Combined Aberrant Expression of NDRG2 and LDHA Predicts Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Mediates the Anti-tumor Effect of Gemcitabine

The Warburg effect is one of the important hallmarks of cancer. The activation of oncogene and inactivation of tumor suppressor gene contribute to the enhancement of glycolytic enzymes and the Warburg effect. The N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a tumor suppressor gene and is frequently lost in various types of cancer. However, little is known about glycolytic function and therapeutic value of NDRG2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we found that NDRG2 and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) were aberrantly expressed in HCC and were closely related to the Warburg effect. The correlation between NDRG2 and LDHA expression predicted HCC prognosis and the clinical response to chemotherapy. NDRG2 expression was significantly decreased while LDHA expression was increased in HCC specimens. NDRG2 and LDHA expression was significantly correlated with differentiation status, vascular invasion, and TNM stage of HCC. NDRG2 inhibited LDHA expression, the Warburg effect and the growth of HCC cells. Furthermore, NDRG2 mediated gemcitabine-induced inhibition of LDHA expression and the Warburg effect in HCC cells. Taken together, our data suggest that NDRG2 plays an important role in inhibiting the Warburg effect and the malignant growth of HCC via LDHA. NDRG2 combined with LDHA might be powerful prognostic biomarkers and targets for chemotherapy treatment of HCC.

Surface modified multifunctional nanomedicines for simultaneous imaging and therapy of cancer

INTRODUCTION

To date, a growing number of advanced anticancer nanomedicines (e.g., Doxil(®), Lipoxal(®), DepoCyte(®)) have entered into different phases of clinical trials. However, most of these medicaments fail to differentiate between diseased and normal cells. They also do not have capability of real time monitoring of disease status trough on-demand imaging/sensing of target molecule(s). Multifunctional nanomedicines and theranostics can resolve such limitations, while formulation of these advanced seamless systems appear to involve various sophisticated process, exploiting several bioconjugations.

METHODS

Recent works upon multifunctional nanomedicines for simultaneous imaging and therapy of cancer have been systematically reviewed, focusing on surface modification and application of advanced nanobiomaterials.

RESULTS

Ultimate therapy of malignancies, as complex systems, demands implementation of seamless nanosystems (NSs) that can specifically target the cancerous cells and smartly deliver the anticancer agent(s) into the desired target site. Engineering of such NSs requires in-situ coordination of various technologies (e.g., synthesis, surface modification and bioconjugation) in order to achieve improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Seamless multimodal NSs have potential to simultaneously target and monitor the tumor cells through homing and imaging/sensing devices and deliver the therapeutic agents. However, to achieve superior pharmacokinetics with maximal efficacy and minimal side effects, these advanced NSs need to become much more intelligent to sense the disease condition and liberate therapeutics on demand.

Suppression of human hepatoma growth in vivo by a monoclonal antibody against a Mr 45,000 protein

The monoclonal antibody T2-2 was originally raised against the colorectal carcinoma cell line LS174T and was found to bind to several other human carcinomas, including hepatoma and ovarian cancer. The goal of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of mAb T2-2 in human tumor models and further characterize the antigen. mAb T2-2 inhibited the growth of human hepatocellular cell line SMMC 7721 in vivo and in vitro. Western blot analysis revealed that this mAb recognizes an unique Mr 45,000 band from tissue extracts of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which localizes to the cell periphery. In vitro cell assays indicate that T2-2 decreases cell adhesion to laminin, implying the functional role of T2-2 antigen in cell-matrix interaction and cell migration.

Preparation and functional characterization of the monoclonal antibody HAb18Gedomab1

AIM: To obtain mouse anti-human monoclonal antibodies against recombinant extracellular domain of HAb18G (HAb18Ged), and to analyze and identify its character and biological function.

METHODS: Balb/c mice were immunized with HAb18Ged. Hybridoma cell was screened by cell fusion and subcloning approach. The monoclonal antibody in the ascites was purified by ion exchange chromatography and was identified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis (FACs) and immunohistochemistry. Gelatin zymography and collagenase type I zymography were used to analyze the effects of HAb18Gedomab1 on activation and production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs); Matrigel-boyden degradation chamber method was used to evaluate the infiltrative cells ratio.

RESULTS: A hybridoma cell HAb18Gedomab1 stably secreting anti-HAb18Ged monoclonal antibody was obtained. The titer of this McAb in ascites was 1:10⁶. The purity of the McAb was higher than 90%. The McAb belonged to IgG1 subclass. HAb18Gedomab1 showed high specificity and affinity to the antigen of FHCC-98 cell membrane and the tissue of hepatocellular carcinoma. The McAb induced production and activation of MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-1 and MMP-8 in mouse fibroblast cells (3T3), and also promoted the degradation of reconstituted basement membrane.

