The role of tachykinins via NK1 receptors in progression of human gliomas

Neuropeptide Substance P Enhances Inflammation-Mediated Tumor Signaling Pathways and Migration and Proliferation of Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are extremely aggressive, highly recurrent, and the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Neuropeptide substance P, along with its primary receptor, neurokinin-1 (NK-1R), is overexpressed in HNC and is a central player in inflammation and growth and metastasis of several cancers. However, the precise SP-mediated signaling that promotes HNC progression remains ill defined. Using a panel of HNC lines, in this study, we investigated the effects of SP on proliferation and migration of HNC. Tumor cells were also treated with SP and alterations in inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and their cognate receptors were analyzed by real-time PCR. Furthermore, we investigated the role of SP in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and matrix metalloproteases that promote tumor invasion. Our results showed that SP significantly increased tumor cell proliferation and migration and induced the expression of several genes that promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis which was suppressed by a specific NK1R antagonist L-703606. SP also activated NFκB that was suppressed on inhibiting NK1R. Collectively, our data shows that SP-NK1R-mediated inflammatory signaling comprises an important signaling axis in promoting HNC and may prove to be effective clinical target against HNC cells that are resistant to traditional therapy.

The immunomodulatory effects of tachykinins and their receptors

Tachykinins (TKs) are a family of neuropeptides mainly expressed by neuronal and non-neuronal cell types, especially immune cells. Expression of TKs receptors on immune cell surfaces, their involvement in immune-related disorders, and therefore, understanding their immunomodulatory roles have become of particular interest to researchers. In fact, the precise understanding of TKs intervention in the immune system would help to design novel therapeutic approaches for patients suffering from immune disorders. The present review summarizes studies on TKs function as modulators of the immune system by reviewing their roles in generation, activation, development, and migration of immune cells. Also, it discusses TKs involvement in three main cellular mechanisms including inflammation, apoptosis, and proliferation.

Improving cellular uptake of therapeutic entities through interaction with components of cell membrane

Efficient cellular delivery of biologically active molecules is one of the key factors that affect the discovery and development of novel drugs. The plasma membrane is the first barrier that prevents direct translocation of chemic entities, and thus obstructs their efficient intracellular delivery. Generally, hydrophilic small molecule drugs are poor permeability that reduce bioavailability and thus limit the clinic application. The cellular uptake of macromolecules and drug carriers is very inefficient without external assistance. Therefore, it is desirable to develop potent delivery systems for achieving effective intracellular delivery of chemic entities. Apart from of the types of delivery strategies, the composition of the cell membrane is critical for delivery efficiency due to the fact that cellular uptake is affected by the interaction between the chemical entity and the plasma membrane. In this review, we aimed to develop a profound understanding of the interactions between delivery systems and components of the plasma membrane. For the purpose, we attempt to present a broad overview of what delivery systems can be used to enhance the intracellular delivery of poorly permeable chemic entities, and how various delivery strategies are applied according to the components of plasma membrane.

Crosstalk between neurokinin receptor signaling and neuroinflammation in neurological disorders

The neurokinin 1 receptor with the natural substrate substance P is one of the intensely studied receptors among the neurokinin receptors. The intracellular signaling mechanism uses G protein-coupled transduction regulating various physiological processes from nausea to Alzheimer's disease. The neurokinin 1 receptor plays a significant role in neuroinflammation-mediated alterations in neural circuitry. Neurokinin 1 receptor antagonists are selective, potent and exhibited efficacy in animal models of nervous system disorders. Evolving data now strengthen the viewpoint of brain substance P/neurokinin 1 receptor axis-mediated action in neural circuit dysfunction. Thus, a deep-rooted analysis of disease mechanism in which the neurokinin 1 receptor is involved is necessary for augmenting disease models which encourage the pharmaceutical industry to intensify the research pipeline. This review is an attempt to outline the concept of neurokinin 1 receptor signaling interlinked to the brain innate immune system. We also uncover the mechanisms of the neurokinin 1 receptor involved in neurological disorder and various methods of modulating the neurokinin 1 receptor, which may result in therapeutic action.

Design, synthesis and biological studies of a library of NK1-Receptor Ligands Based on a 5-arylthiosubstituted 2-amino-4,6-diaryl-3-cyano-4H-pyran core: Switch from antagonist to agonist effect by chemical modification

A library of 5-arylthiosubstituted 2-amino-4,6-diaryl-3-cyano-4H-pyrans has been synthesized as a new family of non-peptide NK1 receptor ligands by a one-pot cascade process. Their biological effects via interaction with the NK1 receptor were experimentally determined as percentage of inhibition (for antagonists) and percentage of activation (for agonists), compared to the substance P (SP) effect, in IPone assay. A set of these amino compounds was found to inhibit the action of SP, and therefore can be considered as a new family of SP-antagonists. Interestingly, the acylation of the 2-amino position causes a switch from antagonist to agonist activity. The 5-phenylsulfonyl-2-amino derivative 17 showed the highest antagonist activity, while the 5-p-tolylsulfenyl-2-trifluoroacetamide derivative 20R showed the highest agonist effect. As expected, in the case of the 5-sulfinylderivatives, there was an enantiomeric discrimination in favor of one of the two enantiomers, specifically those with (S_S,R_C) configuration. The anticancer activity studies assessed by using human A-549 lung cancer cells and MRC-5 non-malignant lung fibroblasts, revealed a statistically significant selective cytotoxic effect of some of these 2-amino-4H-pyran derivatives toward the lung cancer cells. These studies demonstrated that the newly synthesized 4H-pyran derivatives can be used as a starting point for the synthesis of novel SP-antagonists with higher anticancer activity in the future.

