer

It has previously been reported that intratumoral microvessel density (IMD), and the expression of bFGF and nm23-H1 are useful prognostic markers in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, a total of 100 CRCs were evaluated histopathologically, and IMD, bFGF and nm23-H1 expression were assessed by immunohistochemistry. IMD of patients increased with grade and stage, and this increase was statistically significant (p<0.05). A significantly higher incidence of high bFGF expression scores was also associated with increasing grade and stage (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the grades in nm23-H1 expression (p=0.234). nm23-H1 expression occurred with lower incidence in stages C1, C2 and D than in stages B1 and B2 (p<0.05). Thus, a negative correlation was found between nm23-H1 expression and stage or lymph node metastasis (LNM) (p<0.05). IMD and bFGF expression were positively correlated with grade, stage, LNM, and lymphovascular invasion. Although positive correlation was found between IMD and bFGF, nm23-H1 expression negatively correlated with both of them. As a result, in clinical practice, increased IMD and bFGF expression and decreased nm23-H1 expression may provide valuable information in characterizing the malignant phenotype.

nm23 as a prognostic marker in primary cutaneous melanoma: evaluation using tissue microarray in a patient group with long-term follow-up

The accurate estimation of prognosis in patients with melanoma is of increasing importance with novel adjuvant therapies on the horizon. The current prediction of prognosis employs techniques involving sentinel lymph node biopsy, which carries an associated morbidity and is of little use in patients who develop direct distant metastases or direct in-transit metastases. New strategies or factors are therefore needed to improve the accuracy of determination of prognosis. nm23 is a putative metastasis suppressor; however, conflicting data exist as to its role in melanoma progression and its use as a potential prognostic marker. The purpose of this study was to use the technique of tissue microarray to study a cohort of melanoma patients with long-term follow-up data in order to ascertain its potential use as a prognostic marker. One hundred and twenty patients with primary cutaneous melanoma were included in the tissue microarray and a commercially available immunohistochemical marker for nm23 was used for protein detection. nm23 expression was strongly correlated with Clark's level (P<0.001), Breslow depth (P=0.002) and patient age (P=0.014). nm23 expression was significantly associated with a poor patient outcome (chi2=7.2219, P=0.0072). Further analysis revealed that the intensity of nm23 expression also correlated with patient outcome (chi2=11.3281, P=0.0035). However, on multivariate analysis, nm23 was shown not to be an independent marker of prognosis. The results of this study, when taken with the existing literature, suggest a role for nm23 in melanoma disease progression. However, its use as a prognostic marker in routine practice does not appear to be justified.

[Study on mRNA expression of the human novel gene NM23-H1B in ovarian tumor]

OBJECTIVE

To study the expression of the human novel gene NM23-H1B in ovarian cancer.

METHODS

Forty-eight samples from patients with ovarian tumor at different clinical stages and 8 from normal ovaries were examined for NM23-H1B mRNA expression by using RT-PCR, northern blot and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS

All samples expressed NM23-H1B mRNA through RT-PCR, while the level of expression in ovarian tumor was higher than that of normal ovary. The level of expression in early stage (stage I and II) cancer was higher than in advanced (stage III and IV) cancer. The results of northern blot showed that NM23-H1B was over expressed in ovarian cancer while low expressed in normal ovary or low malignant potential (LMP) ovarian cancer. In early stage carcinoma, the expression level was related with the differentiation of tumor cell. Well-differentiated cancer expressed NM23-H1B mRNA at comparatively higher level. The result of in situ hybridization showed that positive expression rate of NM23-H1B mRNA in ovarian cancer (100%, 40/40) was significantly higher than that in normal ovary (0/8) or LMP ovarian cancer (2/8).

CONCLUSION

The novel gene NM23-H1B is related to ovarian cancer.

Expression of Nm23 in gliomas and its effect on migration and invasion in vitro

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-documented importance of Nm23 in the control of metastasis, there is currently a paucity of data regarding the role of this gene family in the control of glioma invasion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nm23-H1 expression in gliomas was assessed via immunohistochemistry, Western blot, RT-PCR and Northern blot analyses. The migration and invasion ability were also investigated in primary glioma culture cells, human glioma cell lines and nm23-H1 transfectant, using an in vitro brain slice invasion model and a simple scratch technique.

RESULTS

Although no significant correlations were detected between nm23-H1 expression and pathological grade, the endogenous nm23-H1 expression in gliomas was found to be inversely correlated with their migratory abilities. Additionally, the nm23-H1 transfectant resulted in a reduction of approximately 45% of the migratory ability and suppressed the invasiveness of the parental cell line.

CONCLUSION

Our overall findings suggest that nm23-H1 may play an important role in the suppression of glioma invasion and migration.

[Expression and clinical significance of nm23-H1, Fas and FasL in colorectal carcinoma tissues]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression and clinical significance of nm23-H1, Fas and FasL in colorectal carcinoma tissues.

METHODS

The expression levels of nm23-H1, Fas and FasL in 48 cases of colorectal carcinoma tissues and 15 cases of normal colorectal tissues were determined by SP immunohistochemical staining.

RESULTS

Positive expression rates of nm23-H1, Fas and FasL in colorectal carcinoma were (25.0 +/- 2.6)%, (41.7 +/- 2.7) and (77.1 +/- 2.7)% respectively; the positive expression rates of nm23-H1 and Fas were lower than that in the normal colorectal tissues (P<0.01); the FasL expression rate in colorectal carcinoma tissues was higher than that in the normal colorectal tissues (P<0.01); the lower expression of nm23-H1 and Fas, and the higher expression of FasL in colorectal carcinoma were correlated with the type of carcinoma histology, lymph node metastasis, Dukes' stage and prognosis (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the lower expression of nm23-H1 and Fas and higher expression of FasL may be used as a good indicator in evaluating lymph node metastasis and prognosis.

