Regulation of the leucocyte chemoattractant receptor FPR in glioblastoma cells by cell differentiation

Chemotherapy in pediatric brain tumor and the challenge of the blood-brain barrier

BACKGROUND

Pediatric brain tumors (PBT) stand as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Chemoradiation protocols have improved survival rates, even for non-resectable tumors. Nonetheless, radiation therapy carries the risk of numerous adverse effects that can have long-lasting, detrimental effects on the quality of life for survivors. The pursuit of chemotherapeutics that could obviate the need for radiotherapy remains ongoing. Several anti-tumor agents, including sunitinib, valproic acid, carboplatin, and panobinostat, have shown effectiveness in various malignancies but have not proven effective in treating PBT. The presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a pivotal role in maintaining suboptimal concentrations of anti-cancer drugs in the central nervous system (CNS). Ongoing research aims to modulate the integrity of the BBB to attain clinically effective drug concentrations in the CNS. However, current findings on the interaction of exogenous chemical agents with the BBB remain limited and do not provide a comprehensive explanation for the ineffectiveness of established anti-cancer drugs in PBT.

METHODS

We conducted our search for chemotherapeutic agents associated with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) using the following keywords: Chemotherapy in Cancer, Chemotherapy in Brain Cancer, Chemotherapy in PBT, BBB Inhibition of Drugs into CNS, Suboptimal Concentration of CNS Drugs, PBT Drugs and BBB, and Potential PBT Drugs. We reviewed each relevant article before compiling the information in our manuscript. For the generation of figures, we utilized BioRender software.

FOCUS

We focused our article search on chemical agents for PBT and subsequently investigated the role of the BBB in this context. Our search criteria included clinical trials, both randomized and non-randomized studies, preclinical research, review articles, and research papers.

FINDING

Our research suggests that, despite the availability of potent chemotherapeutic agents for several types of cancer, the effectiveness of these chemical agents in treating PBT has not been comprehensively explored. Additionally, there is a scarcity of studies examining the role of the BBB in the suboptimal outcomes of PBT treatment, despite the effectiveness of these drugs for other types of tumors.

Mechanisms of ERK phosphorylation triggered via mouse formyl peptide receptor 2

Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are expressed in the cells of the innate immune system and provide binding with pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns with subsequent activation of the phagocytes for defense reactions such as chemotaxis, secretory degranulation and ROS generation. Probably, FPR2 is one of the unique receptors in the organism; it is able to recognize numerous ligands of different chemical structure, and moreover, these ligands can trigger opposite phagocyte responses promoting either pro- or anti-inflammatory reactions. Therefore, FPR2 and its signaling pathways are of intense research interest. We found only slight activation of ERK1/2 in the response to peptide ligand WKYMVM in the accelerating phase of ROS generation and more intense ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the declining phase of it in mouse bone marrow granulocytes. Lipid agonist BML-111 did not induce significant ERK phosphorylation when applied for 10-1800 s. To some extent co-localization of ERK1/2 and NADPH oxidase subunits was observed even in the intact cells and didn't change under FPR2 stimulation by WKYMVM, while direct PKC activation by PMA resulted to more efficient interaction between ERK1/2 and p47phox/p67phox and their translocation to plasma membrane. We have shown that phosphorylation and activation of ERK1/2 in bone marrow granulocytes depended on FPR2-triggered activity of PI3K and PKC, phosphatase DUSP6, and, the most but not the least, on ROS generation. Since blocking of ROS generation led to a slowdown of ERK activation indicating a significant contribution of ROS to the secondary regulation of ERK activity.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular modeling, and structural analysis of new pyrazole and pyrazolone derivatives as N-formyl peptide receptors agonists

N‐formyl peptide receptors (FPR1, FPR2, and FPR3) play key roles in the regulation of inflammatory processes, and recently, it was demonstrated that FPR1 and FPR2 have a dual role in the progression/suppression of some cancers. Therefore, FPRs represent an important therapeutic target for the treatment of both cancer and inflammatory diseases. Previously, we identified selective or mixed FPR agonists with pyridazinone or pyridinone scaffolds showing a common 4‐(bromophenyl)acetamide fragment, which was essential for activity. We report here new pyrazole and pyrazolone derivatives as restricted analogues of the above 6‐membered compounds, all exhibiting the same 4‐bromophenylacetamide side chain. Most new products had low or absent FPR agonist activity, suggesting that the pyrazole nucleus was not appropriate for FPR agonists. This hypothesis was confirmed by molecular modeling studies, which highlighted that the five‐membered scaffold was responsible for a worse arrangement of the molecules in the receptor binding site.

