p21 facilitates chronic lung inflammation via epithelial and endothelial cells

Cellular senescence is a stable state of cell cycle arrest that regulates tissue integrity and protects the organism from tumorigenesis. However, the accumulation of senescent cells during aging contributes to age-related pathologies. One such pathology is chronic lung inflammation. p21 (CDKN1A) regulates cellular senescence via inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). However, its role in chronic lung inflammation and functional impact on chronic lung disease, where senescent cells accumulate, is less understood. To elucidate the role of p21 in chronic lung inflammation, we subjected p21 knockout (p21-/-) mice to repetitive inhalations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an exposure that leads to chronic bronchitis and accumulation of senescent cells. p21 knockout led to a reduced presence of senescent cells, alleviated the pathological manifestations of chronic lung inflammation, and improved the fitness of the mice. The expression profiling of the lung cells revealed that resident epithelial and endothelial cells, but not immune cells, play a significant role in mediating the p21-dependent inflammatory response following chronic LPS exposure. Our results implicate p21 as a critical regulator of chronic bronchitis and a driver of chronic airway inflammation and lung destruction.

Senolytic elimination of Cox2-expressing senescent cells inhibits the growth of premalignant pancreatic lesions

OBJECTIVE

Cellular senescence limits tumourigenesis by blocking the proliferation of premalignant cells. Additionally, however, senescent cells can exert paracrine effects influencing tumour growth. Senescent cells are present in premalignant pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions, yet their effects on the disease are poorly characterised. It is currently unknown whether senolytic drugs, aimed at eliminating senescent cells from lesions, could be beneficial in blocking tumour development.

DESIGN

To uncover the functions of senescent cells and their potential contribution to early pancreatic tumourigenesis, we isolated and characterised senescent cells from PanINs formed in a Kras-driven mouse model, and tested the consequences of their targeted elimination through senolytic treatment.

RESULTS

We found that senescent PanIN cells exert a tumour-promoting effect through expression of a proinflammatory signature that includes high Cox2 levels. Senolytic treatment with the Bcl2-family inhibitor ABT-737 eliminated Cox2-expressing senescent cells, and an intermittent short-duration treatment course dramatically reduced PanIN development and progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal that senescent PanIN cells support tumour growth and progression, and provide a first indication that elimination of senescent cells may be effective as preventive therapy for the progression of precancerous lesions.

Identification of bacteria-derived HLA-bound peptides in melanoma

A variety of species of bacteria are known to colonize human tumours1-11, proliferate within them and modulate immune function, which ultimately affects the survival of patients with cancer and their responses to treatment12-14. However, it is not known whether antigens derived from intracellular bacteria are presented by the human leukocyte antigen class I and II (HLA-I and HLA-II, respectively) molecules of tumour cells, or whether such antigens elicit a tumour-infiltrating T cell immune response. Here we used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and HLA peptidomics to identify a peptide repertoire derived from intracellular bacteria that was presented on HLA-I and HLA-II molecules in melanoma tumours. Our analysis of 17 melanoma metastases (derived from 9 patients) revealed 248 and 35 unique HLA-I and HLA-II peptides, respectively, that were derived from 41 species of bacteria. We identified recurrent bacterial peptides in tumours from different patients, as well as in different tumours from the same patient. Our study reveals that peptides derived from intracellular bacteria can be presented by tumour cells and elicit immune reactivity, and thus provides insight into a mechanism by which bacteria influence activation of the immune system and responses to therapy.

p53 in Bronchial Club Cells Facilitates Chronic Lung Inflammation by Promoting Senescence

The tumor suppressor p53 limits tumorigenesis by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and senescence. Although p53 is known to limit inflammation during tumor development, its role in regulating chronic lung inflammation is less well understood. To elucidate the function of airway epithelial p53 in such inflammation, we subjected genetically modified mice, whose bronchial epithelial club cells lack p53, to repetitive inhalations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an exposure that leads to severe chronic bronchitis and airway senescence in wild-type mice. Surprisingly, the club cell p53 knockout mice exhibited reduced airway senescence and bronchitis in response to chronic LPS exposure and were significantly protected from global lung destruction. Furthermore, pharmacological elimination of senescent cells also protected wild-type mice from chronic LPS-induced bronchitis. Our results implicate p53 in induction of club-cell senescence and correlate epithelial cell senescence of chronic airway inflammation and lung destruction.

