Nanoplastic impact on bone microenvironment: A snapshot from murine bone cells

Our world is made of plastic. Plastic waste deeply affects our health entering the food chain. The degradation and/or fragmentation of plastics due to weathering processes result in the generation of nanoplastics (NPs). Only a few studies tested NPs effects on human health. NPs toxic actions are, in part, mediated by oxidative stress (OS) that, among its effects, affects bone remodeling. This study aimed to assess if NPs influence skeleton remodeling through OS. Murine bone cell cultures (MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts, MLOY-4 osteocyte-like cells, and RAW264.7 pre-osteoclasts) were used to test the NPs detrimental effects on bone cells. NPs affect cell viability and induce ROS production and apoptosis (by caspase 3/7 activation) in pre-osteoblasts, osteocytes, and pre-osteoclasts. NPs impair the migration capability of pre-osteoblasts and potentiate the osteoclastogenesis of preosteoclasts. NPs affected the expression of genes related to inflammatory and osteoblastogenic pathways in pre-osteoblasts and osteocytes, related to the osteoclastogenic commitment of pre-osteoclasts. A better understanding of the impact of NPs on bone cell activities resulting in vivo in impaired bone turnover could give more information on the possible toxicity consequence of NPs on bone mass and the subsequent public health problems, such as bone disease.

The Potential of JAG Ligands as Therapeutic Targets and Predictive Biomarkers in Multiple Myeloma

The NOTCH ligands JAG1 and JAG2 have been correlated in vitro with multiple myeloma (MM) cell proliferation, drug resistance, self-renewal and a pathological crosstalk with the tumor microenvironment resulting in angiogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. These findings suggest that a therapeutic approach targeting JAG ligands might be helpful for the care of MM patients and lead us to explore the role of JAG1 and JAG2 in a MM in vivo model and primary patient samples. JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression represents a common feature in MM cell lines; therefore, we assessed their function through JAG1/2 conditional silencing in a MM xenograft model. We observed that JAG1 and JAG2 showed potential as therapeutic targets in MM, as their silencing resulted in a reduction in the tumor burden. Moreover, JAG1 and JAG2 protein expression in MM patients was positively correlated with the presence of MM cells in patients' bone marrow biopsies. Finally, taking advantage of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass global dataset, we showed that JAG2 gene expression level was a predictive biomarker associated with patients' overall survival and progression-free survival, independently from other main molecular or clinical features. Overall, these results strengthened the rationale for the development of a JAG1/2-tailored approach and the use of JAG2 as a predictive biomarker in MM.

Extracellular vesicles mediate the communication between multiple myeloma and bone marrow microenvironment in a NOTCH dependent way

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematologic neoplasm, whose poor prognosis is deeply affected by the propensity of tumor cells to localize in the bone marrow (BM) and induce the protumorigenic activity of normal BM cells, leading to events associated with tumor progression, including tumor angiogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and the spread of osteolytic bone lesions. The interplay between MM cells and the BM niche does not only rely on direct cell-cell interaction, but a crucial role is also played by MM-derived extracellular vesicles (MM-EV). Here, we demonstrated that the oncogenic NOTCH receptors are part of MM-EV cargo and play a key role in EV protumorigenic ability. We used in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the role of EV-derived NOTCH2 in stimulating the protumorigenic behavior of endothelial cells and osteoclast progenitors. Importantly, MM-EV can transfer NOTCH2 between distant cells and increase NOTCH signaling in target cells. MM-EV stimulation increases endothelial cell angiogenic ability and osteoclast differentiation in a NOTCH2-dependent way. Indeed, interfering with NOTCH2 expression in MM cells may decrease the amount of NOTCH2 also in MM-EV and affect their angiogenic and osteoclastogenic potential. Finally, we demonstrated that the pharmacologic blockade of NOTCH activation by γ-secretase inhibitors may hamper the biological effect of EV derived by MM cell lines and by the BM of MM patients. These results provide the first evidence that targeting the NOTCH pathway may be a valid therapeutic strategy to hamper the protumorigenic role of EV in MM as well as other tumors.

Sex Steroid Regulation of Oxidative Stress in Bone Cells: An In Vitro Study

Environmental stimuli, including sex hormones and oxidative stress (OS), affect bone balance, modifying the epigenetic profiles of key osteogenic genes. Nonetheless, the interplay between sex steroids, epigenome and OS has yet be fully elucidated. This paper aims to study in vitro the role of sex steroids in OS-induced alteration in bone cells’ homeostasis, and to assess the possible contribution of epigenetic modifications. Toward this purpose, osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) and osteocyte (MLOY-4) cell lines were exposed to two different sources of free oxygen radicals, i.e., tert-butyl hydroperoxide and dexamethasone, and the protective effect of pre-treatment with androgens and estrogens was evaluated. In particular, we analyzed parameters that reflect bone cell homeostasis such as cell viability, cell migration, transcriptomic profile, transcriptional activity, and epigenetic signature. Our findings indicate that estrogens and androgens counteract OS effects. Using partially overlapping strategies, they reduce OS outcomes regarding cell viability, cell migration, the transcriptomic profile of gene families involved in bone remodeling, and epigenetic profile, i.e., H3K4me3 level. Additionally, we demonstrated that the protective effect of steroids against OS on bone homeostasis is partially mediated by the Akt pathway. Overall, these results suggest that the hormonal milieu may influence the mechanisms of age-related bone disease.

