The biocide triclosan as a potential developmental disruptor in Mytilus early larvae.

The broadly utilized biocide triclosan (TCS) is continuously discharged in water compartments worldwide, where it is detected at concentrations of ng-µg/L. Given its lipophilicity and bioaccumulation, TCS is considered potentially harmful to human and environmental health and also as a potential endocrine disruptor (ED) in different species. In aquatic organisms, TCS can induce a variety of effects: however, little information is available on its possible impact on invertebrate development. Early larval stages of the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis have been shown to be sensitive to environmental concentrations of a number of emerging contaminants, including EDs. In this work, the effects of TCS were first evaluated in the 48 h larval assay in a wide concentration range (0.001-1,000 µg/L). TCS significantly affected normal development of D-veligers (LOEC = 0.1 µg/L; EC50 = 236.1 µg/L). At selected concentrations, the mechanism of action of TCS was investigated. TCS modulated transcription of different genes involved in shell mineralization, endocrine signaling, ceramide metabolism, and biotransformation, depending on larval stage (24 and 48 h post-fertilization-hpf) and concentration (1 and 10 µg/L). At 48 hpf and 10 µg/L TCS, calcein staining revealed alterations in CaCO3 deposition, and polarized light microscopy showed the absence of shell birefringence due to the mineralized phase. Observations by scanning electron microscopy highlighted a variety of defects in shell formation from concentrations as low as 0.1 µg/L. The results indicate that TCS, at environmental exposure levels, can act as a developmental disruptor in early mussel larvae mainly by interfering with the processes of biomineralization.

Phenotypical and molecular changes induced by carbamazepine and propranolol on larval stages of Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The possible impact of carbamazepine (CBZ) and propranolol (PROP), two widespread pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment, were investigated on morphology and gene transcription of early larvae of Mytilus galloprovincialis. Pharmaceuticals were first tested in a wide concentration range (from 0.01 to 1000 µg/L) through the 48-hpf embryotoxicity assay. The results showed that both compounds significantly affected embryo development from environmental concentrations. Although similar EC50 were obtained, (≅ 1 µg/L) CBZ induced a progressive increase in embryo malformations, whereas PROP apparently showed greater impacts in terms of arrested development and embryo mortality at higher concentrations (>10 µg/L). Transcriptional analyses of 17 genes involved in different physiological functions in mussels and/or in their response to environmental contaminants, were performed at 24 and 48 h pf at two selected concentrations of CBZ and PROP (0.01 and 1 µg/L). Both compounds induced down-regulation of shell-specific and neuroendocrine related transcripts, while distinct effects were observed on antioxidant, lysosomal, and immune-related transcripts, also depending on the larval stage investigated. The results demonstrate that CBZ and PROP can affect development and gene transcription in mussel early larvae at environmental concentrations.

Responses of Mytilus galloprovincialis to challenge with the emerging marine pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus.

Vibrio coralliilyticus has emerged as a coral pathogen of concern throughout the Indo-Pacific reef. The interest towards understanding its ecology and pathogenic potential has increased since V. coralliilyticus was shown to be strongly virulent also for other species; in particular, it represents a serious threat for bivalve aquaculture, being one of the most important emerging pathogen responsible for oyster larval mortalities worldwide. V. coralliilyticus has a tightly regulated temperature-dependent virulence and it has been related to mass mortalities events of benthic invertebrates also in the temperate northwestern Mediterranean Sea. However, no data are available on the effects of V. coralliilyticus in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, the most abundant aquacultured species in this area. In this work, responses of M. galloprovincialis to challenge with V. coralliilyticus (ATCC BAA-450) were investigated. In vitro, short term responses of mussel hemocytes were evaluated in terms of lysosomal membrane stability, bactericidal activity, lysozyme release, ROS and NO production, and ultrastructural changes, evaluated by TEM. In vivo, hemolymph parameters were measured in mussels challenged with V. coralliilyticus at 24h p.i. Moreover, the effects of V. coralliilyticus on mussel early embryo development (at 48 hpf) were evaluated. The results show that both in vitro and in vivo, mussels were unable to activate immune response towards V. coralliilyticus, and that challenge mainly induced lysosomal stress in the hemocytes. Moreover, V. coralliilyticus showed a strong and concentration-dependent embryotoxicity. Overall, the results indicate that, although M. galloprovincialis is considered a resistant species to vibrio infections, the emerging pathogen V. coralliilyticus can represent a potential threat to mussel aquaculture.

