Cathepsin D in breast cancer: mechanisms and clinical applications, a 1999 overview

Proteomic profiling of 13 paired ductal infiltrating breast carcinomas and non-tumoral adjacent counterparts

According to recent statistics, breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women in Western countries. Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, presently classified into several subtypes according to their cellular origin. Among breast cancer histotypes, infiltrating ductal carcinoma represents the most common and potentially aggressive form. Despite the current progress achieved in early cancer detection and treatment, including the new generation of molecular therapies, there is still need for identification of multiparametric biomarkers capable of discriminating between cancer subtypes and predicting cancer progression for personalized therapies. One established step in this direction is the proteomic strategy, expected to provide enough information on breast cancer profiling. To this aim, in the present study we analyzed 13 breast cancer tissues and their matched non-tumoral tissues by 2-DE. Collectively, we identified 51 protein spots, corresponding to 34 differentially expressed proteins, which may represent promising candidate biomarkers for molecular-based diagnosis of breast cancer and for pattern discovery. The relevance of these proteins as factors contributing to breast carcinogenesis is discussed.

Biomarkers in breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women in the western world. Due to the aggressive behaviour of some specific types and the possibility of an early diagnosis, breast cancer has been constantly studied. Tumour size, histological type, cellular and nuclear characteristics, mitotic index, vascular invasion, hormonal receptors and axillary lymph node status are biomarkers routinely used. However, these parameters are not enough to predict the course of this disease. Molecular biology advances have made it possible to find new markers, which have already been incorporated to the clinical practice. Their ultimate goal is to reduce mortality by identifying women at risk for the development of this disease, help diagnosis, determine prognosis, detect recurrences, monitor and guide treatment, and in particular cancers they are suited for general screening. Tumour markers in breast cancer were ranked in categories reflecting their clinical utility, according to the American College of Pathologists.

This article focuses on traditional and new molecular markers stratifying them into categories and emphasizing their relevance in the routine evaluation of patients with breast cancer.

Multivariable difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry: a case study on transforming growth factor-beta and ERBB2 signaling

Multivariable DIGE/MS was used to investigate proteins altered in expression and/or post-translational modification in response to activation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptors in MCF10A mammary epithelial cells overexpressing the HER2/Neu (ErbB2) oncogene. Proteome changes were monitored in response to exogenous TGF-beta over time (0, 8, 24, and 40 h), and proteins were resolved using medium range (pH 4-7) and narrow range (pH 5.3-6.5) isoelectric focusing combined with up to 2 mg of protein to allow inspection of lower abundance proteins. Triplicate samples were prepared independently and analyzed together across multiple DIGE gels using a pooled sample internal standard to quantify expression changes with statistical confidence. Unsupervised principle component analysis and hierarchical clustering of the individual DIGE proteome expression maps provided independent confirmation of distinct expression patterns from the individual experiments and demonstrated high reproducibility between replicate samples. Fifty-nine proteins (including some isoforms) that exhibited significant kinetic expression changes were identified using mass spectrometry and database interrogation and were mapped to existing biological networks involved in TGF-beta signaling. Several proteins with a potential role in breast cancer, such as maspin and cathepsin D, were identified as novel molecules associated with TGF-beta signaling.

Synthesis of gallic acid based naphthophenone fatty acid amides as cathepsin D inhibitors

Gallic acid, one of the most abundant plant phenolic acids, has been modified to cathepsin D protease inhibitors. The strategy of modification was proposed basing on some previously reported structure and activity relationship (SAR) studies. The synthesized naphthophenone fatty acid amide derivatives have been evaluated for in vitro cathepsin D inhibition activity. Two of them have shown significant inhibition activity with IC(50) values of 0.06 and 0.14 microM, respectively, as compared against pepstatin (0.0023 microM), the most potent inhibitor known so far. The study revealed that such attempts on gallic acid based pharmacophores might result in potent inhibitors of cathepsin D.

Growth inhibition and differentiation of human breast cancer cells by the PAFR antagonist WEB-2086

WEB-2086 – an antagonist of platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR) with known anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic and antileukaemic properties – also proved to inhibit the proliferation in human solid tumour cell lines of different histology, and with much higher efficacy than in normal fibroblasts. A detailed analysis of WEB-2086 anticancer activity was then performed focusing on breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. WEB-2086-treated cells, either expressing (MCF-7) or unexpressing (MDA-MB-231) the oestrogen receptor (ER)α, underwent a dose-dependent growth arrest (IC₅₀=0.65±0.09 and 0.41±0.07 mM, respectively) and accumulation in G₀–G₁ phase. WEB-2086 also induced morphological and functional changes typical of mature mammary phenotype including (i) cell enlargement and massive neutral lipid deposition (best accomplished in MCF-7 cells); (ii) decrease in motility and active cathepsin D levels (mainly observed in highly invasive MDA-MB-231 cells). The expression of ERα was neither increased nor reactivated in treated MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. WEB-2086-induced differentiation in breast cancer cells involved the upregulation of PTEN, a key tumour suppressor protein opposing tumorigenesis, and was apparently independent of p53, PAFR, peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and ERα status. Overall, WEB-2086 can be proposed as an effective antiproliferative and differentiative agent with interesting translational opportunities to treat breast cancers in support to conventional chemotherapy.

Proteomic analysis of MCF-7 cell lines expressing the zinc-finger or the proline-rich domain of retinoblastoma-interacting-zinc-finger protein

To identify a growth-promoting activity related to retinoblastoma-interacting-zinc-finger (RIZ) protein, differential protein expression of MCF-7 cell lines expressing the zinc-finger or the proline-rich domain of RIZ protein was analyzed by a robust bottom-up mass-spectrometry proteomic approach. Spots corresponding to qualitative and quantitative differences in protein expression have been selected and identified. Some of these proteins have been previously reported as being associated with different types of carcinomas or involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Knowledge of specific differentially expressed proteins by MCF-7-derived cell lines expressing RIZ different domains will provide the basis for identifying a growth-promoting activity related to RIZ gene products.

Thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15) activates CPI-0004Na, an extracellularly tumour-activated prodrug of doxorubicin

CPI-0004Na is a tetrapeptidic extracellularly tumour-activated prodrug of doxorubicin. The tetrapeptide structure ensures blood stability and selective cleavage by unidentified peptidase(s) released by tumour cells. The purpose of this work was to identify the enzyme responsible for the first rate-limiting step of CPI-0004Na activation, initially attributed to a 70 kDa acidic (pI=5.2) metallopeptidase active at neutral pH that was subsequently purified from HeLa cell homogenates. Two electrophoretic bands were isolated and identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation-time of flight (MALDI-tof) and electrospray ionisation-quadrupole-time of flight (ESI-Q-tof) mass spectrometry as thimet oligopeptidase (TOP). The identity of the CPI-0004Na activating enzyme and TOP was further supported by the similar substrate specificity of the purified enzyme and recombinant TOP, by thiol stimulation of CPI-0004Na cleavage by cancer cell conditioned media (unique characteristic of TOP) and by the inhibition of CPI-0004Na activation by specific inhibitors or immunoprecipitation. Although other enzymes can be involved, TOP clearly appears to be a likely candidate for extracellular activation of the CPI-0004Na prodrug.

Insulin-like growth factor II mediates resveratrol stimulatory effect on cathepsin D in breast cancer cells

Cathepsin D (CD) is an enzyme that promotes breast cancer. CD is stored intracellularly; however, we demonstrated that IGF-II promotes CD secretion in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. We also showed that resveratrol (RSV) stimulates IGF-II in ER(+) breast cancer cells. Thus, we designed this study to determine whether RSV regulates CD in MCF-7, T47D (ER+) breast cancer cells as well as in Hs578t (cancer) and MCF-10A (normal) ER - cell lines. RSV (10(- 6) M) increased CD and IGF-II secretion in ER+ but not ER - cells. RSV treatment (10(- 4) M) inhibited CD in ER+ but not in ER - cells. Transfection of ER - cells with proIGF-II increased CD secretion. RSV (10(- 6) M) modulates CD secretion through IGF-II while RSV (10(- 4) M) inhibits CD in ER+ but not ER - cells. Regulation of CD by RSV represents a novel mechanism by which RSV may protect against breast cancer.

Lysosomes and lysosomal proteins in cancer cell death (new players of an old struggle)

Death of cancer cells influences tumor development and progression, as well as the response to anticancer therapies. This can occur through different cell death programmes which have recently been shown to implicate components of the acidic organelles, lysosomes. The role of lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes, including cathepsins and some lipid hydrolases, in programmed cell death associated with apoptotic or autophagic phenotypes is presented, as evidenced from observations on cultured cells and living animals. The possible molecular mechanisms that underlie the action of lysosomes during cell death are also described. Finally, the contribution of lysosomal proteins and lysosomes to tumor initiation and progression is discussed. Elucidation of this role and the underlying mechanisms will shed a new light on these 'old' organelles and hopefully pave the way for the development of novel anticancer strategies.

Sex steroid regulation of angiogenesis in breast tissue

Angiogenesis is essential for normal function in the female reproductive tract and a prerequisite for growth and metastasis of solid tumors. Several factors, both inducers and inhibitors, play essential roles in the regulation of the angiogenic process. Exposure to sex steroids increases the risk of breast cancer but the mechanisms are poorly understood and the importance of angiogenesis in breast carcinogenesis is undefined. In the female reproductive tract ovarian hormones tightly regulate angiogenesis. The breast is also a target organ for sex steroids but very little is known about sex steroid effects on angiogenesis in normal breast tissue and breast cancer. In this review several regulators of angiogenesis, and their relation to sex steroids, in breast tissue are discussed. Increased knowledge in this area is of utmost importance for future therapeutic treatment options and for breast cancer prevention.

DUAL ROLE OF CATHEPSIN D: LIGAND AND PROTEASE

Cathepsin D is peptidase belonging to the family of aspartic peptidases. Its mostly described function is intracellular catabolism in lysosomal compartments, other physiological effect include hormone and antigen processing. For almost two decades, there have been an increasing number of data describing additional roles imparted by cathepsin D and its pro-enzyme, resulting in cathepsin D being a specific biomarker of some diseases. These roles in pathological conditions, namely elevated levels in certain tumor tissues, seem to be connected to another, yet not fully understood functionality. However, despite numerous studies, the mechanisms of cathepsin D and its precursor's actions are still not completely understood. From results discussed in this article it might be concluded that cathepsin D in its zymogen status has additional function, which is rather dependent on a "ligand-like" function then on proteolytic activity.

Fluorescent peptide probes for in vivo diagnostic imaging

Recently, many novel peptide-based near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent molecular probes have been developed for in vivo biomedical imaging. To report specific information of biological targets, the probes were individually designed according to the unique property or functions of their targets. These peptide-based probes can be classified into targeting, crosslinking, and enzyme-activatable probes. Several of them have been tested in various in vitro and in vivo models, and the obtained imaging information has been applied to disease detection, medical diagnosis, and drug evaluations.

Prognostic value of ERM gene expression in human primary breast cancers

We measured the expression of ERM gene, a nuclear transcription factor belonging to the ets family, in a series of 364 unselected primary breast cancers from patients who underwent locoregional surgery in the Centre Oscar Lambret between May 1989 and December 1991. The expression of ERM was quantified with a real-time one-step reverse transcription-PCR assay based on the 5'-nuclease activity of the TaqDNA polymerase and with an Abi Prism 7700 Sequence Detector System (Applied Biosystems, Courtaboeuf, France). ERM was positively correlated (Spearman test) to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; P < 0.001, r = 0.296) and to histoprognostic grading (P = 0.044, r = 0.112), whereas it was negatively correlated to estradiol receptors (P = 0.019, r = -0.124), HER3 (c-erbB-3; P = 0.01, r = -0.135), and HER4 (c-erbB-4; P = 0.003, r = -0.154). Using the chi2 test, a positive relationship was found between the expression of ERM and EGFR (chi2 = 7.795, P = 0.007). In overall survival studies, Cox univariate analyses demonstrated a prognostic value of ERM (P = 0.006; risk ratio, 2.95) besides the classical prognostic factors histoprognostic grading, node involvement, tumor size, estradiol receptors, progesterone receptors, EGFR, HER3, and HER4. In multivariate analyses, ERM preserved its prognostic value (P = 0.004; risk ratio, 3.779) together with histoprognostic grading, tumor size, estradiol receptors, and progesterone receptors. In relapse-free survival studies, univariate analyses demonstrated that histoprognostic grading, node involvement, tumor size, and HER4 were prognostic factors. These parameters, except histoprognostic grading, retained their prognostic value in multivariate analyses. This study demonstrates for the first time that ERM gene expression is an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival in breast cancer patients.

