Multipotent bone marrow cell-seeded polymeric composites drive long-term, definitive urinary bladder tissue regeneration

To date, there are no efficacious translational solutions for end-stage urinary bladder dysfunction. Current surgical strategies, including urinary diversion and bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty (BAE), utilize autologous intestinal segments (e.g. ileum) to increase bladder capacity to protect renal function. Considered the standard of care, BAE is fraught with numerous short- and long-term clinical complications. Previous clinical trials employing tissue engineering approaches for bladder tissue regeneration have also been unable to translate bench-top findings into clinical practice. Major obstacles still persist that need to be overcome in order to advance tissue-engineered products into the clinical arena. These include scaffold/bladder incongruencies, the acquisition and utility of appropriate cells for anatomic and physiologic tissue recapitulation, and the choice of an appropriate animal model for testing. In this study, we demonstrate that the elastomeric, bladder biomechanocompatible poly(1,8-octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol) (PRS; synthetic) scaffold coseeded with autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells support robust long-term, functional bladder tissue regeneration within the context of a clinically relevant baboon bladder augmentation model simulating bladder trauma. Partially cystectomized baboons were independently augmented with either autologous ileum or stem-cell-seeded small-intestinal submucosa (SIS; a commercially available biological scaffold) or PRS grafts. Stem-cell synergism promoted functional trilayer bladder tissue regeneration, including whole-graft neurovascularization, in both cell-seeded grafts. However, PRS-augmented animals demonstrated fewer clinical complications and more advantageous tissue characterization metrics compared to ileum and SIS-augmented animals. Two-year study data demonstrate that PRS/stem-cell-seeded grafts drive bladder tissue regeneration and are a suitable alternative to BAE.

Analysis of proteome-wide degradation dynamics in ALS SOD1 iPSC-derived patient neurons reveals disrupted VCP homeostasis

Mutations in SOD1 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) through gain-of-function effects, yet the mechanisms by which misfolded mutant SOD1 (mutSOD1) protein impairs human motor neurons (MNs) remain unclear. Here, we use induced-pluripotent-stem-cell-derived MNs coupled to metabolic stable isotope labeling and mass spectrometry to investigate proteome-wide degradation dynamics. We find several proteins, including the ALS-causal valosin-containing protein (VCP), which predominantly acts in proteasome degradation and autophagy, that degrade slower in mutSOD1 relative to isogenic control MNs. The interactome of VCP is altered in mutSOD1 MNs in vitro, while VCP selectively accumulates in the affected motor cortex of ALS-SOD1 patients. Overexpression of VCP rescues mutSOD1 toxicity in MNs in vitro and in a C. elegans model in vivo, in part due to its ability to modulate the degradation of insoluble mutSOD1. Our results demonstrate that VCP contributes to mutSOD1-dependent degeneration, link two distinct ALS-causal genes, and highlight selective protein degradation impairment in ALS pathophysiology.

Proteomic profiling of regenerated urinary bladder tissue with stem cell seeded scaffold composites in a non-human primate bladder augmentation model

Urinary bladder insult can be caused by environmental, genetic, and developmental factors. Depending upon insult severity, the bladder may lose its ability to maintain capacity and intravesical pressures resulting in renal deterioration. Bladder augmentation enterocystoplasty (BAE) is employed to increase bladder capacity to preserve renal function using autologous bowel tissue as a "patch." To avoid the clinical complications associated with this procedure, we have engineered composite grafts comprised of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) co-seeded onto a pliable synthetic scaffold [POCO; poly(1,8-octamethylene-citrate-co-octanol)] or a biological scaffold (SIS; small intestinal submucosa) to regenerate bladder tissue in a baboon bladder augmentation model. We set out to determine the protein expression profile of bladder tissue that has undergone regeneration with the aforementioned stem cell seeded scaffolds along with baboons that underwent BAE. Data demonstrate that POCO and SIS grafted animals share high protein homogeneity between native and regenerated tissues while BAE animals displayed heterogenous protein expression between the tissues following long-term engraftment. We posit that stem cell seeded scaffolds can recapitulate tissue that is almost indistinguishable from native tissue at the protein level and may be used in lieu of procedures such as BAE.

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter deletion prevents painful diabetic neuropathy by restoring mitochondrial morphology and dynamics

ABSTRACT

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) is an intractable complication affecting 25% of diabetic patients. Painful diabetic neuropathy is characterized by neuropathic pain accompanied by dorsal root ganglion (DRG) nociceptor hyperexcitability, resulting in calcium overload, axonal degeneration, and loss of cutaneous innervation. The molecular pathways underlying these effects are unknown. Using high-throughput and deep-proteome profiling, we found that mitochondrial fission proteins were elevated in DRG neurons from mice with PDN induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). In vivo calcium imaging revealed increased calcium signaling in DRG nociceptors from mice with PDN. Furthermore, using electron microscopy, we showed that mitochondria in DRG nociceptors had fragmented morphology as early as 2 weeks after starting HFD, preceding the onset of mechanical allodynia and small-fiber degeneration. Moreover, preventing calcium entry into the mitochondria, by selectively deleting the mitochondrial calcium uniporter from these neurons, restored normal mitochondrial morphology, prevented axonal degeneration, and reversed mechanical allodynia in the HFD mouse model of PDN. These studies suggest a molecular cascade linking neuropathic pain to axonal degeneration in PDN. In particular, nociceptor hyperexcitability and the associated increased intracellular calcium concentrations could lead to excessive calcium entry into mitochondria mediated by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter, resulting in increased calcium-dependent mitochondrial fission and ultimately contributing to small-fiber degeneration and neuropathic pain in PDN. Hence, we propose that targeting calcium entry into nociceptor mitochondria may represent a promising effective and disease-modifying therapeutic approach for this currently intractable and widespread affliction. Moreover, these results are likely to inform studies of other neurodegenerative disease involving similar underlying events.

BET1 variants establish impaired vesicular transport as a cause for muscular dystrophy with epilepsy

BET1 is required, together with its SNARE complex partners GOSR2, SEC22b, and Syntaxin-5 for fusion of endoplasmic reticulum-derived vesicles with the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and the cis-Golgi. Here, we report three individuals, from two families, with severe congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) and biallelic variants in BET1 (P1 p.(Asp68His)/p.(Ala45Valfs*2); P2 and P3 homozygous p.(Ile51Ser)). Due to aberrant splicing and frameshifting, the variants in P1 result in low BET1 protein levels and impaired ER-to-Golgi transport. Since in silico modeling suggested that p.(Ile51Ser) interferes with binding to interaction partners other than SNARE complex subunits, we set off and identified novel BET1 interaction partners with low affinity for p.(Ile51Ser) BET1 protein compared to wild-type, among them ERGIC-53. The BET1/ERGIC-53 interaction was validated by endogenous co-immunoprecipitation with both proteins colocalizing to the ERGIC compartment. Mislocalization of ERGIC-53 was observed in P1 and P2's derived fibroblasts; while in the p.(Ile51Ser) P2 fibroblasts specifically, mutant BET1 was also mislocalized along with ERGIC-53. Thus, we establish BET1 as a novel CMD/epilepsy gene and confirm the emerging role of ER/Golgi SNAREs in CMD.

