Transgenic Polyoma middle-T mice model premalignant mammary disease.

Mice transgenic for the Polyomavirus middle T (PyV-mT) gene have been widely used to study mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. Although numerous molecular insights were gained from the analysis of these transgenic malignant tumors, the early events leading to malignant transformation have not been systematically investigated nor has the biological potential of hyperplastic lesions been documented. This paper presents the first comprehensive histopathological characterization of transgenic PyV-mT hyperplasias together with classical transplantation experiments designed to test the growth potential of these lesions. Moreover, stable hyperplastic outgrowth lines were established as a tool to study premalignant PyV-mT-induced hyperplasias in detail. Each line has a different tumor latency, indicating that PyV-mT-induced hyperplasias, like early proliferative lesions seen in the human breast, are heterogeneous with respect to their malignant potential. Our results settle a controversy; they establish that PyV-mT gene expression alone is insufficient to induce tumors and that additional events are required for tumorigenesis and metastasis. These results support the use of PyV-mT transgenic mice as a model for investigating the multistep progression of malignant mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis.

The remodeling of glycoconjugates in mice.

A role for glycoconjugates in mediating cellular interactions is well established. To further understand the formation, function and regulation of various glycoconjugates in vivo, gene targeting approaches have been applied to glycosyltransferase and glycosidase enzymes involved in different biosynthetic pathways. The growing number of gene targeted mice generated have brought confirmations of the importance of both core and terminal glycosylation enzymes in normal development and physiology. Of particular interest has been the degree of cell and tissue specificity of phenotypes generated by systemic null mutations as well as the number of enzymes belonging to multigene families having overlapping activities.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce obesity-induced tumor progression independent of GPR120 in a mouse model of postmenopausal breast cancer.

Obesity and inflammation are both risk factors for a variety of cancers, including breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) decreases the risk of breast cancer, and also reduces obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance, but whether the two effects are related is currently unknown. We tested this hypothesis in a postmenopausal breast cancer model using ovariectomized, immune-competent female mice orthotopically injected with Py230 mammary tumor cells. Obesity, whether triggered genetically or by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, increased inflammation in the mammary fat pad and promoted mammary tumorigenesis. The presence of tumor cells in the mammary fat pad further enhanced the local inflammatory milieu. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was the most highly upregulated cytokine in the obese mammary fat pad, and we observed that TNF-α dose-dependently stimulated Py230 cell growth in vitro. An ω-3 PUFA-enriched HFD (referred to as fish oil diet, FOD) reduced inflammation in the obese mammary fat pad in the absence of tumor cells and inhibited Py230 tumor growth in vivo. Although some anti-inflammatory effects of ω-3 PUFAs were previously shown to be mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), the FOD reduced Py230 tumor burden in GPR120-deficient mice to a similar degree as observed in wild-type mice, indicating that the effect of FOD to reduce tumor growth does not require GPR120 in the host mouse. Instead, in vitro studies demonstrated that ω-3 PUFAs act directly on tumor cells to activate c-Jun N-terminal kinase, inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. Our results show that obesity promotes mammary tumor progression in this model of postmenopausal breast cancer and that ω-3 PUFAs, independent of GPR120, inhibit mammary tumor progression in obese mice.

Differential impact of adenosine nucleotides released by osteocytes on breast cancer growth and bone metastasis.

Extracellular ATP has been shown to either inhibit or promote cancer growth and migration; however, the mechanism underlying this discrepancy remained elusive. Here we demonstrate the divergent roles of ATP and adenosine released by bone osteocytes on breast cancers. We showed that conditioned media (CM) collected from osteocytes treated with alendronate (AD), a bisphosphonate drug, inhibited the migration of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Removal of the extracellular ATP by apyrase in CM abolished this effect, suggesting the involvement of ATP. ATP exerted its inhibitory effect through the activation of purinergic P2X receptor signaling in breast cancer cells evidenced by the attenuation of the inhibition by an antagonist, oxidized ATP, as well as knocking down P2X7 with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the inhibition of migration by an agonist, BzATP. Intriguingly, ATP had a biphasic effect on breast cancer cells-lower dosage inhibited but higher dosage promoted its migration. The stimulatory effect on migration was blocked by an adenosine receptor antagonist, MRS1754, ARL67156, an ecto-ATPase inhibitor, and A2A receptor siRNA, suggesting that in contrast to ATP, adenosine, a metabolic product of ATP, promoted migration of breast cancer cells. Consistently, non-hydrolyzable ATP, ATPγS, only inhibited but did not promote cancer cell migration. ATP also had a similar inhibitory effect on the Py8119 mouse mammary carcinoma cells; however, adenosine had no effect owing to the absence of the A2A receptor. Consistently, ATPγS inhibited, whereas adenosine promoted anchorage-independent growth of MDA-MB-231 cells. Our in vivo xenograft study showed a significant delay of tumor growth with the treatment of ATPγS. Moreover, the extent of bone metastasis in a mouse intratibial model was significantly reduced with the treatment of ATPγS. Together, our results suggest the distinct roles of ATP and adenosine released by osteocytes and the activation of corresponding receptors P2X7 and A2A signaling on breast cancer cell growth, migration and bone metastasis.

