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Smith JP, Cao H, Chen W, Mahmood K, Phillips T, Sutton L, Cato A. Gastrin Vaccine Alone and in Combination With an Immune Checkpoint Antibody Inhibits Growth and Metastases of Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:788875. [PMID: 34926305 PMCID: PMC8672297 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.788875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Recently, clinical studies have demonstrated that many of those with advanced gastric cancer are responsive to immune checkpoint antibody therapy, although the median survival even with these new agents is less than 12 months for advanced disease. The gastrointestinal peptide gastrin has been shown to stimulate growth of gastric cancer in a paracrine and autocrine fashion through the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR), a receptor that is expressed in at least 56.6% of human gastric cancers. In the current investigation, we studied the role of the gastrin-CCK-BR pathway in vitro and in vivo as well as the expression of the CCK-BR in a human gastric cancer tissue array. CCK-BR and PD-L1 receptor expression and gastrin peptide was found in two murine gastric cancer cells (NCC-S1 and YTN-16) by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Treatment of NCC-S1 cells with gastrin resulted in increased growth. In vivo, the effects of a cancer vaccine that targets gastrin peptide (polyclonal antibody stimulator-PAS) alone or in combination with a Programed Death-1 antibody (PD-1 Ab) was evaluated in immune competent mice (N = 40) bearing YTN-16 gastric tumors. Mice were treated with PBS, PD-1 Ab (50 µg), PAS (250 µg), or the combination of PD-1 Ab with PAS. Tumor growth was significantly slower than controls in PAS-treated mice, and tumor growth was decreased even more in combination-treated mice. There were no metastases in any of the mice treated with PAS either alone or in combination with PD-1 Ab. Tumor proliferation by the Ki67 staining was significantly decreased in mice treated with PAS monotherapy or the combination therapy. PAS monotherapy or combined with PD-1 Ab increased tumor CD8+ T-lymphocytes and decreased the number of immunosuppressive M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages. CCK-BR expression was identified in samples from a human tissue array by immunohistochemistry confirming the clinical relevance of this study. These results confirm the significance of the gastrin-CCK-BR signaling pathway in gastric cancer and suggest that the addition of a gastrin vaccine, PAS, to therapy with an immune checkpoint antibody may decrease growth and metastases of gastric cancer by altering the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kanwal Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Lynda Sutton
- Cancer Advances, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
| | - Allen Cato
- Cancer Advances, Inc., Durham, NC, United States
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Osborne N, Sundseth R, Gay MD, Cao H, Tucker RD, Nadella S, Wang S, Liu X, Kroemer A, Sutton L, Cato A, Smith JP. Vaccine against gastrin, a polyclonal antibody stimulator, decreases pancreatic cancer metastases. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 317:G682-G693. [PMID: 31433212 PMCID: PMC6879893 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00145.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growth of pancreatic cancer is stimulated by gastrin in both a paracrine and an autocrine fashion. Traditional therapies have not significantly improved survival, and recently pancreatic cancer has been deemed a "cold" tumor due to its poor response to immunotherapy. Strategies to improve survival of pancreatic cancer are desperately needed. In the current investigation, we studied the effects of an anti-gastrin cancer vaccine, polyclonal antibody stimulator (PAS; formerly called G17DT and Gastrimmune), used alone or in combination with a programmed cell death receptor (PD)-1 immune checkpoint antibody on pancreatic cancer growth, metastases, and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Immune-competent female C57BL/6 mice bearing syngeneic orthotopic murine pancreatic cancer treated with PAS had significantly smaller tumors and fewer metastases. Examination of the TME demonstrated decreased fibrosis with fewer M2 and more M1 tumor-associated macrophages. Expression of the E-cadherin gene was significantly increased and expression of the TGFβR2 gene was decreased compared with controls. Mice treated with PAS or the combination of PAS and PD-1 antibody exhibited significantly less tumor expression of phospho-paxillin, the focal adhesion protein β-catenin, and matrix metalloproteinase-7. This study suggests that inhibition of the cancer-promoting effects of gastrin in pancreatic cancer can decrease metastases by altering the TME and decreasing pathways that activate the epithelial mesenchymal transition. The PAS vaccine appears to change the TME, making it more susceptible to therapy with an immune checkpoint antibody. This novel combination of two immunotherapies may improve survival of pancreatic cancer by decreasing both tumor growth and metastasis formation.