Suppression of breast cancer cell growth by a monoclonal antibody targeting cleavable ErbB4 isoforms.

ErbB4 isoforms mediate different cellular activities depending on their susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage. The biological significance of ErbB4 cleavage in tumorigenesis, however, remains poorly understood. Here, we describe characterization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb 1479) that selectively recognizes the ectodomain of cleavable ErbB4 JM-a isoforms both in vitro and in vivo. mAb 1479 was used to analyse ErbB4 JM-a expression and ectodomain shedding in a series of 17 matched breast cancer/histologically normal peripheral breast tissue pairs. ErbB4 ectodomain was observed in 75% of tumors expressing ErbB4 but only in 18% of normal breast tissue samples expressing ErbB4. Difference in the relative quantity of ErbB4 ectodomain between normal and tumor tissue pairs was statistically significant (P=0.015). Treatment with mAb 1479 suppressed ErbB4 function by inhibiting ErbB4 tyrosine phosphorylation and ectodomain shedding, and by stimulating ErbB4 downregulation and ubiquitination. mAb 1479 suppressed both anchorage-dependent and -independent growth of human breast cancer cell lines that naturally express cleavable ErbB4 JM-a. These findings indicate that ErbB4 ectodomain shedding is enhanced in breast cancer tissue in vivo, and that mAb 1479 represents a potential drug candidate that suppresses breast cancer cell growth by selectively binding cleavable ErbB4 isoforms.

A naturally occurring secreted human ErbB3 receptor isoform inhibits heregulin-stimulated activation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4.

A variety of receptor-mediated signaling pathways are controlled by both positive and negative extracellular regulators. In this study, we demonstrate that a naturally occurring secreted form of the human ErbB3 receptor, p85-soluble ErbB3 (sErbB3), is a potent negative regulator of heregulin (HRG)-stimulated ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 activation. We show that p85-sErbB3 binds to HRG with an affinity comparable to that of full-length ErbB3 and competitively inhibits high affinity HRG binding to ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers on the cell surface of breast carcinoma cells with an IC(50) of 0.5 nM. p85-sErbB3 inhibits HRG-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 in breast carcinoma-derived cell lines and can also block HRG-stimulated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, Akt, and association of ErbB3 with the phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase p85 regulatory subunit. Cell growth assays show that exogenous addition of a 100-fold molar excess of p85-sErbB3 inhibits HRG-stimulated cell growth by as much as 90%. Whereas several potential mechanisms of p85-sErbB3 inhibition of ErbB receptor activation exist, our results suggest that at least one means of inhibition is competition for HRG binding. The IC(50) for both p85-sErbB3- and 2C4 (a monoclonal antibody specific for ErbB2)-mediated inhibition of HRG binding is approximately 0.5 nM, although the mechanism of inhibition by these two proteins is distinct. Together these results suggest that p85-sErbB3 is a naturally occurring negative regulator of HRG-stimulated signal transduction that may have important therapeutic applications in human malignancies associated with HRG-mediated cell growth such as breast and prostate cancer.

Effects of in vivo heregulin beta1 treatment in wild-type and ErbB gene-targeted mice depend on receptor levels and pregnancy.

Mice heterozygous (+/-) for either heregulin (HRG), ErbB2, or ErbB3 were created by gene targeting, resulting in the loss of one functional gene copy and an associated decrease in targeted protein. We examined the in vivo activity of recombinant HRG peptide, rHRG beta1 (amino acids 177 to 241), in the three heterozygous mouse lines and in wild-type (WT) mice, both pregnant and nonpregnant. Nonpregnant WT and HRG(+/-) mice of both sexes were sensitive to rHRG beta1 treatment as evidenced by a high mortality rate associated with abdominal enlargement and parietal cell loss. However, pregnant WT mice and ErbB2 and ErbB3 heterozygous mice treated with rHRG beta1 were less affected, with significantly lower mortality rates and a less severe abdominal phenotype. Histological analysis revealed extensive breast ductal hyperplasia in females of all genotypes after rHRG beta1 treatment. Hyperplasia of other epithelial tissues such as the pancreas and intestine and the growth of cardiac nerve bundles were also observed, independent of sex.

