Bone cell matrix promotes the adhesion of human prostatic carcinoma cells via the alpha 2 beta 1 integrin

Prostate Cancer Tumor Stroma: Responsibility in Tumor Biology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Simple Summary

The crosstalk between prostate stroma and its epithelium is essential to tissue homeostasis. Likewise, reciprocal signaling between tumor cells and the stromal compartment is required in tumor progression to facilitate or stimulate key processes such as cell proliferation and invasion. The aim of the present work was to review the current state of knowledge on the significance of tumor stroma in the genesis, progression and therapeutic response of prostate carcinoma. Additionally, we addressed the future therapeutic opportunities.

Abstract

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common cancer among males globally, and its occurrence is growing worldwide. Clinical decisions about the combination of therapies are becoming highly relevant. However, this is a heterogeneous disease, ranging widely in prognosis. Therefore, new approaches are needed based on tumor biology, from which further prognostic assessments can be established and complementary strategies can be identified. The knowledge of both the morphological structure and functional biology of the PCa stroma compartment can provide new diagnostic, prognostic or therapeutic possibilities. In the present review, we analyzed the aspects related to the tumor stromal component (both acellular and cellular) in PCa, their influence on tumor behavior and the therapeutic response and their consideration as a new therapeutic target.

The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Prostate Cancer Tumorigenesis

Tumors strongly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME) for growth and progression, since stromal elements are required to generate the optimal conditions for cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and possibly metastasis. Prostate cancer (PCa), though easily curable during primary stages, represents a clinical challenge in advanced stages because of the acquisition of resistance to anti-cancer treatments, especially androgen-deprivation therapies (ADT), which possibly lead to uncurable metastases such as those affecting the bone. An increasing number of studies is giving evidence that prostate TME components, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are the most abundant cell type, play a causal role in PCa since the very early disease stages, influencing therapy resistance and metastatic progression. This is highlighted by the prognostic value of the analysis of stromal markers, which may predict disease recurrence and metastasis. However, further investigations on the molecular mechanisms of tumor-stroma interactions are still needed to develop novel therapeutic approaches targeting stromal components. In this review, we report the current knowledge of the characteristics and functions of the stroma in prostate tumorigenesis, including relevant discussion of normal prostate homeostasis, chronic inflammatory conditions, pre-neoplastic lesions, and primary and metastatic tumors. Specifically, we focus on the role of CAFs, to point out their prognostic and therapeutic potential in PCa.

Integrin α2β1 decelerates proliferation, but promotes survival and invasion of prostate cancer cells

High expression level of integrin α2β1 is a hallmark of prostate cancer stem cell like cells. The role of this collagen receptor is controversial since it is down regulated in poorly differentiated carcinomas, but concomitantly proposed to promote metastasis. Here, we show that docetaxel resistant DU145 prostate cancer cells express high levels of α2β1 and that α2β1^High subpopulation of DU145 cells proliferates slower than the cells representing α2β1^Low subpopulation. To further study this initial observation we used Crispr/Cas9 technology to create an α2β1 negative DU145 cell line. Furthermore, we performed rescue experiment by transfecting α2 knockout cells with vector carrying α2 cDNA or with an empty vector for appropriate control. When these two cell lines were compared, α2β1 positive cells proliferated slower, were more resistant to docetaxel and also migrated more effectively on collagen and invaded faster through matrigel or collagen. Integrin α2β1 was demonstrated to be a positive regulator of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and a selective p38 inhibitor (SB203580) promoted proliferation and inhibited invasion. Effects of α2β1 integrin on the global gene expression pattern of DU145 cells in spheroid cultures were studied by RNA sequencing. Integrin α2β1 was shown to regulate several cancer progression related genes, most notably matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), a recognized invasion promoting protein. To conclude, the fact that α2β1 decelerates cell proliferation may explain the dominance of α2β1 negative/low cells in primary sites of poorly differentiated carcinomas, while the critical role of α2β1 integrin in invasion stresses the importance of this adhesion receptor in cancer dissemination.

A 3D matrix platform for the rapid generation of therapeutic anti-human carcinoma monoclonal antibodies

Efforts to develop unbiased screens for identifying novel function-blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in human carcinomatous states have been hampered by the limited ability to design in vitro models that recapitulate tumor cell behavior in vivo. Given that only invasive carcinoma cells gain permanent access to type I collagen-rich interstitial tissues, an experimental platform was established in which human breast cancer cells were embedded in 3D aldimine cross-linked collagen matrices and used as an immunogen to generate mAb libraries. In turn, cancer-cell-reactive antibodies were screened for their ability to block carcinoma cell proliferation within collagen hydrogels that mimic the in vivo environment. As a proof of principle, a single function-blocking mAb out of 15 identified was selected for further analysis and found to be capable of halting carcinoma cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and exerting global changes in gene expression in vitro. The ability of this mAb to block carcinoma cell proliferation and metastatic activity was confirmed in vivo, and the target antigen was identified by mass spectroscopy as the α2 subunit of the α2β1 integrin, one of the major type I collagen-binding receptors in mammalian cells. Validating the ability of the in vitro model to predict patterns of antigen expression in the disease setting, immunohistochemical analyses of tissues from patients with breast cancer verified markedly increased expression of the α2 subunit in vivo. These results not only highlight the utility of this discovery platform for rapidly selecting and characterizing function-blocking, anticancer mAbs in an unbiased fashion, but also identify α2β1 as a potential target in human carcinomatous states.

Paracrine interactions between LNCaP prostate cancer cells and bioengineered bone in 3D in vitro culture reflect molecular changes during bone metastasis

As microenvironmental factors such as three-dimensionality and cell-matrix interactions are increasingly being acknowledged by cancer biologists, more complex 3D in vitro models are being developed to study tumorigenesis and cancer progression. To better understand the pathophysiology of bone metastasis, we have established and validated a 3D indirect co-culture model to investigate the paracrine interactions between prostate cancer (PCa) cells and human osteoblasts. Co-culture of the human PCa, LNCaP cells embedded within polyethylene glycol hydrogels with human osteoblasts in the form of a tissue engineered bone construct (TEB), resulted in reduced proliferation of LNCaP cells. LNCaP cells in both monoculture and co-culture were responsive to the androgen analog, R1881, as indicated by an increase in the expression (mRNA and/or protein induction) of androgen-regulated genes including prostate specific antigen and fatty acid synthase. Microarray gene expression analysis further revealed an up-regulation of bone markers and other genes associated with skeletal and vasculature development and a significant activation of transforming growth factor β1 downstream genes in LNCaP cells after co-culture with TEB. LNCaP cells co-cultured with TEB also unexpectedly showed similar changes in classical androgen-responsive genes under androgen-deprived conditions not seen in LNCaP monocultures. The molecular changes of LNCaP cells after co-culturing with TEBs suggest that osteoblasts exert a paracrine effect that may promote osteomimicry and modulate the expression of androgen-responsive genes in LNCaP cells. Taken together, we have presented a novel 3D in vitro model that allows the study of cellular and molecular changes occurring in PCa cells and osteoblasts that are relevant to metastatic colonization of bone. This unique in vitro model could also facilitate cancer biologists to dissect specific biological hypotheses via extensive genomic or proteomic assessments to further our understanding of the PCa-bone crosstalk.