Interleukin-1 alpha stimulates the release of prostaglandin E2 and phospholipase A2 from fetal rat calvarial cells in vitro: relationship to bone nodule formation.

We have shown previously that interleukin-1 (IL-1) has biphasic effects on the formation of bone nodules in long-term cultures of fetal rat calvarial (RC) cells (Ellies and Aubin, Cytokine 2:430-437, 1990). To determine the role of arachidonic acid metabolism in this process, we have examined the release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from RC cells under conditions that allowed concomitant analysis of the formation of bone nodules. Recombinant human IL-1 alpha (rhIL-1 alpha) stimulated PGE2 and PLA2 release in a time- and dose-dependent manner. PGE2 release was highest in preconfluent cultures (days 1-6) and was stimulated up to 8.5-fold in response to 50 U/ml of rhIL-1 alpha. In contrast, extracellular PLA2 activity was maximal in postconfluent cultures, with 50 U/ml of rhIL-1 alpha causing a 20-fold increase by day 15. PLA2 release by RC cells was not significantly affected by PGE2, the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. Indomethacin partially blocked the inhibition of bone nodule formation caused by rhIL-1 alpha, and exogenous PGE2 reversed this effect. Addition of group I PLA2 from Naja naja venom to RC cells had no effect on bone nodule development; however, group II PLA2 from Crotalus adamanteus venom inhibited the formation of bone nodules in a dose range similar to that induced by rhIL-1 alpha. These results indicate that PGE2 release does not have a direct temporal correlation with increases in PLA2 activity. In addition, the data show that only part of the inhibition of bone formation seen with rhIL-1 alpha is mediated by PGE2 and suggest that extracellular PLA2 also accounts for part of the inhibition.

Extracellular phospholipase A2 secretion is a common effector pathway of interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor action.

Inflammatory processes are characterized by increased levels of extracellular phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). IL-1, TNF and PLA2 share a number of proinflammatory, arthritogenic effects. The sequential induction, first of the cytokines followed by PLA2, suggests that these cytokines may regulate synthesis and secretion of PLA2. To test this postulate, foetal rat calvarial bone-forming cells (FRCC) were treated with recombinant human IL-1 and TNF and extracellular PLA2 release was quantitated. Both IL-1 and TNF induced the de novo synthesis of PLA2 in a concentration-dependent manner. Continuous exposure of FRCC in primary culture to IL-1 (50 units/ml) over 15 days resulted in as much as 100-fold increase in PLA2 secretion. IL-1 (50 units/ml) added to post-confluent cultures for a 48-h pulse increased PLA2 activity 9.4-fold. The combination of IL-1 (50 units/ml) and TNF (500 units/ml) was synergistic with an observed increase in extracellular PLA2 secretion of 146-fold following a 48-h pulse. Interleukin-6, alone or in combination with IL-1 or TNF, did not further enhance PLA2 synthesis of secretion. Cytokine-induced synthesis of PLA2 was inhibited 80% by 10 microM cycloheximide but not by dexamethasone over the range of 10(-6) to 10(-8) M. FRCC-derived PLA2 was neutral-active with a pH optimum of 6-7.5 and was calcium-dependent with optimal activity in the presence of 2-7 mM calcium. It had absolute 2-acyl specificity using micellar phosphatidylcholine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Crystallographic changes in calcium phosphates during plasma-spraying.