Transcriptional Heterogeneity of Beta Cells in the Intact Pancreas

Pancreatic beta cells have been shown to be heterogeneous at multiple levels. However, spatially interrogating transcriptional heterogeneity in the intact tissue has been challenging. Here, we developed an optimized protocol for single-molecule transcript imaging in the intact pancreas and used it to identify a sub-population of "extreme" beta cells with elevated mRNA levels of insulin and other secretory genes. Extreme beta cells contain higher ribosomal and proinsulin content but lower levels of insulin protein in fasted states, suggesting they may be tuned for basal insulin secretion. They exhibit a distinctive intra-cellular polarization pattern, with elevated mRNA concentrations in an apical ER-enriched compartment, distinct from the localization of nascent and mature proteins. The proportion of extreme cells increases in db/db diabetic mice, potentially facilitating the required increase in basal insulin. Our results thus highlight a sub-population of beta cells that may carry distinct functional roles along physiological and pathological timescales.

The anti-inflammatory IFITM genes ameliorate colitis and partially protect from tumorigenesis by changing immunity and microbiota

Inflammation plays pivotal roles in different stages of tumor development. Screening for predisposing genetic abnormalities and understanding the roles these genes play in the crosstalk between immune and cancer cells will provide new targets for cancer therapy and prevention. The interferon inducible transmembrane (IFITM) genes are involved in pathogenesis of the gastro-intestinal tract. We aimed at delineating the role of IFITM3 in colonic epithelial homeostasis, inflammation and colitis-associated tumorigenesis using IFITM3-deficient mice. Chemical induction of colitis in IFITM3-deficient mice results in significantly increased clinical signs of inflammation and induction of invasive tumorigenesis. Bone marrow transplantation showed that cells of the hematopoietic system are responsible for colitis deterioration. In these mice, impaired cytokine expression skewed inflammatory response toward pathogenic Th17 with reduced expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 during the recovery phase. Intriguingly, mice lacking the entire IFITM locus developed spontaneous chronic colitis from the age of 14 weeks. Sequencing the 16S rRNA of naïve mice lacking IFITM3 gene, or the entire locus containing five IFITM genes, revealed these mice had significant bacterial differences from their wild-type littermates. Our novel results provide strong evidence for the essential role of IFITM genes in ameliorating colitis and colitis-associated tumorigenesis.

Quantitative identification of senescent cells in aging and disease

Senescent cells are present in premalignant lesions and sites of tissue damage and accumulate in tissues with age. In vivo identification, quantification and characterization of senescent cells are challenging tasks that limit our understanding of the role of senescent cells in diseases and aging. Here, we present a new way to precisely quantify and identify senescent cells in tissues on a single‐cell basis. The method combines a senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase assay with staining of molecular markers for cellular senescence and of cellular identity. By utilizing technology that combines flow cytometry with high‐content image analysis, we were able to quantify senescent cells in tumors, fibrotic tissues, and tissues of aged mice. Our approach also yielded the finding that senescent cells in tissues of aged mice are larger than nonsenescent cells. Thus, this method provides a basis for quantitative assessment of senescent cells and it offers proof of principle for combination of different markers of senescence. It paves the way for screening of senescent cells for identification of new senescence biomarkers, genes that bypass senescence or senolytic compounds that eliminate senescent cells, thus enabling a deeper understanding of the senescent state in vivo.

CD24 is a marker for human breast carcinoma

CD24 is a small, mucin-type glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked cell surface molecule expressed by neutrophils, pre B lymphocytes and certain human tumor cell lines. CD24 has been identified as a ligand for P-selectin in both mouse and human cells. We previously reported that the P-selectin-CD24 binding pathway is important for the binding of the breast carcinoma cell line KS to platelets and the rolling of these cells on endothelial P-selectin. In the present study we have analyzed the expression of CD24 on human breast carcinoma cell lines and on fresh breast carcinoma specimens using the CD24-specific antibody ML-5. Our study clearly demonstrates that CD24 is abundantly expressed on cell lines and fresh tissues of breast carcinomas. We find a differential expression of CD24 in breast carcinomas (cytoplasmic pattern) versus benign breast lesions (apical pattern). Moreover, the intensity of CD24 expression increases with the histological grade of the tumor. Thus, CD24 expression might be a useful marker for human breast carcinoma and play a role in facilitating metastasis by the interaction between tumor cells and platelets or endothelial cells.