Biologically active substances of Camellia sinensis in a humid subtropical climate of Russia

We did a comparative analysis of tea and raw tea materials. There is an increase in the content of carotenoids and flavonoids (thearubigins and theaflavins) in June, a decline in July, and August, and consequently a slight increase again in other months. The increase is due to unfavorable conditions – drought during these periods. In raw new variety forms No. 855 and No. 582, as well as in black tea variety form No. 582 (0.09 mg.g-1), we determined the high value of theaflavins (0.10; 0.11 and 0.09 mg.g-1, respectively). The highest content of thearubigins was found in variety forms No. 582 and No. 3823 (1.33 mg.g-1 and 1.17 mg.g-1). Ascorbic acid is significantly disintegrated (on average 96 – 97%) in the production of black tea. In green tea, ascorbic acid disintegrates to a lesser extent, leaving about 13% of its initial amount in the raw material. The dynamics of GPOD activity in a 3-leaf sprout are variety-specific. At the beginning of the growing season (May), the activity of the enzyme was low – in the range of 0.363 to 0.607 g-unit in sec. In June, there is a decrease in activity, which, however, is not significant (p <0.05) and is due to the biological characteristics of the tea culture. In green tea, the ruthine is on average 3 times more than in black tea (on average about 38.09 and 12.12 mg.100g-1, respectively). We have identified 11 amino acids; the highest percentage accounted for proline (from 30 to 70%), valine (17 – 30%), and serine (about 10%). We have identified 11 amino acids in Krasnodar tea, a large proportion of these amino acids has proline, valine, and serine. There was a variation in the content of biologically active substances depending on genotype characteristics. Studies have identified some controversial issues that require explanation and further study.

Restoring Tissue Homeostasis at Metastatic Sites: A Focus on Extracellular Vesicles in Bone Metastasis

Bone is the most common site of cancer metastasis and the spread of cancer cells to the bone is associated with poor prognosis, pain, increased risk of fractures, and hypercalcemia. The bone marrow microenvironment is an attractive place for tumor dissemination, due to the dynamic network of non-malignant cells. In particular, the alteration of the bone homeostasis favors the tumor homing and the consequent osteolytic or osteoblastic lesions. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are reported to be involved in the metastatic process, promoting tumor invasion, escape from immune surveillance, extravasation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and metastasis, but the role of EVs in bone metastases is still unclear. Current results suggest the ability of tumor derived EVs in promoting bone localization and metastasis formation, altering the physiological balance between bone destruction and new bone depositions. Moreover, EVs from the bone marrow niche may support the onset of tumor metastasis. This review summarizes recent findings on the role of EVs in the pathological alterations of homeostasis that occur during bone metastasis to show novel potential EV-based therapeutic options to inhibit metastasis formation.

Jagged Ligands Enhance the Pro-Angiogenic Activity of Multiple Myeloma Cells

Simple Summary

The Jagged family of ligands are aberrantly expressed during multiple myeloma progression and contributes to activate Notch signaling both in myeloma cells and in the nearby bone marrow cell populations activating several pro-tumor effects. This work elucidates, in vitro, in vivo as well as in patients’ bone marrow biopsies, different mechanisms by which tumor cell-derived Jagged1 and 2 contribute to myeloma-associated angiogenesis. These include the ability to induce myeloma and bone marrow stromal cell secretion of VEGF along with a direct activation of the pro-angiogenic Notch signaling pathway in endothelial cells. This research provides a rational for a Jagged-directed therapy in multiple myeloma.

Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy arising primarily within the bone marrow (BM). During MM progression, different modifications occur in the tumor cells and BM microenvironment, including the angiogenic shift characterized by the increased capability of endothelial cells to organize a network, migrate and express angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we studied the functional outcome of the dysregulation of Notch ligands, Jagged1 and Jagged2, occurring during disease progression, on the angiogenic potential of MM cells and BM stromal cells (BMSCs). Jagged1–2 expression was modulated by RNA interference or soluble peptide administration, and the effects on the MM cell lines’ ability to induce human pulmonary artery cells (HPAECs) angiogenesis or to indirectly increase the BMSC angiogenic potential was analyzed in vitro; in vivo validation was performed on a zebrafish model and MM patients’ BM biopsies. Overall, our results indicate that the MM-derived Jagged ligands (1) increase the tumor cell angiogenic potential by directly triggering Notch activation in the HPAECs or stimulating the release of angiogenic factors, i.e., VEGF; and (2) stimulate the BMSCs to promote angiogenesis through VEGF secretion. The observed pro-angiogenic effect of Notch activation in the BM during MM progression provides further evidence of the potential of a therapy targeting the Jagged ligands.

Expression Pattern and Biological Significance of the lncRNA ST3GAL6-AS1 in Multiple Myeloma

The biological impact of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) is becoming an important aspect of investigation, which may contribute to the understanding of the complex pathobiology of the disease whilst also providing novel potential therapeutic targets. Herein, we investigated the expression pattern and the biological significance of the lncRNA ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3 sialyltransferase 6 antisense RNA 1 (ST3GAL6-AS1) in MM. We documented a high ST3GAL6-AS1 expression level in MM compared to normal plasma cells (PCs) or other hematological malignancies. Transcriptome analyses of MM PCs from patients included in the CoMMpass database indicated a potential involvement of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MAPK signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways. ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing by LNA-gapmeR antisense oligonucleotides inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in MM cell line. Notably, ST3GAL6-AS1 silencing in vitro displayed the down-regulation of the MAPK pathway and protein ubiquitination. These data suggest that ST3GAL6-AS1 deregulation may play a pathogenetic role in MM by affecting both proliferation pathways and circuits fundamental for PC survival. However, ST3GAL6-AS1 expression levels seem not to be significantly associated with clinical outcome and its targeting appears to exert antagonistic effects with proteasome inhibitors used in MM. These findings strongly urge the need for further studies investigating the relevance of ST3GAL6-AS1 in MM.