Long-lived mitochondrial cristae proteins in mouse heart and brain

Long-lived proteins (LLPs) have recently emerged as vital components of intracellular structures whose function is coupled to long-term stability. Mitochondria are multifaceted organelles, and their function hinges on efficient proteome renewal and replacement. Here, using metabolic stable isotope labeling of mice combined with mass spectrometry (MS)–based proteomic analysis, we demonstrate remarkable longevity for a subset of the mitochondrial proteome. We discovered that mitochondrial LLPs (mt-LLPs) can persist for months in tissues harboring long-lived cells, such as brain and heart. Our analysis revealed enrichment of mt-LLPs within the inner mitochondrial membrane, specifically in the cristae subcompartment, and demonstrates that the mitochondrial proteome is not turned over in bulk. Pioneering cross-linking experiments revealed that mt-LLPs are spatially restricted and copreserved within protein OXPHOS complexes, with limited subunit exchange throughout their lifetimes. This study provides an explanation for the exceptional mitochondrial protein lifetimes and supports the concept that LLPs provide key structural stability to multiple large and dynamic intracellular structures.

Inflammasome expression is higher in ovarian tumors than in normal ovary

Chronic inflammation fundamentally influences cancer risk and development. A mechanism of chronic inflammation is the formation of inflammasome complexes which results in the sustained secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL1β and IL18. Inflammasome expression and actions vary among cancers. There is no information on inflammasome expression in ovarian cancer (OvCa). To determine if ovarian tumors express inflammasome components, mRNA and protein expression of NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat family, pyrin domain containing 3), caspase-1, IL1β, and IL18 expression in hen and human OvCa was assessed. Chicken (hen) OvCa a valid model of spontaneous human OvCa. Hens were selected into study groups with or without tumors using ultrasonography; tumors were confirmed by histology, increased cellular proliferation, and expression of immune cell marker mRNA. mRNA expression was higher for hallmarks of inflammasome activity (caspase-1, 5.9x increase, p = 0.04; IL1β, 4x increase, p = 0.04; and IL18, 7.8x increase, p = 0.0003) in hen OvCa compared to normal ovary. NLRP3, caspase-8 and caspase-11 mRNA did not differ significantly between tumor and non-tumor containing ovaries. Similar results occurred for human OvCa. Protein expression by immunohistochemistry paralleled mRNA expression and was qualitatively higher in tumors. Increased protein expression of caspase-1, IL1β, and IL18 occurred in surface epithelium, tumor cells, and immune cells. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a potential tumor suppressor and NLRP3 regulator, was higher in hen (2.4x increase, p = 0.002) and human tumors (1.8x increase, p = 0.038), suggesting a role in OvCa. Collectively, the results indicate that inflammasome expression is associated with hen and human OvCa, although the NLR sensor type remains to be determined.

In utero Exposure to Anesthetics Alters Neuronal Migration Pattern in Developing Cerebral Cortex and Causes Postnatal Behavioral Deficits in Rats

During fetal development, cerebral cortical neurons are generated in the proliferative zone along the ventricles and then migrate to their final positions. To examine the impact of in utero exposure to anesthetics on neuronal migration, we injected pregnant rats with bromodeoxyuridine to label fetal neurons generated at embryonic Day (E) 17 and then randomized these rats to 9 different groups receiving 3 different means of anesthesia (oxygen/control, propofol, isoflurane) for 3 exposure durations (20, 50, 120 min). Histological analysis of brains from 54 pups revealed that significant number of neurons in anesthetized animals failed to acquire their correct cortical position and remained dispersed within inappropriate cortical layers and/or adjacent white matter. Behavioral testing of 86 littermates pointed to abnormalities that correspond to the aberrations in the brain areas that are specifically developing during the E17. In the second set of experiments, fetal brains exposed to isoflurane at E16 had diminished expression of the reelin and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67, proteins critical for neuronal migration. Together, these results call for cautious use of anesthetics during the neuronal migration period in pregnancy and more comprehensive investigation of neurodevelopmental consequences for the fetus and possible consequences later in life.

Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SBP1) autoantibodies in ovarian disorders and ovarian cancer

Infertility is a risk factor for ovarian cancer (OvCa). The goal was to determine if antibodies to selenium-binding protein 1 (SBP1), an autoantibody we identified in patients with premature ovarian failure (POF), occurs in both infertility and OvCa patients, and thus could be associated with preneoplasia. Anti-SBP1 was measured by immunoassay against recombinant SBP1, in sera from OvCa (n = 41), infertility (n = 92) and control (n = 87) patients. Infertility causes were POF, unexplained, irregular ovulation or endometriosis. The percent of anti-SBP1-positive sera was higher in POF (P = 0.02), irregular ovulation (P = 0.001), unexplained causes (P = 0.02), late (III-IV)-stage OvCa (P = 0.02) but was not significant in endometriosis, benign ovarian tumors/cysts, early stage (I-II) OvCa or uterine cancer compared to healthy controls. Anti-SBP1 was significantly higher in women with serous (P = 0.04) but not non-serous (P = 0.33) OvCa compared to controls. Also, we determined if anti-SBP1 was associated with CA125 or anti-TP53, markers often studied in OvCa. Anti-TP53 and CA125 were measured by established immunoassays. The ability of anti-SBP1 alone to discriminate infertility or OvCa from controls or when combined with anti-TP53 and CA125, to identify OvCa was evaluated by comparing the area under the curve (AUC) in ROC analysis. Anti-SBP1 alone discriminated infertility (AUC = 0.7; P = 0.001) or OvCa (AUC = 0.67; P = 0.03) from controls. The sensitivity and specificity of OvCa identification was increased by combining CA125, anti-TP53 and anti-SBP1 (AUC = 0.96). Therefore, anti-SBP1 occurs in infertile women with POF, ovulatory disturbances or unexplained infertility and in serous OvCa. This suggests an autoimmune process is associated with the development of serous OvCa.

