SMAD2/3 mediate oncogenic effects of TGF-β in the absence of SMAD4

TGF-β signaling is involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumorigenesis, representing one of the four major pathways genetically altered in 100% of PDAC cases. TGF-β exerts complex and pleiotropic effects in cancers, notably via the activation of SMAD pathways, predominantly SMAD2/3/4. Though SMAD2 and 3 are rarely mutated in cancers, SMAD4 is lost in about 50% of PDAC, and the role of SMAD2/3 in a SMAD4-null context remains understudied. We herein provide evidence of a SMAD2/3 oncogenic effect in response to TGF-β1 in SMAD4-null human PDAC cancer cells. We report that inactivation of SMAD2/3 in SMAD4-negative PDAC cells compromises TGF-β-driven collective migration mediated by FAK and Rho/Rac signaling. Moreover, RNA-sequencing analyses highlight a TGF-β gene signature related to aggressiveness mediated by SMAD2/3 in the absence of SMAD4. Using a PDAC patient cohort, we reveal that SMAD4-negative tumors with high levels of phospho-SMAD2 are more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis. Thus, loss of SMAD4 tumor suppressive activity in PDAC leads to an oncogenic gain-of-function of SMAD2/3, and to the onset of associated deleterious effects.

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells and patient tissue, SMAD2/3 is shown to mediate oncogenic effects of TGF-β in the absence of SMAD4.

Transcriptional repression of the tyrosinase-related protein 2 gene by transforming growth factor-β and the Kruppel-like transcription factor GLI2

BACKGROUND

Tyrosinase-Related Protein 2 (TRP2) is an enzyme involved in melanogenesis, that also exerts proliferative, anti-apoptotic and immunogenic functions in melanoma cells. TRP2 transcription is regulated by the melanocytic master transcription factor MITF. GLI2, a transcription factor that acts downstream of Hedgehog signaling, is also a direct transcriptional target of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway that contributes to melanoma progression and exerts transcriptional antagonistic activities against MITF.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the molecular events responsible for TGF-β and GLI2 repression of TRP2 expression.

METHODS

In silico promoter analysis, transient cell transfection experiments with 5'-end TRP2 promoter deletion constructs, chromatin immuno-precipitation, and site-directed promoter mutagenesis were used to dissect the molecular mechanisms of TRP2 gene regulation by TGF-β and GLI2.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that TGF-β and GLI2-specific TRP2 repression involves direct mechanisms that occur in addition to MITF downregulation by TGF-β and GLI2. We identify two functional GLI2 binding sites within the TRP2 promoter that are critical for TGF-β and GLI2 responsiveness, one of them overlapping a CREB binding site. GLI2 and CREB competing for the same cis-element is associated with opposite transcriptional outcome.

CONCLUSION

Our results further refine the understanding of how TGF-β and GLI2 control the phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells. In particular, we identify critical GLI2-binding cis-elements within the TRP2 promoter region that allow for its transcriptional repression independently from MITF concomitant downregulation.

Halofuginone inhibits TGF-β/BMP signaling and in combination with zoledronic acid enhances inhibition of breast cancer bone metastasis

More efficient therapies that target multiple molecular mechanisms are needed for the treatment of incurable bone metastases. Halofuginone is a plant alkaloid-derivative with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. Here we demonstrate that halofuginone is an effective therapy for the treatment of bone metastases, through multiple actions that include inhibition of TGFβ and BMP-signaling.

Halofuginone blocked TGF-β-signaling in MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells showed by inhibition of TGF-β–induced Smad-reporter, phosphorylation of Smad-proteins, and expression of TGF-β-regulated metastatic genes. Halofuginone increased inhibitory Smad7-mRNA and reduced TGF-β-receptor II protein. Proline supplementation but not Smad7-knockdown reversed halofuginone-inhibition of TGF-β-signaling. Halofuginone also decreased BMP-signaling. Treatment of MDA-MB-231 and PC3 cells with halofuginone reduced the BMP-Smad-reporter (BRE)₄, Smad1/5/8-phosphorylation and mRNA of the BMP-regulated gene Id-1. Halofuginone decreased immunostaining of phospho-Smad2/3 and phospho-Smad1/5/8 in cancer cells in vivo.

Furthermore, halofuginone decreased tumor-take and growth of orthotopic-tumors. Mice with breast or prostate bone metastases treated with halofuginone had significantly less osteolysis than control mice. Combined treatment with halofuginone and zoledronic-acid significantly reduced osteolytic area more than either treatment alone. Thus, halofuginone reduces breast and prostate cancer bone metastases in mice and combined with treatment currently approved by the FDA is an effective treatment for this devastating complication of breast and prostate-cancer.

Abstract LB-028: Cell density sensing alters TGF-beta signaling in a cell type-specific manner, independent from Hippo pathway activation

Cell-cell contacts inhibit cell growth and proliferation in part by activating the Hippo pathway that drives the phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of the transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ. Cell density and Hippo signaling have also been reported to block TGF-β responses, based on the ability of phospho-YAP/TAZ to sequester TGF-β-activated SMAD complexes in the cytoplasm. Herein, we provide evidence that epithelial cell polarization interferes with TGF-β signaling well upstream and independent of cytoplasmic YAP/TAZ. Rather, polarized basolateral presentation of TGF-β receptors I and II deprives apically delivered TGF-β of access to its receptors. Basolateral ligand delivery nonetheless remains entirely effective to induce TGF-β responses. These data demonstrate that cell type-specific inhibition of TGF-β signaling by cell density is restricted to polarized epithelial cells and reflects the polarized distribution of TGF-β receptors, which thus impacts SMAD activation irrespective of Hippo pathway activation.

Citation Format: Flore Nallet-Staub, Xueqian Yin, Cristèle Gilbert, Véronique Marsaud, Saber Ben Mimoun, Delphine Javelaud, Edward B. Leof, Alain Mauviel. Cell density sensing alters TGF-beta signaling in a cell type-specific manner, independent from Hippo pathway activation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-028. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-LB-028

Cell density sensing alters TGF-β signaling in a cell-type-specific manner, independent from Hippo pathway activation

Cell-cell contacts inhibit cell growth and proliferation in part by activating the Hippo pathway that drives the phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion of the transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ. Cell density and Hippo signaling have also been reported to block transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) responses, based on the ability of phospho-YAP/TAZ to sequester TGF-β-activated SMAD complexes in the cytoplasm. Herein, we provide evidence that epithelial cell polarization interferes with TGF-β signaling well upstream and independent of cytoplasmic YAP/TAZ. Rather, polarized basolateral presentation of TGF-β receptors I and II deprives apically delivered TGF-β of access to its receptors. Basolateral ligand delivery nonetheless remains entirely effective to induce TGF-β responses. These data demonstrate that cell-type-specific inhibition of TGF-β signaling by cell density is restricted to polarized epithelial cells and reflects the polarized distribution of TGF-β receptors, which thus affects SMAD activation irrespective of Hippo pathway activation.