Diclofenac affects early embryo development in the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Diclofenac-DCF, one of the most widely prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is globally detected in environmental compartments. Due to its occurrence in freshwater and potential impact on aquatic organisms, it has been added to the watch list of chemicals in the EU Water Directive; consequently, research on the impact of DCF in model aquatic organisms has great regulatory implications towards ecosystem health. DCF is also detected in coastal waters at concentrations from ng/L to 1 µg/L, as well as in marine organisms, such as the mussel Mytilus. Increasing evidence indicates that environmental concentrations of DCF have multiple impacts in adult mussels. Moreover, in M. galloprovincialis, DCF has been shown to affect early embryo development. The developmental effects of DCF in mussels were further investigated. DFC (1 and 10 µg/L) was added at different times post-fertilization (30 min and 24 hpf) and the effects were compared in the 48 hpf embryotoxicity assay. Shell mineralization and morphology were investigated by polarized light microscopy, X-Ray Spectrometry-XRD and Scanning Electron Microscopy-SEM. Transcriptional profiles of 12 selected genes physiologically regulated across early embryo development were assessed at 24 and 48 hpf. DCF induced shell malformations, irrespectively of concentration and time of exposure. DCF phenotypes were characterized by convex hinges, undulated edges, fractured shells. However, no changes in biomineralization were observed. DCF affected gene transcription at both times pf, in particular at 1 µg/L. The most affected genes were those involved in early shell formation (CS, CA, EP) and biotransformation (ABCB, GST). The results confirm that Mytilus early development represents a significant target for environmental concentrations of DCF. These data underline how the standard embryotoxicity assay, in combination with a structural and transcriptomic approach, represents a powerful tool for evaluating the early impact of pharmaceuticals on mussel embryos, and identification of the possible underlying mechanisms of action.

Impact of cationic polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH2) on early embryo development of Mytilus galloprovincialis: Effects on shell formation.

The potential release of nanoparticles (NPs) into aquatic environments represents a growing concern for their possible impact on aquatic organisms. In this light, exposure studies during early life stages, which can be highly sensitive to environmental perturbations, would greatly help identifying potential adverse effects of NPs. Although in the marine bivalve Mytilus spp. the effects of different types of NPs have been widely investigated, little is known on the effects of NPs on the developing embryo. In M. galloprovincialis, emerging contaminants were shown to affect gene expression profiles during early embryo development (from trocophorae-24 hpf to D-veligers-48 hpf). In this work, the effects of amino-modified polystyrene NPs (PS-NH2) on mussel embryos were investigated. PS-NH2 affected the development of normal D-shaped larvae at 48 hpf (EC50 = 0.142 mg/L). Higher concentrations (5-20 mg/L) resulted in high embryotoxicity/developmental arrest. At concentrations ≅ EC50, PS-NH2 affected shell formation, as shown by optical and polarized light microscopy. In these conditions, transcription of 12 genes involved in different biological processes were evaluated. PS-NH2 induced dysregulation of transcription of genes involved in early shell formation (Chitin synthase, Carbonic anhydrase, Extrapallial Protein) at both 24 and 48 hpf. Decreased mRNA levels for ABC transporter p-glycoprotein-ABCB and Lysozyme were also observed at 48 hpf. SEM observations confirmed developmental toxicity at higher concentrations (5 mg/L). These data underline the sensitivity of Mytilus early embryos to PS-NH2 and support the hypothesis that calcifying larvae of marine species are particularly vulnerable to abiotic stressors, including exposure to selected types of NPs.

Seasonal variability of different biomarkers in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) farmed at different sites of the Gulf of La Spezia, Ligurian sea, Italy.

Mussels (Mytilus spp.) are worldwide utilized in marine biomonitoring by a multi-biomarker approach. However, for a correct interpretation of different biomarker responses, information is needed on their natural seasonal variability due to environmental/physiological factors. In this work, the seasonal variations of different biomarkers were investigated in M. galloprovincialis from 4 different sites from the gulf of La Spezia (Ligurian sea, Italy), an intensive rearing area in the north-western Mediterranean near La Spezia harbor, an important commercial and touristic port. Lysosomal membrane stability-LMS, stress on stress-SoS, phagocytosis, tissue metallothionein-MT content, oxidative stress related enzyme activities (GST, catalase), and nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated. The results underline the importance of LMS and SoS as core descriptors of the mussel health status in relation to seasonal variations in temperature and reproduction. These data represent the baseline information for ongoing biomonitoring studies related to dredging activities in this area.

