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Agrez M, Chandler C, Thurecht KJ, Fletcher NL, Liu F, Subramaniam G, Howard CB, Blyth B, Parker S, Turner D, Rzepecka J, Knox G, Nika A, Hall AM, Gooding H, Gallagher L. An immunomodulating peptide with potential to suppress tumour growth and autoimmunity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19741. [PMID: 37957274 PMCID: PMC10643673 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47229-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers and autoimmune diseases commonly co-exist and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICI) exacerbates autoimmune pathologies. We recently described a lipidic peptide, designated IK14004, that promotes expansion of immunosuppressive T regulatory (Treg) cells and uncouples interleukin-2 from interferon-gamma production while activating CD8+ T cells. Herein, we report IK14004-mediated inhibition of Lewis lung cancer (LLC) growth and re-invigoration of splenocyte-derived exhausted CD4+ T cells. In human immune cells from healthy donors, IK14004 modulates expression of the T cell receptor α/β subunits, induces Type I IFN expression, stimulates natural killer (NK) cells to express NKG2D/NKp44 receptors and enhances K562 cytotoxicity. In both T and NK cells, IK14004 alters the IL-12 receptor β1/β2 chain ratio to favour IL-12p70 binding. Taken together, this novel peptide offers an opportunity to gain further insight into the complexity of ICI immunotherapy so that autoimmune responses may be minimised without promoting tumour evasion from the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Agrez
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Limited, New South Wales, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | | | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Feifei Liu
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gayathri Subramaniam
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christopher B Howard
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benjamin Blyth
- Department of Oncology,, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Parker
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Limited, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | - Gavin Knox
- Concept Life Sciences, Edinburgh, Scotland
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2
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Agrez M, Rybchyn MS, De Silva WGM, Mason RS, Chandler C, Piva TJ, Thurecht K, Fletcher N, Liu F, Subramaniam G, Howard CB, Blyth B, Parker S, Turner D, Rzepecka J, Knox G, Nika A, Hall A, Gooding H, Gallagher L. An immunomodulating peptide to counteract solar radiation-induced immunosuppression and DNA damage. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11702. [PMID: 37474630 PMCID: PMC10359417 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) induces immunosuppression and DNA damage, both of which contribute to the rising global incidence of skin cancer including melanoma. Nucleotide excision repair, which is activated upon UVR-induced DNA damage, is linked to expression of interleukin-12 (IL-12) which serves to limit immunosuppression and augment the DNA repair process. Herein, we report an immunomodulating peptide, designated IK14800, that not only elicits secretion of IL-12, interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) but also reduces DNA damage in the skin following exposure to UVR. Combined with re-invigoration of exhausted CD4+ T cells, inhibition of UVR-induced MMP-1 release and suppression of B16F10 melanoma metastases, IK14800 offers an opportunity to gain further insight into mechanisms underlying the development and progression of skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Agrez
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Limited, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Mark Stephen Rybchyn
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Sara Mason
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre and School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Terrence J Piva
- Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kristofer Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Nicholas Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Feifei Liu
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gayathri Subramaniam
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Christopher B Howard
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technologies, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Benjamin Blyth
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stephen Parker
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Limited, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Gavin Knox
- Concept Life Sciences Limited, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | | | - Andrew Hall
- Concept Life Sciences Limited, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Yam KK, Parker S, Agrez M, Warburton C, Alcantara A, Sgouroudis V, Poulin JF. Characterization of two potential immunotherapeutics in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) using flow cytometry and Meso Scale Discovery. J Clin Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2018.36.15_suppl.e15052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karen K Yam
- Caprion Biosciences Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephen Parker
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Ltd., Lane Cove West, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Agrez
- InterK Peptide Therapeutics Ltd., Lane Cove West, New South Wales, Australia