Inhibition of a new differentiation pathway in neuroblastoma by copy number defects of N-myc, Cdc42, and nm23 genes

The best studied oncogenic mechanisms are inactivating defects in both alleles of tumor suppressor genes and activating mutations in oncogenes. Chromosomal gains and losses are frequent in human tumors, but for many regions, like 1p36 and 17q in neuroblastoma, no mutated tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes were identified. Amplification of N-myc in neuroblastoma is strongly correlated with loss of 1p36 and gain of 17q. Here we report that N-myc down-regulates the mRNA expression of many genes with a role in cell architecture. One of them is the 1p36 gene Cdc42. Restoring the Cdc42 expression in neuroblastoma cells strongly induced differentiation. N-myc also inhibited Cdc42 functioning at the protein level. This was mediated by nm23-H1 and nm23-H2, which are located in the amplified 17q region. Nm23-H1 and nm23-H2 are strongly up-regulated downstream targets of N-myc. Nm23-H1 was shown to bind Cdc42 and prevented the induction of differentiation. Overexpression of Nm23 due to gain of 17q and induction by N-myc combined with weak expression of Cdc42 due to loss of 1p36 and down-regulation by N-myc can thus block differentiation. Although this marks Cdc42 as a candidate tumor suppressor gene, no mutations were found. Further silencing of Cdc42 by small interfering RNA induced massive apoptosis, indicating that tumor cell survival requires a minimal Cdc42 activity. Three regions of chromosomal gain and loss thus affect genes functioning in one pathway in neuroblastoma. They converge to bring the pathway out of balance and prevent Cdc42 mediated differentiation.

[Expressions of survivin and nm23 and the relationship among the expressions and the axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of Survivin protein and nm23 protein and the relationship among the expressions and axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer.

METHODS

The expression of Survivin and nm23 in 80 cases of breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry SP method, and their correlation with axillary lymph node metastasis and 5-year disease free survival (DFS) were analysed.

RESULTS

Survivin protein positive expression rate was 68.75% (55/80) in breast cancer tissues, which had positive correlation with the axillary lymph nodes metastasis but negative correlation with 5 years FS (P < 0.05); nm23 protein expression had negative correlation with the axillary lymph nodes metastasis but positive to 5 years FS (P < 0.05). Survivin and nm23 proteins expression had no obvious correlation with the breast cancer pathology type, patient age and clinical stage (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The anti-apoptosis effect of Survivin protein and the anti-metastasis effect of nm23 protein may be important in the occurrence and advancement of breast cancer, suggesting that it may be a new indicator of prognostic and judgement in breast cancer.

Expression of c-myc, erbB-2, p53 and nm23-H1 gene product in benign and malignant breast lesions: coexpression and correlation with clinicopathologic parameters

The aims of this study were to assess the expression of protein products of c-myc, erbB-2, p53 and nm23-H1 gene in benign and malignant breast lesions, to estimate their possible coexpression and to correlate the results of immunohistochemical analysis with various clinicopathologic parameters. The method used was the immunohistochemical detection of the corresponding protein. Expression of c-myc protein was high in both malignant and benign lesions (95% and 100%). Expression of erbB-2 and mutated p53 proteins in malignant lesions was 27% and 34%. These proteins were present in benign lesions as well: 7.8% of benign lesions were positive for erbB-2 protein and 19.6% for p53 protein. The expression of nm23-H1 protein was similar in benign and malignant lesions: 47% and 54%. The coexpression of nm23-H1 and mutated p53 protein was found in 14 carcinomas (16.5%). We found a tendency of negative correlation between the expression of these two proteins. We also found a negative correlation between the size of breast carcinomas and the expression of nm23-H1, a higher proportion of nm23-H1-positive carcinomas in the group of erbB-2-negative, p53-negative carcinomas and a higher proportion of nm23-H1-positive carcinomas in the group of malignant lesions with negative axillary lymph nodes. Our results support the hypothesis that in women with breast cancer the expression of nm23-H1 gene may contribute to more favorable phenotype. We also showed that some changes found in malignant breast tumors such as the presence of mutated p53 protein and the expression of erbB-2 protein may be found in benign lesions as well.

Expression of E-cadherin and nm23 is associated with the clinicopathological factors of human non-small cell lung cancer in China

E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion molecule, functions as maintenance of epithelial integrity. nm23, encoded by non-metastatic 23 gene, plays a key role in differentiation of many kinds of epithelium. Loss or dysfunction of E-cadherin and nm23 was frequently identified in many types of human cancers and is considered to correlate with invasive/metastatic phenotype. We previously reported that defective expression of E-cadherin might play a role in the development of the malignant phenotype in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) [Q.Y. Fei, H.T. Zhang, X.F. Chen, et al., Defected expression of Ecadherin in non-small cell lung cancer, Lung Cancer 37 (2002) 147-152]. In an attempt to evaluate the significance of E-cadherin and nm23 in human non-small cell lung cancer, we performed mRNA expression and genetic structure analyses of the E-cadherin and nm23 genes in 54 NSCLCs and 46 normal lung tissues. The mRNA expression was determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and genetic structure was examined through PCR-SSCP followed by sequencing. Although no mutation of the E-cadherin and nm23 genes was detected, the results obtained in the present study showed that reduction of E-cadherin and nm23 mRNA expression remarkably correlated with low histological differentiation, increasing stage as well as lymph node metastases (P<0.05). These data provide us with support for the idea that dysfunction of E-cadherin and nm23 has a role in progression of NSCLC and that the examination of E-cadherin and nm23 expression can provide experimental evidence for clinical treatment.

[Molecular mechanism of reversing metastatic phenotype in human high-metastatic large cell lung cancer cell line L9981 by nm23-H1]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

nm23-H1, a tumor metastasis suppressive gene, can reverse tumor metastasis phenotype. But the molecular mechanism of nm23-H1 in inhibiting or reversing metastasis of lung cancer is unclear. This study was to explore the molecular mechanism of nm23-H1 in reversing metastasis phenotype of lung cancer.

METHODS

nm23-H1 gene and pLXSN were separately transfected into human lung cancer cell line L9981. Proliferation of L9981, L9981-pLXSN, and L9981-nm23-H1 cells was detected by MTT assay, cell invasive ability was detected by modified Boyden chamber. Tumorigenesis and experimental lung metastasis were determined in vivo. mRNA and protein levels of beta-catenin, E-Cadherin, CD44S, CD44V6, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot.