Delineating breast cancer cell interactions with engineered bone microenvironments

The mechanisms leading to colonization of metastatic breast cancer cells (BCa) in the skeleton are still not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that mineralized extracellular matrices secreted by primary human osteoblasts (hOBM) modulate cellular processes associated with BCa colonization of bone. A panel of four BCa cell lines of different bone-metastatic potential (T47D, SUM1315, MDA-MB-231, and the bone-seeking subline MDA-MB-231BO) was cultured on hOBM. After 3 days, the metastatic BCa cells had undergone morphological changes on hOBM and were aligned along the hOBM's collagen type I fibrils that were decorated with bone-specific proteins. In contrast, nonmetastatic BCa cells showed a random orientation on hOBM. Atomic force microscopy-based single-cell force spectroscopy revealed that the metastatic cell lines adhered more strongly to hOBM compared with nonmetastatic cells. Function-blocking experiments indicated that β1 -integrins mediated cell adhesion to hOBM. In addition, metastatic BCa cells migrated directionally and invaded hOBM, which was accompanied by enhanced MMP-2 and -9 secretion. Furthermore, we observed gene expression changes associated with osteomimickry in BCa cultured on hOBM. As such, osteopontin mRNA levels were significantly increased in SUM1315 and MDA-MB-231BO cells in a β1 -integrin-dependent manner after growing for 3 days on hOBM compared with tissue culture plastic. In conclusion, our results show that extracellular matrices derived from human osteoblasts represent a powerful experimental platform to dissect mechanisms underlying critical steps in the development of bone metastases.

Targeting constitutively activated β1 integrins inhibits prostate cancer metastasis

Disseminated prostate cancer cells must survive in circulation for metastasis to occur. Mechanisms by which these cells survive are not well understood. By immunohistochemistry of human tissues, we found that levels of β1 integrins and integrin-induced autophosphorylation of FAK (pFAK-Y397) are increased in prostate cancer cells in primary prostate cancer and lymph node metastases, suggesting that β1 integrin activation occurs in metastatic progression of prostate cancer. A conformation-sensitive antibody, 9EG7, was used to examine β1 integrin activation. We found that β1 integrins are constitutively activated in highly metastatic PC3 and PC3-mm2 cells, with less activation in low metastatic LNCaP and C4-2B4 cells. Increased β1 integrin activation as well as the anoikis resistance in prostate cancer cells correlated with metastatic potential in vivo. Knockdown of β1 integrin abrogated anoikis resistance in PC3-mm2 cells. In agreement with β1 integrin activation, PC3-mm2 cells strongly adhered to type I collagen and fibronectin, a process inhibited by the β1 integrin-neutralizing antibody mAb 33B6. mAb 33B6 also inhibited the phosphorylation of β1 integrin downstream effectors, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and AKT, leading to a 3-fold increase in PC3-mm2 apoptosis. Systemic delivery of mAb 33B6 suppressed spontaneous metastasis of PC3-mm2 from the prostate to distant lymph nodes following intraprostatic injection and suppressed metastasis of PC3-mm2 to multiple organs following intracardiac injection. Thus, constitutively activated β1 integrins play a role in survival of PC3-mm2 cells in circulation and represent a potential target for metastasis prevention.

Integrin alpha2beta 1 (α2β1) promotes prostate cancer skeletal metastasis

Men who die of prostate cancer (PCa) do so because of systemic metastases, the most frequent of which are within the skeleton. Recent data suggest that the colonization of the skeleton is mediated in part by collagen type I, the most abundant protein within the bone. We have shown that enhanced collagen I binding through increased expression of integrin α2β1 stimulated in vitro invasion and promoted the growth of PCa cells within the bone. Accordingly, we sought to determine whether α2β1 integrin is a potential mediator of skeletal metastasis. To examine whether α2β1 integrin mediates PCa metastasis, α2 integrin was over-expressed in low-tumorigenic LNCaP PCa cells or selectively knocked-down in highly metastatic LNCaPcol PCa cells. We document that the over-expression of α2 cDNA stimulated whereas α2 shRNA inhibited the ability of transduced cells to bind to or migrate towards collagen in vitro. Correspondingly, α2 integrin knock-down reduced the tumor burden of intra-osseous tumors compared to control-transduced cells. To investigate the clinical significance of α2β1 expression in PCa, α2β1 protein was measured in prostatic tissues and in soft tissue and bone metastases. The data demonstrate that α2β1 protein was elevated in PCa skeletal metastases compared to either PCa primary lesions or soft tissue metastases suggesting that α2β1 contributes to the selective metastasis to the bone. Taken together, these data support that α2β1 integrin is needed for the efficient metastasis of PCa cells to the skeleton.

Emerging putative biomarkers: the role of alpha 2 and 6 integrins in susceptibility, treatment, and prognosis

The genetic architecture underpinning prostate cancer is complex, polygenic and despite recent significant advances many questions remain. Advances in genetic technologies have greatly improved our ability to identify genetic variants associated with complex disease including prostate cancer. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) and microarray gene expression studies have identified genetic associations with prostate cancer susceptibility and tumour development. The integrins feature prominently in both studies examining the underlying genetic susceptibility and mechanisms driving prostate tumour development. Integrins are cell adhesion molecules involved in extracellular and intracellular signalling and are imperative for tumour development, migration, and angiogenesis. Although several integrins have been implicated in tumour development, the roles of integrin α(2) and integrin α(6) are the focus of this paper as evidence is now emerging that these integrins are implicit in prostate cancer susceptibility, cancer stem cell biology, angiogenesis, cell migration, and metastases to bone and represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. There currently exists an urgent need to develop tools that differentiate indolent from aggressive prostate cancers and predict how patients will respond to treatment. This paper outlines the evidence supporting the use of α(2) and α(6) integrins in clinical applications for tailored patient treatment.

Design, synthesis and validation of integrin α2β1-targeted probe for microPET imaging of prostate cancer

PURPOSE

The ability of PET to aid in the diagnosis and management of recurrent and/or disseminated metastatic prostate cancer may be enhanced by the development of novel prognostic imaging probes. Accumulating experimental evidence indicates that overexpression of integrin α(2)β(1) may correlate with progression in human prostate cancer. In this study, (64)Cu-labeled integrin α(2)β(1)-targeted PET probes were designed and evaluated for the imaging of prostate cancer.

METHODS

DGEA peptides conjugated with a bifunctional chelator (BFC) were developed to image integrin α(2)β(1) expression with PET in a subcutaneous PC-3 xenograft model. The microPET images were reconstructed by a two-dimensional ordered subsets expectation maximum algorithm. The average radioactivity accumulation within a tumor or an organ was quantified from the multiple region of interest volumes.