GLI2 cooperates with ZEB1 for transcriptional repression of CDH1 expression in human melanoma cells

In melanoma cells, high expression of the transcription factor GLI2 is associated with increased invasive potential and loss of E-cadherin expression, an event reminiscent of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Herein, we provide evidence that GLI2 represses E-cadherin gene (CDH1) expression in melanoma cells via distinct mechanisms, enhancing transcription of the EMT-activator ZEB1 and cooperative repression of CDH1 gene transcription via direct binding of both GLI2 and ZEB1 to two closely positioned Kruppel-like factor-binding sites within the CDH1 promoter. GLI2 silencing rescued CDH1 expression except in melanoma cell lines in which the CDH1 promoter was hypermethylated. Proximity ligation assays identified GLI2-ZEB1 complexes in melanoma cell nuclei, proportional to endogenous GLI2 and ZEB1 expression, and whose accumulation was enhanced by the classical EMT inducer TGF-β. These data identify GLI2 as a critical modulator of the cadherin switch in melanoma, a molecular process that is critical for metastatic spread of the disease.

Pro-invasive activity of the Hippo pathway effectors YAP and TAZ in cutaneous melanoma

YAP and its paralog protein TAZ are downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. Both are amplified in many human cancers and promote cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Little is known about the status of the Hippo pathway in cutaneous melanoma. We profiled Hippo pathway component expression in a panel of human melanoma cell lines and melanocytic lesions, and characterized the capacity of YAP and TAZ to control melanoma cell behavior. YAP and TAZ immuno-staining in human samples revealed mixed cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for both proteins in benign nevi and superficial spreading melanoma. TAZ was expressed at higher levels than YAP1/2 in all cell lines and in those with high invasive potential. Stable YAP or TAZ knockdown dramatically reduced the expression of the classical Hippo target CCN2/connective-tissue growth factor (CTGF), as well as anchorage-independent growth, capacity to invade Matrigel, and ability form lung metastases in mice following tail-vein injection. YAP knockdown also reduced invasion in a model of skin reconstruct. Inversely, YAP overexpression increased melanoma cell invasiveness, associated with increased TEA domain-dependent transcription and CCN2/CTGF expression. Together, these results demonstrate that both YAP and TAZ contribute to the invasive and metastatic capacity of melanoma cells and may represent worthy targets for therapeutic intervention.

Insights into the Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling Pathway in Cutaneous Melanoma

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic growth factor with broad tissue distribution that plays critical roles during embryonic development, normal tissue homeostasis, and cancer. While its cytostatic activity on normal epithelial cells initially defined TGF-β signaling as a tumor suppressor pathway, there is ample evidence indicating that TGF-β is a potent pro-tumorigenic agent, acting via autocrine and paracrine mechanisms to promote peri-tumoral angiogenesis, together with tumor cell migration, immune escape, and dissemination to metastatic sites. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the implication of TGF-β signaling in melanoma.

Overlapping activities of TGF-β and Hedgehog signaling in cancer: therapeutic targets for cancer treatment

Recent advances in the field of cancer therapeutics come from the development of drugs that specifically recognize validated oncogenic or pro-metastatic targets. The latter may be mutated proteins with altered function, such as kinases that become constitutively active, or critical components of growth factor signaling pathways, whose deregulation leads to aberrant malignant cell proliferation and dissemination to metastatic sites. We herein focus on the description of the overlapping activities of two important developmental pathways often exacerbated in cancer, namely Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) and Hedgehog (HH) signaling, with a special emphasis on the unifying oncogenic role played by GLI1/2 transcription factors. The latter are the main effectors of the canonical HH pathway, yet are direct target genes of TGF-β/SMAD signal transduction. While tumor-suppressor in healthy and pre-malignant tissues, TGF-β is often expressed at high levels in tumors and contributes to tumor growth, escape from immune surveillance, invasion and metastasis. HH signaling regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, and aberrant HH signaling is found in a variety of cancers. We discuss the current knowledge on HH and TGF-β implication in cancer including cancer stem cell biology, as well as the current state, both successes and failures, of targeted therapeutics aimed at blocking either of these pathways in the pre-clinical and clinical settings.

Halofuginone inhibits the establishment and progression of melanoma bone metastases

TGF-β derived from bone fuels melanoma bone metastases by inducing tumor secretion of prometastatic factors that act on bone cells to change the skeletal microenvironment. Halofuginone is a plant alkaloid derivative that blocks TGF-β signaling with antiangiogenic and antiproliferative properties. Here, we show for the first time that halofuginone therapy decreases development and progression of bone metastasis caused by melanoma cells through the inhibition of TGF-β signaling. Halofuginone treatment of human melanoma cells inhibited cell proliferation, phosphorylation of SMAD proteins in response to TGF-β, and TGF-β-induced SMAD-driven transcription. In addition, halofuginone reduced expression of TGF-β target genes that enhance bone metastases, including PTHrP, CTGF, CXCR4, and IL11. Also, cell apoptosis was increased in response to halofuginone. In nude mice inoculated with 1205 Lu melanoma cells, a preventive protocol with halofuginone inhibited bone metastasis. The beneficial effects of halofuginone treatment were comparable with those observed with other anti-TGF-β strategies, including systemic administration of SD208, a small-molecule inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I kinase, or forced overexpression of Smad7, a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling. Furthermore, mice with established bone metastases treated with halofuginone had significantly less osteolysis than mice receiving placebo assessed by radiography. Thus, halofuginone is also effective in reducing the progression of melanoma bone metastases. Moreover, halofuginone treatment reduced melanoma metastasis to the brain, showing the potential of this novel treatment against cancer metastasis.

Expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which is critical for melanoma progression, is inhibited by both transcription factor GLI2 and transforming growth factor-β

The melanocyte-specific transcription factor M-MITF is involved in numerous aspects of melanoblast lineage biology including pigmentation, survival, and migration. It plays complex roles at all stages of melanoma progression and metastasis. We established previously that GLI2, a Kruppel-like transcription factor that acts downstream of Hedgehog signaling, is a direct transcriptional target of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway and contributes to melanoma progression, exerting antagonistic activities against M-MITF to control melanoma cell invasiveness. Herein, we dissected the molecular mechanisms underlying both TGF-β and GLI2-driven M-MITF gene repression. Using transient cell transfection experiments with M-MITF promoter constructs, chromatin immunoprecipitation, site-directed mutagenesis, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we identified a GLI2 binding site within the -334/-296 region of the M-MITF promoter, critical for GLI2-driven transcriptional repression. This region is, however, not needed for inhibition of M-MITF promoter activity by TGF-β. We determined that TGF-β rapidly repressed protein kinase A activity, thus reducing both phospho-cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) levels and CREB-dependent transcription of the M-MITF promoter. Increased GLI2 binding to its cognate cis-element, associated with reduced CREB-dependent transcription, allowed maximal inhibition of the M-MITF promoter via two distinct mechanisms.