Multiple myeloma exploits Jagged1 and Jagged2 to promote intrinsic and bone marrow-dependent drug resistance

Multiple myeloma is still incurable due to an intrinsic aggressiveness or, more frequently, to the interactions of malignant plasma cells with the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Myeloma cells educate BM cells to support neoplastic cell growth, survival, acquisition of drug resistance resulting in disease relapse. Myeloma microenvironment is characterized by Notch signaling hyperactivation due to the increased expression of Notch1 and 2 and the ligands Jagged1 and 2 in tumor cells. Notch activation influences myeloma cell biology and promotes the reprogramming of BM stromal cells. In this work we demonstrate, in vitro, ex vivo and by using a zebrafish multiple myeloma model, that Jagged inhibition causes a decrease in both myeloma-intrinsic and stromal cell-induced resistance to currently used drugs, i.e. bortezomib, lenalidomide and melphalan. The molecular mechanism of drug resistance involves the chemokine system CXCR4/SDF1α. Myeloma cell-derived Jagged ligands trigger Notch activity in BM stromal cells. These, in turn, secrete higher levels of SDF1α in the BM microenvironment increasing CXCR4 activation in myeloma cells, which is further potentiated by the concomitant increased expression of this receptor induced by Notch activation. Consistently with the augmented pharmacological resistance, SDF1α boosts the expression of BCL2, Survivin and ABCC1. These results indicate that a Jagged-tailored approach may contribute to disrupting the pharmacological resistance due to intrinsic myeloma cell features or to the pathological interplay with BM stromal cells and, conceivably, improve patients' response to standard-of-care therapies.

Long non-coding RNA NEAT1 targeting impairs the DNA repair machinery and triggers anti-tumor activity in multiple myeloma

The biological role and therapeutic potential of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in multiple myeloma (MM) are still open questions. Herein, we investigated the functional significance of the oncogenic lncRNA nuclear paraspeckle assembly transcript 1 (NEAT1) in MM. Our study demonstrates that NEAT1 expression level is higher in MM than in the majority of hematological malignancies. NEAT1 silencing by novel LNA-gapmeR antisense oligonucleotide inhibits MM cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis in vitro and in vivo murine MM model as well. By transcriptome analyses, we found that NEAT1 targeting downregulates genes involved in DNA repair processes including the Homologous Recombination pathway, which in turn results in massive DNA damage. These findings may explain the synergistic impact on apoptosis observed in MM cell lines co-treated with inhibitors of both NEAT1 and PARP. The translational significance of NEAT1 targeting is further underlined by its synergistic effects with the most common drugs administered for MM treatment, including bortezomib, carfilzomib, and melphalan. Overall, NEAT1 silencing is associated with a chemo-sensitizing effect of both conventional and novel therapies, and its targeting could therefore represent a promising strategy for novel anti-MM therapeutic options.

Re-establishing Apoptosis Competence in Bone Associated Cancers via Communicative Reprogramming Induced Through Notch Signaling Inhibition

Notch and its ligands on adjacent cells are key mediators of cellular communication during developmental choice in embryonic and adult tissues. This communication is frequently altered in the pathological interaction between cancer cells and healthy cells of the microenvironment due to the aberrant expression of tumor derived Notch receptors or ligands, that results in homotypic or heterotypic Notch signaling activation in tumor cells or surrounding stromal cells. A deadly consequence of this pathological communication is pharmacological resistance that results in patient's relapse. We will provide a survey of the role of Notch signaling in the bone marrow (BM), a microenvironment with a very high capacity to support several types of cancer, including primary cancers such as osteosarcoma or multiple myeloma and bone metastases from carcinomas. Moreover, in the BM niche several hematological malignancies maintain a reservoir of cancer stem cells, characterized by higher intrinsic drug resistance. Cell-cell communication in BM-tumor interaction triggers signaling pathways by direct contact and paracrine communication through soluble growth factors or extracellular vesicles, which can deliver specific molecules such as mRNAs, miRNAs, proteins, metabolites, etc. enabling tumor cells to reprogram the healthy cells of the microenvironment inducing them to support tumor growth. In this review we will explore how the dysregulated Notch activity contributes to tumor-mediated reprogramming of the BM niche and drug resistance, strengthening the rationale of a Notch-directed therapy to re-establish apoptosis competence in cancer.

Cancer Cells Exploit Notch Signaling to Redefine a Supportive Cytokine Milieu

Notch signaling is a well-known key player in the communication between adjacent cells during organ development, when it controls several processes involved in cell differentiation. Notch-mediated communication may occur through the interaction of Notch receptors with ligands on adjacent cells or by a paracrine/endocrine fashion, through soluble molecules that can mediate the communication between cells at distant sites. Dysregulation of Notch pathway causes a number of disorders, including cancer. Notch hyperactivation may be caused by mutations of Notch-related genes, dysregulated upstream pathways, or microenvironment signals. Cancer cells may exploit this aberrant signaling to "educate" the surrounding microenvironment cells toward a pro-tumoral behavior. This may occur because of key cytokines secreted by tumor cells or it may involve the microenvironment through the activation of Notch signaling in stromal cells, an event mediated by a direct cell-to-cell contact and resulting in the increased secretion of several pro-tumorigenic cytokines. Up to now, review articles were mainly focused on Notch contribution in a specific tumor context or immune cell populations. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the outcomes of Notch-mediated pathological interactions in different tumor settings and on the molecular and cellular mediators involved in this process. We describe how Notch dysregulation in cancer may alter the cytokine network and its outcomes on tumor progression and antitumor immune response.