Three-dimensional chitosan scaffold-based MCF-7 cell culture for the determination of the cytotoxicity of tamoxifen

Three-dimensional (3D) culture of cancer cell lines has long been advocated as a better model of the malignant phenotype that is most closely related to tumorigenicity in vivo. Moreover, new drug development requires simple in vitro models that resemble the in vivo situation more in order to select active drugs against solid tumours and to decrease the use of experimental animals. A biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic polymer chitosan was employed for 3D culture of MCF-7 cell lines. Cells grown on chitosan scaffold produce more lactate from glucose in comparison to that secreted by cells grown on tissue culture plate, thus indicating the suitability of chitosan scaffold as an in vitro model resembling cancer tissue growth in vivo. Cytotoxic effect of tamoxifen at different concentrations was evaluated for MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines grown on tissue culture plate as well as on 3D chitosan scaffold. At a tamoxifen concentration of 10(-6) M, 50% reduction in cell growth was observed in tissue culture plate-grown cells where 15% reduction in cell growth was observed when cells were grown in chitosan scaffold. Higher tamoxifen concentrations were required to achieve comparable cytostatic action in 3D culture, supporting the fact that 3D culture is a better model for the cytotoxic evaluation of anticancer drugs in vitro. Carbohydrate metabolism of MCF-7 cells in terms of glucose utilization and lactate production in 3D and monolayer culture were unaffected by tamoxifen treatment. Cathepsin D activity, an autocrine growth factor in breast cancer cells was monitored in all experiments. In 3D culture, addition of tamoxifen promoted cathepsin D secretion but inhibited its uptake by cells. Growth of cells in 3D chitosan scaffold indicated that action of tamoxifen on estrogen positive cancer cells is also mediated through inhibition of cathepsin D uptake from the culture medium.

Proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance and its regulation in carcinogenesis

Cancer development is essentially a tissue remodeling process in which normal tissue is substituted with cancer tissue. A crucial role in this process is attributed to proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Degradation of ECM is initiated by proteases, secreted by different cell types, participating in tumor cell invasion and increased expression or activity of every known class of proteases (metallo-, serine-, aspartyl-, and cysteine) has been linked to malignancy and invasion of tumor cells. Proteolytic enzymes can act directly by degrading ECM or indirectly by activating other proteases, which then degrade the ECM. They act in a determined order, resulting from the order of their activation. When proteases exert their action on other proteases, the end result is a cascade leading to proteolysis. Presumable order of events in this complicated cascade is that aspartyl protease (cathepsin D) activates cysteine proteases (e.g., cathepsin B) that can activate pro-uPA. Then active uPA can convert plasminogen into plasmin. Cathepsin B as well as plasmin are capable of degrading several components of tumor stroma and may activate zymogens of matrix metalloproteinases, the main family of ECM degrading proteases. The activities of these proteases are regulated by a complex array of activators, inhibitors and cellular receptors. In physiological conditions the balance exists between proteases and their inhibitors. Proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance may be of major significance in the cancer development. One of the reasons for such a situation is enhanced generation of free radicals observed in many pathological states. Free radicals react with main cellular components like proteins and lipids and in this way modify proteolytic-antiproteolytic balance and enable penetration damaging cellular membrane. All these lead to enhancement of proteolysis and destruction of ECM proteins and in consequence to invasion and metastasis.

Subnanoliter enzymatic assays on microarrays

Many areas of research today are based on enzymatic assays most of which are still performed as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in microtiter plates. The demand for highly parallel screening of thousands of samples eventually led to a miniaturization and automation of these assays. However, the final transfer of enzymatic assays from a microtiter-based technology to microarrays has proven to be difficult for various reasons, such as the inability to maintain unbound reaction products on the spot of reaction or the missing capability of multiplexing. Here, we have conducted multiplex enzymatic assays in subnanoliter volumes on a single microarray using the multiple spotting technology. We were able to measure enzymatic activity with a sensitivity down to 35 enzyme molecules, applying only conventional flat microarray surfaces and standard microarray hardware. We have performed assays of inhibition and applied this format for the detection of prognostic markers, such as cathepsin D. The new approach allows the rapid and multiplex screening of thousands of samples on a single microarray with applications in drug screening, metagenomics, and high-throughput enzyme assays.

The potentials of MS-based subproteomic approaches in medical science: the case of lysosomes and breast cancer

Because of the great number of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and though this disease presents the lowest mortality rate among cancers, breast cancer remains a major public health problem. As for any cancer, the tumorigenic and metastatic processes are still hardly understood, and the biochemical markers that allow either a precise monitoring of the disease or the classification of the numerous forms of breast cancer remain too scarce. Therefore, great hopes are put on the development of high-throughput genomic and proteomic technologies. Such comprehensive techniques should help in understanding the processes and in defining steps of the disease by depicting specific genes or protein profiles. Because techniques dedicated to the current proteomic challenges are continuously improving, the probability of the discovery of new potential protein biomarkers is rapidly increasing. In addition, the identification of such markers should be eased by lowering the sample complexity; e.g., by sample fractionation, either according to specific physico-chemical properties of the proteins, or by focusing on definite subcellular compartments. In particular, proteins of the lysosomal compartment have been shown to be prone to alterations in their localization, expression, or post-translational modifications (PTMs) during the cancer process. Some of them, such as the aspartic protease cathepsin D (CatD), have even been proven as participating actively in the disease progression. The present review aims at giving an overview of the implication of the lysosome in breast cancer, and at showing how subproteomics and the constantly refining MS-based proteomic techniques may help in making breast cancer research progress, and thus, hopefully, in improving disease treatment.