Adverse effects of the SSRI antidepressant sertraline on early life stages of marine invertebrates.

Widespread contamination of coastal environments by emerging compounds includes low concentrations of pharmaceuticals. These pollutants are not currently incorporated in monitoring programs despite their effects on non-target organisms are very little documented. Among the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, sertraline (SRT) is one of the most prescribed globally. In this work, earlier life stages of Amphibalanus amphitrite, Brachionus plicatilis and Mytilus galloprovincialis were exposed to environmental concentrations of SRT in order to study both sub-lethal and lethal responses in 24/48 h-tests. Low concentrations of SRT altered significantly swimming behavior in A. amphitrite and B. plicatilis giving 48 h-EC50 (µg/L) of 113.88 and 282.23, respectively whereas higher values were observed for mortality and immobilization. EC50 embryotoxicity with M. galloprovincialis was 206.80 µg/L. This work add new data about SRT ecotoxicity on marine invertebrates and confirms the applicability of behavioral endpoints to evaluate the environmental impact of antidepressants in marine organisms.

Adipocyte microenvironment promotes Bclxl expression and confers chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells.

Resistance to mitochondria-initiated apoptosis is a hallmark of chemoresistant cancer stem cells including CD44+/MyD88+ epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) stem cells. This is controlled by members of the Bcl2 family of proteins, which function as rheostats of mitochondrial stability. We observed a differential expression profile of Bcl2 family members comparing the chemoresistant EOC stem cells and the chemosensitive CD44-/MyD88- EOC cells. Chemoresistant EOC stem cells surprisingly express higher levels of the pro-apoptotic members Bak and Bax compared to the chemosensitive EOC cells. In addition, whereas chemosensitive EOC cells preferentially express Bcl2, chemoresistant EOC stem cells preferentially express Bclxl. In the EOC stem cells, 40% knock-down of Bclxl expression was sufficient to induce the full activation of caspases and this can be reversed by concurrent knock-down of Puma. More importantly, we demonstrate that Bclxl expression levels in EOC cells is dynamic and can be regulated by microenvironments that are enriched with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 such as the cancer stem cell and adipocyte niches. Adipocyte-induced upregulation of Bclxl correlated with acquisition of chemoresistance and thus demonstrates how a specific microenvironment can regulate the expression of apoptotic proteins and confer chemoresistance.

Impact of bisphenol A (BPA) on early embryo development in the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis: Effects on gene transcription.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a monomer used in plastic manufacturing, is weakly estrogenic and a potential endocrine disruptor in mammals. Although it degrades quickly, it is pseudo-persistent in the environment because of continual inputs, with reported concentrations in aquatic environments between 0.0005 and 12 µg/L. BPA represents a potential concern for aquatic ecosystems, as shown by its reproductive and developmental effects in aquatic vertebrates. In invertebrates, endocrine-related effects of BPA were observed in different species and experimental conditions, with often conflicting results, indicating that the sensitivity to this compound can vary considerably among related taxa. In the marine mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis BPA was recently shown to affect early development at environmental concentrations. In this work, the possible effects of BPA on mussel embryos were investigated at the molecular level by evaluating transcription of 13 genes, selected on the basis of their biological functions in adult mussels. Gene expression was first evaluated in trocophorae and D-veligers (24 and 48 h post fertilization) grown in physiological conditions, in comparison with unfertilized eggs. Basal expressions showed a general up-regulation during development, with distinct transcript levels in trocophorae and D-veligers. Exposure of fertilized eggs to BPA (10 µg/L) induced a general upregulation at 24 h pf, followed by down regulation at 48 h pf. Mytilus Estrogen Receptors, serotonin receptor and genes involved in biomineralization (Carbonic Anydrase and Extrapallial Protein) were the most affected by BPA exposure. At 48 h pf, changes in gene expression were associated with irregularities in shell formation, as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), indicating that the formation of the first shelled embryo, a key step in mussel development, represents a sensitive target for BPA. Similar results were obtained with the natural estrogen 17ß-estradiol. The results demonstrate that BPA and E2 can affect Mytilus early development through dysregulation of gene transcription.

