Genomic Space of MGMT in Human Glioma Revisited: Novel Motifs, Regulatory RNAs, NRF1, 2, and CTCF Involvement in Gene Expression.

BACKGROUND: The molecular regulation of increased MGMT expression in human brain tumors, the associated regulatory elements, and linkages of these to its epigenetic silencing are not understood. Because the heightened expression or non-expression of MGMT plays a pivotal role in glioma therapeutics, we applied bioinformatics and experimental tools to identify the regulatory elements in the MGMT and neighboring EBF3 gene loci. RESULTS: Extensive genome database analyses showed that the MGMT genomic space was rich in and harbored many undescribed RNA regulatory sequences and recognition motifs. We extended the MGMT's exon-1 promoter to 2019 bp to include five overlapping alternate promoters. Consensus sequences in the revised promoter for (a) the transcriptional factors CTCF, NRF1/NRF2, GAF, (b) the genetic switch MYC/MAX/MAD, and (c) two well-defined p53 response elements in MGMT intron-1, were identified. A putative protein-coding or non-coding RNA sequence was located in the extended 3' UTR of the MGMT transcript. Eleven non-coding RNA loci coding for miRNAs, antisense RNA, and lncRNAs were identified in the MGMT-EBF3 region and six of these showed validated potential for curtailing the expression of both MGMT and EBF3 genes. ChIP analysis verified the binding site in MGMT promoter for CTCF which regulates the genomic methylation and chromatin looping. CTCF depletion by a pool of specific siRNA and shRNAs led to a significant attenuation of MGMT expression in human GBM cell lines. Computational analysis of the ChIP sequence data in ENCODE showed the presence of NRF1 in the MGMT promoter and this occurred only in MGMT-proficient cell lines. Further, an enforced NRF2 expression markedly augmented the MGMT mRNA and protein levels in glioma cells. CONCLUSIONS: We provide the first evidence for several new regulatory components in the MGMT gene locus which predict complex transcriptional and posttranscriptional controls with potential for new therapeutic avenues.

Selective killing of human breast cancer cells by the styryl lactone (R)-goniothalamin is mediated by glutathione conjugation, induction of oxidative stress and marked reactivation of the R175H mutant p53 protein.

The molecular basis of anticancer and apoptotic effects of R-goniothalamin (GON), a plant secondary metabolite was studied. We show that induction of oxidative stress and reactivation of mutant p53 underlie the strong cytotoxic effects of GON against the breast cancer cells. While GON was not toxic to the MCF10a breast epithelial cells, the SKBR3 breast cancer cells harboring an R175H mutant p53 were highly sensitive (IC50 = 7.3 µM). Flow cytometry and other pertinent assays showed that GON-induced abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione depletion, protein glutathionylation and activation of apoptotic markers. GON was found to conjugate with glutathione both in vitro and in cells and the product was characterized by mass spectrometry. We hypothesized that the redox imbalance induced by GON may affect the structure of the R175H mutant p53 protein, and account for greater cytotoxicity. Using the SKBR3 breast cancer and p53-null H1299 lung cancer cells stably expressing the R175H p53 mutant protein, we demonstrated that GON triggers the appearance of a wild-type-like p53 protein by using conformation-specific antibodies, immunoprecipitation, DNA-binding assays and target gene expression. p53 restoration was associated with a G2/M arrest, senescence, reduced cell migration, invasion and increased cell death. GON elicited a highly synergistic cytotoxicity with cisplatin in SKBR3 cells. In SKBR3 xenografts developed in nude mice, there was a marked tumor growth delay by GON alone and GON + cisplatin combination. Our studies highlight the impact of tumor redox-stress generated by GON in activating the mutant p53 protein for greater antitumor efficacy.

Potent anti-proliferative actions of a non-diuretic glucosamine derivative of ethacrynic acid.

Ethacrynic acid (EA), a known inhibitor of the neoplastic marker glutathione S-transferase P1 and other GSTs, exerts a weak antiproliferative activity against human cancer cells. The clinical use of EA (Edecrin) as an anticancer drug is limited by its potent loop diuretic activity. In this study, we developed a non-diuretic 2-amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose conjugated EA (EAG) to target tumors cells via the highly expressed glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). Cell survival assays revealed that EAG had little effect on normal cells, but was cytotoxic 3 to 4.5-fold greater than EA. Mechanistically, the EAG induced selective cell death in cancer cells by inhibiting GSTP1 and generating abundant reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, EAG induced p21(cip1) expression and a G2/M cell cycle block irrespective of the p53 gene status in tumor cells. These data encourage the development of new EA analogs.

