Targeted Bioluminescent Imaging of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Using Nanocarrier-Complexed EGFR-Binding Affibody-Gaussia Luciferase Fusion Protein

In vivo imaging has enabled impressive advances in biological research, both preclinical and clinical, and researchers have an arsenal of imaging methods available. Bioluminescence imaging is an advantageous method for in vivo studies that allows for the simple acquisition of images with low background signals. Researchers have increasingly been looking for ways to improve bioluminescent imaging for in vivo applications, which we sought to achieve by developing a bioluminescent probe that could specifically target cells of interest. We chose pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as the disease model because it is the most common type of pancreatic cancer and has an extremely low survival rate. We targeted the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is frequently overexpressed in pancreatic cancer cells, using an EGFR-specific affibody to selectively identify PDAC cells and delivered a Gaussia luciferase (GLuc) bioluminescent protein for imaging by engineering a fusion protein with both the affibody and the bioluminescent protein. This fusion protein was then complexed with a G5-PAMAM dendrimer nanocarrier. The dendrimer was used to improve the protein stability in vivo and increase signal strength. Our targeted bioluminescent complex had an enhanced uptake into PDAC cells in vitro and localized to PDAC tumors in vivo in pancreatic cancer xenograft mice. The bioluminescent complexes could delineate the tumor shape, identify multiple masses, and locate metastases. Through this work, an EGFR-targeted bioluminescent-dendrimer complex enabled the straightforward identification and imaging of pancreatic cancer cells in vivo in preclinical models. This argues for the targeted nanocarrier-mediated delivery of bioluminescent proteins as a way to improve in vivo bioluminescent imaging.

The soluble guanylyl cyclase pathway is inhibited to evade androgen deprivation-induced senescence and enable progression to castration resistance

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is fatal and therapeutically under-served. We describe a novel CRPC-restraining role for the vasodilatory soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) pathway. We discovered that sGC subunits are dysregulated during CRPC progression and its catalytic product, cyclic GMP (cGMP), is lowered in CRPC patients. Abrogating sGC heterodimer formation in castration-sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC) cells inhibited androgen deprivation (AD)-induced senescence, and promoted castration-resistant tumor growth. We found sGC is oxidatively inactivated in CRPC. Paradoxically, AD restored sGC activity in CRPC cells through redox-protective responses evoked to protect against AD-induced oxidative stress. sGC stimulation via its FDA-approved agonist, riociguat, inhibited castration-resistant growth, and the anti-tumor response correlated with elevated cGMP, indicating on-target sGC activity. Consistent with known sGC function, riociguat improved tumor oxygenation, decreasing the PC stem cell marker, CD44, and enhancing radiation-induced tumor suppression. Our studies thus provide the first evidence for therapeutically targeting sGC via riociguat to treat CRPC.

Statement of significance

Prostate cancer is the second highest cancer-related cause of death for American men. Once patients progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer, the incurable and fatal stage, there are few viable treatment options available. Here we identify and characterize a new and clinically actionable target, the soluble guanylyl cyclase complex, in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Notably we find that repurposing the FDA-approved and safely tolerated sGC agonist, riociguat, decreases castration-resistant tumor growth and re-sensitizes these tumors to radiation therapy. Thus our study provides both new biology regarding the origins of castration resistance as well as a new and viable treatment option.

Abstract 1996: Prostate cancer androgen receptor signaling inhibition via romidepsin encapsulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle with PSMA617 targeting

Purpose/Objective(s): Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has been a clinical standard of care for the treatment of castration sensitive prostate cancer (CSPC). However, it is not curative, and ADT has significant systemic effects including hot flashes, osteoporosis, anemia, etc. We sought to identify agents that would inhibit AR signaling without causing these systemic effects. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) are attractive agents because they impede AR signaling and DNA damage repair in PCa and show epigenetic modifications in prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. This study demonstrated romidepsin as an alternative to ADT and the development of a romidepsin encapsulated CSPC PCa targeted nanoparticle for PCa cell killing and growth inhibition without the toxicity associated with free romidepsin or ADT.

Materials/Methods: Three PCa cell lines, LNCaP, 22Rv1 and PC3 that express different androgen receptor (AR) levels were used for this study. Cell viability was tested by real-time cell analysis (RTCA), protein expression by western blot analysis, and quantification of γ-H2AX double stranded DNA (dsDNA) breaks by immunofluorescent microscopy. We developed a poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and 1, 2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol (DSPE-PEG) polymer-lipid nanoparticle coated with vipivotide tetraxetan(PSMA-617) for prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting. Nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). Romidepsin encapsulation efficiency was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).

Results: RTCA showed free romidepsin inhibited cell growth in all three PCa cell lines in a dose dependent manner. The addition of ADT exhibited an additive effect with low romidepsin doses, but did not significantly improve cell growth inhibition when combined with high doses of romidepsin. Western blot and γ-H2AX foci staining confirmed that romidepsin inhibited AR signaling and increased dsDNA damage, respectively. HPLC showed nanoparticle encapsulated romidepsin of 0.7%wt and TEM/DLS/NTA showed a size of 130 ±20nm. Furthermore, PSMA-617 coated nanoparticles exhibited enhanced uptake in LNCaP cells compared to non-coated nanoparticles.

Conclusion: Our study showed that the romidepsin has a dual effect on inhibiting AR signaling as well as downregulating DNA damage repair genes. Additionally, we developed a PCa targeted nanoparticle for specific PCa delivery of romidepsin. PSMA-targeted, romidepsin-encapsulated nanoparticles would reduce the systemic effects of free romidepsin and a potential replacement for ADT.