Multiple blocks in the engagement of oxidative phosphorylation in putative ovarian cancer stem cells: implication for maintenance therapy with glycolysis inhibitors.

Survival rate in ovarian cancer has not improved since chemotherapy was introduced a few decades ago. The dismal prognosis is mostly due to disease recurrence where majority of the patients succumb to the disease. The demonstration that tumors are comprised of subfractions of cancer cells displaying heterogeneity in stemness potential, chemoresistance, and tumor repair capacity suggests that recurrence may be driven by the chemoresistant cancer stem cells. Thus to improve patient survival, novel therapies should eradicate this cancer cell population. We show that in contrast to the more differentiated ovarian cancer cells, the putative CD44+/MyD88+ ovarian cancer stem cells express lower levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase, Cox-I, Cox-II, and Cox-IV, and higher levels of UCP2. Together, this molecular phenotype establishes a bioenergetic profile that prefers the use of glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP. This bioenergetic profile is conserved in vivo and therefore a maintenance regimen of 2-deoxyglucose administered after Paclitaxel treatment is able to delay the progression of recurrent tumors and decrease tumor burden in mice. Our findings strongly suggest the value of maintenance with glycolysis inhibitors with the goal of improving survival in ovarian cancer patients.

Adaptation of the bivalve embryotoxicity assay for the high throughput screening of emerging contaminants in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

Emerging contaminants (such as Endocrine disrupting chemicals-EDCs, brominated and perfluorinated compounds-BFRs and PFCs, pharmaceuticals) are chemicals currently not included in regulatory monitoring programs, and whose fate and biological impacts are poorly understood. Assessment of ecosystem health with respect to these chemicals is of particular concern also in the marine environment: in this respect, data on the effects on early life stages are important to establish the sensitivity of marine species. In this work, the acute (48 h) bivalve embryo toxicity test was applied for screening the developmental effects of different emerging contaminants in the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. The assay was adapted to 96-microwell plates, and standardized in order to obtain to normal D-shaped larvae with acceptability of test results based on negative control and positive control (copper) comparable with those reported in literature for Mytilus spp. The effects of different model compounds representative of EDCs (Nonylphenol-NP and Bisphenol A-BPA), BFRs (Tetrabromobisphenol A-TBBPA), PFCs (perfluorooctanoid acid-PFOA and perfluorooctane sulphonate-PFOAS) and pharmaceuticals (Ibuprofen-IBU, Diclofenac-DCF, Bezafibrate-BEZA) in a wide concentration range (0.01-0.1-1-10-100-1000 µg/L) were evaluated. The assay proved as a sensitive tool for high throughput screening of emerging contaminants in a marine species, leading to production of significant amounts of data that may be useful for regulatory purposes.

Co-exposure to n-TiO2 and Cd2+ results in interactive effects on biomarker responses but not in increased toxicity in the marine bivalve M. galloprovincialis.

The increasing production of nanoparticles (NPs) will lead to their release into the aquatic environment, where they could modify the bioavailability/bioconcentration and consequent biological impact of other contaminants. Interactive effects of n-TiO2, one of the most widespread NP type, and Cd(2+), a common heavy metal pollutant, have been described in freshwater species, whereas no information is available in marine organisms. In this work, the effects of co-exposure to n-TiO2 and Cd(2+) were investigated in the marine bivalve Mytilus galloprovincialis. Experimental conditions (100 µg/L, 96 h), were chosen in order to induce early but measurable stress responses (biomarkers) without toxicity. Several biomarkers, from molecular to tissue level, were measured in hemolymph and digestive gland; the effects on embryo development were also evaluated. In hemolymph, Cd(2+) abolished the increase in immune parameters induced by n-TiO2 (NO production and lysozyme activity). In the digestive gland, distinct interactive effects of n-TiO2 and Cd(2+) were observed on different lysosomal biomarkers (lysosomal membrane stability, lipid accumulation and lysosome/cytoplasm volume ratio) and transcription of the immune genes lysozyme and toll-like receptor (TLR). However, n-TiO2 did not affect specific metal-induced responses (metallothionein induction) and tissue metal accumulation. Cd(2+) alone, but not in combination with n-TiO2, affected embryo development. The interactive effects observed on different biomarkers were not apparently due to differences in bioavailability/bioaccumulation of Cd(2+) in the presence of n-TiO2 agglomerates; these effects may result from interactions of either contaminant with both common and distinct targets/mechanisms of action at different levels of biological organization. Overall, the results indicate that co-exposure to n-TiO2 and Cd(2+) did not result in increased adverse effects in M. galloprovincialis. These data underline the need for further knowledge on the potential interactions of NPs with existing contaminants in marine organisms.