CONCLUSION: HAb18Gedomab1 can bind specifically to HAb18Ged protein. The McAb can also induce production and activation of MMPs and promote the degradation of reconstituted basement membrane.

Construction of a universal expression vector for human-mouse chimeric Fab antibody and expression of chimeric Fab antibody against human hepatoma associated antigen HAb18G

AIM: To construct a universal expression vector for human-mouse chimeric Fab antibody and to use it for construction and expression of human-mouse chimeric Fab antibody against human hepatoma associated antigen HAb18G.

METHODS: Human IgG3 CH1 and Cκgenes were amplified by PCR with Specific primers and cloned into vector pComb3 to construct a human-mouse chimeric Fab antibody universal expression vector pComb3C. Then, the V_κ and V_H genes of mAb HAb18 were amplified by PCR using Specific primers and cloned into the expression vector pComb3-cFab. After gIII was cut away, the secretory expression vector pComb3C/cFab containing chimeric Fab antibody gene of HAb18 was constructed and transfected into competent E. Coli. And then, the antibody induction expression by IPTG was conducted. The locaeization of expression products was detected by sandwich ELISA. Finally, The expression product was purified by affinity chromatography and the antigen-binding Specificity and affinity of the expression product were tested by ELISA and immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS: Human IgG3 CH1 and Cκgenes were correctly inserted into vector pComb3 by nucleotide sequencing and restriction endonucleases digestion, with the size of 324bp and 333 bp, and chimeric Fab gene of mAb HAb18 was successfully constructed and expressed in E. Coli. The molecular mass of expression product was about 45 ku. It was mainly located in the periplasm. The results of ELISA and immunofluorescence staining showed that the expressed chimeric Fab contained human antibody fragment and had Specific antigen-binding activity, and its affinity was about 10% of parental antibody HAb18.

CONCLUSION: We have successfully constructed a universal expression vector for human-mouse chimeric Fab antibody. Based on this result, a small molecule of chimeric Fab antibody against human hepatoma is prepared, which lays a foundation for its further application into diagnosis and therapy of human hepatocellular carcinoma.

Inhibitory effects of antisense RNA of HAb18G/CD147 on invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

AIM: To study the inhibitory effects of antisense RNA of HAb18G/CD147 on invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in vitro.

METHODS: Antisense RNA of HAb18G/CD147 vector PCI-asHAb18G was constructed by reversely inserting HAb18G/CD147 cDNA to eukaryotic expression vector PCI-neo. The HCC cell line HHCC was transfected by PCI-asHAb18G via cation liposome. Expression of HAb18G/CD147 of transfected cells selected by G418 (geneticin) was observed by immuno-histochemical SP staining and FACS (fluorescence activated cell sorting). Gelatin zymography was used to determine the effect of PCI-asHAb18G on reducing secretions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of the transfected cells. Boyden chamber was employed to test the invasion of HCC cells in vitro.

RESULTS: The construction of antisense RNA vector PCI-asHAb18G was verified correct by partial nucleotide sequencing and restricted endonuclease digestion. The expression of HAb18G/CD147 in transfected HHCC was inhibited by PCI-asHAb18G. Secretions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 of transfected HHCC were reduced and the invasion of transfected HHCC was inhibited compared to HHCC, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Invasion of HCC cells can be inhibited by antisense RNA of HAb18G/CD147. HAb18G/CD147 may be used as a potential target of drugs for anti-invasion and metastasis of HCC.

Aggregate formation of hepatitis B virus X protein affects cell cycle and apoptosis

AIM: To investigate whether the formation of aggregated HBx has a potential linking with its cellular responses.

METHODS: Recombinant HBx was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni-NTA metal-affinity chromatography. Anti-HBx monoclonal antibody was developed for immunocytochemical detection. Bicistronic expression vector harboring full-length DNA of HBx was employed for transfection of human HepG2 cells. Immunocytochemical staining was used to examine the intracellular HBx aggregates in cells. The effects of HBx aggregation on cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Immunocytochemical staining revealed most of the HBx was formed intracellular aggregate in cytoplasm and frequently accumulated in large granules. Flow cytometry analysis showed that HepG2 cells transfected with vector harboring HBx significantly increased apoptosis and largely accumulated in the G0-G1 phase by maintenance in serum medium for 36 h. Control cells without HBx aggregates in the presence of serum entered S phase and proliferated more rapidly at the same time. EGFP fluorescence in HBx expression cells was significantly decreased.

