Thiol Starvation Induces Redox-Mediated Dysregulation of Escherichia coli Biofilm Components.

A hallmark of bacterial biofilms is the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) that encases and protects the community from environmental stressors. Biofilm formation is an integral portion of the uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) life cycle. Approximately 2% of UPEC isolates are cysteine auxotrophs. Here, we investigated how cysteine homeostasis impacted UPEC UTI89 strain biofilm formation and, specifically, the production of the ECM components curli and cellulose. Cysteine auxotrophs produced less cellulose and slightly more curli compared to wild-type (WT) strains, and cysteine auxotrophs formed smooth, nonrugose colonies. Cellulose production was restored in cysteine auxotrophs when YfiR was inactivated. YfiR is a redox-sensitive regulator of the diguanylate cyclase, YfiN. The production of curli, a temperature-regulated appendage, was independent of temperature in UTI89 cysteine auxotrophs. In a screen of UPEC isolates, we found that ∼60% of UPEC cysteine auxotrophs produced curli at 37°C, but only ∼2% of cysteine prototrophic UPEC isolates produced curli at 37°C. Interestingly, sublethal concentrations of amdinocillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole inhibited curli production, whereas strains auxotrophic for cysteine continued to produce curli even in the presence of amdinocillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The dysregulation of ECM components and resistance to amdinocillin in cysteine auxotrophs may be linked to hyperoxidation, since the addition of exogenous cysteine or glutathione restored WT biofilm phenotypes to mutants unable to produce cysteine and glutathione.IMPORTANCE Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) bacteria are the predominant causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs account for billions of dollars of financial burden annually to the health care industry in the United States. Biofilms are an important aspect of the UPEC pathogenesis cascade and for the establishment of chronic infections. Approximately 2% of UPEC isolates from UTIs are cysteine auxotrophs, yet there is relatively little known about the biofilm formation of UPEC cysteine auxotrophs. Here we show that cysteine auxotrophs have dysregulated biofilm components due to a change in the redox state of the periplasm. Additionally, we show the relationship between cysteine auxotrophs, biofilms, and antibiotics frequently used to treat UTIs.

Cyclic AMP signaling in Dictyostelium promotes the translocation of the copine family of calcium-binding proteins to the plasma membrane.

BACKGROUND: Copines are calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding proteins found in many eukaryotic organisms and are thought to be involved in signaling pathways that regulate a wide variety of cellular processes. Copines are characterized by having two C2 domains at the N-terminus accompanied by an A domain at the C-terminus. Six copine genes have been identified in the Dictyostelium genome, cpnA - cpnF. RESULTS: Independent cell lines expressing CpnA, CpnB, CpnC, CpnE, or CpnF tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) were created as tools to study copine protein membrane-binding and localization. In general, the GFP-tagged copine proteins appeared to localize to the cytoplasm in live cells. GFP-tagged CpnB, CpnC, and CpnF were also found in the nucleus. When cells were fixed or when live cells were treated with calcium ionophore, the GFP-tagged copine proteins were found associated with the plasma membrane and vesicular organelles. When starved Dictyostelium cells were stimulated with cAMP, which causes a transitory increase in calcium concentration, all of the copines translocated to the plasma membrane, but with varying magnitudes and on and off times, suggesting each of the copines has distinct calcium-sensitivities and/or membrane-binding properties. In vitro membrane binding assays showed that all of the GFP-tagged copines pelleted with cellular membranes in the presence of calcium; yet, each copine displayed distinct calcium-independent membrane-binding in the absence of calcium. A lipid overlay assay with purified GFP-tagged copine proteins was used to screen for specific phospholipid-binding targets. Similar to other proteins that contain C2 domains, GFP-tagged copines bound to a variety of acidic phospholipids. CpnA, CpnB, and CpnE bound strongly to PS, PI(4)P, and PI(4,5)P2, while CpnC and CpnF bound strongly to PI(4)P. CONCLUSIONS: Our studies show that the Dictyostelium copines are soluble cytoplasmic and nuclear proteins that have the ability to bind intracellular membranes. Moreover, copines display different membrane-binding properties suggesting they play distinct roles in the cell. The transient translocation of copines to the plasma membrane in response to cAMP suggests copines may play a specific role in chemotaxis signaling.