Distinct subpopulations of epithelial ovarian cancer cells can differentially induce macrophages and T regulatory cells toward a pro-tumor phenotype.

PROBLEM: Presence of immune infiltrates in the tumor does not always correlate with an anti-tumoral immune response. We previously identified two subpopulations of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells with differential cytokine profile. We hypothesize that these two subpopulations of EOC cells may differentially regulate the immune phenotype in the tumor microenvironment and therefore affect the immune response. METHOD OF STUDY: Macrophages derived from CD14+ monocytes and naive CD4+T cells were treated with conditioned media from two subpopulations of EOC cells. Differentiation markers and phagocytic activity were measured by western blot analysis and flow cytometry. Cytokine levels were quantified using xMAP technology. RESULTS: Type I EOC cells are able to enhance macrophages' capacity for tumor repair and renewal by enhancing expression of scavenger receptors and by promoting the secretion of cytokines associated with tissue repair. On the other hand, type II EOC cells are able to create a tolerant microenvironment and prevent an immune response by inducing macrophages' to secrete IL-10 and by promoting the generation of T regs. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that each ovarian cancer cell subpopulation can induce a unique phenotype of macrophages and T cells, both associated with tumor-supportive function.

Targeting the mitochondria activates two independent cell death pathways in ovarian cancer stem cells.

Cancer stem cells are responsible for tumor initiation and chemoresistance. In ovarian cancer, the CD44+/MyD88+ ovarian cancer stem cells are also able to repair the tumor and serve as tumor vascular progenitors. Targeting these cells is therefore necessary to improve treatment outcome and patient survival. The previous demonstration that the ovarian cancer stem cells are resistant to apoptotic cell death induced by conventional chemotherapy agents suggests that other forms of targeted therapy should be explored. We show in this study that targeting mitochondrial bioenergetics is a potent stimulus to induce caspase-independent cell death in a panel of ovarian cancer stem cells. Treatment of these cells with the novel isoflavone derivative, NV-128, significantly depressed mitochondrial function exhibited by decrease in ATP, Cox-I, and Cox-IV levels, and by increase in mitochondrial superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. This promotes a state of cellular starvation that activates two independent pathways: (i) AMPKα1 pathway leading to mTOR inhibition; and (ii) mitochondrial MAP/ERK kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway leading to loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. The demonstration that a compound can specifically target the mitochondria to induce cell death in this otherwise chemoresistant cell population opens a new venue for treating ovarian cancer patients.

Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin carboxy-terminal fragment is a novel tumor-homing peptide for human ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: Development of innovative, effective therapies against recurrent/chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer remains a high priority. Using high-throughput technologies to analyze genetic fingerprints of ovarian cancer, we have discovered extremely high expression of the genes encoding the proteins claudin-3 and claudin-4. METHODS: Because claudin-3 and -4 are the epithelial receptors for Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (CPE), and are sufficient to mediate CPE binding, in this study we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo bioactivity of the carboxy-terminal fragment of CPE (i.e., CPE290-319 binding peptide) as a carrier for tumor imaging agents and intracellular delivery of therapeutic drugs. Claudin-3 and -4 expression was examined with rt-PCR and flow cytometry in multiple primary ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Cell binding assays were used to assess the accuracy and specificity of the CPE peptide in vitro against primary chemotherapy-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Confocal microscopy and biodistribution assays were performed to evaluate the localization and uptake of the FITC-conjugated CPE peptide in established tumor tissue. RESULTS: Using a FITC-conjugated CPE peptide we show specific in vitro and in vivo binding to multiple primary chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. Bio-distribution studies in SCID mice harboring clinically relevant animal models of chemotherapy resistant ovarian carcinoma showed higher uptake of the peptide in tumor cells than in normal organs. Imunofluorescence was detectable within discrete accumulations (i.e., tumor spheroids) or even single chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer cells floating in the ascites of xenografted animals while a time-dependent internalization of the FITC-conjugated CPE peptide was consistently noted in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian tumor cells by confocal microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high levels of claudin-3 and -4 expression in chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and other highly aggressive human epithelial tumors including breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers, CPE peptide holds promise as a lead peptide for the development of new diagnostic tracers or alternative anticancer agents.