Disulfiram is a direct and potent inhibitor of human O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) in brain tumor cells and mouse brain and markedly increases the alkylating DNA damage.

The alcohol aversion drug disulfiram (DSF) reacts and conjugates with the protein-bound nucleophilic cysteines and is known to elicit anticancer effects alone or improve the efficacy of many cancer drugs. We investigated the effects of DSF on human O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), a DNA repair protein and chemotherapy target that removes the mutagenic O(6)-akyl groups from guanines, and thus confers resistance to alkylating agents in brain tumors. We used DSF, copper-chelated DSF or CuCl2-DSF combination and found that all treatments inhibited the MGMT activity in two brain tumor cell lines in a rapid and dose-dependent manner. The drug treatments resulted in the loss of MGMT protein from tumor cells through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Evidence showed that Cys145, a reactive cysteine, critical for DNA repair was the sole site of DSF modification in the MGMT protein. DSF was a weaker inhibitor of MGMT, compared with the established O(6)-benzylguanine; nevertheless, the 24-36h suppression of MGMT activity in cell cultures vastly increased the alkylation-induced DNA interstrand cross-linking, G2/M cell cycle blockade, cytotoxicity and the levels of apoptotic markers. Normal mice treated with DSF showed significantly attenuated levels of MGMT activity and protein in the liver and brain tissues. In nude mice bearing T98 glioblastoma xenografts, there was a preferential inhibition of tumor MGMT. Our studies demonstrate a strong and direct inhibition of MGMT by DSF and support the repurposing of this brain penetrating drug for glioma therapy. The findings also imply an increased risk for alkylation damage in alcoholic patients taking DSF.

Application of a Specific and Sensitive NQO1 Turn-On Near-Infrared Fluorescence Probe for Live Cancer Cell and Xenografted Tumor Imaging in Nude Mice.

Sensitive activity stains for enzymes selectively expressed in human cancers offer valuable tools for imaging with wide applications in experimental, diagnostic, and therapeutic settings. The scant expression of the antioxidant enzyme NQO1 in normal tissues and its great abundance in malignant counterparts due to the increased redox stress and hypoxia is one such example. Previously, we described a potent nontoxic probe that remains nonfluorescent but releases an intense fluorogenic compound after intracellular cleavage by NQO1 catalysis. This infrared probe with a 644 nm emission has excellent tissue penetrating ability and low background absorption. Described here are methods (fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and in vivo animal imaging) to rapidly image NQO1 activity in hypoxic and non-hypoxic cancer cells and tumors developed in live mouse xenograft models. The specificity of the dye for NQO1 in all three procedures was verified, and the methods should be useful for both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Degradation of NF-κB, p53 and other regulatory redox-sensitive proteins by thiol-conjugating and -nitrosylating drugs in human tumor cells.

The ionized cysteines present on the surfaces of many redox-sensitive proteins play functionally essential roles and are readily targeted by the reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. Using disulfiram (DSF) and nitroaspirin (NCX4016) as the model compounds that mediate thiol-conjugating and nitrosylating reactions, respectively, we investigated the fate of p53, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and other redox-responsive proteins following the exposure of human cancer cell lines to the drugs. Both drugs induced glutathionylation of bulk proteins in tumor cells and cell-free extracts. A prominent finding of this study was a time- and dose-dependent degradation of the redox-regulated proteins after brief treatments of tumor cells with DSF or NCX4016. DSF and copper-chelated DSF at concentrations of 50-200 µM induced the disappearance of wild-type p53, mutant p53, NF-κB subunit p50 and the ubiquitin-activating enzyme E1 (UBE1) in tumor cell lines. DSF also induced the glutathionylation of p53. The recombinant p53 protein modified by DSF was preferentially degraded by rabbit reticulocyte lysates. The proteasome inhibitor PS341 curtailed the DSF-induced degradation of p53 in HCT116 cells. Further, the NCX4016 induced a dose-dependent disappearance of the UBE1 and NF-κB p50 proteins in cell lines, besides a time-dependent degradation of aldehyde dehydrogenase in mouse liver after a single injection of 150 mg/kg. The loss of p53 and NF-kB proteins correlated with decreases in their specific binding to DNA. Our results demonstrate the hitherto unrecognized ability of the non-toxic thiolating and nitrosylating agents to degrade regulatory proteins and highlight the exploitable therapeutic benefits.

