MicroRNA-877-5p alleviates ARDS via enhancing PI3K/Akt path by targeting CDKN1B both in vivo and in vitro.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a public health problem with high morbidity and mortality worldwide due to lacking known characteristic biomarkers and timely intervention. Pulmonary edema caused by inflammation and pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell disfunction is the main pathophysiological change of ARDS. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed between subjects who did and did not develop ARDS. Many miRNAs have been exemplified to be involved in ARDS and could represent the novel therapeutic targets, but the role of microRNA-877-5p (miR-877-5p) in ARDS and its regulatory mechanisms are still unknown. Herein, we explore the underlying function of miR-877-5p toward anesis of ARDS and addressed that miRNA-877 can reduce the release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6 thus attenuating the damage of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Have further evaluated the protein expression, we detected that miR-877-5p contributed to the relief of ARDS by suppressing Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), which serves as a regulator of endothelial cell polarization and migration through phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and AKT (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. Besides, we noticed that CDKN1B restrains cell differentiation by inhibiting Cdk2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2), instead of Cdk4 (cyclin-dependent kinase 4), during which the nuclear translocation of CDKN1B may participate. Together, our works testified that miR-877-5p might suppress inflammatory responses and promote HPMECs regeneration via targeting CDKN1B by modulation of Cdk2 and PI3K/Akt path. These molecules likely modulating ARDS progression may inform biomarkers and therapeutic development.

MSCs exosomal miR-1470 promotes the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs in asthmatic patients by inducing the expression of P27KIP1.

Exosomes derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) possesses similar immunomodulatory effect as MSCs. It had been suggested that MSCs exosomes contain higher level of miR-1470 compared to exosomes derived from fibroblast. Here, we show that MSCs exosomal miR-1470 can elevate the proportion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) in asthmatic patients. Moreover, mechanistic studies revealed that miR-1470 can promote the upregulation of P27KIP1 by directly targeting the 3' region of c-Jun mRNA. Furthermore, miR-1470 mimic transfection could significantly upregulate the proportion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs in CD4+ T cells. P27KIP1 knockdown via siRNA silencing significantly inhibited the proportion of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs with over-expression of miR-1470, which indicates that miR-1470 induces the differentiation of CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Tregs through P27KIP1.

A BAP31 intrabody induces gastric cancer cell death by inhibiting p27kip1 proteasome degradation.

B-cell receptor-associated protein 31 (BAP31) is a ubiquitously expressed endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein that has been found to be overexpressed in gastric intestinal-type adenocarcinoma. We first studied the relationship of BAP31 with 84 kinds of tumor-associated antigens and found that BAP31 can specifically interact with and regulate the proteasome degradation of the cyclin kinase inhibitor p27kip1 , which is one of the most frequently dysregulated tumor suppressor proteins in human cancers. Therefore, we screened antibodies against BAP31 from a human VH single-domain antibody library and expressed the antibodies intracellularly. It was found that one of the intrabodies (VH-D1) specifically inhibited p27kip1 proteasome degradation, possibly by blocking the combination of BAP31 with p27kip1 . VH-D1 displayed therapeutic effects, as it was able to reduce the growth of human gastric cancer (GC) cell xenografts in nude mice. This effect was due to inhibition of the proliferation and subsequent activation of caspase-dependent apoptosis. Thus, BAP31 is a potential target for the suppression of GC via an intrabody-based approach.

High-Sensitivity IHC Detection of Phosphorylated p27/Kip1 in Human Tissues Using Secondary Antibody Conjugated to Polymer-HRP.