Citation Format: Wendi Ma, Daiki Hara, Yu-Ping Yang, Olivia Yolande Bosquet, Wei Zhang, Emre Dikici, Huayang Feng, Tim Horton, Wensi Tao, Jessi Hersh, Junwei Shi, Sylvia Daunert, Sapna Deo, Alan Pollack. Prostate cancer androgen receptor signaling inhibition via romidepsin encapsulated lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle with PSMA617 targeting [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1996.

Experimental Support for the Possibility of Retrograde Genesis of Intraductal Carcinoma of the Prostate

Background. Historically, intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) was postulated to be a retrograde spread of high-grade invasive prostate cancer. There is evidence that IDC-P can primarily originate in the prostatic ducts. The retrograde genesis has never been experimentally or clinically confirmed before. Methods. Biopsy proven intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer was orthotopically grafted in the prostate of severe combined immunodeficiency gamma mice. Cancer growth was monitored by serum PSA levels. The animals were sacrificed and grafted areas were histological examined. Results. Twenty-one of 23 mice survived and demonstrated rising serum PSA. In 10 of 21 animals, human prostate cancer was identified orthotopically. Except for one case where the human biopsy showed a Grade Group 2 prostate cancer and mouse graft was Grade Group 5, other 9 specimens showed comparable grades. One of the specimens demonstrated a cribriform invasive prostate cancer and adjacent IDC-P. Conclusion. These experimental data offer some evidence that invasive prostate cancer can demonstrate a retrograde spread in the prostatic ducts as IDC-P. Its ability to primarily arise in the ducts has been demonstrated in other studies. However, the issue which remains unresolved is in its most common presentation of IDC-P intermixed with high-grade invasive cancer if it is the former or the latter which came first. Possibly resolving this dilemma will shed some light on the existing controversies if IDC-P should or should not be graded when invasive cancer is present.

In vivo active-targeting fluorescence molecular imaging with adaptive background fluorescence subtraction

Using active tumor-targeting nanoparticles, fluorescence imaging can provide highly sensitive and specific tumor detection, and precisely guide radiation in translational radiotherapy study. However, the inevitable presence of non-specific nanoparticle uptake throughout the body can result in high levels of heterogeneous background fluorescence, which limits the detection sensitivity of fluorescence imaging and further complicates the early detection of small cancers. In this study, background fluorescence emanating from the baseline fluorophores was estimated from the distribution of excitation light transmitting through tissues, by using linear mean square error estimation. An adaptive masked-based background subtraction strategy was then implemented to selectively refine the background fluorescence subtraction. First, an in vivo experiment was performed on a mouse intratumorally injected with passively targeted fluorescent nanoparticles, to validate the reliability and robustness of the proposed method in a stringent situation wherein the target fluorescence was overlapped with the strong background. Then, we conducted in vivo studies on 10 mice which were inoculated with orthotopic breast tumors and intravenously injected with actively targeted fluorescent nanoparticles. Results demonstrated that active targeting combined with the proposed background subtraction method synergistically increased the accuracy of fluorescence molecular imaging, affording sensitive tumor detection.

Boosted Radiation Bystander Effect of PSMA-Targeted Gold Nanoparticles in Prostate Cancer Radiosensitization

Metal nanoparticles are effective radiosensitizers that locally enhance radiation doses in targeted cancer cells. Compared with other metal nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) exhibit high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and they increase secondary electron scatter. Herein, we investigated the effects of active-targeting GNPs on the radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE) in prostate cancer cells. The impact of GNPs on the RIBE presents implications for secondary cancers or spatially fractionated radiotherapy treatments. Anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) antibodies were conjugated with PEGylated GNPs through EDC-NHS chemistry. The media transfer technique was performed to induce the RIBE on the non-irradiated bystander cells. This study focused on the LNCaP cell line, because it can model a wide range of stages relating to prostate cancer progression, including the transition from androgen dependence to castration resistance and bone metastasis. First, LNCaP cells were pretreated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or PSMA-targeted GNPs (PGNPs) for 24 h and irradiated with 160 kVp X-rays (0-8 Gy). Following that, the collected culture media were filtered (sterile 0.45 µm polyethersulfone) in order to acquire PBS- and PGNP- conditioned media (CM). Then, PBS- and PGNP-CM were transferred to the bystander cells that were loaded with/without PGNPs. MTT, γ-H2AX, clonogenic assays and reactive oxygen species assessments were performed to compare RIBE responses under different treatments. Compared with 2 Gy-PBS-CM, 8 Gy-PBS-CM demonstrated a much higher RIBE response, thus validating the dose dependence of RIBE in LNCaP cells. Compared with PBS-CM, PGNP-CM exhibited lower cell viability, higher DNA damage, and a smaller survival fraction. In the presence of PBS-CM, bystander cells loaded with PGNPs showed increased cell death compared with cells that did not have PGNPs. These results demonstrate the PGNP-boosted expression and sensitivity of RIBE in prostate cancer cells.

[Investigation on prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, so as to provide insights into precise control of the source of S. japonicum infections.

METHODS

Wild mice were captured using the trapping method for three successive nights at snail-infested settings from Jitan Village of Jitan Township, and Shiquan Village and Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township, Shitai County, Anhui Province in June and October, 2018. All trapped wild mice were sacrificed and liver and mesenteric vein specimens were collected for detection of S. japonicum eggs using microscopy, while the fecal samples in mouse intestines were collected for identification of S. japonicum infections using Kato-Katz technique. In addition, the population density of trapped wild mice was estimated and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was calculated in trapped wild mice.