RESULTS

The PET tracer demonstrated prominent tumor uptake in the PC-3 xenograft (integrin α(2)β(1)-positive). The receptor specificity was confirmed in a blocking experiment. Moreover, the low tracer uptake in a CWR-22 tumor model (negative control) further confirmed the receptor specificity.

CONCLUSION

The sarcophagine-conjugated DGEA peptide allows noninvasive imaging of tumor-associated α(2)β(1) expression, which may be a useful PET probe for evaluating the metastatic potential of prostate cancer.

Bone-invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma in cats: pathology and expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein

Feline oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral tumor in cats. There is no effective treatment, and the average duration of survival after diagnosis is only 2 months. Feline OSCC is frequently associated with osteolysis; however, the mechanisms responsible are unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and pathology of bone-invasive OSCC in cats and to determine the expression of select bone resorption agonists. In sum, 451 cases of feline OSCC were evaluated. There was no sex or breed predisposition, although there were more intact cats in the OSCC group compared to the control group. Gingiva was the most common site, followed by the sublingual region and tongue. Cats with lingual OSCC were younger (mean, 11.9 years) compared to cats with gingival OSCC (mean, 13.6 years). In addition to osteolysis, there was periosteal new bone formation, osseous metaplasia of tumor stroma, and direct apposition of OSCC to fragments of bone, suggestive of bone-binding behavior. Eighty-two cases were selected for immunohistochemical detection of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP). Specimens with osteolysis had increased PTHrP expression and nuclear localization, compared to OSCC without osteolysis. Thirty-eight biopsies of OSCC with osteolysis were evaluated for tumor necrosis factor α expression, and only 4 biopsies had such expression in a small proportion of tumor cells. Increased tumor expression of PTHrP and increased localization of PTHrP to the nucleus were associated with osteolysis and may play an important role in bone resorption and tumor invasion in cats with OSCC.

Computed microtomography of bone specimens for rapid analysis of bone changes associated with malignancy

Breast and prostate cancers are specially metastasizing to bone. Metastases from breast cancer usually exhibit a mixed osteolytic/osteosclerotic aspect, with osteolysis predominating. Osteosclerosis is a common finding in prostatic cancer although osteolysis occurs within the sclerotic lesions. B-cell malignancies (lymphoma, myeloma) are also associated with marked osteolysis. Histopathological examination of bone biopsies was used for the diagnosis of malignancies and, prior to embedding, microcomputed tomography (microCT) was done on the bone specimens. Patients (247) who presented either a bone metastasis, an overt myeloma, a lymphoma or a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance were studied. All patients had a bone biopsy studied by 2D histomorphometry for the histopathology. During the fixation time, the bone cores were analyzed by microCT. On the 3D reconstructed models provided by microCT, signs of osteolysis/osteosclerosis were searched: excess of bone resorption, focal disorganization of microarchitecture, bone metaplasia, osteosclerosis. A strong agreement was obtained between histomorphometry and microCT results using Cohen's kappa test (kappa = 0.713). MicroCT identified excess bone resorption on trabecular surfaces when eroded surfaces were >10.5% by histomorphometry. MicroCT failed to identify some patients with smoldering myeloma or some lymphomas with microresorption. MicroCT data are obtained within 4 hr and suggest the malignant invasion of bone marrow when excess of bone resorption/formation is obtained. MicroCT can be used in the immediate postbiopsy period making possible a fast identification of malignancy. However these signs are not specific and must be confirmed by histopathological analysis.

Type I collagen receptor (alpha 2 beta 1) signaling promotes the growth of human prostate cancer cells within the bone

The most frequent site of prostate cancer metastasis is the bone. Adhesion to bone-specific factors may facilitate the selective metastasis of prostate cancer to the skeleton. Therefore, we tested whether prostate cancer bone metastasis is mediated by binding to type I collagen, the most abundant bone protein. We observed that only bone metastatic prostate cancer cells bound collagen I, whereas cells that form only visceral metastases failed to bind collagen. To confirm the relationship between collagen adhesion and bone metastatic potential, a collagen-binding variant of human LNCaP prostate cancer cells was derived through serial passage on type I collagen (LNCaP(col)). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed that LNCaP(col) cells express increased levels of the integrin collagen I receptor alpha(2)beta(1) compared with LNCaP cells. Antibodies to the alpha(2)beta(1) complex inhibited LNCaP(col) binding to collagen, confirming that integrins mediated the attachment. Correspondingly, LNCaP(col) cells displayed enhanced chemotactic migration toward collagen I compared with LNCaP cells, an activity that could be blocked with alpha(2)beta(1) antibodies. To directly test the role of alpha(2)beta(1)-dependent collagen binding in bone metastasis, LNCaP and LNCaP(col) cells were injected into the tibia of nude mice. After 9 weeks, 7 of 13 (53%) mice injected with LNCaP(col) developed bone tumors, whereas 0 of 8 mice injected with LNCaP cells had evidence of boney lesions. LNCaP(col) cells were found to express increased levels of the metastasis-promoting RhoC GTPase compared with parental LNCaP. We conclude that collagen I attachment mediated by alpha(2)beta(1) initiates motility programs through RhoC and suggest a mechanism for prostate cancer metastasis to the bone.

Regulation of prostate cell collagen receptors by malignant transformation

Cell adhesion receptors, including the integrin-type collagen receptors (alpha1beta1, alpha2beta1, alpha10beta1 and alpha11beta1) participate in cancer progression and invasion. Quantitative RT-PCR indicated that all 4 receptors are abundantly expressed in sarcoma-derived cell lines, whereas most carcinoma-derived cells express alpha1beta1 and alpha2beta1 only. This was surprising because alpha11beta1 has been connected previously to the progression of lung adenocarcinomas. To test the hypothesis that alpha11 expression may not persist in cultured cancer cells we analyzed fresh tissue samples of 104 total prostatectomies, keeping in mind that prostate cancer cell lines showed negligible alpha11 mRNA levels. In prostate alpha2 expression was significantly lower in poorly differentiated carcinomas when compared to benign lesions (p = 0.0331). In immunohistochemistry the protein levels of alpha2 integrin decreased significantly (p = 0.0001) and the protein levels of alpha11 subunit increased significantly (p = 0.029) with the increasing grade of carcinoma. Thus alpha11beta1 may replace alpha2beta1 during tumor progression. Our observations support the idea that alpha11beta1 may be expressed in tumors but the corresponding cell lines may lose the expression of this integrin. Previous studies have shown that in cell culture androgen receptor (AR) controls alpha2beta1 expression. We measured AR mRNA levels and the number of AR positive nuclei in the prostate samples and the results showed a significant correlation between alpha2beta1 and AR. Androgen receptors may control the mechanisms regulating integrin expression in prostate.

