Radiation therapy attenuates lymphatic vessel repair by reducing VEGFR-3 signalling.

Introduction: Surgery and radiotherapy are key cancer treatments and the leading causes of damage to the lymphatics, a vascular network critical to fluid homeostasis and immunity. The clinical manifestation of this damage constitutes a devastating side-effect of cancer treatment, known as lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition evolving from the accumulation of interstitial fluid due to impaired drainage via the lymphatics and is recognised to contribute significant morbidity to patients who survive their cancer. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the damage inflicted on lymphatic vessels, and particularly the lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) that constitute them, by these treatment modalities, remain poorly understood. Methods: We used a combination of cell based assays, biochemistry and animal models of lymphatic injury to examine the molecular mechanisms behind LEC injury and the subsequent effects on lymphatic vessels, particularly the role of the VEGF-C/VEGF-D/VEGFR-3 lymphangiogenic signalling pathway, in lymphatic injury underpinning the development of lymphoedema. Results: We demonstrate that radiotherapy selectively impairs key LEC functions needed for new lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis). This effect is mediated by attenuation of VEGFR-3 signalling and downstream signalling cascades. VEGFR-3 protein levels were downregulated in LEC that were exposed to radiation, and LEC were therefore selectively less responsive to VEGF-C and VEGF-D. These findings were validated in our animal models of radiation and surgical injury. Discussion: Our data provide mechanistic insight into injury sustained by LEC and lymphatics during surgical and radiotherapy cancer treatments and underscore the need for alternative non-VEGF-C/VEGFR-3-based therapies to treat lymphoedema.

Targeted drug delivery using genetically engineered diatom biosilica.

The ability to selectively kill cancerous cell populations while leaving healthy cells unaffected is a key goal in anticancer therapeutics. The use of nanoporous silica-based materials as drug-delivery vehicles has recently proven successful, yet production of these materials requires costly and toxic chemicals. Here we use diatom microalgae-derived nanoporous biosilica to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to cancer cells. The diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana is genetically engineered to display an IgG-binding domain of protein G on the biosilica surface, enabling attachment of cell-targeting antibodies. Neuroblastoma and B-lymphoma cells are selectively targeted and killed by biosilica displaying specific antibodies sorbed with drug-loaded nanoparticles. Treatment with the same biosilica leads to tumour growth regression in a subcutaneous mouse xenograft model of neuroblastoma. These data indicate that genetically engineered biosilica frustules may be used as versatile 'backpacks' for the targeted delivery of poorly water-soluble anticancer drugs to tumour sites.

Global protein profiling reveals anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody 806-modulated proteins in A431 tumor xenografts.

An important mediator of tumorigenesis, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed in almost all non-transformed cell types, associated with tumor progression, angiogenesis and metastasis. The significance of the EGFR as a cancer therapeutic target is underscored by the clinical development of several different classes of EGFR antagonists, including monoclonal antibodies (mAb) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Extensive preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of mAb806 against tumor xenografts overexpressing EGFR. EGF stimulation of A431 cells induces rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular signalling proteins which regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. Detailed understanding of the intracellular signalling pathways and components modulated by mAbs (such as mAb806) to EGFR, and other growth factor receptors, remain limited. The use of fluorescence 2D difference gel electrophoresis (2D DIGE), coupled with sensitive MS-based protein profiling in A431 tumor (epidermoid carcinoma) xenografts, in combination with mAb806, revealed proteins modulating endocytosis, cell architecture, apoptosis, cell signalling pathways and cell cycle regulation, including Dynamin-1-like protein, cofilin-1 protein, and 14-3-3 protein zeta/delta. Further, we report various proteins, including Interferon-induced protein 53 (IFI53), and Oncogene EMS1 (EMS1) which have roles in the tumor microenvironment, regulating cancer cell invasiveness, angiogenesis and formation of metastases. These findings contribute to understanding the underlying biological processes associated with mAb806 therapy of EGFR-positive tumors, and identifying further potential protein markers that may contribute in assessment of the treatment response.