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Survival from advanced pancreatic cancer is poor, in part due to dense fibrosis of the tumor microenvironment, increased number of M2-polarized macrophages that promote angiogenesis and invasion, and lack of "target-specific" therapy. Herein, we report that a tumor vaccine that selectively targets gastrin decreases pancreatic cancer growth and metastases. Furthermore, the gastrin vaccine polyclonal antibody stimulator alters the tumor microenvironment rendering it more responsive to immunotherapy with a programmed cell death receptor-1 immune checkpoint antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martha D Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Robin D Tucker
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Sandeep Nadella
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Shangzi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Xunxian Liu
- The MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- The MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Theoretical considerations in using animal models of metastasis and brief methodology for in vivo colorectal cancer models in SCID and nude mice. Methods Mol Biol 2014. [PMID: 24092436 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-8244-4_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Metastatic spread is generally responsible for the mortality of colorectal cancer patients. There are no adequate treatments for advanced colorectal cancer, and novel therapeutic modalities are urgently required. To this end, valid metastatic models, which accurately mimic the disease process, are needed. When deciding upon a metastasis model, the goals of the investigation will dictate the complexity of the model chosen. If biological mechanisms are being investigated, only a small number of experimental animals may be required, and a more complex, surgically intensive model may be used. If a therapeutic agent is being evaluated, owing to group sizes required to generate statistically significant effects, a less complex, less surgically intensive model may be preferable. The latter, however, may encompass only a particular phase of metastasis rather than reflecting all aspects of the metastatic cascade.
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Matters GL, Clawson GA. A Speculative Role for Stromal Gastrin Signaling in Development and Dissemination of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Suppl 4:003. [PMID: 25346875 PMCID: PMC4208305 DOI: 10.4172/2165-7092.s4-003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The peptide growth factor gastrin and its receptor, the G-protein coupled cholecystokinin receptor type B (CCKBR), play an integral role in the growth and progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Gastrin immunoreactivity is found in the fetal pancreas but its expression is not detected in normal pancreas after birth, except when it is re-expressed in malignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail L Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Gary A Clawson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA, USA ; Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation and Departments of Pathology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, USA
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Workman P, Aboagye EO, Balkwill F, Balmain A, Bruder G, Chaplin DJ, Double JA, Everitt J, Farningham DAH, Glennie MJ, Kelland LR, Robinson V, Stratford IJ, Tozer GM, Watson S, Wedge SR, Eccles SA. Guidelines for the welfare and use of animals in cancer research. Br J Cancer 2010; 102:1555-77. [PMID: 20502460 PMCID: PMC2883160 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6605642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1047] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal experiments remain essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms underpinning malignancy and to discover improved methods to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Excellent standards of animal care are fully consistent with the conduct of high quality cancer research. Here we provide updated guidelines on the welfare and use of animals in cancer research. All experiments should incorporate the 3Rs: replacement, reduction and refinement. Focusing on animal welfare, we present recommendations on all aspects of cancer research, including: study design, statistics and pilot studies; choice of tumour models (e.g., genetically engineered, orthotopic and metastatic); therapy (including drugs and radiation); imaging (covering techniques, anaesthesia and restraint); humane endpoints (including tumour burden and site); and publication of best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Workman
- Cancer Research UK Centre for Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK.