Reduction of Movement in Neurological Diseases: Effects on Neural Stem Cells Characteristics

Both astronauts and patients affected by chronic movement-limiting pathologies face impairment in muscle and/or brain performance. Increased patient survival expectations and the expected longer stays in space by astronauts may result in prolonged motor deprivation and consequent pathological effects. Severe movement limitation can influence not only the motor and metabolic systems but also the nervous system, altering neurogenesis and the interaction between motoneurons and muscle cells. Little information is yet available about the effect of prolonged muscle disuse on neural stem cells characteristics. Our in vitro study aims to fill this gap by focusing on the biological and molecular properties of neural stem cells (NSCs). Our analysis shows that NSCs derived from the SVZ of HU mice had shown a reduced proliferation capability and an altered cell cycle. Furthermore, NSCs obtained from HU animals present an incomplete differentiation/maturation. The overall results support the existence of a link between reduction of exercise and muscle disuse and metabolism in the brain and thus represent valuable new information that could clarify how circumstances such as the absence of load and the lack of movement that occurs in people with some neurological diseases, may affect the properties of NSCs and contribute to the negative manifestations of these conditions.

Targeting Notch as a Therapeutic Approach for Human Malignancies

BACKGROUND

Notch is a multifaceted protein that plays a fundamental role in fetal development and tissue homeostasis by directing many cellular functions, including cell growth and differentiation, cell fate determination and regulation of stem cells maintenance. The Notch family consists of four receptors (Notch 1-4) and five ligands (Jagged1-2 and Delta-like 1-3-4) widely expressed in human tissues. Given the crucial contribution of Notch signaling in many physiological processes, it is not surprising that a variety of human malignancies is characterized by a dysregulation of one or more components of this pathway.

METHODS

In this review, we are going to provide a broad overview on the role of Notch pathway in solid and hematological malignancies and a survey on possible Notch-directed therapeutic strategies.

RESULTS

We present the most recent findings indicating that Notch signaling dysregulation in human cancers may be due to genetic and epigenetic alterations or to the interactions with other oncogenic pathways. Furthermore, Notch activity may have an oncogenic or a tumor suppressor effect. Finally, we describe the latest preclinical and clinical studies concerning the different pharmacological approaches targeting Notch.

CONCLUSION

The provided evidence confirms the importance of Notch pathway in human malignancies indicating that a strong rationale exists for the development of a Notch-tailored therapy.

Abstract LB-025: The role of NOTCH pathway in multiple myeloma associated drug resistance

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Notch signaling in intrinsic and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)-mediated drug resistance in multiple myeloma (MM) and in MM-stem cell (SC) niche maintenance.

MM is an incurable hematological malignancy due to intrinsic or BMSC-mediated drug resistance; the hyperexpression of two Notch ligands, Jag1 and 2 in MM increases Notch signaling in MM cells and BMSCs resulting in malignant cells survival and proliferation. Notch pathway supports stem cell maintenance and drug resistance is an intrinsic feature of cancer stem cells; MM stem cells (MM-SCs) have been characterized as CD138- subpopulation. MM-SCs are resistant to common drugs used in therapy and responsible for disease relapse.

MM cell lines were cultured alone or co-cultured with NIH3T3 murine fibroblasts or HS5 human BMSC line. To detect apoptosis induced by Mitoxantrone, Bortezomib and Melphalan, AnnexinV+ cells were processed by flow cytometry (FC). Jag1 and Jag2 were transiently silenced in MM cells using specific siRNAs. The gene expression levels were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Anti-apoptotic proteins were assessed by FC. Notch inhibition was obtained by γ-secretase inhibitor and the effect on MM cell stemness potential of was assessed by FC measure of CD138- MM cells or clonogenic serial replating in methylcellulose-based medium.

Our results demonstrate that Jag1 and 2 silencing reduces anti-apoptotic genes expression, i.e. SDF1α, CXCR4, Bcl-XL, Bcl2, Survivin and ABCC1 and increases sensitivity of MM cells to the used drugs. MM cells and BMSCs reciprocally activate Notch signaling resulting in increased drug resistance due to: i) an elevated expression of the anti-apoptotic genes in MM cells; ii) BMSCs release of soluble factors, i.e. SDF1α and VEGF, relevant for MM cell growth and survival. Interestingly, Jag1 and 2 silencing in MM cells co-cultured with BMSCs could reverse all gene and protein expression changes as well as BMSCs protective effect increasing the apoptotic rate of MM cells. In addition, we show in MM cell lines that DAPT-mediated Notch inhibition decreases MM-SCs and reduces the clonogenic ability in serial replating.

The evidence that Jag1 and 2 silencing affects the intrinsic and BMSC-induced drug resistance in MM cells also by affecting the MM-SC population supports the rationale for a Notch-tailored approach to overcome the unavoidable relapse pf MM patient.

Citation Format: Silvia Garavelli, Elisa Lazzari, Michela Colombo, Natalia Platonova, Maria Teresa Palano, Francesco Baccianti, Serena Galletti, Antonino Neri, Leslie Crews, Catriona Jamieson, Raffaella Chiaramonte. The role of NOTCH pathway in multiple myeloma associated drug resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-025. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-LB-025

Notch signaling deregulation in multiple myeloma: A rational molecular target

Despite recent therapeutic advances, multiple myeloma (MM) is still an incurable neoplasia due to intrinsic or acquired resistance to therapy. Myeloma cell localization in the bone marrow milieu allows direct interactions between tumor cells and non-tumor bone marrow cells which promote neoplastic cell growth, survival, bone disease, acquisition of drug resistance and consequent relapse. Twenty percent of MM patients are at high-risk of treatment failure as defined by tumor markers or presentation as plasma cell leukemia. Cumulative evidences indicate a key role of Notch signaling in multiple myeloma onset and progression. Unlike other Notch-related malignancies, where the majority of patients carry gain-of-function mutations in Notch pathway members, in MM cell Notch signaling is aberrantly activated due to an increased expression of Notch receptors and ligands; notably, this also results in the activation of Notch signaling in surrounding stromal cells which contributes to myeloma cell proliferation, survival and migration, as well as to bone disease and intrinsic and acquired pharmacological resistance. Here we review the last findings on the mechanisms and the effects of Notch signaling dysregulation in MM and provide a rationale for a therapeutic strategy aiming at inhibiting Notch signaling, along with a complete overview on the currently available Notch-directed approaches.