In vivo photodynamic therapy with the new near-IR absorbing water soluble photosensitizer lutetium texaphyrin and a high intensity pulsed light delivery system

An in vivo fluorescence monitoring and photodynamic therapy (PDT) study was performed using the new photosensitizer lutetium texaphyrin (Lu-Tex). This photosensitizer is water soluble and has the additional advantage of strong absorption near 730 nm. C26 colon carcinoma was transplanted in the foot of BALB/c mice. In vivo fluorescence spectroscopy was applied to study Lu-Tex tissue distribution kinetics. For this purpose, fluorescence intensity both in the foot with the tumor and in the normal foot was measured in vivo by the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system. For PDT, both feet of the mice were irradiated simultaneously with the use of a new high intensity pulsed light delivery system, the Photodyne. The results of the LIF measurements showed that the maximal fluorescence intensity ratio between the normal and tumor bearing foot (FIR) was observed 24-48 h after the agent injection. Photoirradiation with doses from 90 to 240 J cm-2 (0.6 J cm-2 per 2 ms pulse, 1 Hz) 24 h after injection of Lu-Tex at a dose of 10 mg kg-1 caused significant tumor necrosis and delay in the tumor growth rate. The antitumor effect was enhanced with increasing light doses. Normal tissue response to PDT with Lu-Tex was determined as the damage index of the normal foot, which was irradiated simultaneously with the tumor bearing foot. The normal tissue response after PDT with Lu-Tex was compared with 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) induced protoporphyrin IX (PP), chlorin e6 (Chl) and Photofrin (PII) at the same values of antitumor effect. The results showed that at 50, 80 and 100% inhibition of tumor growth the orders of the values of normal foot damage indexes were as follows: ALA > Lu-Tex > or = PII > Chl, PII > ALA > Lu-Tex > Chl and PII > Lu-Tex > ALA > Chl respectively.

A comparative study of tissue distribution and photodynamic therapy selectivity of chlorin e6, Photofrin II and ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX in a colon carcinoma model

An in vivo study of tissue distribution kinetics and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA), chlorin e6 (Chl) and Photofrin (PII) was performed to evaluate the selectivity of porphyrin accumulation and tissue damage effects in a tumour model compared with normal tissue. C26 colon carcinoma of mice transplanted to the foot was used as a model for selectivity assessment. Fluorescence measurements of porphyrin accumulation in the foot bearing the tumour and in the normal foot were performed by the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) system. A new high-intensity pulsed light delivery system (HIPLS) was used for simultaneous irradiation of both feet by light in the range of 600-800 nm, with light doses from 120 to 300 J cm-2 (0.6 J cm-2 per pulse, 1 Hz). Photoirradiation was carried out 1 h after injection of ALA, 3 h after injection of Chl and 24 h after injection of PII. A ratio of porphyrin accumulation in tumour vs normal tissue was used as an index of accumulation selectivity for each agent. PDT selectivity was determined from the regression analysis of normal and tumour tissue responses to PDT as a function of the applied light dose. A normal tissue damage index was defined at various values (50, 80 and 100%) of antitumour effect. The results of the LIF measurements revealed different patterns of fluorescence intensity in tumour and normal tissues for ALA-induced protoporphyrin IX (ALA-PpIX), Chl and PII. The results of PDT demonstrated the differences in both anti-tumour efficiency and normal tissue damage for the agents used. The selectivity of porphyrin accumulation in the tumour at the time of photoirradiation, as obtained by the LIF measurements, was in the order ALA-PpIX > Chl > PII. PDT selectivity at an equal value of anti-tumour effect was in the order Chl > ALA-PpIX > PII. Histological examination revealed certain differences in structural changes of normal skin after PDT with the agents tested. The results of PDT selectivity assessment with respect to differences in mechanisms of action for ALA, Chl and PII are discussed.