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Priddle H, Grabowska A, Morris T, Clarke PA, McKenzie AJ, Sottile V, Denning C, Young L, Watson S. Bioluminescence Imaging of Human Embryonic Stem Cells TransplantedIn Vivoin Murine and Chick Models. CLONING AND STEM CELLS 2009; 11:259-67. [DOI: 10.1089/clo.2008.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Priddle
- Division of Human Development, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Grabowska
- Division of Preclinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Morris
- Division of Preclinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip A. Clarke
- Division of Preclinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. McKenzie
- Division of Preclinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Virginie Sottile
- Wolfson Centre for Stem cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling (STEM), Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Wolfson Centre for Stem cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling (STEM), Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Lorraine Young
- Division of Human Development, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Wolfson Centre for Stem cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling (STEM), Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Watson
- Division of Preclinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Huang H, Ansorge N, Schrader H, Banasch M, Yu HG, Schmidt WE, Höcker M, Schmitz F. The CCK-2/gastrin splice variant receptor retaining intron 4 transactivates the COX-2 promoter in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 144:34-42. [PMID: 17936921 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2007.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Revised: 05/26/2007] [Accepted: 05/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the human cholecystokinin-2/gastrin receptor (CCK-2R) has been widely reported in human colorectal cancers. Recently, a splice variant of the CCK-2R retaining intron 4 (CCK-2i4svR) has been cloned from human colorectal cancers and postulated to exhibit constitutive activity. But its role in mediating carcinogenic effects of mature-amidated gastrin in colorectal cancers has not been fully explored. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the activation of CCK-2i4svR by gastrin transactivates the COX-2 promoter in human colon cancer cells and in COS-7 cells. In this study, Colo320 cells and COS-7 cells were transfected with the human CCK-2R wild type (CCK-2wtR) (COS-7WT, Colo320WT) and the human CCK-2i4svR (COS-7SV, Colo320SV) cDNA. After stimulation with gastrin-17 (G-17), transactivation of the COX-2 promoter was determined by luciferase reporter gene assay. 5'deletions of the COX-2 promoter were transfected into Colo320 cells to narrow down the minimally required regulatory element. Induction of COX-2 expression was further explored at the mRNA level using real time RT-PCR. The effects of CCK-2i4svR activation on phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38(MAPK) and JNK were examined by using immunoblotting. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) secretion was measured by ELISA. Our results showed that gastrin transactivates the COX-2 promoter in both Colo320 cells and COS-7 cells expressing the CCK-2i4svR cDNA. Inhibition of p38(MAPK) pathway using specific inhibitor significantly blocked the gastrin-induced COX-2 transactivation. Gastrin time-dependently increased COX-2 mRNA expression, the peak mRNA levels appeared at 10 h after stimulation. PGE(2) secretion from gastrin-treated cells increased significantly 8 h after stimulation. Treatment with gastrin also stimulated PGE(2) secretion in the Colo320 cells expressing CCK-2i4svR. In conclusion, the CCK-2i4svR mediates transactivation of the COX-2 promoter and MAPK pathway is involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Laboratory for Molecular Gastroenterology, Dept. of Medicine I, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
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Abstract
Cholecystokinin and gastrin receptors (CCK1R and CCK2R) are G protein-coupled receptors that have been the subject of intensive research in the last 10 years with corresponding advances in the understanding of their functioning and physiology. In this review, we first describe general properties of the receptors, such as the different signaling pathways used to exert short- and long-term effects and the structural data that explain their binding properties, activation, and regulation. We then focus on peripheral cholecystokinin receptors by describing their tissue distribution and physiological actions. Finally, pathophysiological peripheral actions of cholecystokinin receptors and their relevance in clinical disorders are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Dufresne
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U. 531, Institut Louis Bugnard, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Rangueil, France
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Xiong XH, Zhao HL, Xue C, Zhang W, Yang BF, Yao XQ, Liu ZM. Construction and evaluation of anti-gastrin immunogen based on P64K protein. World J Gastroenterol 2006; 12:2040-6. [PMID: 16610054 PMCID: PMC4087682 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i13.2040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To construct two kinds of anti-gastrin immunogen based on P64K protein from Neisseria meningitids and to compare their immunogenic effect.
METHODS: G17P64K gene was cloned and ligated into pET28a plasmid, then transformed into BL21(DE3). After inoculation of LB medium and IPTG induction, the recombinant protein was solubly expressed at a high level.The purification of G17P64K fusion protein was similar to that of P64K. An initial step of purification consisting of 30 % saturated ammonium sulfate precipitation was done. Additional fine optimizations included phenyl-sepharose, G200 Sephadex gel filtration and Q-sepharose anion exchanger chromatography. Highly purified protein was obtained and sequenced at the N-terminal amino acid residues. Polypeptide was synthesized by Fmoc solid phase chemical method and cross-linked to carrier protein P64K and DT mutant by MBS method and then the rabbit anti-gastrin 17 antibody was prepared by immunizing rabbit with cross-linked and fused protein. The titer and the activity in vitro of antibody were assessed.