RESULTS

(1)Cell proliferation, clone formation, and invasive ability were significantly lower in L9981-nm23-H1 cells than in L9981 cells [(19.5+/-2.9)% vs. 100%, 10.3+/-0.7 vs. 21.7+/-1.3, 31.0+/-3.0 vs. 151.0+/-6.3, P<0.01]. (2) The inhibitory rate of tumorigenesis of nude mice was significantly higher in L8891-nm23-H1 group than in L9981 group (85.6% vs. 0%, P<0.001)u the lung metastatic rate was significantly lower in L9981-nm23-H1 group than in L9981 group (0% vs. 100%, P<0.001). (3)nm23-H1 up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of beta-catenin, E-Cadherin, and TIMP-1, and down-regulated levels of MMP-2, CD44V6, and VEGF (P<0.01). (4) nm23-H1 up-regulated mRNA level of CD44s, protein level of CD44s didn't change (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

nm23-H1 gene can reverse malignant and metastatic phenotype of L9981 cells through regulating the expressions of lung cancer metastasis-related genes.

[Expressions of P16 and nm23-H1 in nasopharyngeal cacinoma and their clinical significance]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the expressions of P16 and nm23-H(1) protein in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and explore their association with clinicopathology and the level of argyrophilic protein of the nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) of peripheral blood T lymphocyte (T-AgNORs) before radiotherapy.

METHODS

SP immunohistochemistry was used to detect P16 and nm23-H(1) expressions in 65 cases of NPC, and the level of T-AgNORs was measured before radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The positivity rate of P16 and nm23-H(1) protein in NPC was 24.6% (16/65) and 61.5% (40/65), respectively. The positivity rates of P16 and nm23-H(1) protein in patients in T(1) and T(2) stages were higher than those in patients in T(3) and T(4) stages, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). No significant association of P16 expression was noted with lymph node metastasis and post-radiotherapy distant metastasis (P>0.05). In patients with regional lymph node and distant metastases, the positivity rates for nm23-H(1) were 51.2% (21/41) and 33.3% (5/15), which were significantly lower than those in patients without local lymph node (79.2%, 9/24;X(2)= 4.99, P<0.05) or distant metastasis (70%, 35/50; X(2)=7.56, P<0.01). The levels of T-AgNORs in P16- and nm23-positive cases were higher than those in the negative cases (t=5.721, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

nm23-H(1) expression in NPC tissue is correlated with NPC metastasis and may be useful for clinical prediction of local lymph node and distant metastases after radiotherpay. nm23 and p16 expressions are also correlated with the level of T-AgNORs, which probably indicate the immune functions of the patients.

[Effects of Fuzheng Yiliu Granule on expression of CD44v6 and nm23-H1 in esophageal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of Fuzheng Yiliu Granule on the expression of CD44v6 and nm23-H1 in esophageal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

METHODS

Sixty-three cases of esophageal carcinoma were randomly divided into two groups: Fuzheng Yiliu Granule plus radiotherapy treated group (n=30) and radiotherapy treated group (n=33). The carcinoma specimens were obtained through endoscopic biopsy before and after twenty-one days of treatment. The expression of CD44v6 and nm23-H1 was determined in the sixty-three specimens of esophageal carcinoma by immunohistochemical SABC methods.

RESULTS

After twenty-one days of treatment, the positive rates of CD44v6 in the Fuzheng Yiliu Granule plus radiotherapy treated group and the radiotherapy treated group were 40.0% and 69.7%, respectively, and there was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The positive rates of nm23-H1 in the Fuzheng Yiliu Granule plus radiotherapy treated group and the radiotherapy treated group were 20.0% and 21.2%, respectively, and the difference was not significant between the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Fuzheng Yiliu Granule can lower the expression of CD44v6 in esophageal carcinoma, and may prevent infiltration and lymph node metastasis of esophageal carcinoma.

[Expression and significance of PTEN and nm23 in the metastasis of gallbladder cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between the expressions of PTEN and the metastasis of the gallbladder cancer.

METHODS

The expression of PTEN and nm23 were detected by immunohistochemical staining in 32 cases of gallbladder cancer with metastasis and the staining intensity was scored semi-quantitatively, compared with the cases without metastasis.

RESULTS

The intensity score of PTEN and nm23 in gallbladder cancer with metastasis was 8.9947+/-4.5590 and 10.2003+/-3.9031, respectively, which was lower than that in those without metastasis (12.9433+/-4.7618 and 15.8436+/-5.6917 respectively, P < 0.01 ). The expression of PTEN was correlative with that of nm23 ( Pearson = 0.370, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The lower expressions of PTEN and nm23 are related to the metastasis of gallbladder cancer.

Growth hormone (GH) action in the developing lung: Changes in lung proteins after adenoviral GH overexpression

Growth hormone (GH) recently has been shown to be expressed in the neonatal rat lung during alveolarization. The possible functional importance of lung GH in lung function, therefore, has been assessed by determining changes in GH-responsive proteins in the developing rat lung after the overexpression of the GH gene in this tissue. GH overexpression was achieved using an adenovirus that expressed the mouse GH gene. This adenovirus was effective in inducing mouse GH expression in cultured rat lung L2 epithelial cells. It was also shown to be strongly expressed in the alveoli of 14-day-old rat pup lungs 10 days after it was administered by intratracheal injection, during a period of rapid lung development. Expression of the transgene in these pups was accompanied by changes in lung protein concentrations determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The lung concentrations of specific enzymes (nucleotide diphosphate kinase B, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and aldehyde reductase-1) were increased by the adenoviral expression of mouse GH, as were the concentrations of beta subunit G-protein calponin 2, beta-5 tubulin, retinoblastoma binding protein 4, and fetuin A. In contrast, the lung concentrations of haptoglobin and major acute phase alpha-1 protein were reduced by adenoviral expression of mouse GH. Although most of these proteins have not previously been identified as GH-responsive proteins, these results demonstrate actions of GH in the rat lung and support the possibility that GH acts as an autocrine/paracrine during early lung development.

Enhanced expression of a gene encoding a nucleoside diphosphate kinase 1 (OsNDPK1) in rice plants upon infection with bacterial pathogens

A cDNA library was constructed using mRNA extracted from rice leaves infected with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), a bacterial leaf blight pathogen, to isolate rice genes induced by Xoo infection. Subtractive hybridization and differential screening of the cDNA library led to the isolation of many induced genes including a nucleotide diphosphate kinase 1 (OsNDPK1) and a pathogenesis-related protein 1 (OsPR1) cDNA. Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) are key metabolic enzymes that maintain the balance between cellular ATP and other nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs). Three other OsNDPK genes (NP922751, OsNDPK2 and OsNDPK3) found in databases were obtained by RT-PCR. Three different programs for predicting subcellular targeting indicated that OsNDPK1 and NP922751 were non-organellar, OsNDPK2 plastidic, and OsNDPK3 mitochondrial. Only transcripts of OsNDPK1 accumulated strongly after infection with Xoo. When rice plants were infected with Burkholderia glumae, a bacterial grain/seedling rot pathogen, the pattern of expression of the rice NDPK genes was similar to that following infection with Xoo. OsNDPK1 gene expression was also strongly induced in response to exposure to salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and abscisic acid, although the level of transcripts and their pattern of expression depended on the inducer.