RESULTS

A total of 376 wild mice were trapped from three villages in Shitai County. The population density of trapped wild mice was 9.1% (376/4 124), and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was 24.2% (91/376) in trapped wild mice. The highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in Shiquan Village of Dingxiang Township (30.1%), and the lowest prevalence was seen in Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township; however, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in trapped wild mice among three villages (χ²= 4.111, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild mice captured between on June (26.8%, 34/127) and October (22.9%, 57/249) (χ² = 0.690, P = 0.406). The trapped wild mice included 6 species, including Rattus norvegicus, Niviventer niviventer, R. losea, Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus and N. coning, and the two highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in R. losea (34.9%, 22/63) and R. norvegicus (31.2%, 44/141).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of S. japonicum infections is high in wild mice in Shitai County, and there is a natural focus of schistosomiasis transmission in Shitai County.

The Safety and Efficacy of Flow Diversion versus Conventional Endovascular Treatment for Intracranial Aneurysms: A Meta-analysis of Real-world Cohort Studies from the Past 10 Years

BACKGROUND

Although the flow diverter has advantages in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms, pooled studies that directly compare it with conventional endovascular treatments are rare.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to compare the safety and efficacy of flow-diverter and conventional endovascular treatments in intracranial aneurysms.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a comprehensive search of the literature using PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database.

STUDY SELECTION

We included only studies that directly compared the angiographic and clinical outcomes of flow-diverter and conventional endovascular treatments.

DATA ANALYSIS

Random effects or fixed effects meta-analysis was used to pool the cumulative rate of short- and long-term angiographic and clinical outcomes.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Eighteen studies with 1001 patients with flow diverters and 1133 patients with conventional endovascular treatments were included; 1015 and 1201 aneurysm procedures were performed, respectively. The flow-diverter group had aneurysms of a larger size (standard mean difference, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.03-0.41; P = .026). There was a higher risk of complications in the flow-diverter group compared with the conventional endovascular group (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.01-1.96; P = .045) during procedures. The follow-up angiographic results of flow-diverter treatment indicated a higher rate of complete occlusion (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.70-3.83; P < .001) and lower rates of recurrence (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12-0.46; P < .001) and retreatment (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.21-0.47; P < .001).

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a retrospective, observational design in some studies, high heterogeneity, and selection bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the conventional endovascular treatments, the placement of a flow diverter may lead to more procedure-related complications, but there is no difference in safety, and it is more effective in the long term.

[Prospective comparison of greenlight laser anatomic vaporization-incision technique and photoselective vaporization of the prostate in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]

Objective: To prospectively compare the efficacy and safety of the greenlight laser anatomical vaporization-incision technique (AVIT) and photoselective vaporization of the prostate(PVP)in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: From November 2019 to September 2020, a randomized controlled study was conducted on 136 BPH patients undergoing greenlight laser surgery in the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. The patient's age ranged from 53 to 85 years and the prostatic volume ranged from 30 to 104 ml. They were divided into two groups by random number table method,including 68 cases of AVIT(observation group)and 68 cases of PVP(control group). The clinical data of the two groups before, during and after operation were collected and analyzed. Results: Operations were successfully completed in the two groups. At 6 months after operation, 63 cases in the observation group and 66 cases in the control group completed the follow-up. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation and renal insufficiency between the two groups before operation (all P>0.05). The differences of preoperative age [(66.8±6.5) vs (67.3±5.4) years], international prostate symptom score (IPSS) [(24.2±4.7) vs (23.5±4.5) ], quality of life score (QOL) [4.7(4.1, 4.9) vs 4.6(4.2, 5.0)], peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) [(6.9±2.8) vs (6. 8±2.6) ml/s], post-void residual volume (PVR) [(137(52.8, 190.9) vs 119(70.6, 172.1) ml], prostate volume (PV) [70.5(60.6, 80.9) vs 68.2(61.2, 80.5) ml], serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) [4.4(3.5, 5.1) vs 4.4(3.4, 5.0) ng/ml] were not statistically significant between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the amount of intraoperative blood loss, catheterization time and the postoperative hospitalization time between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the operation time and lasing time of the observation group were longer[69.0(64.6, 75.0) vs 55.8(49.1, 63.4) min,(36.3±9.9) vs (31.3±9.3) min], and the intraoperaive laser energy consumption and laser energy density were higher[(297±20) vs (240±20) kJ,(4.50±1.35) vs (3.73±1.17) kJ/ml]. The differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). At the follow-up of 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, IPSS and QOL in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Qmax in the observation group was higher and PVR was lower than those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Six months after operation, PV and PSA in the observation group decreased more significantly than those in the control group (56% vs 47%, 70% vs 60%, both P<0.05). No urethral stricture and urinary incontinence occurred in two groups after operation. The incidence rate of urinary tract irritation in the observation group was 6.3%(4/63),lower than the 18.2%(12/66)in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence rates of urinary retention, bladder neck contracture and secondary bleeding between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Greenlight laser anatomical vaporization-incision technique is safe and effective in the treatment of BPH. Compared with PVP, AVIT has more prostate tissue removed and better curative effect, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Interactions of Urea-Based Inhibitors with Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy

In this study, molecular interactions of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) with five chemically distinct urea-based boron-containing inhibitors have been investigated at the atomic level using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The PSMA-inhibitor complexations have been analyzed by comparing their binding modes, secondary structures, root-mean-square deviations, noncovalent interactions, principal components, and binding free energies. PSMA is a cell surface glycoprotein upregulated in cancerous cells and can be targeted by boron-labeled inhibitors for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). The effective BNCT requires the selective boron delivery to the tumor area and highly specific PSMA-mediated cellular uptake by tumor. Thus, a potent inhibitor must exhibit both high binding affinity and high boron density. The computational results suggest that the chemical nature of inhibitors affects the binding mode and their association with PSMA is primarily dominated by hydrogen bonding, salt bridge, electrostatic, and π-π interactions. The binding free energies (-28.0, -15.2, -43.9, -23.2, and -38.2 kcal/mol) calculated using λ-dynamics for all inhibitors (In1-5) predict preferential binding that is in accordance with experimental data. Among all inhibitors, In5 was found to be the best candidate for BNCT. The binding of this inhibitor to PSMA preserved its overall secondary structure. These results provide computational insights into the coordination flexibility of PSMA and its interaction with various inhibitors. They can be used for the design and synthesis of efficient BNCT agents with improved drug selectivity and high boron percentage.

