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Baird L, Cannon P, Kandel M, Nguyen TV, Nguyen A, Wong G, Murphy C, Brownfoot FC, Kadife E, Hannan NJ, Tong S, Bartho LA, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ. Paternal Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10) is decreased in early-onset preeclampsia. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:65. [PMID: 37464405 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01116-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preeclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy which is attributed to placental dysfunction. The retrotransposon, Paternal Expressed Gene 10 (PEG10) harbours critical placental functions pertaining to placental trophoblast cells. Limited evidence exists on whether PEG10 is involved in preeclampsia pathogenesis. This study characterised the expression and regulation of PEG10 in placentas from patients with early-onset preeclampsia compared to gestation-matched controls. METHODS PEG10 expression was measured in plasma and placentas collected from patients with early-onset preeclampsia (< 34 weeks') and gestation-matched controls using ELISA (protein) and RT-qPCR (mRNA). First-trimester human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) were used for in vitro studies. PEG10 expression was measured during hTSC differentiation and hTSC exposure to hypoxia (1% O2) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNFα) using RT-qPCR. Functional studies used PEG10 siRNA to measure the effect of reduced PEG10 on canonical TGF-[Formula: see text] signalling and proliferation using luciferase and xCELLigence assays, respectively. RESULTS PEG10 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in placentas from patients with early-onset preeclampsia (< 34 weeks' gestation) relative to controls (p = 0.04, n = 78 vs n = 18 controls). PEG10 protein expression was also reduced in preeclamptic placentas (p = 0.03, n = 5 vs n = 5 controls, blinded assessment of immunohistochemical staining), but neither PEG10 mRNA nor protein could be detected in maternal circulation. PEG10 was most highly expressed in hTSCs, and its expression was reduced as hTSCs differentiated into syncytiotrophoblasts (p < 0.0001) and extravillous trophoblasts (p < 0.001). Trophoblast differentiation was not altered when hTSCs were treated with PEG10 siRNA (n = 5 vs n = 5 controls). PEG10 was significantly reduced in hTSCs exposed to hypoxia (p < 0.01). PEG10 was also reduced in hTSCs treated with the inflammatory cytokine TNF [Formula: see text] (p < 0.01), but not IL-6. PEG10 knocked down (siRNA) in hTSCs showed reduced activation of the canonical TGF-β signalling effector, the SMAD binding element (p < 0.05) relative to controls. PEG10 knockdown in hTSCs however was not associated with any significant alterations in proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Placental PEG10 is reduced in patients with early-onset preeclampsia. In vitro studies suggest that hypoxia and inflammation may contribute to PEG10 downregulation. Reduced PEG10 alters canonical TGF-[Formula: see text] signalling, and thus may be involved in trophoblast dysfunction associated with this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Baird
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Cannon
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Manju Kandel
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tuong-Vi Nguyen
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Nguyen
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgia Wong
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cíara Murphy
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Tong
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy A Bartho
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mercy Hospital for Women, University of Melbourne, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg Victoria, 3084, Australia.
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
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Hanson ED, Sakkal S, Bates-Fraser LC, Que S, Cho E, Spielmann G, Kadife E, Violet JA, Battaglini CL, Stoner L, Bartlett DB, McConell GK, Hayes A. Acute exercise induces distinct quantitative and phenotypical T cell profiles in men with prostate cancer. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1173377. [PMID: 37325799 PMCID: PMC10266416 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1173377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reduced testosterone levels can influence immune system function, particularly T cells. Exercise during cancer reduces treatment-related side effects and provide a stimulus to mobilize and redistribute immune cells. However, it is unclear how conventional and unconventional T cells (UTC) respond to acute exercise in prostate cancer survivors compared to healthy controls. Methods Age-matched prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those without ADT (PCa) along with non-cancer controls (CON) completed ∼45 min of intermittent cycling with 3 min at 60% of peak power interspersed by 1.5 min of rest. Fresh, unstimulated immune cell populations and intracellular perforin were assessed before (baseline), immediately following (0 h), 2 h, and 24 h post-exercise. Results At 0 h, conventional T cell counts increased by 45%-64% with no differences between groups. T cell frequency decreased by -3.5% for CD3+ and -4.5% for CD4+ cells relative to base at 0 h with CD8+ cells experiencing a delayed decrease of -4.5% at 2 h with no group differences. Compared to CON, the frequency of CD8+CD57+ cells was -18.1% lower in ADT. Despite a potential decrease in maturity, ADT increased CD8+perforin+ GMFI. CD3+Vα7.2+CD161+ counts, but not frequencies, increased by 69% post-exercise while CD3+CD56+ cell counts increased by 127% and were preferentially mobilized (+1.7%) immediately following the acute cycling bout. There were no UTC group differences. Cell counts and frequencies returned to baseline by 24 h. Conclusion Following acute exercise, prostate cancer survivors demonstrate normal T cell and UTC responses that were comparable to CON. Independent of exercise, ADT is associated with lower CD8+ cell maturity (CD57) and perforin frequency that suggests a less mature phenotype. However, higher perforin GMFI may attenuate these changes, with the functional implications of this yet to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D. Hanson