TGF-β/SMAD/GLI2 signaling axis in cancer progression and metastasis

The Hedgehog (HH) and TGF-β signaling pathways represent essential regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis. Pathway deregulation is a characteristic of various cancers. Recently, evidence for a convergence of these pathways at the level of the GLI2 transcription factor in the context of tumor initiation and progression to metastasis has emerged. This short review summarizes recent knowledge about GLI2 function and mechanisms of action downstream of TGF-β in cancer.

GLI2 and M-MITF transcription factors control exclusive gene expression programs and inversely regulate invasion in human melanoma cells

We recently identified GLI2, the most active of GLI transcription factors, as a direct TGF-β/SMAD target, whose expression in melanoma cells is associated with increased invasiveness and metastatic capacity. In this work, we provide evidence that high GLI2 expression is inversely correlated with that of the melanocyte-specific transcription factor M-microphthalmia transcription factor (M-MITF) and associated transcriptional program. GLI2-expressing cell lines were characterized by the loss of M-MITF-dependent melanocytic differentiation markers and reduced pigmentation. The balance between M-MITF and GLI2 expression did not correlate with the presence or absence of BRAF-activating mutations, but rather was controlled by two distinct pathways: the TGF-β pathway, which favors GLI2 expression, and the protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP pathway, which pushes the balance toward high M-MITF expression. Furthermore, overexpression and knockdown experiments demonstrated that GLI2 and M-MITF reciprocally repress each other's expression and control melanoma cell invasion in an opposite manner. These findings thus identify GLI2 as a critical transcription factor antagonizing M-MITF function to promote melanoma cell phenotypic plasticity and invasive behavior.

Efficient TGF-β/SMAD signaling in human melanoma cells associated with high c-SKI/SnoN expression

Background

SKI and SnoN proteins have been shown to inhibit TGF-β signaling, acting both as transcriptional co-repressors in the cell nucleus, and as sequestrators of SMAD proteins in the cytoplasm. TGF-β, on the other hand, induces rapid, proteasome-mediated, degradation of both proteins. How elevated SKI and SnoN protein levels co-exist with active autocrine TGF-β signaling in cancer cells is yet to be understood.

Results

In this study, we found elevated SKI and SnoN protein levels in a panel of melanoma cell lines, as compared to normal melanocytes. There was no correlation between SKI protein content and the capacity of melanoma cells to invade Matrigel™, to form subcutaneous tumors, or to metastasize to bone after intracardiac inoculation into nude mice. Nor did we find a correlation between SKI expression and histopathological staging of human melanoma. TGF-β induced a rapid and dose-dependent degradation of SKI protein, associated with SMAD3/4 specific transcriptional response and induction of pro-metastatic target genes, partially prevented by pharmacologic blockade of proteasome activity. SKI knockdown in 1205Lu melanoma cells did not alter their invasive capacity or transcriptional responses to TGF-β, and did not allow p21 expression in response to TGF-β or reveal any growth inhibitory activity of TGF-β.

Conclusions

Despite high expression in melanoma cells, the role of SKI in melanoma remains elusive: SKI does not efficiently interfere with the pro-oncogenic activities of TGF-β, unless stabilized by proteasome blockade. Its highly labile nature makes it an unlikely target for therapeutic intervention.

TGF-beta-RI kinase inhibitor SD-208 reduces the development and progression of melanoma bone metastases

Melanoma often metastasizes to bone where it is exposed to high concentrations of TGF-β. Constitutive Smad signaling occurs in human melanoma. Because TGF-β promotes metastases to bone by several types of solid tumors including breast cancer, we hypothesized that pharmacologic blockade of the TGF-β signaling pathway may interfere with the capacity of melanoma cells to metastasize to bone. In this study, we tested the effect of a small molecule inhibitor of TGF-β receptor I kinase (TβRI), SD-208, on various parameters affecting the development and progression of melanoma, both in vitro and in a mouse model of human melanoma bone metastasis. In melanoma cell lines, SD-208 blocked TGF-β induction of Smad3 phosphorylation, Smad3/4-specific transcription, Matrigel invasion and expression of the TGF-β target genes PTHrP, IL-11, CTGF, and RUNX2. To assess effects of SD-208 on melanoma development and metastasis, nude mice were inoculated with 1205Lu melanoma cells into the left cardiac ventricle and drug was administered by oral gavage on prevention or treatment protocols. SD-208 (60 mg/kg/d), started 2 days before tumor inoculation prevented the development of osteolytic bone metastases compared with vehicle. In mice with established bone metastases, the size of osteolytic lesions was significantly reduced after 4 weeks treatment with SD-208 compared with vehicle-treated mice. Our results demonstrate that therapeutic targeting of TGF-β may prevent the development of melanoma bone metastases and decrease the progression of established osteolytic lesions.

Smad7 restricts melanoma invasion by restoring N-cadherin expression and establishing heterotypic cell-cell interactions in vivo

The list of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-related proteins in non-canonical TGF-β signaling is growing. Examples include receptor-Smads directing micro-RNA processing and inhibitory-Smads, e.g. Smad7, directing cell adhesion. Human skin grafts with fluorescently tagged melanoma cells revealed Smad7-expressing cells positioned themselves proximal to the dermal-epidermal junction and failed to form tumors, while control cells readily invaded and formed tumors within the dermis. Smad7 significantly inhibited β-catenin T41/S45 phosphorylation associated with degradation and induced a 4.5-fold increase in full-length N-cadherin. Cell adhesion assays confirmed a strong interaction between Smad7-expressing cells and primary dermal fibroblasts mediated via N-cadherin, while control cells were incapable of such interaction. Immunofluorescent analysis of skin grafts indicated N-cadherin homotypic interaction at the surface of both Smad7 cells and primary dermal fibroblasts, in contrast to control melanoma cells. We propose that Smad7 suppresses β-catenin degradation and promotes interaction with N-cadherin, stabilizing association with neighboring dermal fibroblasts, thus mitigating invasion.

GLI2-mediated melanoma invasion and metastasis

BACKGROUND

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) pathway, which has both tumor suppressor and pro-oncogenic activities, is often constitutively active in melanoma and is a marker of poor prognosis. Recently, we identified GLI2, a mediator of the hedgehog pathway, as a transcriptional target of TGF-beta signaling.