RESULTS: G17P64K gene and the recombinant bacteria were obtained. After four steps purification, protein sample that has the purity above 90 % was achieved. At the 84th day after the first immunization, the titer of antibody against cross-linked protein reached 51 200. Evaluation of the antibody in vitro manifested that it had a high inhibitory activity on the growth of tumor cell SW480.
CONCLUSION: The P64K-polypeptide cross-linked immunogen immunized rabbit and achieved a higher titer antibody against gastrin 17 than the G17P64K fusion protein immunogen, which could inhibit the growth of the tumor cell SW480.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Hua Xiong
- Department of Microbiologic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie Street, Fengtai District, Beijing 100071, China
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10
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones are chemical messengers that have been recognized for over a century as regulatory factors for normal physiologic functions in the GI tract and pancreas, including absorption, secretion, motility, and digestion. These hormones traditionally act in a true endocrine fashion with release from a distant site to regulate physiologic functions of specific target organs. In general, GI hormones bind to their G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to produce their endocrine effects. In addition to effects on physiologic functions of the GI tract and pancreas, selected GI hormones can act in an endocrine, paracrine, and/or autocrine fashion to stimulate the proliferation of normal and neoplastic GI tissues as well as non-GI tissues. This review will focus on effects of GI hormones on neoplastic tissues concentrating on the hormones that have been best characterized for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mark Evers
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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11
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Aly A, Shulkes A, Baldwin GS. Gastrins, cholecystokinins and gastrointestinal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2004; 1704:1-10. [PMID: 15238241 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2004.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2003] [Revised: 01/15/2004] [Accepted: 01/21/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal peptide hormones gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK) are well known for their ability to stimulate gastric acid secretion and pancreatic enzyme secretion, respectively. The suggestion that gastrin and CCK might also promote the development of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract has been controversial, but an increasing body of evidence now supports the view that the amidated and non-amidated forms of gastrin act as growth factors via different receptors in different regions of the gut. For example, animal experiments indicate that amidated gastrins are involved in cellular differentiation and repair in the gastric mucosa, and synergize with Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of gastric carcinoma. In contrast, non-amidated gastrins stimulate colonic mucosal growth, accelerate the early steps in colorectal carcinoma formation, and are elevated in the tumour and circulation of patients with colorectal cancer. Although human pancreatic carcinomas express CCK-1 and CCK-2 receptors, the role of gastrins and CCK in pancreatic carcinogenesis is yet to be established. Further investigation of the possible role of the CCK-2 receptor in gastric and pancreatic neoplasia, and of the hypothesis that gastrin precursors act as autocrine growth factors in colorectal carcinoma, is warranted. However, therapies aimed at the gastrins must be targeted to the relevant gastrin/gastrin receptor combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Aly
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Campus, A and RMC, Studley Road, Heidelberg, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
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12
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Thomas RP, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM, Evers BM. Role of gastrointestinal hormones in the proliferation of normal and neoplastic tissues. Endocr Rev 2003; 24:571-99. [PMID: 14570743 DOI: 10.1210/er.2002-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) hormones are chemical messengers that regulate the physiological functions of the intestine and pancreas, including secretion, motility, absorption, and digestion. In addition to these well-defined physiological effects, GI hormones can stimulate proliferation of the nonneoplastic intestinal mucosa and pancreas. Furthermore, in an analogous fashion to breast and prostate cancer, certain GI cancers possess receptors for GI hormones; growth can be altered by administration of these hormones or by blocking their respective receptors. The GI hormones that affect proliferation, either stimulatory or inhibitory, include gastrin, cholecystokinin, gastrin-releasing peptide, neurotensin, peptide YY, glucagon-like peptide-2, and somatostatin. The effects of these peptides on normal and neoplastic GI tissues will be described. Also, future perspectives and potential therapeutic implications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Thomas