Coating hydroxyapatite (HA) onto metal implant surfaces using the plasma-spraying technique has been investigated in several laboratories as a means of improving the mechanical properties of the bulk ceramic. This study describes crystallographic changes which can occur during the plasma-spraying of calcium phosphate powders. A precipitated calcium-deficient apatite and a high temperature near-stoichiometric HA were each sprayed onto metal substrate in an argon plasma using several hydrogen gas flow conditions at various temperatures. The surfaces were examined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The plasma-sprayed products were identified as a mixture of calcium phosphates including HA, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and calcium oxide. Stoichiometric HA when plasma-sprayed showed the least (5%) degradation. Since beta-TCP is more resorbable than HA in vivo, varying the HA/beta-TCP ratio on the plasma-sprayed surface may provide a method to control surface dissolution of the coating.

The role of phospholipase A2 in interleukin-1 alpha-mediated inhibition of mineralization of the osteoid formed by fetal rat calvaria cells in vitro.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) may be an important mediator of bone remodeling, since it is a potent stimulator of bone resorption and has biphasic effects on bone formation. Continuous exposure of fetal rat calvaria (RC) cells to IL-1 alpha or IL-1 beta results in a dose-dependent inhibition of both bone nodule formation and mineralization of the organic matrix. In this study, the effects of recombinant human IL-1 alpha on the mineralization process were examined by the addition of IL-1 alpha late in the culture period, after osteoid nodules had formed and when they were induced to mineralize by the addition of organic phosphate. By means of a quantitative 45calcium radiolabeling assay, it was shown that short-duration exposures of fully-formed bone nodules to IL-1 alpha also inhibited mineralization, and that the duration of treatment directly correlated with the degree of inhibition. Because our earlier studies had demonstrated that IL-1 stimulated the release of PLA2 and PGE2 from RC cells, the effects of PLA2 and of inhibition of PGE2 synthesis on mineralization were investigated. Exogenous Naja naja group I PLA2 had little effect on the mineralization of bone nodules; however, Crotalus adamanteus group II PLA2 inhibited mineralization at concentrations similar to those found in the media from IL-1 alpha-treated cultures. Although PLA2 is thought to stimulate PGE2 synthesis by releasing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, PGE2 release by RC cells accounted for only part of the IL-1 alpha-mediated inhibition, suggesting the presence of other mechanisms of exogenous PLA2 action in inhibiting mineralization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

PyV-mT-induced parotid gland hyperplasia as detected by altered lectin reactivity is not modulated by inducible nitric oxide deficiency.

The parotid gland was one of the first organs recognised to be sensitive to the transforming effects of polyomavirus. This study examines parotid gland pathology in mice expressing the polyomavirus middle T (PyV-mT) under the control of the mouse mammary tumour virus long terminal repeat (MMTV-LTR) to (1) demonstrate the utility of this model for studying premalignant disease; (2) identify early lesions by lectin staining and (3) determine effects of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in modulating tumorigenesis. The middle T oncogene is expressed in the parotid glands in addition to the mammary glands and results in the formation of parotid hyperplasias in 100% of transgenic female mice. These hyperplasias have the features of intraepithelial neoplasia including hypertrophic cells with prominent nucleoli and abnormal mitoses. Focal areas of parotid hyperplasia can be identified using peanut agglutinin (PNA), a lectin that recognises the tumour associated T antigen. In contrast to normal parotid gland, areas of hyperplasia do not bind PNA. Mice deficient in iNOS, an enzyme implicated in the promotion of tumorigenesis, were bred into the PyV-mT model. The loss of iNOS did not impact on the number or size of parotid gland hyperplasias, suggesting that NO produced by this enzyme is not a key regulator of PyV-mT-induced parotid gland hyperplasia. The consistent development of parotid hyperplasias in PyV-mT mice and clear identification of these lesions by loss of PNA lectin reactivity provides a useful model for studying early molecular changes in parotid tumorigenesis.

The prevalence of altered sensation associated with implant surgery.