Selection of brain metastasis-initiating breast cancer cells determined by growth on hard agar.

An approach that facilitates rapid isolation and characterization of tumor cells with enhanced metastatic potential is highly desirable. Here, we demonstrate that plating GI-101A human breast cancer cells on hard (0.9%) agar selects for the subpopulation of metastasis-initiating cells. The agar-selected cells, designated GI-AGR, were homogeneous for CD44(+) and CD133(+) and five times more invasive than the parental GI-101A cells. Moreover, mice injected with GI-AGR cells had significantly more experimental brain metastases and shorter overall survival than did mice injected with GI-101A cells. Comparative gene expression analysis revealed that GI-AGR cells were markedly distinct from the parental cells but shared an overlapping pattern of gene expression with the GI-101A subline GI-BRN, which was generated by repeated in vivo recycling of GI-101A cells in an experimental brain metastasis model. Data mining on 216 genes shared between GI-AGR and GI-BRN breast cancer cells suggested that the molecular phenotype of these cells is consistent with that of cancer stem cells and the aggressive basal subtype of breast cancer. Collectively, these results demonstrate that analysis of cell growth in a hard agar assay is a powerful tool for selecting metastasis-initiating cells in a heterogeneous population of breast cancer cells, and that such selected cells have properties similar to those of tumor cells that are selected based on their potential to form metastases in mice.

The role of MMP-1 in breast cancer growth and metastasis to the brain in a xenograft model.

BACKGROUND: Brain metastasis is an increasingly common complication for breast cancer patients; approximately 15- 30% of breast cancer patients develop brain metastasis. However, relatively little is known about how these metastases form, and what phenotypes are characteristic of cells with brain metastasizing potential. In this study, we show that the targeted knockdown of MMP-1 in breast cancer cells with enhanced brain metastatic ability not only reduced primary tumor growth, but also significantly inhibited brain metastasis. METHODS: Two variants of the MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell line selected for enhanced ability to form brain metastases in nude mice (231-BR and 231-BR3 cells) were found to express high levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Short hairpin RNA-mediated stable knockdown of MMP-1 in 231-BR and 231-BR3 cells were established to analyze tumorigenic ability and metastatic ability. RESULTS: Short hairpin RNA-mediated stable knockdown of MMP-1 inhibited the invasive ability of MDA-MB 231 variant cells in vitro, and inhibited breast cancer growth when the cells were injected into the mammary fat pad of nude mice. Reduction of MMP-1 expression significantly attenuated brain metastasis and lung metastasis formation following injection of cells into the left ventricle of the heart and tail vein, respectively. There were significantly fewer proliferating cells in brain metastases of cells with reduced MMP-1 expression. Furthermore, reduced MMP-1 expression was associated with decreased TGFα release and phospho-EGFR expression in 231-BR and BR3 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that elevated expression of MMP-1 can promote the local growth and the formation of brain metastases by breast cancer cells.

Crosstalk between protease-activated receptor 1 and platelet-activating factor receptor regulates melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM/MUC18) expression and melanoma metastasis.