CONCLUSION: Our observations show that cells with HBx aggregate undergo growth arrest and apoptosis, whereas control cells without HBx remain in growth and progression into S phase. Our data may provide helpful information to understand the biological effects of HBx aggregates on cells.

Effect of monoclonal antibody 3A5 coupled with Chinese medicine compound Andi in targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

To explore the anti-tumor effect of monoclonal antibody 3A5 coupled with Chinese medicine compound Andi injection in targeted treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).

METHODS

Monoclonal antibody 3A5 was used to prepare conjugates with Andi powder. The immunoreactivity of the conjugates on human HCC BEL-7402 cell was detected by ELISA. The targeted therapeutic effects of 12, 24 and 50 mg/kg conjugates were observed in mice/nude mice transplantation tumor models. The positive control group was treated with 5-FU.

RESULTS

The detection of clone production indicated that 3A5-Andi has more cytotoxicity than Andi, and their IC50 were 2.8 mg/L and 5.1 mg/L respectively (P < 0.01). The survival rates of 24 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of 3A5-Andi ip on mice transplantation ascites H22 HCC were 133% and 167% respectively (P < 0.05), but those of 12 mg/kg and 24 mg/kg of Andi only were 112% and 138% respectively (P < 0.05). The inhibitory rates of 24 mg/kg of 3A5-Andi and 12 mg/kg of Andi iv on nude mice transplantated human HCC BEL-7 402 cell tumor were 63.5% and 52.5% respectively (P > 0.05). The inhibitory rates of 24 mg/kg 3A5-Andi and 12 mg/kg Andi pt on human HCC BEL-7402 cell were 75.4% and 61.0% respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

3A5-Andi conjugates have a tumor targeted therapeutic effect. This effect is stronger than that of Andi only on nude mice transplanted human HCC BEL-7402, and the administration of pt is better than that of iv.

Effects of HAb18G/CD147 antagonistic peptides on invasion and metastasis of HCC

AIM: To obtain the antagonistic peptides that have effect to prevent metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma(HCC).

METHODS: Nine pieces of high affinity peptides (AP-1-AP-9) were obtained by pure HAb18G/CD147 antigen to panning phage displayed random peptide library. MTT assay was used to test toxicity of AP-1-AP-9 on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HHCC); Gelatin zymogram was used to analyze the effects of AP-1-AP-9 on activation and production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs); Matrigel-boyden chamber method was used to evaluate inhibitory abilities of AP-1-AP-9 on tumor cell invasion and metastasis; Inhibitory effect of AP-1-AP-9 on HHCC adhesion to extracellular matrix protein and fb cells were investigated. The influences of AP-1-AP-9 on HHCC chemotaxis migration were also tested.

RESULTS: AP-1-AP-9 has no toxicity on HHCC; AP-1, AP-6 and AP-9 could inhibit production and activation of MMP-2; the amounts of infiltrative cells in AP-1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 experimental groups are significantly less than that in control group (P < 0.05), and inhibition rate was 78.22%, 90.1%, 62.83%, 56.44%, 68.32%, 81.19%, respectively; AP-1-AP-9 had no effects on HHCC adhesion to matrigel and fibronectin (FN), whereas AP-3 and AP-9 could inhibit HHCC adhesion to collagen Ⅳand laminin(LN), AP-1, AP-6 and AP-9 could inhibit HHCC adhesion to fb. AP-6 could inhibit chemotaxis migration of HHCC with the inhibitory rate of 54% without statistical significance (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: HAb18G/CD147 antagonistic peptides (AP-1-AP-9) have inhibitory effects on many aspects or steps associated with metastasis of HCC, which provides avenue to explore medication for preventing metastasis of HCC.

ATTEMPTS: a heparin/protamine-based triggered release system for the delivery of enzyme drugs without associated side-effects

A prodrug type delivery system based on competitive ionic binding for the conversion of the prodrug to an active drug has been developed for delivery of enzyme drugs without their associated toxic side-effects. This approach, termed "ATTEMPTS" (antibody targeted, triggered, electrically modified prodrug-type strategy), would permit the administration of an inactive drug and then subsequently triggered release of the active drug at the target site. The underlying principle was to modify the enzyme with small cationic species so that it could bind a negatively charged heparin-linked antibody, and the latter would block the activity of the enzyme drug until it reached the target. To provide the enzyme drug with appropriate binding strength to heparin, a cationic poly(Arg)(7) peptide was incorporated onto the enzyme either by the chemical conjugation method using a bifunctional crosslinker or by the biological conjugation method using the recombinant methodology. Methods for drug modification, heparin-antibody conjugation, and the prodrug and triggered release features of the "ATTEMPTS" approach are described in detail in this review article.