The body image and psychopathology in children

Introduction

The body image development begins at an early age. Children with psychopathology may have body image disturbances. It is important to determine nosological specificity of body image disturbances in children.

Objectives

To reveal body image disturbances in: 20 people (12 boys, 8 girls) having schizophrenia; 18 people (8 boys, 10 girls) with detected fact of sexual abuse (catamnesis study over a 5-year period); control group – 5 boys, 5 girls with normal psycho-physical development.

Aims

To reveal body image disturbance in children in case of psychopathology.

Methods

All the children were examined clinically and paraclinically by psychiatrist and clinical psychologist (projective techniques; standardized personality questionnaires and semantic method [analysis of statements]).

Results and conclusions

In children having schizophrenia specific disturbances of proprioceptive self-awareness in the form of senestopathy (feelings of compression, deformation, size loss or size gain of the body) and the idea of physical defect, are considered as the early symptoms of the body dysmorphic disorder. In this group of children disturbances of body scheme, difficulties in right/left orientation were detected. In the group of children with detected fact of sexual abuse the following disturbances took place: the body dysmorphic disorder (self-disgust, considering body to be tainted by the abuser, feeling dirty, compulsive body washing, sensitivity to touch) and senestopathy below one's waist, in the area of genitals, feeling dirtiness of the skin and clothes. In the pictures drawn by the children, they represented themselves older, grotesquely painted their faces, pictured strange haircuts, preferring bright and extravagant clothes.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Notch signaling drives multiple myeloma induced osteoclastogenesis

Multiple myeloma (MM) is closely associated with bone destruction. Once migrated to the bone marrow, MM cells unbalance bone formation and resorption via the recruitment and maturation of osteoclast precursors.

The Notch pathway plays a key role in different types of cancer and drives several biological processes relevant in MM, including cell localization within the bone marrow, proliferation, survival and pharmacological resistance.

Here we present evidences that MM can efficiently drive osteoclastogenesis by contemporaneously activating Notch signaling on tumor cells and osteoclasts through the aberrant expression of Notch ligands belonging to the Jagged family. Active Notch signaling in MM cells induces the secretion of the key osteoclastogenic factor, RANKL, which can be boosted in the presence of stromal cells. In turn, MM cells-derived RANKL causes the upregulation of its receptor, RANK, and Notch2 in pre-osteoclasts. Notch2 stimulates osteoclast differentiation by promoting autocrine RANKL signaling. Finally, MM cells through Jagged ligands expression can also activate Notch signaling in pre-osteoclast by direct contact.

Such synergism between tumor cells and pre-osteoclasts in MM-induced osteoclastogenesis can be disrupted by silencing tumor-derived Jagged1 and 2. These results make the Jagged ligands new promising therapeutic targets in MM to contrast bone disease and the associated co-morbidities.

Impaired angiogenesis and tumor development by inhibition of the mitotic kinesin Eg5

Kinesin motor proteins exert essential cellular functions in all eukaryotes. They control mitosis, migration and intracellular transport through interaction with microtubules. Small molecule inhibitors of the mitotic kinesin KiF11/Eg5 are a promising new class of anti-neoplastic agents currently evaluated in clinical cancer trials for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Here we report induction of Eg5 and four other mitotic kinesins including KIF20A/Mklp2 upon stimulation of in vivo angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Expression analyses indicate up-regulation of several kinesin-encoding genes predominantly in lymphoblasts and endothelial cells. Chemical blockade of Eg5 inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Mitosis-independent vascular outgrowth in aortic ring cultures is strongly impaired after Eg5 or Mklp2 protein inhibition. In vivo, interfering with KIF11/Eg5 function causes developmental and vascular defects in zebrafish and chick embryos and potent inhibition of tumor angiogenesis in experimental tumor models. Besides blocking tumor cell proliferation, impairing endothelial function is a novel mechanism of action of kinesin inhibitors.

Dimerization capacities of FGF2 purified with or without heparin-affinity chromatography

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) is a pleiotropic growth factor exhibiting a variety of biological activities. In this article, we studied the capacity of FGF2 purified with or without heparin affinity chromatography to self-associate. Analyzing the NMR HSQC spectra for different FGF2 concentrations, heparin-affinity purified FGF2 showed perturbations that indicate dimerization and are a higher-order oligomerization state. HSQC perturbation observed with different FGF2 concentrations revealed a heparin-binding site and two dimer interfaces. Thus, with increasing protein concentrations, FGF2 monomers make contacts with each other and form dimers or higher order oligomers. On the contrary, FGF2 purified with ion-exchange chromatography did not show similar perturbation indicating that self-association of FGF2 is eliminated if purification is done without heparin-affinity chromatography. The HSQC spectra of heparin-affinity purified FGF2 can be reproduced to some extent by adding heparin tetra-saccharide to ion exchange chromatography purified FGF2. Heparin-affinity purified FGF2 bound to acceptor and donor beads in a tagged form using His-tagged or GST-tagged proteins, also dimerized in the AlphaScreen™ assay. This assay was further validated using different experimental conditions and competitors. The assay constitutes an interesting tool to study dimerization of other FGF forms as well.