A complex composed of goat anti-rabbit secondary antibody conjugated to a polymer coated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) molecules was used to develop rapid and highly sensitive immunostaining protocol for the detection of phosphorylated p27/Kip1 (T157) in human tissues. This polymer-HRP complex produced much better sensitivity detection compared to conventional biotin-streptavidin-HRP chemistry. Using polymer-HRP made it possible to reduce primary antibody concentration, eliminate some incubation steps such as avidin-biotin blocking and incubation with separate biotinylated secondary antibodies, and shorten the incubation time with primary antibody. Specificity of the detection was confirmed by eliminating labeling after treating tissues with lambda phosphatase to remove phosphate groups from p27/Kip1. Secondary antibodies conjugated to polymer-HRP is a reagent of choice in both research and diagnostic pathology allowing detecting low abundant and weakly expressed tissue targets.

Opposing effects on the cell cycle of T lymphocytes by Fbxo7 via Cdk6 and p27.

G1 phase cell cycle proteins, such as cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (Cdk6) and its activating partners, the D-type cyclins, are important regulators of T-cell development and function. An F-box protein, called F-box only protein 7 (Fbxo7), acts as a cell cycle regulator by enhancing cyclin D-Cdk6 complex formation and stabilising levels of p27, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. We generated a murine model of reduced Fbxo7 expression to test its physiological role in multiple tissues and found that these mice displayed a pronounced thymic hypoplasia. Further analysis revealed that Fbxo7 differentially affected proliferation and apoptosis of thymocytes at various stages of differentiation in the thymus and also mature T-cell function and proliferation in the periphery. Paradoxically, Fbxo7-deficient immature thymocytes failed to undergo expansion in the thymus due to a lack of Cdk6 activity, while mature T cells showed enhanced proliferative capacity upon T-cell receptor engagement due to reduced p27 levels. Our studies reveal differential cell cycle regulation by Fbxo7 at different stages in T-cell development.

Bone marrow stromal cells protect acute myeloid leukemia cells from anti-CD44 therapy partly through regulating PI3K/Akt-p27(Kip1) axis.

The anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody (mAb) A3D8 induces differentiation or apoptosis in vitro in various subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) via p27(Kip1) upregulation. Bone marrow (BM) stromal cells play a vital role in the development of chemoresistance in AML cells attached to the stroma. To investigate the effect of BM stroma adhesion induced AML resistance to A3D8, we developed a co-culture system composed of an AML-derived cell line (NB4) cultured with either a human BM stroma cell line (HS-5) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We found that NB4 cells adhered to HS-5 cells or MSCs developed resistance against the anti-proliferative effects of A3D8, and this action is caused by the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling following p27(Kip1) down-regulation and cytoplasmic re-localization. The stromal co-culture-induced resistance can be partially abolished by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Such findings were confirmed in two additional AML-derived cell lines as well as in primary AML cells. Our results suggest that BM stroma can induce A3D8 resistance in part via the PI3K/Akt-p27(Kip1) axis, and blocking PI3K/Akt pathway maybe necessary for anti-CD44 treatment on AML in BM microenvironment.

New roles for cyclin-dependent kinases in T cell biology: linking cell division and differentiation.

The proliferation of a few antigen-reactive lymphocytes into a large population of effector cells is a fundamental property of adaptive immunity. The cell division that fuels this process is driven by signals from antigen, co-stimulatory molecules and growth factor receptors, and is controlled by the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) cascade. In this Opinion article, we discuss how the CDK cascade provides one potential link between cell division and differentiation through the phosphorylation of immunologically relevant transcription factors, and how components of this pathway might ultimately participate in the decision between tolerance and immunity.

KLRG1 impairs CD4+ T cell responses via p16ink4a and p27kip1 pathways: role in hepatitis B vaccine failure in individuals with hepatitis C virus infection.

Coinfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is quite common, leading to an increase in morbidity and mortality. As such, HBV vaccination is recommended in HCV-infected individuals. However, HBV vaccine responses in HCV-infected individuals are often blunted compared with uninfected populations. The mechanism for this failure of vaccine response in HCV-infected subjects remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression and function of an inhibitory receptor, killer cell lectin-like receptor subfamily G member 1 (KLRG1), in the regulation of CD4(+) T cells and HBV vaccine responses during HCV infection. We demonstrated that KLRG1 was overexpressed on CD4(+) T cells from HCV-infected, HBV vaccine nonresponders compared with HBV vaccine responders. The capacity of CD4(+) T cells to proliferate and secrete IL-2 cytokine was inversely associated with the level of KLRG1 expression. Importantly, blocking KLRG1 signaling resulted in a significant improvement in CD4(+) T cell proliferation and IL-2 production in HCV-infected, HBV vaccine nonresponders in response to TCR stimulation. Moreover, blockade of KLRG1 increased the phosphorylation of Akt (Ser(473)) and decreased the expression of cell cycle inhibitors p16(ink4a) and p27(kip1), which subsequently enhanced the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 and cyclin E. These results suggest that the KLRG1 pathway impairs CD4(+) T cell responses to neoantigen and induces a state of immune senescence in individuals with HCV infection, raising the possibility that blocking this negative-signaling pathway might improve HBV vaccine responses in the setting of chronic viral infection.

Pro-IL-16 is associated with MHC class II-mediated negative regulation of mouse resting B cell activation through MAP kinases, NF-κB and Skp2-dependent p27kip regulation.

MHC class II molecules, in addition to their essential role as antigen-presenting molecules to CD4(+) T cell receptor, have a signal-transducing role related to B cell function. We identified pro-IL-16 as one of the proteins associated with MHC class II-mediated signalling in an analysis of MHC class II-associated molecules using immunoprecipitation and proteomics data obtained from the 38B9 resting B cell line, and investigated the role of pro-IL-16 in resting B cell activation. We found that pro-IL-16, rather than mature form of IL-16, is present both in the cytoplasm and nucleus of resting B cells, and its expression is influenced by MHC class II-mediated signalling. In addition, overexpression of pro-IL-16 impaired resting B cell proliferation and this inhibitory effect was mediated through regulating nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation. Knock-down of pro-IL-16 expression using siRNA decreased the level of cell-cycle inhibitor p27(kip) and increased the level of Skp2. In addition, knock-down of pro-IL-16 modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Given that IL-16 acts as an immunomodulator by impairing antigen-induced T cell activation and its precursor, pro-IL-16, plays a role in regulating the cell cycle in T lymphocytes and T cell lymphoma, we concluded that pro-IL-16 is involved in resting B cell proliferation, similar to its function in T lymphocytes.

p27(Kip1) negatively regulates the magnitude and persistence of CD4 T cell memory.

Much is known about the differentiation of naive T cells into distinct lineages of effector cells, but the molecular mechanisms underlying the generation and maintenance of CD4 T cell memory are poorly characterized. Our studies ascribe a novel role for the cell cycle regulator p27(Kip1) as a prominent negative regulator of the establishment and long-term maintenance of Th1 CD4 T cell memory. We demonstrate that p27(Kip1) might restrict the differentiation and survival of memory precursors by increasing the T-bet/Bcl-6 ratio in effector CD4 T cells. By promoting apoptosis and contraction of effector CD4 T cells by mechanisms that are at least in part T cell intrinsic, p27(Kip1) markedly limits the abundance of memory CD4 T cells. Furthermore, we causally link p27(Kip1)-dependent apoptosis to the decay of CD4 T cell memory, possibly by repressing the expression of γ-chain receptors and the downstream effector of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, Tcf-1. We extend these findings by showing that the antagonistic effects of p27(Kip1) on CD4 T cell memory require its cyclin-dependent kinase-binding domain. Collectively, these findings provide key insights into the mechanisms underlying the governance of peripheral CD4 T cell homeostasis and identify p27(Kip1) as a target to enhance vaccine-induced CD4 T cell memory.

STAT3 protein interacts with Class O Forkhead transcription factors in the cytoplasm and regulates nuclear/cytoplasmic localization of FoxO1 and FoxO3a proteins in CD4(+) T cells.