The androgen receptor and prostate cancer invasion

Recent evidence indicates that androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cells are characterized by a less pronounced malignant phenotype. We demonstrate that transfection with an androgen receptor (AR) expression vector of the androgen-independent (AI) prostate cancer cell line PC3 decreases invasion and adhesion of these cells through modulation of alpha6beta4 integrin expression. Treatment of PC3-AR cells with the synthetic androgen R1881 further reduced invasion without modifying alpha6beta4 expression on the cell surface, suggesting interference with the invasion process in response to EGF by an alternative mechanism. We investigated EGF-induced auto-transphosphorylation of EGFR in both cell lines. We found that EGFR auto-transphosphorylation was reduced in PC3-AR cells and was further decreased by administration of androgens. Since auto-transphosphorylation regulates many different functions of EGFR, including docking of kinases, ubiquitination and internalization, we next investigated all these processes in PC3-AR cells. EGF-stimulated PI3K activity, a key signalling pathway for invasion of these cells, was decreased in PC3-AR cells and further reduced by treatment with R1881. Interestingly, EGFR-PI3K interaction was also disrupted in these cells. Furthermore, EGFR ubiquitination and internalization were found to be reduced in PC3-AR cells both in basal conditions and following treatment with androgens. According to recent findings, an endocytotic pathway may be important for EGFR signalling by controlling the specificity of the response. By using immunoconfocal fluorescent microscopy, we demonstrated that AR in PC3 cells is mainly located in cytoplasm and transmigrates in part to the nucleus following stimulation with androgens. Interestingly, immunoconfocal and immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated also the occurrence of co-localization and interaction of AR with EGFR in PC3-AR cells and in another androgen-dependent PC cell line, LNCaP. We hypothesize a mechanism by which, through direct interaction with EGFR, the AR elicits a reduction of EGF-mediated signalling and confers a less malignant phenotype.

Bone microenvironment modulates expression and activity of cathepsin B in prostate cancer

Prostate cancers metastasize to bone leading to osteolysis. Here we assessed proteolysis of DQ-collagen I (a bone matrix protein) and, for comparison, DQ-collagen IV, by living human prostate carcinoma cells in vitro. Both collagens were degraded, and this degradation was reduced by inhibitors of matrix metallo, serine, and cysteine proteases. Because secretion of the cysteine protease cathepsin B is increased in human breast fibroblasts grown on collagen I gels, we analyzed cathepsin B levels and secretion in prostate cells grown on collagen I gels. Levels and secretion were increased only in DU145 cells--cells that expressed the highest baseline levels of cathepsin B. Secretion of cathepsin B was also elevated in DU145 cells grown in vitro on human bone fragments. We further investigated the effect of the bone microenvironment on cathepsin B expression and activity in vivo in a SCID-human model of prostate bone metastasis. High levels of cathepsin B protein and activity were found in DU145, PC3, and LNCaP bone tumors, although the PC3 and LNCaP cells had exhibited low cathepsin B expression in vitro. Our results suggest that tumor-stromal interactions in the context of the bone microenvironment can modulate the expression of the cysteine protease cathepsin B.

Down-regulation of BRCA2 expression by collagen type I promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation

BRCA2 is a tumor suppressor gene that when mutated confers an increased susceptibility to developing breast and prostate carcinoma. Besides its role in mediating DNA repair, new evidence suggests that BRCA2 may also play a role in suppressing cancer cell growth. Because altered interactions between neoplastic cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) play a pivotal role in unchecked cancer cell proliferation and metastatic progression, we hypothesized that the ECM may have an effect in BRCA2 expression. By using normal and prostate carcinoma cell lines, we demonstrated that although normal cells transiently increase BRCA2 protein levels when adhering to the ECM protein collagen type I (COL1), carcinoma cells exhibit a significant reduction in BRCA2 protein. This aberrant effect is independent from de novo protein synthesis and results from COL1-beta(1) integrin signaling through phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase leading to BRCA2 ubiquitination and degradation in the proteasome. BRCA2 protein depletion after cancer cell adhesion to COL1 or in small RNA interference assays triggers new DNA synthesis, a trophic effect that is abrogated by recombinant BRCA2 expression. Blocking or inhibiting beta(1) integrin, PI 3-kinase, or proteasome activity all have a negative effect on COL1-mediated DNA synthesis in cancer cells. In normal cells, the transient increase in BRCA2 expression is independent from beta(1) integrin or PI 3-kinase and has no effect in cell proliferation. In summary, these results unravel a novel mechanism whereby prostate carcinoma cell proliferation is enhanced by the down-regulation of BRCA2 expression when interacting with COL1, a major component of the ECM at osseous metastatic sites.

Changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-associated proteins in the metastatic progression of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is no exception to the multi-step process of metastasis. As PCa progresses, changes occur within the microenvironments of both the malignant cells and their targeted site of metastasis, enabling the necessary responses that result in successful translocation. The majority of patients with progressing prostate cancers develop skeletal metastases. Despite advancing efforts in early detection and management, there remains no effective, long-term cure for metastatic PCa. Therefore, the elucidation of the mechanism of PCa metastasis and preferential establishment of lesions in bone is an intensive area of investigation that promises to generate new targets for therapeutic intervention. This review will survey what is currently know concerning PCa interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the roles of factors within the tumor and ECM microenvironments that contribute to metastasis. These will be discussed within the context of changes in expression and functional heterodimerization patterns of integrins, changes in ECM expression and reorganization by proteases facilitating invasion. In this context we also provide a brief summary of how growth factors (GFs), cytokines and regulatory signaling pathways favor PCa metastasis to bone.

Preferential production of latent transforming growth factor ?-2 by primary prostatic epithelial cells and its activation by prostate-specific antigen

Three mammalian isoforms of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) are known, TGFbeta1, 2, and 3, that have non-overlapping functions during development. However, their specific roles in cancers such as prostate cancer are less clear. Here we show that primary cultures of prostatic epithelial cells preferentially produce and activate the latent TGFbeta2 isoform. Paired cultures of normal and malignant prostate cells from prostate cancer patients produced predominantly the TGFbeta2 isoform, with 30- to 70-fold less TGFbeta1. By mono-Q ion exchange chromatography, three major peaks of latent TGFbeta2 activity were observed corresponding to the known small latent TGFbeta2 complex, the known large latent TGFbeta2 complex and a novel eluting peak of latent TGFbeta2. Although prostate cells are known to activate latent TGFbeta, the mechanism for activation is currently unclear. We investigated whether prostate specific antigen (PSA), a serine protease used as a clinical marker for prostate cancer, could play a role in the activation of latent TGFbeta. Unlike plasmin, a known activator of both latent TGFbeta1 and 2, PSA specifically activated the recombinant small latent form of TGFbeta2, but not TGFbeta1. Prostate epithelial cells, therefore, preferentially produce the TGFbeta2 isoform and PSA, a protease produced by the prostate, specifically targets the activation of this TGFbeta isoform. PSA-mediated activation of latent TGFbeta2 may be an important mechanism for autocrine TGFbeta regulation in the prostate and may potentially contribute to the formation of osteoblastic lesions in bone metastatic prostate cancer.