Molecular imaging probes derived from natural peptides

Covering: up to the end of 2015.Peptides are naturally occurring compounds that play an important role in all living systems and are responsible for a range of essential functions. Peptide receptors have been implicated in disease states such as oncology, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, natural peptides have been exploited as diagnostic and therapeutic agents due to the unique target specificity for their endogenous receptors. This review discusses a variety of natural peptides highlighting their discovery, endogenous receptors, as well as their derivatization to create molecular imaging agents, with an emphasis on the design of radiolabelled peptides. This review also highlights methods for discovering new and novel peptides when knowledge of specific targets and endogenous ligands are not available.

β-Arrestin 1 has an essential role in neurokinin-1 receptor-mediated glioblastoma cell proliferation and G2/M phase transition

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor and has a poor prognosis. Tachykinin receptor neurokinin-1 (NK1R) is a promising target in glioblastoma therapy because of its overexpression in human glioblastoma. NK1R agonists promote glioblastoma cell growth, whereas NK1R antagonists efficiently inhibit cell growth both in vitro and in vivo However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these effects are incompletely understood. β-Arrestins (ARRBs) serve as scaffold proteins and adapters to mediate intracellular signal transduction. Here we show that the ARRB1-mediated signaling pathway is essential for NK1-mediated glioblastoma cell proliferation. ARRB1 knockdown significantly inhibited NK1-mediated glioblastoma cell proliferation and induced G₂/M phase cell cycle arrest. ARRB1 knockdown cells showed remarkable down-regulation of CDC25C/CDK1/cyclin B1 activity. We also demonstrated that ARRB1 mediated prolonged phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in glioblastoma cells induced by NK1R activation. ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation are involved in regulating CDC25C/CDK1/cyclin B1 activity. The lack of long-term ERK1/2 and Akt activation in ARRB1 knockdown cells was at least partly responsible for the delayed cell cycle progression and proliferation. Moreover, we found that ARRB1-mediated ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation regulated the transcriptional activity of both NF-κB and AP-1, which were involved in cyclin B1 expression. ARRB1 deficiency increased the sensitivity of glioblastoma cells to the treatment of NK1R antagonists. Taken together, our results suggest that ARRB1 plays an essential role in NK1R-mediated cell proliferation and G₂/M transition in glioblastoma cells. Interference with ARRB1-mediated signaling via NK1R may have potential significance for therapeutic strategies targeting glioblastoma.

Substance P Receptor Antagonist Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokine Expression in Human Disc Cells

STUDY DESIGN

Laboratory study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether blockade of the Substance P (SP) NK1R attenuates its proinflammatory effect on human intervertebral disc cells (IVD), and to evaluate the signaling pathways associated with SP.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

SP and its receptors are expressed in human IVD cells, and cause upregulation of inflammatory mediators; however, the effects of blocking these receptors have not been studied in human IVD cells.

METHODS

Human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells were expanded in monolayer, and then suspended in alginate beads. The alginate beads were treated with culture medium first containing a high affinity NK1R antagonist (L-760735) at different concentrations, and then with medium containing both NK1R antagonist and SP at 2 concentrations. Ribonucleic acid was isolated and transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8. Western blot analysis was performed to examine levels of the phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB p65). The cells were pretreated with specific inhibitors of p38 (SB203580), ERK1/2 (PD98059), and p65 (SM7368) and then stimulated with SP.

RESULTS

We detected expression of NK1R, neurokinin receptor 2 (NK2R), and neurokinin receptor 3 (NK3R) in AF and NP cells. Treatment of disc cells with the NK1R antagonist was able to suppress expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner. SP stimulation increased phosphorylation of p38-MAPK and ERK1/2, but not of NFκB p65. This indicates that p38-MAPK and ERK1/2 control SP-induced cytokine expression independently from NF-kB p65. Inhibition of p38 and ERK1/2 activation reduced SP-induced IL-6 production in human disc cells.

CONCLUSION

NK1R is responsible for the proinflammatory effect of SP on IVD cells and this effect can be blocked by preventing binding of SP to NK1R. This study shows for the first time that SP mediates signaling in disc cells through NK1R and that SP activates the proinflammatory p38-MAPK and ERK1/2 pathways.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

The Transmodulation of HER2 and EGFR by Substance P in Breast Cancer Cells Requires c-Src and Metalloproteinase Activation

Background

Substance P (SP) is a pleiotropic cytokine/neuropeptide that enhances breast cancer (BC) aggressiveness by transactivating tyrosine kinase receptors like EGFR and HER2. We previously showed that SP and its cognate receptor NK-1 (SP/NK1-R) signaling modulates the basal phosphorylation of HER2 and EGFR in BC, increasing aggressiveness and drug resistance. In order to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for NK-1R-mediated HER2 and EGFR transactivation, we investigated the involvement of c-Src (a ligand-independent mediator) and of metalloproteinases (ligand-dependent mediators) in HER2/EGFR activation.