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Peng C, Li Z, Niu Z, Niu W, Xu Z, Gao H, Niu W, Wang J, He Z, Gao C, Lin P, Agrez M, Zhang Z, Niu J. Norcantharidin Suppresses Colon Cancer Cell Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Inhibiting the αvβ6-ERK-Ets1 Signaling Pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20500. [PMID: 26846153 PMCID: PMC4742802 DOI: 10.1038/srep20500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) is an efficacious anti-cancer drug that has been used in China for many years, but its underlying mechanism of action is still not fully understood. In the present study, we found that NCTD could induce morphological changes in colon cancer cells, causing a transition from a spindle-shaped morphology to a typical round or oval shape, which was indicative of a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) process. Next, we investigated the mechanism by which NCTD induced the MET process. Using a transwell assay, we found that NCTD could suppress the migratory and invasive ability of colon cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, NCTD suppressed the expression of integrin αvβ6, MMP-3, and MMP-9 as well as the polymerization of F-actin, further supporting its suppressive effect on migratory and invasive ability. Furthermore, the expression of αvβ6, N-cadherin, vimentin and phosphorylated ERK was decreased, while the expression of E-cadherin was up-regulated. We verified that phosphorylated Ets1 was down-regulated substantially after treatment with NCTD. Taken together, our data demonstrated that NCTD could inhibit the EMT process of colon cancer cells by inhibiting the αvβ6-ERK-Ets1 signaling pathway. This study revealed part of the mechanism through which NCTD could reverse the EMT process in colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zequn Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhengchuan Niu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Niu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zongquan Xu
- Department of Hepatic Oncology, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Huijie Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Weibo Niu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - JiaYong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaobin He
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Michael Agrez
- Newcastle Bowel Cancer Research Collaborative, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Zongli Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Niu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Ahn SB, Mohamedali A, Anand S, Cheruku HR, Birch D, Sowmya G, Cantor D, Ranganathan S, Inglis DW, Frank R, Agrez M, Nice EC, Baker MS. Characterization of the Interaction between Heterodimeric αvβ6 Integrin and Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) Using Functional Proteomics. J Proteome Res 2014; 13:5956-64. [DOI: 10.1021/pr500849x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ronald Frank
- Department
of Chemical Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffen
Strasse, 738124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Agrez
- Division
of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW 2310, Australia
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
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6
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Peng C, Gao H, Niu Z, Wang B, Tan Z, Niu W, Liu E, Wang J, Sun J, Shahbaz M, Agrez M, Niu J. Integrin αvβ6 and transcriptional factor Ets-1 act as prognostic indicators in colorectal cancer. Cell Biosci 2014; 4:53. [PMID: 25264483 PMCID: PMC4175281 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3701-4-53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both transcriptional factor Ets-1 and integrin αvβ6 play an important role in the development and progression of cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of Integrin αvβ6 and Ets-1, two proteins' correlation and their clinical significance in colorectal cancerous tissues. RESULTS The specimens were arranged into microarray using the immunohistochemistry method to investigate the expression of integrin αvβ6 and transcriptional factor Ets-1 in these tissues. Among the 158 tissue specimens, 36.07% were positive for αvβ6 expression, and 57.59% were positive for Ets-1 expression. There were obvious statistical differences existed regarding differentiation, N stage, M stage and TNM stage between αvβ6 and Ets-1 positively and negatively expressing tumors. The correlation analysis confirmed the expression of αvβ6 and Ets-1 were positively correlated in colorectal cancer. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients who were both αvβ6 and Ets-1 positive relapsed earlier than those who were both αvβ6 and Ets-1 negative; and the former group had much shorter survival time than the latter. And Cox model indicated that αvβ6 and Ets-1 were the independent prognostic factors (RR = 2.175, P = 0.012 and RR = 3.903, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The expression of αvβ6 and Ets-1 were positively correlated, and their expression degrees were associated with the differentiation, N stage, M stage and TNM stage of the tumors. Hence, the combination of αvβ6 and Ets-1 can be used as a prognostic marker in colorectal cancer, especially for the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Huijie Gao
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Zhengchuan Niu
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Ben Wang
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Zhen Tan
- />Health Science College, The State University of New York -Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY USA
| | - Weibo Niu
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Enyu Liu
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Jiayong Wang
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Jiuzheng Sun
- />Department of General Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Michael Agrez
- />Newcastle Bowel Cancer Research Collaborative, Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW Australia