METHODS

We used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting to determine GLI2 expression in human melanoma cell lines and subsequently classified them as GLI2high or as GLI2low according to their relative GLI2 mRNA and protein expression levels. GLI2 expression was reduced in a GLI2high cell line with lentiviral expression of short hairpin RNA targeting GLI2. We assessed the role of GLI2 in melanoma cell invasiveness in Matrigel assays. We measured secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography and expression of E-cadherin by western blotting and RT-PCR. The role of GLI2 in development of bone metastases was determined following intracardiac injection of melanoma cells in immunocompromised mice (n = 5-13). Human melanoma samples (n = 79) at various stages of disease progression were analyzed for GLI2 and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, or RT-PCR. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Among melanoma cell lines, increased GLI2 expression was associated with loss of E-cadherin expression and with increased capacity to invade Matrigel and to form bone metastases in mice (mean osteolytic tumor area: GLI2high vs GLI2low, 2.81 vs 0.93 mm(2), difference = 1.88 mm(2), 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16 to 2.60, P < .001). Reduction of GLI2 expression in melanoma cells that had expressed high levels of GLI2 substantially inhibited both basal and TGF-beta-induced cell migration, invasion (mean number of Matrigel invading cells: shGLI2 vs shCtrl (control), 52.6 vs 100, difference = 47.4, 95% CI = 37.0 to 57.8, P = .024; for shGLI2 + TGF-beta vs shCtrl + TGF-beta, 31.0 vs 161.9, difference = -130.9, 95% CI = -96.2 to -165.5, P = .002), and MMP secretion in vitro and the development of experimental bone metastases in mice. Within human melanoma lesions, GLI2 expression was heterogeneous, associated with tumor regions in which E-cadherin was lost and increased in the most aggressive tumors.

CONCLUSION

GLI2 was directly involved in driving melanoma invasion and metastasis in this preclinical study.

GLI2-mediated melanoma invasion and metastasis

BACKGROUND

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) pathway, which has both tumor suppressor and pro-oncogenic activities, is often constitutively active in melanoma and is a marker of poor prognosis. Recently, we identified GLI2, a mediator of the hedgehog pathway, as a transcriptional target of TGF-beta signaling.

METHODS

We used real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting to determine GLI2 expression in human melanoma cell lines and subsequently classified them as GLI2high or as GLI2low according to their relative GLI2 mRNA and protein expression levels. GLI2 expression was reduced in a GLI2high cell line with lentiviral expression of short hairpin RNA targeting GLI2. We assessed the role of GLI2 in melanoma cell invasiveness in Matrigel assays. We measured secretion of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by gelatin zymography and expression of E-cadherin by western blotting and RT-PCR. The role of GLI2 in development of bone metastases was determined following intracardiac injection of melanoma cells in immunocompromised mice (n = 5-13). Human melanoma samples (n = 79) at various stages of disease progression were analyzed for GLI2 and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, or RT-PCR. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Among melanoma cell lines, increased GLI2 expression was associated with loss of E-cadherin expression and with increased capacity to invade Matrigel and to form bone metastases in mice (mean osteolytic tumor area: GLI2high vs GLI2low, 2.81 vs 0.93 mm(2), difference = 1.88 mm(2), 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16 to 2.60, P < .001). Reduction of GLI2 expression in melanoma cells that had expressed high levels of GLI2 substantially inhibited both basal and TGF-beta-induced cell migration, invasion (mean number of Matrigel invading cells: shGLI2 vs shCtrl (control), 52.6 vs 100, difference = 47.4, 95% CI = 37.0 to 57.8, P = .024; for shGLI2 + TGF-beta vs shCtrl + TGF-beta, 31.0 vs 161.9, difference = -130.9, 95% CI = -96.2 to -165.5, P = .002), and MMP secretion in vitro and the development of experimental bone metastases in mice. Within human melanoma lesions, GLI2 expression was heterogeneous, associated with tumor regions in which E-cadherin was lost and increased in the most aggressive tumors.

CONCLUSION

GLI2 was directly involved in driving melanoma invasion and metastasis in this preclinical study.

Abstract LB-240: Smad7 blocks melanoma invasion by suppressing n-cadherin cleavage and preserving heterotypic cell-cell interactions in vivo

The number of TGF-ß-related proteins involved in non-canonical signaling continues to grow. Examples include receptor-Smads directing micro-RNA processing, as well as inhibitory-Smads, such as Smad7, influencing cell adhesion. Our past work has shown Smad7 overexpression blocks MMP secretion and subsequent tumorigenesis using a metastatic melanoma model. Employing live-animal fluorescent imaging and in vivo human skin grafts, we have found 1205Lu metastatic melanoma cells expressing Smad7 position themselves proximal to the epidermal-dermal junction and appear stationary within the dermis, while Smad7-deficient controls readily invade. Localization of Smad7-expressing cells within the graft correlated with absences in tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. Smad7-deficient controls formed dense, ulcerative tumors indicative of the aggressive nature of the cell line. Cell adhesion assays efficiently reproduced the graft and identified a strong interaction (p&lt;0.001) between Smad7-expressing cells and primary dermal fibroblasts, suggestive of the formation of heterotypic cell-cell interactions. Smad7-deficient cells and fibroblasts were incapable of heterotypic interaction as no adhesions were observed.

We explored the mechanism behind the inhibited tumorigenesis and found Smad7 stabilized the cell adhesion-related proteins -catenin and N-cadherin. Immunoprecipitation revealed Smad7 directly bound -catenin and permitted a significantly increased association with membranous N-cadherin. More importantly, -catenin linkage via Smad7 resulted in loss of N-cadherin processing, exhibited by the absence of unique N-cadherin cleavage products seen only in Smad7-deficient controls. Additionally, N-cadherin skin graft immunohistochemistry showed preserved N-cadherin expression at the surface of both Smad7-expressing cells and dermal fibroblasts indicating that stable cell-cell interactions via N-cadherin are maintained in vivo. Conversely, both Smad7-deficient cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts lacked N-cadherin expression, while interestingly, fibroblasts beyond the tumor border retained N-cadherin.

Previous work has established that stable cell adhesions via cadherins are detrimental to cell migration. We propose Smad7 functions to revert the invasive phenotype of these metastatic melanoma cells by stabilizing heterotypic cell-cell interactions between primary dermal fibroblasts and Smad7-expressing 1205Lu's, a mechanism not previously reported to occur in response to Smad7. We find these cell-cell interactions are mediated through N-cadherin and, in cooperation with loss of MMP 2 and 9, result in mitigated tumorigenesis.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-240.