Variation in Estradiol, Estradiol Precursors, and Estrogen-related Products in Nipple Aspirate Fluid from Normal Premenopausal Women

The purpose of the study was to measure the concentrations of estradiol, its primary precursors, and factors with which it interacts in the breast, and determine their sources of variation. Nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) was collected from premenopausal women during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The fluid was diluted and unconjugated steroids were extracted. Estradiol was further purified by a solvent partition into aqueous NaOH. Androgens were measured in the non-phenolic fraction. Water-soluble, conjugated steroids and proteins were measured in the aqueous residue. All analytes were measured by immunoassays. Permutation methods were used to determine the correlations over multiple periods of time. The average concentration of estradiol in NAF was 435 pmol/L after purification but was many times higher when assayed without purification. Estrone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfates were present in 3.7 and 75 μmol/L concentrations, respectively, while unconjugated androstenedione and DHEA were present in nanomole per liter concentrations. Lack of the steroid sulfates in NAF in 19% of subjects had no effect on NAF estradiol levels but was associated with a 77% lower concentration of unconjugated DHEA. Progesterone was present in concentrations that were 3- to 4-fold higher than normal serum concentrations (mean: 291 nmol/L). Cathepsin D, epidermal growth factor, and interleukin 6 had average values of 3.4 μg/mL, 424 ng/mL, and 1.7 ng/mL, respectively. Correlations between breasts were between 0.57 and 0.84 for the several analytes; correlations over time ranged from 0.64 and 0.93 with estrone sulfate highest in both categories. The lower correlation between breasts than within breasts indicates that local factors play an important role in determining the levels of many of these analytes in the breast. The high stability of the concentrations of several analytes over time indicates that fluctuations in environmental factors have little immediate effect on levels in the breast, and portends their utility as surrogate breast cancer risk markers.

Decreased secretion of Cathepsin D in breast cancer in vivo by tamoxifen: Mediated by the mannose-6-phosphate/IGF-II receptor?

The lysosomal protease Cathepsin D (Cath D) is associated with increased invasiveness and metastasis in breast cancer. Both estrogen and tamoxifen have been reported to increase Cath D, which seems to contradict the efficacy of tamoxifen as an adjuvant for estrogen dependent breast cancer. Cath D is bioactive in the extracellular space but very little is known about hormonal regulation of secreted Cath D in vivo. In this study we used microdialysis to sample the extracellular fluid in estrogen receptor positive MCF-7 tumors in nude mice. We show that tamoxifen in combination with estradiol decreased secreted Cath D compared with estradiol treatment only in solid tumors in situ. Cell culture of MCF-7 cells revealed that estradiol and tamoxifen increased intracellular proteolytic activity of Cath D in a similar fashion whereas secretion of Cath D was increased by estradiol and inhibited by tamoxifen. Immunofluorescence showed that estradiol located Cath D to the cell surface, while tamoxifen accumulated Cath D to dense lysosomes in perinuclear regions. Moreover, tamoxifen increased the intracellular transporter of Cath D, the mannose 6-phosphate/IGF-II receptor (M6P/IGF2R). In contrast, estradiol decreased the levels of this receptor. Thus, secretion of Cath D is hormone dependent and may be mediated by altered expression of the M6P/IGF2R. Our results highlight the importance of measurements of proteins in all compartments where they are biological active and show that microdialysis is a viable technique for sampling of Cath D in vivo.

Anatomy of the estrogen response element

Estrogens exert their regulatory potential on gene expression through different nuclear and non-nuclear mechanisms. A direct nuclear approach is the interaction of estrogen with specific target sequences of DNA, estrogen response elements (ERE) or units. EREs can be grouped into perfect and imperfect palindromic sequences with the imperfect sequences differing from the consensus sequence in one or more nucleotides and being less responsive to the activated estrogen-estrogen receptor (ER) complex. Differences in the ERE sequence and the ER subtype involved can substantially alter ER-ERE interaction. In addition, cross-talk between ERs and other nuclear transcription factors profoundly influences gene expression. Here, we focus on the recent advances in the understanding of the structure of EREs and how ERs are recruited to these. Identifying known target genes for estrogen action could help us to understand the potential risks and benefits of the administration of this steroid to humans.

Enhanced cathepsin L expression is mediated by different Ras effector pathways in fibroblasts and epithelial cells

Ras expression induces increased expression and altered targeting of lysosomal proteases in multiple cell types, but the specific downstream cytoplasmic signaling pathways mediating these changes have not been identified. In this study, we compared the involvement of 3 major Ras effectors, Raf, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RalGEF) in the Ras-mediated alteration of lysosomal protease protein expression and targeting in rat 208F fibroblasts and rat ovarian surface epithelial (ROSE) cells. Effector domain mutants of Ras, constitutively activated variants of Raf, PI3K and RalGEF and pharmacologic inhibitors of MEK and PI3K were utilized to determine the role of these downstream pathways in mediating fibroblast transformation and lysosomal protease regulation in the fibroblasts and epithelial cells. We found that Raf activation of the ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway alone was sufficient to cause morphologic and growth transformation of the fibroblasts and was necessary and sufficient to alter cathepsin L expression and targeting. In contrast, transformation and upregulation of cathepsin L expression in the epithelial cells required the activity of all 3 Ras effectors. Increased protease secretion from the epithelial cells was not observed on ectopic expression of Ras, as it was from the fibroblasts, consistent with the utilization of different signaling pathways in the 2 cell types. In neither cell type did Ras expression increase the expression, processing or secretion of 2 other major lysosomal proteases, cathepsin B and cathepsin D. Thus, Ras utilizes different effectors to mediate transformation and to deregulate cathepsin L expression and secretion in fibroblast and epithelial cells.

Clinical molecular imaging

This review summarizes the rapidly growing field of molecular imaging, the spatially localized and/or temporally resolved sensing of molecular and cellular processes in vivo. Molecular imaging is used to map the anatomic locations of specific molecules of interest within living tissue and has enormous potential as a powerful means to diagnose and monitor disease. Molecular imaging agents comprise a targeting component that confers localization and a component that enables external detectability with an imaging modality, such as PET, SPECT, MRI, optical, and ultrasound. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these modalities are discussed in regard to spatial resolution, temporal resolution, sensitivity, and cost. Molecular imaging agents can be divided into three categories, Type A, which bind directly to a target molecule, Type B, which are accumulated by molecular or cellular activity by the target, and Type C, which are undetectable when injected but can be imaged after they are activated by the target. The current status of clinical molecular imaging agents is presented as well as examples of some preclinical applications. The value of molecular imaging is illustrated by some examples for diseases such as cancer, neurological and psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular disease, infection and inflammation, and the monitoring of gene therapy and stem cell therapy.