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
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Bombski G, Gasiorowska A, Orszulak-Michalak D, Neneman B, Kotynia J, Strzelczyk J, Janiak A, Malecka-Panas E. Differences in plasma gastrin, CEA, and CA 19-9 concentration in patients with proximal and distal colorectal cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GASTROINTESTINAL CANCER 2003; 31:155-63. [PMID: 12622427 DOI: 10.1385/ijgc:31:1-3:155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM We investigated whether there are differences in plasma gastrin, as compared with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 between patients with proximal and distal colorectal cancer. Gastrin concentration has also been analyzed, dependent on the tumor stage, in order to evaluate the possible prognostic role of this measurement. METHODS In 50 patients with colon cancer-fasting gastrin, CA 19-9 and CEA levels were evaluated. RESULTS Mean plasma-gastrin level in patients with distal tumor yielded 105.31 +/- 12.5 microU/L and was significantly higher than in patients with the proximal tumor site (42.2 +/- 3.1 microU/L) as well as in controls (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed between mean plasma gastrin in patients with proximal tumors and the control group. The mean CEA plasma level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients with distal tumors (9.1 +/- 1.1 ng/mL) than in those with proximal tumors (1.48 +/- 0.1 ng/mL). Similarly, the mean CA 19-9 plasma level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in patients with distal tumor (19.9 +/- 2.1 U/mL) than in those with proximal tumor: 1.8 +/- 0.2 U/mL. The mean gastrin plasma, CA 19-9, and CEA level was significantly higher in group of Duke's stage C and D as compared to A and B. CONCLUSION We speculate that observed differences in gastrin concentration in patients with distal and proximal tumors may contribute to the distinct pathogenesis and biological properties of those cancers. The significance of gastrin as a marker for diagnostic or prognostic purposes in colorectal cancer requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Bombski
- Gastroenterology Ward, Regional Hospital, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Poland
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14
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Hollande F, Lee DJ, Choquet A, Roche S, Baldwin GS. Adherens junctions and tight junctions are regulated via different pathways by progastrin in epithelial cells. J Cell Sci 2003; 116:1187-97. [PMID: 12615962 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Adhesion between neighbouring epithelial cells is a crucial and tightly controlled process. In the gastrointestinal tract, the integrity of cell-cell contacts is essential for the regulation of electrolyte absorption and for the prevention of tumour metastasis. We recently showed that migration of the gastric epithelial cell line IMGE-5 is stimulated by the nonamidated form of the hormone gastrin(17). Here, we examine the effect on cell-cell adhesion of the prohormone progastrin, the concentration of which is increased in the plasma of patients with colorectal carcinoma. Progastrin induced the dissociation of both tight junction (TJ) and adherens junction (AJ) complexes in IMGE-5 cells. In progastrin-secreting DLD-1 human colorectal carcinoma cells, expression of an antisense gastrin construct restored membrane localisation of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, beta-catenin and E-cadherin. This restoration was reversed by treatment with exogenous progastrin. Endogenous or exogenous progastrin also increased the paracellular flux of mannitol, and induced cell migration of several gastrointestinal cell lines. In addition, progastrin enhanced Src tyrosine kinase activity and induced a spatial delocalisation of protein kinase C alpha. Using dominant-negative mutants and pharmacological inhibitors, we showed that the stimulation of Src kinase activity was essential for the regulation of TJs. By contrast, the dissociation of AJs involved phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, partly through the formation of a complex with protein kinase C alpha. We conclude that separate pathways mediate the disruption of AJs and TJs by progastrin. Either pathway may contribute to the co-carcinogenic role of this prohormone in colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Hollande
- Laboratoire de Signalisation Cellulaire Normale et Tumorale, EA MNRT 2995, Faculté de Pharmacie, 15 Avenue C. Flahault, 34093 Montpellier, France.