An important feature of the adaptive immune response is its remarkable capacity to regulate the duration of inflammatory responses, and effector T cells have been shown to limit excessive immune responses by producing anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-27. However, how anti-inflammatory cytokines mediate their suppressive activities is not well understood. In this study, we show that STAT3 contributes to mechanisms that control the duration of T cell proliferation by regulating the subcellular location of FoxO1 and FoxO3a, two Class O Forkhead transcription factors that mediate lymphocyte quiescence and inhibit T cell activation. We show that active FoxO1 and FoxO3a reside exclusively in the nucleus of naïve T cells whereas inactive pFoxO1 and pFoxO3a were most abundant in activated T cells and sequestered in their cytoplasm in association with unphosphorylated STAT3 (U-STAT3) and 14-3-3. We further show that FoxO1/FoxO3a rapidly relocalized into the nucleus in response to pSTAT3 activation by IL-6 or IL-10, and the accumulation of FoxO1/FoxO3a in their nuclei coincided with increased expression of p27(Kip1) and p21(WAF1). STAT3 inhibitors completely abrogated cytokine-induced translocation of FoxO1/FoxO3a into the nucleus. In naïve or resting STAT3-deficient T cells, expression of pFoxO1/pFoxO3a was predominantly in the cytoplasm and correlated with defects in p27(Kip1) and p21(WAF1) expression, suggesting requirement of STAT3 for importation or retention of FoxO in the nucleus and attenuation of lymphocyte proliferation. Taken together, these results suggest that U-STAT3 collaborates with 14-3-3 to sequester pFoxO1/pFoxO3a in cytoplasm and thus prolong T cell activation, whereas pSTAT3 activation by anti-inflammatory cytokines would curtail the duration of TCR activation and re-establish lymphocyte quiescence by inducing nuclear localization of FoxO1/FoxO3a and FoxO-mediated expression of growth-inhibitory proteins.

miR-221 and miR-155 regulate human dendritic cell development, apoptosis, and IL-12 production through targeting of p27kip1, KPC1, and SOCS-1.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent antigen-presenting cells derived from hematopoietic progenitor cells and circulating monocytes. To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) during DC differentiation, maturation, and function, we profiled miRNA expression in human monocytes, immature DCs (imDCs), and mature DCs (mDCs). Stage-specific, differential expression of 27 miRNAs was found during monocyte differentiation into imDCs and mDCs. Among them, decreased miR-221 and increased miR-155 expression correlated with p27(kip1) accumulation in DCs. Silencing of miR-221 or overexpressing of miR-155 in DCs resulted in p27(kip1) protein increase and DC apoptosis. Moreover, mDCs from miR-155(-/-) mice were less apoptotic than those from wild-type mice. Silencing of miR-155 expression had little effect on DC maturation but reduced IL-12p70 production, whereas miR-155 overexpression in mDCs enhanced IL-12p70 production. Kip1 ubiquitination-promoting complex 1, suppressor of cytokine signaling 1, and CD115 (M-CSFR) were functional targets of miR-155. Furthermore, we provide evidence that miR-155 indirectly regulated p27(kip1) protein level by targeting Kip1 ubiquitination-promoting complex 1. Thus, our study uncovered miRNA signatures during monocyte differentiation into DCs and the new regulatory role of miR-221 and miR-155 in DC apoptosis and IL-12p70 production.

Cell-penetrating TAT-FOXO3 fusion proteins induce apoptotic cell death in leukemic cells.