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samy Sakkal
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lauren C. Bates-Fraser
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shadney Que
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Eunhan Cho
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Guillaume Spielmann
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Elif Kadife
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John A. Violet
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudio L. Battaglini
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lee Stoner
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Human Movement Science Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David B. Bartlett
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Glenn K. McConell
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alan Hayes
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine—Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Kadife E, Harper A, Chien K, Lino TK, Brownfoot FC. Novel genes associated with a placental phenotype in knockout mice also respond to cellular stressors in primary human trophoblasts. Placenta 2023; 139:68-74. [PMID: 37331027 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Placental insufficiency is a leading cause of intrauterine growth restriction, contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality. The molecular regulation of placental development and what causes placental insufficiency is poorly understood. Recently, a panel of genes were found to cause significant placental dysmorphologies in mice with severely growth restricted off-spring. We aimed to assess whether these genes were also implicated in human intrauterine growth restriction. METHODS We explored the expression of nine genes in primary cytotrophoblast cells in hypoxic (n = 6) and glucose starvation (n = 5) conditions in vitro. We also explored whether the genes were dysregulated in intrauterine growth restricted human placental samples (n = 11), with (n = 20) or without preeclampsia compared to gestationally matched controls (<34 weeks gestation) (n = 17). RESULTS Hypoxic stress significantly upregulated the expressions of BRD2 (p = 0.0313), SMG9 (p = 0.0313) genes. In contrast, glucose starvation significantly suppressed Kif1bp (p = 0.0089) in primary cytotrophoblasts. The FRYL, NEK9, CHTOP, PSPH, ATP11A, HM13 genes did not change under hypoxia or glucose starvation conditions. The expression of these genes was not altered in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction, compared to gestationally matched controls. DISCUSSION We demonstrate that some of the genes that cause a placental phenotype in mice, respond to hypoxic and glucose mediated stress in human cytotrophoblast isolations. Despite this, they are unchanged in placenta from patients with intrauterine growth restriction. Therefore, dysregulation of these genes is less likely to contribute to preterm intrauterine growth restriction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keegan Chien
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha Kaitu'u Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation in Pregnancy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women Heidelberg, 163 Studley Road, Heidelberg, 3084, Victoria, Australia.
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Binder NK, de Alwis N, Beard S, Kadife E, Harper A, Kaitu'u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Hannan NJ. Sulfasalazine for the treatment of preeclampsia in a nitric oxide synthase antagonist mouse model. Placenta 2023; 132:20-26. [PMID: 36623415 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Development of a therapeutic that targets the pathophysiological elements of preeclampsia would be a major advance for obstetrics, with potential to save the lives of countless mothers and babies. We recently identified anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine as a prospective candidate therapeutic for treatment of preeclampsia. In primary human cells and tissues in vitro, sulfasalazine potently decreased secretion of anti-angiogenic sFlt-1 and sENG, increased production of pro-angiogenic PlGF, mitigated endothelial dysfunction, and promoted whole vessel vasodilation. METHODS Using nitric oxide synthase antagonist Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, a preeclampsia-like phenotype was induced in pregnant mice, including high blood pressure, fetal growth restriction, and elevated circulating sFlt-1. Mice were treated with sulfasalazine or vehicle from gestational day (D)13.5, with blood pressure measurements across gestation, fetal measurements at D17.5, and wire myograph assessment of vasoactivity. RESULTS Sulfasalazine had a modest effect on blood pressure, decreasing diastolic and mean blood pressure on D13.5, but not later in gestation, or systolic blood pressure. Sulfasalazine was not able to rescue fetal growth, in male or female fetuses. There was a suggestion of improved vasoactivity with sulfasalazine, but further clarification is required. DISCUSSION In this mouse model of preeclampsia, sulfasalazine did not sustain reductions in blood pressure nor affect fetal parameters of size and weight, both desirable attributes of a viable preeclampsia therapeutic. While these data suggest sulfasalazine might improve vasoactivity, murine toxicity considerations limited the dose range of sulfasalazine that could be tested in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie K Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tu'uhevaha J Kaitu'u-Lino
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Victoria, Australia.