| | - Jun Niu
- />Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong China
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7
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Whitehead NJ, Maharaj ON, Agrez M. A computer‐based task management system for junior medical officers during after‐hours shifts. Med J Aust 2014; 200:79-80. [DOI: 10.5694/mja13.10884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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9
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Wang J, Wu J, Hong J, Chen R, Xu K, Niu W, Peng C, Liu E, Wang J, Liu S, Agrez M, Niu J. PKC promotes the migration of colon cancer cells by regulating the internalization and recycling of integrin αvβ6. Cancer Lett 2011; 311:38-47. [PMID: 21741165 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2011.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 06/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently published studies have suggested that integrin trafficking is necessary to support cell migration, but the role of internalization and recycling of integrin αvβ6 in colon cancer cells remained unclear. In our study, we demonstrated the existence of the integrin cycle and found that inhibition of ERK2 phosphorylation by PD98059 or deletion of the ERK2 direct binding site on the β6 cytoplasmic domain could interrupt the internalization of integrin αvβ6, but had no effect on its recycling. Furthermore, integrin αvβ6 trafficking played a key role in the migration of colon cancer cells towards fibronectin. Activation of PKC significantly accelerated the internalization and recycling of integrin αvβ6, which could facilitate rapid redistribution of integrin αvβ6 and increase cell motility. When colon cancer cells became crowded, the increase in αvβ6 levels at the cell surface was not accompanied by a change in total αvβ6 expression in cell lysates. This change may be due to a redistribution of αvβ6 in cell microstructures and a rapid cellular response towards the demands of migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, PR China
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10
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Agrez M, Garg M, Dorahy D, Ackland S. Synergistic Anti-Tumor Effect of Cisplatin When Combined with an Anti-Src Kinase Integrin-Based Peptide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.4236/jct.2011.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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11
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Peng C, Liu X, Liu E, Xu K, Niu W, Chen R, Wang J, Zhang Z, Lin P, Wang J, Agrez M, Niu J. Norcantharidin induces HT-29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the alphavbeta6-extracellular signal-related kinase signaling pathway. Cancer Sci 2009; 100:2302-8. [PMID: 19744110 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01320.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin has been used as an efficacious anticancer drug in China for many years, but its true mechanism remains poorly understood. Intriguingly, in an in vitro series study of anticancer drugs, we found that norcantharidin can effectively inhibit epithelial tumor cells from expressing integrin alphavbeta6. Our previous studies have confirmed that integrin alphavbeta6 is closely relevant to malignant epithelial cell tumor biology behavior, and it can promote cancer cells to invade and metastasize through a special alphavbeta6-extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) direct signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the norcantharidin anticancer mechanism and integrin alphavbeta6. After HT-29 colon cancer cells were treated with norcantharidin, cell apoptosis increased remarkably. The expression of alphavbeta6 and the amount of p-ERK decreased substantially; simultaneously, the linkage between alphavbeta6 and ERK was barely detectable. However, the expression of other integrins and the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase hardly changed. On these grounds, we presumed that norcantharidin induced HT-29 colon cancer cell apoptosis through the alphavbeta6-ERK signaling pathway. This finding elicited a novel strategy for targeting the whole alphavbeta6-ERK signal pathway, rather than simply blocking the combining site of alphavbeta6-ERK in colon cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Peng
- Department of General Surgery, QiLu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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12
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Wang J, Zhang Z, Xu K, Sun X, Yang G, Niu W, Liu E, Peng C, Lin P, Wang J, Chen R, Agrez M, Niu J. Suppression of integrin αυβ6 by RNA interference in colon cancer cells inhibits extracellular matrix degradation through the MAPK pathway. Int J Cancer 2008; 123:1311-7. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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13
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Agrez M, Karihaloo C, Reeves G, Puvaneswary M, Sturm L, Scurry J. Rectal cancer masquerading as an amoeboma: case report and review of the literature. ANZ J Surg 2004; 74:812-5. [PMID: 15379825 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-1433.2004.03158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the prevalence of amoebiasis in many parts of the world, amoebomas are relatively uncommon. Amoebomas within the colorectum are indistinguishable from carcinomas either macroscopically or by barium enema examination and the presence of both conditions is much rarer still. Herein, we describe such a case and review the possible reasons for their coexistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Agrez
- Discipline of Surgical Science, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.