FOXO proteins are Akt-regulated transcription factors involved in the control of cell cycle, DNA repair, stress defense, apoptosis, and tumor suppression. We reported that plasmid-based overexpression of constitutively active FOXO3 in cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) reduced their survival, suggesting that increasing FOXO3 activity in hematologic malignancies may represent a promising therapeutic strategy. The transactivating transcription factor (TAT) protein transduction domain (PTD) derived from the HIV TAT protein was shown to efficiently deliver macromolecular cargo in various cell types. In this study, wild-type FOXO3 and FOXO3 mutated on Akt sites [FOXO3 T32A/S253A/S315A or TM (triple mutant)] were fused to the TAT-PTD. Using biochemical techniques, flow cytometry, and microscopy analysis, we found a rapid and dose-dependent cell penetration into leukemic cells of unlabeled and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled TAT-FOXO3 fusion proteins followed by their accumulation within nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments. Treatment with TAT-FOXO3 TM-but not wild-type TAT-FOXO3-proteins induced Jurkat and K562 leukemic cell death and affected cell viability of other hematologic malignancies including primary cells from CLL. Cell transduction with TAT-FOXO3 TM induced apoptotic cell death as shown by morphologic changes, Annexin V/7-AAD (7-amino-actinomycin D) staining, activation of effector caspases, and PARP cleavage, caspase blockade through the use of the inhibitor Z-VAD, and expression of Bim and p27(KIP1). By contrast, TAT-FOXO3 TM blocked cell proliferation of primary T cells, without affecting their viability. Together, our data show that cell penetrating TAT-FOXO3 TM fusion proteins constitute novel potential therapeutic agents in the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders and hematologic malignancies.

Deficiency of Rap1-binding protein RAPL causes lymphoproliferative disorders through mislocalization of p27kip1.

RAPL (an alternative spliced form of Rassf5) is a critical Ras-related protein1 (Rap1) effector that regulates lymphocyte adhesion. Here, we have shown that in addition to this previously described function, RAPL also negatively controls lymphocyte proliferation and prevents autoimmunity and lymphoma. RAPL-deficient mice experienced age-related lupus-like glomerulonephritis and developed B cell lymphomas. RAPL-deficient lymphocytes showed hyperproliferation by enhanced S phase entry after antigen receptor ligation. Compared to wild-type cells, RAPL-deficient naive lymphocytes had a 2- to 3-fold increase in Cdk2 kinase activity with a cytoplasmic mislocalization of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1). RAPL was found to suppress the phosphorylation of p27(kip1) on serine 10 (S10) and promoted p27(kip1) nuclear translocation. An S10A mutation in p27(kip1) corrected its cytoplasmic accumulation, reduced hyperproliferation in RAPL-deficient lymphocytes, and suppressed glomerulonephritis and development of B cell lymphoma. Thus, RAPL serves as a checkpoint for S phase entry to prevent lymphoproliferative disorders through the spatial regulation of p27(kip1).

Leptin modulates the survival of autoreactive CD4+ T cells through the nutrient/energy-sensing mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.

Chronic inflammation can associate with autoreactive immune responses, including CD4(+) T cell responses to self-Ags. In this paper, we show that the adipocyte-derived proinflammatory hormone leptin can affect the survival and proliferation of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of human multiple sclerosis. We found that myelin olygodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55 (MOG(35-55))-specific CD4(+) T cells from C57BL/6J wild-type mice could not transfer experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis into leptin-deficient ob/ob mice. Such a finding was associated with a reduced proliferation of the transferred MOG(35-55)-reactive CD4(+) T cells, which had a reduced degradation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(kip1) and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The transferred cells displayed reduced Th1/Th17 responses and reduced delayed-type hypersensitivity. Moreover, MOG(35-55)-reactive CD4(+) T cells in ob/ob mice underwent apoptosis that associated with a downmodulation of Bcl-2. Similar results were observed in transgenic AND-TCR- mice carrying a TCR specific for the pigeon cytochrome c 88-104 peptide. These molecular events reveal a reduced activity of the nutrient/energy-sensing AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, which can be restored in vivo by exogenous leptin replacement. These results may help to explain a link between chronic inflammation and autoimmune T cell reactivity.

Coordinate suppression of B cell lymphoma by PTEN and SHIP phosphatases.