Type I collagen-mediated changes in gene expression and function of prostate cancer cells

In this study, cDNA microarrays were used to characterize gene expression changes elicited in prostate cancer cells by plating them on type I collagen. The results clearly reveal changes in the expression of genes associated with cellular signaling, cellular metabolism, gene transcription and gene translation which are indicative of cells that are actively proliferating. Together these results suggest that these changes in the gene expression profiles mediated by type I collagen may influence the proliferative capacity of prostate cancer cells in the bone microenvironment and facilitate development of prostate cancer bone metastases. Additionally, the microarray approach provides an invaluable tool to determine and track changes in gene expression in numerous disease states including prostate cancer. This technology is certain to facilitate discovery of new therapeutic gene targets.

Dynamic process of prostate cancer metastasis to bone

Prostate cancer metastasis to the bone occurs at high frequency in patients with advanced disease, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Over a century ago, the "seed and soil" theory was proposed to explain organ-specific patterns of metastases. Today, this theory continues to be relevant as we continue to discover factors involved in the attraction and subsequent growth of prostate cancer cells to the bone. These include the accumulation of genetic changes within cancer cells, the preferential binding of cancer cells to bone marrow endothelial cells, and the release of cancer cell chemoattractants from bone elements. A key mediator throughout this metastatic process is the integrin family of proteins. Alterations in integrin expression and function promote dissociation of cancer cells from the primary tumor mass and migration into the blood stream. Once in circulation, integrins facilitate cancer cell survival through interactions between other cancer cells, platelets, and endothelial cells of the target bone. Furthermore, dynamic changes in integrins and in integrin-associated signal transduction aid in the extravasation of cancer cells into the bone and in expansion to a clinically relevant metastasis. Thus, we will review the critical roles of integrins in the process of prostate cancer bone metastasis, from the escape of cancer cells from the primary tumor, to their survival in the harsh "third microenvironment" of the circulation, and ultimately to their attachment and growth at distant bone sites.

Pathophysiology of bone metastases from prostate cancer and the role of bisphosphonates in treatment

Metastasis to bone is a common feature in advanced prostate cancer patients. Current treatments, while effective in suppressing tumour growth and relieving tumour associated bone pain, do not provide long term remission or 'cure' for the disease. A greater understanding of prostate cancer metastasis is required if new treatment strategies are to be developed. Growth of tumour foci in skeletal sites is a major cause of morbidity in advanced prostate cancer and has required the development of specialised approaches to treatment, including the use of bisphosphonates. These drugs inhibit tumour induced osteoclastic bone resorption, thereby preventing skeletal related events and treatment induced bone loss. Zoledronic acid is currently the only bisphosphonate with proven benefit in prostate cancer. Bisphosphonates may also modify the bone microenvironment so that it becomes less favourable for the growth and survival of metastases. The most recent developments in our understanding of the advantages for growth and survival gained by metastatic prostate cancer cells in the skeleton are reviewed, along with the clinical evidence supporting the use of bisphosphonates in advanced prostate cancer.

Androgen modulation of adhesion and antiadhesion molecules in PC-3 prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptor

The metastatic spread of cancer cells involves a complex process of detachment via antiadhesion molecules and attachment and migration through adhesion. In the prostate, androgens are generally thought to contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer by promoting cell proliferation and survival through poorly defined mechanisms. We have reported previously that PC-3 prostate cancer cells, which are unresponsive to androgens, show androgen-dependent detachment and ultimately apoptosis when stably transfected with a full-length human androgen receptor (AR) cDNA. We now demonstrate that treatment of these cells with 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) for 24 or 48 h increased the expression of antiadhesion mucin MUC-1 at the cell surface as detected by flow cytometry with two independent antibodies. This increase in protein was concordant with up-regulation of MUC-1 mRNA in the AR-transfected PC-3 sublines, as determined by quantitative RT-PCR. Treatment with DHT for 48 h also down-regulated the cell surface expression of alpha2beta1-integrin but having little effect on the levels of alpha3beta1- and alpha5beta1-integrins. Androgen also decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, the adhesion of AR-transfected PC-3 cells to collagen type I, which was shown to be specifically inhibited by blocking antibody to alpha2beta1-integrin. The present data demonstrate that DHT can modulate expression of adhesion and antiadhesion molecules and suggest that this effect of androgen might contribute to prostate cancer progression.

Initial interaction of U2OS cells with noncoated and calcium phosphate coated titanium substrates

From previous studies, we know that calcium phosphate (CaP) coated implants stimulate bone formation compared to uncoated implants. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which substrate surface characteristics affect cell function is unclear. In this study, we examined the initial interaction (30 min to 24 h) of U2OS cells with titanium substrates with or without a CaP coating. The effect of substrate roughness was also studied. When cell attachment was studied, we found that cells attached more readily to rough than to smooth surfaces. Also, more cells attached to the uncoated than to the CaP coated surface. After 24 h, cell numbers were similar for all substrate surfaces. Further, cells spread to a larger area on noncoated titanium than on the CaP coated substrates. At 24 h, the sequence of cell size was smooth titanium > rough titanium > CaP coated titanium. Shape measurements showed differences in cell shape between the cells on the different materials only at 7 h, not at different culture times. Cells expressed alpha2, alpha3, alpha5, alpha6, alphav, and beta1 subunits. Expression of alpha1, alpha4, alphavbeta3, beta3, beta4, and beta7 was extremely low or was not found. The beta1 integrin expression was higher on the coated than on the noncoated titanium at 3 h, but not on the other studied times. Expression of alpha2, alpha5, alpha6, and alphav expression was found to be upregulated at 24 h compared to earlier culture times on coated titanium, but not on uncoated titanium substrates. From this we conclude that the surface characteristics of a material (roughness and composition) can affect the initial interaction of cells with the material.

The regulation of prostate cancer cell adhesion to human bone marrow endothelial cell monolayers by androgen dihydrotestosterone and cytokines

A previous study from our laboratory suggested that prostate cancer metastasis to bone may be mediated, in part, by preferential adhesion to human bone marrow endothelial (HBME) cells. Tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells may be modulated by the effect of cytokines on cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) regulates VCAM expression on the endothelium and this effect is enhanced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) stimulates the expression of alpha2beta1 integrin on PC-3 cells. The current study investigated the effects of the above cytokines and DHT (singularly and in various combinations) upon HBME and prostate cancer cell expression of VCAM, alpha2 integrin subunit, and beta1 integrin subunit by flow cytometry. We also monitored the effects of the above treatments on PC-3 cell adhesion to HBME monolayers. The data demonstrate that none of the treatments significantly altered the expression of selected CAMs on HBME cell and neoplastic prostate cell lines. The treatment of HBME monolayers with various combinations of cytokines and DHT prior to performing adhesion assays with PC-3 demonstrates that treatments containing TGF-beta reduced PC-3 cell adhesion to HBME monolayers by 32% or greater (P < 0.05). The reduction in PC-3 cell adhesion to TGF-beta-treated HBME monolayers was dose dependent. Interestingly, LNCaP cells but not PC-3 cells treated with TGF-beta had a reduced ability to adhere to untreated HBME monolayers. These results suggest that TGF-beta may reduce tumor cell adhesion to bone marrow microvascular endothelium, in vivo. The biological significance of this observation is discussed.