Abstract B08: Inflammasome components caspase-1, IL1β, IL18 and NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) are increased in a spontaneous model (chicken: Gallus gallus) of human ovarian cancer

Chronic inflammation is associated with cancer risk and development. There is increasing evidence that a chronic, pro-inflammatory environment is mediated by multi-protein inflammasome complexes that promote activation of IL1β and IL18, which are apex cytokines for regulation of inflammation. The objective was to determine if the inflammasome components NLRP3, caspase-1, IL1β and IL18 were expressed in ovarian cancer and if the expression differed between normal ovary and ovarian tumors using the hen, an animal model of spontaneous ovarian cancer. mRNA was measured by qRT-PCR using primers based on chicken orthologs of human genes from the NCBI database as follows, NLRP3 XM_001233261.3; Caspase-1 XM_003642384.2; IL1β NM_204524.1; IL18 NM_204608; IL17 NM_204460.1. mRNA expression (mean fold change compared to normal ovary = mFC) was increased significantly (t -test) compared to normal ovaries for caspase-1 (mFC=14.6±12.6; p=0.01), IL1β (mFC=6.5±5.3 p=0.01) and IL18 (mean fold change=4.9±3.4; p=0.01) with a moderate increase in NLRP3 (mFC=1.7±0.98; p=0.04) in cancer (n=8) compared to normal ovary (n=6). Expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL17 was increased (mFC=4.0±6.0; p=0.1) but not significantly in this limited sample set. Moderate protein expression of the same components was evident by immunohistochemistry in groups of tumor cells but not in all tumor cells. Expression also occurred in tumor immune cells; the number of immunohistochemically reactive immune cells varied among tumors. Differences in invading immune cells with an activated inflammasome could account for the range of total mRNA values; differences among tumor expression of inflammasomes infers a potential basis for differences in response to immunotherapies. The results demonstrate expression of inflammasome components in a spontaneous model resembling human ovarian cancer and suggest a mechanism by which a chronic pro-inflammatory, pro-tumor environment is maintained. Improved understanding of the role of inflammasomes could lead to methods for management of the tumor immune environment and responses to immunotherapy.

Citation Format: Judith Luborsky, Seara Edassery, Seby L. Edassery, Animesh Barua, Janice M. Bahr. Inflammasome components caspase-1, IL1β, IL18 and NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3) are increased in a spontaneous model (chicken: Gallus gallus) of human ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2015 Oct 23-26; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B08.

Abstract B061: Association of leukocyte inhibitory immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3) with ovarian cancer and prevention of its expression by dietary supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Background: Tumor-induced immunosuppression may be a reason for aggressive metastasis of ovarian cancer (OVCA). OVCA is a fatal malignancy of women with the highest case to death ratio among gynecological cancers. Most of the OVCA patients are postmenopausal women affected severely by the toxicity of current chemotherapeutics and danger of radiotherapy. Thus immunotherapy may be an alternative option for OVCA patients. Because OVCA mainly disseminates in the peritoneal cavity, immune functions in the tumor environment plays a crucial role in its progression. However, the mechanism(s) of immunosuppression by ovarian tumors are not well understood. Expression of leukocyte inhibitory immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3, a member of inhibitory receptor family) by the tumors is one of the mechanisms in tumor-induced immunosuppression. Prevention or blocking of ILT3 expression may enhance anti-tumor immune responses. Information on ILT3 expression in OVCA and its prevention is not available. Herbs have long been used in traditional medicine against many human diseases including cancers. Ashwagandha or Winter Cherry (ASH, Withania somnifera), a herb known for its anti-tumor property, may enhance anti-tumor immunity by reducing ILT3 expression.

Objectives: The goal of this study was to determine whether ovarian malignant tumors express ILT3 and whether dietary supplementation of ASH root powder reduces ILT3 expression in OVCA.

Methods: Two experiments were performed. In the first one, archived specimen from normal ovaries of postmenopausal women (n=10), benign tumors (cystadenomas/adenofibromas, n=10) and ovarian malignant tumors (papillary serous) at early (n=7) and late stages (n=10) were examined for ILT3 expression. In the second group, laying hens, a preclinical model of spontaneous OVCA, were used. Healthy hens with normal ovaries or hens with early stage OVCA (selected by transvaginal ultrasound scanning) were divided into 3 groups and provided with basal diet (control) or diet supplemented with either 1% or 2% ASH root powder for 90 days. Each group had 20 hens (15 healthy, 5 with early stage OVCA). Hens were euthanized thereafter and gross morphology including normal and tumor stages were recorded, serum, ovarian tissues with or without cancer were collected and processed for ILT3 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting or gene expression analysis. Differences in ILT3 expression among different pathological or supplemented groups were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and paired t-test for group-wise comparison.

Results: Strong expression of ILT3 was detected in ovarian malignant tumors at early stage. A very weak or no expression of ILT3 was observed in normal ovaries, while it was weak to moderate for benign tumors. The expression was stronger as the OVCA progressed to late stages. Immunoblotting detected a band of approximately 55kDa. Similarities in the patterns of ILT3 expression was observed between OVCA hens and patients. As compared with untreated and 1% ASH-treated hens, tumor incidence and progression as well as ILT3 expression was decreased significantly in hens supplemented with 2% dietary ASH.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that ILT3 is expressed by ovarian papillary serous cancers, and the expression of ILT3 increases with the progression of OVCA to late stages. Dietary supplementation of OVCA hens with 2% ASH reduced ILT3 expression and decreased the rate of tumor progression. Decrease in tumor progression was associated with the decrease in ILT3 expression. Thus ILT3 represents a potential target for enhancing the anti-tumor immune function in OVCA patients.ASH may be used to reduce ILT3 expression and prevention of OVCA progression. Support: Swim across America.

Citation Format: Natasha Gupta, Sameer Sharma, Seby L. Edassery, Janice M. Bahr, Lindsey Franklin, Erika Paulsen, Pincas Bitterman, Animesh Barua. Association of leukocyte inhibitory immunoglobulin-like transcript 3 (ILT3) with ovarian cancer and prevention of its expression by dietary supplementation of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR Inaugural International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; September 16-19, 2015; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B061.

Immune cells in the normal ovary and spontaneous ovarian tumors in the laying hen (Gallus domesticus) model of human ovarian cancer

Background

Spontaneous ovarian cancer in chickens resembles human tumors both histologically and biochemically. The goal was to determine if there are differences in lymphocyte content between normal ovaries and ovarian tumors in chickens as a basis for further studies to understand the role of immunity in human ovarian cancer progression.

Methods

Hens were selected using grey scale and color Doppler ultrasound to determine if they had normal or tumor morphology. Cells were isolated from ovaries (n = 6 hens) and lymphocyte numbers were determined by flow cytometry using antibodies to avian CD4 and CD8 T and B (Bu1a) cells. Ovarian sections from another set of hens (n = 26) were assessed to verify tumor type and stage and to count CD4, CD8 and Bu1a immunostained cells by morphometric analysis.

Results

T and B cells were more numerous in ovarian tumors than in normal ovaries by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. There were less CD4+ cells than CD8+ and Bu1a+ cells in normal ovaries or ovarian tumors. CD8+ cells were the dominant T cell sub-type in both ovarian stroma and in ovarian follicles compared to CD4+ cells. Bu1a+ cells were consistently found in the stroma of normal ovaries and ovarian tumors but were not associated with follicles. The number of immune cells was highest in late stage serous tumors compared to endometrioid and mucinous tumors.

Conclusions

The results suggest that similar to human ovarian cancer there are comparatively more immune cells in chicken ovarian tumors than in normal ovaries, and the highest immune cell content occurs in serous tumors. Thus, this study establishes a foundation for further study of tumor immune responses in a spontaneous model of ovarian cancer which will facilitate studies of the role of immunity in early ovarian cancer progression and use of the hen in pre-clinical vaccine trials.