[nhibitory effect of adenosine analogues on invasion of human ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910PM]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Adenosine plays an essential role in cells signal transduction, including inhibiting the activity of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase, up-regulating the activity of adenylate cyclase and the concentration of cAMP, and inhibiting platelet actin polymerization. Adenosine analogues have the same bioactivities as adenosine, but are slowly deaminated by adenosine deaminase. This study was to observe the effects of 2-chloro-adenosine(2-ClAdo), 2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine (2-CldAdo), and 2'-deoxyadenosine (2'-dAdo) on invasion of human ovarian cancer cell line HO-8910PM.

METHODS

HO-8910PM cells were treated with 2-ClAdo, 2-CldAdo, and 2'-dAdo, Trypan blue dye exclusion assay was used to examine cytotoxities of these 3 adenosine analogues to HO-8910PM cells, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was used as sensitive control. Reconstituted basement membrane invasion assay was used to evaluate invasive, adhesive, and kinetic activities of the cells. PAGE substrate zymography was used to analyze secretion,and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze mRNA levels of mta1 and nm23H1.

RESULTS

The 50% inhibition concentrations (IC(50)) of 2-ClAdo, and 2-CldAdo at 72 h were 5.80, and 2.61 micromol/L; while inhibitory effect of 2'-dAdo on the cells was not significant, its IC(50) was more than 100 micromol/L. Inhibition rates of 6.0 micromol/L of 2-ClAdo, and 2-CldAdo on cells invasion were (42.5+/-1.5)%, and (9.9+/-0.5)%; those on cells migration were (36.9+/-2.1)%,and (17.1+/-0.4)%; and those on cells adhesion were (32.2+/-2.3)%, and (19.5+/-3.1)%. All these inhibition rates were significantly higher than those of control (P< 0.05). While 2'-dAdo had no significant effect on cells invasion. All 3 chemicals could not inhibit the production and activity of MMP-9 in HO-8910PM cells. 2-ClAdo down-regulated mRNA level of mta1, but neither 2-ClAdo nor 2-CldAdo affected mRNA level of nm23H1.

CONCLUSION

Of these 3 adenosine analogues, 2-ClAdo might be a potential chemical inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis because of its weaker cytotoxity but stronger inhibitive effect on invasion of tumor cells.

[Expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and nm23-H1 gene and their relation to the prognosis of breast cancer in young women]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nm23-H1 gene in breast cancer tissues and their relation to the prognosis in young women.

METHODS

The expressions of VEGF and nm23-H1 gene were detected using immunohistochemical method (SP) in the breast cancer tissues of 48 young and 30 postmenopausal women with breast cancer and in breast fibroadenoma tissues of 10 patients for analysis of the association of the expressions with the patients' clinical and pathological characteristics, with also observation of the 5-year survival rate in each patient group.

RESULTS

The rates of axillary lymph node metastasis was higher in the young women than in the postmenopausal women, who also had significantly different rates of VEGF and nm23-H1 expressions in the breast cancer tissues (P<0.01, P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively); between the two breast cancer groups and breast fibroadenoma group, the expressions were also different (P<0.01). In both young and postmenopausal women with breast cancer, patients with axillary lymph node metastasis had significantly higher positivity rate of VEGF expression than those without (P<0.01 and P<0.01), but the reverse was found true in the expression of nm23-H1 gene. VEGF expression was inversely correlated with nm23-H1 expression in young patients (P<0.01), and the 5-year survival rate of patients with nm23-H1 gene expression was higher than that of p53-positive patients (P<0.05). No significant correlation of VEGF and nm23-H1 expressions with the differentiation of the tumor was found (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The expressions of VEGF and nm23-H1 indicate the angiogenetic activity and invasion of breast cancer, and have a close relation to the prognosis in young women.

Model building and quantitative analysis of a tandem immuno-capturing assay as a screening tool for breast cancer

The onset of breast cancer appears to occur, on average, a decade earlier in Mexican women in comparison to American or European women. Early detection and prevention of breast cancer are of crucial importance to increase survival and improve quality of life. Based on the molecular elucidation of critical events leading to breast carcinogenesis, a tandem immuno-capturing blood test was developed as a quantitative population screening assay in view of providing a cost-effective and non-invasive alternative to population screening. Clinical analysis of 63 Mexican women within an age group of 35-70, revealed that Interstron activity increases from 800+/-65 IUJPA (Interstron Units) in the asymptomatic normal women to 994+/-100 IUJPA in the symptomatic/benign group, reaching 1289+/-81 IUJPA in the cancerous group. Accordingly, activity thresholds were established at 800 and 1200 IUJPA respectively, encompassing three risk groups: (i) Healthy Otherwise Normal (<800 IUJPA); (ii) Grey Risk Area (>800 and <1200 IUJPA), and (iii) At Risk group (>1200 IUJPA). Taking into account both baseline and clinical case reports, the Healthy Otherwise Normal group and the At Risk group were mostly homogeneous in nature, comprising a population of normal and cancer patients respectively. The Grey Risk group is heterogeneous, likely reflecting a transitional nature towards a potential early stage of breast disease development. Based on these results, a screening algorithm was developed as the underlining principle for population surveillance encompassing over 30,000 Mexican women. The current screening results have enabled us to objectively prioritize medical attention to approximately 1 in 8 women out of the general population mapped within the At Risk group. Overall, our findings suggest that monitoring Interstron activity units provides a valuable quantitative screening analysis as to selectively streamline the population of women in need of early medical counseling and/or mammography, thereby enhancing both the quality and cost-effectiveness of preventative population surveillance programs targeting breast cancer.

[Expression and correlation with metastasis of E-cadherin, CD44H, matrix metalloproteinase-3, nm23H1 and VEGF in nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of E-cadherin, CD44H, matrix metalloproteinase-3, nm23H1 and VEGF in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and its relationship to the metastasis.