Trauma to branches of the mandibular nerve may occur during oral surgical procedures and result in varying degrees of altered sensation. Since mandibular implant surgery involves mucoperiosteal flap elevation and bone removal during site preparation, complications involving altered sensation are to be expected. This study replicated a retrospective questionnaire study carried out in Toronto, Canada, and showed that the prevalence of altered sensation in implant patients in Adelaide, Australia (36%) was consistent with that found in Toronto (37%). These data reflect the incidence of altered sensation reported for similar oral surgical procedures and suggest that further characterization of this complication following mandibular implant surgery is necessary.

Contributions of thrombin targets to tissue factor-dependent metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice.

BACKGROUND: Tumor cell tissue factor (TF)-initiated coagulation supports hematogenous metastasis by fibrin formation, platelet activation and monocyte/macrophage recruitment. Recent studies identified host anticoagulant mechanisms as a major impediment to successful hematogenous tumor cell metastasis. OBJECTIVE: Here we address mechanisms that contribute to enhanced metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice with functional thrombomodulin deficiency (TM(Pro) mice). METHODS: Pharmacological and genetic approaches were combined to characterize relevant thrombin targets in a mouse model of experimental hematogenous metastasis. RESULTS: TF-dependent, but contact pathway-independent, syngeneic breast cancer metastasis was associated with marked platelet hyperreactivity and formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates in immune-competent TM(Pro) mice. Blockade of CD11b or genetic deletion of platelet glycoprotein Ibα excluded contributions of these receptors to enhanced platelet-dependent metastasis in hyperthrombotic mice. Mice with very low levels of the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) did not phenocopy the enhanced metastasis seen in TM(Pro) mice. Genetic deletion of the thrombin receptor PAR1 or endothelial thrombin signaling targets alone did not diminish enhanced metastasis in TM(Pro) mice. Combined deficiency of PAR1 on tumor cells and the host reduced metastasis in TM(Pro) mice. CONCLUSIONS: Metastasis in the hyperthrombotic TM(Pro) mouse model is mediated by platelet hyperreactivity and contributions of PAR1 signaling on tumor and host cells.

Spiers Memorial Lecture. Breeding and building molecular spies.

To circumvent the limited spatial resolution of fluorescent protein imaging, we are developing genetically encoded tags for electron microscopy (EM).

Control of mammary tumor differentiation by SKI-606 (bosutinib).

C-Src is infrequently mutated in human cancers but it mediates oncogenic signals of many activated growth factor receptors and thus remains a key target for cancer therapy. However, the broad function of Src in many cell types and processes requires evaluation of Src-targeted therapeutics within a normal developmental and immune-competent environment. In an effort to understand the appropriate clinical use of Src inhibitors, we tested an Src inhibitor, SKI-606 (bosutinib), in the MMTV-PyVmT transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. Tumor formation in this model is dependent on the presence of Src, but the necessity of Src kinase activity for tumor formation has not been determined. Furthermore, Src inhibitors have not been examined in an autochthonous tumor model that permits assessment of effects on different stages of tumor progression. Here we show that oral administration of SKI-606 inhibited the phosphorylation of Src in mammary tumors and caused a rapid decrease in the Ezh2 Polycomb group histone H3K27 methyltransferase and an increase in epithelial organization. SKI-606 prevented the appearance of palpable tumors in over 50% of the animals and stopped tumor growth in older animals with pre-existing tumors. These antitumor effects were accompanied by decreased cellular proliferation, altered tumor blood vessel organization and dramatically increased differentiation to lactational and epidermal cell fates. SKI-606 controls the development of mammary tumors by inducing differentiation.

Altered sensation following mandibular implant surgery: a retrospective study.

To determine the prevalence of complications involving altered sensation after implant surgery in the mandible, a retrospective questionnaire study was conducted of 266 patients treated with osseointegrated implants. Of the responding patients (80%), 37% reported altered sensation following implant surgery, with long-term changes occurring in 13% of patients. In more than 60% of symptomatic patients the onset was within 1 week of the first stage of surgery and most frequently involved the lip and chin. Resolution of transient changes usually occurred within 6 months and the majority of patients who reported alterations in sensation believed that the benefits of the implant surgery outweighed the disadvantages experienced. The prevalence of altered sensation was significantly higher in women compared with men and in those with a history of diabetes. These data indicate the need for prospective studies to further evaluate altered sensation after mandibular implant surgery so that specific risk factors can be identified and more accurate information made available to prospective patients.

Temporal sequence of interleukin 1 alpha-mediated stimulation and inhibition of bone formation by isolated fetal rat calvaria cells in vitro.