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14
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Meldrum CJ, McPhillips M, Crooks R, Thomas L, Edkins T, Creegan R, Miller E, Agrez M, Scott RJ. A Comparison Between Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis and Denaturing High Performance Liquid Chromatography in Detecting Mutations in Genes Associated with Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) and the Identification of 9 New Mutations Previously Unidentified by DGGE. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2003. [PMCID: PMC2840012 DOI: 10.1186/1897-4287-1-1-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography is a relatively new method by which heteroduplex structures formed during the PCR amplification of heterozygote samples can be rapidly identified. The use of this technology for mutation detection in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) has the potential to appreciably shorten the time it takes to analyze genes associated with this disorder. Prior to acceptance of this method for screening genes associated with HNPCC, assessment of the reliability of this method should be performed. In this report we have compared mutation and polymorphism detection by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) in a set of 130 families. All mutations/polymorphisms representing base substitutions, deletions, insertions and a 23 base pair inversion were detected by DHPLC whereas DGGE failed to identify four single base substitutions and a single base pair deletion. In addition, we show that DHPLC has been used for the identification of 5 different mutations in exon 7 of hMSH2 that could not be detected by DGGE. From this study we conclude that DHPLC is a more effective and rapid alternative to the detection of mutations in hMSH2 and hMLH1 with the same or better accuracy than DGGE. Furthermore, this technique offers opportunities for automation, which have not been realised for the majority of other methods of gene analysis.
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15
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Sanson-Fisher RW, Rolfe IE, Jones P, Ringland C, Agrez M. Trialling a new way to learn clinical skills: systematic clinical appraisal and learning. Med Educ 2002; 36:1028-1034. [PMID: 12406262 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2923.2002.01334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM To describe and evaluate the effectiveness of a new method of teaching clinical skills designed to increase students' active and self-directed learning as well as tutor feedback. METHODS A total of 22 consenting Year 4 medical students undertaking general practice and general surgery clinical experience were involved in a pre- and post-test research design. In the initial period of the study, students were taught clinical skills in a traditional manner. In the second phase a clinical teaching strategy called systematic clinical appraisal and learning (SCAL) was utilised. This learning strategy involved active and self-directed learning, holistic care and immediate feedback. Students independently saw a patient and were asked to make judgements about the patient's potential diagnosis, tests required, management, psychosocial needs, preventive health requirements, and any ethical problems. These judgements were then compared with those of the clinical supervisor, who saw the same patient independently. Students recorded details for each consultation. Comparisons were made of the two study periods to examine whether the use of SCAL increased the number of students' independent judgements, perceived student learning, tutor feedback and self-directed learning. RESULTS During the SCAL learning period, students reported making a greater number of statistically significant independent judgements, and receiving significantly increased tutor feedback in both general practice and general surgery. The number of learning goals set by students was not found to differ between the two periods in surgery but significantly increased in general practice in the SCAL period. Students' perceptions of their learning significantly increased in the SCAL period in surgery but not in general practice. During the traditional learning period in both settings, there was limited student decision-making about most aspects of care, but particularly those relating to prevention, psychosocial issues and ethics. CONCLUSIONS The SCAL approach appears to offer some advantages over traditional clinical skills teaching. It appears to encourage active and independent decision-making, and to increase tutor feedback. Further exploration of the approach appears warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- R W Sanson-Fisher
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- W Giles
- Disciplines of Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia.