Results and Discussion

Overexpression of NK-1R in MDA-MB-231 and its chemical inhibition in SK-BR-3, BT-474 and MDA-MB-468 BC cells significantly modulated c-Src activation, suggesting that this protein is a mediator of NK-1R signaling. In addition, the c-Src inhibitor 4-(4’-phenoxyanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline prevented SP-induced activation of HER2. On the other hand, SP-dependent phosphorylation of HER2 and EGFR decreased substantially in the presence of the MMP inhibitor 1–10, phenanthroline monohydrate, and the dual inhibition of both c-Src and MMP almost abolished the activation of HER2 and EGFR. Moreover, the use of these inhibitors demonstrated that this Src and MMP-dependent signaling is important to the cell viability and migration capacity of HER2+ and EGFR+ cell lines.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the transactivation of HER2 and EGFR by the pro-inflammatory cytokine/neuropeptide SP in BC cells is a c-Src and MMP-dependent process.

Hemokinin-1 competitively inhibits substance P-induced stimulation of osteoclast formation and function

Hemokinin-1 (HK-1) is a novel member of the tachykinin family that is encoded by preprotachykinin 4 (TAC4) and shares the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1-R) with substance P (SP). Although HK-1 is thought to be an endogenous peripheral SP-like endocrine or paracrine molecule in locations where SP is not expressed, neither the distribution of HK-1 in the maxillofacial area nor the role HK-1 in bone tissue have been examined. In this study, we investigated the distribution of HK-1 in trigeminal ganglion (TG) and maxillary bone, and assessed the expression of HK-1 during osteoclast differentiation. In vivo, rat molars were loaded for 5 days using the Waldo method. In vitro, rat osteoclast-like cells were induced from bone marrow cells. HK-1 distribution and expression were examined by immunofluorescence staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In vivo, HK-1 was localized in rat TG neurons; however, the number of HK-1-positive neurons was less than that of SP-positive neurons. In the maxillary bone, nerve fibers, blood vessels, and osteocytes were immunopositive for HK-1. Furthermore, HK-1-positive immunoreactivity was found in osteoclasts on the pressure side. In vitro, PCR showed that TAC4 and NK1-R mRNA was expressed in osteoclasts as well as in bone marrow cells. Although SP (10⁻⁷ M) treatment led to an increased number of osteoclasts, HK-1 (10⁻⁷ M) treatment did not. The numbers of biotin-labeled HK-1 peptides bound osteoclasts significantly decreased upon incubation with unlabeled SP and biotin-labeled HK-1 compared with biotin-labeled HK-1 alone. These results suggest that HK-1 may not stimulate the differentiation and function of osteoclasts. SP-stimulated osteoclast formation is competitively regulated by peripheral HK-1 through NK1-Rs.

Substance P derivatives as versatile tools for specific delivery of various types of biomolecular cargo

The use of proteins or nucleic acids as therapeutic agents has been severely hampered by their intrinsic inability to cross the cell membrane. Moreover, common techniques for driving the delivery of macromolecules lack the ability to distinguish between healthy and diseased tissue, precluding their clinical use. Recently, receptor-mediated delivery (RMD) has emerged as a technology with the potential to circumvent the obstacles associated with the delivery of drug targets by utilizing the natural endocytosis of a ligand upon binding to its receptor. Here, we describe the synthesis of variants of substance P (SP), an eleven amino acid neuropeptide ligand of the neurokinin type 1 receptor (NK1R), for the delivery of various types of cargo. The variants of SP were synthesized with an N-terminal maleimide moiety that allows conjugation to surface thiols, resulting in a nonreducible thioether. Cargos lacking an available thiol are conjugated to SP using commercially available cross-linkers. In addition to the delivery of proteins, we expand the use of SP to include nuclear delivery of DNA fragments that are actively expressed in the target cells. We also show that SP can be used to deliver whole bacteriophage particles as well as polystyrene beads up to 1 μm in diameter. The results show the ability of SP to deliver cargo of various sizes and chemical properties that retain their function within the cell. Furthermore, the overexpression of the NK1R in many tumors provides the potential for developing targeted delivery reagents that are specific toward diseased tissue.

Improving anticancer activity and selectivity of camptothecin through conjugation with releasable substance P

Substance P, an 11-residue neuropeptide, can be rapidly internalized through specific interaction with the neurokinin-1 receptor. Therefore, we designed and synthesized the substance P targeted camptothecin (CPT) conjugates via a releasable disulfide carbonate linker. All the conjugates exhibited comparable or stronger cytotoxicity to cancer cells that highly over-express neurokinin-1 receptor than free CPT. More importantly, the selectivity of conjugates was significantly improved compared with CPT. Our results indicated that these conjugates can be promising candidates for new chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, increasing CPT loading or attachment of CPT to the C-terminal hexapeptide of substance P are useful strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of substance P targeted conjugates.

S41744, a dual neurokinin (NK)1 receptor antagonist and serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor with potential antidepressant properties: a comparison to aprepitant (MK869) and paroxetine