MGMT inhibition restores ERα functional sensitivity to antiestrogen therapy.

Antiestrogen therapy resistance remains a huge stumbling block in the treatment of breast cancer. We have found significant elevation of O(6) methylguanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) expression in a small sample of consecutive patients who have failed tamoxifen treatment. Here, we show that tamoxifen resistance is accompanied by upregulation of MGMT. Further we show that administration of the MGMT inhibitor, O(6)-benzylguanine (BG), at nontoxic doses, leads to restoration of a favorable estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) phosphorylation phenotype (high p-ERα Ser167/low p-ERα Ser118), which has been reported to correlate with sensitivity to endocrine therapy and improved survival. We also show BG to be a dual inhibitor of MGMT and ERα. In tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells, BG alone or in combination with antiestrogen (tamoxifen [TAM]/ICI 182,780 [fulvestrant, Faslodex]) therapy enhances p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) expression, cytochrome C release and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, all indicative of apoptosis. In addition, BG increases the expression of p21(cip1/waf1). We also show that BG, alone or in combination therapy, curtails the growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. In tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 breast cancer xenografts, BG alone or in combination treatment causes significant delay in tumor growth. Immunohistochemistry confirms that BG increases p21(cip1/waf1) and p-ERα Ser167 expression and inhibits MGMT, ERα, p-ERα Ser118 and ki-67 expression. Collectively, our results suggest that MGMT inhibition leads to growth inhibition of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer in vitro and in vivo and resensitizes tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells to antiestrogen therapy. These findings suggest that MGMT inhibition may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for overcoming antiestrogen resistance.

Transcriptional Pausing and Activation at Exons-1 and -2, Respectively, Mediate the MGMT Gene Expression in Human Glioblastoma Cells.

Background: The therapeutically important DNA repair gene O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is silenced by promoter methylation in human brain cancers. The co-players/regulators associated with this process and the subsequent progression of MGMT gene transcription beyond the non-coding exon 1 are unknown. As a follow-up to our recent finding of a predicted second promoter mapped proximal to the exon 2 [Int. J. Mol. Sci.2021, 22(5), 2492], we addressed its significance in MGMT transcription. Methods: RT-PCR, RT q-PCR, and nuclear run-on transcription assays were performed to compare and contrast the transcription rates of exon 1 and exon 2 of the MGMT gene in glioblastoma cells. Results: Bioinformatic characterization of the predicted MGMT exon 2 promoter showed several consensus TATA box and INR motifs and the absence of CpG islands in contrast to the established TATA-less, CpG-rich, and GAF-bindable exon 1 promoter. RT-PCR showed very weak MGMT-E1 expression in MGMT-proficient SF188 and T98G GBM cells, compared to active transcription of MGMT-E2. In the MGMT-deficient SNB-19 cells, the expression of both exons remained weak. The RT q-PCR revealed that MGMT-E2 and MGMT-E5 expression was about 80- to 175-fold higher than that of E1 in SF188 and T98G cells. Nuclear run-on transcription assays using bromo-uridine immunocapture followed by RT q-PCR confirmed the exceptionally lower and higher transcription rates for MGMT-E1 and MGMT-E2, respectively. Conclusions: The results provide the first evidence for transcriptional pausing at the promoter 1- and non-coding exon 1 junction of the human MGMT gene and its activation/elongation through the protein-coding exons 2 through 5, possibly mediated by a second promoter. The findings offer novel insight into the regulation of MGMT transcription in glioma and other cancer types.

In Vivo Ear Sponge Lymphangiogenesis Assay.

Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels from preexisting ones, is an important process in wound-healing physiology. Deregulation of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic vascular remodeling have been implicated in a range of inflammatory conditions, such as lymphedema, lymphadenopathy, tumor growth, and cancer metastasis. Any attempt in understanding various parameters of the lymphangiogenic process and developing desirable therapeutic targets requires recapitulating these conditions in in vivo models. One pitfall with some experimental models is the absence of immune response, an important regulatory factor for lymphangiogenesis. We overcome this issue by using immune competent mice. In this chapter, by using Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2), a protein that belongs to the Ang/Tie signaling pathway, we describe the ear sponge assay with important adaptations, highlighting a reproducible and quantitative tool for assessment of in vivo lymphangiogenesis.