Molecular imaging of proteolytic activity in cancer

The early detection of both primary tumors and metastatic disease continue to be significant challenges in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. The growing recognition of the role of proteinases and proteolytic cascades in both the growth and metastasis of tumors has led to the development not only of therapeutic strategies using proteinase inhibitors, but also of methods to detect and image tumors in vivo via tumor-associated proteolytic activities. These imaging strategies derive from the enhanced sensitivity afforded by amplification that can be obtained by enzymatic processing to increase the efficacy of imaging "contrast agents" coupled with the inherent substrate specificity and selectivity of proteinases. This review describes key proteinases important in cancer progression, the strategies that have been devised to detect and image proteolytic activity in vivo, and the potential for this kind of functional imaging to serve as a marker for targeted therapy. The intent is to draw attention to the developing methods of molecular imaging to facilitate not only cancer diagnosis, but also for devising strategies for individualized targeted therapy and non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic efficacy.

Hypoxia inhibits expression of prolactin and secretion of cathepsin-D by the GH4C1 pituitary adenoma cell line

Diminished oxygen concentration within growing tumors may stimulate neovascularization by inducing both up-regulation of angiogenic factors and down-regulation of antiangiogenic agents. A potentially important molecule in the growth of pituitary adenomas is prolactin (PRL), which can be cleaved by cathepsin-D to yield a 16-kDa form (16K-PRL) with potent antiangiogenic effects. We examined the expression of PRL in cultured GH4C1 pituitary adenoma cells after exposure to hypoxia (0.1% oxygen) for periods of 12 to 36 hours. In contrast to increased expression of the angiogenic factor vascular endothelial growth factor in hypoxic cells, PRL mRNA and levels of intracellular and secreted PRL were significantly reduced under hypoxia. The reduction was not attributable to a general suppression of either transcription or protein synthesis. Although 16K-PRL was not evident in conditioned medium at physiologic pH, lowering the pH to mimic the acidic tumor microenvironment resulted in generation of 16K-PRL, which was sharply reduced in medium drawn from hypoxic cells. Production of 16K-PRL was blocked by the cathepsin-D inhibitor pepstatin-A, and the reduced 16K-PRL formation in hypoxic-conditioned medium correlated with a decrease in secretion of cathepsin-D and its precursor, procathepsin-D. Thus, hypoxia acts upon GH4C1 cells to increase vascular endothelial growth factor expression, decrease PRL synthesis, and suppress conversion of PRL to 16K-PRL via inhibition of cathepsin-D proteolysis. These mechanisms may act in concert to stimulate angiogenesis in prolactinomas.

Biochemical and immunohistochemical study on physiological activity and distribution of hepatic cathepsin D

Cathepsin D (EC 3.4.23.5) is a lysosomal endopeptidase physiologically present at very low concentration in different tissues. The aim of the study was to estimate the physiological activity and distribution of cathepsin D in the liver. Four groups of ten-week-old male Wistar rats were raised without xenobiotics and sacrificed on day 4, 42, 47 and 84 of the experiment, and their livers were taken for immunohistochemical and biochemical investigation. Immunostaining for cathepsin D was evaluated by light microscope. Activity of the free and bound fractions of hepatic cathepsin D was measured spectrophotometrically. Immunohistochemical staining for cathepsin D was positive in Browicz-Kupffer cells in some but not in all rat liver specimens of each experimental group. The staining pattern was cytoplasmic and granular. Occasionally the positive stained endothelial cells were also found. No activity of cathepsin D in hepatocytes was detected. The positive immunostaining was found in livers with high enzyme activity in the biochemical investigation. No significant differences in activity of the free and bound fractions of cathepsin D among the different age groups were noted. However, the higher, age-dependent activity (p>0.05) of the free fraction was observed in the youngest and the two-middle groups of rats that were sacrificed on day 42 and 47 than in the oldest one. The bound fraction did not reveal such changes. It could be concluded that there were no differences in the activity of hepatic free and bound fractions of cathepsin D in male Wistar rats of various reproductive age. The rat Browicz-Kupffer cells revealed the highest activity of cathepsin D.

Proteomic characterization of nipple aspirate fluid: identification of potential biomarkers of breast cancer

Mammary ductal cells are the origin for 70-80% of breast cancers. Nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) contains proteins directly secreted by the ductal and lobular epithelium in non-lactating women. Proteomic approaches offer a largely unbiased way to evaluate NAF as a source of biomarkers and are sufficiently sensitive for analysis of small NAF volumes (10-50 microl). In this study, we initially evaluated a new process for obtaining NAF and discovered that this process resulted in a volume of NAF that was suitable for analysis in approximately 90% of subjects. Proteomic characterization of NAF identified 64 proteins. Although this list primarily includes abundant and moderately abundant NAF proteins, very few of these proteins have previously been reported in NAF. At least 15 of the NAF proteins identified have previously been reported to be altered in serum or tumor tissue from women with breast cancer, including cathepsin D and osteopontin. In summary, this study provides the first characterization of the NAF proteome and identifies several candidate proteins for future studies on breast cancer markers in NAF.

Cathepsin D specifically cleaves the chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha, macrophage inflammatory protein-1 beta, and SLC that are expressed in human breast cancer

Cathepsin D (Cath-D) expression in human primary breast cancer has been associated with a poor prognosis. In search of a better understanding of the Cath-D substrates possibly involved in cancer invasiveness and metastasis, we investigated the potential interactions between this protease and chemokines. Here we report that purified Cath-D, as well as culture supernatants from the human breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and T47D, selectively degrade macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1 alpha (CCL3), MIP-1 beta (CCL4), and SLC (CCL21). Proteolysis was totally blocked by the protease inhibitor pepstatin A, and specificity of Cath-D cleavage was demonstrated using a large chemokine panel. Whereas MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta degradation was rapid and complete, cleavage of SLC was slow and not complete. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that Cath-D cleaves the Leu(58) to Trp(59) bond of SLC producing two functionally inactive fragments. Analysis of Cath-D proteolysis of a series of monocyte chemoattractant protein-3/MIP-1 beta hybrids indicated that processing of MIP-1 beta might start by cleaving off amino acids located in the C-terminal domain. In situ hybridization studies revealed MIP-1 alpha, MIP-1 beta, and Cath-D gene expression mainly in the stromal compartment of breast cancers whereas SLC transcripts were found in endothelial cells of capillaries and venules within the neoplastic tissues. Cath-D production in the breast carcinoma cell lines MCF-7 and T47D, as assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of culture supernatants and cell lysates, was not affected by stimulation with chemokines such as interleukin-8 (CXCL8), SDF-1 (CXCL12), and SLC. These data suggest that inactivation of chemokines by Cath-D possibly influences regulatory mechanisms in the tumoral extracellular microenvironment that in turn may affect the generation of the antitumoral immune response, the migration of cancer cells, or both processes.

Mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-II receptor expression levels during the progression from normal human mammary tissue to invasive breast carcinomas

The putative role of mannose-6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-II receptor (M6P/IGFII-R) as a tumour suppressor and its value as a prognostic marker of breast cancer was studied in 42 benign breast diseases (BBD), 61 in situ carcinomas (CIS) and 133 invasive carcinomas. The receptor was quantified by immunohistochemistry with a computerised image analyser, using specific polyclonal IGY antibodies. The M6P/IGFII-R level varied markedly according to the different patient samples, but median values and distributions were similar in lesions and normal adjacent glands. However, the receptor level was significantly increased in high-grade ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS) and decreased in invasive carcinomas relative to adjacent normal tissue. The M6P/IGFII-R protein concentration in invasive breast carcinomas was mostly independent of prognostic parameters: tumour size, histological grade, lymph node (N) invasiveness and oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) status. The only positive correlation was with cathepsin D, the progesterone receptor (PgR) and with patients aged >60 years. These results do not support the hypothesis of a frequent and early inactivation of the M6P/IGFII-R gene in breast cancer. Clinical follow-up of patients might reveal a prognostic value for one of the cathepsin receptors.

Immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin D in meningiomas

We retrospectively studied the expression of cathepsin D by immunohistochemical analysis in 86 meningiomas (World Health Organization [WHO] grade I, n = 44; WHO grade II, n = 21; WHO grade III, n = 21) and correlated the results with tumor grade and outcome. Staining was scored semiquantitatively based on distribution among neoplastic cells as follows: 0, no staining; 1+, 5% or less of the cells; 2+, 6% to 20%; 3+, 21% to 50%; and 4+, more than 50% of the cells. Cathepsin D expression was observed as follows: 0, 10 cases (12%); 1+, 25 cases (29%); 2+, 15 cases (17%); 3+, 12 cases (14%); and 4+, 24 cases (28%). A higher degree of cathepsin D immunostaining was associated with low tumor grade (P = .0014), low mitotic count (P < .0001), low apoptotic count (P < .0001), and the development of recurrence (P = .035). There was no correlation with outcome or MIB-1 proliferation index. Cathepsin D expression by immunohistochemical analysis was identified in the majority (88% [76/86]) of meningiomas studied. A greater degree of immunoreactivity was observed in the WHO grade I group.

Cathepsin D exon 2 polymorphism associated with general intelligence in a healthy older population

General intelligence is a heritable trait that is a risk factor for both the onset of dementia and the rate of cognitive decline in community-dwelling older persons. Previous studies screening for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence general intelligence in healthy individuals have identified four loci, two of which are located within the genes insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) and the Msx1 homeobox. Here, we report the finding of another QTL associated with general intelligence that is located within exon 2 of the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene. A group of 767 healthy adults with a follow-up period of over 15 years have been analyzed for cross-sectional and longitudinal trends in cognitive change using the Heim intelligence test score (AH4-1). We observed a significant association (P = 0.01) between a functional C > T (Ala > Val) transition within exon 2 of the CTSD gene that increases the secretion of pro-CTSD from the cell, and the AH4-1 score at initial testing on entry to the longitudinal study. Interestingly, CTSD is transported by IGF2R from the trans Golgi network to the lysosome.

MRI of the tumor microenvironment

The microenvironment within tumors is significantly different from that in normal tissues. A major difference is seen in the chaotic vasculature of tumors, which results in unbalanced blood supply and significant perfusion heterogeneities. As a consequence, many regions within tumors are transiently or chronically hypoxic. This exacerbates tumor cells' natural tendency to overproduce acids, resulting in very acidic pH values. The hypoxia and acidity of tumors have important consequences for antitumor therapy and can contribute to the progression of tumors to a more aggressive metastatic phenotype. Over the past decade, techniques have emerged that allow the interrogation of the tumor microenvironment with high resolution and molecularly specific probes. Techniques are available to interrogate perfusion, vascular distribution, pH, and pO(2) nondestructively in living tissues with relatively high precision. Studies employing these methods have provided new insights into the causes and consequences of the hostile tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, it is quite exciting that there are emerging techniques that generate tumor image contrast via ill-defined mechanisms. Elucidation of these mechanisms will yield further insights into the tumor microenvironment. This review attempts to identify techniques and their application to tumor biology, with an emphasis on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches. Examples are also discussed using electron MR, optical, and radionuclear imaging techniques.

Procathepsin D in breast cancer: what do we know? Effects of ribozymes and other inhibitors

Procathepsin D (pCD) is a major secreted glycoprotein in some human breast and other cancer cell lines. Several groups proposed that pCD served as a growth factor for these cell lines. Secreted pCD has been demonstrated in tissue section, tissue culture supernatants, carcinoma cytosols, and nipple aspirates. Moreover, several clinical studies suggested a potential role for this molecule in metastasis because its concentration in primary tumors correlated with an increased incidence of tumor metastases. In this paper, the effects of pCD were evaluated by proliferation in vitro and by mouse studies in vivo. Subsequent flow cytometry experiments showed the specificity of pCD binding to cancer cells. Cell cultivation showed that addition of either pCD or its activation peptide stimulates growth of cancer cells. These effects can be inhibited both in vitro and in vivo by anti-pCD antibodies. In addition, production of pCD can be inhibited by specifically designed ribozymes. This paper is focused on mitogenic effects of pCD, which seem to involve interaction of the activation peptide with as yet unidentified receptor. Different mechanisms by which pCD could promote development and spread of cancer cells are discussed.