The inositol phosphatases phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) and Src homology 2 domain-containing inositol phosphatase (SHIP) negatively regulate phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-mediated growth, survival, and proliferation of hematopoietic cells. Although deletion of PTEN in mouse T cells results in lethal T cell lymphomas, we find that animals lacking PTEN or SHIP in B cells show no evidence of malignancy. However, concomitant deletion of PTEN and SHIP (bPTEN/SHIP(-/-)) results in spontaneous and lethal mature B cell neoplasms consistent with marginal zone lymphoma or, less frequently, follicular or centroblastic lymphoma. bPTEN/SHIP(-/-) B cells exhibit enhanced survival and express more MCL1 and less Bim. These cells also express low amounts of p27(kip1) and high amounts of cyclin D3 and thus appear poised to undergo proliferative expansion. Unlike normal B cells, bPTEN/SHIP(-/-) B cells proliferate to the prosurvival factor B cell activating factor (BAFF). Interestingly, although BAFF availability may promote lymphoma progression, we demonstrate that BAFF is not required for the expansion of transferred bPTEN/SHIP(-/-) B cells. This study reveals that PTEN and SHIP act cooperatively to suppress B cell lymphoma and provides the first direct evidence that SHIP is a tumor suppressor. As such, assessment of both PTEN and SHIP function are relevant to understanding the etiology of human B cell malignancies that exhibit augmented activation of the PI3K pathway.

Regulation of memory CD8 T-cell differentiation by cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1.

Induction of potent T-cell memory is the goal of vaccinations, but the molecular mechanisms that regulate the formation of memory CD8 T cells are not well understood. Despite the recognition that controls of cellular proliferation and apoptosis govern the number of memory T cells, the cell cycle regulatory mechanisms that control these key cellular processes in CD8 T cells during an immune response are poorly defined. Here, we have identified the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1) as a critical regulator of the CD8 T-cell homeostasis at all phases of the T-cell response to an acute viral infection in mice. By acting as a timer for cell cycle exit, p27(Kip1) curtailed the programmed expansion of interleukin-2-producing memory precursors and markedly limited the magnitude and quality of CD8 T-cell memory. In the absence of p27(Kip1), CD8 T cells showed superior recall responses shortly after vaccination with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes. Additionally, we show that p27(Kip1) constrains proliferative renewal of memory CD8 T cells, especially of the effector memory subset. These findings provide critical insights into the cell cycle regulation of CD8 T-cell homeostasis and suggest that modulation of p27(Kip1) could bolster vaccine-induced T-cell memory and protective immunity.

In vivo monitoring of intranuclear p27(kip1) protein expression in breast cancer cells during trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Trastuzumab, a humanized antibody directed against the Her2 receptor, induces the expression of p27(kip1), an intranuclear cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor in some breast cancer cells. The aim of this study was to develop a radioimmunoconjugate (RIC) to monitor trastuzumab-induced p27(kip1) protein up-regulation in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-p27(kip1) IgG was purified, and conjugated to diethylenetriaminopentaacetate, to allow radiolabeling with (111)In for in vivo detection. Then tat peptide (GRKKRRQRRRPPQGYG), containing a nuclear localization sequence (underlined), was conjugated to the Fc-domain of IgG, using NaIO(4) oxidation of carbohydrates and the resulting Schiff base stabilized with NaCNBH(3). The conjugate was radiolabeled with (111)In, yielding [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat. (111)In labeling efficiency, purity and p27(kip1) binding were measured. Trastuzumab-induced p27(kip1) up-regulation was assessed in a panel of breast cancer cell lines by Western blot analysis. Uptake and retention of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat were measured in MDA-MB-361 and SKBr3 cells after exposure to trastuzumab. Uptake of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat was determined at 72 h postintravenous injection in MDA-MB-361 xenografts in athymic mice treated with trastuzumab or saline. RESULTS: [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat was synthesized to 97% purity. The RIC was able to bind to p27(kip1) protein and internalized in the cells and was transported to the nuclei of MDA-MB-361 cells. The level of p27(kip1) protein in MDA-MB-361 cells was increased after exposure to clinically relevant doses of trastuzumab for 3 days. Trastuzumab-mediated induction of p27(kip1) was not associated with increased cellular uptake or nuclear localization of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat (6.53+/-0.61% vs. 6.98+/-1.36% internalized into trastuzumab-treated vs. control cells, respectively). However, retention of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat at 72 h was increased approximately twofold (13.5+/-1.3% vs. 6.6+/-0.6% of internalized [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat was retained in trastuzumab-treated vs. control cells, respectively; P=.016). Immunohistochemistry showed up-regulation of p27(kip1) in trastuzumab-treated xenografts. Tumour uptake of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat was significantly higher in trastuzumab-treated compared to control animals (6.5+/-0.9 vs. 4.8+/-0.1 %ID/g at 72 h postinjection, respectively; P=.0065). CONCLUSION: [(111)In]-Anti-p27(kip1)-tat may be useful for monitoring changes in the expression of the intranuclear protein, p27(kip1). Up-regulation of p27(kip1) resulted in increased retention of [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat in cells treated with trastuzumab. Modest, but statistically significantly higher, retention was also observed in tumours in mice treated with trastuzumab. Since responsiveness to trastuzumab correlated to up-regulation of p27(kip1), it may be possible to use [(111)In]-anti-p27(kip1)-tat to guide treatment with Herceptin and other drugs which alter p27(kip1) expression.