The Contribution of Chemoattractant GPCRs, Formylpeptide Receptors, to Inflammation and Cancer

A hallmark of inflammatory responses is leukocyte mobilization, which is mediated by pathogen and host released chemotactic factors that activate Gi-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane receptors (GPCRs) on host cell surface. Formylpeptide receptors (FPRs, Fprs in mice) are members of the chemoattractant GPCR family, shown to be critical in myeloid cell trafficking during infection, inflammation, immune responses, and cancer progression. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that both human FPRs and murine Fprs are involved in a number of patho-physiological processes because of their expression on a wide variety of cell types in addition to myeloid cells. The unique capacity of FPRs (Fprs) to interact with numerous structurally unrelated chemotactic ligands enables these receptors to participate in orchestrated disease initiation, progression, and resolution. One murine Fpr member, Fpr2, and its endogenous agonist peptide, Cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), have been demonstrated as key mediators of colon mucosal homeostasis and protection from inflammation and associated tumorigenesis. Recent availability of genetically engineered mouse models greatly expanded the understanding of the role of FPRs (Fprs) in pathophysiology that places these molecules in the list of potential targets for therapeutic intervention of diseases.

High Glucose Promotes Human Glioblastoma Cell Growth by Increasing the Expression and Function of Chemoattractant and Growth Factor Receptors

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by hyperglycemia, is considered as a risk factor of cancers including malignant gliomas. However, the direct effect of high glucose on cancer cell behavior is not clear. We therefore investigated the effect of hyperglycemia on the growth of human glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Our results revealed that high glucose (HG) promoted the proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of a human GBM cell line U87. Mechanistically, HG upregulated the expression and function of a G-protein coupled chemoattractant receptor (GPCR) formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on GBM cells, which upon activation by their agonists, promoted cell migration and proliferation. In addition, the invasiveness and the production of VEGF by U87 cells were enhanced under HG conditions, the effects of which were mediated by FPR1 and EGFR agonists. The tumor promoting activity of HG was further substantiated by increased tumorigenicity and growth of xenograft tumors formed by GBM cells in nude mice with induced diabetes mellitus. Thus, our study demonstrates the capacity of HG to promote GBM progression via enhancement of the function of chemoattractant and growth factor receptors.

Targeting Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction Caused by Circulating Bacterial and Mitochondrial N-Formyl Peptides With Deformylase

Despite recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms underlying systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis, the current therapeutic approach to these critically ill patients is centered around supportive care including fluid resuscitation, vasopressors and source control. The incidence of SIRS and sepsis continues to increase in the United States and patients die due to failure to respond to the traditional therapies of nitric oxide blockade, adrenergic agonists, etc. Bacterial and mitochondrial N-formyl peptides (NFPs) act as damage-associated molecular patterns and activate the innate immune system through formyl peptide receptors (FPR) located in immune and non-immune cells, including the vascular endothelium. The resulting inflammatory response manifests as capillary leak, tissue hypoperfusion and vasoplegia, partially due to endothelium barrier breakdown. Potential strategies to prevent this response include decreasing NFP release, breakdown of NFPs, and blocking NFPs from binding FPR. We propose the use of deformylase, the degrading enzyme for NFPs, as potential therapeutic approach to prevent the deleterious effects of NFPs in SIRS and sepsis.