Genome-wide association study reveals a quantitative trait locus and two candidate genes on Sus scrofa chromosome 5 affecting intramuscular fat content in Suhuai pigs

Intramuscular fat content (IFC) is an essential quantitative trait of meat, affecting multiple meat quality indicators. A certain amount of IFC could not only improve the sensory score of pork but also increase the flavour, tenderness, juiciness and shelf-life. To dissect the genetic determinants of IFC, two methods, including genome-wide efficient mixed-model analysis (GEMMA) and linkage disequilibrium adjusted kinships (LDAKs), were used to carry out genome-wide association studies for IFC in Suhuai pig population. A total of 14 and 18 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified by GEMMA and LDAK, respectively. The results of these two methods were highly consistent and all 14 significant SNPs in GEMMA were detected by LDAK. Seven of the 18 SNPs reached the genome-wide significance level (P < 9.85E-07) while 11 cases reached the suggestive significance level (P < 1.77E-05). These significant SNPs were mainly distributed on Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC) 5, 3, and 7. Moreover, one locus resides in a 2.27 Mb (71.37-73.64 Mb) region on SSC5 harbouring 13 significant SNPs associated with IFC, and the lead SNP (rs81302978) also locates in this region. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis showed that there were four pairs of complete LD (r² = 1) among these 13 SNPs, and the remaining 9 SNPs with incomplete LD (r² ≠ 1) were selected for subsequent analyses of IFC. Association analyses showed that 7 out of 9 SNPs were significantly associated with IFC (P < 0.05) in 330 Suhuai pigs, and the other 2 SNPs tended to reach a significant association level with IFC (P < 0.1). The phenotypic variance explained (PVE) range of these 9 SNPs was 0.92-3.55%. Meanwhile, the lead SNP was also significantly associated (rs81302978) with IFC (P < 0.05) in 378 commercial hybrid pigs (Pietrain × Duroc) × (Landrace × Yorkshire) (PDLY), and the PVE was 1.38%. Besides, two lipid metabolism-relevant candidate genes, the leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and PDZ domain containing ring finger 4 (PDZRN4) were identified in the 2.27 Mb region on SSC5. In conclusion, our results may provide a set of markers useful for genetic improvement of IFC in pigs and will advance the genome selection process of IFC on pig breeding programmes.

O-174 Individualized versus standard FSH dosing in predicted poor responders: an RCT

Study question

Is there a difference in fertility outcomes between individualized or standard FSH dosing in women scheduled for IVF with an expected poor response?

Summary answer

In predicted poor responders (AFC&lt;10) undergoing IVF/ICSI, individualized FSH dosing does not improve ongoing pregnancy rates as compared to a standard FSH dose.

What is known already

Poor responders usually lead to many detrimental effects on IVF outcomes due to low oocyte number and quality which in turn result in low pregnancy outcomes and an increased chance of cycle cancellation. Clinicians often individualize the FSH dose using ovarian reserve tests (ORT), including antral follicle count (AFC), basal FSH (bFSH), and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH). However, it is unclear whether individualized FSH dosing improves clinical outcomes.

Study design, size, duration

Between March 2019 and April 2020, we performed a single-center, parallel, open-label RCT in women with an AFC&lt;10. A total of 661 women were randomized either to start FSH dosing at 300IU/225IU or 150IU. The primary outcome was live birth attributable to the first ART cycle within 18 months of randomization. In this abstract, we report ongoing pregnancy rates. Live birth date will be available at the meeting.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Women referred for their first IVF/ICSI cycle, &lt;43 years of age, AFC&lt;10 were approached. A total of 328 women were allocated to the individualized group and 333 women were allocated to the standard group. In the individualized group, women with AFC 1-6 were assigned to 300IU/day (n = 122), while women with AFC 7-9 were assigned to 225IU/day (n = 206). In the standard group, women were assigned 150IU/day. Outcomes were evaluated from an intention-to-treat perspective.

Main results and the role of chance

For ongoing pregnancy rate attributable to the first ART cycle for individualized versus standard dosing was comparable [52.44% vs 46.25%, relative risk (RR): 1.29 (95%CI, 0.94-1.74), P = 0.11]. Biochemical pregnancy rate [62.50% vs 62.16%, RR: 1.01 (95%CI, 0.74-1.39), P = 0.929], clinical pregnancy rate [59.45% vs 58.86%, RR: 1.02 (95%CI, 0.75-1.40), P = 0.877] and multiple pregnancy rate [5.18% vs 5.12%, RR: 1.01 (95%CI, 0.51-2.02), P = 0.971] also did not differ between individualized and standard dosing. There are 24 women who are ongoing pregnancy but do not reach live birth in the completed embryo transfer cycle. The individualized group reported less poor response (31.1% vs 48.7%: P &lt; 0.001), more obtained oocytes (6.80 ± 3.85 vs 5.28 ± 3.22; P &lt; 0.001), less embryos (3.76 ± 2.70 vs 3.16 ± 2.42; P = 0.004), and less good quality embryos (2.61 ± 2.29 vs 2.21 ± 2.05; P = 0.018). When outcomes were compared over the first embryo transfer, ongoing pregnancy rates were 39.0% (128/328) versus 37.2% (124/333), respectively [RR:1.08 (95%CI, 0.79-1.48), P = 0.636], without differences in the other outcomes. There are 7 women who are ongoing pregnancy but do not reach live birth in the first embryo transfer cycle.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Due to the open-label character, potential selective canceling and small dose adjustments of standard dosing were allowed. This abstract reports on ongoing pregnancy. At the meeting, we will present live birth rates.