Expression of death receptor 6 by ovarian tumors in laying hens, a preclinical model of spontaneous ovarian cancer

Tumor-associated neoangiogenesis and suppression of antitumor immunity are hallmarks of tumor development and progression. Death receptor 6 (DR6) has been reported to be associated with suppression of antitumor immunity and tumor progression in several malignancies. However, expression of DR6 by malignant ovarian epithelial tumors at an early stage is unknown. The goals of this study were to determine whether DR6 is expressed by malignant ovarian epithelial tumors at an early stage and to examine whether DR6 expression is associated with ovarian cancer (OVCA) progression in a laying hen model of spontaneous OVCA. Expression of DR6 was examined in normal and malignant ovaries, normal ovarian surface epithelial (OSE) cells, or malignant epithelial cells and in serum of 3-year-old hens. The population of microvessels expressing DR6 was significantly higher in hens with early-stage OVCA than hens with normal ovaries (P < .01) and increased further in late-stage OVCA. The results of this study showed that, in addition to microvessels, tumor cells in the ovary also express DR6 with a significantly higher intensity than normal OSE cells. Similar patterns of DR6 expression were also observed by immunoblot analysis and gene expression studies. Furthermore, DR6 was also detected in the serum of hens. In conclusion, DR6 expression is associated with OVCA development and progression in laying hens. This study may be helpful to examine the feasibility of DR6 as a useful surrogate marker of OVCA, a target for antitumor immunotherapy and molecular imaging and thus provide a foundation for clinical studies.

Abstract 3646: Expression of death receptor 6 (DR6) increases in association with ovarian tumor development and progression

Background: Because of the lack of an early detection test, ovarian cancer (OVCA) remains a lethal malignancy of women. OVCA differs from other malignancies in its specific dissemination pattern that the tumor typically spreads in a diffuse intra-pelvic and abdominal manner. Thus tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor dissemination and suppression of anti-tumor immunity is a hallmark of tumor progression. Although the precise mechanism of immune evasion by the tumor is not known, expression of death receptor 6 (DR6) has been suggested to be associated with tumor progression in several malignancies. DR6 is a member of the TNF receptor superfamily and a regulator of immune function. Expression of DR6 by ovarian tumors is unknown. Access to patients at early stage OVCA is very difficult. Laying hens develop OVCA spontaneously with histopathology similar to humans. Objectives: The goal of the present study was to determine whether DR6 is expressed by ovarian tumors at early stage and to examine whether DR6 expression is associated with OVCA tumor progression in the laying hen model of human OVCA. Materials and Methods: 3 years old normal, low or stopped egg-laying hens were scanned by ultrasound, sera were collected, hens were euthanized and ovarian tissues were processed for paraffin and frozen sections, immunoblotting and mRNA extraction. Stages of OVCA were confirmed at gross morphology and routine histology. Samples were divided into 3 groups: normal (control), early and late stages of OVCA. Sera were tested for DR6 levels by ELISA and confirmed by 2D-Western blot (WB). Expression of DR6 by normal and tumor ovaries was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC), WB and RT-PCR. Results: DR6 was expressed by the epithelium of the ovarian tumor and angiogenic microvessels in the tumor stroma. The population of DR6+ microvessels and serum levels of DR6 was significantly higher in hens with ovarian tumors than the normal hens. Immunoblotting and gene expression analysis confirmed IHC observations. There was a significant increase in DR6 expression in hens with early stage OVCA (including microscopic tumor) suggesting that serum DR6 may be a potential indicator of ovarian tumors at very early stage. The frequencies of DR6+ cells were significantly higher in hens with late stage OVCA than early stage suggesting that DR6 may be involved in ovarian tumor development and progression in laying hens. Conclusion: For the first time, this study showed that epithelial cells in ovarian tumors express DR6 and results suggest that changes in serum levels as well as tissue expression of DR6 are associated with tumor initiation and progression. Thus serum DR6 may be useful as a surrogate maker of OVCA, target for anti-tumor immunotherapy as well as molecular imaging. This study will provide a foundation for a clinical study. Support: DOD (OC#093303), NCI-POCRC (P50 CA83636) and the Elmer Sylvia and Sramek Foundation.

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3646. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3646

Abstract 4471: Autoantibodies in infertility are associated with ovarian cancer

Epidemiological studies show women with infertility have increased ovarian cancer (OvCa) risk, but biomarkers indicating which women are at increased risk are unavailable. We showed autoantibodies (Abs) are associated with infertility suggesting an autoimmune etiology in some women. While CA125 remains the most frequently used OvCa biomarker, it has limited sensitivity and specificity, and additional biomarkers predicting early OvCa remain to be determined. We sought to determine if Abs to Selenium Binding Protein 1 (SBP1) associated with infertility are also found in OvCa; if Abs to mesothelin (MSLN), a well characterized circulating OvCa tumor antigen, occur in infertility; and if these Abs differed from CA125. CA125 was measured by an established bead-based assay and anti-MSLN and anti-SBP1 Abs were measured by immunoassay using sera from OvCa patients (n=28), women with infertility (n=109; including endometriosis, ovulatory dysfunction, unexplained infertility and Premature Menopause (POF), benign ovarian tumors or cysts (n=24), healthy women (n=152) and assay controls (n=16). CA125 was significantly higher in early (p=0.039) and late OvCa (P=0.003) compared to controls. CA125 was also elevated in some women with endometriosis and unexplained in fertility but overall was not significantly different from controls. Anti-MSLN Abs were significantly more frequent in women with prematurely reduced ovarian function including ovulatory dysfunction (65%), POF (52%) and unexplained infertility (32%) compared to controls. Women with endometriosis, who also have a high OvCa risk, did not have anti-MSLN Abs. Anti-SBP1 Abs were significantly higher and more frequent in the same categories of infertility that were positive for anti-MSLN Abs, but not in the same women. SBP1 Abs occurred in ovulatory dysfunction (50%), POF (27%) and unexplained infertility (32%) compared to healthy controls. Anti-MSLN Abs occurred in early (14%) and late (9%) OvCa and anti-SBP Abs occurred in early (17%) and late (20%) OvCa. Anti-MSLN and anti-SBP were not correlated (Spearman's correlation coefficient, 0.14, p=0.12) suggesting they might complement each other. CA125 was correlated with MSLN (0.27, p=0.001) overall and within cancer only (0.50, p=0.015), but was not correlated with anti-MSLN (all: 0.036, p=0.65, OvCa: 0.3, p=0.13) or anti-SBP (all: 0.01, p=0.92, OvCa: 0.10, p=0.61), which suggests they might complement CA125 in a panel for detection of early OvCa detection. We demonstrate for the first time that antibodies to MSLN and SBP1 occur in both infertility and OvCa suggesting these biomarkers may indicate OvCa risk. The results also suggest autoantibodies may complement measurement of CA125. Thus, identification of antibody biomarkers in a high risk, pre-diagnostic group may provide novel biomarkers for early OvCa. Support: DOD OC073325 (JL), NIH R01 CA134487 (IH&JL) and P50 CA083636 (NU).