Targeting cyclooxygenase 2 and HER-2/neu pathways inhibits colorectal carcinoma growth.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and ErbB/HER pathways are important modulators of cancer cell growth. We sought to determine the effects of treatment with a specific COX-2 inhibitor and/or a monoclonal antibody against the ErbB receptor subtype HER-2/neu on carcinoma cell growth. METHODS: A cell-proliferation assay was used to determine the response of HCA-7 cells to the HER-3/HER-4 ligand heregulin beta-1 (HRGbeta-1). Both in vitro and in vivo assays were used to determine the effects of the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib, and/or an anti-HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody (either Herceptin [Genetech Inc., S. San Francisco, CA] or 2C4) on cell growth. RESULTS: HCA-7 cells express HER-2/neu messenger RNA and protein, and exposure of these cells to HRGbeta-1 results in a significant stimulation of cell growth. Celecoxib or Herceptin inhibits HCA-7 cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Combination therapy with celecoxib plus Herceptin or celecoxib plus 2C4 resulted in additive effects that resulted in almost complete inhibition of tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatment with COX-2 and HER-2/neu inhibitors more effectively reduces colorectal carcinoma growth than either agent alone. Therefore, targeting of both the COX-2 and ErbB signaling pathways may represent a novel approach for the treatment and/or prevention of colorectal cancer in humans.

Untangling the ErbB signalling network.

When epidermal growth factor and its relatives bind the ErbB family of receptors, they trigger a rich network of signalling pathways, culminating in responses ranging from cell division to death, motility to adhesion. The network is often dysregulated in cancer and lends credence to the mantra that molecular understanding yields clinical benefit: over 25,000 women with breast cancer have now been treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin), a recombinant antibody designed to block the receptor ErbB2. Likewise, small-molecule enzyme inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to ErbB1 are in advanced phases of clinical testing. What can this pathway teach us about translating basic science into clinical use?

Overexpression of HER2/neu in solid tumours: an immunohistochemical survey.

AIMS: Using a standardized immunohistochemical assay we have evaluated 575 primary neoplasms of different histogenesis to determine the incidence of HER2 overexpression in some of the most common categories of human solid neoplasms. This study addresses the variable incidence of HER2 overexpression previously published for some tumour types. METHODS AND RESULTS: The immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin sections of surgical specimens and a well-defined scoring system based upon numbers of HER2 receptors expressed on the cell surface was applied. Overexpression of HER2 as defined as a HER2 score of equal or greater than 2 was seen in breast cancer (22%), pulmonary adenocarcinoma (28%), colorectal adenocarcinomas (17%), pulmonary squamous (11%) and gastric adenocarcinomas (11%). As expected, the proportion of cases with a HER2 score of 3 was highest in breast cancer. Contrary to published results prostate and pancreas adenocarcinomas showed a very low incidence of HER2 overexpression. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of HER2 is detected immunohistochemically in a proportion of epithelial neoplasms of diverse histogenesis in addition to ductal breast cancer. The standardized format of the assay will allow comparative analyses of studies performed at different institutions.

Structural requirements for ErbB2 transactivation.

ErbB2 is a unique member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases that is distinguished by the fact that no ligand has yet been identified. Due to the absence of an ErbB2 ligand, alternative mechanisms are used for ErbB2 activation. As such, when ErbB2 is overexpressed, kinase activation occurs in the absence of ligand because of constitutive homodimerization. However, at normal expression levels ErbB2 acts as the shared coreceptor for the ErbB family, and these heterodimeric complexes are activated in response to the partner ligand. While the extracellular domain and transmembrane domains are necessary for ErbB2 transactivation, the carboxy terminus is also required. Specifically, ligand-dependent ErbB2 transactivation requires a discrete three-amino-acid segment, located at the C-terminus of ErbB family members ErbB3, ErbB4, and the epidermal growth factor receptor. Transactivation of ErbB2 via the three-amino-acid segment likely represents a conserved mechanism for regulated signaling by the ErbB family of receptors.

Inhibition of HER2/neu (erbB-2) and mitogen-activated protein kinases enhances tamoxifen action against HER2-overexpressing, tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells.

HER2/neu (erbB-2) overexpression has been causally associated with tamoxifen resistance in human breast cancer cells. Forced expression of HER2 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells resulted in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) hyperactivity and tamoxifen resistance. Inhibition of HER2 and MAPKs with AG1478 and U0126, respectively, as well as dominant-negative MEK-1/2 constructs restored the inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated transcription and cell proliferation. Both AG1478 and U0126 also restored the tamoxifen-mediated association of ER with nuclear receptor corepressor (N-CoR) in the antiestrogen-resistant MCF-7 cells. Treatment with a combination of tamoxifen and a HER2 kinase inhibitor reduced tumor MAPK activity and markedly prevented growth of HER2-overexpressing MCF-7 xenografts in athymic mice. Thus, blockade of HER2 and MAPK signaling may enhance tamoxifen action and abrogate antiestrogen resistance in human breast cancer.