Increased cAMP levels modulate transforming growth factor-beta/Smad-induced expression of extracellular matrix components and other key fibroblast effector functions

cAMP is a key messenger of many hormones and neuropeptides, some of which modulate the composition of extracellular matrix. Treatment of human dermal fibroblasts with dibutyryl cyclic AMP and forskolin antagonized the inductive effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on the expression of collagen, connective tissue growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type I, four prototypical TGF-beta-responsive genes. Increased intracellular cAMP prevented TGF-beta-induced Smad-specific gene transactivation, although TGF-beta-mediated Smad phosphorylation and nuclear translocation remained unaffected. However, increased cAMP levels abolished TGF-beta-induced interaction of Smad3 with its transcriptional co-activator cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP)/p300. Overexpression of the transcriptional co-activator CBP/p300 rescued Smad-specific gene transcription in the presence of cAMP suggesting that sequestration of limited amounts of CBP/p300 by the activated cAMP/CREB pathway is the molecular basis of this inhibitory effect. These findings were extended by two functional assays. Increased intracellular cAMP levels suppressed the inductive activity of TGF-beta to contract mechanically unloaded collagen lattices and resulted in an attenuation of fibroblast migration of mechanically induced cell layer wounds. Of note, cAMP and TGF-beta synergistically induced hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) expression and hyaluronan secretion, presumably via putative CREB-binding sites adjacent to Smad-binding sites within the HAS2 promoter. Our findings identify the cAMP pathway as a potent but differential and promoter-specific regulator of TGF-beta-mediated effects involved in extracellular matrix homeostasis.

Cloning of the human GLI2 Promoter: transcriptional activation by transforming growth factor-beta via SMAD3/beta-catenin cooperation

GLI2 (GLI-Kruppel family member 2), a zinc finger transcription factor that mediates Hedgehog signaling, is implicated in the progression of an ever-growing number of human malignancies, including prostate and pancreatic cancer, as well as basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Its expression is up-regulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in a variety of cell types, both normal and transformed. We report herein that TGF-beta-driven GLI2 expression is transcriptional and does not result from stabilization of GLI2 transcripts. We describe the characterization of the 5'-flanking sequence of human GLI2 mRNA, the identification of a transcription start site, the cloning of approximately 1,600 bp of the regulatory promoter region and the identification and functional analysis of a TGF-beta-responsive region mapped to a 91-bp sequence between nucleotides -119 and -29 of the promoter. This region harbors SMAD and lymphoid enhancer factor/T cell factor binding sites that allow functional cooperation between SMAD3 and beta-catenin, recruited to the promoter in response to TGF-beta to drive GLI2 gene transcription.

Large scale study of epidermal recovery after stratum corneum removal: dynamics of genomic response

The stratum corneum (SC) is a superficial skin compartment that protects the body from the outside environment. Any disturbance of this function induces cascading steps of molecular and cellular repair in the whole epidermis. The aim of this study was to investigate epidermal gene expression following SC removal by tape stripping. Twenty-nine healthy male volunteers were included (27 +/- 4 years old). Tape stripping was processed on one inner forearm, the other unstripped forearm served as a control. Epidermis samples were collected at 2, 6, 19, 30 and 72 h after tape stripping. Trans-epidermal water loss measurements were performed at each step to monitor barrier restoration. Total RNA was extracted from collected epidermis samples and analysed by using DermArray cDNA microarrays. Among 4000 genes under investigation, we found that the expression of 370 genes varied significantly at least once during the time following stripping. Using an original clustering method, the modulated genes were gathered into eight groups. A functional characterization of the clusters enabled us to get a dynamic and global view of the main molecular processes taking place during epidermal recovery.

Advanced glycation end products regulate extracellular matrix protein and protease expression by human glomerular mesangial cells

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, by modulating extracellular matrix turnover. AGEs are known to activate specific membrane receptors, including the receptor for AGE (RAGE). In the present study, we analyzed the various receptors for AGEs expressed by human mesangial cells and we studied the effects of glycated albumin and of carboxymethyl lysine on matrix protein and remodelling enzyme synthesis. Membrane RAGE expression was confirmed by FACS analysis. Microarray methods, RT-PCR, and Northern blot analysis were used to detect and confirm specific gene induction. Zymographic analysis and ELISA were used to measure the induction of tPA and PAI-1. We show herein that cultured human mesangial cells express AGE receptor type 1, type 2 and type 3 and RAGE. AGEs (200 microg/ml) induced at least a 2-fold increase in mRNA for 10 genes involved in ECM remodelling, including tPA, PAI-1 and TIMP-3. The increase in tPA synthesis was confirmed by fibrin zymography. The stimulation of PAI-1 synthesis was confirmed by ELISA. AGEs increased PAI-1 mRNA through a signalling pathway involving reactive oxygen species, the MAP kinases ERK-1/ERK-2 and the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, but not AP-1. Carboxymethyl lysine (CML, 5 microM), which is a RAGE ligand, also stimulated PAI-1 synthesis by mesangial cells. In addition, a blocking anti-RAGE antibody partially inhibited the AGE-stimulated gene expression and decreased the PAI-1 accumulation induced by AGEs and by CML. Inhibition of AGE receptors or neutralization of the protease inhibitors TIMP-3 and PAI-1 could represent an important new therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy.

c-Fos accelerates hepatocyte conversion to a fibroblastoid phenotype through ERK-mediated upregulation of paxillin-Serine178 phosphorylation

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) exerts an important role in the late steps of carcinogenesis by cooperating with Ras to induce cell motility and tumor invasion. The transcription complex AP-1 has been implicated in the regulation of genes involved in motility and invasion, by mechanisms not yet delineated. We utilized a model of immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH) overexpressing c-Fos (IHH-Fos) or not (IHH-C) to investigate the role of c-Fos on cell motility in response to a prolonged treatment with TGF-beta, EGF or a combination of both. Cotreatment with EGF and TGF-beta, but neither cytokine alone, induced the conversion of hepatocytes to a fibroblastoid phenotype and increased their motility in Boyden chambers. EGF/TGF-beta cotreatment induced a higher effect on ERK phosphorylation compared to TGF-beta treatment alone. It also induced an increase in total and phosphorylated Ser(178) paxillin, a protein previously implicated in cell motility. This response was inhibited by two specific MEK inhibitors, indicating the involvement of the ERK pathway in paxillin activation. Overexpression of c-Fos correlated with increased cell scattering and motility, higher levels of ERK activation and phospho Ser(178) paxillin, increased levels of EGF receptor (EGF-R) mRNA and higher EGF-R phosphorylation levels following EGF/TGF-beta cotreatment. Conversely, siRNA-mediated invalidation of c-Fos delayed the appearance of fibroblastoid cells, decreased EGF-R mRNA and downregulated ERK and Ser(178) paxillin phosphorylations, indicating that c-Fos activates hepatocyte motility through an EGF-R/ERK/paxillin pathway. Since c-Fos is frequently overexpressed in hepatocarcinomas, this newly identified mechanism might be involved in the progression of hepatic tumors in vivo.