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4471. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4471

Abstract 2455: Molecular targeted imaging of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2 and anti-NMP autoantibodies detect ovarian tumor at early stage

Background: Although several serum markers of ovarian cancer (OVCA) have been suggested, none can detect OVCA at early stage specifically because of the lack of a corresponding marker in the ovary. Ovarian malignant cellular transformation is an early event followed by tumor-associated neoangiogenesis (TAN). Malignant cellular transformation results in shedding of nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs) in circulation and anti-NMP autoantibody production. VEGFR-2, an ovarian TAN marker, may also be an imaging marker for early OVCA detection. Thus VEGFR-2 in association with anti-NMP antibodies may constitute an early detection test for OVCA. Objectives: The goal of this study was to examine (i) whether VEGFR-2 targeted ultrasound imaging detects ovarian TAN vessels and (ii) whether the frequency of TAN vessels is associated with serum anti-NMP antibodies at early stage of OVCA in laying hens model of human OVCA. Materials and Methods: Mature White Leghorn laying hens with normal or low egg laying rates or no egg laying were scanned by transvaginal ultrasound before and after intravenous injection with VEGFR-2 targeted microbubbles. All images were archived and analyzed offline. Serum samples were collected, hens were euthanized, ovarian tissues were processed for paraffin or frozen sections and NMP extraction. Ovarian tumors were confirmed by gross morphology and routine histology. Sera were tested for anti-NMP antibodies and VEGFR-2 levels by immunoassay and 1- and 2D-Western blot (WB). The frequencies of VEGFR-2 expressing TAN vessels were determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: VEGFR-2 targeted microbubbles bounded with ovarian tumors and appeared as a ring of irregular shape on the ovarian surface. Compared with non-targeted, VEGFR-2 targeted imaging increased the visualization of TAN vessels remarkably. VEGFR-2 expressing TAN vessels confirmed targeted ultrasound imaging predictions. Serum levels of VEGFR-2 were higher in OVCA hens than in normal hens and associated with the frequencies of ovarian TAN vessels. None of the hens with normal egg laying rates was positive for anti-NMP antibodies. Immunoreactive tumor antigens (NMP) of 50-60kDa were detected by 2D-WB. The frequencies of VEGFR-2 expressing TAN vessels were higher in hens with serum anti-NMP antibodies than in normal hens. Conclusion: VEGFR-2 targeted ultrasound imaging enhanced the visualization of ovarian TAN vessels remarkably. The intensity of targeted imaging was associated with serum VEGFR-2 levels and anti-NMP antibodies. Thus, VEGFR-2 targeted imaging together in association with serum anti-NMP antibodies may improve OVCA detection at early stage. These results will form a foundation for a clinical study. Support: DOD-(OC0100192), Elmer and Sylvia Sramek Foundation, NCI-POCROC (P50 CA83636).

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2455. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2455

Autoantibodies to mesothelin in infertility

BACKGROUND

According to extensive epidemiologic data, infertility is associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. Previous studies showed that both women with infertility and those with ovarian cancer have autoantibodies to ovarian antigens. The objective was to determine if women with infertility have antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen.

METHODS

Sera were obtained from women with infertility (n = 109), ovarian cancer (n = 28), benign ovarian tumors or cysts (n = 24), and from healthy women (n = 152). Infertility included those with a risk for ovarian cancer; endometriosis (n = 23), ovulatory dysfunction (n = 17), premature ovarian failure (POF; n = 25) and unexplained infertility (n = 44). Sera were assayed for mesothelin antibodies and for circulating mesothelin antigen by immunoassay and compared with assay control sera (n = 16) to determine a positive result.

RESULTS

Mesothelin antibodies were significantly more frequent in women with prematurely reduced ovarian function including ovulatory dysfunction (59%), ovarian failure (44%) and unexplained infertility (25%) compared with controls. In contrast, women with endometriosis, who also have a high risk for ovarian cancer, did not have mesothelin antibodies. Serum levels of mesothelin were rarely elevated in women with infertility but were high in most patients with ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPACT

We show for the first time that antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen, occur in some women with epidemiologic risk for ovarian cancer. The results suggest it may be possible to identify which women with infertility have ovarian cancer risk.

The hen model of human ovarian cancer develops anti-mesothelin autoantibodies in response to mesothelin expressing tumors

Objective

Study of the hen immune system led to seminal contributions to basic immunological principles. Recent studies of spontaneous ovarian cancer in the laying hen show strikingly similar tumor types and antigen expression compared to human ovarian cancer, suggesting hens would be valuable for studies of tumor immunology and pre-clinical vaccine development. Circulating mesothelin is a relatively specific marker for human ovarian cancer and autoantibodies to mesothelin were reported. We hypothesized that hen tumors express mesothelin and that circulating anti-mesothelin antibodies occur in response to tumors.

Methods

Mesothelin mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR in hen ovarian tumors and normal ovaries. Mesothelin protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and two-dimensional SDS-PAGE Western blots. Anti-mesothelin antibodies were assessed by immunoassay of sera from hens with normal ovaries and with ovarian tumors.

Results

Significant mesothelin mRNA expression was observed in 57% (12/21) of hen ovarian tumors but not in normal ovaries and was found predominantly in serous tumors as in humans. Mesothelin protein was detected in tumors with mesothelin mRNA by IHC and 2D Western blots, but not in normal ovaries or tumors without mesothelin mRNA. Circulating anti-mesothelin antibodies occurred in 44% (n = 4/9) of hens with ovarian tumors which express mesothelin mRNA and were not found in hens with tumors that did not express mesothelin (n = 0/5) or normal ovaries (n = 0/5).

Conclusion

The results support the utility of the hen as a novel model for preclinical studies of mesothelin as a biomarker and a target for immunotherapy.

Abstract 3190: Interleukin (IL-16) and tumor associated neo-angiogenesis detects ovarian cancer at early stage

Background: The lack of an early detection test is one of the reasons of high mortality rate of women due to epithelial ovarian cancer (OVCA). Understanding the pathogenesis and progression of OVCA is essential to establish an effective early detection test. Tumor associated -immuno-chemotaxis (TAI) and -neoangiogenesis (TAN) are the two earlier events in tumor development. CD8+ T cells in tumor vicinity produce immune-chemotactic IL-16 cytokines which stimulates the production of pro-angiogenic cytokines responsible for TAN. Ovarian TAI and TAN represent potential target for an effective early detection test. Access to patients at early stage OVCA is very difficult and laying hens develop spontaneous OVCA with histopathology similar to humans.

Objectives: The goal of the present study was to determine the feasibility of markers of ovarian TAI and TAN in detecting early stage OVCA in laying hens.