Regulation of inflammation by members of the formyl-peptide receptor family

Inflammation is associated with a variety of diseases. The hallmark of inflammation is leukocyte infiltration at disease sites in response to pathogen- or damage-associated chemotactic molecular patterns (PAMPs and MAMPs), which are recognized by a superfamily of seven transmembrane, Gi-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) on cell surface. Chemotactic GPCRs are composed of two major subfamilies: the classical GPCRs and chemokine GPCRs. Formyl-peptide receptors (FPRs) belong to the classical chemotactic GPCR subfamily with unique properties that are increasingly appreciated for their expression on diverse host cell types and the capacity to interact with a plethora of chemotactic PAMPs and MAMPs. Three FPRs have been identified in human: FPR1-FPR3, with putative corresponding mouse counterparts. FPR expression was initially described in myeloid cells but subsequently in many non-hematopoietic cells including cancer cells. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that FPRs possess multiple functions in addition to controlling inflammation, and participate in the processes of many pathophysiologic conditions. They are not only critical mediators of myeloid cell trafficking, but are also implicated in tissue repair, angiogenesis and protection against inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. A series recent discoveries have greatly expanded the scope of FPRs in host defense which uncovered the essential participation of FPRs in step-wise trafficking of myeloid cells including neutrophils and dendritic cells (DCs) in host responses to bacterial infection, tissue injury and wound healing. Also of great interest is the FPRs are exploited by malignant cancer cells for their growth, invasion and metastasis. In this article, we review the current understanding of FPRs concerning their expression in a vast array of cell types, their involvement in guiding leukocyte trafficking in pathophysiological conditions, and their capacity to promote the differentiation of immune cells, their participation in tumor-associated inflammation and cancer progression. The close association of FPRs with human diseases and cancer indicates their potential as targets for the development of therapeutics.

The G-protein coupled chemoattractant receptor FPR2 promotes malignant phenotype of human colon cancer cells

The G-protein coupled chemoattractant receptor formylpeptide receptor-2 (FPR2 in human, Fpr2 in mice) is expressed by mouse colon epithelial cells and plays a critical role in mediating mucosal homeostasis and inflammatory responses. However, the biological role of FPR2 in human colon is unclear. Our investigation revealed that a considerable number of human colon cancer cell lines expressed FPR2 and its ligands promoted cell migration and proliferation. Human colon cancer cell lines expressing high levels of FPR2 also formed more rapidly growing tumors in immunocompromised mice as compared with cell lines expressing lower levels of FPR2. Knocking down of FPR2 from colon cancer cell lines highly expressing FPR2 reduced their tumorigenicity. Clinically, FPR2 is more highly expressed in progressive colon cancer, associated with poorer patient prognosis. These results suggest that FPR2 can be high-jacked by colon cancer cells for their growth advantage, thus becoming a potential target for therapeutic development.

Formyl peptide receptor modulators: a patent review and potential applications for inflammatory diseases (2012-2015)

INTRODUCTION

The activation of leukocytes and the subsequent immune cascade play an essential role in sterile and infectious inflammation. Dysregulation of these immune responses or excess leukocyte activation can induce tissue damage, organ dysfunction and mortality. Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are functionally diverse pattern recognition receptors responsible for recognizing different endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns or exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns. FPRs mediate leukocyte activation during inflammation. FPR1 antagonists and FPR2 agonists have demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects based on in vitro and in vivo studies. An increasing number of synthesized compounds targeting FPRs, especially potential FPR1 antagonists and FPR2 agonists, have been disclosed in patents. Areas covered: This article summarizes the current pharmacology patents related to FPR family modulators and their therapeutic indications based on a review of patent applications disclosed between 2012 and 2015. Expert opinion: In this review, FPR1 modulators comprise β-1,3-glucan synthase inhibitors containing an FPR ligand moiety, template-fixed peptidomimetics, cyclosporin H, and dipeptide derivatives. FPR2 modulators include phenylurea, bridged spiro[2.4]heptane ester, naphthalene, aminotriazole, polycyclic pyrrolidine-2,5-dione, imidazolidine-2,4-dione, (2-ureidoacetamido)alkyl, amide, oxazolyl-methylether, oxazole, thiazole, and crystalline potassium salt derivatives. These compounds have potential applications for human conditions such as inflammatory lung diseases, ischemia-reperfusion injury, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, and wound healing. FPRs are emerging as important targets for treating leukocyte-dominant inflammation.

New development in studies of formyl-peptide receptors: critical roles in host defense

Formyl-peptide receptors are a family of 7 transmembrane domain, Gi-protein-coupled receptors that possess multiple functions in many pathophysiologic processes because of their expression in a variety of cell types and their capacity to interact with a variety of structurally diverse, chemotactic ligands. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that formyl-peptide receptors are critical mediators of myeloid cell trafficking in the sequential chemotaxis signal relays in microbial infection, inflammation, and immune responses. Formyl-peptide receptors are also involved in the development and progression of cancer. In addition, one of the formyl-peptide receptor family members, Fpr2, is expressed by normal mouse-colon epithelial cells, mediates cell responses to microbial chemotactic agonists, participates in mucosal development and repair, and protects against inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. These novel discoveries greatly expanded the current understanding of the role of formyl-peptide receptors in host defense and as potential molecular targets for the development of therapeutics.