Wider implications of the findings

In women with predicted poor response, an increased dose does not increase ongoing pregnancy rates. A standard dose of 150IU/day is recommended in these women.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900021944

Prostate Cancer Targeted X-Ray Fluorescence Imaging via Gold Nanoparticles Functionalized With Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)

PURPOSE

The gold nanoparticle (GNP) as a promising theranostic probe has been increasingly studied. The tumor-targeting efficiency of GNPs is crucial to increase the therapeutic ratio. In this study, we developed PSMA-targeted GNPs to enhance GNP uptake in prostate cancer and developed an x-ray fluorescence imaging system to noninvasively monitor and assess GNP delivery.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

For targeted therapy of prostate cancer, anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) antibodies were conjugated onto PEGylated GNPs through 1-ethyl-3-(-3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) (EDC/NHS) chemistry. In vivo imaging was implemented using an in-house-developed dual-modality computed tomography (CT) and x-ray fluorescence CT (XFCT) system on mice bearing subcutaneous LNCaP prostate tumors. After intravenous administration of GNPs (15 mg/mL, 200 μL), the x-ray fluorescence signals from the tumor were collected at various time points (5 minutes to approximately 30 hours) for GNP pharmacokinetics analysis. At 24 hours after administration, x-ray fluorescence projection (XRFproj) and XFCT imaging were conducted to evaluate the prostate tumor uptake of active- and passive-targeting GNPs. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis was adopted as a benchmark to verify the quantification accuracy of XRFproj/XFCT imaging.

RESULTS

Fluorescence microscopic imaging confirmed the enhanced (approximately 4 times) targeting efficiency of PSMA-targeted GNPs in vitro. The pharmacokinetics analysis showed enhanced tumor uptake/retention of PSMA-targeted GNPs and revealed that the peak tumor accumulation appeared at approximately 24 hours after intravenous administration. Both XRFproj and XFCT imaging presented their accuracy in quantifying GNPs within tumors noninvasively. Moreover, XFCT imaging verified its unique capabilities to simultaneously determine the heterogeneous spatial distribution and the concentration of GNPs within tumors in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

In conjunction with PSMA-targeted GNPs, XRFproj/XFCT would be a highly sensitive tool for targeted imaging of prostate cancer, benefiting the elucidation of mechanisms of GNP-assisted prostate-cancer therapy.

Orbital Hemorrhagic Necrosis, Globe Rupture, and Death From Intraorbital Injection of 1% Sodium Deoxycholate in a Murine Model

PURPOSE

Deoxycholic acid (DCA) 1% is an injectable detergent indicated for submental fat reduction, although clinically it is being injected off-label for orbital fat prolapse. It is known to cause severe inflammation, local nerve dysfunction, and tissue necrosis, all of which could be catastrophic in the orbit and periocular region. This study evaluated the effects of periocular DCA on orbital and ocular adnexal tissues in a murine model.

METHODS

Mice were treated via split-face intraorbital injections, subcutaneous injections, and topical cornea application with DCA versus phosphate-buffered saline. Whole heads were fixed, decalcified, and sectioned for orbital histology after 1-7 days. Matched pairs of human globes and mouse globes were immersed in either phosphate-buffered saline or 1% DCA for 72 hours.

RESULTS

Six of 11 mice receiving intraorbital DCA injections died within minutes. Surviving mice developed severe orbital inflammatory necrosis. All orbits injected with phosphate-buffered saline were clinically and histologically normal. Six mice were treated with lower concentrations of DCA and all developed variable amounts of orbital inflammation, hemorrhage, and globe necrosis. Mice receiving subcutaneous DCA injection to the lower eyelid showed inflammatory necrosis, edema, and lid malposition. Topical application of DCA to mouse corneas caused no external or histologic changes. Human and mouse globes immersed ex vivo in DCA developed corneal edema and cataract formation without observable scleral changes.

CONCLUSION

Intraorbital and periocular injection of DCA can cause devastating complications in a murine model, and significant caution is advised for off-label use in the periocular region.

Dynamic conversion of cell sorting patterns in aggregates of embryonic stem cells with differential adhesive affinity

BACKGROUND

Mammalian early development comprises the proliferation, differentiation, and self-assembly of the embryonic cells. The classic experiment undertaken by Townes and Holtfreter demonstrated the ability of dissociated embryonic cells to sort and self-organize spontaneously into the original tissue patterns. Here, we further explored the principles and mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of spontaneous tissue organization by studying aggregation and sorting of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells with differential adhesive affinity in culture.

RESULTS

As observed previously, in aggregates of wild-type and E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, the cell assemblies exhibited an initial sorting pattern showing wild-type cells engulfed by less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient ES cells, which fits the pattern predicted by the differential adhesive hypothesis proposed by Malcom Steinberg. However, in further study of more mature cell aggregates, the initial sorting pattern reversed, with the highly adhesive wild-type ES cells forming an outer shell enveloping the less adhesive E-cadherin-deficient cells, contradicting Steinberg's sorting principle. The outer wild-type cells of the more mature aggregates did not differentiate into endoderm, which is known to be able to sort to the exterior from previous studies. In contrast to the naive aggregates, the mature aggregates presented polarized, highly adhesive cells at the outer layer. The surface polarity was observed as an actin cap contiguously spanning across the apical surface of multiple adjacent cells, though independent of the formation of tight junctions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental findings suggest that the force of differential adhesive affinity can be overcome by even subtle polarity generated from strong bilateral ligation of highly adhesive cells in determining cell sorting patterns.