Though neurokinin(1) (NK(1)) receptors are implicated in depressed states and their treatment, selective antagonists have disappointed in clinical trials. Accordingly, we designed a novel ligand, S41744 (2-piperazin-1-yl-indan-2-carboxylic-acid-(3-chloro-5-fluoro-benzyl)-methyl-amide), which both blocks NK(1) receptors and interferes with serotonin (5-HT) reuptake. S41744 mimicked the selective antagonist aprepitant in binding human (h)NK(1) receptors and in antagonising Substance-P-mediated Extracellular-Regulated-Kinase phosphorylation (pK(B), 7.7). Further, it dose-dependently (0.63-40.0 mg/kg, i.p.) displaced ex vivo [(3)H]-[Sar(9),Met(O(2))(11)]-Substance P binding to gerbil striatum, attenuated formalin-induced hind-paw licking in gerbils, and antagonised locomotion induced by i.c.v. administration of the NK(1) agonist GR73632 to guinea pigs. Like paroxetine, S41744 recognised h5-HT transporters, reduced synaptosomal uptake of 5-HT (pK(B), 7.9), and dose-dependently (0.63-10.0 mg/kg) elevated dialysis levels of 5-HT in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of freely-moving guinea pigs. Further, S41744 increased extracellular levels of 5-HT in frontal cortex and hippocampus of rats to a greater extent than paroxetine, and its inhibitory influence upon serotonergic perikarya was blunted relative to its affinity for 5-HT transporters. S41744 more potently blocked stress-induced vocalizations in guinea pigs than aprepitant and paroxetine, and it was active in forced-swim and marble-burying procedures of putative antidepressant properties in mice. While aprepitant displayed anxiolytic actions in stress-induced foot-tapping and social interaction tests in gerbils, paroxetine was anxiogenic and S41744 "neutral", reflecting balanced NK(1) antagonism and suppression of 5-HT reuptake. Moreover, S41744 shared anxiolytic actions of aprepitant in the rat Vogel Conflict Test. In conclusion, S41744 is an innovative NK(1) antagonist/5-HT reuptake inhibitor justifying further evaluation for treatment of stress-related disorders.

Substance P receptor in U373 MG human astrocytoma cells activates mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2 through Src

Substance P (SP) acting through substance P receptor (SPR) increases the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. At the molecular level, stimulation of SPR in human U373 MG glioblastoma cells results in phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2. Examination of the underlying mechanism reveals that SPR mediates ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a calcium-dependent manner. Surprisingly, blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is transactivated by SPR, has a minimal effect on SPR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation. However, SPR-mediated ERK1/2 phosphorylation is significantly reduced by the Src kinase inhibitor PP2. Interestingly, ERK1/2 in U373 MG cells is also activated by several other mitogenic G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) including alpha(1B)-adrenergic, M(3)-muscarinic, and H(1)-histaminergic in an Src-dependent manner. We conclude that c-Src is a mediator of SP-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation in human U373 MG glioblastoma cells.

Human hemokinin-1 and human hemokinin-1(4-11), mammalian tachykinin peptides, suppress proliferation and induce differentiation in HL-60 cells

Human hemokinin-1 (h HK-1) and its truncated form h HK-1(4-11) are mammalian tachykinin peptides encoded by the TAC4 gene identified in human, and the biological functions of these peptides have not been well investigated. The tachykinins have shown immuno-regulatory activities in humans. In the present study, we investigated the effects of h HK-1 and h HK-1(4-11) on the proliferation and differentiation of a human promyelocyte leukemia cell line, HL-60. It is noteworthy that h HK-1 (1-300muM) displayed inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The effect of suppressing proliferation induced by these peptides was accompanied by an accumulation of cell cycle in the S phase. Moreover, this peptide induced differentiation of HL-60 cells by significantly increasing the NBT-reduction activity. The effects induced by h HK-1(4-11) on HL-60 cells were similar to that of h HK-1, indicating that it is the active fragment of h HK-1. However these effects induced by h HK-1 or h HK-1(4-11) were not antagonized by the NK(1) receptor antagonist SR140333 or the NK(2) receptor antagonist SR48968. All the results indicated that h HK-1 and h HK-1(4-11) were able to significantly inhibit proliferation and induce differentiation and S phase arrest of a human promyelocyte leukemia cell line HL-60, which may not be mediated through the activation of classical tachykinin NK(1) receptors and tachykinin NK(2) receptors. Our observations also implied that h HK-1 and h HK-1(4-11) could act as immunomodulatory factors in cancer chemotherapy.

An engineered substance P variant for receptor-mediated delivery of synthetic antibodies into tumor cells

We have developed and tested a robust delivery method for the transport of proteins to the cytoplasm of mammalian cells without compromising the integrity of the cell membrane. This receptor-mediated delivery (RMD) technology utilizes a variant of substance P (SP), a neuropeptide that is rapidly internalized upon interaction with the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R). Cargos in the form of synthetic antibody fragments (sABs) were conjugated to the engineered SP variant (SPv) and efficiently internalized by NK1R-expressing cells. The sABs used here were generated to bind specific conformational forms of actin. The internalized proteins appear to escape the endosome and retain their binding activity within the cells as demonstrated by co-localization with the actin cytoskeleton. Further, since the NK1R is over-expressed in many cancers, SPv-mediated delivery provides a highly specific method for therapeutic utilization of affinity reagents targeting intracellular processes in diseased tissue.

A constitutively active form of neurokinin 1 receptor and neurokinin 1 receptor-mediated apoptosis in glioblastomas

Previous studies have shown that neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) occurs naturally in human glioblastomas and its stimulation causes cell proliferation. In the present study we show that stimulation of NK1R in human U373 glioblastoma cells by substance P increases Akt phosphorylation by 2.5-fold, with an EC(50) of 57 nM. Blockade of NK1R lowers basal phosphorylation of Akt, indicating the presence of a constitutively active form of NK1R; similar results are seen in U251 MG and DBTRG-05 glioblastoma cells. Linkage of NK1R to Akt implicates NK1R in apoptosis of glioblastoma cells. Indeed, treatment of serum-starved U373 cells with substance P reduces apoptosis by 53 +/- 1% (p < 0.05), and treatment with NK1R antagonist L-733,060 increases apoptosis by 64 +/- 16% (p < 0.01). Further, the blockade of NK1R in human glioblastoma cells with L-733,060 causes cleavage of Caspase-3 and proteolysis of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. Experiments designed to elucidate the mechanism of NK1R-mediated Akt phosphorylation revealed total involvement of non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src and phosphatidyl-3-kinase, a partial involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor, and no involvement of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-related kinase. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate a key role for NK1R in glioblastoma apoptosis.