Neuregulin-1 and human epidermal growth factor receptors 2 and 3 play a role in human lung development in vitro.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family consists of four distinct receptors: HER1 (epidermal growth factor receptor), HER2, HER3, and HER4. Their specific activating ligands are collectively known as neuregulins (NRG). We hypothesized that one member of the NRG family, NRG-1, and the HER family would play a role in fetal lung development. To test this hypothesis, we defined NRG-1 and HER gene expression in mid-trimester human fetal lung tissue. HER2 and HER3 messenger RNA and protein were detected in the fetal lung, but HER4 expression was not detected. Immunohistochemical staining of fetal lung tissue localized HER2 and HER3 protein to the developing lung epithelium. NRG-1 expression was not found in freshly isolated human fetal lung, but it was observed in fetal lung explants after 2 d of explant culture. Immunohistochemistry of cultured human fetal lung explants revealed that NRG-1 protein was also expressed in pulmonary epithelial cells. Exposing human fetal lung to recombinant NRG-1 activated the HER receptor complex as measured by approximately 4-fold increases in receptor phosphotyrosine content. In addition, NRG-1 increased explant epithelial cell volume density approximately 2-fold (P < 0. 03); increased epithelial cell proliferation approximately 2-fold, as determined by bromodeoxyuridine labeling (P = 0.002); and reduced surfactant protein-A (SP-A) levels by 53% (P < 0.05). These data are consistent with an autocrine regulatory process mediated by NRG-1 activation of HER2/HER3 heterodimers expressed on developing human fetal lung epithelial cells. Receptor activation results in increased lung epithelial cell proliferation and volume density, and decreased SP-A production, a marker of type II pneumocyte differentiation.

A potential role for activated HER-2 in prostate cancer.

The epidermal growth factor (also known as HER or ErbB) family of receptor tyrosine kinases are important mediators of cell growth, differentiation, and survival. At present there are 10 ligands that bind directly to epidermal growth factor, HER-3, or HER-4. Although none of these ligands bind directly to HER-2, it is recruited to these receptor complexes and also becomes activated. A monoclonal antibody directed against HER-2, 2C4, inhibits the association of HER-2 with other HER family members. Ligand-activated HER-2 may also play a role in cancers, particularly those that do not overexpress HER-2 at high levels. For example, when prostate cancers progress from an androgen-dependent to an androgen-independent phenotype, epidermal growth factor pathways are frequently activated. 2C4 will inhibit the growth of both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate tumors grown as xenografts in athymic mice.

CD20: a gene in search of a function.

CD20 is a signature B-cell differentiation antigen. The function of CD20 is unknown, although it is thought to be involved in B-cell activation, regulation of B-cell growth, and transmembrane calcium flux. This review covers several topics important for understanding CD20 biology. These topics include the expression pattern and transcriptional regulation of the CD20 gene, the structure of the protein and its interaction with other cell surface molecules, as well as CD20 phosphorylation and putative functions. An understanding of CD20 function from signal transduction to biological implications may prove important for the mechanistic understanding of the treatment of certain types of cancer.

Neuregulin receptor-mediated gene transfer by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-targeted antibodies and neuregulin-1.

The human epidermal growth factor receptors 2, 3, and 4 (HER2, HER3, and HER4, respectively) are frequently overexpressed in many human cancers, and therefore may be potential targets for receptor-mediated gene transfer. To evaluate this possibility, we constructed a series of HER-targeted gene transfer vehicles by covalently linking poly-L-lysine polymers (pLYS) to the epidermal growth factor-like domain of the HER ligand neuregulin-1 (NRG1(177-244)), a HER2 antibody (Ab), and the Fab fragment of the HER2 Ab. In vitro, pLYS modification of NRG1(177-244) decreased the affinity of the ligand for HER3 or HER4 homodimer receptors by 6- to 7-fold. DNA loading of the pLYS-modified NRG1(177-244) had a minimal additional affect on the affinity of the complex for its receptor. In cell lines engineered to solely express HER2, HER3, or HER4, each vehicle correctly targeted the receptors; the NRG1(177-244) construct transferred a luciferase gene only into cells expressing HER4, whereas the HER2 Ab and Fab constructs transferred the reporter gene only into cells expressing HER2. The most efficient gene transfer occurred using the intact HER2 Ab as a gene transfer vehicle, whereas the Fab fragment of the HER2 Ab was the least efficient, and NRG1(177-244) was intermediate. These studies suggest that the NRG receptor or HER2, a component of the receptor, can be pursued as targets for gene transfer.