Formylpeptide receptor 1 mediates the tumorigenicity of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors (GPCRs) have been implicated in cancer progression. Formylpeptide receptor 1 (FPR1) was originally identified as a GPCR mediating anti-microbial host defense. However, the role of FPR1 in tumorigenesis remains poorly understood. The current study aims to investigate the potential of FPR1 to regulate human hepatoma growth and invasion. We found the FPR1 gene and protein expression in human intratumoral and peritumoral tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens and in human hepatoma cell lines. FPR1 activation mediated the migration, calcium mobilization and ERK-dependent IL-8 production by hepatic cancer cells. FPR1 knockdown substantially reduced the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cells in nude mice. Necrotic hepatic tumor cells released factor(s) that activated FPR1 in live tumor cells. Our results indicate a critical role of FPR1 in the progression of malignant human hepatic cancer. FPR1 thus may represent a molecular target for the development of novel anti-hepatoma therapeutics.

Epigenetic therapy of cancer stem and progenitor cells by targeting DNA methylation machineries

Recent advances in stem cell biology have shed light on how normal stem and progenitor cells can evolve to acquire malignant characteristics during tumorigenesis. The cancer counterparts of normal stem and progenitor cells might be occurred through alterations of stem cell fates including an increase in self-renewal capability and a decrease in differentiation and/or apoptosis. This oncogenic evolution of cancer stem and progenitor cells, which often associates with aggressive phenotypes of the tumorigenic cells, is controlled in part by dysregulated epigenetic mechanisms including aberrant DNA methylation leading to abnormal epigenetic memory. Epigenetic therapy by targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1, DNMT3A and DNMT3B via 5-Azacytidine (Aza) and 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine (Aza-dC) has proved to be successful toward treatment of hematologic neoplasms especially for patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. In this review, I summarize the current knowledge of mechanisms underlying the inhibition of DNA methylation by Aza and Aza-dC, and of their apoptotic- and differentiation-inducing effects on cancer stem and progenitor cells in leukemia, medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and testicular germ cell tumors. Since cancer stem and progenitor cells are implicated in cancer aggressiveness such as tumor formation, progression, metastasis and recurrence, I propose that effective therapeutic strategies might be achieved through eradication of cancer stem and progenitor cells by targeting the DNA methylation machineries to interfere their “malignant memory”.

DNMTs as potential therapeutic targets in high-risk pediatric embryonal brain tumors

Malignant brain tumors, which are the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in children, span a wide spectrum of diseases with distinct clinical phenotypes but may share remarkably similar morphologic features. Until recently, few molecular markers of childhood brain tumors have been identified, which has limited therapeutic advances. Recent global genomic studies have enabled robust molecular classification of childhood brain tumors and the identification and consolidation of rare, seemingly disparate clinical entities. It is now increasingly evident that deregulation of epigenetic processes contributes substantially to heterogeneity in tumor phenotypes and comprise significant drivers of cancer initiation and progression. Specifically, DNA hypermethylation and silencing of critical tumor suppressor genes by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) has emerged as an important and fundamental mechanism in brain tumor pathogenesis. These observations have been underscored by the recent discovery of TTYH1-C19MC gene fusions in an aggressive pediatric embryonal brain tumor, which results in deregulation and increased expression of a neural-specific DNMT3B isoform in C19MC-associated brain tumors. Our observations that pharmacological inhibitors of DNMTs and histone deacetylases significantly inhibit growth of cells derived from C19MC-associated tumors indicate targeting of epigenomic modifiers as a novel therapeutic approach for these highly treatment-resistant tumors.

Deregulated chromatin remodeling in the pathobiology of brain tumors

Brain tumors encompass a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors with variable histopathology, aggressiveness, clinical outcome and prognosis. Current gene expression profiling studies indicate interplay of genetic and epigenetic alterations in their pathobiology. A central molecular event underlying epigenetics is the alteration of chromatin structure by post-translational modifications of DNA and histones as well as nucleosome repositioning. Dynamic remodeling of the fundamental nucleosomal structure of chromatin or covalent histone marks located in core histones regulate main cellular processes including DNA methylation, replication, DNA-damage repair as well as gene expression. Deregulation of these processes has been linked to tumor suppressor gene silencing, cancer initiation and progression. The reversible nature of deregulated chromatin structure by DNA methylation and histone deacetylation inhibitors, leading to re-expression of tumor suppressor genes, makes chromatin-remodeling pathways as promising therapeutic targets. In fact, a considerable number of these inhibitors are being tested today either alone or in combination with other agents or conventional treatments in the management of brain tumors with considerable success. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underpinning deregulated chromatin remodeling in brain tumors, discuss their potential clinical implications and highlight the advances toward new therapeutic strategies.