Novel method for determination of substance P levels in unextracted human plasma by using acidification

Substance P (SP) is a member of the tachykinin family and has an important role in immune responses. SP is detectable in plasma in a free and bound state. Simple modification of a commercially available SP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay allows the dissociation and capture of plasma SP without solid-phase extraction.

Co-regulated decrease of Neurokinin-1 receptor and Hemokinin-1 gene expression in monocytes and macrophages after activation with pro-inflammatory cytokines

Hemokinin-1 (HK-1), a potent ligand for the Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1) is thought to play a role in the immune system. To investigate the regulation of this receptor-ligand pair, we examined the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines on their expression in the monocyte/macrophage cell lines Wehi-3 and RAW264.7. We demonstrate co-expression of NK-1 and HK-1 mRNA in both lines, as well as functional NK-1 receptor protein in Wehi-3 cells. Stimulation with IFN-gamma, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha markedly decreased NK-1 and HK-1 mRNA as well as NK-1 receptor protein, which coincided with monocytic differentiation. A co-regulated decrease could also be observed in differentiating primary bone marrow macrophages, suggesting that this receptor-ligand pair may be controlled by cytokine networks and may serve a developmental role in the immune system.

Nuclear factor-kappaB is central to the expression of truncated neurokinin-1 receptor in breast cancer: implication for breast cancer cell quiescence within bone marrow stroma

Breast cancer is a leading cause of mortality among women in the United States. Tac1 and neurokinin-1 (NK1) are involved in autocrine stimulation of breast cancer cells (BCCs). The single NK1 gene produces full-length (NK1-FL) and truncated (NK1-Tr) forms. NK1-Tr mediates malignancy in breast cells. We now report a critical role for nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in the expression of NK1-Tr, but not NK1-FL, in human BCCs. By Western and Northern blot analyses, NK1-FL and NK1-Tr were coexpressed in BCCs but were undetectable in nontumorigenic cells. Loss of repressive activity within the 5' flanking region of the NK1 partly accounts for constitutive expression of NK1 in BCCs but could not account for the presence of NK1-Tr. Transient transfections with dominant-negative and wild-type IkappaB show that activation of NF-kappaB is required for the expression of NK1-Tr. Tac1 gene was linked to the generation of NK1-Tr because its overexpression in BCCs led to the production of multiple cytokines that can activate NF-kappaB to mediate NK1-Tr expression. Studies with Tac1 knockdown BCCs and Tac1-expressing nontumorigenic breast cells verified a role for NF-kappaB in the expression of NK1-Tr. The quiescent phenotype of BCCs on contact with bone marrow stroma was partly explained by decreased NF-kappaB activation and undetectable NK1-Tr. In summary, this study shows a role for NF-kappaB in the expression of NK1-Tr in BCCs, which seems to be reversed by bone marrow stromal cells.

Measurement of plasma-derived substance P: biological, methodological, and statistical considerations

The undecapeptide substance P (SP) is a member of the tachykinin family of neurotransmitters, which has a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory and immune responses. One of the major barriers to the study of the in vivo role of SP in a number of immune disorders is the accurate measurement of SP in fluids. This is reflected in the variability of reported SP levels in serum and plasma of humans in both healthy and diseased states. This study was initiated in order to identify sources of variability by the comparative evaluation of the influences of sample preparation and analytical detection methods on the measurement of SP in plasma. The results indicate that sample preparation (peptide extraction versus no extraction) and the choice of analytical method for SP quantitation may yield significantly different values and may contribute to the variability in SP values reported in the literature. These results further emphasize the need for careful consideration in the selection of methods for SP quantitation, as well as caution in the interpretation and comparison of data reported in the literature.

Epigenomic Profiling Reveals Novel and Frequent Targets of Aberrant DNA Methylation-Mediated Silencing in Malignant Glioma

Malignant glioma is the most common central nervous system tumor of adults and is associated with a significant degree of morbidity and mortality. Gliomas are highly invasive and respond poorly to conventional treatments. Gliomas, like other tumor types, arise from a complex and poorly understood sequence of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic alterations leading to gene silencing, in the form of aberrant CpG island promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation, have not been thoroughly investigated in brain tumors, and elucidating such changes is likely to enhance our understanding of their etiology and provide new treatment options. We used a combined approach of pharmacologic inhibition of DNA methylation and histone deacetylation, coupled with expression microarrays, to identify novel targets of epigenetic silencing in glioma cell lines. From this analysis, we identified >160 genes up-regulated by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin A treatment. Further characterization of 10 of these genes, including the putative metastasis suppressor CST6, the apoptosis-inducer BIK, and TSPYL5, whose function is unknown, revealed that they are frequent targets of epigenetic silencing in glioma cell lines and primary tumors and suppress glioma cell growth in culture. Furthermore, we show that other members of the TSPYL gene family are epigenetically silenced in gliomas and dissect the contribution of individual DNA methyltransferases to the aberrant promoter hypermethylation events. These studies, therefore, lay the foundation for a comprehensive understanding of the full extent of epigenetic changes in gliomas and how they may be exploited for therapeutic purposes.