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Escalona RM, Chu S, Kadife E, Kelly JK, Kannourakis G, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. Knock down of TIMP-2 by siRNA and CRISPR/Cas9 mediates diverse cellular reprogramming of metastasis and chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:422. [PMID: 36585738 PMCID: PMC9805260 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02838-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endogenous tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), through its homeostatic action on certain metalloproteinases, plays a vital role in remodelling extracellular matrix (ECM) to facilitate cancer progression. This study investigated the role of TIMP-2 in an ovarian cancer cell line in which the expression of TIMP-2 was reduced by either siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9. METHODS OVCAR5 cells were transiently and stably transfected with either single or pooled TIMP-2 siRNAs (T2-KD cells) or by CRISPR/Cas9 under the influence of two distinct guide RNAs (gRNA1 and gRNA2 cell lines). The expression of different genes was analysed at the mRNA level by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and at the protein level by immunofluorescence (IF) and western blot. Proliferation of cells was investigated by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay or staining with Ki67. Cell migration/invasion was determined by xCELLigence. Cell growth in vitro was determined by 3D spheroid cultures and in vivo by a mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Approximately 70-90% knock down of TIMP-2 expression were confirmed in T2-KD, gRNA1 and gRNA2 OVCAR5 ovarian cancer cells at the protein level. T2-KD, gRNA1 and gRNA2 cells exhibited a significant downregulation of MMP-2 expression, but concurrently a significant upregulation in the expression of membrane bound MMP-14 compared to control and parental cells. Enhanced proliferation and invasion were exhibited in all TIMP-2 knocked down cells but differences in sensitivity to paclitaxel (PTX) treatment were observed, with T2-KD cells and gRNA2 cell line being sensitive, while the gRNA1 cell line was resistant to PTX treatment. In addition, significant differences in the growth of gRNA1 and gRNA2 cell lines were observed in in vitro 3D cultures as well as in an in vivo mouse xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the inhibition of TIMP-2 by siRNA and CRISPR/Cas-9 modulate the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-14 and reprogram ovarian cancer cells to facilitate proliferation and invasion. Distinct disparities in in vitro chemosensitivity and growth in 3D culture, and differences in tumour burden and invasion to proximal organs in a mouse model imply that selective suppression of TIMP-2 expression by siRNA or CRISPR/Cas-9 alters important aspects of metastasis and chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M. Escalona
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia ,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Suites 23, 106-110 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Technology Park Central, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Australia
| | - Simon Chu
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Suites 23, 106-110 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Technology Park Central, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Australia
| | - Jason K. Kelly
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Suites 23, 106-110 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Technology Park Central, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Suites 23, 106-110 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Technology Park Central, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Australia ,grid.1040.50000 0001 1091 4859School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Mt Helen, VIC 3350 Australia
| | - Jock K. Findlay
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia ,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Suites 23, 106-110 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat Technology Park Central, Ballarat, VIC 3350 Australia ,grid.1040.50000 0001 1091 4859School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Mt Helen, VIC 3350 Australia
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Leung D, Price ZK, Lokman NA, Wang W, Goonetilleke L, Kadife E, Oehler MK, Ricciardelli C, Kannourakis G, Ahmed N. Platinum-resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer: an interplay of epithelial-mesenchymal transition interlinked with reprogrammed metabolism. J Transl Med 2022; 20:556. [PMID: 36463238 PMCID: PMC9719259 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynaecological cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy resistance represents a significant clinical challenge and is the main reason for poor ovarian cancer prognosis. We identified novel expression of markers related to epithelial mesenchymal transitions (EMT) in a carboplatin resistant ovarian cancer cell line by proteomics. This was validated in the platinum resistant versus sensitive parental cell lines, as well as platinum resistant versus sensitive human ovarian cancer patient samples. The prognostic significance of the different proteomics-identified marker proteins in prognosis prediction on survival as well as their correlative association and influence on immune cell infiltration was determined by public domain data bases. METHODS We explored the proteomic differences between carboplatin-sensitive OVCAR5 cells (parental) and their carboplatin-resistant counterpart, OVCAR5 CBPR cells. qPCR and western blots were performed to validate differentially expressed proteins at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Association of the identified proteins with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) prompted the investigation of cell motility. Cellular bioenergetics and proliferation were studied to delineate any biological adaptations that facilitate cancer progression. Expression of differentially expressed proteins was assessed in ovarian tumors obtained from platinum-sensitive (n = 15) versus platinum-resistant patients (n = 10), as well as matching tumors from patients at initial diagnosis and following relapse (n = 4). Kaplan-Meier plotter and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) databases were used to determine the prognostic significance and influence of the different proteomics-identified proteins on immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RESULTS Our proteomics study identified 2422 proteins in both cell lines. Of these, 18 proteins were upregulated and 14 were downregulated by ≥ twofold (p < 0.05) in OVCAR5 CBPR cells. Gene ontology enrichment analysis amongst upregulated proteins revealed an overrepresentation of biological processes consistent with EMT in the resistant cell line. Enhanced mRNA and/or protein expression of the identified EMT modulators including ITGA2, TGFBI, AKR1B1, ITGAV, ITGA1, GFPT2, FLNA and G6PD were confirmed in OVCAR5 CBPR cells compared to parental OVCAR5 cell line. Consistent with the altered EMT profile, the OVCAR5 CBPR cells demonstrated enhanced migration and reduced proliferation, glycolysis, and oxidative