The cellular and molecular pathways that regulate platelet activation, blood coagulation, and inflammation are emerging as critical players in cancer progression and metastasis. Here, we demonstrate a novel signaling mechanism whereby protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) mediates expression of melanoma cell adhesion molecule MCAM/MUC18 (MUC18), a critical marker of melanoma metastasis, via activation of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). We found that PAR1 silencing with small hairpin RNA inhibits MUC18 expression in metastatic melanoma cells by inhibiting CREB phosphorylation, activity, and binding to the MUC18 promoter. We further demonstrate that the PAF/PAFR pathway mediates MUC18 expression downstream of PAR1. Indeed, PAR1 silencing down-regulates PAFR expression and PAF production, PAFR silencing blocks MUC18 expression, and re-expression of PAFR in PAR1-silenced cells rescues MUC18 expression. We further demonstrate that the PAR1-PAFR-MUC18 pathway mediates melanoma cell adhesion to microvascular endothelial cells, transendothelial migration, and metastatic retention in the lungs. Rescuing PAFR expression in PAR1-silenced cells fully restores metastatic phenotype of melanoma, indicating that PAFR plays critical role in the molecular mechanism of PAR1 action. Our results link the two pro-inflammatory G-protein-coupled receptors, PAR1 and PAFR, with the metastatic dissemination of melanoma and suggest that PAR1, PAFR, and MUC18 are attractive therapeutic targets for preventing melanoma metastasis.

Activation of notch signaling in a xenograft model of brain metastasis.

PURPOSE: The potential of metastasis can be predicted from clinical features like tumor size, histologic grade, and gene expression patterns. We examined the whole-genome transcriptomic profile of a xenograft model of breast cancer to understand the characteristics of brain metastasis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Variants of the MDA-MB-435 cell were established from experimental brain metastases. The LvBr2 variant was isolated from lesions in a mouse injected in the left ventricle of the heart, and these cells were used for two cycles of injection into the internal carotid artery and selection of brain lesions, resulting in the Br4 variant. To characterize the different metastatic variants, we examined the gene expression profile of MDA-MB-435, LvBr2, and Br4 cells using microarrays. RESULTS: We could identify 2,016 differentially expressed genes in Br4 by using the F test. Various metastasis-related genes and a number of genes related to angiogenesis, migration, tumorigenesis, and cell cycle were differentially expressed by the Br4 cells. Notably, the Notch signaling pathway was activated in Br4, with increased Jag2 mRNA, activated Notch intracellular domain, and Notch intracellular domain/CLS promoter-luciferase activity. Br4 cells were more migratory and invasive than MDA-MB-435 cells in collagen and Matrigel Transwell assays, and the migration and invasion of Br4 cells were significantly inhibited by inactivation of Notch signaling using DAPT, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, and RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Jagged 2 and Notch1. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggest that we have isolated variants of a human cancer cell line with enhanced brain metastatic properties, and the activation of Notch signaling might play a crucial role in brain metastasis.

Curcumin suppresses the paclitaxel-induced nuclear factor-kappaB in breast cancer cells and potentiates the growth inhibitory effect of paclitaxel in a breast cancer nude mice model.

Most anticancer agents activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which can mediate cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cells, without toxicity to normal cells. The antitumor effects of curcumin could be due in part to the inactivation of NF-kappaB. We hypothesize that blocking NF-kappaB activity may augment paclitaxel cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated whether the inactivation of NF-kappaB by curcumin would enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel for inhibiting breast cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. We confirmed that curcumin inhibited paclitaxel-induced activation of NF-kappaB and potentiated the growth inhibitory effect of paclitaxel in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The combination of curcumin with paclitaxel elicited significantly greater inhibition of cell growth and more apoptosis, compared with either agent alone. In an experimental breast cancer murine model using MDA-MB-231 cells, combination therapy with paclitaxel and curcumin significantly reduced tumor size and decreased tumor cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and decreased the expression of matrix metalloprotease 9 compared with either agent alone. These results clearly suggest that a curcumin-paclitaxel combination could be a novel strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.

Podocalyxin expression in malignant astrocytic tumors.

Podocalyxin is an anti-adhesive mucin-like transmembrane sialoglycoprotein that has been implicated in the development of aggressive forms of cancer. Podocalyxin is also known as keratan sulfate (KS) proteoglycan. Recently, we revealed that highly sulfated KS or another mucin-like transmembrane sialoglycoprotein podoplanin/aggrus is upregulated in malignant astrocytic tumors. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between podocalyxin expression and malignant progression of astrocytic tumors. In this study, 51 astrocytic tumors were investigated for podocalyxin expression using immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, and quantitative real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry detected podocalyxin on the surface of tumor cells in six of 14 anaplastic astrocytomas (42.9%) and in 17 of 31 glioblastomas (54.8%), especially around proliferating endothelial cells. In diffuse astrocytoma, podocalyxin expression was observed only in vascular endothelial cells. Podocalyxin might be associated with the malignant progression of astrocytic tumors, and be a useful prognostic marker for astrocytic tumors.