Transforming growth factor-beta signaling in skin: stromal to epithelial cross-talk

In this issue, Denton et al., describe a mouse model of postnatal deletion of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor type II (TbetaRII) in skin fibroblasts. Using a tamoxifen-dependent inducible Cre-lox strategy, the authors demonstrate the pivotal role played by TGF-beta signaling in fibroblasts during wound healing. Healing of full-thickness wounds after fibroblast-specific deletion of TbetaRII in the skin was severely impaired and exhibited delayed re-epithelialization. This study emphasizes the importance of fibroblasts in mesenchymal-epithelial interaction in the skin during wound repair.

Transforming growth factor-beta in cutaneous melanoma

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays a complex role during carcinogenesis. It may either act as a tumor suppressor through its broad antiproliferative potential or as a tumor promoter either via direct effects on tumor cell aggressiveness or indirectly by modulating stromal responses, angiogenesis and immune surveillance. Increased production of TGF-beta by cancer cells is often associated with tumor grade. Melanoma cells largely escape cell cycle arrest normally induced by TGF-beta in normal melanocytes, yet produce active TGF-beta and are capable of efficient transcriptional responses to the growth factor. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the role played by TGF-beta in melanoma progression and hypothesize about the appropriateness of targeting TGF-beta signaling for therapeutic intervention.

c-Fos overexpression increases the proliferation of human hepatocytes by stabilizing nuclear Cyclin D1

AIM: To investigate the effect of stable c-Fos overexpression on immortalized human hepatocyte (IHH) proliferation.

METHODS: IHHs stably transfected with c-Fos (IHH-Fos) or an empty vector (IHH-C) were grown in medium supplemented with 1% serum or stimulated with 10% serum. Cell proliferation was assessed by cell counts, 3H-thymidine uptake and flow cytometry analyses. The levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins (Cyclin D1, E, A) cyclin dependent kinases (cdk) cdk2, cdk4, cdk6, and their inhibitors p15, p16, p21, p27, total and phosphorylated GSK-3β and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) were assayed by Western blotting. Analysis of Cyclin D1 mRNA levels was performed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Stability of Cyclin D1 was studied by cycloheximide blockade experiments.

RESULTS: Stable c-Fos overexpression increased cell proliferation under low serum conditions and resulted in a two-fold increase in [³H]-thymidine incorporation following serum addition. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed that c-Fos accelerated the cell cycle kinetics. Following serum stimulation, Cyclin D1 was more abundantly expressed in c-Fos overexpressing cells. Cyclin D1 accumulation did not result from increased transcriptional activation, but from nuclear stabilization. Overexpression of c-Fos correlated with higher nuclear levels of inactive phosphorylated GSK-3β, a kinase involved in Cyclin D1 degradation and higher levels of EGF-R mRNA, and EGF-R protein compared to IHH-C both in serum starved, and in serum stimulated cells. Abrogation of EGF-R signalling in IHH-Fos by treatment with AG1478, a specific EGF-R tyrosine kinase inhibitor, prevented the phosphorylation of GSK-3β induced by serum stimulation and decreased Cyclin D1 stability in the nucleus.

CONCLUSION: Our results clearly indicate a positive role for c-Fos in cell cycle regulation in hepatocytes. Importantly, we delineate a new mechanism by which c-Fos could contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis through stabilization of Cyclin D1 within the nucleus, evoking a new feature to c-Fos implication in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Desferrioxamine-driven upregulation of angiogenic factor expression by human bone marrow stromal cells

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) are the subject of intense research because of their biological properties and potential use for the repair of damaged tissues. Success of BMSC-based therapies, however, relies on a number of methodological improvements, including the establishment of a vascular network providing nutrients and oxygen to the transplanted cells and ensuring their immediate survival and long-term functionality. We described a method to enhance the autocrine expression of angiogenic factors by BMSCs. For this purpose, human BMSCs were treated with desferrioxamine (DFX). No PDGF-BB, VEGF-R1 or -R2 mRNA expression was detected under any of the conditions tested. mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFbeta1 were similar in BMSCs, whether they were exposed to DFX (50 microM) or to control conditions under normoxia for 48 h. In comparison with the results obtained with control conditions under normoxia, exposure of BMSCs to DFX for 48 h resulted in upregulation of bFGF at the protein (26-fold) but not at the mRNA levels and VEGF at both the mRNA (1.5-fold) and protein levels (4.5-fold). In comparison with the results obtained with control conditions under hypoxia, DFX induced a 50% increase in VEGF secretion but led to the same level of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha protein expression (a transduction factor involved in angiogenic factor expression and known to be activated by DFX). Exposure of BMSCs to DFX resulted in oversecretion of angiogenic factors, suggesting that DFX-treated BMSCs could be used to supply angiogenic factors.

Transforming growth factor-beta suppresses the ability of Ski to inhibit tumor metastasis by inducing its degradation

c-Ski is an important corepressor of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling through its ability to bind to and repress the activity of the Smad proteins. It was initially identified as an oncogene that promotes anchorage-independent growth of chicken and quail embryo fibroblasts when overexpressed. Although increased Ski expression is detected in many human cancer cells, the roles of Ski in mammalian carcinogenesis have yet to be defined. Here, we report that reducing Ski expression in breast and lung cancer cells does not affect tumor growth but enhances tumor metastasis in vivo. Thus, in these cells, Ski plays an antitumorigenic role. We also showed that TGF-beta, a cytokine that is often highly expressed in metastatic tumors, induces Ski degradation through the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome in malignant human cancer cells. On TGF-beta treatment, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Arkadia mediates degradation of Ski in a Smad-dependent manner. Although Arkadia interacts with Ski in the absence of TGF-beta, binding of phosphorylated Smad2 or Smad3 to Ski is required to induce efficient degradation of Ski by Arkadia. Our results suggest that the ability of TGF-beta to induce degradation of Ski could be an additional mechanism contributing to its protumorigenic activity.

JNK supports survival in melanoma cells by controlling cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

JNK1/2 proteins belong to the family of stress-activated protein kinases. They play a complex role in growth regulation, inducing either cell death or growth support. In this report, we provide evidence that, in human melanoma cells, JNK inhibition with the small molecule inhibitor SP600125 induces either predominantly a G2/M arrest or apoptosis depending on the cell line. In 1205Lu cells, JNK inhibition induced cell cycle arrest through p53-dependent induction of p21 Cip1/Waf1 expression, while in WM983B cells, induction of apoptosis by JNK inhibition was accompanied by p53, Bad and Bax induction, not p21 Cip1/Waf1. JNK inhibition with the small molecule inhibitor SP600125 slowed growth of all cell lines, although the effect was markedly greater in cells exhibiting high phospho- (P-)JNK1 levels. Specific gene knockdown of JNK1 by means of siRNA oligonucleotides inhibited cell growth only in melanoma cell lines exhibiting high P-JNK1 levels. siRNAs directed against JNK2 did not reduce cell growth in any of the cell lines tested. Together, our findings demonstrate that JNK, and in particular the JNK1 isoform, support the growth of melanoma cells, by controlling either cell cycle progression or apoptosis depending on the cellular context.