phosphorylation. The upregulation of G6PD, AKR1B1, ITGAV, and TGFβ1 in OVCAR5 CBPR cells was also identified in the tumors of platinum-resistant compared to platinum-sensitive high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. Matching tumors of relapsed versus newly diagnosed HGSOC patients also showed enhanced expression of AKR1B1, ITGAV, TGFβ1 and G6PD protein in relapsed tumors. Among the identified proteins, significant enhanced expression of GFPT2, FLNA, TGFBI (CDGG1), ITGA2 predicted unfavorable prognosis in ovarian cancer patients. Further analysis suggested that the expression of TGFBI to correlate positively with the expression of identified and validated proteins such as GFPT2, FLNA, G6PD, ITGAV, ITGA1 and ITGA2; and with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in the TME. CONCLUSIONS Our research demonstrates proteomic-based discovery of novel EMT-related markers with an altered metabolic profile in platinum-resistant versus sensitive ovarian cancer cell lines. The study also confirms the expression of selected identified markers in the tumors of platinum-resistant versus sensitive, and in matching relapsed versus newly diagnosed HGSOC patients. The study provides insights into the metabolic adaptation of EMT-induced carboplatin resistant cells that confers on them reduced proliferation to provide effective migratory advantage; and the role of some of these identified proteins in ovarian cancer prognosis. These observations warrant further investigation of these novel target proteins in platinum-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilys Leung
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat Central Technology Central Park, Ballarat, Vic 3353 Australia
| | - Zoe K. Price
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - Noor A. Lokman
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - Wanqi Wang
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - Lizamarie Goonetilleke
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat Central Technology Central Park, Ballarat, Vic 3353 Australia
| | - Martin K. Oehler
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia ,grid.416075.10000 0004 0367 1221Department of Gynecological Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000 Australia
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- grid.1010.00000 0004 1936 7304Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005 Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat Central Technology Central Park, Ballarat, Vic 3353 Australia ,grid.1040.50000 0001 1091 4859School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Mt Helen, VIC 3350 Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat Central Technology Central Park, Ballarat, Vic 3353 Australia ,grid.1040.50000 0001 1091 4859School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University, Mt Helen, VIC 3350 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3052 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Department of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168 Australia
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de Alwis N, Binder NK, Beard S, Mangwiro YTM, Kadife E, Cuffe JSM, Keenan E, Fato BR, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Brownfoot FC, Marshall SA, Hannan NJ. The L-NAME mouse model of preeclampsia and impact to long-term maternal cardiovascular health. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/12/e202201517. [PMID: 36260752 PMCID: PMC9356384 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia affects ∼2–8% of pregnancies worldwide. It is associated with increased long-term maternal cardiovascular disease risk. This study assesses the effect of the vasoconstrictor N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in modelling preeclampsia in mice, and its long-term effects on maternal cardiovascular health. In this study, we found that L-NAME administration mimicked key characteristics of preeclampsia, including elevated blood pressure, impaired fetal and placental growth, and increased circulating endothelin-1 (vasoconstrictor), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (anti-angiogenic factor), and C-reactive protein (inflammatory marker). Post-delivery, mice that received L-NAME in pregnancy recovered, with no discernible changes in measured cardiovascular indices at 1-, 2-, and 4-wk post-delivery, compared with matched controls. At 10-wk post-delivery, arteries collected from the L-NAME mice constricted significantly more to phenylephrine than controls. In addition, these mice had increased kidney Mmp9:Timp1 and heart Tnf mRNA expression, indicating increased inflammation. These findings suggest that though administration of L-NAME in mice certainly models key characteristics of preeclampsia during pregnancy, it does not appear to model the adverse increase in cardiovascular disease risk seen in individuals after preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha de Alwis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Natalie K Binder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Yeukai TM Mangwiro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - James SM Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Emerson Keenan
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Bianca R Fato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J Kaitu’u-Lino
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation in Pregnancy Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Fiona C Brownfoot
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Sarah A Marshall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Ritchie Centre, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University and The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Natalie J Hannan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function Group, The University of Melbourne and Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Heidelberg, Australia
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8
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Kadife E, Hannan N, Harper A, Binder N, Beard S, Brownfoot FC. Hydroxychloroquine reduces soluble Flt-1 secretion from human cytotrophoblast, but does not mitigate markers of endothelial dysfunction in vitro. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271560. [PMID: 36417467 PMCID: PMC9683551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multi-system disease that can have severe, even fatal implications for the mother and fetus. Abnormal placentation can lead to ischaemic tissue injury and placental inflammation. In turn, the placenta releases anti-angiogenic factors into the maternal circulation. These systemically act to neutralise angiogenic factors causing endothelial dysfunction causing preeclampsia. Hydroxychloroquine is an immune modulating drug that is considered safe in pregnancy. There is epidemiological evidence suggesting it may reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Here, we examined the effects hydroxychloroquine on the production and secretion of sFlt-1, soluble endoglin (sENG), placental growth factor (PlGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in primary human placenta, cytotrophoblasts and umbilical vein endothelial cells (endothelial cell model). Hydroxychloroquine treatment decreased mRNA expression of two sFlt-1 isoforms and its protein secretion. sENG was not reduced. Hydroxychloroquine treatment increased secretion of pro-angiogenic factor PIGF from endothelial cells. It did not significantly reduce the expression of the endothelial cell inflammation marker, ET-1, and inflammation induced expression of the adhesion molecule, VCAM. Hydroxychloroquine could not overcome leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. Hydroxychloroquine mitigates features of preeclampsia, but it does not reduce key markers of endothelial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Hannan