Identification of oligomer proanthocyanidins (F2) isolated from grape seeds as a formyl peptide receptor 1 partial agonist

Formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1) plays an important role in the rapid progression of glioblastoma and has been considered as a molecular target for the treatment. Previously, we have shown that oligomer proanthocyanidins (F2, degree of polymerization 2-15), isolated from grape seeds, inhibited FPR1-mediated chemotaxis of U-87 glioblastoma cells. In the present study, we investigated the capacity of F2 to interact with FPR1. The cross attenuation of chemotaxis revealed that F2 shared FPR1 with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLF), which is a prototype agonist of FPR1. F2 was chemotactic for U-87 cells, and the chemotactic response was abolished when FPR1 gene was silenced or FPR1 was competitively occupied. We further show that F2 specifically blocked the binding of fluorescent agonist to FPR1. Interestingly, F2 exhibited the characteristic of a partial agonist for FPR1, as shown by its capacity to activate FPR1-mediated PI3K-PKC-MAPK pathways. Meanwhile, F2 also attenuated fMLF-triggered MAPK activation, suggesting that F2 could antagonize the effect of an agonist. Furthermore, F2 abolished the invasion of U-87 cells induced by fMLF. Thus, we have identified F2 as a novel, partial agonist for FPR1, which may be useful for glioblastoma therapy.

G protein-coupled receptor FPR1 as a pharmacologic target in inflammation and human glioblastoma

Formylpeptide receptor1 (FPR1) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) originally identified in phagocytic leucocytes and mediates cell chemotaxis and activation in response to bacterial formylated chemotactic peptides. However, FPR1 also participates in a signal relay which regulates the infiltration of phagocytes, in particular neutrophils, to inflammatory sites in response to tissue-derived chemoattractant ligands. In addition to participating in innate immune responses, recently, FPR1 has been shown to be expressed by highly malignant glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Upon activation by an endogenous agonist Annexin 1 (Anx A1) released by necrotic glioma cells, FPR1 transactivates the receptor for epithelial growth factor (EGFR) and consequently to promote glioma cell chemotaxis, invasion, growth and production of angiogenic factors. The observations demonstrate that FPR1, as a multifunctional GPCR with pattern recognition properties, is not only involved in innate immune responses but also in the progression of GBM. Thus, FPR1 is an immunopharmacologic target for development of novel therapies.

Annexin 1 released by necrotic human glioblastoma cells stimulates tumor cell growth through the formyl peptide receptor 1

Highly malignant human gliomas overexpress the G-protein-coupled chemoattractant receptor formyl peptide receptor (FPR1), which promotes tumor progression when activated. Our previous studies demonstrated that necrotic glioblastoma cells release chemotactic agonist(s) that activate FPR1 on viable tumor cells. In the present study, we identified an FPR1 agonist released by necrotic human glioblastoma cells. Necrotic tumor cell supernatant (NecSup) contained Annexin 1 (Anx A1), a chemotatic polypeptide agonist for FPR1. Immunoabsorption of Anx A1 with a specific antibody markedly reduced the chemotactic activity of NecSup for tumor cells and diminished its capacity to promote tumor cell growth, invasion, and colony formation on soft agar. In addition, Anx A1 was present in tumor xenografts formed by human glioblastoma cells in nude mice. Anx A1 knockdown significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of glioblastoma cells in nude mice, but FPR1/Anx A1 double knockdown diminished tumor growth even further. The clinical relevance of Anx A1 in gliomas was supported by the observation that Anx A1 was more highly expressed in poorly differentiated human primary gliomas compared with lower grade tumors. Our study implicates Anx A1 as a major component in necrotic tumor cell-derived stimulants of the growth of glioblastoma via the activation of FPR1.