METHOD

The expression of E-cadherin, CD44H, matrix metalloproteinase-3, nm23H1 and VEGF in 62 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma was detected by immunohistochemical SP method.

RESULT

In the group of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis, the expression of E-cadherin and nm23H1 reduced and the expression of CD44H and MMP-3 increased, and there were respectively significant difference compared to the group of non-lymph node metastasis, but there wasn't significant difference between the two groups in VEGF. Furthermore, expression of E-cadherin was inversely correlated with that of CD44H and MMP-3, and the expression of CD44H was positively correlated with that of MMP-3. In the group of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with distant metastasis, the expression of E-cadherin and nm23H1 also increased and the expression of CD44H, MMP-3 and VEGF all increased. Compared with the group of negative distant metastasis, there were respectively significant difference. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the expression of CD44H and VEGF.

CONCLUSION

E-cadherin, CD44H, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and nm23H1 genes are closely related with lymph node and distant metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, while VEGF gene only relates to lymph node metastasis. They are important factors acting on metastasis of neoplasms.

Association between Nm23-H1 gene expression and metastasis of ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Metastasis is the leading cause of treatment failure and death of ovarian cancer. However, The molecular mechanisms associated with acquisition of metastatic ability in ovarian cancer are poorly understood. This study aimed at selecting the ovarian carcinoma cell lines with high frequency metastasis and studing the association between nm23-H1 gene expression in the model of ovarian carcinoma cells so as to provide the evidence for systematical experimental studying and clinical practice.

METHODS

Each ovarian cancer cell line was transplanted subcutaneously into the flank of nude mice, and the metastatic behavior was evaluated by counting the number of lung tumor foci at different time. The metastatic tumors were cultured in vitro, then established substrain and transplanted subcutaneously three times. The mRNA and protein level of nm23 in 8 human ovarian cancer cell lines were examined.

RESULTS

Four cell lines have high frequency metastatic potentiality. The subpopulation of cells with high frequency metastasis could be screened by injection several times. The expression of nm23 mRNA and protein in human ovarian cancer cells is inversely related to metastatic behavior in experimental animals (r=0.96, P=0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The difference of metastatic potential, which was determined by genetic and molecular levels, was significant among different type of cell lines and subtypes. The expression of nm23 mRNA and protein in human ovarian carcinomas were correlated closely with the reduced metastatic behavior in experimental animals and may serve as a sensitive prognostic indicator of ovarian cancer.

Clinical Significance of Intracytoplasmic nm23-H1 Expression in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

PURPOSE

Recently, we established an ELISA technique for measuring nm23-H1 protein in serum and found that the serum nm23-H1 level is a potential prognostic factor for patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of nm23-H1 by the lymphoma cells in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

RESULTS

By analyzing a consecutive series of 172 untreated DLBCL patients, we found that 100 (58.1%) were strongly positive. The cytoplasmic nm23 expression in lymphoma cells correlated significantly with the serum nm23-H1 level. There was a significant correlation between patients with cytoplasmic nm23-positive lymphoma and those with performance status 2-4, stage III/IV, bulky mass, B symptoms, elevated serum level of soluble interleukin 2 receptor, and elevated serum level of C-reactive protein. Overall and progression-free survival rates were significantly lower in patients with nm23-H1-positive lymphomas than in those with nm23-H1-negative lymphomas. Similar difference was seen between patients with high and low serum levels of nm23-H1. Thus, the correlation between presence or absence of cytoplasmic nm23-H1 expression and serum nm23-H1 levels suggests that serum nm23-H1 is produced directly by lymphoma cells.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that nm23-H1 expression is a prognostic factor for DLBCL, and that it is as important as serum nm23-H1, both of which are useful for planning a treatment strategy.

[The expression of nm23-H1 in the investing papilloma and it's cancerated tissue of nasal cavity and parasinuses]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of the nm23-H1 protein in the development of investing papilloma and it's cancerated tissue in nasal cavity and parasinuses.

METHOD

The expression of nm23-H1 protein was measured by immunohistochemistry in twenty-five cases with investing papilloma and twenty-one cases with cancerated investing papilloma in nasal cavity and parasinuses and fourteen cases with chronic sinusitis.

RESULT

The expression of nm23-H1 in the investing papilloma was higher than that in cancerated investing papilloma tissue, the positive rate was 72% and 42% respectively in the two groups, P < 0.05. The expression of nm23-H1 in the investing papilloma was higher than in the chronic sinusitis, the positive rate of the latter was 14.3%, P < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

The lower expression the nm23-H1 protein in the cancerated tissue of investing papilloma was related to the infiltration and canceration.

[Relevant factors of nm23 protein expression and dangerous factors of bone metastasis in breast cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relevant factors of the expression of nm23 protein and the dangerous factors of bone metastasis in breast cancer.

METHODS

Seventy-six breast cancer patients confirmed by histological examination after surgeries were enrolled in this study. nm23 protein expressions in original breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemical procedures. The relevant factors of nm23 protein expression and the dangerous factors of bone metastasis were conducted logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 58 breast cancer patients who did not have bone metastasis in the observation period, 55 did not have bone metastasis;while the other 18 breast cancer patients having bone metastasis were confirmed in only 14 patients. The correction was 94.83% and 77.78% respectively. The general correction was 90.79%.

CONCLUSION

The detection of nm23 protein is helpful to evaluate prognosis and improve the therapy. It is one of the important methods to instruct the breast cancer patients to perform radio-nuclide imaging in the follow-up.

Analysis of nm23-H1 protein immunoreactivity in follicular thyroid tumors

Immunohistochemical analysis employing a monoclonal antibody nm23-H1 (the antibody against nm-23 protein) was performed on archival material, consisting of 12 cases of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), 57 cases of follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and 17 cases of nodular goiter (NG). Both cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreactions for nm-23H1 were observed in cells of FTCs, FTAs and NGs. In oxyphilic adenomas cytoplasmic staining was observed. Eleven (91.7%) cases of FTC, 55 (98.2%) cases of FTA and 14 (82.4%) cases of NG were found to be positive for nm23-H1 protein. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean percentage values of immunopositive cells between carcinomas and adenomas. A significant increase in the number of cases with high percentage (more than 50) of positive cells was found in both carcinomas (FTCs) and adenomas (FTAs)--mainly microfollicular ones, in comparison with nodular goiter. It can be concluded that highly positive immunoreaction for the nm23-H1 protein in the cells of carcinomas (FTCs) and microfollicular adenomas indicates for a high proliferation rate of these tumors.