MicroRNA-296 functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer by targeting FGFR1 and regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) is a common malignancy all over the world. However, the detailed mechanism underlying BC progression remains incompletely understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been observed to play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. The present study aimed to determine the expression and function of miR-296 in BC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MiR-296 expressions in BC tissue samples and cell lines were examined by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). After that, we performed functional assays, including MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assays and transwell assays, to show the functions of miR-296 in BC cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Immunological histological chemistry (IHC) assays were carried out to detect the expression levels of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) in BC tissue samples. Western blot was used to explore potential mechanisms of miR-296 in regulating BC progression. A Luciferase reporter assay was carried out to confirm the target gene of miR-296.

RESULTS

Quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) results demonstrated a significant decrease of miR-296 expressions in BC when compared to the corresponding normal controls. In addition, the decreased miR-296 was correlated with the malignant phenotypes and poorer prognosis of BC patients. The functional assays indicated that miR-296 restoration could repress the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of BC cells. Moreover, the results of the current study revealed that miR-296 exerted the repressive functions in BC cells via regulating FGFR1, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and EMT. Additionally, miR-296 up-regulation could inhibit in vivo BC cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

All these findings indicated that miR-296 exerted anti-BC functions, providing novel therapeutic strategies in BC treatment.

Integrating Differential Gene Expression Analysis with Perturbagen-Response Signatures May Identify Novel Therapies for Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of Library of Integrated Network-based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) perturbagen prediction software to identify small molecules that revert pathologic gene signature and alter disease phenotype in orbital adipose stem cells (OASCs) derived from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO).

Methods

Differentially expressed genes identified via RNA sequencing were inputted into LINCS L1000 Characteristic Direction Signature Search Engine (L1000CDS²) to predict candidate small molecules to reverse pathologic gene expression. TAO OASC cell lines were treated in vitro with six identified small molecules (Torin-2, PX12, withaferin A, isoliquiritigenin, mitoxantrone, and MLN8054), and expression of key adipogenic and differentially expressed genes was measured with quantitative polymerase chain reaction after 7 days of treatment. OASCs were differentiated into adipocytes, treated for 15 days, and stained with Oil Red O (OD 490 nm) to evaluate adipogenic changes.

Results

The expression of key differentially expressed genes (IRX1, HOXB2, S100B, and KCNA4) and adipogenic genes (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ, FABP4) was significantly decreased in TAO OASCs after treatment (P < .05). In treated TAO adipocytes (n = 3), all six tested small molecules yielded significant decrease (P < .05) in Oil Red O staining. In treated non-TAO adipocytes (n = 3), only three of the drugs yielded a significant decrease in Oil Red O staining.

Conclusions

Combining disease expression signatures with LINCS small molecule prediction software can identify promising preclinical drug candidates for TAO.

Translational Relevance

These findings may offer insight into future potential therapeutic options for TAO and demonstrate a streamlined model to predict drug candidates for other diseases.

Targeting Cullin-RING E3 Ligases for Radiosensitization: From NEDDylation Inhibition to PROTACs

As a dynamic regulator for short-lived protein degradation and turnover, the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays important roles in various biological processes, including response to cellular stress, regulation of cell cycle progression, and carcinogenesis. Over the past decade, research on targeting the cullin-RING (really interesting new gene) E3 ligases (CRLs) in the UPS has gained great momentum with the entry of late-phase clinical trials of its novel inhibitors MLN4924 (pevonedistat) and TAS4464. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of MLN4924 as a radiosensitizer, mainly due to its unique cytotoxic properties, including induction of DNA damage response, cell cycle checkpoints dysregulation, and inhibition of NF-κB and mTOR pathways. Recently, the PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs) technology was developed to recruit the target proteins for CRL-mediated polyubiquitination, overcoming the resistance that develops inevitably with traditional targeted therapies. First-in-class cell-permeable PROTACs against critical radioresistance conferring proteins, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER), cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), MAP kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), and MEK2, have emerged in the past 5 years. In this review article, we will summarize the most important research findings of targeting CRLs for radiosensitization.

Mitochondrial targeted therapy with elamipretide (MTP-131) as an adjunct to tumor necrosis factor inhibition for traumatic optic neuropathy in the acute setting

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) can occur following blunt trauma to the orbit and can lead to permanent vision loss. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of elamipretide (MTP-131), a small mitochondrially-targeted tetrapeptide, in conjunction with etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, as neuroprotective agents of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) after optic nerve trauma with sonication-induced TON (SI-TON) in mice. Treatment with intravitreal MTP-131 and subcutaneous etanercept and MTP-131 showed a 21% increase (p < 0.01) in RGC survival rate compared to PBS-treated control eyes. Subcutaneous etanercept and MTP-131 had an 11% increase (p < 0.05) in RGC survival compared to controls. Subcutaneous etanercept only group showed 20% increase (p < 0.01) in RGC survival compared to controls, while subcutaneous MTP-131 alone showed a 17% increase (p < 0.01). Surprisingly, we did not observe a synergistic effect between the two drugs in the group receiving both etanercept and MTP-131. One possible explanation for the absence of a synergistic effect is that MTP-131 and etanercept may be acting on different portions of the same pathway.