Delivery of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase antisense oligos using avidin-biotin approach.

Although avidin-mediated intracellular delivery of oligonucleotides or proteins has been shown before, the efficacy studies are lacking. Here, we tested the effectiveness of avidin for delivery of a cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) antisense oligo in rat liver epithelial cells. A phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligo (PMO) against CPR was biotinylated using four reagents with short, cleavable, or long linkers, followed by conjugation with avidin. The dose-inhibitory response of the unmodified PMO in the presence of a transfection reagent (Endoporter, EP) and the effectiveness of the EP-assisted and avidin-assisted delivery of biotinylated PMOs were tested by Western blot analysis. Additionally, in a preliminary study, the avidin-biotin PMO with a long linker was also tested in vivo in rats. The biotinylated oligos were at least as effective as the unmodified oligo. Whereas the avidin conjugate of biotinylated PMO with the short linker was ineffective, those with the long linkers showed significant reductions in CPR protein expression. Finally, the in vivo study showed modest, but significant, reductions in CPR activity. In conclusion, these studies show for the first time that avidin-mediated intracellular delivery of biotinylated oligos can effectively knock down target genes in vitro, depending on the length of the linker. Additionally, the avidin-biotin approach may be of potential value for in vivo gene knockdown.

Targeted Brain Tumor Therapy by Inhibiting the MDM2 Oncogene: In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Activity and Mechanism of Action.

There is a desperate need for novel and efficacious chemotherapeutic strategies for human brain cancers. There are abundant molecular alterations along the p53 and MDM2 pathways in human glioma, which play critical roles in drug resistance. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel brain-penetrating small molecule MDM2 degrader, termed SP-141. In a panel of nine human glioblastoma and medulloblastoma cell lines, SP-141, as a single agent, potently killed the brain tumor-derived cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 35.8 to 688.8 nM. Treatment with SP-141 resulted in diminished MDM2 and increased p53 and p21cip1 levels, G2/M cell cycle arrest, and marked apoptosis. In intracranial xenograft models of U87MG glioblastoma (wt p53) and DAOY medulloblastoma (mutant p53) expressing luciferase, treatment with SP-141 caused a significant 4- to 9-fold decrease in tumor growth in the absence of discernible toxicity. Further, combination treatment with a low dose of SP-141 (IC20) and temozolomide, a standard anti-glioma drug, led to synergistic cell killing (1.3- to 31-fold) in glioma cell lines, suggesting a novel means for overcoming temozolomide resistance. Considering that SP-141 can be taken up by the brain without the need for any special delivery, our results suggest that SP-141 should be further explored for the treatment of tumors of the central nervous system, regardless of the p53 status of the tumor.

RNF2 is the target for phosphorylation by the p38 MAPK and ERK signaling pathways.

RNF2, a member of polycomb group (PcG) proteins, is involved in chromatin remodeling. However, mechanisms that regulate RNF2 function are unknown. To identify such mechanisms, RNF2 was expressed in HEK-293 cells and analyzed by 2-D electrophoresis. RNF2 was resolved into at least seven protein spots, migrating toward the lower pI from its expected pI of 6.38, suggesting that RNF2 undergoes post-translational modifications. Western blotting indicated that majority of these RNF2 spots contained phosphoserine(s), which were completely dephosphorylated upon treatment with a phosphatase. SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited RNF2 phosphorylation at one site. On the other hand, PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK1/2, inhibited majority of the phosphorylation events in RNF2. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that RNF2 expressed in Sf9 insect cells undergoes co-translational excision of (1)Met coupled to N-acetylation of (2)Ser, and phosphorylation of (41)Ser. Interestingly, (41)Ser is a predicted p38/MAPK phosphorylation site, consistent with the loss of phosphorylation induced by SB203580. Further analysis indicated that RNF2 phosphorylation differentially modulates the expression of transcription factors and histone 2B acetylation. These results provide first evidence for phosphorylation of RNF2, and suggest that the mitogen activated protein kinases including p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 regulate growth, stress response, differentiation and other cellular processes, through phosphorylation of RNF2.