Biologic effects of heregulin/neu differentiation factor on normal and malignant human breast and ovarian epithelial cells.

The heregulins are a family of ligands with ability to induce phosphorylation of the p185HER-2/neu receptor. Various investigators have reported a variety of responses of mouse and human breast and ovarian cells to this family of ligands including growth stimulation, growth inhibition, apoptosis and induction of differentiation in cells expressing the HER-2/neu receptor. Some of the disparity in the literature has been attributed to variations in the cell lines studied, ligand dose applied, methodologies utilized or model system evaluated (i.e. in vitro or in vivo). To evaluate the effects of heregulin on normal and malignant human breast and ovarian epithelial cells expressing known levels of the HER-2/neu receptor, this report presents the use of several different assays, performed both in vitro and in vivo, in vitro proliferation assays, direct cell counts, clonogenicity under anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent conditions, as well as the in vivo effects of heregulin on human cells growing in nude mice to address heregulin activity. Using a total of five different biologic assays in nine different cell lines, across two different epithelia and over a one log heregulin dose range, we obtained results that clearly indicate a growth-stimulatory role for this ligand in human breast and ovarian epithelial cells. We find no evidence that heregulin has any growth-inhibitory effects in human epithelial cells. We also quantitated the amount of each member of the type I receptor tyrosine kinase family (RTK I, i.e. HER-1, HER-2, HER-3 and HER-4) in the cell lines employed and correlated this to their respective heregulin responses. These data demonstrate that HER-2/neu overexpression itself affects the expression of other RTK I members and that cells expressing the highest levels of HER-2/neu have the greatest response to HRG.

Nonclinical studies addressing the mechanism of action of trastuzumab (Herceptin).

HER2 is a ligand-less member of the human epidermal growth factor receptor or ErbB family of tyrosine kinases. In normal biological systems, HER2 functions as a co-receptor for a multitude of epidermal growth factor-like ligands that bind and activate other HER family members. HER2 overexpression is observed in a number of human adenocarcinomas and results in constitutive HER2 activation. Specific targeting of these tumors can be accomplished with antibodies directed against the extracellular domain of the HER2 protein. One of these antibodies, 4D5, has been fully humanized and is termed trastuzumab (Herceptin; Genentech, San Francisco, CA). Treatment of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer cell lines with trastuzumab results in induction of p27KIP1 and the Rb-related protein, p130, which in turn significantly reduces the number of cells undergoing S-phase. A number of other phenotypic changes are observed in vitro as a consequence of trastuzumab binding to HER2-overexpressing cells. These phenotypic changes include downmodulation of the HER2 receptor, inhibition of tumor cell growth, reversed cytokine resistance, restored E-cadherin expression levels, and reduced vascular endothelial growth factor production. Interaction of trastuzumab with the human immune system via its human immunoglobulin G1 Fc domain may potentiate its antitumor activities. In vitro studies demonstrate that trastuzumab is very effective in mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity against HER2-overexpressing tumor targets. Trastuzumab treatment of mouse xenograft models results in marked suppression of tumor growth. When given in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, trastuzumab treatment generally results in statistically superior antitumor efficacy compared with either agent given alone. Taken together, these studies suggest that the mechanism of action of trastuzumab includes antagonizing the constitutive growth-signaling properties of the HER2 system, enlisting immune cells to attack and kill the tumor target, and augmenting chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity.

Binding specificities and affinities of egf domains for ErbB receptors.

ErbB receptor activation is a complex process and is dependent upon the type and number of receptors expressed on a given cell. Previous studies with defined combinations of ErbB receptors expressed in mammalian cells have helped elucidate specific biological responses for many of the recognized gene products that serve as ligands for these receptors. However, no study has examined the binding of these ligands in a defined experimental system. To address this issue, the relative binding affinities of the egf domains of eleven ErbB ligands were measured on six ErbB receptor combinations using a soluble receptor-ligand binding format. The ErbB2/4 heterodimer was shown to bind all ligands tested with moderate to very high affinity. In contrast, ErbB3 showed much more restrictive ligand binding specificity and measurable binding was observed only with heregulin, neuregulin2beta, epiregulin and the synthetic heregulin/egf chimera, biregulin. These studies also revealed that ErbB2 preferentially enhances ligand binding to ErbB3 or ErbB4 and to a lesser degree to ErbB1.