Preparation of monoclonal antibody against apoptosis-associated antigens of hepatoma cells by subtractive immunization

AIM: To elucidate the expression of the apoptosis-associated molecules in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, and prepare the monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against the apoptosis-associated antigens of HCC cells.

METHODS: Human HCC cell line HCC-9204 cells were induced apoptosis with 60 mL•L^-1 ethanol for 6 h and their morphological changes were observed by transmission electron microscope. The cell DNA fragmentations were detected by Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, and the cell DNA contents by flow cytometry. Ten mice were immunized with ethanol-induced apoptotic HCC-9204 cells with the method of subtractive immunization, while the other 10 mice used as the control were immunized by the routine procedures. The tail blood of all the mice were prepared after the last immunization, and the produced antibodies were determined by the immunocytochemical ABC staining. The splenic cells of the mice whose tail blood sera-HCC-9204 cells serum reactions were most different between the apoptotic and the non-apoptotic were prepared and fused with the mouse myeloma cell line SP2/0 cells. The positive antibodies were selected by ELISA assay. The fusion rates of hybridoma cells and the producing rates of antibodies were calculated. The fused cells that secreted candidate objective antibody were cloned continually with the of limited dilution method, and then selected and analyzed further by the immunocytochemical ABC staining. The chromosomes of the cloned hybridoma cells that secreted objective mAb and the mAb immunoglobulin (Ig) subtype of the prepared mAb were also determined. The molecular mass of the mAb associated antigen was analyzed by Western blot assay.

RESULTS: HCC-9204 cells treated with 60 mL•L^-1 ethanol for 6 h, manifested obvious apoptotic morphological changes, the majority of the cells were TUNEL-positive, and the sub-G1 apoptotic peak was evident. There were 2 mice in the experimental group whose tail blood serum reacted strongly with the apoptotic HCC-9204 cells, but weakly with their non-apoptotic counterparts. In the fusion rates of hybridoma cells as well as the producing rates of the antibody deseribed above, there did not show significant difference between the experimental and the control group, but weakly with non-apoptotic HCC-9204. However, the total producing rate of antibodies in the experimental group was significantly lower compared with the control (P < 0.01), and so was the producing rate of the antibodies which reacted strongly with both apoptotic and non-apoptotic HCC-9204 cells (P < 0.01). After cloned continually for several times the cell that produce mAb which reacted strongly with the nuclei of ethanol-induced apoptotic HCC-9204 cells, but very weakly with that of non-apoptotic cells was selected out. Chromosome analysis revealed that the selected cell was with the universal characteristics of the monoclonal hybridoma cells which secreted mAb, and the Ig subtype of the prepared mAb was IgG1. The molecular mass of this mAb associated antigen of was about 75 ku.

CONCLUSION: Subtractive immunization is a useful method to prepare the mAb against the apoptosis-associated antigens of cells. The expression of some molecules increases to some extent in HCC-9204 cells in the process of apoptosis induced by low-concentration ethanol. The mAb that may be against ethanol-induced apoptosis-associated antigens of HCC cells was successfully prepared and primarily identified.

Expression and function of classical protein kinase C isoenzymes in gastric cancer cell line and its drug-resistant sublines

AIM: To investigate the expression and function of classical protein kinase C (PKC) isoenzymes in inducing MDR phenotype in gastric cancer cells.

METHODS: Two cell lines were used in the study: gastric cancer cell SGC7901 and its drug-resistant cell SGC7901/VCR stepwise-selected by vincristine 0.3, 0.7 and 1.0 mg·L^-1, respectively. The expression of classical PKC (cPKC) isoenzymes in SGC7901 cells and SGC7901/VCR cells were detected using immunofluorescent cytochemistry, laser confocal scanning microscope and Western blot. The effects of anti-PKC isoenzymes antibody on adriamycin accumulation in SGC7901/VCR cells were determined using flow cytometric analysis.