111In-labeled immunoconjugates (ICs) bispecific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, p27Kip1.

OBJECTIVE: Probing intranuclear proteins in breast cancer (BC) cells by using radiolabeled antibodies is restricted by delivery barriers presented by cell and nuclear membranes. Our aim was to construct immunoconjugates (ICs) bispecific for epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) and the intranuclear cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p27(Kip1) modified with nuclear-localizing sequences (NLSs) to facilitate their nuclear uptake following EGFR-mediated internalization. METHODS: Bispecific ICs were constructed by first modifying EGF with peptides [GGPKKKRKVGYGCG] harboring NLS from SV-40 large T-antigen (underlined), then conjugating NLS-EGF to anti-p27(Kip1) antibodies through an extended PEO(12)-maleimide linker (Compound 1). Analogous ICs were constructed by using mouse IgG (Compound 2), a disrupted NLS (Compound 3) or omission of the EGF moiety (Compound 4). Binding to EGFR on MDA-MB-468, H2N, or HR2 BC cells and to p27(Kip1) in HELA cell lysate was measured. Internalization and nuclear importation were evaluated. Retention of the ICs in H2N or trastuzumab (Herceptin)-resistant HR2 cells exposed to trastuzumab to modulate p27(Kip1) expression with/without coexposure to the IGF-1 receptor kinase inhibitor, AG1024, was determined. RESULTS: Trastuzumab (10 microg/mL) unexpectedly decreased p27(Kip1) expression by 1.7-2.4-fold in H2N or HR2 cells. Conjugation of EGF to anti-p27(Kip1) antibodies (Compound 1) decreased the binding affinity of the ICs 7-fold toward EGFR and p27(Kip1). All ICs bound EGFR on MDA-MB-468 cells except Compound 4. Compound 1 was internalized into H2N cells over 48 hours and Compound 2 exhibited 1.6-fold greater nuclear importation in H2N or MDA-MB-468 cells than Compound 3. There was a significantly lower retention of Compound 1 in H2N cells exposed to trastuzumab, compared to unexposed cells, corresponding to decreased p27(Kip1), but in HR2 cells, diminished retention was observed only when these cells were coexposed to trastuzumab and AG]024. CONCLUSION: We conclude that (111)In-labeled bispecific ICs were constructed that specifically bound EGFR and p27(Kip1). These ICs were internalized into BC cells expressing EGFR and HER2 and imported into the nucleus. Their decreased retention by cells with trastuzumab-modulated p27(Kip1) suggests that they may be useful for probing this CDKI by imaging.