Radiation Attenuates Prostate Tumor Antiviral Responses to Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Containing IFNβ, Resulting in Pronounced Antitumor Systemic Immune Responses

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing IFNβ induces apoptosis in multiple tumor models while maintaining an excellent safety profile. VSV-IFNβ is oncoselective due to permissive replication in cells with an altered IFN pathway. The human VSV-IFNβ (hIFNβ) vector is currently used in clinical trials as a standalone therapy; however, we hypothesized that oncolytic virotherapy might be more effective when used in combination with radiotherapy (RT). We investigated the synergistic effects of RT and VSV-hIFNβ in the subcutaneous PC3 and orthotopic LNCaP prostate xenograft models and a syngeneic RM9 prostate tumor model. VSV-IFNβ combined with RT amplified tumor killing for PC3 and LNCaP xenografts, and RM9 tumors. This was attributed to the induction of proapoptotic genes leading to increased VSV-IFNβ infection and replication, VSV expression, and oncolysis. In the RM9 tumors, combination therapy resulted in a robust antitumor immune response. Treated RM9 tumor-bearing mice demonstrated an increase in CD8⁺ and CD4⁺ T-cell numbers, 100% resistance to tumor rechallenge, and reduced resistance to reimplantation challenge with CD8⁺ knockdown. RT enhanced the activity of VSV-mediated oncolysis via attenuation of the innate antiviral response, resulting in increased VSV replication and the generation of an adaptive immune response earmarked by an increase in CD8⁺ lymphocyte numbers and antitumor activity. Local tumor irradiation combined with VSV-IFNβ affects tumor cell death through direct and systemic activity in conjunction with pronounced antitumor immunity. IMPLICATIONS: Radiotherapy enhances VSV-mediated oncolysis and anti-tumor immunity, indicating that the ombination has promise for very high risk prostate cancer.

Reintervention or mortality within 90 days of bariatric surgery: population-based cohort study

Background

Bariatric surgery carries a risk of severe postoperative complications, sometimes leading to reinterventions or even death. The incidence and risk factors for reintervention and death within 90 days after bariatric surgery are unclear, and were examined in this study.

Methods

This population-based cohort study included all patients who underwent bariatric surgery in one of the five Nordic countries between 1980 and 2012. Data on surgical and endoscopic procedures, diagnoses and mortality were retrieved from national high-quality and complete registries. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), adjusted for country, age, sex, co-morbidity, type of surgery and approach, year and hospital volume of bariatric surgery.

Results

Of 49 977 patients, 1111 (2·2 per cent) had a reintervention and 95 (0·2 per cent) died within 90 days of bariatric surgery. Risk factors for the composite outcome reintervention/mortality were older age (HR 1·65, 95 per cent c.i. 1·36 to 2·01, for age at least 50 years versus less than 30 years) and co-morbidity (HR 2·66, 1·53 to 4·62, for Charlson co-morbidity index score 2 or more versus 0). The risk of reintervention/mortality was decreased for vertical banded gastroplasty compared with gastric bypass (HR 0·37, 0·28 to 0·48) and more recent surgery (HR 0·51, 0·39 to 0·67, for procedures undertaken in 2010 or later versus before 2000). Sex, surgical approach (laparoscopic versus open) and hospital volume did not influence risk of reintervention/mortality, but laparoscopic surgery was associated with a lower risk of 90-day mortality (HR 0·29, 0·16 to 0·53).

Conclusion

Reintervention and death were uncommon events within 90 days of bariatric surgery even in this unselected nationwide cohort from five countries. Older patients with co-morbidities have an increased relative risk of these outcomes.

Abstract 3832: Synergistic anticancer effects of epigenetic drugs JQ1 and SAHA in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland

Background: Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most common epithelial malignancy of the lacrimal gland and has poor prognosis despite current treatment strategies. The aims of this study were to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of the dual inhibition of bromodomain proteins (by JQ1) and HDAC proteins (by SAHA or Vorinostat) in lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (LGACC) and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.

Methods: LGACC tissue samples were collected from patients and tissue digestion was done by a collagenase digestion method. Molecular characterization of LGACC primary cell cultures was done by immunocytochemistry. LGACC cells were treated with JQ1 and SAHA individually or in combination. The synergistic effect of JQ1 and SAHA combination was determined by the CellTiter-Glo luminescent cell viability assay using Combenefit software. Migration capability of LGACC cells after drug treatment was examined by a wound healing assays. The expression levels of genes associated with LGACC malignancy were investigated after treatment with JQ1 and SAHA for 48hrs by real time PCR. The expression of c-MYB protein was detected by western blot analysis.

Results: LGACC primary cultures were successfully established in-vitro. Immunofluorescence of these cells revealed positive antigenicity for epithelial, proliferative and tumor markers such as FGFR1, MYB and NICD; slightly positive antigenicity for CK-5 and CK-7; and negative antigenicity for E-cadherin.. We found that synergism between JQ1 and SAHA was highly significant as shown by synergy matrix plot and 3D surface plot. Interestingly, migration capacity of LGACC cells was significantly (p&lt;0.002) inhibited by the combination treatment compared to either drug alone.. Our gene expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of Notch1 (p&lt;0.04), Hes1 (p&lt;0.05), Hey1 (p&lt;0.008), Maml1 (p&lt;0.013) and CDKNB (p&lt;0.04) were downregulated significantly in LGACC cells treated with the combination compared to single drug treatment. Furthermore, western blot analysis revealed that combination treatment significantly (p&lt;0.05) downregulated MYB expression (0.9 fold). Currently, investigations are being conducted to evaluate the synergistic anticancer effect of JQ1 and SAHA in LGACC tumor xenografts in nude mice.

Conclusion: In conclusion, we successfully generated LGACC cell lines in-vitro. Our results demonstrated that the combination of bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 and histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA behaves in a synergistic manner and has superior anticancer activity against LGACC cancer cells via targeting the Notch pathway. Taken together, these findings indicate that LGACC is strikingly sensitive to epigenetic inhibitors, which may be quickly implemented for patient use.

Citation Format: Ravi Doddapaneni, Wensi Tao, David Tse, Daniel Pelaez. Synergistic anticancer effects of epigenetic drugs JQ1 and SAHA in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3832.

The Effect of Prostaglandin Analogue Bimatoprost on Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

Purpose

We characterize the effect of bimatoprost on orbital adipose tissue in thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) with clinicopathologic correlation.