NV-128, a novel isoflavone derivative, induces caspase-independent cell death through the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to apoptosis is 1 of the key events that confer chemoresistance and is mediated by the overexpression of antiapoptotic proteins, which inhibit caspase activation. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the activation of an alternative, caspase-independent cell death pathway could promote death in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. The authors report the characterization of NV-128 as an inducer of cell death through a caspase-independent pathway. METHODS: Primary cultures of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells were treated with increasing concentration of NV-128, and the concentration that caused 50% growth inhibition (GI(50)) was determined using a proprietary assay. Apoptotic proteins were characterized by Western blot analyses, assays that measured caspase activity, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Protein-protein interactions were determined using immunoprecipitation. In vivo activity was measured in a xenograft mice model. RESULTS: NV-128 was able to induce significant cell death in both paclitaxel-resistant and carboplatin-resistant EOC cells with a GI(50) between 1 microg/mL and 5 microg/mL. Cell death was characterized by chromatin condensation but was caspase-independent. The activated pathway involved the down-regulation of phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and phosphorylated ribosomal p70 S6 kinase, and the mitochondrial translocation of beclin-1 followed by nuclear translocation of endonuclease G. CONCLUSIONS: The authors characterized a novel compound, NV-128, which inhibits mTOR and promotes caspase-independent cell death. The current results indicated that inhibition of mTOR may represent a relevant pathway for the induction of cell death in cells resistant to the classic caspase-dependent apoptosis. These findings demonstrate the possibility of using therapeutic drugs, such as NV-128, which may have beneficial effects in patients with chemoresistant ovarian cancer.

Molecular phenotyping of human ovarian cancer stem cells unravels the mechanisms for repair and chemoresistance.

A major burden in the treatment of ovarian cancer is the high percentage of recurrence and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) provide a reservoir of cells that can self-renew, can maintain the tumor by generating differentiated cells [non-stem cells (non-CSCs)] which make up the bulk of the tumor and may be the primary source of recurrence. We describe the characterization of human ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSCs). These cells have a distinctive genetic profile that confers them with the capacity to recapitulate the original tumor, proliferate with chemotherapy, and promote recurrence. CSC identified in EOC cells isolated form ascites and solid tumors are characterized by: CD44+, MyD88+, constitutive NFkappaB activity and cytokine and chemokine production, high capacity for repair, chemoresistance to conventional chemotherapies, resistance to TNFalpha-mediated apoptosis, capacity to form spheroids in suspension, and the ability to recapitulate in vivo the original tumor. Chemotherapy eliminates the bulk of the tumor but it leaves a core of cancer cells with high capacity for repair and renewal. The molecular properties identified in these cells may explain some of the unique characteristics of CSCs that control self-renewal and drive metastasis. The identification and cloning of human OCSCs can aid in the development of better therapeutic approaches for ovarian cancer patients.

Modulation of apoptosis to reverse chemoresistance.

Interference with the innate apoptotic activity is a hallmark of neoplastic transformation and tumor formation. Modulation of the apoptotic cascade has been proposed as a new approach for the treatment of cancer. In this chapter, we discuss the role of apoptosis in ovarian cancer and the use of phenoxodiol as a model for the regulation of apoptosis and potential use as chemosensitizer for chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells.

Detection of cancer-related proteins in fresh-frozen ovarian cancer samples using laser capture microdissection.

Tumors are heterogeneous structures that contain different cell populations. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) can be used to obtain pure cancer cells from fresh-frozen cancer tissue and the surrounded environment, thus providing an accurate snapshot of the tumor and its microenvironment in vivo. We describe a new approach to isolate pure cancer cell population and evaluate protein expression. The process includes immunocytochemistry, laser microdissection, and western blot analysis. Using this technique, we can detect proteins such as X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and Fas ligand (FasL) with as little as 1000 cells.

Correlation of caspase activity and in vitro chemo-response in epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines.

The immediate assessment of response to therapy is most beneficial to ovarian cancer patients. This study shows the correlation of drug-induced caspase activation determined by western blot analysis and by Caspase-Glotrade mark assay. Our findings demonstrate that the use of the Caspase-Glotrade mark assay allows a simple, fast, and sensitive alternative for the evaluation of in vitro response to chemotherapy.