RESULTS: (1) SGC7901 cells exhibited positive staining of PKC-α. SGC7901/VCR cells exhibited stronger staining of PKC-α than SGC7901 cells. The higher dosage vincristine selected, the much stronger staining of PKC-α was observed on SGC7901/VCR cells. (2) Both SGC7901 and SGC7901/VCR cells exhibited positive staining of PKC-β I and PKC-β II with no significant difference. (3) Compared with SGC7901, SGC7901/VCR cells had decreased adriamycin accumulation and retention. Accumulation of adriamycin in SGC7901 was 5.21 ± 2.56 mg·L^-1, in SGC7901/VCR 0.3 was 0.85 ± 0.29 mg·L^-1, in SGC7901/VCR 0.7 was 0.81 ± 0.32 mg·L^-1, and in SGC7901/VCR 1.0 was 0.80 ± 0.33 mg·L^-1; Retention of adriamycin in SGC7901 was 2.51 ± 1.23 mg·L^-1, in SGC7901/VCR 0.3 was 0.47 ± 0.14 mg·L^-1, in SGC7901/VCR 0.7 was 0.44 ± 0.15 mg·L^-1, and in SGC7901/VCR 1.0 was 0.41 ± 0.11 mg·L^-1. (4) Fluorescence intensity presented adriamycin accumulation in SGC7901/VCR cells was increased from 1.14 ± 0.36 to 2.71 ± 0.94 when cells were co-incubated with anti-PKC-α but not with anti-PKC-β I, PKC-α II and PKCγ antibodies.

CONCLUSION: PKC-α, but not PKC-β I, PKC-β II or PKCγ, may play a role in multidrug resistance of gastric cancer cells SGC7901/VCR.

Expression and bioactivity identification of soluble MG7 scFv

AIM: To examine the molecular mass and identify the bioactivity of MG₇ scFv for its application as a targeting mediator in gene therapy of gastric cancer.

METHODS: Two strongly positive recombinant phage clones screened from MG₇ recombinant phage antibody library were separately transfected into E.coli TG1. Plasmid was isolated from the transfected E.coli TG1 and digested by EcoR I and Hind III to examine the length of exogenous scFv gene. Then, the positive recombinant phage clones were individually transfected into E.coli HB2151.The transfectant was cultured and induced by IPTG. Perplasmic extracts was prepared from the induced transfectant by osmotic shock. ELISA was used to examine the antigen-binding affinity of the soluble MG₇ scFv. Immunodoting assay was adopted to evaluate the yield of soluble MG₇ scFv produced by transfected E.coli HB2151. Western blot was used to examine the molecular mass of MG₇ scFv. Finally, the nucleotide sequence of MG₇ scFv was examined by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS: two positive recombinant phage clones were found to contain the exogenous scFv gene. ELISA showed that MG₇ scFv had strong antigen-binding affinity. Immuodoting assay showed that transfected E.coli HB2151 could successfully produce the soluble MG₇ scFv with high yield via induction by IPTG. The molecular mass of MG₇ scFv was 30 kDa by western blot. DNA sequencing demonstrated that the V_H and V_L genes of MG₇ scFv were 363 bp and 321 bp, respectively.

CONCLUSION: We have successfully developed the soluble MG₇ scFv which possessed strong antigen-binding affinity.

Pharmacokinetics of radioimmunotherapeutic agent of direct labeling mAb 188Re-HAb18

AIM: To label anti-hepatoma monoclonal antibody (mAb) fragment HAb18 F(ab’)₂ was labeled with ¹⁸⁸Re for the pharmacokinetic model of ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ and to evaluate its pharmacokinetic parameters in hepatoma-bearing nude mice.

METHODS: HAb18 F(ab’)₂ was directly labeled with ¹⁸⁸Re using 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) as reducing agents. Labeling efficiency and immunoreactivity of ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ were evaluated by Whatman 3MM paper chromatography and live cell assay, respectively. Biodistribution analysis was also conducted in nude mice bearing human hepatoma in which animals were sacrificed at different time points (1, 4, 18, 24 and 24 h) after ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F (ab’)₂ was injected through tail-vein into hepatoma-bearing nude mice. The blood and radioactivity of organs and mass were measured. The concentrations of ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ were evaluated with apharmacokinetic 3P97 software.

RESULTS: The optimum labeling efficiency and immunoreactive fraction were 91.7% and 0.78% respectively. The parameters of ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ were: T_1/2, 2.29 h; Vd,1.49 × 10^-9 L·Bq^-1; AUC, 20. 49 × 10⁹ Bq·h·L^-1;CL, 0.45 × 10^-3 L·h^-1. ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ could locate specially in hepatoma with high selective reactivity of HAb18 F(ab’)₂. ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ was mainly eliminated by kidney. The maximal tumor to blood ratio was at 48 h, and maximal tumor to liver ratio was at 18 h.

CONCLUTION: The pharmacokinetics of ¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F (ab’)₂ fital-compartment model.¹⁸⁸Re-HAb18 F(ab’)₂ can be uptaken selectively at the hepatoma site.