Materials and Methods: 3 years old laying hens (normal, low or stopped egg-laying) were scanned by Ultrasound, sera were collected, hens were euthanized and ovarian tissues were processed for paraffin and frozen sections, and mRNA extraction. Ovarian tumor stages were confirmed at gross and routine histology. Samples were divided into 4 groups namely normal (control), early stage OVCA [microscopic or tumors limited to the ovaries], late stage OVCA, with non-tumor ovarian abnormalities (atrophied ovaries). Sera were tested for IL-16 levels by ELISA and confirmed by 2D-Western blot (WB). Ovarian expression of TAN markerS (VEGF) and, neoangiogenic microvessel density (MVD) as well as IL-16 mRNA was determined.

Results: The population of CD8+ T cells and the serum IL-16 levels were significantly higher in tumor hens (P &lt; 0.05) than normal hens. Significant increase in IL-16 levels in hens with microscopic tumor (undetectable at gross examination) suggesting that serum IL-16 may be a potential indicator of ovarian tumors at very early stage. Differences in serum IL-16 levels were not observed between hens with non-tumor ovarian pathology and normal hens suggesting that increased serum IL-16 levels in OVCA hens are tumor specific. Two immunoreactive bands (12 & 50kDa) for IL-16 were identified in the ovary while only one band (50 kDa) was detected in sera suggesting that IL-16 may be the active in tetramerized form. IL-16 protein and mRNA expression as well as the frequency of MVD were significantly higher in hens with OVCA than healthy hens. VEGF expressing microvessels were localized in the ovarian stroma preceding the tumor indicating that ovarian TAN precedes tumor progression.

Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that changes in serum levels of IL-16 are positively correlated with tumor initiation and progression. Thus serum IL-16 level together with marker of ovarian TAN may constitute a feasible test for the early detection of OVCA. Support: Prevent Cancer Foundation, Sramak Foundation and DOD (OC#093303).

Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3190. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3190

Sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor (S1p1), a critical receptor controlling human lymphocyte trafficking, is expressed in hen and human ovaries and ovarian tumors

Background

Sphingosine-1 receptor 1 (S1P1) plays a major role in regulating lymphocyte egress from peripheral lymph tissue. Lymphocyte trafficking is potentially a critical response to tumors and to tumor vaccines. Also, the receptor has been shown to influence metastasis. However, there is little information on its expression in the aged ovary or ovarian tumors. As a basis for further studies in the laying hen model of spontaneous ovarian cancer, the objective of this study was to determine if S1P1 is expressed in hens, and if the morphological distribution of S1P1 is similar in hen and human ovary and ovarian tumors.

Methods

S1P1 mRNA was ascertained in hen tissue by RT-PCR using hen specific primers. S1P1 protein expression and localization was evaluated in hen and human tissue with a human S1P1 antibody by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results

S1P1 mRNA was expressed in all hen tissues examined. Protein was detected in human and hen ovary and ovarian tumors at 47, 72 and 108 kDa in Western blots. S1P1 was similarly expressed on endothelial cells, lymphocytes and surface epithelial cells in normal ovaries and tumor-containing ovaries of the hen. In addition, S1P1 distribution was heterogeneous in both hen and human ovarian tumors by immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

The results show that S1P1 is expressed in the hen and human ovary as well as in ovarian tumors. These findings support the use of the hen in further studies of the role of S1P1 in metastasis and immune cell trafficking in ovarian tumor development.

Differential expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (ALDH1) in normal ovary and serous ovarian tumors

Background

We showed there are specific ALDH1 autoantibodies in ovarian autoimmune disease and ovarian cancer, suggesting a role for ALDH1 in ovarian pathology. However, there is little information on the ovarian expression of ALDH1. Therefore, we compared ALDH1 expression in normal ovary and benign and malignant ovarian tumors to determine if ALDH1 expression is altered in ovarian cancer. Since there is also recent interest in ALDH1 as a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker, we assessed co-expression of ALDH1 with CSC markers in order to determine if ALDH1 is a potential CSC marker in ovarian cancer.

Methods

mRNA and protein expression were compared in normal human ovary and serous ovarian tumors using quantitative Reverse-Transcriptase PCR, Western blot (WB) and semi-quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC). ALDH1 enzyme activity was confirmed in primary ovarian cells by flow cytometry (FC) using ALDEFLUOR assay.

Results

ALDH1 mRNA expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.01; n = 5) in malignant tumors compared to normal ovaries and benign tumors. The proportion of ALDH1+ cells was significantly lower in malignant tumors (17.1 ± 7.61%; n = 5) compared to normal ovaries (37.4 ± 5.4%; p < 0.01; n = 5) and benign tumors (31.03 ± 6.68%; p < 0.05; n = 5). ALDH1+ cells occurred in the stroma and surface epithelium in normal ovary and benign tumors, although surface epithelial expression varied more in benign tumors. Localization of ALDH1 was heterogeneous in malignant tumor cells and little ALDH1 expression occurred in poorly differentiated malignant tumors. In benign tumors the distribution of ALDH1 had features of both normal ovary and malignant tumors. ALDH1 protein expression assessed by IHC, WB and FC was positively correlated (p < 0.01). ALDH1 did not appear to be co-expressed with the CSC markers CD44, CD117 and CD133 by IHC.

Conclusions

Total ALDH1 expression is significantly reduced in malignant ovarian tumors while it is relatively unchanged in benign tumors compared to normal ovary. Thus, ALDH1 expression in the ovary does not appear to be similar to breast, lung or colon cancer suggesting possible functional differences in these cancers.

Significance

These observations suggest that reduced ALDH1 expression is associated with malignant transformation in ovarian cancer and provides a basis for further study of the mechanism of ALDH1 in this process.

Autoantigens in ovarian autoimmunity associated with unexplained infertility and premature ovarian failure

OBJECTIVE

To identify ovarian autoantigens associated with ovarian autoantibodies.

DESIGN

Hypothesis-generating prospective study.

SETTING

Urban infertility referral centers and academic research institution.

PATIENT(S)

Seventy-four patients with infertility, 19 patients with premature ovarian failure (POF), and 16 healthy control women.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Identification of autoantigens.

RESULT(S)

To identify major antigens for ovarian autoimmunity, sera from 74 women with unexplained infertility were screened for ovarian autoantibodies (AOAs) by immunoassay and one-dimensional Western blot. The majority of sera had immunoreactions at 50-56 kDa. Six representative positive infertility sera were used to identify antigens between 40 and 60 kD by two-dimensional Western blot and mass spectrometry. Antigens included aldehyde (retinal) dehydrogenases (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A2, and ALDH7A1), protein disulfide isomerase A3, vimentin, α-enolase, phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, and selenium-binding protein 1 (SBP1). Sixty percent (24 out of 40) of infertility and POF sera were positive for recombinant ALDH1A1, SBP1, or enolase; 80.7% (21 out of 26) of AOA-positive sera had antibodies to one or more of the three antigens, and only 7% (1 out of 14) of AOA-negative sera had antibodies to recombinant proteins.