High epiregulin expression in human U87 glioma cells relies on IRE1α and promotes autocrine growth through EGF receptor

Background

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors contribute to the development of malignant glioma. Here we considered the possible implication of the EGFR ligand epiregulin (EREG) in glioma development in relation to the activity of the unfolded protein response (UPR) sensor IRE1α. We also examined EREG status in several glioblastoma cell lines and in malignant glioma.

Methods

Expression and biological properties of EREG were analyzed in human glioma cells in vitro and in human tumor xenografts with regard to the presence of ErbB proteins and to the blockade of IRE1α. Inactivation of IRE1α was achieved by using either the dominant-negative strategy or siRNA-mediated knockdown.

Results

EREG was secreted in high amounts by U87 cells, which also expressed its cognate EGF receptor (ErbB1). A stimulatory autocrine loop mediated by EREG was evidenced by the decrease in cell proliferation using specific blocking antibodies directed against either ErbB1 (cetuximab) or EREG itself. In comparison, anti-ErbB2 antibodies (trastuzumab) had no significant effect. Inhibition of IRE1α dramatically reduced EREG expression both in cell culture and in human xenograft tumor models. The high-expression rate of EREG in U87 cells was therefore linked to IRE1α, although being modestly affected by chemical inducers of the endoplasmic reticulum stress. In addition, IRE1-mediated production of EREG did not depend on IRE1 RNase domain, as neither the selective dominant-negative invalidation of the RNase activity (IRE1 kinase active) nor the siRNA-mediated knockdown of XBP1 had significant effect on EREG expression. Finally, chemical inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) using the SP600125 compound reduced the ability of cells to express EREG, demonstrating a link between the growth factor production and JNK activation under the dependence of IRE1α.

Conclusion

EREG may contribute to glioma progression under the control of IRE1α, as exemplified here by the autocrine proliferation loop mediated in U87 cells by the growth factor through ErbB1.

Selective expression of the Sp17/AKAP4/PTTG1 in NSCLC for detection and therapy

e18527

Background: Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are a class of tumor associated antigens, showing a restricted expression in cancer, strong immunogenicity, and weak expression in normal tissues. Sp17/AKAP4/PTTG1 have been previously investigated, showing promising results as a target antigens. Our aim was to investigate the expression of Sp17/AKAP4/PTTG1 in lung cancer patients. Methods: We analyzed two lung cancer cell lines, one normal bronchus cell line, a panel of normal tissues and patient’s cells by RT-PCR, flow-cytometry, immunocytochemistry (ICC), and immunofluorescence (IF). CTA immunogenicity was investigated by measuring circulating specific antibodies in the sera of lung cancer patients. Results: ELISA analyses show the presence of circulating CTA-specific antibodies in the sera of lung cancer patients, indicating the immunogenicity of Sp17, AKAP-4 and PTTG-1. We showed that CTA, Sp17, AKAP-4 and PTTG-1 can be detected in both sera and tissue of patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, CTA can elicit an immunogenic response in patients affected with this disease. Conclusions: Our results provide the first evidence that the CTAs SP17/AKAP4/PTTG1 are expressed in both non-small cell lung cancer cell lines and primary tumor tissues and can elicit an immunogenic response in patients afflicted with this disease. Based on our findings we believe further studies are warranted to explore the feasibility of developing CTA-tailored immunotherapeutic strategies for non-small cell lung cancer.

Chemokine receptors as novel targets of the oncogene Notch1 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

7060

Background: Malignant cells from different cancers express different profiles of chemokine receptors (CKR). Their presence may influence site-specific spread of tumor cells, by enabling them to respond to chemokine gradient, and may increase cell sensibility to chemokine mediated proliferative and anti-apoptotic stimuli. Notch ability to positively regulate CKR has been reported: stimulation of Pax5-/- pre-B cells with the Notch ligand Delta-1 results in induction of transcripts for CCR4, CCR8 and CXCR 6; the Delta-1-dependent regulation of Langerhans cell development includes induction of CCR6 expression resulting in the activation of chemotactic response to MIP-1a; Notch controls CCR7 signaling a regulator of CNS infiltration in T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Methods: This work aims to explore the correlation between the activation of the Notch oncogenic pathway in T-ALL and multiple myeloma (MM) cells and the aberrant expression CKR. Human T-ALL cell lines were treated with the Notch activation inhibitor, DAPT, or with a potent inhibitor of the Notch target, C-MYC, and evaluated the expression and functions of CCR9, CCR5, and CXCR4. Results: Treatment of human T-ALL and MM cell lines with pharmacologic inhibitors of Notch receptor activation produced a significant reduction of CCR9, CCR5 and CXCR4 expression, at both mRNA and protein levels. Results were confirmed by chemotaxis and survival assays. We identified the product of C-MYC gene as a possible mediator of Notch effect in regulating CKR networks in T-ALL and MM. Conclusions: These results suggest that Notch receptors play a previously unknown role in cancer progression and metastasis, by maintaining the expression levels of CKR. In conclusion, the identification of the potential axis Notch/CKR could have a prognostic value and provide the rationale for a tailored approach, since both Notch and CKR are targeted by emerging drugs.