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alesia Harper
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Natalie Binder
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Beard
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Therapeutics Discovery and Vascular Function in Pregnancy, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Obstetric Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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9
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de Alwis N, Binder NK, Mangwiro YTM, Beard S, Pritchard N, Kadife E, Fato BR, Keenan E, Brownfoot FC, Kaitu’u-Lino TJ, Hannan NJ. Actions of Esomeprazole on the Maternal Vasculature in Lean and Obese Pregnant Mice with Impaired Nitric Oxide Synthesis: A Model of Preeclampsia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158185. [PMID: 35897759 PMCID: PMC9330120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a devastating, multisystem disorder of pregnancy. It has no cure except delivery, which if premature can impart significant neonatal morbidity. Efforts to repurpose pregnancy-safe therapeutics for the treatment of preeclampsia have led to the assessment of the proton pump inhibitor, esomeprazole. Preclinically, esomeprazole reduced placental secretion of anti-angiogenic sFlt-1, improved endothelial dysfunction, promoted vasorelaxation, and reduced maternal hypertension in a mouse model. Our understanding of the precise mechanisms through which esomeprazole works to reduce endothelial dysfunction and enhance vasoreactivity is limited. Evidence from earlier studies suggested esomeprazole might work via the nitric oxide pathway, upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Here, we investigated the effect of esomeprazole in a mouse model of L-NAME-induced hypertension (decreased eNOS activity). We further antagonised the model by addition of diet-induced obesity, which is relevant to both preeclampsia and the nitric oxide pathway. Esomeprazole did not decrease blood pressure in this model, nor were there any alterations in vasoreactivity or changes in foetal outcomes in lean mice. We observed similar findings in the obese mouse cohort, except esomeprazole treatment enhanced ex vivo acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation. As acetylcholine induces nitric oxide production, these findings hint at a function for esomeprazole in the nitric oxide pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha de Alwis
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Natalie K. Binder
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Yeukai T. M. Mangwiro
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
| | - Sally Beard
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Natasha Pritchard
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Elif Kadife
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Bianca R. Fato
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
| | - Emerson Keenan
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Fiona C. Brownfoot
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Obstetrics Diagnostics and Therapeutics Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Tu’uhevaha J. Kaitu’u-Lino
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Diagnostics Discovery and Reverse Translation in Pregnancy, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Natalie J. Hannan
- Therapeutics Discovery & Vascular Function Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.d.A.); (N.K.B.); (Y.T.M.M.); (S.B.); (B.R.F.)
- Mercy Perinatal, Mercy Hospital for Women, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (N.P.); (E.K.); (E.K.); (F.C.B.); (T.J.K.-L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-8458-4371; Fax: +61-3-8458-4380
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Jayathilake AG, Kadife E, Kuol N, Luwor RB, Nurgali K, Su XQ. Krill oil supplementation reduces the growth of CT-26 orthotopic tumours in Balb/c mice. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:34. [PMID: 35120511 PMCID: PMC8817584 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously reported that the free fatty acid extract (FFAE) of krill oil (KO) significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo efficacy of various doses of KO supplementation on the inhibition of CRC tumour growth, molecular markers of proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream molecular signalling. Methods Male Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups with five in each group. The control (untreated) group received standard chow diet; and other three groups received KO supplementation at 5%, 10%, and 15% of their daily dietary intake respectively for three weeks before and after the orthotopic implantation of CT-26 CRC cells in their caecum. The expression of cell proliferation marker Ki-67 and angiogenesis marker CD-31 were assessed by immunohistochemistry. The expression of EGFR, phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR), protein kinase B (AKT), pAKT, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), pERK1/2, cleaved caspase-7, cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and DNA/RNA damage were determined by western blot. Results KO supplementation reduced the CRC tumour growth in a dose-dependent manner; with 15% of KO being the most effective in reduction of tumour weight and volume (68.5% and 68.3% respectively, P < 0.001), inhibition of cell proliferation by 69.9% (P < 0.001) and microvessel density by 72.7% (P < 0.001). The suppressive effects of KO on EGFR and its downstream signalling, ERK1/2 and AKT, were consistent with our previous in vitro observations. Furthermore, KO exhibited pro-apoptotic effects on tumour cells as indicated by an increase in the expression of cleaved PARP by 3.9-fold and caspase-7 by 8.9-fold. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that KO supplementation reduces CRC tumour growth by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and blood vessel formation and inducing apoptosis of tumour cells. These anti-cancer effects are associated with the downregulation of the EGFR signalling pathway and activation of caspase-7, PARP cleavage, and DNA/RNA damage. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03521-4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elif Kadife
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, 8001, Australia
| | - Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, 8001, Australia
| | - Rodney Brain Luwor
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, 8001, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiao Qun Su
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, 8001, Australia.