Phosphorylation of galectin-3 contributes to malignant transformation of human epithelial cells via modulation of unique sets of genes.

Galectin-3 is a multifunctional beta-galactoside-binding protein implicated in apoptosis, malignant transformation, and tumor progression. The mechanisms by which galectin-3 contributes to malignant progression are not fully understood. In this study, we found that the introduction of wild-type galectin-3 into nontumorigenic, galectin-3-null BT549 human breast epithelial cells conferred tumorigenicity and metastatic potential in nude mice, and that galectin-3 expressed by the cells was phosphorylated. In contrast, BT549 cells expressing galectin-3 incapable of being phosphorylated (Ser6-->Glu Ser6-->Ala) were nontumorigenic. A microarray analysis of 10,000 human genes, comparing BT549 transfectants expressing wild-type and those expressing phosphomutant galectin-3, identified 188 genes that were differentially expressed (>2.5-fold). Genes affected by introduction of wild-type phosphorylated but not phosphomutant galectin-3 included those involved in oxidative stress, a novel noncaspase lysosomal apoptotic pathway, cell cycle regulation, transcriptional activation, cytoskeleton remodeling, cell adhesion, and tumor invasion. The reliability of the microarray data was validated by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and by Western blot analysis, and clinical relevance was evaluated by real-time RT-PCR screening of a panel of matched pairs of breast tumors. Differentially regulated genes in breast cancers that are also predicted to be associated with phospho-galectin-3 in transformed BT549 cells include C-type lectin 2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5, cathepsins L2, and cyclin D1. These data show the functional diversity of galectin-3 and suggest that phosphorylation of the protein is necessary for regulation (directly or indirectly) of unique sets of genes that play a role in malignant transformation.

CXCL-12/stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha transactivates HER2-neu in breast cancer cells by a novel pathway involving Src kinase activation.

Experimental evidence suggests that CXCR4, a Gi protein-coupled receptor for the ligand CXCL12/stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha), plays a role in breast cancer metastasis. Transactivation of HER2-neu by G protein-coupled receptor activation has been reported as a ligand-independent mechanism of activating tyrosine kinase receptors. We found that SDF-1alpha transactivated HER2-neu in the breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-361 and SKBR3, which express both CXCR4 and HER2-neu. AMD3100, a CXCR4 inhibitor, PKI 166, an epidermal growth factor receptor/HER2-neu tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and PP2, a Src kinase inhibitor, each blocked SDF-1alpha-induced HER2-neu phosphorylation. Blocking Src kinase, with PP2 or using a kinase-inactive Src construct, and inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor/HER2-neu signaling with PKI 166 each inhibited SDF-1alpha-stimulated cell migration. We report a novel mechanism of HER2-neu transactivation through SDF-1alpha stimulation of CXCR4 that involves Src kinase activation.

Using a xenograft model of human breast cancer metastasis to find genes associated with clinically aggressive disease.

Metastasis is the primary cause of death from breast cancer. A xenograft model was used to identify genes potentially involved with metastasis, comparing expression in the poorly metastatic GI101A human breast cancer cell line and a highly metastatic variant, GILM2. cDNA microarray analyses of these isogenic variants were done using 16K Operon 70-mer oligonucleotide microarray slides. Differentially expressed genes were identified by ANOVA, and differences of > or =2.5-fold were found for 106 genes. Changes in protein or RNA expression were confirmed for 10 of 12 genes. Three markers, heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL-1), and secreted leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), were studied further with breast cancer tissue microarrays using a novel method of automated quantitative analysis. This uses cytokeratin to define pixels as breast cancer (tumor mask) within the tissue array spot and then measures intensity of marker expression using a cyanine 5-conjugated antibody within the mask. Scores were correlated with clinicopathologic variables. High HSP-70 expression and high nuclear CXCL-1 expression in primary tumors were both associated with decreased survival (P = 0.05 and 0.027, respectively). Expression of each marker was strongly associated with lymph node involvement (P = 0.0002, 0.008, 0.0012, and 0.012 for HSP-70, nuclear CXCL-1, cytoplasmic CXCL-1, and SLPI, respectively). Identification of genes associated with metastasis in experimental models may have clinical implications for the management of breast cancer, because some of these are associated with lymph node metastasis and survival and might be useful as prognostic markers or molecular targets for novel therapies.