The impact of sex on ropporin expression in multiple myeloma patients

e22052

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of plasma cells wherein aberrant cells accumulate in the bone marrow leading to bone damage and interference with normal blood cell production. Although MM remains incurable, it is treatable. As with most forms of cancer, early detection is the key to improving prognosis and avoiding permanent damage. Cancer Testis Antigens (CTAs) are a class of proteins that are expressed in male gametogenic tissue but generally not in the somatic tissue of healthy adults. However, a number of cancer types have been shown to produce these proteins, and their expression has been correlated with malignancy. Ropporin is a specific CTA shown to be associated with MM, and this protein represents a potential target for MM diagnosis as well as immunotherapy. In this study, we examine the impact of sex on the expression of Ropporin, in MM patients. Methods: The expression of this particular CTA in MM patients was analyzed using PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 59 MM patients (37 male and 22 female). Results: 61% of MM patients were positive for Ropporin expression. When the data were broken down by sex, it was revealed that Roporrin expression was 81.8% in females and 48.6% in males. Interestingly, 50% of female patients as well as 78% of males expressing Ropporin were deceased. In addition, 100% of the deceased subjects in the cohort were Ropporin positive. Conclusions: Our results provide indications that sex can shift the expression of CTA in multiple myeloma. Furthermore, the data indicate CTA expression may affect the prognosis in MM patients. Further studies in a large cohort of patients are warranted to validate the correlation of CTA/ropporin in MM patients and sex.

Relationship of the oncogene Notch and CXCR4/SDF1 signaling in human epithelial ovarian cancer

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Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most aggressive gynecologic cancer. Understanding OC molecular pathogenesis is critical to provide novel therapeutic strategies. We aim to elucidate Notch oncogenic role in OC by focusing on its extensive crosstalk with other important pathways as CXCR4/SDF1alpha chemokine system whose involvement in OC development and metastasis is well recognized. Methods: We used flow-cytometry, cell cycle analysis, real-time PCR, and Transwell chemotaxis assay to investigate the outcome of Notch signaling withdrawal on tumor cell response to CXCR4 and SDF1alpha. Results: The analyzed OC cell lines expressed high levels of CXCR4 and its ligand SDF1alpha. Treatment with DAPT, an inhibitor of Notch activity, reduced OC cell proliferation and blocked cell cycle in G0/G1 phase without affecting apoptosis. In addition, Notch withdrawal diminished CXCR4 and SDF1alpha expression levels and hampered SDF1-driven migration and proliferation. Conclusions: Notch deregulation might affect important features of OC such as cell growth and migration through the modulation of CXCR4/SDF1a pathway. This indicates that these intertwined pathways are promising therapeutic targets in OC.

Cancer testes antigens in breast cancer: biological role, regulation, and therapeutic applicability

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women across the world. The last few decades have seen significant reduction in mortality owing to earlier detection and better adjuvant treatments that were developed based on clinical staging and morphological features. As these treatments have evolved, the heterogeneity of breast cancer poses a new challenge, since there is no standard gold-therapy suitable for all tumors of the mammary gland. Therefore, contemporary management and research efforts are directed toward specific prognostic and predictive molecular signatures that can guide targeted individualized therapy. The goal of ongoing research in this field is to identify specific molecular targets for developing novel therapeutic approaches. These targets can also serve to improve screening of breast cancer. This review focuses on the role of cancer testis antigens (CTAs) in breast carcinogenesis and explores the potential for development of targeted screening and therapeutic approaches. Normally found in the testes, these antigens are highly correlative with cancers of the breast, skin, and ovaries. These implications have been further corroborated through uncovering the interaction of CTAs with genes and proteins involved in tumor suppression and homeostasis like p53. There is some evidence that these genes can be targeted for early detection in addition to being candidates for cancer immunotherapy.

Anti-Notch treatment prevents multiple myeloma cells localization to the bone marrow via the chemokine system CXCR4/SDF-1

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a deadly hematopoietic malignancy characterized by proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) and bone disease. Interactions between myeloma and BM cells facilitate tumor progression and resistance to therapies. CXCR4 and its ligand Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) have a primary role in this process and are associated with poor prognosis. The Notch pathway is active in myeloma cells, resulting in increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and osteolytic activity. We hypothesized that the CXCR4/SDF-1 axis mediates the effects of Notch signals in myeloma cells. Here we show that Notch positively controls CXCR4/SDF-1 expression and functions in myeloma cell lines, and that forced CXCR4 activation partially rescues tumor cells from the outcomes of Notch inhibition. Additionally, we provide evidences that Notch blocking in vivo significantly reduces BM infiltration by human myeloma cells in mouse xenografts. This is the first evidence that a Notch-targeted approach effectively prevents MM cell migration, proliferation and resistance to apoptosis by reducing CXCR4 and SDF-1 levels.

Correlating global gene regulation to angiogenesis in the developing chick extra-embryonic vascular system

Background

Formation of blood vessels requires the concerted regulation of an unknown number of genes in a spatial-, time- and dosage-dependent manner. Determining genes, which drive vascular maturation is crucial for the identification of new therapeutic targets against pathological angiogenesis.

Methology/Principal Findings

We accessed global gene regulation throughout maturation of the chick chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM), a highly vascularized tissue, using pan genomic microarrays. Seven percent of analyzed genes showed a significant change in expression (>2-fold, FDR<5%) with a peak occurring from E7 to E10, when key morphogenetic and angiogenic genes such as BMP4, SMO, HOXA3, EPAS1 and FGFR2 were upregulated, reflecting the state of an activated endothelium. At later stages, a general decrease in gene expression occurs, including genes encoding mitotic factors or angiogenic mediators such as CYR61, EPAS1, MDK and MYC. We identified putative human orthologs for 77% of significantly regulated genes and determined endothelial cell enrichment for 20% of the orthologs in silico. Vascular expression of several genes including ENC1, FSTL1, JAM2, LDB2, LIMS1, PARVB, PDE3A, PRCP, PTRF and ST6GAL1 was demonstrated by in situ hybridization. Up to 9% of the CAM genes were also overexpressed in human organs with related functions, such as placenta and lung or the thyroid. 21–66% of CAM genes enriched in endothelial cells were deregulated in several human cancer types (P<.0001). Interfering with PARVB (encoding parvin, beta) function profoundly changed human endothelial cell shape, motility and tubulogenesis, suggesting an important role of this gene in the angiogenic process.