Substance P induces expression of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 by activation of the neurokinin-1 receptor

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) has been found to be possibly involved in the etiology of affective and anxiety disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this involvement are still poorly understood. In this study, we used macroarrays to investigate the differential gene expression profile induced by SP, particularly of genes which have been shown to be involved in the pathophysiology of affective disorders. As a model system, we used the human astrocytoma cell line U373 MG as well as primary rat astroglial cells, which both are known to express functional neurokinin-1 receptors (NK-1-R) and to secret various cytokines upon stimulation with SP. Among several regulated genes, we found that SP (100 and 1000 nM) induced the expression of the corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1 receptor). Further analyses revealed that this induction was mediated (a) via NK-1-R, as the selective NK-1-R-antagonist L-733,060 (1 microM) strongly inhibited SP-induced CRF1 receptor expression, and (b) intracellularly, by protein kinase C, p42/44 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), as shown by using specific inhibitors of signal transduction pathways. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that SP induces CRF1 receptor expression in cells of the CNS, which may be of potential interest for a better understanding of the interplay between SP and the stress hormone axis and, thus, diseases like affective or anxiety disorders. Further studies are needed to substantiate this link in vivo.

Immunolocalization of full-length NK1 tachykinin receptors in human tumors

Biological effects of substance P (SP) are mediated by the neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor that exists as a full-length and as a carboxy-terminally truncated isoform in humans. Although NK1 receptor mRNA and binding sites have been detected in certain malignancies, little is known about the cellular and subcellular localization of NK1 receptor protein in human neoplastic tissues. We developed and characterized a novel anti-peptide antibody to the carboxy-terminal region of the human full-length NK1 receptor. Specificity of the antiserum was demonstrated by (1) detection of a broad band migrating at molecular mass 70,000-90,000 Da in Western blots of membranes from NK1-expressing tissues; (2) cell-surface staining of NK1-transfected cells; (3) translocation of NK1 receptor immunostaining after SP exposure; and (4) abolition of tissue immunostaining by preadsorption of the antibody with its immunizing peptide. Distribution of NK1 receptors was investigated in 72 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tumors showing that NK1 receptors were frequently expressed in glioblastomas and breast and pancreatic carcinomas. Immunoreactive NK1 receptors were clearly confined to the plasma membrane and uniformly present on nearly all tumor cells. Development of this novel NK1 receptor antibody allows the efficient localization of NK1 receptor protein in human formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. NK1 receptor visualization with this simple and rapid immunohistochemical method will facilitate identification of tumors with a sufficient receptor overexpression for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention using SP analogs.

Transformation of breast cells by truncated neurokinin-1 receptor is secondary to activation by preprotachykinin-A peptides

Breast cancer remains the cancer with the highest mortality among women in the United States. Peptides derived from the oncogenic Tac1 gene (full transcript: betaPPT-A) stimulate the proliferation of breast cancer cells (BCCs) via seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled neurokinin 1 (NK1) and NK2 receptors. The NK1 gene could generate full-length (NK1-FL) and truncated (NK1-Tr) transcripts. NK1-Tr lacks 100 residues in their cytoplasmic end, could couple to G proteins, and shows reduced efficiency with respect to internalization and desensitization. This study reports on a role of NK1-Tr in the transformation of nontumorigenic breast cells, and investigates whether Tac1 expression is linked to the generation of NK1-Tr. Western blots and Northern analyses showed coexpressions of NK1-Tr and NK1-FL in BCCs (cell lines and primary cells from patients with different stages of breast cancer). Stable transfections of betaPPT-A or NK1-Tr expression vectors in nontumorigenic cells showed each induces the expression of the other, consequently resulting in a transformed phenotype. Analyses with microarrays indicate similar patterns of cytokine production by NK1-Tr transfectants and BCCs, but not NK1-FL transfectants. These observations indicate tumor-promoting properties by NK1-Tr, but not NK1-FL. Overall, the oncogenic property of Tac1 in breast cells involves concomitant expression of NK1-Tr and vice versa, consequently leading to the production of cytokines with growth promoting functions.

Microglia function in brain tumors

Microglia play an important role in inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). These cells have also been identified in brain neoplasms; however, as of yet their function largely remains unclear. More recent studies designed to characterize further tumor-associated microglia suggest that the immune effector function of these cells may be suppressed in CNS tumors. Furthermore, microglia and macrophages can secrete various cytokines and growth factors that may contribute to the successful immune evasion, growth, and invasion of brain neoplasms. A better understanding of microglia and macrophage function is essential for the development of immune-based treatment strategies against malignant brain tumors.

Signal transduction through substance P receptor in human glioblastoma cells: roles for Src and PKCdelta

Substance P receptor (SPR), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is found in human glioblastomas, and has been implicated in their growth. Consistent with a role for SPR in cell growth, activation of SPR in U373 MG human glioblastoma cells leads to the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases [extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2)] and stimulation of cell proliferation. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the pathway through which these actions occur. Using either the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor, AG 1478, or a small-interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against human EGFR, we found that transactivation of EGFR by SPR is only marginally involved in SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Src, however, is shown to be a major component of SPR signaling because the Src kinase inhibitor, PP2, and a kinase-dead Src mutant both inhibit SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We also report that SPR stimulates the phosphorylation of protein kinase Cdelta(PKCdelta), and that this stimulation is blocked by PP2. SP-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation is also blocked by rottlerin, a PKCdelta inhibitor, and the calcium scavenger, BAPTA/AM. Finally, rottlerin and PP2 were both found to inhibit the growth of several glioblastoma cell lines, underscoring the potential of these agents to block glioblastoma growth.