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17
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Niu J, Gu X, Ahmed N, Andrews S, Turton J, Bates R, Agrez M. The alphaVbeta6 integrin regulates its own expression with cell crowding: implications for tumour progression. Int J Cancer 2001. [PMID: 11279604 DOI: 10.1002/1097-0215(20010401)92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Expression of the growth-promoting integrin alphavbeta6 in colon cancer cells induces gelatinase B secretion and activation, the inhibition of which abolishes alphavbeta6-mediated tumour cell growth within a collagen matrix. Herein, we show that high cell density selectively enhances alphavbeta6 expression in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner in preference to other beta integrin subunits, resulting in a marked increase in gelatinase B secretion as cells reach confluence. Moreover, PKC activity increases with cell confluence, and the rise in PKC activity is much greater for alphavbeta6-expressing cells than for colon cancer cells which lack alphavbeta6. We propose a self-perpetuating system of colon cancer progression in which the integrin alphavbeta6 provides a means of sustaining tumour cell proliferation. In this model, alphavbeta6 regulates its own expression via a PKC-mediated signalling pathway as tumour cells become crowded and quiescent. The alphavbeta6-mediated induction of gelatinase B secretion facilitates peri-cellular matrix degradation, which helps overcome crowding and restores cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Niu
- Discipline of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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18
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Abstract
Expression of the growth-promoting integrin alphavbeta6 in colon cancer cells induces gelatinase B secretion and activation, the inhibition of which abolishes alphavbeta6-mediated tumour cell growth within a collagen matrix. Herein, we show that high cell density selectively enhances alphavbeta6 expression in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner in preference to other beta integrin subunits, resulting in a marked increase in gelatinase B secretion as cells reach confluence. Moreover, PKC activity increases with cell confluence, and the rise in PKC activity is much greater for alphavbeta6-expressing cells than for colon cancer cells which lack alphavbeta6. We propose a self-perpetuating system of colon cancer progression in which the integrin alphavbeta6 provides a means of sustaining tumour cell proliferation. In this model, alphavbeta6 regulates its own expression via a PKC-mediated signalling pathway as tumour cells become crowded and quiescent. The alphavbeta6-mediated induction of gelatinase B secretion facilitates peri-cellular matrix degradation, which helps overcome crowding and restores cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Niu
- Discipline of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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19
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Abstract
A simple, noninvasive assay was used to quantitate urinary matrix metalloproteinase 9 activity among 15 patients with threatened premature labor. Both positive and negative predictive values for risk for premature delivery were 80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Disciplines of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
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20
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Abstract
In human cancers, the co-operative role between cell-adhesion receptors and proteases capable of degrading matrix barriers remains poorly understood. We have previously reported that the epithelium-restricted integrin alpha(v)beta6 becomes highly expressed in colon cancer compared with normal mucosa and that heterologous expression of alpha(v)beta6 in colon cancer cells is associated with enhanced cell growth. Herein, we report that alpha(v)beta6 expression in colon cancer cells leads to a relative increase in secretion of the matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase B over its respective inhibitor and that this secretion parallels the level of cell-surface beta6 expression. The alpha(v)beta6-mediated gelatinase B secretion is associated with increased proteolysis of denatured collagen at the cell surface, and inactivation of gelatinase B in beta6-expressing tumour cells inhibits cell spreading and proliferation within 3-dimensional collagen matrices. Our findings suggest that alpha(v)beta6-mediated gelatinase B secretion is important in the progression of human colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Discipline of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
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21