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11
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Sharma R, Kadife E, Myers M, Kannourakis G, Prithviraj P, Ahmed N. Determinants of resistance to VEGF-TKI and immune checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:186. [PMID: 34099013 PMCID: PMC8183071 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01961-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (VEGF-TKIs) have been the mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite its early promising results in decreasing or delaying the progression of RCC in patients, VEGF-TKIs have provided modest benefits in terms of disease-free progression, as 70% of the patients who initially respond to the treatment later develop drug resistance, with 30% of the patients innately resistant to VEGF-TKIs. In the past decade, several molecular and genetic mechanisms of VEGF-TKI resistance have been reported. One of the mechanisms of VEGF-TKIs is inhibition of the classical angiogenesis pathway. However, recent studies have shown the restoration of an alternative angiogenesis pathway in modulating resistance. Further, in the last 5 years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized RCC treatment. Although some patients exhibit potent responses, a non-negligible number of patients are innately resistant or develop resistance within a few months to ICI therapy. Hence, an understanding of the mechanisms of VEGF-TKI and ICI resistance will help in formulating useful knowledge about developing effective treatment strategies for patients with advanced RCC. In this article, we review recent findings on the emerging understanding of RCC pathology, VEGF-TKI and ICI resistance mechanisms, and potential avenues to overcome these resistance mechanisms through rationally designed combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Sharma
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
- Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
| | - Mark Myers
- Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
- Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia
| | | | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia.
- Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, 3350, Australia.
- The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, 3168, Australia.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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12
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Escalona RM, Bilandzic M, Western P, Kadife E, Kannourakis G, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. TIMP-2 regulates proliferation, invasion and STAT3-mediated cancer stem cell-dependent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:960. [PMID: 33023532 PMCID: PMC7542139 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metzincin family of metalloproteinases and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are essential proteins required for biological processes during cancer progression. This study aimed to determine the role of TIMP-2 in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance by reducing TIMP-2 expression in vitro in Fallopian tube secretory epithelial (FT282) and ovarian cancer (JHOS2 and OVCAR4) cell lines. METHODS FT282, JHOS2 and OVCAR4 cells were transiently transfected with either single or pooled TIMP-2 siRNAs. The expression of different genes after TIMP-2 knock down (T2-KD) or in response to chemotherapy was determined at the mRNA level by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and at the protein level by immunofluorescence. Sensitivity of the cell lines in response to chemotherapy after TIMP-2 knock down was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell invasion in response to TIMP-2 knockdown was determined by xCELLigence. RESULTS Sixty to 90 % knock down of TIMP-2 expression was confirmed in FT282, OVCAR4 and JHOS2 cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. TIMP-2 knock down did not change the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 or TIMP-3. However, a significant downregulation of MMP-2 in T2-KD cells occurred at both the protein and activation levels, compared to Control (Cont; scrambled siRNA) and Parental cells (P, transfection reagent only). In contrast, membrane bound MT1-MMP protein levels were significantly upregulated in T2-KD compared to Cont and P cells. T2-KD cells exhibited enhanced proliferation and increased sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel treatments. Enhanced invasion was observed in the T2-KD-JOSH2 and OVCAR4 cells but not in T2-KD-FT282 cells. Treatment with cisplatin or paclitaxel significantly elevated the expression of TIMP-2 in Cont cells but not in T2-KD cells, consistent with significantly elevated expression of chemoresistance and CSC markers and activation of STAT3. Furthermore, a potent inhibitor of STAT3 activation, Momelotinib, suppressed chemotherapy-induced activation of P-STAT3 in OVCAR4 cells with concomitant reductions in the expression of chemoresistance genes and CSC markers. CONCLUSIONS The above results suggest that TIMP-2 may have a novel role in ovarian cancer proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Escalona
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia
| | - Maree Bilandzic
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia.,Federation University Australia, Vic, Ballarat, 3010, Australia
| | - Jock K Findlay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia. .,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia. .,Federation University Australia, Vic, Ballarat, 3010, Australia.