Aspirin inhibits camptothecin-induced p21CIP1 levels and potentiates apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

The ability of aspirin to trigger apoptosis in cancer cells is well known and is consistent with the clinical and epidemiological evidence on its chemopreventive effects in curtailing epithelial cancers, including breast cancer. We hypothesized that the anticancer effects of aspirin may involve acetylation of the tumor suppressor protein p53, a known regulator of apoptosis. In the present study, we determined if aspirin at the physiologically achievable concentration of 100 microM acetylates p53 and modulates the expression of p21CIP1, a protein involved in cell cycle arrest, and Bax, a pro-apoptotic protein. Using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, we demonstrate that aspirin at 100 microM concentration markedly acetylated the p53 protein, which was primarily localized to the nucleus. Aspirin induced p21CIP1 protein levels in a transient fashion in contrast to the sustained induction of Bax. The induction of p21CIP1 protein levels began at 3 h and was maximal at 6-8 h; however, it decreased to control levels by 30 h. In contrast, the anticancer drug, camptothecin (CPT) induced a steady accumulation of p21CIP1 protein. Remarkably, when cells were co-treated with aspirin and CPT, p21CIP1 levels were drastically downregulated, and this phenomenon was observed in many cancer cell lines. Incubation of recombinant p21 with cytoplasmic extracts from aspirin-treated cells caused its degradation suggesting the involvement of proteases in the disappearance of p21CIP1. Consistent with this data, aspirin decreased the survival of CPT-treated cells and greatly increased the extent of apoptosis. Our observation that aspirin has the ability to inhibit p21CIP1 after its initial induction has important implications in chemotherapy, and suggests its potential use to increase the efficacy of anticancer agents.

Conditional expression of type 2 angiotensin II receptor in rat vascular smooth muscle cells reveals the interplay of the angiotensin system in matrix metalloproteinase 2 expression and vascular remodeling.

Angiotensin II is well implicated in neointimal proliferation and the resulting restenosis, however, the mechanisms involved remain unclear. The type 2 angiotensin II (AT2) receptor, largely unexpressed in the adult vasculature, however, appears at significant levels after vascular injury. To investigate the specific contribution of AT2 receptor and the interplay of the angiotensin system to neointima, we engineered rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to express the AT2 receptor in a tetracycline-regulated system. Several VSMC clones resistant to both hygromycin and G418 were selected, many of which showed high, but regulatable levels of AT2R expression within 48 h of doxycycline (Dox) exposure. In untransfected VSMCs and stable transfectants with no AT2R induction, Ang II significantly increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), which is linked to neointimal growth. However, induction of AT2R by Dox addition markedly decreased MMP-2 levels (P<0.01) and this downregulation was further promoted by CV-11974, a specific antagonist of AT1 receptor. In contrast, the PD123319 compound, which selectively curtails the AT2 receptor, reversed the inhibition caused by CV-11974. We conclude that Ang II enhances the MMP-2 expression via AT1R, and that enforces AT2R inhibited the same. These data confirm that AT2R functions to downregulate the effects elicited by Ang II + AT1R signaling and point to the role of MMP and extracellular matrix in vascular injury. The findings provide fresh experimental approaches to prevent or control restenosis through transduction of VSMCs expressing optimal levels of AT2R.

Characterization of a highly specific NQO1-activated near-infrared fluorescent probe and its application for in vivo tumor imaging.

The Near-infrared Fluorescence (NIRF) molecular imaging of cancer is known to be superior in sensitivity, deeper penetration, and low phototoxicity compared to other imaging modalities. In view of an increased need for efficient and targeted imaging agents, we synthesized a NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-activatable NIR fluorescent probe (NIR-ASM) by conjugating dicyanoisophorone (ASM) fluorophore with the NQO1 substrate quinone propionic acid (QPA). The probe remained non-fluorescent until activation by NQO1, whose expression is largely limited to malignant tissues. With a large Stokes shift (186 nm) and a prominent near-infrared emission (646 nm) in response to NQO1, NIR-ASM was capable of monitoring NQO1 activity in vitro and in vivo with high specificity and selectivity. We successfully employed the NIR-ASM to differentiate cancer cells from normal cells based on NQO1 activity using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Chemical and genetic approaches involving the use of ES936, a specific inhibitor of NQO1 and siRNA and gene transfection procedures unambiguously demonstrated NQO1 to be the sole target activating the NIR-ASM in cell cultures. NIR-ASM was successfully used to detect and image the endogenous NQO1 in three live tumor-bearing mouse models (A549 lung cancer, Lewis lung carcinoma, and MDMAMB 231 xenografts) with a high signal-to-low noise ratiometric NIR fluorescence response. When the NQO1-proficient A549 tumors and NQO1-deficient MDA-MB-231 tumors were developed in the same animal, only the A549 malignancies activated the NIR-ASM probe with a strong signal. Because of its high sensitivity, rapid activation, tumor selectivity, and nontoxic properties, the NIR-ASM appears to be a promising agent with clinical applications.