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of nucleoside diphosphate kinase from Thermus thermophilus HB8

Nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase contributes to the maintenance of cellular pools of all nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) by catalyzing the transfer of the gamma-phosphoryl group from an NTP donor to an NDP acceptor. NDP kinase from the extreme thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus HB8 was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and crystallized at 297 K using polyethylene glycol 8000 as the precipitant by means of the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion procedure. The crystals belong to the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)22, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 124.0, c = 104.9 A, alpha = beta = 90, gamma = 120 degrees. Assuming the asymmetric unit to contain two subunits, the calculated V(M) value was 3.7 A(3) Da(-1). The crystals diffracted X-rays generated by the synchrotron at SPring-8 to at least 1.9 A resolution and were suitable for high-resolution X-ray crystal structure determination.

Release and interconversion of P2 receptor agonists by human osteoblast-like cells

Nucleotides, acting as agonists at P2 receptors, are important extracellular signaling molecules in many tissues. In bone they affect both bone-forming osteoblast and bone-resorbing osteoclast cell activity. The presence of nucleotides in the extracellular microenvironment is largely determined by their release from cells and metabolism by ecto-enzymes, both of which have scarcely been studied in bone. We have investigated adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) release from SaOS-2 osteoblastic cells and the activities of cell surface ecto-enzymes on ATP metabolism. ATP, but not LDH, was detected in SaOS-2 cell conditioned medium, suggesting these cells were actively releasing ATP. Introduction of ADP resulted in increased ATP concentrations in the medium, which was found not to be receptor mediated. Nucleotide inhibition and substrate specificity studies revealed an ecto-nucleoside diphosphokinase (ecto-NDPK) was responsible for the ADP-->ATP conversion; PCR and immunocytochemistry confirmed its presence. Analysis of ATP metabolism over time demonstrated overall ATP degradation was increased by inhibiting ecto-NDPK activity; confirming that the combined action of multiple osteoblast-expressed ecto-enzymes affected extracellular nucleotide concentration. The data establish the coexistence of ATP-consuming, and for the first time, ATP-generating activities on the osteoblast cell surface, the discovery of which has significant implications for studies involving P2 receptor subtypes in bone.

Crystal structure of a nucleoside diphosphate kinase from Bacillus halodenitrificans: coexpression of its activity with a Mn-superoxide dismutase

We found that when grown under anaerobic conditions the moderate halophile, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus halodenitrificans (ATCC 49067) synthesizes large amounts of a polypeptide complex that contains a heme center capable of reversibly bind nitric oxide. This complex, when exposed to air, dissociates and reassociates into two active components, a Mn-containing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a nucleoside diphosphate kinase (BhNDK). The crystal structure of this latter enzyme has been determined at 2.2A resolution using molecular replacement method, based on the crystal structure of Drosophila melanogaster NDK. The model contains 149 residues of a total 150 residues and 34 water molecules. BhNDK consists of a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet, whose surfaces are partially covered by six alpha-helices, and its overall and active site structures are similar to those of homologous enzymes. However, the hexameric packing of BhNDK shows that this enzyme is different from both eukaryotic and gram-negative bacteria. The need for the bacterium to presynthesize both SOD and NDK precursors which are activated during the anaerobic-aerobic transition is discussed.

DR-nm23 expression affects neuroblastoma cell differentiation, integrin expression, and adhesion characteristics

BACKGROUND AND PROCEDURE

Nm23 gene family has been associated with metastasis suppression and differentiation. We studied DR-nm23 during neuroblastoma cells differentiation. DR-nm23 expression increased after retinoic acid induction of differentiation in human cell lines SK-N-SH and LAN-5.

RESULTS

In several cell lines, overexpression of DR-nm23 was associated with more differentiated phenotypes. SK-N-SH cells increased vimentin expression, increased deposition of collagen type IV, modulated integrin expression, and underwent growth arrest; the murine neuroblastoma cell line N1E-115 showed neurite outgrowth and a striking enhancement of beta1 integrin expression. Up-regulation of beta1 integrin was specifically responsible for the increase in the adhesion to collagen type I-coated plates. Finally, cells overexpressing DR-nm23 were unable to growth in soft agar.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, DR-nm23 expression is directly involved in differentiation of neuroblastoma cells, and its ability to affects the adhesion to extracellular substrates and to inhibit growth in soft agar suggests an involvement in the metastatic potential of neuroblastoma.

[Expression of nm23 protein and estrogen receptor and prognosis of colorectal cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between clinicobiological action and expression of nm23 protein and estrogen receptor (ER) for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

The expression of nm23 protein and ER for 209 cases of colorectal cancer was detected by immunohistochemistry assay (LSAB).

RESULTS

The expression of nm23 protein was correlated with that of ER for colorectal cancer (r = 0.5319, P < 0.01). The expression of nm23 protein and ER in colorectal cancers was not related with patient's age, sex, tumor position, pathological type, histological type, and Dukes stage (r < 0.4, P > 0.05). The expression was related with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (P < 0.01). The higher the expression of nm23 protein and/or ER the better the prognosis, whereas the less the expression of nm23 protein and/or ER the worse the prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The abnormal expression of nm23 protein is correlated with the disturbance of estrogen metabolism in colorectal cancer. The detection of nm23 protein and ER is helpful for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of colorectal cancer.

[The relationship between laminin-receptor and nm23 protein expression and its correlation with interstitial microvascular density and tumor metastasis in breast carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between 67,000 laminin, laminin-receptor (LN-R) and nm23 protein expression, interstitial microvascular density (MVD) and tumor metastasis in breast carcinomas.

METHODS

The expression of laminin (LN), LN-R, FVIIIRAg and nm23 protein were detected in 73 cases of breast carcinoma with immunohistochemical technique and analyzed.

RESULTS

A significant difference in LN expression was found in breast carcinoma according to their pathological grade. A positive relation exists between LN-R expression and lymph node metastasis. A positive relationship exists between the degree of LN-R and MVD expression. A significant difference in lymph node metastasis cases exists between nm23 protein positive expression group and negative expression group. When the expression of nm23 protein was inhibited, the degree of LN-R, MVD expression increased and positively related with lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

LN-R expression enhancement, microvascular density increase and nm23 expression inhibition may be the reliable markers for predicting tumor metastasis and prognosis.