Hemokinin-1 has Substance P-like function in U-251 MG astrocytoma cells: A pharmacological and functional study

Substance P (SP) triggers responses in astrocytoma cells, which are considered important for proliferation and neuroimmunomodulatory activity. In this study, we compared the effects of SP with those of the novel tachykinin Hemokinin-1 (HK-1) in the human astrocytoma cell line U-251 MG. We show that U-251 MG cells express high levels of Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptors. The binding affinities of 125I-SP and 125I-mHK-1 to these receptors were in a similar, subnanomolar range. HK-1 and SP stimulated Ca2+ mobilization and induced increased cytokine mRNA expression. A specific NK-1 receptor antagonist blocked the observed effects. We conclude that there are no qualitative differences in SP and HK-1-evoked responses, suggesting that both peptides act through NK-1 receptors in U-251 MG cells. Moreover, we show TAC4 mRNA expression in gliomas, indicating a possible involvement of HK-1 in glioma biology.

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate and ryanodine receptors mobilize calcium from a common functional pool in human U373 MG cells

This investigation concentrates on the change in Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]) caused by ryanodine in U373 MG cells. This cell type from a human astrocytoma is a unique cellular model because it only expresses the type 3 ryanodine receptor (RyR3), which is generally the least abundant isoform. In the presence of physiological [Ca(2+)] in the extracellular medium, U373 MG cells are caffeine-insensitive, even after forskolin treatment, and ryanodine-sensitive only when an unusually high concentration (30 microM) is applied. Xestospongin C behaves like thapsigargin and therefore cannot be used as a selective antagonist of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (InsP(3)Rs). After ryanodine challenge, addition of an analog of Substance P (SP), which should deplete InsP(3)-sensitive stores, has no effect on [Ca(2+)](i). After thapsigargin treatment, which unmasks the calcium leak from intracellular stores, neither ryanodine nor SP change [Ca(2+)](i), suggesting that thapsigargin completely depletes the ryanodine-sensitive and the InsP(3)-sensitive stores of U373 MG cells. Finally, in experiments monitoring the [Ca(2+)] in intracellular stores, InsP(3) stimulation of permeabilized cells causes a decrease in [Ca(2+)] that is not affected by subsequent ryanodine treatment. Our results support the conclusion that U373 MG cells express both InsP(3)Rs and RyRs that can individually or in combination mobilize only one functional Ca(2+) pool.

Substance-P-mediated immunomodulation of tumor growth in a murine model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Substance P (SP) has been reported to have immunoregulatory properties including effects on many of the mediators involved in anti-tumor immunity. In this study, we investigated the effect of SP on tumor development in a murine model of melanoma. In addition, we examined the role of natural killer (NK) and T cells in SP-mediated modulation of tumor growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were implanted with mini-osmotic pumps that delivered a continuous infusion of either SP or PBS over a 14-day period. Five days following implantation, animals received K1735 melanoma cells and tumor growth was monitored. The role of NK and T cells in SP-mediated protection was examined by antibody depletion studies. To determine if cells from SP-treated animals could delay tumor growth in animals in the absence of exogenous SP infusion, splenocytes from mice treated with SP were adoptively transferred into SCID mice.

RESULTS

In vivoSP treatment led to a significant delay in tumor growth. When animals were depleted of NK or T cells, this protective effect was lost. Adoptive transfer of cells from SP-treated animals led to a significant protective effect on tumor growth in SCID mice.

CONCLUSION

Pretreatment of mice with SP provides protection against K1735 tumor growth, and this protection requires both T cells and NK cells. SP-mediated tumor protection can be transferred by the adoptive transfer of cells from SP-treated animals into animals that do not receive exogenous SP. These studies suggest a model in which in vivo SP treatment prior to tumor challenge primes immune mediators to prevent or delay tumor establishment.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity and/or structure homologues (DASH) and their substrates in cancer

Post-translational modification of proteins is an important regulatory event. Numerous biologically active peptides that play an essential role in cancerogenesis contain an evolutionary conserved proline residue as a proteolytic-processing regulatory element. Proline-specific proteases could therefore be viewed as important "check-points". Limited proteolysis of such peptides may lead to quantitative but, importantly, due to the change of receptor preference, also qualitative changes of their signaling potential. Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV, EC 3.4.14.5, identical with CD26) was for many years believed to be a unique cell membrane protease cleaving X-Pro dipeptides from the N-terminal end of peptides and proteins. Subsequently, a number of other molecules were discovered, exhibiting various degree of structural homology and DPP-IV-like enzyme activity, capable of cleaving similar set of substrates. These comprise for example, seprase, fibroblast activation protein alpha, DPP6, DPP8, DPP9, attractin, N-acetylated-alpha-linked-acidic dipeptidases I, II and L, quiescent cell proline dipeptidase, thymus-specific serine protease and DPP IV-beta. It is tempting to speculate their potential participation on DPP-IV biological function(s). Disrupted expression and enzymatic activity of "DPP-IV activity and/or structure homologues" (DASH) might corrupt the message carried by their substrates, promoting abnormal cell behavior. Consequently, modulation of particular enzyme activity using e.g. DASH inhibitors, specific antibodies or DASH expression modification may be an attractive therapeutic concept in cancer treatment. This review summarizes recent information on the interactions between DASH members and their substrates with respect to their possible role in cancer biology.