Bap29varP, a variant of Bap29, influences the cell surface expression of the human P-glycoprotein.

P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a plasma membrane (PM) glycoprotein, is responsible for the development of multidrug resistance. The mechanism by which Pgp is targeted to the PM is not defined. To identify proteins that influence Pgp trafficking, we utilized the yeast two-hybrid analysis procedure, which identified a new isoform of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-bound Bap29, termed Bap29varP, as an interacting protein with the N-terminus of Pgp. The drug-resistant human breast cancer MCF-7 (MCF-7/Adr(R)) cells express both Bap29varP and approximately 170 kDa Pgp, which are however absent in the drug-sensitive MCF-7 cells. When Bap29varP was overexpressed in MCF-7/Adr(R) cells, Pgp was predominantly localized in the ER and intracellular vesicles, suggesting Bap29varP influences Pgp trafficking. When Pgp was expressed in MCF-7 cells, it was exclusively found in the ER with a molecular mass of approximately 160 kDa slightly smaller than that of the molecular mass of Pgp expressed in MCF-7/Adr(R) cells. On the other hand, when Pgp was expressed in Bap29varP-containing human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells, it was localized at the PM. These findings together suggest that Bap29varP acts as an essential chaperone, influencing the processing and trafficking of Pgp to the cell surface.

Varied expression and localization of multiple galectins in different cancer cell lines.

Galectins play a key role in oncogenic processes. Although several galectins are known, their relative expression at the mRNA and protein levels, the subcellular localization, and their relationship to the oncogenic manifestation remains unclear. Herein we report a comprehensive characterization of the expression of major galectins in human breast cancer (drug-sensitive MCF-7 and drug-resistant MCF-7/Adr(R)), colon cancer (HCT-116 and HT-29), and glioma (T98G) cell lines, as these cells are common model systems for studying oncogenic processes. The expected approximately 14.5 kDa galectin-1, predominantly cytosolic, was detected in the cancer and normal cell lines. Notably, two different molecular forms of galectin-1 with molecular masses of approximately 13.5 and 15 kDa were detected in T98G cells, the latter being in the extracellular medium, perhaps a result of post-translational processing. Immunocytochemistry indicated that the extracellular galectin-1 bound to the cell surface was punctated in appearance, suggesting that it was bound to specific receptors. Immunohistological studies indicated that metastasizing carcinomas express high levels of galectin-1. On the other hand, galectin-3 was readily detectable in all cancer cell lines but undetectable in normal cell lines, indicating that galectin-3 is a cancer-specific biomarker protein. Galectin-3 was a cytosolic protein but was not detected in the extracellular medium, indicating that cancer cells do not secrete this galectin. Finally, despite the RT-PCR analysis suggesting the presence of two transcripts of galectin-8 in all cancer cell lines, the corresponding approximately 36 kDa protein was only detectable in the nuclear and cytosolic fractions upon cell fractionation. Notably, a different molecular form of galectin-8 of approximately 18 kDa was immunoprecipitated from the extracellular media, suggesting that the secreted galectin-8 undergoes post-translational processing. These results highlight the expression of galectins in different molecular forms in cancers, warranting caution in interpreting the results of functional studies of individual galectins, particularly because these proteins function redundantly in cancer pathways.

Cancer-Specific Biomarker hNQO1-Activatable Fluorescent Probe for Imaging Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo.