Jun D cooperates with p65 to activate the proximal kappaB site of the cyclin D1 promoter: role of PI3K/PDK-1

Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein 1 are transcription factors involved in the regulation of cell proliferation that play important roles in tumorigenesis. We investigated whether these two factors cooperate for transcriptional regulation of cyclin D1 (CCND1), a gene whose deregulation is critical during carcinogenesis. We demonstrate that overexpression of JunD in human hepatocarcinoma cells strongly activates transcription mediated by the kappaB2 site of the CCND1 promoter in reporter assays, in a manner strictly dependent on the presence of NF-kappaB proteins. Serum stimulation increased the expression of p65, p50, c-Fos, c-Jun and JunD and induced the recruitment of p65, p50 and JunD to the kappaB2 site of the promoter in DNA pull-down assays. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed the serum-induced recruitment of JunD to the promoter in vivo and showed that the presence of JunD was dependent on the presence of p65 and p50, indicating a protein-protein-dependent mechanism of JunD recruitment. Serum-induced activation of protein binding to kappaB2 correlated with high levels of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK-1) phosphorylation. Both LY294002, a specific inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and overexpression of a dominant-negative form of PDK-1 inhibited the JunD-stimulating effect in reporter assays. LY294002 also prevented the serum-induced recruitment of JunD, but not p65 or p50 to the promoter in ChIP assay. JunD-p65 complexes, identified in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation, were decreased by LY294002 and by small interfering RNA inhibition of PDK-1. Taken together, our data demonstrate a PI3K/PDK-1-dependent functional cooperation of NF-kappaB and JunD in the transcriptional regulation of CCND1 by serum.

Involvement of ERK signaling in halofuginone-driven inhibition of fibroblast ability to contract collagen lattices

Halofuginone, an alkaloid isolated from the plant Dichroa febrifuga, has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of tissue fibrosis. We herein demonstrate that, at concentrations below 10(-7) M, halofuginone does not affect the cell cycle but efficiently induces extracellular signal-regulated kinases(1,2) (ERK(1,2)), p38 and Jun NH2-terminal kinases(1,2) (JNK(1,2)) phosphorylation. In addition, at these non cytotoxic concentrations, halofuginone diminishes the capacity of fibroblasts to contract mechanically unloaded collagen lattices, an effect that is specifically blocked by the ERK inhibitors PD98059 and U0126, not by inhibitors of the JNK or p38 pathways. These data thus indicate that the inhibitory effect of halofuginone on fibroblast contractile activity, a key function for wound healing implicated in the development of tissue fibrosis, is an ERK-mediated mechanism.

Induction of sonic hedgehog mediators by transforming growth factor-beta: Smad3-dependent activation of Gli2 and Gli1 expression in vitro and in vivo

Hedgehog (Hh) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family members are involved in numerous overlapping processes during embryonic development, hair cycle, and cancer. Herein, we show that TGF-beta induces the expression of the Hh signaling molecules Gli1 and Gli2 in various human cell types, including normal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, as well as various cancer cell lines. Gli2 induction by TGF-beta is rapid, independent from Hh receptor signaling, and requires a functional Smad pathway. Gli1 expression is subsequently activated in a Gli2-dependent manner. In transgenic mice overexpressing TGF-beta1 in the skin, Gli1 and Gli2 expression is also elevated and depends on Smad3. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines resistant to Hh inhibition, pharmacologic blockade of TGF-beta signaling leads to repression of cell proliferation accompanied with a reduction in Gli2 expression. We thus identify TGF-beta as a potent transcriptional inducer of Gli transcription factors. Targeting the cooperation of Hh and TGF-beta signaling may provide new therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment.

Transforming growth factor-β and fibrosis

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a prototype of multifunctional cytokine, is a key regulator of extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and remodeling. Specifically, TGF-β isoforms have the ability to induce the expression of ECM proteins in mesenchymal cells, and to stimulate the production of protease inhibitors that prevent enzymatic breakdown of the ECM. Elevated TGF-β expression in affected organs, and subsequent deregulation of TGF-β functions, correlates with the abnormal connective tissue deposition observed during the onset of fibrotic diseases. During the last few years, tremendous progress has been made in the understanding of the molecular aspects of intracellular signaling downstream of the TGF-β receptors. In particular, Smad proteins, TGF-β receptor kinase substrates that translocate into the cell nucleus to act as transcription factors, have been studied extensively. The role of Smad3 in the transcriptional regulation of typeIcollagen gene expression and in the development of fibrosis, demonstrated both in vitro and in animal models with a targeted deletion of Smad3, is of critical importance because it may lead to novel therapeutic strategies against these diseases. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying Smad modulation of fibrillar collagen expression and how it relates to fibrotic processes.

Skin involvement in scleroderma--where histological and clinical scores meet

OBJECTIVES

A clinico-pathological study in diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients was performed to analyse whether the skin histological organization and the pro-fibrotic signals elicited by TGF-beta in fibroblasts vary according to the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS).

METHODS

Twenty-seven SSc patients underwent 45 skin biopsies with simultaneous measure of mRSS before or after treatment by immunosuppressive drugs, with or without autologous peripheral haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

RESULTS

Double-blind optic microscopy analysis of the biopsies standard extracellular matrix stains allowed to define three histological subgroups: 6 with grade 1 weak fibrosis, 30 with grade 2 moderate fibrosis and 9 with grade 3 severe fibrosis. A significant (P < 0.0001) was identified between the grades of fibrosis and the mRSS. In skin fibroblast cultures, Smad3 phosphorylation levels, as well as mRNA steady-state levels of two transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta/Smad3 targets, COL1A2 and PAI-1, increased in parallel with the mRSS. When compared with pre-transplant values the degree of fibrosis observed after HSCT in the papillary and in the reticular dermis decreased in parallel with the fall in mRSS (n = 5 consecutive patients with repeated biopsies).

CONCLUSIONS

The histological extent of skin fibrosis correlates closely with the mRSS. Both parameters appeared to regress after HSCT. The extent of TGF-beta signalling activation in SSc skin fibroblasts appears to parallel the severity of disease.