[Mutation and expression of nm23-H1 and CD44 gene in prostate cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To study the role of nm23-H1 and CD44 gene in carcinogenesis and metastasis of prostate cancers.

METHODS

Expression of nm23-H1/NDPK and CD44 protein were analyzed in 32 cases of prostate cancers (Pca) and 12 control of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) paraffin embedded tissue by immunohistochemistry. Mutation and expression of their genes were detected by silver SSCP method, semiquantitative RT-PCR, and southern blot hybridization analysis respectively in 25 cases of fresh Pca and 15 control BPH tissue.

RESULTS

nm23-H1 gene point mutation was detected in 13.3% (2/15) of Pca. Compared with the control tissue, the expression of nm23-H1 gene was increased significantly on both mRNA and protein levels in the carcinoma tissue (P < 0.05). The expression of nm23-H1 protein was also increased significantly in Pca with metastasis. The expression of CD44 standard form (CD44s) protein was significantly reduced in most Pca compared with BPH tissue. CD44s mRNA was detected in all Pca and BPH tissue, whereas CD44 variant (CD44v) without CD44v6 was mainly detected in carcinoma tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

The altered expression of CD44s and CD44v may co-regulate in the carcinogenesis and progression, whereas nm23-H1 gene may play a different role from CD44 in the progression of prostate cancer. CD44v6 may be a useful but not significant tool for detection of colon or bladder cancers.

Nucleoside diphosphate kinase (nm23 protein) expression in retinoblastoma

Forty-two enucleated eyes of 42 patients with unilateral retinoblastoma were studied histologically, including histochemically examination with anti-nm23 polyclonal antibody which does not recognise cDNA but its product. Primary tumours of >15 mm diameter with less evidence of apoptosis and with the most pleomorphic and anaplastic nuclei were associated with an increased risk of distant metastasis, but rosette formation did not discriminate. A high intensity of nm23 staining also indicated a tendency to metastasize, consistent with childhood neuroblastoma but in contrast to findings in carcinoma of the breast, colon and uterine cervix.

Overexpression of nm23-H2/NDP kinase B in a human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line results in reduced metastasis, differentiated phenotype in the metastatic site, and growth factor-independent proliferative activity in culture

The metastasis suppressor activity of nm23/nucleoside diphosphate (NDP) kinase was assessed using human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines. When the expression of nm23/NDP kinase was compared among several SCC cell lines, nm23-H2/NDP kinase B gene product, but not nm23-HI/NDP kinase A gene product, was reduced in the metastatic cells. Transfection of nm23-H2 into the metastatic SCC cell line LMF4 caused reduction in the lung metastasis in an experimental metastasis assay. A histological analysis of the pulmonary metastatic foci revealed that although foci of the control clones were composed of anaplastic squamous cells, those of the nm23-H2-transfected clones consisted of mostly well-differentiated cells mimicking normal stratified epithelial constitution. The transfected cells were morphologically indistinguishable from the control ones in culture, but they differed from each other in that the former cells proliferated faster than the latter, became less serum dependent, and lost responsiveness to growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, and insulin, although both clones retained sensitivity to transferrin. These results demonstrate that nm23-H2 protein does have metastasis suppressor activity for human SCC cells and suggest that this activity may be elicited by modulating growth and/or differentiation potential in response to environmental factors.

[CD44v and nm23-H1 gene product expression and its clinical significance in human recurrent bladder cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of the CD44v and nm23-H1 gene products and its clinical significance in human recurrent bladder cancer.

METHOD

The CD44v and nm23-H1 gene products in 45 cases of bladder cancer were analysed quantitatively by flow cytometry and cytoimmunofluorescence staining.

RESULT

The CD44v gene product overexpression and nm23-H1 gene product low expression were correlated with invasive extent and recurrence of bladder cancer (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients between CD44v gene product and nm23-H1 gene product were gamma = -0.2876 in bladder cancer. The correlation coefficients between CD44v gene product and nm23-H1 gene product were gamma = -0.4238 in recurrent bladder cancer.

CONCLUSION

The expression of CD44v and nm23-H1 gene product cooperated in growth and progress of bladder cancer. Both CD44v and nm23-H1 gene products were an objective indication of invasive extent and recurrence of bladder cancer.

[Relationship between nm23-H1 expression and lymph node metastasis and prognosis in cervical cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of nm23-H1 in cervical carcinoma and its significance.

METHODS

Expression of nm23-H1 was examined by immunohistochemical method in 39 cases of adenocarcinoma and 39 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The relationship between expression of nm23-H1 and clinic-pathologic factors and prognosis was analyzed by chi-square test.

RESULTS

Positive staining rate of nm23-H1 was 44.6% in adenocarcinoma and 39.2% in squamous cell Carcinoma. The positive staining rate of nm23-H1 in stage I and II adenocarcinoma was 61.1% and 28.6% respectively (P = 0.044); in patients with recurrence nm23-H1 positive rate was lower than that in patients without recurrence (21.5% vs 56%, P = 0.39); in patients with lymph node negative, nm23-H1 positive staining was more than that in patients with lymph node positive (52% vs 28.6%), however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.162). None of 14 cases of lymph node metastasis was strong positive stainig, whereas 7 of 25 without lymph node metastasis were demonstrated to have strong positive staining (P = 0.031). The 5-year survival rate in negative staining group was lower than that in the positive staining group (52.5% vs 82.4%, P = 0.042). In squamous cell carcinoma there was no statistically significant relationship between nm23-H1 expression and clinic-pathologic factors and prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

nm23-H1 expression was associated with biologic behavior in cervical adenocarcinoma.