Conclusions/Significance

Our study underlines the complexity of gene regulation in a highly vascularized organ during development. We identified a restricted number of novel genes enriched in the endothelium of different species and tissues, which may play crucial roles in normal and pathological angiogenesis.

Activation of the Wnt-beta catenin pathway in a cell population on the surface of the forebrain is essential for the establishment of olfactory axon connections

A variety of signals governing early extension, guidance, and connectivity of olfactory receptor neuron (ORN) axons has been identified; however, little is known about axon-mesoderm and forebrain (FB)-mesoderm signals. Using Wnt-beta catenin reporter mice, we identify a novel Wnt-responsive resident cell population, located in a Frizzled7 expression domain at the surface of the embryonic FB, along the trajectory of incoming ORN axons. Organotypic slice cultures that recapitulate olfactory-associated Wnt-beta catenin activation show that the beta catenin response depends on a placode-derived signal(s). Likewise, in Dlx5-/- embryos, in which the primary connections fail to form, Wnt-beta catenin response on the surface of the FB is strongly reduced. The olfactory placode expresses a number of beta catenin-activating Wnt genes, and the Frizzled7 receptor transduces the "canonical" Wnt signal; using Wnt expression plasmids we show that Wnt5a and Wnt7b are sufficient to rescue beta catenin activation in the absence of incoming axons. Finally, blocking the canonical Wnt pathway with the exogenous application of the antagonists Dikkopf-1 or secreted-Frizzled-receptor protein-2 prevents ORN axon contact to the FB. These data reveal a novel function for Wnt signaling in the establishment of periphery-CNS olfactory connections and highlight a complex interplay between cells of different embryonic origin for ORN axon connectivity.

TBX3, the gene mutated in ulnar-mammary syndrome, promotes growth of mammary epithelial cells via repression of p19ARF, independently of p53

TBX3, the gene mutated in ulnar-mammary syndrome (UMS), is involved in the production of a transcription factor of the T-box family, known to inhibit transcription from the p14ARF (p19ARF in mouse) promoter in fibroblasts and to contribute to cell immortalization. One of the main features of the UMS phenotype is the severe hypoplasia of the breast, associated with haploinsufficiency of the TBX3 gene product. In mice homozygous for the targeted disruption of Tbx3, the mammary glands (MGs) are nearly absent from early stages of embryogenesis, whereas in heterozygous adults, the MGs show reduced ductal branching. All these data strongly suggest a specific role of TBX3 in promoting the growth of mammary epithelial cells (MECs), although direct evidence of this is lacking. Here, we provide data showing the growth-promoting function of Tbx3 in several models of MECs, in association with its ability to repress the ARF promoter. However, no effect of Tbx3 on cell differentiation or apoptosis has been observed. The growth promoting function also entails the down-regulation of p21 ( CIP1/WAF ) and an increase in cyclin D1 but is independent of p53 and Mdm2 cell-cycle regulatory proteins, as p53-null MECs show similar growth responses associated with the up- or down-regulation of Tbx3. This is the first direct evidence that the level of Tbx3 expression positively controls the proliferation of MECs via pathways alternative to Mdm2-p53.

Milk ceruloplasmin is a valuable source of nutrient copper ions for mammalian newborns

This research focuses on the role of milk ceruloplasmin (Cp), the main extracellular copper-containing protein of vertebrates, as a source of copper for newborns. In the first part of the study, Cp concentration and Cp-associated copper were measured in human skimmed milk at the 1st and the 5th days postpartum. It was shown that most of the copper was associated with Cp and that the decrease in copper concentration during lactation was related to the drop of Cp levels. The following in vivo experiments demonstrated that milk [(125)I]Cp per os administered to 6-day-old rats (embryonic-type copper metabolism) was transported into their bloodstream. The electrophoretic mobility and relative molecular weight of [(125)I]Cp transferred through the cellular barrier remained unaltered. However, 22-day-old rats (adult-type copper metabolism) digested the administered milk [(125)I]Cp completely. In the final part of the study, newborn rats were fed with baby formula for 8d. It was found that these rats switched their copper metabolism from embryonic type to adult type earlier than their littermates fed by dams. Activation of Cp gene expression in the liver, increased Cp and copper concentrations in the blood, and reduced copper content of the liver were observed in the rats fed with baby formula. In the brain, no copper concentration change was observed, but Cp and copper concentrations were dramatically increased in the cerebrospinal fluid. The role of milk Cp as a source of copper adapted to embryonic-type copper metabolism is discussed.

Novel TBX3 mutation data in families with ulnar-mammary syndrome indicate a genotype-phenotype relationship: mutations that do not disrupt the T-domain are associated with less severe limb defects

We describe a family affected by Ulnar-Mammary syndrome (UMS) in which typical UMS traits (hypoplasia of the breast and axillary hair, upper limbs and genital defects) are present together with cardiac malformations and pulmonary stenosis. Sequence analysis of TBX3 shows a new heterozygous mutation that causes a frame-shift (Nt.1586-1587-insC) in exon 6, resulting in a truncated ORF. Recently the expression of Tbx3 has been described also in the septal region of the embryonic murine heart. This observation may establish a link between the congenital heart defects and the TBX3 mutation in this family. Combining the TBX3 mutation data in the literature with this novel mutation we find an association between mutations that disrupt the DNA-binding domain and a higher frequency of severe upper limb malformations and teeth defects. A possible explanation is that mutant TBX3 proteins that retain the T-domain, if translated, might be minimally active in promoting/repressing transcription of target genes in the limbs and in other embryonic tissues.