The Production of Curli Amyloid Fibers Is Deeply Integrated into the Biology of Escherichia coli.

Curli amyloid fibers are the major protein component of the extracellular matrix produced by Enterobacteriaceae during biofilm formation. Curli are required for proper biofilm development and environmental persistence by Escherichia coli. Here, we present a complete and vetted genetic analysis of functional amyloid fiber biogenesis. The Keio collection of single gene deletions was screened on Congo red indicator plates to identify E. coli mutants that had defective amyloid production. We discovered that more than three hundred gene products modulated curli production. These genes were involved in fundamental cellular processes such as regulation, environmental sensing, respiration, metabolism, cell envelope biogenesis, transport, and protein turnover. The alternative sigma factors, σS and σE, had opposing roles in curli production. Mutations that induced the σE or Cpx stress response systems had reduced curli production, while mutant strains with increased σS levels had increased curli production. Mutations in metabolic pathways, including gluconeogenesis and the biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), produced less curli. Regulation of the master biofilm regulator, CsgD, was diverse, and the screen revealed several proteins and small RNAs (sRNA) that regulate csgD messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. Using previously published studies, we found minimal overlap between the genes affecting curli biogenesis and genes known to impact swimming or swarming motility, underlying the distinction between motile and sessile lifestyles. Collectively, the diversity and number of elements required suggest curli production is part of a highly regulated and complex developmental pathway in E. coli.

Differential expression of MHC class II molecules in highly metastatic breast cancer cells is mediated by the regulation of the CIITA transcription Implication of CIITA in tumor and metastasis development.

We analyzed the differential gene expression between variants of MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cell line that share an identical genetic background but have different metastatic ability. The major histocompatibility complex class II was found down-regulated in highly metastatic cells and correlated with MHC transactivator (CIITA) expression. Constitutive CIITA expression observed in poorly metastatic is driven by promoters III and IV of CIITA gene. Conversely, both promoters were ineffective in highly metastatic cells. The MHC class II and CIITA expression was restored in these cells upon stimulation with IFNgamma or by the treatment with a hypomethylating agent. Both treatments induced USF-1 and IRF binding complexes to promoter IV but only IFNgamma induced the binding of 435-Lung2 nuclear proteins to an ARE-1 site at the promoter III. Neither Southern blot nor bisulfite sequencing of promoter IV demonstrated strong hypermethylation of this promoter at the IFNgamma-responsive elements such as GAS, E-box or IRF-1. We suggest that partial or hemimethylation of promoter IV is sufficient to silence the CIITA expression in highly metastatic cells and that this epigenetic mechanism is responsible for the lack of MHC-II expression. Forced CIITA expression restored the MHC-II antigen expression in 435-Lung2 cells and abrogates spontaneous lung metastasis in both SCID and nude mice but also affected the tumorigenicity in nude mice. The increase in NK cell infiltration in nude mice bearing CIITA-tumors correlated with sign of tumor cell apoptosis and the increase in the number of NK cells in the spleens, suggesting that NK cells might be responsible for the observed antitumor activity.

Inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor receptor signaling restricts the growth of human breast cancer in the bone of nude mice.