HCV peptide (C5A), an amphipathic α-helical peptide of hepatitis virus C, is an activator of N-formyl peptide receptor in human phagocytes

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural 5A, a phosphorylated zinc metalloprotein, is an essential component of the HCV replication complex. An amphipathic α-helical peptide (HCV peptide [C5A]) derived from nonstructural 5A membrane anchor domain possesses potent anti-HCV and anti-HIV activity in vitro. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of HCV peptide (C5A) to regulate host immune responses. The capacity of HCV peptide (C5A) in vitro to induce migration and calcium mobilization of human phagocytes and chemoattractant receptor-transfected cells was investigated. The recruitment of phagocytes in vivo induced by HCV peptide (C5A) and its adjuvant activity were examined. The results revealed that HCV peptide (C5A) was a chemoattractant and activator of human phagocytic leukocytes by using a G-protein coupled receptor, namely formyl peptide receptor. In mice, HCV peptide (C5A) induced massive phagocyte infiltration after injection in the air pouch or the s.c. region. HCV peptide (C5A) also acted as an immune adjuvant by enhancing specific T cell responses to Ag challenge in mice. Our results suggest that HCV peptide (C5A) derived from HCV regulates innate and adaptive immunity in the host by activating the formyl peptide receptor.

Therapeutic anti-inflammatory potential of formyl-peptide receptor agonists

The need for novel anti-inflammatory drugs justifies the search for innovative targets that could satisfy this goal. For quite some time now, we have proposed the study of endogenous anti-inflammation as a distinctive approach to the discovery of new drugs. This approach requires development of new compounds that activate specific receptor targets to downregulate the cellular and tissue pathways operative in the host during inflammation. Here we dwell on a family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) termed FPRs, acronym for formyl-peptide receptors. With three and seven members in man and mouse, respectively, these receptors harness many biological functions, spanning odour perception and hair growth, to the control of multiple facets (pain; cell migration; oxidative burst; xenobiotic engulfment) of the inflammatory reaction. We focus on FPR biology with particular attention to molecules able to produce pharmacological effects by interacting with these GPCRs, describing endogenous agonists of FPRs and, more relevantly, the current development of synthetic agonists. Besides being potential leads for the development of the anti-inflammatory therapeutics of the future, these compounds could also help clarify the properties and roles that each FPR might play in the complex network of pathways that is inflammation. We conclude that FPR2 agonists could be valid warhorses for defining a novel philosophy for anti-inflammatory drug discovery programmes: mimicking - with new compounds - the way our body disposes of inflammation could be a viable approach to regulate aberrant inflammatory responses as in the case of several chronic rheumatic and cardiovascular pathologies.

The G-protein-coupled formylpeptide receptor FPR confers a more invasive phenotype on human glioblastoma cells

Background:

The G-protein-coupled formylpeptide receptor (FPR) that mediates chemotaxis of phagocytic leucocytes induced by bacterial and host-derived chemotactic peptides is selectively expressed by highly malignant human gliomas and contributes to tumour growth and angiogenesis. As invasion of surrounding normal tissues is one of the important features of tumour malignancy, we investigated the function of FPR in the invasive behaviour of human glioblastoma cells.

Methods:

Cells (FPR⁺ and FPR⁻) were isolated by single-cell cloning from a human glioblastoma cell line U-87MG. The FPR expression was assayed by flow cytometry and reverse transcription PCR. The function of FPR was investigated by chemotaxis and calcium flux induced by FPR agonist fMLF. Tumour cell motility was assayed by a wound-healing model in vitro. The growth and invasive phenotype were observed with subcutaneous implantation of tumour cells in nude mice. Over-expression of FPR in FPR⁻ cells was performed by transfection of a plasmid vector-containing human FPR gene.

Results:

One of the glioma clones F9 that expressed high level of FPR showed a more ‘motile’ phenotype in vitro as compared with a clone G3 without FPR expression. Although F9 and G3 clones both formed subcutaneous tumours in nude mice, only F9 tumours invaded surrounding mouse connective tissues. Over-expression of FPR in G3 clone (G3F) increased the cell motility in vitro and the capacity of the cells to form more rapidly growing and invasive tumours in nude mice. We further found that, in addition to supernatant of necrotic tumour cells, foetal calf serum and human serum used in culture media contained FPR agonist activity and increased the motility of FPR-expressing glioblastoma cells.

Conclusion:

The expression of FPR is responsible for increased motility of human glioblastoma cells and their formation of highly invasive tumours.