Procathepsin D interacts with prosaposin in cancer cells but its internalization is not mediated by LDL receptor-related protein

The cell surface binding, endocytosis, and lysosomal routing of procathepsin D (procath-D) in cancer cells are mostly independent of the mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) receptors. In an attempt to define the receptor involved, we intracellularly cross-linked procath-D with a 68-kDa protein that we identified with specific antibodies as prosaposin in human breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. In cancer cells, this protein-protein interaction was resistant to ammonium chloride or M6P treatment, indicating that it was independent of the M6P receptors. A similar interaction also occurred in the breast cancer cell culture medium between the secreted prosaposin and procath-D. Since these two precursors can be endocytosed, we then determined whether they were interacting with the same cell surface receptor. In fibroblasts, we confirmed that the endocytosis of these two proteins was different since it was generally mediated by the M6P receptors for procath-D and mostly by LRP (LDL receptor-related protein) for prosaposin. In breast cancer cells, prosaposin endocytosis was not detected, in contrast to procath-D endocytosis, suggesting that the majority of procath-D is not internalized as a complex with prosaposin. Moreover, RAP (receptor-associated protein), a ligand inhibiting LRP-mediated endocytosis, prevented internalization of prosaposin in 49-F rat fibroblasts, but did not affect procath-D M6P-independent internalization in MDA-MB231 cells. We conclude that in breast cancer cells, even though procath-D interacts intracellularly and extracellarly with prosaposin, it is endocytosed independent of prosaposin by a receptor different from the M6P receptors and the LRP.

Lysosomal enzymes, cathepsins in brain tumour invasion

The expression patterns of different classes of peptidases in central nervous system (CNS) tumours have been most extensively studied in astrocytomas and meningiomas. Although the two types of tumours are very different in most respects, both may invade locally into normal brain. This process of invasion includes increased synthesis and secretion of lysosomal proteolytic enzymes - cathepsins. Aspartic endopeptidase cathepsin (Cat) D levels were found to be elevated in high-grade astrocytoma and partial inhibition of glioblastoma cell invasion by anti-Cat D antibody suggests that the enzyme activity is involved in the invasion process. Several studies on cysteine endopeptidase (CP) Cat B in gliomas agreed that transcript abundance, protein level and activity of Cat B increased in high-grade astrocytoma cultures compared with low-grade astrocytoma cultures and normal brain. Moreover, in glioma biopsies Cat B levels correlated with evidence of clinical invasion and it has been demonstrated that Cat B both in tumour cells and in endothelial cells can serve as a new biological marker for prognosis in glioblastoma patients. A high level of Cat B protein was also a diagnostic marker for invasive types of meningioma, distinguishing between histomorphologically benign, but invasive meningiomas and noninvasive, so-called clear-benign meningiomas. Cat L was also significantly increased in high-grade astrocytoma compared with low-grade astrocytoma and normal brain. Specific Cat L antibodies and antisense Cat L RNA transfection significantly lowered glioblastoma cell invasion. In meningioma, Cat L was a less-significant marker of invasion than Cat B. In contrast to cathepsins, the activities of endogenous cysteine peptidase inhibitors (CPIs), including stefins, cystatins and kininogens, were significantly higher in benign and atypical meningioma cell extracts than in malignant meningioma, and low-grade compared to high-grade astrocytoma. However, very low levels of stefins A and B were found in meningioma and glioblastoma tissues. Further studies on the expression levels and balance between cysteine endopeptidases (CPs) and CPIs would improve the clinical application of cathepsins in prognosis, which would lead to more-informed therapeutic strategies.

Cathepsin expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma: relationship with clinicopathologic factors

OBJECTIVE

Proteases are involved in the invasion and metastasis of carcinoma cells. In vivo, oral carcinoma cells easily invade the bone tissue and metastasize to the submandibular and neck lymph nodes. Cathepsin expression has been shown in some neoplastic tissues and serves as a prognostic indicator. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinicopathohistologic grades and cathepsin expressions in oral squamous cell carcinoma and to investigate which cathepsin provides prognostic information for patients with oral carcinoma.

STUDY DESIGN

Immunohistochemical studies were performed on 78 carcinoma samples with monoclonal antibodies against cathepsins B, H, and L, and a polyclonal antibody against cathepsin D. Serial sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin staining and classified by Anneroth's classification. Cathepsin B, H, L and D activities of blood serum were determined. Positive results indicative of the presence of cathepsin were investigated to determine any correlation between a particular cathepsin and histologic malignancy grades, tumor cell growth, serum cathepsin activities, and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Cathepsins B, H, L, and D were positive in every case. Although the labeling indices for cathepsins B (CB-LI), H (CH-LI), and D (CD-LI) for the cancer cases showed significant differences from those of controls, cathepsin L (CL-LI) of cancer cases showed no difference from that of controls (P <.05). A close correlation was found between CD-LI and T categories of TNM classification (P <.05), and between CD-LI and PCNA-LI (P <.05). Furthermore, a close correlation was found between CD-LI and N categories in TNM classification (P <.05). Pathologically, a close correlation was found between CB-LI or CD-LI and the pattern and/or stage of invasion (P <.05).

CONCLUSION

Cathepsin D and B expression were closely correlated with carcinoma invasion and progression. These proteases may be useful in determining the prognoses of patients with oral carcinoma.

Endosomal proteolysis of internalized insulin at the C-terminal region of the B chain by cathepsin D

The endosomal compartment of hepatic parenchymal cells contains an acidic endopeptidase, endosomal acidic insulinase, which hydrolyzes internalized insulin and generates the major primary end product A(1--21)-B(1--24) insulin resulting from a major cleavage at residues Phe(B24)-Phe(B25). This study addresses the nature of the relevant endopeptidase activity in rat liver that is responsible for most receptor-mediated insulin degradation in vivo. The endosomal activity was shown to be aspartic acid protease cathepsin D (CD), based on biochemical similarities to purified CD in 1) the rate and site of substrate cleavage, 2) pH optimum, 3) sensitivity to pepstatin A, and 4) binding to pepstatin A-agarose. The identity of the protease was immunologically confirmed by removal of greater than 90% of the insulin-degrading activity associated with an endosomal lysate using polyclonal antibodies to CD. Moreover, the elution profile of the endosomal acidic insulinase activity on a gel-filtration TSK-GEL G3000 SW(XL) high performance liquid chromatography column corresponded exactly with the elution profile of the immunoreactive 45-kDa mature form of endosomal CD. Using nondenaturating immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting procedures, other endosomal aspartic acid proteases such as cathepsin E and beta-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme (BACE) were ruled out as candidate enzymes for the endosomal degradation of internalized insulin. Immunofluorescence studies showed a largely vesicular staining pattern for internalized insulin in rat hepatocytes that colocalized partially with CD. In vivo pepstatin A treatment was without any observable effect on the insulin receptor content of endosomes but augmented the phosphotyrosine content of the endosomal insulin receptor after insulin injection. These results suggest that CD is the endosomal acidic insulinase activity which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of the in vivo cleavage at the Phe(B24)-Phe(B25) bond, generating the inactive A(1--21)-B(1--24) insulin intermediate.