Human prostatic carcinoma cells produce an increase in the synthesis of interleukin-6 by human osteoblasts

BACKGROUND

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect produced by conditioned medium from human prostatic carcinoma cell (PC-3) culture on human osteoblast (HOB) interleukin 6 (IL-6) synthesis.

METHODS

PC-3 cells were cultured in Ham's F12K medium with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) up to confluence. Medium was changed by Dulbecco modified Eagle medium (DMEM)/F12K (1:1) with 0.1% bovine serum albumin. Cells were cultured for 24 hr, and medium (PC-3-CM) was collected. HOBs were cultured up to confluence, and after 48 hr without FCS, medium was removed and PC-3-CM was added to the wells. After 24 hr, supernatant was collected for the determination of IL-6. In another experiment, HOBs were cultured up to confluence in Petri dishes, and after 48 hr without FCS, PC-3-CM or DMEM/F12K (1:1) was added. After different periods of time, medium was removed, and total RNA was extracted. IL-6 mRNA was quantified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

PC-3-CM significantly enhanced IL-6 secretion into HOB culture supernatants (between 1,812% and 372%, depending on the osteoblastic line) with respect to HOBs cultured in DMEM/F12K. PC-3-CM also produced an increase in IL-6 mRNA levels in HOBs.

CONCLUSIONS

Prostate carcinoma cells (PC-3) produce a factor or factors that enhance the synthesis and release of IL-6, a known activator of bone resorption.

Characterization of prostate cell types by CD cell surface molecules

A set of monoclonal antibodies raised against lymphocyte cell surface molecules, the cluster designation (CD) antigens, was used to distinguish the constituent cell types of the prostate. The luminal secretory epithelial, basal epithelial, fibromuscular stromal, nerve sheath, and endothelial cells express distinctive complements of cell surface molecules that were identified by immunohistochemistry using 152 commercially available antibodies. Many of the CD antibodies stained lymphocyte populations in the prostate. These lymphocyte populations were grouped into abundance classes of rare, moderate, and high. Some of these molecules are expressed by multiple cell types, both parenchymal and lymphoid; others are expressed by only one cell type. Distinctive patterns of CD expression, which are most similar to the expression pattern of prostate luminal cells, also characterize a small series of Gleason score 6 prostate cancers. The cell-type specificity of CD molecules increases the prospect of isolating specific cell populations, using such techniques as laser capture microdissection and flow cytometry, for cell-specific molecular studies.

Type I collagen-mediated proliferation of PC3 prostate carcinoma cell line: implications for enhanced growth in the bone microenvironment

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer-related deaths in the United States. Interestingly, prostate cancer preferentially metastasizes to bone. Once in the bone microenvironment, advanced prostate cancer becomes highly resistant to therapeutic modalities. Several factors, such as, extracelluar matrix components, have been implicated in the spread and propagation of prostatic carcinoma. The prostate cell line, PC3, adhere and spread on collagen I to a greater degree than on fibronectin (FN) or poly-L-lysine (PLL). Flow cytometry analysis reveals the presence of the alpha(1), alpha(2) and alpha(3) collagen binding integrin subunits. Antibody function blocking studies reveal that PC3 cells can utilize alpha(2)beta(1) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins to adhere to collagen I. Cells plated on collagen I exhibit increased rates of proliferation over cells plated on FN or tissue culture plastic. Additionally, cells plated on collagen I show increased expression of cyclin D1, a molecule associated with progression through G1 phase of the cell cycle. Inhibitor studies point to a role for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), map kinase (MAPK) and p70 S6 kinase in collagen I-mediated PC3 cell proliferation and cyclin D1 expression. Type I collagen may facilitate the colonization and growth of metastatic prostate tumor cells in the bone microenvironment.

Human prostate cancer cells adhere specifically to hemoglobin: a possible role in bone-specific metastasis

From the supernatant of rabbit bone marrow, we isolated an organ-specific factor, which was related with the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bone and examined its adhesion to prostate cancer cells (PC-3). Molecular weight and amino acid sequence analyses of the active component obtained by high performance liquid chromatography revealed that a component identical to the alpha chain of hemoglobin accounted for 80% of the biological activity. Hemoglobin showed over 50% adhesion to PC-3 cells but only 10% adhesion to human colon cancer cell lines, representative of organ non-specific metastasis, and leukemia cells line, representative of a non-solid tumor. Some substance in the bone marrow may promote the first step of adhesion of cancer cells to bone marrow in the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bone, possibly an amino acid sequence or some tertiary structure similar to hemoglobin.

Interactions of human prostatic epithelial cells with bone marrow endothelium: binding and invasion

Prostate cancer shows a propensity to form secondary tumours within the bone marrow. Such tumours are the major cause of mortality in this disease. We have developed an in vitro system to study the binding of prostate epithelial cells to bone marrow endothelium (BME) and stroma (BMS). The metastatic prostate cancer cell line, PC3 (derived from a bone metastasis), was seeded onto confluent layers of BME and its binding characteristics compared to human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), lung endothelium (Hs888Lu) and BMS. The PC3 cell line showed significantly increased binding to BME (P< 0.05) compared to endothelium derived from HUVEC and lung or BMS with maximal binding occurring at 1 h. Following pre-incubation with a β1 integrin antibody PC3 binding to BME was inhibited by 64% (P< 0.001). Antibodies directed against the integrins β4, α2, α4, α5 and the cellular adhesion molecules P-selectin, CD31, VCAM-1 and sialy Lewis X showed no effect on blocking PC3 binding. Primary prostatic epithelial cells from both malignant (n = 11) and non-malignant tissue (n = 11) also demonstrated equivalent levels of increased adhesion to BME and BMS compared to HUVEC, peaking at 24 h. Further studies examined the invasive ability of prostate epithelial cells in response to bone marrow endothelium using Matrigel invasion chamber assays. In contrast to the previous results, malignant cells showed an increase (1000 fold) in invasive ability, whilst non-malignant prostate epithelia did not respond. We have shown that both malignant and non-malignant prostate epithelial cells can bind at equivalent levels and preferentially to primary human bone marrow endothelium in comparison to controls. However, only malignant prostate epithelia show increased invasive ability in response to BME. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign www.bjcancer.com

Persistence of human vascular endothelium in experimental human prostate cancer bone tumors