Humanized Lewis-Y specific antibody based delivery of STAT3 siRNA.

The clinical application of siRNA is limited largely by the lack of efficient, cell-specific delivery systems. Antibodies are attractive delivery vehicles for targeted therapy due to their high specificity. In this study we describe the use of a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb), hu3S193, against Lewis-Y (Le(y)), as a delivery vehicle for STAT3 siRNA. This mAb is rapidly internalized into Le(y)-expressing cancer cells via antigen recognition, and when coupled to STAT3 siRNA, a potentially powerful molecularly targeted delivery agent is created. Selective silencing of STAT3 is associated with tumor suppression. Two hu3S193 based siRNA delivery systems using STAT3 siRNA as a prototype were developed and tested in Le(y)-positive cancer cells: (a) a covalent construct based on a reductive disulfide linker that is expected to undergo cleavage within cells and (b) a noncovalent construct based on (d-arginine)(9) (9r) modified hu3S193. Le(y)-specific binding and internalization of both the covalent and noncovalent constructs were confirmed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Both the covalent and the noncovalent system led to efficient STAT3 silencing in Le(y)-positive cancer cells (A431) but not in Le(y)-negative cancer cells (MDA-MB-435). The covalent construct, however, required co-treatment with reagents such as chloroquine or 9r that facilitate the escape of the siRNA from endosomes to achieve significant gene silencing. The 9r modified noncovalent construct induced ∼70% STAT3 knockdown at submicromolar siRNA concentrations when used at an optimal vehicle-to-siRNA ratio of 5:1. The STAT3 knockdown also led to ∼50% inhibition of cell proliferation of Le(y)-positive cells. Noncovalent linked STAT3 siRNA-hu3S193 has great promise for targeted knockdown of STAT3 in tumor cells.

Antibodies in oncology.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the largest classes of new therapeutic agents approved for use in oncology, and have revolutionised the treatment of many human malignancies. Clinically useful mAbs can function through several different mechanisms, including inhibition of tumour-related signalling, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of angiogenesis, enhancing host immune response against cancer and targeted delivery of payloads (such as toxins, cytotoxic agents or radioisotopes) to the tumour site. The increasing knowledge of key molecules and cellular pathways involved in tumour induction and progression has led to a rise in the proportion of therapeutic mAbs entering clinical trials. These mAbs consist of various conventional or recombinant, murine, humanised, chimeric or fully human and fusion constructs. In this review, we provide an overview of mAbs approved for use in clinical oncology and those currently in clinical development. We also discuss the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer mAbs, as well as the antigen targets recognised by these antibodies.

Optimisation of an in vitro antifungal protein assay for the screening of potential antifungal proteins against Leptosphaeria maculans.

Canola is second only to soybean as the most important oilseed crop in the world. The global production of canola is forecast to continue to increase and as a result the canola industry will continue to flourish. However, it is threatened by several fungal diseases that affect canola and cost producers hundreds of millions of dollars a year in reduced yield and quality. Blackleg is the most common and devastating disease of canola and is caused by the fungus Leptosphaeria maculans. The fungus can infect any part of the plant at all growth stages and is a serious threat to the canola industry. Novel and more efficient antifungal agents which interfere with fungal growth and development are clearly needed to control this pathogen. This paper reports the establishment of a simple functional assay system for the screening of antifungal proteins against a virulent strain of L. maculans.

A novel and simple method of screening compounds for interaction with DNA: A validation study.