Topical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid, DMSO and EDTA: protoporphyrin IX accumulation in skin and tumours of mice

Topical 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) application in three different creams was carried out on mice bearing subcutaneously transplanted C26 colon carcinoma. The creams contained (a) 20% ALA alone, (b) ALA with 2% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and (c) ALA, DMSO and 2% edetic acid disodium salt (EDTA). Protoporphyrin IX (PP) production in the tumour and in the skin overlying the tumour was studied by two methods: laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and chemical extraction. The kinetics of PP production in the skin and in the tumour, as studied by the LIF method, was similar for all three cream preparations. The PP fluorescence intensity in the tissues reached its maximum 4-6 h after application of the creams. Quantitative analysis showed that the PP concentration after treatment was more pronounced in the skin than in the tumour. The efficiency of porphyrin production in the skin by the creams used was in the following order: ALA-DMSO-EDTA > ALA-DMSO > ALA. In the tumour the enhancing effect of DMSO and EDTA on PP accumulation induced by ALA was observed mainly in the upper 2 mm section. However, the concentration of PP in the tumour was found to be approximately the same for ALA-DMSO and ALA-DMSO-EDTA cream combinations. The possible mechanisms of the effect of DMSO and EDTA are discussed.

Spectroscopy and photosensitization of sapphyrins in solutions and biological membranes

A spectroscopic and photophysical study of three new sapphyrin molecules is presented. The sapphyrin backbone that was derivatized to make them water soluble possesses an absorption band around 700 nm, a desired property for biological photosensitization. We studied the absorption and fluorescence spectra, from which evidence for aggregation in solvents of different polarities was obtained. The extent of aggregation is correlated with the nature of the attached moiety. The absolute quantum yields of singlet oxygen production were measured, with 1,3-diphenyl isobenzofuran as a model target, and were 0.13-0.18 in ethanol. The binding constants to liposomes and to cells were determined spectroscopically and were found to correspond to the hydrophobicities of the compounds, with an additional effect, ascribed to the sugar moiety, which was found in the case of one of the sapphyrins. The efficiency of photodamage to Staphylococcus aureus by sapphyrins and hematoporphyrin was equivalent, on the basis of cells killed per microgram of sensitizer in the incubation mixture.

Preoperative spirometry predicts perioperative pulmonary complications after major vascular surgery

This study determined utility of preoperative spirometry for prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) defined as pneumonia, ventilator dependence greater than 48 hours, and adult respiratory distress syndrome in 147 patients undergoing vascular surgery from June 1988 through March 1990 [39 aortic aneurysm repairs, 21 carotid procedures, and 87 operations for occlusive disease including aorto-ileofemoral, infra-inguinal, and visceral]. The incidence of PPC was 12.9 per cent, while cardiac complications (myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and ventricular arrhythmias) were present in 9.8 per cent. Prior or current smoking, which was present in 80 per cent, was not predictive of PPC. FEV1 was 2.2 +/- 0.7 L/s (mean +/- 1 SD). Abnormal FEV1 (2.0 or less L/s) was present in 42 per cent (n = 62). For FEV1 of 2.0 or less, PPC rate was 22.5 per cent versus 5.8 per cent for FEV1 greater than 2.0 L/s (P less than 0.005, Fisher exact). The incidence of PPC was 30.7 per cent for aortic aneurysm repair, 8.0 per cent for occlusive disease, and 4.7 per cent for carotid procedures. Abdominal aortic procedures (performed in 67 patients: 39 for aortic aneurysm repair and 28 for aortoiliac occlusive disease) were associated with a PPC rate of 22.4 per cent versus 5.0 per cent for "nonabdominal" procedures (P less than 0.002, Fisher exact). Life table analysis after surgery demonstrated decreased survival for patients with PPC (P = 0.031, Mantel-Haensel) during follow-up (250 +/- 165 days). PPC are associated with abnormal FEV1 and abdominal vascular procedures. In conclusion, preoperative spirometry is useful for the prediction of PPC after vascular surgery.

Thallium redistribution does not predict perioperative cardiac complications following vascular surgery

Utility of preoperative stress thallium scintigraphy (STS) was determined in 59 patients, thought to be at increased risk, prior to major vascular surgery from July 1987 to February 1990. Forty-seven had oral dipyridamole and 12 underwent exercise STS. Thallium redistribution (TR) was present in 61% (n = 36); fixed defects were present in 59% (n = 35); and some combination of defects was present in 76% (n = 45). Perioperative cardiac complications (CC = congestive heart failure [n = 3], ventricular arrhythmia [n = 2], and MI [n = 1]) were present in 8.5% (6 CC in 5 patients). Incidence of CC was 8.3% (3/36) in those with TR, and 8.7% (2/23) without TR (relative risk = 0.95). Perioperative MI was present in 2.8% (1/36) with TR vs. 0% (0/23) without. Though mortality was 3.4%, no perioperative deaths were from cardiac disease. Utility of STS is not clearly established for prediction of perioperative cardiac risk after major vascular surgery.