Epitope recognition by anti-cathepsin D autoantibodies in endometrial cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed a model for the identification of specific epitopes recognized by autologous tumor-reactive humoral responses of endometrial cancer patients as potential markers for the monitoring of cancer.

METHODS

The presence of circulating pro- and mature forms of cathepsin D and antibodies reactive with this enzyme were identified by Western immunoblot and quantitated by an enzyme immunoassay. Specific immunoreactivities with 34- and 52-kDa cathepsin D forms were analyzed by Western immunoblot using sera from endometrial cancer patients (n = 40) and normal volunteers (n = 15). Subsequently, reactivities with specific cathepsin D epitopes were defined by a peptide-specific ELISA.

RESULTS

Circulating pro-forms of cathepsin D were detected in 31 of 40 endometrial cancer patients tested and none of the control volunteers. Circulating IgG reactive with cathepsin D could be demonstrated in 29/31 patients with circulating procathepsin D, while an anti-cathepsin D response was not detectable in normal controls. This response appeared to be directed against the pro-peptide portion of cathepsin D. Using a peptide-specific ELISA, the frequencies of antibody production against specific epitopes within the pro-peptide were defined.

CONCLUSION

There is a demonstrable tumor-reactive immune response elicited in endometrial cancer patients, directed against specific antigenic epitopes, some of which are conserved among these patients. Since these proteins are recognized as non-self, due at least in part to posttranslational processing errors, defining these epitopes will be useful as a means of diagnosis, assessment of therapeutic success, and, ultimately, identification of immunotherapeutic targets.

The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein homolog MLN64, a late endosomal cholesterol-binding protein

MLN64 is a transmembrane protein that shares homology with the cholesterol binding domain (START domain) of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein is located in the inner membrane of mitochondria, where it facilitates cholesterol import into the mitochondria. Crystallographic analysis showed that the START domain of MLN64 is a cholesterol-binding domain. The present work was undertaken to determine which step of the intracellular cholesterol pathway MLN64 participates in. Using immunocytofluorescence, MLN64 colocalizes with LBPA, a lipid found specifically in late endosomes. Electron microscopy indicates that MLN64 is restricted to the limiting membrane of late endosomes. Microinjection or endocytosis of specific antibodies shows that the START domain of MLN64 is cytoplasmic. Deletion and mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that the amino-terminal part of MLN64 is responsible for its addressing. Although this domain does not contain conventional dileucine- or tyrosine-based targeting signals, we show that a dileucine motif (Leu(66)-Leu(67)) and a tyrosine residue (Tyr(89)) are critical for the targeting or the proper folding of the molecule. Finally, MLN64 colocalizes with cholesterol and Niemann Pick C1 protein in late endosomes. However, complementation assays show that MLN64 is not involved in the Niemann Pick C2 disease which, results in cholesterol lysosomal accumulation. Together, our results show that MLN64 plays a role at the surface of the late endosomes, where it might shuttle cholesterol from the limiting membrane to cytoplasmic acceptor(s).

Substrate specificity of human cathepsin D using internally quenched fluorescent peptides derived from reactive site loop of kallistatin

Kallistatin, a serpin that specifically inhibits human tissue kallikrein, was demonstrated to be cleaved at the Phe-Phe bond in its reactive site loop (RSL) by cathepsin D. Internally quenched fluorescent peptides containing the amino acid sequence of kallistatin RSL were highly susceptible to hydrolysis by cathepsin D. Surprisingly, these peptides were efficiently hydrolyzed at Phe-Phe bond, despite having Lys and Ser at P2 and P2' positions, respectively, which was reported to be very unfavorable for substrates for cathepsin D. Due to the importance of cathepsin D in several physiological and pathological processes, we took the peptide containing kallistatin RSL sequence, Abz-Ala-Ile-Lys-Phe-Phe-Ser-Arg-Gln-EDDnp, as a reference substrate for a systematic specificity study of S3 to S3' protease subsites (EDDnp=N-[2,4-dinitrophenyl]-ethylenediamine and Abz=ortho-amino benzoic acid). We present in this paper some internally quenched fluorescent peptides that were efficient substrates for cathepsin D. They essentially differ from other previously described substrates by their higher kcat/Km values due, mainly, to low Km values, such as the substrate Abz-Ala-Ile-Ala-Phe-Phe-Ser-Arg-Gln-EDDnp (Km=0.27 microM, kcat=16.25 s(-1), kcat/Km=60185 microM(-1) x s(-1)).

Alpha1-antichymotrypsin and kallistatin hydrolysis by human cathepsin D

In the present paper, we demonstrate that alpha1-antichymotrypsin, a serpin with high inhibitory specificity toward cathepsin G, and kallistatin, a human serpin with high specificity toward tissue kallikrein, are digested by cathepsin D. Alpha1-Antichymotrypsin was hydrolyzed essentially in the reactive center loop at L-S, A-L, or L-V bonds; kallistatin was split into small fragments, but we detected the cleavage at F-F and F-S bonds in its reactive center loop in the first 15 min of digestion. In contrast to alpha1-antichymotrypsin, kallistatin is irreversibly inactivated at pH 4.0. Synthetic internally quenched fluorescent peptides containing sequences similar to the reactive center loops of these serpins were hydrolyzed by cathepsin D. The peptides derived from kallistatin were hydrolyzed more efficiently, and particularly relevant was the high susceptibility of the substrates Abz-AIKFFSAQTNRHILRFNRQ-EDDnp (Km = 0.08 microM, kcat = 2.4 s(-1)) and Abz-AIKFFSAQTNRQ-EDDnp (Km = 0.8 microM, kcat = 17.8 s(-1)), which were hydrolyzed at the F-F bond. Therefore, besides the description of a new class of very efficient internally quenched substrates for cathepsin D, we give evidence for the downregulation role of this proteinase on alpha1-antichymotrypsin and kallistatin. The acidification of extracellular milieu by tumor cells can result in activation of cathepsin D; as a consequence, kinins can be released, improving blood supply and leaving more cathepsin G available for the degradation of extracellular matrix.