CONCLUSION(S)

ALDH1A1 and SBP1 are unique to ovarian autoimmunity associated with infertility and POF, and may provide the basis for specific tests to identify patients with ovarian autoimmunity.

Abstract 2737: Common autoantibodies in ovarian cancer (OvCa) and infertility may define biomarkers for OvCa risk

Background: A 20-year longitudinal study of over 12,000 women shows a higher epidemiologic risk for OvCa and other cancers among women with infertility (Brinton et al, 2005, Epidemiology). In recent studies of an autoimmune etiology for some women with infertility we identified ovarian autoantigens. Several of the autoantigens were also reported as autoantigens in OvCa. Therefore the objective was to determine if there are commonly occurring autoantibodies in sera of women with infertility and OvCa in order to identify a potential risk group that would benefit from closer monitoring and earlier detection of OvCa.

Methods: We assessed antibodies to eight recombinant proteins previously identified as OvCa markers or as autoantigens in infertility. Sera (1:100) from women with infertility (n=28), malignant OvCa (n=21), benign ovarian tumors (n=9) and healthy control women without cancer (n=6) were assessed against the antigens (50 ng/well) in standard immunoassays. The antigens included mesothelin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), protein disulfide-isomerase A3 (PDIA3), Selenium Binding Protein 1 (SBP1), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1A1 (ALDH1), aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 (ALDH3), alpha-enolase and vimentin. Positive values were those 2 standard deviations above the mean control optical density value (p&lt;0.05).

Results: Antibodies to individual antigens in infertility recognized mesothelin (57%), GAPDH (43%), vimentin (43%), enolase (29%), PDIA3 (39%), SBP1 (43%), ALDH1 (46%) and ALDH3 (50%). Results were similar in OvCa for antibodies to mesothelin (33%), GAPDH (38%), vimentin (29%), enolase (29%), PDIA3 (33%), SBP1 (24%), ALDH1 (24%) and ALDH3 (38%). Only enolase antibodies (33%) were found in sera of women with benign tumors. The frequency distribution showed that benign tumor sera reacted with 0 or 1 antigen, women with infertility had peaks at 0, 4 or 6-8 antigens and OvCa sera had peaks at 0, and 5-8 antigens.

Conclusions and Significance: We have demonstrated antibodies to 8 ovarian autoantigens in sera from a high frequency of women with OvCa or infertility, a group with increased risk for OvCa. This suggests that assaying for antibodies to such antigens could be used for screening risk groups towards early detection of OvCa. Infertility affects over 10% of reproductive age women. These women are at increased risk of developing OvCa based on current epidemiological data and represent a sizable segment of the population. They would benefit from risk assessment and routine screening for early detection of OvCa.

Support: JL: NIH R01AI 055060, Ovarian Cancer SPORE (P50CA83636) Development Award, Segal Women's Cancer Award; IH & JL: NIH R01CA134487

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 2737.

Abstract A144: Anti-NMP antibodies in association with tumor-associated neoangiogenesis detects ovarian cancer at early stage

Background: The lack of an effective early detection test is one of the main reasons of high mortality due to ovarian cancer (OVCA). Changes in nuclear morphology including nuclear matrix proteins (NMPs) followed by the establishment of tumor associated neoangiogenesis (TAN) are the two earlier events in malignant transformation and progression of OVCA. NMPs are released in circulation, elicit autoimmune responses and anti-NMP antibodies are produced. Anti-NMP antibodies and ovarian TAN represent the potential marker of early stage OVCA. Identification of Patients at early stage OVCA is very difficult and laying hens have been shown to develop spontaneous OVCA with histopathology similar to humans.

Objectives: The goals of the study were to determine the prevalence of anti-NMP antibodies and the feasibility of Doppler ultrasound (DUS) imaging in detecting ovarian TAN related to early stage OVCA in laying hens.

Materials and Methods: Experiment-1: White Leghorn laying hens (3 years old with normal, low or stopped egg-laying) were scanned by DUS, sera were collected, hens were euthanized, ovarian tissues were processed for paraffin and frozen sections, and NMP extraction. Ovarian tumors with their stages were confirmed at gross and routine histology. Samples were divided into 3 groups: hens with normal ovaries (n= 8, control), with early stage OVCA [microscopic or tumors limited to the ovaries, n =7], with late stage OVCA (n = 5), with non-tumor ovarian abnormalities (atrophied ovaries, n = 2) and with non-ovarian tumors (gastrointestinal tumors, GI, n = 2). Sera were tested for the presence of anti-NMP antibodies against extracted ovarian NMP antigens by immunoassay and immunoreactivities were confirmed by 2D-Western blot (WB). Ovarian expression of TAN markers (VEGF and αvβ-integrins) was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Experiment-2: Hens without any detectable ovarian abnormality were selected by DUS and divided into hens with (n =6) or without circulating anti-NMP antibodies (n = 3). Hens were monitored by DUS scanning at 15 week interval until they developed ovarian TAN or up to 45weeks and confirmed by gross, histology and IHC.

Results: Sera from normal hens were negative for anti-NMP antibodies while 72% hens with early and 80% with late stage OVCA were positive against ovarian NMP antigens. Hens with ovarian atrophy or with GI tumors were negative for anti-NMP antibodies suggesting that these antibodies in OVCA hens are ovarian tumor specific. While no reactivity of sera from normal hens was observed in 2D-WB, sera from hens with early OVCA or late stage OVCA reacted against several ovarian NMP antigens with molecular weight range between 15–25 and 40–50 (kDa). In longitudinal study, 5 out 6 hens developed ovarian TAN between 30–45 weeks from initial scan.

Conclusion: Anti-NMP antibodies appear in circulation in association with preneoplastic and microscopic ovarian lesions followed by the development of ovarian TAN before the tumor becomes detectable by ultrasound imaging. Anti-NMP antibodies together with ovarian TAN may constitute an early detection tool for OVCA.

Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A144.

Prevalence of antitumor antibodies in laying hen model of human ovarian cancer

Antitumor antibodies are associated with tumors in human cancers. There is relatively little information on the timing and progression of antibody response to tumors. The objective of the study was to determine if spontaneous ovarian cancer in the egg-laying hen is associated with antitumor antibodies. Antibodies were detected by immunoassay and immunoblotting using proteins from normal ovary and ovarian tumors. Candidate antigens were identified by mass spectrometry of immunoreactive spots cut from 2-dimensional gels and Western blot. Antitumor (serum reacting against tumor ovarian extract) and antiovarian (serum reacting against normal ovarian extract) antibodies were significantly associated with ovarian cancer (67%; P <or= 0.001) compared with normal control hens. Hens with abnormal histology but no gross tumor had antitumor antibodies (63%; P <or= 0.025) but not antiovarian antibodies. There were common as well as different immunoreactions against normal ovary and homologous and heterologous tumor proteins in 2-dimensional Western blots. The candidate antigens included those commonly associated with human cancers and other diseases such as vimentin, apolipoprotein A1, Annexin II, enolase, DJ-1, and so on. The results suggest that antitumor antibodies are associated with ovarian cancer in hens, similar to human ovarian cancer. The egg-laying hen may be a model for understanding the antitumor humoral immune response, particularly at early tumor stages that are not readily accessible in human ovarian cancer.