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Agrez M, Gu X, Turton J, Meldrum C, Niu J, Antalis T, Howard EW. The alpha v beta 6 integrin induces gelatinase B secretion in colon cancer cells. Int J Cancer 1999. [PMID: 10077158 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19990331)81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In human cancers, the co-operative role between cell-adhesion receptors and proteases capable of degrading matrix barriers remains poorly understood. We have previously reported that the epithelium-restricted integrin alpha(v)beta6 becomes highly expressed in colon cancer compared with normal mucosa and that heterologous expression of alpha(v)beta6 in colon cancer cells is associated with enhanced cell growth. Herein, we report that alpha(v)beta6 expression in colon cancer cells leads to a relative increase in secretion of the matrix metalloproteinase gelatinase B over its respective inhibitor and that this secretion parallels the level of cell-surface beta6 expression. The alpha(v)beta6-mediated gelatinase B secretion is associated with increased proteolysis of denatured collagen at the cell surface, and inactivation of gelatinase B in beta6-expressing tumour cells inhibits cell spreading and proliferation within 3-dimensional collagen matrices. Our findings suggest that alpha(v)beta6-mediated gelatinase B secretion is important in the progression of human colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Discipline of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lynn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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23
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Niu J, Gu X, Turton J, Meldrum C, Howard EW, Agrez M. Integrin-mediated signalling of gelatinase B secretion in colon cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1998; 249:287-91. [PMID: 9705874 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1998.9128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The progression of colon cancer has been linked to both cell adhesion molecules called integrins and matrix-degrading enzymes called metalloproteinases. Herein we report that the alpha v beta 6 integrin expressed in colon cancer cells induces gelatinase B secretion through the C-terminal cytoplasmic extension unique to the beta 6 integrin subunit, and that this ligand-independent event involves activation of the protein-kinase-C pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Niu
- Discipline of Surgical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Chen CM, Allen L, Coory M, Anseline P, Agrez M. Colonic transit time assessed by 67 Ga-citrate in a case-series of patients with recto-sigmoid adenomas. Nucl Med Commun 1997; 18:964-7. [PMID: 9392799 DOI: 10.1097/00006231-199710000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
One plausible mechanism by which dietary factors may influence colorectal carcinogenesis is through their effect on intestinal transit time. This study examined colonic transit by means of oral 67Ga-citrate in a case-series of patients who had developed recto-sigmoid adenoma. Adenoma patients had a significantly shorter transit time than constipated patients (P = 0.01) and our results also suggest (but do not show conclusively) that colonic transit in adenoma patients is similar to that of normal controls. Although these findings require confirmation from a larger study, they raise the hypothesis that colonic transit times are not delayed in patients who harbour recto-sigmoid adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Chen
- Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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25
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Abstract
We report a case of massive, benign symmetric lipomatosis associated with laryngeal compression. Current views on the aetiology and management of this rare disease are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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26
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Huang XZ, Chen A, Agrez M, Sheppard D. A point mutation in the integrin beta 6 subunit abolishes both alpha v beta 6 binding to fibronectin and receptor localization to focal contacts. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 1995; 13:245-51. [PMID: 7626292 DOI: 10.1165/ajrcmb.13.2.7626292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrin alpha v beta 6 was initially identified from primary cultures of airway epithelial cells. This integrin is expressed in bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium during development and in settings of injury and/or inflammation and mediates attachment of epithelial cells to fibronectin and tenascin. Like other integrins, this receptor localizes to structures called focal contacts in cells plated on appropriate ligands. In the present study, we produced a mutant beta 6 cDNA (beta 6m) containing a single substitution of Asp140 with Ala and transfected mutant (or wild-type) beta 6 cDNA into the human colon carcinoma cell line SW480. In parallel, we used cDNAs truncated just proximal to the transmembrane domain to generate secreted forms of mutant alpha v beta 6 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The mutant beta 6, like the wild type, formed heterodimers with human alpha v that were expressed on the cell surface of SW480 cells and secreted by CHO cells. Secreted alpha v beta 6 containing this point mutation did not bind to fibronectin-Sepharose. Furthermore, in contrast to wild-type beta 6, the mutant form did not allow SW480 cells to bind to fibronectin in the presence of beta 1-blocking antibody and did not localize to focal contacts. Our results confirm that the Asp140 of beta 6, like the corresponding residues in beta 1 (Asp130) and beta 3 (Asp119), is critical for interactions of alpha v beta 6 with ligand, and also suggest that ligand binding to alpha v beta 6 is necessary for localization of this receptor to focal contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Z Huang
- Lung Biology Center, UCSF 94143, USA
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27