We report the development of a simple, cost-effective assay for detecting compounds that have the ability to interact with and modify DNA. Potential uses for the assay lie in the areas of early genotoxicity testing of drug candidates, anticancer and antibiotic drug discovery, environmental monitoring and testing in the food, beverage and cosmetics industries. At present the assay has been used to assess direct-acting compounds only and it is yet to be established whether the assay is compatible with bio-activation. The methodology is based on the oxidative reaction of potassium permanganate with pyrimidine bases, which have become perturbed and more reactive by the agent under test. Results are recorded by use of UV/vis spectroscopy. The adaptation to a multi-well plate format provides the capacity for high throughput utilizing small amounts of compounds. Over 100 compounds, comprising different classes of DNA-binding chemicals as well as non-binding controls, have been put through the assay and the results compared with existing genotoxicity testing data from other methods. The assay has shown to be predictive of the results of other genotoxicity testing methods. We have found that the method is overall predictive of 71% of Ames bacterial reverse-mutation test results (where data are given) encompassing both negative and positive results.

The plasticity of oncogene addiction: implications for targeted therapies directed to receptor tyrosine kinases.

A common mutation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an extracellular truncation known as the de2-7 EGFR (or EGFRvIII). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is the ligand for the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) c-Met, and this signaling axis is often active in GBM. The expression of the HGF/c-Met axis or de2-7 EGFR independently enhances GBM growth and invasiveness, particularly through the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/pAkt pathway. Using RTK arrays, we show that expression of de2-7 EGFR in U87MG GBM cells leads to the coactivation of several RTKs, including platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta and c-Met. A neutralizing antibody to HGF (AMG102) did not inhibit de2-7 EGFR-mediated activation of c-Met, demonstrating that it is ligand-independent. Therapy for parental U87MG xenografts with AMG 102 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, whereas U87MG.Delta 2-7 xenografts were profoundly resistant. Treatment of U87MG.Delta 2-7 xenografts with panitumumab, an anti-EGFR antibody, only partially inhibited tumor growth as xenografts rapidly reverted to the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway. Cotreatment with panitumumab and AMG 102 prevented this escape leading to significant tumor inhibition through an apoptotic mechanism, consistent with the induction of oncogenic shock. This observation provides a rationale for using panitumumab and AMG 102 in combination for the treatment of GBM patients. These results illustrate that GBM cells can rapidly change the RTK driving their oncogene addiction if the alternate RTK signals through the same downstream pathway. Consequently, inhibition of a dominant oncogene by targeted therapy can alter the hierarchy of RTKs resulting in rapid therapeutic resistance.

Activin-A: a novel dendritic cell-derived cytokine that potently attenuates CD40 ligand-specific cytokine and chemokine production.

Activin-A is a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily member that plays a pivotal role in many developmental and reproductive processes. It is also involved in neuroprotection, apoptosis of tumor and some immune cells, wound healing, and cancer. Its role as an immune-regulating protein has not previously been described. Here we demonstrate for the first time that activin-A has potent autocrine effects on the capacity of human dendritic cells (DCs) to stimulate immune responses. Human monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) and the CD1c(+) and CD123(+) peripheral blood DC populations express both activin-A and the type I and II activin receptors. Furthermore, MoDCs and CD1c(+) myeloid DCs rapidly secrete high levels of activin-A after exposure to bacteria, specific toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, or CD40 ligand (CD40L). Blocking autocrine activin-A signaling in DCs using its antagonist, follistatin, enhanced DC cytokine (IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p70, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha]) and chemokine (IL-8, IP-10, RANTES, and MCP-1) production during CD40L stimulation, but not TLR-4 ligation. Moreover, antagonizing DC-derived activin-A resulted in significantly enhanced expansion of viral antigen-specific effector CD8(+) T cells. These findings establish an immune-regulatory role for activin-A in DCs, highlighting the potential of antagonizing activin-A signaling in vivo to enhance vaccine immunogenicity.

Activation of clinically used anthracyclines by the formaldehyde-releasing prodrug pivaloyloxymethyl butyrate.