Positive regulation of apoptosis by HCA66, a new Apaf-1 interacting protein, and its putative role in the physiopathology of NF1 microdeletion syndrome patients

As a component of the apoptosome, a caspase-activating complex, Apaf-1 plays a central role in the mitochondrial caspase activation pathway of apoptosis. We report here the identification of a novel Apaf-1 interacting protein, hepatocellular carcinoma antigen 66 (HCA66) that is able to modulate selectively Apaf-1-dependent apoptosis through its direct association with the CED4 domain of Apaf-1. Expression of HCA66 was able to potentiate Apaf-1, but not receptor-mediated apoptosis, by increasing downstream caspase activity following cytochrome c release from the mitochondria. Conversely, cells depleted of HCA66 were severely impaired for apoptosome-dependent apoptosis. Interestingly, expression of the Apaf-1-interacting domain of HCA66 had the opposite effect of the full-length protein, interfering with the Apaf-1 apoptotic pathway. Using a cell-free system, we showed that reduction of HCA66 expression was associated with a diminished amount of caspase-9 in the apoptosome, resulting in a lower ability of the apoptosome to activate caspase-3. HCA66 maps to chromosome 17q11.2 and is among the genes heterozygously deleted in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) microdeletion syndrome patients. These patients often have a distinct phenotype compared to other NF1 patients, including a more severe tumour burden. Our results suggest that reduced expression of HCA66, owing to haploinsufficiency of HCA66 gene, could render NF1 microdeleted patients-derived cells less susceptible to apoptosis.

Stable Overexpression of Smad7 in Human Melanoma Cells Impairs Bone Metastasis

Melanoma has a propensity to metastasize to bone, where it is exposed to high concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Because TGF-beta promotes bone metastases from other solid tumors, such as breast cancer, we tested the role of TGF-beta in melanoma metastases to bone. 1205Lu melanoma cells, stably transfected to overexpress the natural TGF-beta/Smad signaling inhibitor Smad7, were studied in an experimental model of bone metastasis whereby tumor cells are inoculated into the left cardiac ventricle of nude mice. All mice bearing parental and mock-transfected 1205Lu cells developed osteolytic bone metastases 5 weeks post-tumor inoculation. Mice bearing 1205Lu-Smad7 tumors had significantly less osteolysis on radiographs and longer survival compared with parental and mock-transfected 1205Lu mice. To determine if the reduced bone metastases observed in mice bearing 1205Lu-Smad7 clones was due to reduced expression of TGF-beta target genes known to enhance metastases to bone from breast cancer cells, we analyzed gene expression of osteolytic factors, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and interleukin-11 (IL-11), the chemotactic receptor CXCR4, and osteopontin in 1205Lu cells. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicated that PTHrP, IL-11, CXCR4, and osteopontin mRNA steady-state levels were robustly increased in response to TGF-beta and that Smad7 and the TbetaRI small-molecule inhibitor, SB431542, prevented such induction. In addition, 1205Lu-Smad7 bone metastases expressed significantly lower levels of IL-11, connective tissue growth factor, and PTHrP. These data suggest that TGF-beta promotes osteolytic bone metastases due to melanoma by stimulating the expression of prometastatic factors via the Smad pathway. Blockade of TGF-beta signaling may be an effective treatment for melanoma metastasis to bone.

In vitro evidence for a direct antifibrotic role of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil

The immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is used to prevent organ rejection after transplantation and has shown some efficacy to prevent the fibrotic complications that occur during autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis or during graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We tested the hypothesis that MMF may exert direct effects on fibroblast extracellular matrix remodeling. Incubation of human lung fibroblast cultures with MMF led to dose- and time-dependent reduction in the synthesis and expression of type I collagen. Inhibition of COL1A1 and COL1A2 mRNA steady-state levels occurred at the level of transcription via repression of their promoters. In contrast, MMF significantly enhanced the expression and the synthesis of interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1). MMF was also found to diminish the capacity of fibroblast to contract mechanically unloaded collagen lattices and to reduce the synthesis of alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker of the contractile myofibroblast phenotype. In addition, MMF diminished the fibroblasts motility. In conclusion, we provide novel mechanism by which MMF alters fibroblast functions important for wound healing and implicated in the development of tissue fibrosis, e.g., collagen production, extracellular matrix contraction, and cell migration. Such properties may contribute to the beneficial therapeutic effects of MMF against fibrotic lesions developing in systemic sclerosis or during GVHD.

Physical and functional cooperation between AP-1 and beta-catenin for the regulation of TCF-dependent genes

Stabilization of cytoplasmic beta-catenin is a hallmark of a variety of cancers. The stabilized beta-catenin is able to translocate to the nucleus, where it acts as a transcriptional activator of T-cell factor (TCF)-regulated genes. beta-Catenin may cross-talk with many signalling cascades to activate target genes. Whether beta-catenin cooperates with AP-1, another transcriptional complex activated during tumorigenesis is not fully clarified. We show that beta-catenin co-immunoprecipitates with c-Jun and c-Fos. GST pull-down experiments indicate a physical association of the armadillo repeat domain of beta-catenin with the DNA-binding domain of c-Jun and of the C-terminal domain of beta-catenin with the N-terminal domain of c-Fos. Promoter studies indicate that overexpression of AP-1 activates the transcription of two beta-catenin target genes, cyclin D1 and c-myc, by a mechanism independent of the AP-1 site, and fully dependent on the TCF-binding site. We further demonstrate that AP-1/beta-catenin synergism is involved during serum-induced cyclin D1 transcriptional activation. We identify a TCF-binding site on the cyclin D1 promoter which binds in vivo a complex induced by serum, containing beta-catenin, TCF4, c-Fos, c-Jun, JunB and JunD. This novel mechanism of interaction between two signalling cascades might contribute to the potentiation of malignancy.

Fibronectin is distinctly downregulated in murine mammary adenocarcinoma cells with high metastatic potential

In the present work we used a murine mammary cancer model of two related adenocarcinomas with different lung metastasizing abilities, to compare their global gene expression profiles. Clontech Atlas mouse cDNA microarrays of primary cultured tumor cells were employed to identify genes that are modulated in the more metastatic variant MM3 relative to its parental tumor M3. A total of 88 from 1,176 genes were differentially expressed in MM3 primary cultures, most of them (n=86) were upregulated. Genes were grouped according to their functions as associated with signal transduction and transcription regulation (e.g. Stat1 and Zfp 92), with cell adhesion and motility (cadherin 1, fibronectin), with invasion and angiogenesis (uPA, 72 kDa MMP2), with the regulation of cell proliferation and cell death (cyclins G and A2, TNF), and also included growth factors and receptors, oncogenes and tumor suppressors genes (p107, TGFbeta2, TBR-I, PDGFR). Only 2 genes, TTF1 and fibronectin (FN), showed a significant downregulation. Notably FN expression, loss of which has been associated with a malignant phenotype, was reduced about 19-fold in the more metastatic MM3 cells. Previously known differences in expression patterns associated with the metastatic capacity of MM3 and M3 adenocarcinomas, including downregulation of FN or upregulated expression of TGFbeta and proteases, were confirmed by the array data. The fact that FN was one of the only two genes significantly down-regulated out of the 1,176 genes analyzed stresses the hypothesis that FN may behave as an important metastasis suppressor gene in mammary cancer.