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13
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Hanson ED, Sakkal S, Que S, Cho E, Spielmann G, Kadife E, Violet JA, Battaglini CL, Stoner L, Bartlett DB, McConell GK, Hayes A. Natural killer cell mobilization and egress following acute exercise in men with prostate cancer. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:1524-1539. [PMID: 32715550 DOI: 10.1113/ep088627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What are the characteristics of the NK cell response following acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise in prostate cancer survivors and is there a relationship between stress hormones and NK cell mobilization? What is the main finding and its importance? NK cell numbers and proportions changed similarly between prostate cancer survivors and controls following acute exercise. Consecutive training sessions can likely be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment. ABSTRACT Prostate cancer treatment affects multiple physiological systems, although the immune response during exercise has been minimally investigated. The objective was to characterize the natural killer (NK) cell response following acute exercise in prostate cancer survivors. Prostate cancer survivors on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and those without (PCa) along with non-cancer controls (CON) completed a moderate intensity cycling bout. NK cells were phenotyped before and 0, 2 and 24 h after acute exercise using flow cytometry. CD56 total NK cell frequency increased by 6.2% at 0 h (P < 0.001) and decreased by 2.5% at 2 h (P < 0.01) with similar findings in CD56dim cells. NK cell counts also exhibited a biphasic response. Independent of exercise, ADT had intracellular interferon γ (IFNγ) expression that was nearly twofold higher than CON (P < 0.01). PCa perforin expression was reduced by 11.4% (P < 0.05), suggesting these cells may be more prone to degranulation. CD57- NK cells demonstrated increased perforin and IFNγ frequencies after exercise with no change within the CD57+ populations. All NK and leukocyte populations returned to baseline by 24 h. NK cell mobilization and egress with acute exercise appear normal, as cell counts and frequencies in prostate cancer survivors change similarly to CON. However, lower perforin proportions (PCa) and higher IFNγ expression (ADT) may alter NK cytotoxicity and require further investigation. The return of NK cell proportions to resting levels overnight suggests that consecutive training sessions can be used without adverse effects on the immune system during prostate cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik D Hanson
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Samy Sakkal
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Shadney Que
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Eunhan Cho
- School of Kinesiology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | | | - Elif Kadife
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - John A Violet
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Cancer Imaging, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Claudio L Battaglini
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lee Stoner
- Department of Exercise & Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David B Bartlett
- Division of Medical Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Glenn K McConell
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
| | - Alan Hayes
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.,Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Victoria University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Western Health, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Ahmed N, Escalona R, Kadife E, Leung D, Kannourakis G. Abstract AP26: CANCER STEM CELLS: DISTINCT SEEDS FOR RECURRENT OVARIAN CANCER. Clin Cancer Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.ovcasymp18-ap26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: The treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) with chemotherapy leaves resistant cancer cells which in a short time re-grow as recurrent cancer. A diverse array of resistance mechanisms for chemotherapy has been described but none have proven as viable targets in a clinical setting. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are increasingly accepted as the putative mediators of chemoresistance and relapse of cancer. This study aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms involved with chemoresistance and recurrence by investigating the proteomic profile of ascites-derived tumor cells obtained from OC patients prior to (chemonaive, CN) and after chemotherapy treatments (recurrent, CR).
METHODS: Ascites collected from CN and CR OC patients diagnosed with advanced-stage serous OC were cultured using a novel in vitro method to obtain a distinct population of epithelial tumor cells. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to characterize the tumor population. High-resolution label-free quantitative proteomic profiling was used to define significantly differentially expressed proteins between CN and CR tumor cells. KEGG and DAVID software's were used to determine pathways associated with CR cells. The mechanisms of survival of cisplatin and paclitaxel-treated OC cancer cells were determined in vitro by mRNA analysis and in vivo mouse xenograft models by immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS: Proteomic profiling of CN and CR tumor cells showed significant differences in proteins encoding for CSC, immune surveillance, DNA repair mechanisms, cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell-cell adhesion, cell cycle pathways, cellular transport, and proteins involved with glycine/proline/arginine synthesis in tumor cells isolated from CR relative to CN patients. Pathway analyses revealed enrichment of chemoresistance markers, energy metabolism, DNA repair mechanisms and immune surveillance pathways in recurrent CR tumor cells. Validation of these pathways in OC cell lines and nude mice treated with chemotherapy demonstrated increased expression of CSC and chemoresistant markers, enhancement in glycolytic pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, suppression of immune surveillance in chemotherapy treated cell lines and recurrent mice xenografts compared to untreated control.
CONCLUSION: These findings unravel some of the molecular mechanisms by which chemoresistance and relapse occur in OC patients' post-chemotherapy treatment; and may be important in designing novel therapeutic options for advanced-stage OC patients.