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Agrez M, Chen A, Cone RI, Pytela R, Sheppard D. The alpha v beta 6 integrin promotes proliferation of colon carcinoma cells through a unique region of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain. J Cell Biol 1994; 127:547-56. [PMID: 7929593 PMCID: PMC2120218 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.127.2.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-matrix interactions are assumed to be important in regulating differentiation and tumor cell growth; however, the precise roles of individual matrix receptors in producing cellular responses are still unclear. We have previously described the alpha v beta 6 integrin, an epithelial cell fibronectin receptor expressed in many carcinoma cell lines. Here we show that heterologous expression of alpha v beta 6 in a human colon carcinoma cell line (SW480) enhances the proliferative capacity of these cells, both in vitro and in vivo in nude mice. This property of alpha v beta 6 correlates with the presence of an 11-amino acid region at the COOH terminus of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain. This 11-amino acid sequence is required for the growth stimulatory effect, but not for other functions of the beta 6 cytoplasmic domain, such as promoting cell adhesion and focal contact localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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28
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Agrez M, Enno A, Puvaneswary M. Portal vein thrombosis associated with rectal bleeding: non-invasive diagnosis and follow up by ultrasound. Aust N Z J Surg 1994; 64:643-6. [PMID: 8085984 DOI: 10.1111/j.1445-2197.1994.tb02313.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
A 65 year old woman presented with a sudden onset of abdominal pain and bright rectal bleeding. Shortly after admission a diagnosis of partial portal vein thrombosis was made by ultrasonography. This thrombosis appeared to be the first sign of a previously unsuspected hypercoagulable state due to polycythaemia rubra vera. Ultrasound proved useful in confirming complete resolution of the portal system thrombosis in response to conservative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Weinacker A, Chen A, Agrez M, Cone RI, Nishimura S, Wayner E, Pytela R, Sheppard D. Role of the integrin alpha v beta 6 in cell attachment to fibronectin. Heterologous expression of intact and secreted forms of the receptor. J Biol Chem 1994; 269:6940-8. [PMID: 8120056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The integrin alpha v beta 6 has been shown to be a fibronectin-binding protein. To determine whether the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of alpha v beta 6 are necessary for binding to fibronectin, a truncated, secreted form of the integrin lacking these domains was engineered and expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Fibronectin affinity chromatography demonstrated that the secreted integrin, like its full-length counterpart, was capable of binding fibronectin. Monoclonal antibodies were made to secreted alpha v beta 6 and to beta 6-transfected NIH 3T3 cells. In experiments designed to determine whether alpha v beta 6 can mediate cell attachment to fibronectin, full-length human beta 6 was expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and in the human colon carcinoma cell line SW480. beta 6-expressing cells were identified by alpha v beta 6-specific antibodies, and the beta 6-transfectants were used in cell-adhesion assays. In Chinese hamster ovary cells, human beta 6 associated with hamster alpha v but was incapable of mediating cell attachment to fibronectin. However, expression of beta 6 in these cells had the dominant negative effect of decreasing alpha v beta 5-dependent adhesion to vitronectin. In SW480 cells, beta 6 expression conferred the ability to bind to fibronectin even in the presence of inhibitory antibodies against beta 1 integrins. In such cells, fibronectin binding ability could be blocked by an antibody to alpha v integrins. These results constitute the first direct evidence that alpha v beta 6 mediates cell attachment to fibronectin.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Weinacker
- Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco 94143
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30
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Weinacker A, Chen A, Agrez M, Cone R, Nishimura S, Wayner E, Pytela R, Sheppard D. Role of the integrin alpha v beta 6 in cell attachment to fibronectin. Heterologous expression of intact and secreted forms of the receptor. J Biol Chem 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)37465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- M Agrez
- Department of Surgery, Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
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32
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Abstract
Sigmoid volvulus is often a surgical emergency. The diagnosis is usually reached on the basis of both clinical and radiologic assessment. A review of the radiologic findings in 20 patients diagnosed as having sigmoid volvulus is presented. Typical radiographic features are illustrated. Reasons for their absence in certain cases are discussed. [Key words: Volvulus, sigmoid; Diagnostic problems; Sigmoid, volvulus].
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33
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Abstract
Two patients with suspected splenic injury following blunt external trauma are presented. Neither underwent splenectomy, and the changes on serial radioisotope scans provided a useful guide by which to assess the resolution of the splenic injury.
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