Human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (hNQO1) is an important cancer-related biomarker, which shows significant overexpression in malignant cells. Developing an effective method for detecting NQO1 activity with high sensitivity and selectivity in tumors holds a great potential for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. In the present study, we report a new dicyanoisophorone (DCP) based fluorescent probe (NQ-DCP) capable of monitoring hNQO1 activity in vitro and in vivo in both ratiometric and turn-on model. NQ-DCP was prepared by conjugating dicyanoisophorone fluoroprobe with hNQO1 activatable quinone propionic acid (QPA), which remain non-fluorescent until activation by tumor-specific hNQO1. NQ-DCP featured a large Stokes shift (145 nm), excellent biocompatibility, cell permeability, and selectivity towards hNQO1 allowed to differentiate cancer cells from healthy cells. We have successfully employed NQ-DCP to monitor non-invasive endogenous hNQO1 activity in brain tumor cells in vitro and in xenografted tumors developed in nude mice.

S-phase Specific Downregulation of Human O6-Methylguanine DNA Methyltransferase (MGMT) and its Serendipitous Interactions with PCNA and p21cip1 Proteins in Glioma Cells.

Whether the antimutagenic DNA repair protein MGMT works solo in human cells and if it has other cellular functions is not known. Here, we show that human MGMT associates with PCNA and in turn, with the cell cycle inhibitor, p21cip1 in glioblastoma and other cancer cell lines. MGMT protein was shown to harbor a nearly perfect PCNA-Interacting Protein (PIP box) motif. Isogenic p53-null H1299 cells were engineered to express the p21 protein by two different procedures. Reciprocal immunoprecipitation/western blotting, Far-western blotting, and confocal microscopy confirmed the specific association of MGMT with PCNA and the ability of p21 to strongly disrupt the MGMT-PCNA complexes in tumor cells. Alkylation DNA damage resulted in a greater colocalization of MGMT and PCNA proteins, particularly in HCT116 cells deficient in p21 expression. p21 expression in isogenic cell lines directly correlated with markedly higher levels of MGMT mRNA, protein, activity and greater resistance to alkylating agents. In other experiments, four glioblastoma cell lines synchronized at the G1/S phase using either double thymidine or thymidine-mimosine blocks and subsequent cycling consistently showed a loss of MGMT protein at mid- to late S-phase, irrespective of the cell line, suggesting such a downregulation is fundamental to cell cycle control. MGMT protein was also specifically degraded in extracts from S-phase cells and evidence strongly suggested the involvement of PCNA-dependent CRL4Cdt2 ubiquitin-ligase in the reaction. Overall, these data provide the first evidence for non-repair functions of MGMT in cell cycle and highlight the involvement of PCNA in MGMT downregulation, with p21 attenuating the process.

Brain- and brain tumor-penetrating disulfiram nanoparticles: Sequence of cytotoxic events and efficacy in human glioma cell lines and intracranial xenografts.

There is great interest in repurposing disulfiram (DSF), a rapidly metabolizing nontoxic drug, for brain cancers and other cancers. To overcome the instability and low therapeutic efficacy, we engineered passively-targeted DSF-nanoparticles (DSFNPs) using biodegradable monomethoxy (polyethylene glycol) d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid (mPEG-PLGA) matrix. The physicochemical properties, cellular uptake and the blood brain-barrier permeability of DSFNPs were investigated. The DSFNPs were highly stable with a size of ∼70 nm with a >90% entrapment. Injection of the nanoparticles labeled with HITC, a near-infrared dye into normal mice and tumor-bearing nude mice followed by in vivo imaging showed a selective accumulation of the formulation within the brain and subcutaneous tumors for >24 h, indicating an increased plasma half-life and entry of DSF into desired sites. The DSFNPs induced a potent and preferential killing of many brain tumor cell lines in cytotoxicity assays. Confocal microscopy showed a quick internalization of the nanoparticles in tumor cells followed by initial accumulation in lysosomes and subsequently in mitochondria. DSFNPs induced high levels of ROS and led to a marked loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Activation of the MAP-kinase pathway leading to a nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor and altered expression of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins were also observed. DSFNPs induced a powerful and significant regression of intracranial medulloblastoma xenografts compared to the marginal efficacy of unencapsulated DSF. Together, we show that passively targeted DSFNPs can affect multiple targets, trigger potent anticancer effects, and can offer a sustained drug supply for brain cancer treatment through an enhanced permeability retention (EPR).