Using the SCID-human model, we recently found that human circulating prostate cancer cells formed tumors in human bone but not mouse bone (Nemeth et al. Cancer Res 1999; 59: 1987-93). It is possible that this tissue preference was mediated by interaction between human tumor cells and human endothelial cells within the implanted bone tissue. We sought to determine the relative amounts of human and mouse vasculature within human bone implants and resulting prostate cancer bone tumors in the SCID-human model. Paraffin sections of plain bone implants or PC3 or LNCaP human bone tumors were double stained for factor VIII (all vessels) and human CD31 (human vessels) followed by fluorescent secondary reagents. At 4 weeks post implantation (when cancer cells are typically introduced), the vasculature within human bone fragments remained primarily human (84.5%), and this pattern persisted to at least 10 weeks (91.6% human). Injection of PC3 cells into the bone resulted in an increase in mouse-derived vessels, however the majority (58%) of the vessels remained human even after the formation of large bone tumors. LNCaP bone tumors were highly angiogenic, and there was a sharp decline in the proportion of vessels which were antigenically human (36.8%), suggesting recruitment of mouse endothelial cells during the angiogenic process. Nonetheless, the persistence of human vasculature suggests the SCID-human model can be used to study the interaction between bone-seeking tumor cells, such as prostate cancer, and human bone endothelium in vivo, and to test potential therapeutic strategies which may depend on the presence of human vessels.

Pathophysiologic interactions in skeletal metastasis

BACKGROUND

This review summarizes evidence that the formation of bone metastases is the result of multiple synergistic cellular and molecular interactions between metastatic cells and the unique microenvironment in bone.

METHODS

Molecular technologies have been used to detect cancer cells in bone and to define their genotypic and phenotypic properties. Bone organ cultures have been employed to analyze the ability of tumor cells to modulate bone resorption and to study the effects of resorption products on the phenotypic properties of cancer cells. Experimental models of bone metastasis provide the ability to examine the effects of modulating specific host or tumor properties in vivo by quantifying their effects on the formation of bone tumors.

RESULTS

By means of the blood stream, cells from many common neoplasms seed bone marrow as an early clinical event. The subsequent growth of these cells into clinically significant metastatic lesions is associated with their ability to stimulate bone resorption through osteoclasts and macrophages or through a direct action on bone. In turn, the products of bone resorption, which include matrix-derived growth factors, act on the tumor cells to stimulate the expression of properties that promote their metastatic competence. These include the induction of integrin adhesion molecules, the stimulation of cell motility and chemotaxis, the enhanced expression of matrix metalloproteinases, and the stimulation of tumor cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

The interdependency of tumor cells and bone was recognized by Steven Paget over 100 years ago, and it provides a rational basis for the development of current therapeutic strategies against bone metastasis.

Calcium signals in prostate cancer cells: specific activation by bone-matrix proteins

Cancer of the prostate commonly metastasizes to bony sites where cells acquire an aggressive, rapidly proliferating, androgen-independent phenotype. The interaction between bone and prostate, thus, becomes a key factor in disease progression. Fluctuations in intracellular ionized Ca2+ [Ca2+]i are rapid, regulated signal transduction events often associated with cell proliferation. Hence, Ca2+ signals provide a convenient measure of early events in cancer cell growth. This study developed single cell fluorescent imaging techniques to visualize Ca2+ signals in Fura-2 loaded prostatic cancer cell lines of various metastatic phenotypes. Solubilized bone fractions containing extracellular matrix and associated proteins were tested for the ability to trigger Ca2+ signals in prostate cancer cell lines. Fractions representing the complete repertoire of non-collagenous proteins present in mineralized bone were tested. Results demonstrated that two bone fractions termed D3b- and D4a-triggered Ca2+ signals in prostate cancer cells derived from bone (PC-3), but not brain (DU-145) metastases of prostate cancer. Lymph-node derived LNCaP cells also did not produce a Ca2+ signal in response to addition of soluble bone matrix. No other bone fractions produced a Ca2+ signal in PC-3 cells. It is of interest that bone fractions D3b and D4a contain a number of non-collagenous matrix proteins including osteonectin (SPARC) and osteopontin (OPN), as well as prothrombin. Moreover, antibody LM609 that recognizes the alpha v beta 3 integrin, blocks the ability of OPN to trigger a Ca2+ transient in PC-3 cells. These studies support a conclusion that bone-matrix proteins play a role in the growth and progression of metastatic prostate cancer, and that prior growth in bone may be associated with development of a bone-matrix-responsive phenotype.

Scatter factor influences the formation of prostate epithelial cell colonies on bone marrow stroma in vitro

Prostate cancer metastases form selectively in the bone marrow. Previously we demonstrated motility was important for the formation of primary prostatic epithelial cell colonies in bone marrow stroma (BMS) co-culture. In this study we looked at the influence of motility factors on the colony formation of epithelial cells derived from benign (bPEC) or malignant (mPEC) prostate tissue. After 7 days co-culture we found that anti-scatter factor consistently inhibited prostate epithelial cell colony formation on BMS (7/7 mPEC and 4/7 bPEC samples showed significant inhibition). Antibodies against bFGF and 5T4 did not significantly affect colony formation. Addition of fibroblast conditioned media (derived from benign prostates) to co-cultures stimulated the colony formation of bPEC (170%) and mPEC (252%). This stimulation was eliminated by depletion of SF from the conditioned media. Immunohistochemical staining found c-Met expression in 5/6 bPEC cultures and 7/9 mPEC cultures. When grown in BMS co-culture expression of c-Met was positive in 3/6 bPEC and 2/7 mPEC samples. In conclusion, scatter factor influences the in vitro formation of prostate epithelial cell colonies on BMS co-culture.

Osteoblast conditioned media contain TGF-beta1 and modulate the migration of prostate tumor cells and their interactions with extracellular matrix components

Prostate cancers (PRCAs) frequently metastasize to bone. We show here that this process is facilitated by osteoblast-mediated tumor cell recruitment. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) is produced by osteoblasts in a latent form and is activated by proteases in a cell-dependent manner. This cytokine exhibits pleiotropic effects on cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and may influence tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Our purpose was to identify the potential molecular mechanisms involved in osteoblast-mediated cell recruitment and to characterize the effect of TGF-beta1 on adhesion, motility and invasiveness of a human prostate cancer cell line with high bone metastatic potential (PC3 cell line) in vitro. Conditioned media from osteoblast cultures (OB CM) enhanced PC3 cell chemotaxis and invasion of reconstituted basement membrane. These effects were blocked by a neutralizing TGF-beta1 polyclonal antibody but not by elution of the OB CM in agarose-heparin columns, suggesting that TGF-beta1, but not EGF-like proteins, contribute to PC3 cell recruitment. In addition, TGF-beta1 directly induced chemotaxis and invasion of PC3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The TGF-beta1-mediated invasion and motility were accompanied by increased PC3 cell adhesion, spreading and alpha2beta1 and alpha3beta1 integrin expression. These events are involved in the cell adhesion to several components of basement membrane and ECM and in the selective invasion of metastatic tumor cells. Our results suggest that TGF-beta1 can influence cellular recognition of ECM components by prostatic cancer cells and can modulate cell adhesion and invasion leading to increased invasive potential. Given the widespread tissue distribution of TGF-beta1, and the high levels present in the bone, this cytokine may be an important autocrine-paracrine modulator of the bone invasive phenotype in vivo.