Cytokines released at sites of inflammation and infection may alter normal bone remodeling processes resulting in pathologic bone destruction or bone formation. Interleukin 1, an inflammatory mediator, has been shown to stimulate as well as inhibit parameters associated with bone formation. In this study we have examined temporal aspects of the biphasic effects of recombinant interleukin 1 alpha (IL 1 alpha) on the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells into bone-forming osteoblasts (bone nodules) in vitro. A dose-dependent stimulation of bone formation over a concentration range of 0.5 to 50 U/mL (1.4 x 10(-12) to 1.4 x 10(-10) M) was observed when preconfluent, primary cultures of fetal rat calvaria (RC) cells were pulsed with IL 1 alpha for 72 to 96 hr from the beginning of the culture period. This was correlated with a stimulation of cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity measured during the late log phase of growth. In contrast, continuous exposure to IL 1 alpha or exposure to IL 1 alpha after confluency resulted in inhibition of bone nodule formation and alkaline phosphatase activity. IL 1 alpha-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production until the RC cells became multilayered, but the addition of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin had no effect in reducing the IL 1 alpha-mediated stimulation of cell proliferation or bone nodule formation. However, in cultures continuously exposed to IL 1 alpha, added indomethacin partially reduced the inhibition of bone formation, suggesting that prostaglandin production may play a role in the inhibitory effects of IL 1 alpha on bone formation.

Crystallographic structure and surface morphology of sintered carbonated apatites.

Densely sintered synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) is used as an implant material because of its excellent tissue biocompatibility. In order to maximize the biological potential of this calcium phosphate, we have investigated the incorporation of carbonate into HA to make a material which more closely resembles the mineral found in bones and teeth. The aim of the present study was to determine the conditions under which sintered carbonated apatites of specific carbonate content could be produced. The apatites were prepared by heating compressed pellets of precipitated carbonated apatite under a carbon dioxide/steam or nitrogen/steam atmosphere between 825 and 1050 degrees C. The products were analyzed chemically and the surfaces examined by x-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, reflected light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that carbonate loss during sintering could be reliably predicted, making it possible to produce materials with specific carbonate content, and with specific physical and chemical composition.

Differential regulation of phospholipase A2 by cytokines inhibiting bone formation and mineralization.

Treatment of fetal rat calvarial cells with interleukin-1 alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta 1, or group II phospholipase A2 inhibits the number of bone nodules formed in long-term cultures. These same mediators also inhibit the mineralization of fully developed bone nodules in a time and dose-dependent fashion. The pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha cause a dose-dependent induction of rat calvarial cell phospholipase A2-II mRNA levels, suggesting that their effects on bone formation may be mediated indirectly by activation of this enzyme. In contrast, transforming growth factor-beta 1, which has more potent effects on bone formation than interleukin-1 alpha or tumor necrosis factor-alpha, suppresses basal levels of phospholipase A2-II mRNA, indicating a different mechanism of action for this cytokine.

The CD43 130-kD peripheral T-cell activation antigen is downregulated in thymic positive selection.

Specific glycoforms of CD43, the major O-glycosylated cell-surface protein on T lymphocytes, can affect cell adhesion according to the types of carbohydrate side chains carried. In the peripheral immune system, CD43 130 kD, which carries core 2 O-glycan structures on its surface, is an activation antigen expressed on both CD4 and CD8 single-positive (SP) T cells. We have previously shown that the 115-kD resting and 130-kD activation glycoforms of murine CD43 are differentially regulated on peripheral SP T cells. In this study, we used transgenic mice expressing T-cell receptors (TCRs) specific for antigens presented by class I and class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to determine whether CD43 glycoforms are involved in thymocyte differentiation. Positive selection in these mice results in an increase in the production of CD8 and CD4 SP T cells, respectively, which express the transgenic TCR. Positive selection is also accompanied by the upregulation of TCR, CD69, and CD5. Using these markers to define stages of thymocyte maturation, we found that CD43 130 kD was downregulated in the positive selection of CD4 CD8 double-positive thymocytes expressing a class I but not class II MHC-restricted TCR. These data suggest that core 2 glycosyltransferase (C2GnT) modulated expression of CD43 glycoforms may be involved in thymic selection events.