PURPOSE: Bone is a common site for breast cancer metastasis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptors (PDGFR) are involved in the regulation of bone resorption. This study examined the effects of STI571 (imatinib mesylate), which inhibits PDGFR tyrosine kinase signaling, on the growth of human breast cancer cells in the bone of nude mice with consequent osteolysis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cells were injected into the tibia of female nude mice. Two weeks later the mice were treated with p.o. and injected water (control), daily p.o. STI571, weekly injection of paclitaxel, or daily STI571, plus weekly paclitaxel, for up to 8 weeks. Growth of tumors in bones and osteolysis were monitored by digital radiography and tumors were collected for histochemical analysis. RESULTS: Mice treated with STI571 or STI571 plus paclitaxel had smaller bone tumors with less lytic bone destruction than did mice treated with water or paclitaxel alone. The results of treatment with paclitaxel plus STI571 did not differ from those with STI571 alone. Immunohistochemistry showed that PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGFRalpha, and PDGFRbeta were expressed in the bone tumors. STI571 treatment inhibited PDGFR phosphorylation in tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells, coincident with increased apoptosis, reduced proliferation, and lower microvessel density in the tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Activated PDGFRs are expressed by endothelial and tumor cells in breast cancer tumors growing in the bone of nude mice. Interfering with PDGFR signaling may be an approach to control the progressive growth of breast cancer cells and thus reduce bone lysis.

CCR7 and CXCR4 as novel biomarkers predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in T1 breast cancer.

PURPOSE: The chemokine receptors CCR7 and CXCR4 have been shown to play an important role in cancer metastasis. We therefore studied the differential expression of CCR7 and CXCR4, along with that of the biomarker HER2-neu, to evaluate whether these biomarkers could predict axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Biomarker expression levels were evaluated using paraffin-embedded tissue sections of lymph node-negative (n = 99) and lymph node-positive (n = 98) T1 breast cancer by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Lymph node-positive tumors showed higher rates of high cytoplasmic CCR7 staining (21.5% versus 8.5%, P = 0.013) and HER2-neu overexpression (21.5% versus 9.3%, P = 0.019) than did lymph node-negative tumors. Similarly, high cytoplasmic CXCR4 expression occurred more commonly in lymph node-positive tumors (11.2% versus 5.1%, P = 0.113). In contrast, predominantly nuclear CXCR4 staining was more likely to be found in lymph node-negative tumors (54.5% versus 37.8%, P = 0.018). Furthermore, cytoplasmic CXCR4 coexpressed with HER2-neu was the only factor associated with involvement of four or more lymph nodes (16.7% versus 1.2%, P = 0.04) among lymph node-positive tumors. When all three biomarkers (CCR7, CXCR4, HER2-neu) were utilized together, 50.0% of lymph node-positive tumors highly expressed one of these biomarkers compared with 18.8% of the lymph node-negative tumors (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the chemokine receptor CCR7 is a novel biomarker that can predict lymph node metastases in breast cancer. Utilization of additional markers, such as CXCR4 and HER2-neu, further improves the prediction of the presence and extent of lymph node involvement.

Curcumin suppresses the paclitaxel-induced nuclear factor-kappaB pathway in breast cancer cells and inhibits lung metastasis of human breast cancer in nude mice.

Currently, there is no effective therapy for metastatic breast cancer after surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy have been used against the primary tumor. Because curcumin suppresses nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and most chemotherapeutic agents activate NF-kappaB that mediates cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, we hypothesized that curcumin would potentiate the effect of chemotherapy in advanced breast cancer and inhibit lung metastasis. We tested this hypothesis using paclitaxel (Taxol)-resistant breast cancer cells and a human breast cancer xenograft model. As examined by electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay, paclitaxel activated NF-kappaB in breast cancer cells and curcumin inhibited it; this inhibition was mediated through inhibition of IkappaBalpha kinase activation and IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and degradation. Curcumin also suppressed the paclitaxel-induced expression of antiapoptotic (XIAP, IAP-1, IAP-2, Bcl-2, and Bcl-xL), proliferative (cyclooxygenase 2, c-Myc, and cyclin D1), and metastatic proteins (vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1). It also enhanced apoptosis. In a human breast cancer xenograft model, dietary administration of curcumin significantly decreased the incidence of breast cancer metastasis to the lung and suppressed the expression of NF-kappaB, cyclooxygenase 2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Overall, our results indicate that curcumin, which is a pharmacologically safe compound, has a therapeutic potential in preventing breast cancer metastasis possibly through suppression of NF-kappaB and NF-kappaB-regulated gene products.

Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling leads to inhibition of renal cell carcinoma growth in the bone of nude mice.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) frequently produces metastases to the musculoskeletal system that are a major source of morbidity in the form of pain, immobilization, fractures, neurological compromise, and a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. Patients with metastatic RCC therefore have a dismal prognosis because there is no effective adjuvant treatment for this disease. Because the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) signaling cascade is important in the growth and metastasis of RCC, its blockade has been hypothesized to inhibit tumor growth and hence prevent resultant bone destruction. We determined whether blockade of EGF-R by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor PKI 166 inhibited the growth of RCC in bone. We use a novel cell line, RBM1-IT4, established from a human RCC bone metastasis. Protein and mRNA expression of the ligands and receptors was assessed by Western and Northern blots. The stimulation of RBM1-IT4 cells with epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor alpha resulted in increased cellular proliferation and tyrosine kinase autophosphorylation. PKI 166 prevented these effects. First, RBM1-IT4 cells were implanted into the tibia of nude mice, where they established lytic, progressively growing lesions, after which the mice were treated with PKI 166 alone or in combination with paclitaxel (Taxol). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells in control mice expressed activated EGF-R. Treatment of mice with PKI 166 alone or in combination with Taxol produced a significant decrease in the incidence and size of bone lesions as compared with the results in control or Taxol-treated mice (P < 0.001). Treatment with PKI 166 also decreased the expression of phosphorylated EGF-R by tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells, and this was even more pronounced with PKI 166 plus Taxol treatment. The PKI 166 plus Taxol combination produced apoptosis of tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells. Tumor cell proliferation, shown by proliferating cell nuclear antigen positivity, was decreased in all treatment groups. In addition, the integrity of the bone was maintained in mice treated with PKI 166 or PKI 166 plus Taxol, whereas massive bone destruction was seen in control and Taxol-treated mice. These results suggest that blockade of EGF-R signaling inhibits growth of RCC in the bone by its effect on tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells.

Exposure of melanoma cells to dacarbazine results in enhanced tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased more than that of any other cancer. Dacarbazine is considered the gold standard for treatment, having a response rate of 15% to 20%, but most responses are not sustained. Previously, we have shown that short exposure of primary cutaneous melanoma cells to dacarbazine resulted in the upregulation of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The purpose of the present study was to determine how long-term exposure of melanoma cells to dacarbazine would affect their tumorigenic and metastatic potential in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary cutaneous melanoma cell lines SB2 and MeWo were repeatedly exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of dacarbazine, and dacarbazine-resistant cell lines SB2-D and MeWo-D were selected and examined for their ability to grow and metastasize in nude mice. RESULTS: The dacarbazine-resistant cell lines SB2-D and MeWo-D exhibited increased tumor growth and metastatic behavior in vivo. This increase could be explained by the activation of RAF, MEK, and ERK, which led to the upregulation of IL-8 and VEGF. More IL-8, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), and microvessel density (CD-31) were found in tumors produced by SB2-D and MeWo-D in vivo than in those produced by their parental counterparts. No mutations were observed in BRAF. CONCLUSION: Our results have significant clinical implications. Treatment of melanoma patients with dacarbazine could select for a more aggressive melanoma phenotype. We propose that combination treatment with anti-VEGF/IL-8 or MEK inhibitors may potentiate the therapeutic effects of dacarbazine.

Rac1 and Rac3 isoform activation is involved in the invasive and metastatic phenotype of human breast cancer cells.