Transcription effect of nm23-M2/NDP kinase on c-myc oncogene

Transactivating factor PuF which interacts with a nuclease hypersensitive element locates upstream from the c-myc gene. PuF was recently identified as being encoded by nm23-H2/ NDP kinase gene [Postel, E. H., Berberich, S. J., Flint, S. J., and Ferrone, C. A. (1993) Science 261, 428-429]. Here we have studied the correlation of expression between c-myc and nm23 genes in vitro. By a comparative study of the expression of 2 genes in cell lines, no direct correlation of kinetics was found. A plasmid containing the human c-myc fragment (c-myc CAT) was cloned upstream from the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene. When the murine melanoma cell line was cotransfected with a nm23-M2/ NDP kinase expression vector and c-myc CAT, CAT activity was elevated. In addition, cell cycle phases in the murine cell lines transfected with nm23/NDP kinase were estimated; an alteration of the cell cycle, prolonged S-phase was found in the cell lines transfected with nm23-M2/NDP kinase, whereas human nm23-H2/NDP kinase did not play a role in transactivating the c-myc gene or in S-phase prolongation in murine cell lines. From these results we conclude that the murine nm23-M2 gene transactivates the c-myc gene and controls the cell cycle, S-phase, indirectly via a cellular cofactor in the murine cell line, which does not work with the human nm23-H2 gene.

[Expression of nm23/NDPK, integrin, type IV collagenase and uPA in transplanted tumors with various metastatic potential in nude mice and surgical specimens]

OBJECTIVES

To observe the relationship between the metastasis of human lung carcinoma and the expressions of nm23/NDPK, integrins, type IV collagenase and uPA.

METHODS

By ABC immunohistochemical staining, we observed the expressions of nm23/NDPK, integrins, type IV collagenase and uPA in four strains of subcutaneous transplanted tumors and 87 surgical specimens for human lung carcinoma. The metastatic potential of four xenografts varied from low to high among PLA-801C, Anip973, PLA-801D, PLA-801DL. The effects of beta 1 antibody and the RGD peptide on the PLA-801DL xenograft were studied in the nude mice.

RESULTS

High expression of nm23/NDPK was observed in the four xenografts and specimens from the 87 patients. No association was found between expression of nm23/NDPK and lymph node metastasis. Low expressions of beta 1 subfamily integrins were observed in the four xenografts. beta 1 subunit antibody and RGD peptide had no effect on metastasis of PLA-801DL xenograft. The expressions of type IV collagenase were positively correlated with their metastatic capacity in the four xenografts and surgical specimens from the 87 patients. Anip973 and PLA-801D showed positive staining to uPA, while PLA-801DL and PLA-801C were negative.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of type IV collagenase is positively correlated with the metastatic capacity of lung carcinoma. Although high expression of nm23/NDPK, low expression of integrins, and various expression of uPA were observed, these were not correlated with metastatic capacity of lung carcinoma.

Expression of nm23/nucleoside diphosphate kinase-A protein in endometrial carcinoma

A metastatic tumor suppressor role for the nm23 gene product in breast carcinoma has been proposed. The biologic significance of nm23/NDP kinase-A (NDPK-A) expression in endometrial carcinoma remains undetermined. We sought to (1) characterize the pattern and intensity of nm23 protein expression in endometrial carcinoma and (2) assess the relationship between intensity/pattern of nm23 protein immunostaining and treatment response assessed by progression-free survival and survival to death. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections from 234 patients with endometrial cancer were immunostained with a mouse monoclonal IgG to nm23/NDPK-A protein. In most specimens of endometrial carcinoma (67.5%), nm23 expression was strongly upregulated. No association was found between either intensity (0 vs 1, 2, 3) or pattern (nuclear membrane vs cytoplasmic) of immunostaining and FIGO stage, ploidy status, histologic subtype, myometrial invasion, progression-free survival, or survival to death. Absence of nm23 staining (0 vs 1, 2, 3) was significantly associated with lower tumor grades (P = 0.02). For stage I patients, moderate to strong nm23 immunostaining intensity (2, 3) was associated with a trend toward diminished progression-free survival (P = 0.08). Our data imply a heterogeneity of nm23 protein expression and possible distinct biologic roles for nm23 in endometrial compared with breast or ovarian carcinoma.

Three different genes encode NM23/nucleoside diphosphate kinases in Xenopus laevis

Nucleoside diphosphate kinases (NDPKs) catalyse the phosphorylation of nucleoside diphosphates. In mammals, the functional enzyme is a hexamer composed of different amounts of two homologous acidic (A) and basic (B) subunits encoded by separate genes. In prokaryotes and invertebrate eukaryotes, only one cytoplasmic enzyme has been isolated. Other genes encoding chloroplastic and mitochondrial forms as well as related proteins have been cloned. Here, we show that in Xenopus laevis, as in mammals, the cytoplasmic NDPK is encoded by several homologous genes. With Xenopus laevis being a pseudotetraploid species, each monomer is encoded by two genes. The amino acid sequences are very similar, and all the differences concern amino acids located at the outer surface of the hexameric enzyme. The Xenopus genes share 82-87% identity with their human counterparts. Interestingly, in vitro, the Xenopus X1 enzyme binds to a specific nuclease hypersensitive element (NHE) of the human c-myc promoter, as does its human counterpart. X1 also binds to a single-stranded (CT)(n) dinucleotide repeat. The NHE is present in the coding strand of a pyrimidine-rich region of the 3' non-coding sequence of the Xenopus NDPK genes. We propose that NDPK is indeed able to bind to its own mRNA and prevent polyadenylation at the normal position. This could provide an autoregulatory translation mechanism. A phylogenetic tree of the vertebrate NDPK sequences supports the idea that in amphibians, as in mammals, gene duplication has resulted in functional diversification.

The prediction of lymph node metastases in colorectal cancer by expression of the nucleoside diphosphate kinase/nm23-H1 and histopathological variables

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the risk of locoregional lymph node metastases from colorectal cancer, we compared microscopic pathological characteristics of the primary tumor with the expression of the nm23-H1 protein.

METHODS

The nm23-H1 expression of 100 colorectal carcinomas and corresponding non-neoplastic mucosa was analyzed immunohistochemically at the time of primary curative surgery (R0 resection). Conventional histopathological factors (depth of infiltration, grade of differentiation, invasion of lymph vessels or veins) that are proven indicators for metastatic involvement of locoregional lymph nodes were examined in all cases.

RESULTS

Of 45 tumors with lymph node metastases, 42 (93%) had a low nm23-H1 expression whereas only 35 (78%) were of high-risk histology (G3, G4, or lymphatic invasion). Therefore, nm23-H1 expression within the primary tumor indicated the lymph node status with a sensitivity of 93% and a negative predictive value of 92%. The classic pathohistological factors (high risk vs low risk) had a sensitivity of 78% and a negative predictive value of 77%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Reduced expression of nm23-H1 within primary colorectal carcinomas could serve as an additional independent marker in estimating the nodal metastatic potential of these tumors.