Alternative, nonapoptotic programmed cell death: mediation by arrestin 2, ERK2, and Nur77

Programmed cell death (pcd) may take the form of apoptosis or of nonapoptotic pcd. Whereas cysteine aspartyl-specific proteases (caspases) mediate apoptosis, the mediators of nonapoptotic cell death programs are much less well characterized. Here we report that alternative, nonapoptotic pcd induced by the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK(1)R) activated by its ligand Substance P, is mediated by a MAPK phosphorylation cascade recruited by the scaffold protein arrestin 2. The activation of the protein kinases Raf-1, MEK2, and ERK2 is essential for this form of nonapoptotic pcd, leading to the phosphorylation of the orphan nuclear receptor Nur77. NK(1)R-mediated cell death was inhibited by a dominant negative form of arrestin 2, Raf-1, or Nur77, by MEK1/2-specific inhibitors, and by RNA interference directed against ERK2 or MEK2 but not ERK1 or MEK1 and against Nur77. The MAPK pathway is also activated in neurons in primary culture undergoing NK(1)R-mediated death, since the MEK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited Substance P-induced death in primary striatal neurons. These results suggest that Nur77, which is regulated by a MAPK pathway activated via arrestin 2, modulates NK(1)R-mediated nonapoptotic pcd.

Calcium response after stimulation by Substance P of U373 MG cells: inhibition of store-operated calcium entry by protein kinase C

In this paper we investigate the Ca2+ response after Substance P (SP) stimulation of U373 MG cells. SP is a tachykinin and physiologically acts as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator in the nervous system, but pathologically triggers malignant glial cells, such as U373 MG, to release cytokines and increase proliferation rate. In this paper we show that SP increases the proliferation rate of U373 MG cells and the intracellular Ca2+ concentration by mobilizing Ca2+ only from thapsigargin-sensitive stores. In fact, Ca2+ entry through store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) channels, which was observed after thapsigargin treatment, was not detected after stimulation by SP. The inhibition of SOCE after SP stimulation must be mediated by protein kinase C (PKC), because it was not observed in the presence of calphostin C (an inhibitor of PKC). Moreover, stimulation by SP-induced membrane potential hyperpolarization. Our results are consistent with the following sequence of events: (i) SP interacts with NK(1) receptors; (ii) fast homologous receptor desensitization occurs; (iii) reuptake by endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase quantitatively overwhelms the extrusion by plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase. These results have two important consequences. In U373 MG cells the SOCE does not contribute to the Ca2+ response after SP, and is not necessarily involved in promoting cell proliferation.

Peptide receptors as molecular targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy

During the past decade, proof of the principle that peptide receptors can be used successfully for in vivo targeting of human cancers has been provided. The molecular basis for targeting rests on the in vitro observation that peptide receptors can be expressed in large quantities in certain tumors. The clinical impact is at the diagnostic level: in vivo receptor scintigraphy uses radiolabeled peptides for the localization of tumors and their metastases. It is also at the therapeutic level: peptide receptor radiotherapy of tumors emerges as a serious treatment option. Peptides linked to cytotoxic agents are also considered for therapeutic applications. The use of nonradiolabeled, noncytotoxic peptide analogs for long-term antiproliferative treatment of tumors appears promising for only a few tumor types, whereas the symptomatic treatment of neuroendocrine tumors by somatostatin analogs is clearly successful. The present review summarizes and critically evaluates the in vitro data on peptide and peptide receptor expression in human cancers. These data are considered to be the molecular basis for peptide receptor targeting of tumors. The paradigmatic peptide somatostatin and its receptors are extensively reviewed in the light of in vivo targeting of neuroendocrine tumors. The role of the more recently described targeting peptides vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and cholecystokinin/gastrin is discussed. Other emerging and promising peptides and their respective receptors, including neurotensin, substance P, and neuropeptide Y, are introduced. This information relates to established and potential clinical applications in oncology.

Membrane responses of the leech giant glial cell to the peptide transmitter myomodulin

A myomodulin peptide has been suggested to mediate the response of the giant glial cells to stimulation of the Leydig interneuron in the central nervous system of the leech Hirudo medicinalis [Eur. J. Neurosci. 11 (1999) 3125]. We have now studied the glial response to the endogenous leech MM peptide (GMGALRL-NH(2), MMHir). The peptide evokes a membrane outward current (EC(50) approximately 2 microM), which neither desensitizes nor shows any sign of run-down, and elicits a K(+) conductance increase of the glial cell membrane. The peptidase inhibitor phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) enhances the glial current response, suggesting the presence of endogenous extracellular peptidases.

Costorage and coexistence of neuropeptides in the mammalian CNS

The term neuropeptides commonly refers to a relatively large number of biologically active molecules that have been localized to discrete cell populations of central and peripheral neurons. I review here the most important histological and functional findings on neuropeptide distribution in the central nervous system (CNS), in relation to their role in the exchange of information between the nerve cells. Under this perspective, peptide costorage (presence of two or more peptides within the same subcellular compartment) and coexistence (concurrent presence of peptides and other messenger molecules within single nerve cells) are discussed in detail. In particular, the subcellular site(s) of storage and sorting mechanisms within neurons are thoroughly examined in the view of the mode of release and action of neuropeptides as neuronal messengers. Moreover, the relationship of neuropeptides and other molecules implicated in neural transmission is discussed in functional terms, also referring to the interactions with novel unconventional transmitters and trophic factors. Finally, a brief account is given on the presence of neuropeptides in glial cells.