INTRODUCTION: The metastatic progression of cancer is a direct result of the disregulation of numerous cellular signaling pathways, including those associated with adhesion, migration, and invasion. Members of the Rac family of small GTPases are known to act as regulators of actin cytoskeletal structures and strongly influence the cellular processes of integrin-mediated adhesion and migration. Even though hyperactivated Rac proteins have been shown to influence metastatic processes, these proteins have never been directly linked to metastatic progression. METHODS: To investigate a role for Rac and Cdc42 in metastatic breast cancer cell invasion and migration, relative endogenous Rac or Cdc42 activity was determined in a panel of metastatic variants of the MDA-MB-435 metastatic human breast cancer cell line using a p21-binding domain-PAK pull down assay. To investigate the migratory and invasive potential of the Rac isoforms in human breast cancer, namely Rac1 and the subsequently cloned Rac3, we stably expressed either dominant active Rac1 or dominant active Rac3 into the least metastatic cell variant. Dominant negative Rac1 or dominant negative Rac3 were stably expressed in the most metastatic cell variant. Cell lines expressing mutant Rac1 or Rac3 were analyzed using in vitro adhesion, migration and invasion assays. RESULTS: We show that increased activation of Rac proteins directly correlates with increasing metastatic potential in a panel of cell variants derived from a single metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-435). The same correlation could not be found with activated Cdc42. Expression of a dominant active Rac1 or a dominant active Rac3 resulted in a more invasive and motile phenotype. Moreover, expression of either dominant negative Rac1 or dominant negative Rac3 into the most metastatic cell variant resulted in decreased invasive and motile properties. CONCLUSION: This study correlates endogenous Rac activity with high metastatic potential and implicates Rac in the regulation of cell migration and invasion in metastatic breast cancer cells. Taken together, these results suggest a role for both the Rac1 and Rac3 GTPases in human breast cancer progression.

Prime-boost vaccination with plasmid and adenovirus gene vaccines control HER2/neu+ metastatic breast cancer in mice.

INTRODUCTION: Once metastasis has occurred, the possibility of completely curing breast cancer is unlikely, particularly for the 30 to 40% of cancers overexpressing the gene for HER2/neu. A vaccine targeting p185, the protein product of the HER2/neu gene, could have therapeutic application by controlling the growth and metastasis of highly aggressive HER2/neu+ cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of two gene vaccines targeting HER2/neu in preventive and therapeutic tumor models. METHODS: The mouse breast cancer cell line A2L2, which expresses the gene for rat HER2/neu and hence p185, was injected into the mammary fat pad of mice as a model of solid tumor growth or was injected intravenously as a model of lung metastasis. SINCP-neu, a plasmid containing Sindbis virus genes and the gene for rat HER2/neu, and Adeno-neu, an E1,E2a-deleted adenovirus also containing the gene for rat HER2/neu, were tested as preventive and therapeutic vaccines. RESULTS: Vaccination with SINCP-neu or Adeno-neu before tumor challenge with A2L2 cells significantly inhibited the growth of the cells injected into the mammary fat or intravenously. Vaccination 2 days after tumor challenge with either vaccine was ineffective in both tumor models. However, therapeutic vaccination in a prime-boost protocol with SINCP-neu followed by Adeno-neu significantly prolonged the overall survival rate of mice injected intravenously with the tumor cells. Naive mice vaccinated using the same prime-boost protocol demonstrated a strong serum immunoglobulin G response and p185-specific cellular immunity, as shown by the results of ELISPOT (enzyme-linked immunospot) analysis for IFNgamma. CONCLUSION: We report herein that vaccination of mice with a plasmid gene vaccine and an adenovirus gene vaccine, each containing the gene for HER2/neu, prevented growth of a HER2/neu-expressing breast cancer cell line injected into the mammary fat pad or intravenously. Sequential administration of the vaccines in a prime-boost protocol was therapeutically effective when tumor cells were injected intravenously before the vaccination. The vaccines induced high levels of both cellular and humoral immunity as determined by in vitro assessment. These findings indicate that clinical evaluation of these vaccines, particularly when used sequentially in a prime-boost protocol, is justified.