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15
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Guo YS, Cheng JZ, Jin GF, Gutkind JS, Hellmich MR, Townsend CM. Gastrin stimulates cyclooxygenase-2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells through multiple signaling pathways. Evidence for involvement of ERK5 kinase and transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:48755-63. [PMID: 12239223 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m209016200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrin is a hormone produced by G-cells in the normal gastric antrum. However, colorectal carcinoma cells may aberrantly produce gastrin and exhibit increased expression of cholecystokinin B (CCK-B)/gastrin receptors. Gastrin is trophic for the normal gastric oxyntic mucosa and exerts a growth-promoting action on gastrointestinal malignancy. Thus, gastrin may act as an autocrine/paracrine or endocrine factor in the initiation and progression of colorectal carcinoma. The molecular mechanisms involved have not been elucidated. Hypergastrinemia induced by Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in gastric and colorectal tissues, suggesting the possibility that gastrin up-regulates COX-2 expression in these tissues; this has not been confirmed. We report here that gastrin significantly increases the expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein, the activity of the COX-2 promoter, and the release of prostaglandin E(2) from a rat intestinal epithelial cell line transfected with the CCK-B receptor. These actions were dependent upon the activation of multiple MAPK signal pathways, including ERK5 kinase; transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor; and the increased expression and activities of transcription factors ELK-1, activating transcription factor-2, c-Fos, c-Jun, activator protein-1, and myocyte enhancer factor-2. Thus, our findings identify the signaling pathways coupling the CCK-B receptor with up-regulation of COX-2 expression. This effect may contribute to this hormone-dependent gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, especially in the colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Shi Guo
- Departments of Surgery and Ophthalmology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555, USA.
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16
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Hollande F, Choquet A, Blanc EM, Lee DJ, Bali JP, Baldwin GS. Involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinases in glycine-extended gastrin-induced dissociation and migration of gastric epithelial cells. J Biol Chem 2001; 276:40402-10. [PMID: 11495912 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m105090200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The various molecular forms of gastrin can act as promoters of proliferation and differentiation in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. We report a novel stimulatory effect of glycine-extended gastrin(17) only on cell/cell dissociation and cell migration in a non-tumorigenic mouse gastric epithelial cell line (IMGE-5). In contrast, both amidated and glycine-extended gastrin(17) stimulated proliferation of IMGE-5 cells via distinct receptors. Glycine-extended gastrin(17)-induced dissociation preceded migration and was blocked by selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) but did not require mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation. Furthermore, glycine-extended gastrin(17) induced a PI3-kinase-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of the adherens junction protein beta-catenin, partial dissociation of the complex between beta-catenin and the transmembrane protein E-cadherin, and delocalization of beta-catenin into the cytoplasm. Long lasting activation of MAP kinases by glycine-extended gastrin(17) was specifically required for the migratory response, in contrast to the involvement of a rapid and transient MAP kinase activation in the proliferative response to both amidated and glycine-extended gastrin(17). Therefore, the time course of MAP kinase activation appears to be a critical determinant of the biological effects mediated by this pathway. Together with the involvement of PI3-kinase in the dissociation of adherens junctions, long term activation of MAP kinases seems responsible for the selectivity of this novel effect of G(17)-Gly on the adhesion and migration of gastric epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Hollande
- Laboratoire de Signalisation Cellulaire Normale et Tumorale, EA MNRT 2995, Faculté de Pharmacie, Montpellier 34060, France
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Schmitz F, Otte JM, Stechele HU, Reimann B, Banasiewicz T, Fölsch UR, Schmidt WE, Herzig KH. CCK-B/gastrin receptors in human colorectal cancer. Eur J Clin Invest 2001; 31:812-20. [PMID: 11589724 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2362.2001.00870.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mature amidated gastrin (G17 amide) mediates its effects in the gastrointestinal tract by activating G protein-coupled CCK-B/gastrin receptors. Although trophic actions of gastrin on the gastric mucosa have been well-established, the effect of G17 amide, progastrin and intermediates to colon neoplasia in humans is controversial. While epidemiological evidence from patients with elevated serum gastrin levels related to pernicious anaemia does not support an increased risk for colon cancer, a recent study suggests that prolonged hypergastrinaemia is associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. The extent to which trophic actions of gastrin in colorectal cancer are mediated by functional gastrin receptors remains to be defined. The aim of the present study was to determine CCK-B/gastrin receptor expression, structure, and function in 79 patients with colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCK-B/gastrin