The anthracycline group of compounds is extensively used in current cancer chemotherapy regimens and is classified as topoisomerase II inhibitor. However, previous work has shown that doxorubicin can be activated to form DNA adducts in the presence of formaldehyde-releasing prodrugs and that this leads to apoptosis independently of topoisomerase II-mediated damage. To determine which anthracyclines would be useful in combination with formaldehyde-releasing prodrugs, a series of clinically relevant anthracyclines (doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, and epirubicin) were examined for their capacity to form DNA adducts in MCF7 and MCF7/Dx (P-glycoprotein overexpressing) cells in the presence of the formaldehyde-releasing drug pivaloyloxymethyl butyrate (AN-9). All anthracyclines, with the exception of epirubicin, efficiently yielded adducts in both sensitive and resistant cell lines, and levels of adducts were similar in mitochondrial and nuclear genomes. Idarubicin was the most active compound in both sensitive and resistant cell lines, whereas adducts formed by doxorubicin and daunorubicin were consistently lower in the resistant compared with sensitive cells. The adducts formed by doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and idarubicin showed the same DNA sequence specificity in sensitive and resistant cells as assessed by lambda-exonuclease-based sequencing of alpha-satellite DNA extracted from drug-treated cells. Growth inhibition assays were used to show that doxorubicin, daunorubicin, and idarubicin were all synergistic in combination with AN-9, whereas the combination of epirubicin with AN-9 was additive. Although apoptosis assays indicated a greater than additive effect for epirubicin/AN-9 combinations, this effect was much more pronounced for doxorubicin/AN-9 combinations.

The urokinase plasminogen activator receptor as a gene therapy target for cancer.

Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and/or its receptor (uPAR) are essential for metastasis, and overexpression of these molecules is strongly correlated with poor prognosis in a variety of malignant tumours. Impairment of uPA and/or uPAR function, or inhibition of the expression of these components, impedes the metastatic potential of many tumours. Several approaches have been employed to target uPAR with the aim of disrupting its ligand-independent action or interaction with uPA, including the more recent antigene technology. This review discusses the in vivo use of antigene approaches for downregulating uPAR as a potential therapy for cancer. Preclinical studies are advancing towards the translational phase, provided that established orthotopic tumours, which mimic clinical progression and presentation, are treated using clinically acceptable modes of nucleic acid delivery.

Formaldehyde-releasing prodrugs in combination with adriamycin can overcome cellular drug resistance.

The anticancer drug Adriamycin is widely used in cancer chemotherapy and is classified as a topoisomerase II inhibitor. However, in the presence of formaldehyde, Adriamycin also forms high levels of DNA adducts. In this study, a new series of butyric acid and formaldehyde-releasing drugs related to AN9 (pivaloyloxymethyl butyrate) was assessed for their ability to facilitate Adriamycin-DNA adduct formation in Adriamycin-sensitive and -resistant cell lines (HL60 and HL60/MX2; MES-SA and MES-SA/Dx5). Drugs that released two molar equivalents of formaldehyde per mole of prodrug were superior in their ability to enhance adduct formation compared to those that released one molar equivalent. Adduct formation (as assessed by binding of radiolabeled Adriamycin to genomic DNA) was always lower in the resistant cell lines compared to the sensitive cell lines. However, in growth inhibition experiments, prodrug combinations were able to overcome Adriamycin resistance to varying degrees, and the combination of Adriamycin with selected prodrugs that release two moles of formaldehyde totally overcame resistance in HL60/MX2 cells. These HL60-derived cells express altered levels of topoisomerase II and also express a mutant form of the enzyme. Combinations of Adriamycin with selected prodrugs that release one or two moles of formaldehyde partially overcame P-glycoprotein-mediated resistance in MES-SA/Dx5 cells. Formaldehyde-releasing prodrugs (as single agents) overcame both forms of resistance in the two resistant cell lines, demonstrating that they were not substrates of these resistance mechanisms. Collectively, these results suggest that changing the mechanism via which Adriamycin exerts its anticancer effect by dramatically increasing adduct levels (requiring coadministration of formaldehyde-releasing prodrugs) may be a useful means of cancer treatment, as well as for overcoming Adriamycin-induced resistance.