Bone sialoprotein supports breast cancer cell adhesion proliferation and migration through differential usage of the alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrins

Bone sialoprotein (BSP), a secreted glycoprotein found in bone matrix, has been implicated in the formation of mammary microcalcifications and osteotropic metastasis of human breast cancer (HBC). BSP possesses an integrin-binding RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) domain, which may promote interactions between HBC cells and bone extracellular matrix. Purified BSP, recombinant human BSP fragments and BSP-derived RGD peptides are shown to elicit migratory, adhesive, and proliferative responses in the MDA-MB-231 HBC cell line. Recombinant BSP fragment analysis localized a significant component of these activities to the RGD domain of the protein, and synthetic RGD peptides with BSP flanking sequences (BSP-RGD) also conferred these responses. The fibronectin-derived RGD counterpart, GRGDSP (Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser-Pro), could not support these cellular responses, emphasizing specificity of the BSP configuration. Although most of the proliferative and adhesive responses could be attributed to RGD interactions, these interactions were only partly responsible for the migrational responses. Experiments with integrin-blocking antibodies demonstrated that BSP-RGD-induced migration utilizes the alpha(v)beta3 vitronectin receptor, whereas adhesion and proliferation responses were alpha(v)beta5-mediated. Using fluorescence activated cell sorting, we selected two separate subpopulations of MDA-MB-231 cells enriched for alpha(v)beta3 or alpha(v)beta5 respectively. Although some expression of the alternate alpha(v) integrin was still retained, the alpha(v)beta5-enriched MDA-MB-231 cells showed enhanced proliferative and adhesive responses, whereas the alpha(v)beta3-enriched subpopulation was suppressed for proliferation and adhesion, but showed enhanced migratory responses to BSP-RGD. In addition, similar analysis of two other HBC cell lines showed less marked, but similar RGD-dependent trends in adhesion and proliferation to the BSP fragments. Collectively, these data demonstrate BSP effects on proliferative, migratory, and adhesive functions in HBC cells and that the RGD-mediated component differentially employs alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrin receptors.

Interaction of prostate epithelial cells from benign and malignant tumor tissue with bone-marrow stroma

BACKGROUND

Metastases of prostate cancer form selectively within the skeleton. To understand this metastatic spread, we studied the ability of prostate epithelial cells to grow and proliferate within the bone marrow, using primary coculture.

METHODS

Prostate epithelia and fibroblasts were prepared from men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (n = 13) and cancer of the prostate (n = 10). Confluent cultures of bone-marrow stroma or fibroblast controls were prepared in 96-well plates, and identical plates were treated with detergent to expose the extracellular matrix of the cells. Epithelial cells were seeded onto either cells or matrix, and their growth characteristics were determined by counting increases in colony size and number over time. Further experiments evaluated the effects on epithelial growth when cells were exposed to media conditioned by these stroma, using an MTT assay.

RESULTS

Results showed that for epithelial cells derived from malignant (or benign) tissue, the median value of the total area of colonies formed on bone-marrow stroma was 2.1 (benign, 2.6) mm2, in contrast to 0.3 (benign, 0.4) mm2 or 0.25 (benign, 0) mm2 when these cells were cocultured with fibroblasts from benign or malignant prostates, respectively. Statistics indicated that growth was significantly greater on bone-marrow stroma than on control stroma (P < 0.005). However, no significant stimulation of epithelial cell growth was seen when these epithelial cells were cultured on extracellular matrix from bone-marrow stroma or when exposed to bone-marrow stroma-conditioned media in comparison to fibroblast controls. No statistical differences were found between the formation of colonies from malignant tissue in comparison to benign.

CONCLUSIONS

This system allows the investigation of bone-marrow stroma colonization by primary prostate epithelial cells, and could be developed for the study of metastasis.

Primary prostatic epithelial cell binding to human bone marrow stroma and the role of alpha2beta1 integrin

Prostate cancer selectively metastasises to the bone. To investigate the importance of prostate epithelial cell adhesion to bone marrow cells in this process we examined the binding of human primary prostatic epithelial cells (PEC) to human bone marrow stromal cultures (BMS). We found that PEC derived from both malignant and benign tissue showed greater adhesion to BMS than to benign prostatic fibroblasts (median difference was 340% and 200% respectively), skin fibroblasts or plastic tissue culture plates. Adhesion to BMS grown from the bone marrow of patients with prostatic skeletal metastases was no different from those grown from normal bone marrow. The role of integrin molecules in these cell interactions was determined. Collagen type I and fibronectin were found to increase PEC adhesion whereas vitronectin and laminin did not. Inhibition studies demonstrated that although there was heterogeneity between samples, antibodies against the integrins alpha2 and beta1 consistently inhibited PEC binding to BMS. This result was more marked for PEC derived from malignant tissue. However studies investigating the effects of disintegrins and anti-alpha3 and anti-alpha5 integrins indicated that for a percentage of patients these integrins and RGD (arginine, glycine, aspartamine)-dependent binding pathways were also involved. In summary, the results indicate that BMS are adherent to primary PEC derived from both malignant and benign tissue. The integrin alpha2beta1 is a major contributor to this interaction.

Transforming growth factor beta upregulates the integrin-mediated adhesion of human prostatic carcinoma cells to type I collagen

Prostate cancer frequently metastasizes to bone, and we propose that this process may be facilitated by the adhesion of metastatic cells to bone-derived type I collagen. We examined collagen receptor function and regulation in osteotropic PC-3 human prostatic carcinoma cells. PC-3 cell adhesion to immobilized human type I collagen was promoted by Mn2+ and Mg2+ ions and was RGD-independent. Antibodies directed against beta1 or alpha2 integrin subunits inhibited adhesion to collagen by 90% and 53%, respectively, suggesting involvement of the alpha2 beta1 receptor. Anti-alpha1 or anti-alpha3 antibodies had no effect on adhesion. Flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation of [35S]methionine-labeled cells demonstrated that alpha2 beta1 was the major collagen receptor expressed by PC-3 cells. The pretreatment of PC-3 cells with transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), a major bone-derived growth factor, caused a rapid (2 h) 2-fold increase in the de novo synthesis of alpha2 and beta1 integrin subunits, and also increased by 2- to 3-fold the adhesion and spreading of PC-3 cells on collagen. We conclude that alpha2 beta1 is the major collagen receptor employed by PC-3 cells, and that alpha2 beta1 upregulation by TGF-beta is associated with an increased adhesion and spreading on collagen. The data suggest that exposure of metastatic PC-3 cells to the high levels of TGF-beta in bone may promote their ability to adhere to bone-derived collagen, which may thereby facilitate the localization of metastatic cells in the skeleton.