receptor cDNAs were isolated from 79 human colorectal cancer specimens and 15 control tissues, subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pCR3.1 and subjected to DNA sequence analysis. Wild-type and mutant cDNAs were transiently expressed in COS-7 cells to determine ligand affinities by 125I-labelled CCK-8S competition binding. Activation of the MAP kinase signalling cascade by G17 amide was determined in transfected Colo 320 cells expressing the wild-type or mutant CCK-B/gastrin receptors. Clonal expansion of single cells was quantified in transfected Colo 320 cells. RESULTS Gastrin mRNA is expressed in 44% of colorectal cancers and in 13% of control tissues. CCK-B/gastrin receptor mRNA is expressed in 38% of colorectal cancers and 13% of normal colonic tissue. Co-expression of gastrin and CCK-B/gastrin receptor message is significantly increased in colorectal cancer specimens (32% vs. 0%). There is no correlation between CCK-B/gastrin receptor expression and disease stage or histological grading. DNA sequence analysis revealed one spontaneous CCK-B/gastrin receptor mutation within the third intracellular loop with an exchange of valine-287 for phenylalanine. Pharmacological characterisation of the 287V --> F CCK-B/gastrin receptor reveals wild-type affinities for G17 amide, glycine-extended gastrin, CCK-8S and L-365,260. Mutation 287V --> F is associated with a loss of gastrin-induced MAPK p44/p42 signalling in Colo 320 cells while clonal expansion from single cells is increased by 53.1 +/- 15.9% when compared to Colo 320 cells expressing wild-type CCK-B/gastrin receptors. CONCLUSIONS Structural alterations of CCK-B/gastrin receptors may account for increased growth-promoting effects of amidated gastrins in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schmitz
- Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Germany.
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18
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Abstract
Gastrin, produced by G cells in the gastric antrum, has been identified as the circulating hormone responsible for stimulation of acid secretion from the parietal cell. Gastrin also acts as a potent cell-growth factor that has been implicated in a variety of normal and abnormal biological processes including maintenance of the gastric mucosa, proliferation of enterochromaffin-like cells, and neoplastic transformation. Here, we review the models used to study the effects of gastrin on cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro with respect to mechanisms by which this hormone might influence normal and cancerous cell growth. Specifically, human and animal models of hypergastrinemia and hypogastrinemia have been described in vivo, and several cells that express cholecystokinin (CCK)B/gastrin receptors have been used for analysis of intracellular signaling pathways initiated by biologically active amidated gastrins. The binding of gastrin or CCK to their common cognate receptor triggers the activation of multiple signal transduction pathways that relay the mitogenic signal to the nucleus and promote cell proliferation. A rapid increase in the synthesis of lipid-derived second messengers with subsequent activation of protein phosphorylation cascades, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, is an important early response to these signaling peptides. Gastrin and CCK also induce rapid Rho-dependent actin remodeling and coordinate tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins including the non-receptor tyrosine kinases p125fak and Src and the adaptor proteins p130cas and paxillin. This article reviews recent advances in defining the role of gastrin and CCK in the control of cell proliferation in normal and cancer cells and in dissecting the signal transduction pathways that mediate the proliferative responses induced by these hormonal GI peptides in a variety of normal and cancer cell model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center and Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
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Watson SA, Gilliam AD. G17DT--a new weapon in the therapeutic armoury for gastrointestinal malignancy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2001; 1:309-17. [PMID: 11727538 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.1.2.309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
G17DT or Gastrimmune, as it was formally known, is an antigastrin 17 immunogen producing neutralising high affinity antibodies directed against gastrin-17 (G17). Preclinical studies, initiated to identify biological functionality of G17DT-induced antibodies, confirmed that the antibodies both reduced G17 stimulated gastric acid secretion and inhibited gastrin from interacting with the CCK-2 receptor. Therapeutic efficacy of both passive and active immunisation with G17DT has been established in a number of tumour systems including both primary and metastatic disease. Furthermore, additive effects with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin have been confirmed in both colon and gastric tumour models. Phase I/II studies in advanced gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies have shown no systemic or autoimmune reactions to active immunisation with G17DT. Use of an optimised dose has yielded a high proportion of responders (> 80%), with minimal side effects and antibody titres measurable within 2-4 weeks. Taken together these results suggest that the G17DT immunogen is a promising agent for the treatment of GI cancer and Phase III trials, currently underway, will definitively evaluate this early promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Watson
- Academic Unit of Cancer Studies, Division of GI Surgery, University of Nottingham, QMC, University Hospital, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
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