Citation Format: Nuzhat Ahmed, Ruth Escalona, Elif Kadife, Dilys Leung and George Kannourakis. CANCER STEM CELLS: DISTINCT SEEDS FOR RECURRENT OVARIAN CANCER [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 12th Biennial Ovarian Cancer Research Symposium; Sep 13-15, 2018; Seattle, WA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2019;25(22 Suppl):Abstract nr AP26.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Ahmed
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia & Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Ruth Escalona
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia & Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia & Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - Dilys Leung
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia & Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Australia & Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Australia
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Sharma R, Kadife E, Kannourakis G, Ahmed N, Prithviraj P. Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), novel strategy to delay resistance or re-sensitize renal cancer to Sunitinib. Ann Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdz425.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Jayathilake AG, Kadife E, Luwor RB, Nurgali K, Su XQ. Krill oil extract suppresses the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells through activation of caspase 3/9. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2019; 16:53. [PMID: 31428181 PMCID: PMC6697998 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-019-0382-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently available treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC) associate with numerous side-effects that reduce patients' quality of life. The effective nutraceuticals with high anti-proliferative efficacy and low side-effects are desirable. Our previous study has reported that free fatty acids extract (FFAE) of krill oil induced apoptosis of CRC cells, possibly associated with changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The aims of this study were to compare the anti-proliferative efficacy of FFAE from krill oil on CRC cells with commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, Oxaliplatin, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-proliferative effects of krill oil with a focus on intrinsic mitochondrial death pathway. Methods Three human CRC cell lines, including DLD-1, HT-29 and LIM-2405, and one mouse CRC cell line, CT-26, were treated with FFAE of KO and the bioactive components of krill oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 24 h and 48 h. Similarly, these cell lines were treated with Oxaliplatin, a commonly used drug for CRC treatment, for 24 h. The effects of FFAE of KO, EPA, DHA and Oxaliplatin on cell proliferation, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined via WST-1, JC-10, and ROS assays respectively. The expression of caspase-3, caspase-9 and DNA damage following treatments of FFAE of KO was investigated via western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Results The FFAE of KO, EPA and DHA significantly inhibited cell proliferation and increased formation of ROS in all four cell lines (P < 0.01). A small dose of FFAE from KO ranged from 0.06 μL/100 μL to 0.12 μL/100 μL containing low concentrations of EPA (0.13-0.52 μM) and DHA (0.06-0.26 μM) achieved similar anti-proliferative effect as Oxaliplatin (P > 0.05). Treatments with the FFAE of KO, EPA and DHA (2:1 ratio) resulted in a significant increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the expression of active forms of caspase-3 and caspase-9 was significantly increased following the treatment of FFAE of KO. Conclusions The present study has demonstrated that the anti-proliferative effects of krill oil on CRC cells are comparable with that of Oxaliplatin, and its anti-proliferative property is associated with the activation of caspase 3/9 in the CRC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elif Kadife
- 1Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, 8001 Australia
| | - Rodney Brain Luwor
- 2Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkvill, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- 1Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, 8001 Australia.,3Department of Medicine, Western Health, The University of Melbourne, St Albans, Australia.,Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiao Qun Su
- 1Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, 8001 Australia
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Kadife E, Ware TMB, Luwor RB, Chan STF, Nurgali K, Senior PV. Effects of EphB4 receptor expression on colorectal cancer cells, tumor growth, vascularization and composition. Acta Oncol 2018; 57:1043-1056. [PMID: 29368976 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2018.1429650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Increased expression of the molecular target, EphB4 receptor, has been observed in several cancer types. However, studies on the role of EphB4 receptor in CRC have yielded contradictory results. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of EphB4 expression levels on CRC cell behavior and its contribution to tumor growth and vascularization. METHODS SW480, LIM2405 and CT26 CRC cell lines were transfected with EphB4 expression vector. High EphB4 expressing cells were compared to low EphB4 expressing empty vector controls. Proliferation and migration assays as well as EphrinB2-Fc cell stimulations were conducted in vitro and subcutaneous xenografts of CRC were analyzed in vivo. RESULTS High EphB4 expression enhanced migratory ability of these CRC cell lines in vitro and contributed to a significant increase in tumor growth and vascularization in vivo. Tumours induced with high EphB4 expressing SW480 and LIM2405 cells yielded homogenous masses densely packed with cancer cells. EphrinB2-Fc cell stimulations induced cell clustering of high EphB4 expressing SW480 and LIM2405 in vitro. CONCLUSION These results suggest that with enhanced vascularization and an increase in migratory abilities, the high EphB4 expressing cells may be able to metastasize more readily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Kadife
- Centre for Chronic Diseases, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Rodney Brian Luwor
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Steven Tuck Foo Chan
- Department of Surgery, The University of Melbourne, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Centre for Chronic Diseases, College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Vincent Senior
- Department of Medicine, Western Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences (AIMSS), Melbourne, Australia
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