Histopathology of ovarian tumors in laying hens: a preclinical model of human ovarian cancer

The high mortality rate due to ovarian cancer (OVCA) is attributed to the lack of an effective early detection method. Because of the nonspecificity of symptoms at early stage, most of the OVCA cases are detected at late stages. This makes the access to women with early-stage disease problematic and presents a barrier to development and validation of tests for detection of early stage of OVCA in humans. Animal models are used to elucidate disease etiologies and pathogenesis that are difficult to study in humans. Laying hen is the only available animal that develops OVCA spontaneously; however, detailed information on ovarian tumor histology is not available. The goal of this study was to determine the histological features of malignant ovarian tumors in laying hens. A total of 155 young and old (1-5 years of age) laying hens (Gallus domesticus) were selected randomly and evaluated grossly and microscopically for the presence of ovarian tumors. Histological classification of tumors with their stages and grades was determined with reference to those for humans. Similar to humans, all 4 types including serous, endometrioid, mucinous, and clear cell or mixed carcinomas were observed in hen ovarian tumors. Some early neoplastic as well as putative ovarian lesions were also observed. Similarities in histology, metastasis, and stages of hen OVCA to those of humans demonstrate the feasibility of the hen model for additional delineation of the mechanism underlying ovarian carcinogenesis, preclinical testing of new agents for the prevention, and therapy of this disease.

Selenium-Binding Protein 1 expression in ovaries and ovarian tumors in the laying hen, a spontaneous model of human ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

Reduced Selenium-Binding Protein 1 (SELENBP1) expression was recently shown in multiple cancers. There is little information on the expression and function of SELENBP1 in cancer progression. In order to develop a better understanding of the role of SELENBP1 in ovarian cancer, our objective was to determine if SELENBP1 is expressed in the normal ovaries and ovarian tumors in the egg-laying hen, a spontaneous model of human ovarian cancer.

METHODS

SPB1 mRNA expression in normal ovary (n=20) and ovarian tumors (n=23) was evaluated by RT-PCR. Relative levels of mRNA were compared by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in selected samples. SELENBP1 protein expression was evaluated by 1D Western blot and immunohistochemistry with a commercial anti-human SELENBP1 antibody.

RESULTS

SELENBP1 mRNA and protein was expressed in 100% of normal and ovarian tumors and qRT-PCR confirmed decreased mRNA expression in 80% of ovarian tumors. SELENBP1 was primarily localized in surface epithelial cells of normal ovaries. In ovaries containing early tumor lesions, SELENBP1 expression was reduced in the surface epithelium near the tumor and was expressed in tumor cells, while more distant regions with normal histology retained SELENBP1 expression in the surface epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown for the first time that SELENBP1 is expressed in both normal ovaries and ovarian tumors in the hen and that SELENBP1 expression is altered in the vicinity of the tumor. Furthermore, SELENBP1 expression in normal ovarian surface epithelium and in ovarian tumors parallels that previously reported for ovarian cancer in women.

Detection of ovarian tumors in chicken by sonography: a step toward early diagnosis in humans?

OBJECTIVE

Animal models of spontaneous ovarian cancer are important for understanding early tumor development. Ovarian imaging may play an important role in following changes in tumor development. Laying hens are the only animals that develop spontaneous ovarian cancer similar to humans. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of detecting ovarian tumors in laying hens using sonography.

METHODS

Ovaries of commercial strains of White Leghorn laying hens (n = 29, 2.5-3.0 years old) were examined by transvaginal 2-dimensional gray scale and color Doppler sonography. Sonographic evaluations were compared with ovarian anatomy and histologic features.

RESULTS

Results of in vivo sonography and ovarian anatomic and histologic examinations were consistent. The presence of gross ovarian tumors was correctly detected in all hens by sonography. The resistive and pulsatility index values associated with ovarian tumors were lower than for normal ovaries (P < .001) suggesting that blood flow velocity was increased in ovarian tumors. Values associated with abnormal ovarian histologic findings but no gross tumors were intermediate.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal sonography can be used to determine ovarian status in hens. It offers the ability to make repeated examinations on the same hen to monitor early changes in the ovary associated with ovarian cancer.

Anti-tumor and Anti-ovarian Autoantibodies in Women with Ovarian Cancer

PROBLEM

There is a lack of validated marker(s) for the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer (OVCA). The objective was to determine if women with OVCA had antibodies, to assess their potential as markers of ovarian cancer. The secondary objective was to compare the prevalence of antibodies to proteins from normal ovary and ovarian tumors to determine if antibodies primarily recognize tumor antigens, as many antigens are common to tumor and normal ovary.

METHOD OF STUDY

Serum samples from patients with OVCA, borderline or benign ovarian tumors, endometrial cancer and healthy women were examined for anti-ovarian and anti-tumor antibodies by immunoassay. Immunoreactive proteins were characterized by one- and two-dimensional Western blot.

RESULTS

Ovarian (81%, P < or = 0.001) and anti-tumor (69%, P < or = 0.001) autoantibodies in OVCA were significantly different from those of control sera. A majority of OVCA serum samples reacted with proteins at about 50 kDa from normal ovary or ovarian tumors in one-dimensional Western blot. While there were similar reactions in two-dimensional Western blots, there are differences between reactions to normal and tumor antigens and between reactions to autologous and allogeneic tumors.

CONCLUSION

Serum autoantibodies are significantly associated with OVCA. Anti-tumor antibodies may provide a useful marker for the detection of ovarian cancer.

High-resolution physical map and transcript identification of a prostate cancer deletion interval on 8p22

A genomic interval of approximately 1-1.5 Mb centered at the MSR marker on 8p22 has emerged as a possible site for a tumor suppressor gene, based on high rates of allele loss and the presence of a homozygous deletion found in metastatic prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to prepare a bacterial contig of this interval, integrate the contig with radiation hybrid (RH) databases, and use these resources to identify transcription units that might represent the candidate tumor suppressor genes. Here we present a complete bacterial contig across the interval, which was assembled using 22 published and 17 newly originated STSs. The physical map provides twofold or greater coverage over much of the interval, including 17 BACs, 15 P1s, 2 cosmids, and 1 PAC clone. The position of the selected markers across the interval in relation to the other markers on the larger chromosomal scale was confirmed by RH mapping using the Stanford G3 RH panel. Transcribed units within the deletion region were identified by exon amplification, searching of the Human Transcript Map, placement of unmapped expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from the Radiation Hybrid Database (RHdb), and from other published sources, resulting in the isolation of six unique expressed sequences. The transcript map of the deletion interval now includes two known genes (MSR and N33) and six novel ESTs.