A discrete three-amino acid segment (LVI) at the C-terminal end of kinase-impaired ErbB3 is required for transactivation of ErbB2.

ErbB3 is unique among other members of the receptor tyrosine kinase family of growth factor receptors in that its kinase domain is enzymatically impaired. This renders it incapable of transducing a signal in response to ligand binding. However, in conjunction with ErbB2, ErbB3 is a potent mediator of signaling by the growth factor heregulin. Heregulin binding to ErbB3 induces formation of a heterodimeric complex with ErbB2, and this results in transactivation of the ErbB2 kinase. Although interaction between the extracellular domains of these receptors is an essential part of this process, it was not clear whether interaction between the cytoplasmic domains is also necessary for transactivation. By examining the abilities of a series of cytoplasmic domain mutants of ErbB3 to activate ErbB2, we have found a discrete sequence of three amino acid residues (LVI), located at the carboxyl-terminal end of the impaired ErbB3 kinase region, that is obligatory for transactivation. We conclude that formation of a functional ErbB2-ErbB3 signaling complex requires the presence of a specific structural feature within the ErbB3 cytoplasmic domain and suggest that ErbB2 transactivation results from a physical interaction between the cytoplasmic domains of these receptors.

The biology of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2.

Our understanding of the normal signaling mechanisms and functions of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and other members of the HER family, namely epidermal growth factor receptor, HER3, and HER4, is growing rapidly. Activation of these receptors results in a diverse array of signals through the formation of homodimeric and heterodimeric receptor complexes; HER2 is the preferred dimerization partner for the other HERs. These oligomeric receptor complexes activate distinct signaling pathways, such as the Ras-MAPK and PI3-kinase pathways. These, in turn, affect various cellular processes. Recent gene deletion experiments in mice point to an important role for HER2 in cardiac and neural development, and evidence from other studies indicates that HER2 is involved in normal breast growth and development. Thus, HER2 is a key component of a complex signaling network that plays a critical role in the regulation of tissue development, growth, and differentiation.

Biological response to ErbB ligands in nontransformed cell lines correlates with a specific pattern of receptor expression.

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER or ErbB) family consists of four distinct members, including the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR, HER1, or ErbB1), ErbB2 (HER2 or neu), ErbB3 (HER3), and ErbB4 (HER4). Activation of these receptors plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in several different tissues. Binding of a specific ligand to one of the ErbB receptors triggers the formation of specific receptor homo- and heterodimers, with ErbB2 being the preferred signaling partner. We analyzed the levels of various ErbB receptor messenger RNAs in a series of nontransformed cell lines by real time quantitative RT-PCR. The cell lines chosen were derived from a variety of tissues, including pancreas, lung, heart, and nervous system. Further, we measured biological responses in these cell lines upon treatment with EGF, betacellulin, and two types of neuregulins, heregulin and sensory and motor neuron-derived factor. All cell lines examined expressed detectable levels of ErbB2. High levels of expression of ErbB3 were correlated with responsiveness to heregulin and sensory and motor neuron-derived factor, whereas high levels of EGFR expression were correlated with responsiveness to EGF and betacellulin. Moreover, the sensitivity of a cell line to ErbB ligands was also correlated with the levels of expression of the appropriate ErbB receptors in that cell line. These results are consistent with our hypothesis that appropriate biological responsiveness to ErbB ligands is determined by the levels of expression of specific ErbB receptor combinations within a given tissue.

Formation of a high affinity heregulin binding site using the soluble extracellular domains of ErbB2 with ErbB3 or ErbB4.

ErbB2 functions as a shared signal transducing component for other ErbB receptor family members. Two of these receptors, ErbB3 and ErbB4, bind the heregulin (HRG) or neuregulin family of polypeptide growth factors. Cells expressing ErbB3 alone display a single class of low affinity HRG binding sites, whereas both high and low affinity binding sites can be measured on cells that co-express both ErbB3 and ErbB2. To assess the interaction of the extracellular domains of ErbB receptors, a series of soluble homodimeric and heterodimeric IgG fusion proteins were constructed. Heregulin binding analysis revealed that a heterodimer composed of either ErbB3 or ErbB4 with ErbB2 is sufficient for the formation of a high affinity binding state. In contrast, heterodimeric ErbB3/4-IgG, as well as homodimeric ErbB3-IgG or ErbB4-IgG, contained only low affinity HRG binding sites. Further evidence for the unique specificity of ErbB2 in generating this high affinity binding site was determined by inhibiting HRG binding with an ErbB2 monoclonal antibody.