Methods

Orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASCs) from types 1 and 2 TAO and control patients with and without exposure to 1 μm bimatoprost were examined via immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blot for cell viability, migration capacity, lipid content, adipocyte morphology, mitochondrial content, and levels of adipogenic markers. A retrospective chart review was performed for clinicopathologic correlation. In mice, optical coherence tomography and pattern electroretinography were performed at baseline and at 1 month following a retrobulbar injection of bimatoprost, followed by orbital exenteration for histopathologic examination.

Results

Types 1 and 2 TAO-derived cells had a significantly higher migration capacity and lipid content than those of healthy controls. With the addition of bimatoprost, types 1 and 2 TAO and control adipocytes exhibited a significant decrease in lipid content with morphologic transformation into smaller and multilocular lipid droplets, and an increase in mitochondrial load and UCP-1 expression consistent with an increase in brown adipose tissue turnover. Retrobulbar injection of bimatoprost in mice did not alter the gross morphology, retinal thickness, or ganglion cell function in vivo.

Conclusions

Bimatoprost inhibits adipogenesis in OASCs and upregulates pathways involved in the browning of adipocytes. Furthermore, retrobulbar injection of bimatoprost is tolerated without immediate adverse effects in mice. Our results suggest a potential future application of prostaglandin analogues in the treatment of TAO.

Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibition in the Acute Management of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of etanercept, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor, in conferring neuroprotection to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and improving visual outcomes after optic nerve trauma with either optic nerve crush (ONC) or sonication-induced traumatic optic neuropathy (SI-TON) in mice.

Methods

Mouse optic nerves were unilaterally subjected to ONC (n = 20) or SI-TON (n = 20). TNF expression was evaluated by using immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in optic nerves harvested 6 and 24 hours post ONC (n = 10) and SI-TON (n = 10). Mice in each injury group received daily subcutaneous injections of either etanercept (10 mg/kg of body weight; five mice) or vehicle (five mice) for 7 days. Pattern electroretinograms were performed on all mice at 1 and 2 weeks after injury. ONC mice were killed at 2 weeks after injury, while SI-TON mice were euthanized at 4 weeks after injury. Whole retina flat-mounts were used for RGC quantification.

Results

Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR showed upregulation of TNF protein and gene expression within 24 hours after injury. In both models, etanercept use immediately following optic nerve injury led to higher RGC survival when compared to controls, which was comparable between the two models (24.23% in ONC versus 20.42% in SI-TON). In both models, 1 and 2 weeks post injury, mice treated with etanercept had significantly higher a-wave amplitudes than untreated injured controls.

Conclusions

Treatment with etanercept significantly reduced retinal damage and improved visual function in both animal models of TON. These findings suggest that reducing TNF activity in injured optic nerves constitutes an effective therapeutic approach in an acute setting.

White matter integrity disruption in the pre-dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease: from subjective memory impairment to amnestic mild cognitive impairment

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Subjective memory impairment (SMI) and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are thought to represent the pre-dementia stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD). SMI is considered a more advanced pre-clinical status prior to aMCI. Understanding the neuromechanism of SMI will have great benefits for monitoring the disease progression of AD. The study aims to explore whether SMI shows alterations of white matter (WM) integrity similar to the patterns of aMCI.

METHODS

The atlas-based analyses were performed to investigate the diffusion changes in the major WM tracts amongst 22 individuals with normal cognition (NC), 22 SMI patients and 25 aMCI patients. The correlations between the altered diffusion metrics and cognitive performance in the SMI and aMCI groups were assessed.

RESULTS

The diffusion tensor metrics of SMI were intermediate between the NC and aMCI groups. The aMCI group presented disrupted integrity in multiple WM tracts, including the left anterior thalamic radiation, right corticospinal tract and left cingulum of the hippocampus (CgH), compared to the NC group. The left CgH showed diffusion alterations in the SMI group. In the aMCI group, the mean diffusivity of the left CgH was negatively correlated with episodic memory, whilst the radial diffusivity of the right corticospinal tract was negatively correlated with executive function. No significant relationship was found in the SMI group.

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that SMI patients might present detectable WM integrity changes in the left CgH before exhibiting objective cognitive dysfunction, which may provide novel insights into the pathological mechanisms of AD.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) as a therapeutic target in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland

Identification of molecular targets is the first step in developing efficacious therapeutic strategies for tumors. A tumors' biological response to perturbagens yields important information on the molecular determinants for tumor growth. The aim of this study was to characterize the response of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland (LGACC) to intra-arterial cytoreductive chemotherapy (IACC) in order to identify novel targets to enhance therapy. We performed high-throughput proteomic analysis on paired samples from pre-IACC diagnostic biopsies and post-IACC excised tumor samples from 6 LGACC patients. This proteomic analysis provides a comprehensive landscape of the cellular compartments contained within the excised tumors. Interestingly, we found a strong upregulation across the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway, with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) exhibiting a consistent and significant upregulation in all post-IACC samples. We thus evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of a novel FGFR1 selective inhibitor, AZD4547, in combination with cisplatin on LGACC cells in-vitro. The combination index (CI) value (<0.895) demonstrated synergistic effect of AZD4547 and cisplatin in inhibiting cell growth and viability (p<0.02), with a differential response seen in post-IACC cultures when compared to pre-IACC cultures. The combination approach showed synergy of the drugs in the migration assay. Western blot analysis indicated a significant upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and downregulation the expression of FGFR1 (p<0.05) with the combination treatment as compared to either agent independently. Our findings demonstrate that FGFR1 inhibition potentiates the cytoreductive effects of cisplatin and suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of using AZD4547 in the management of LGACC.

Edge toroidal charge exchange spectra analysis in the EAST

An edge toroidal charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (eCXRS) diagnostic has been deployed successfully on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) recently, providing edge plasma ion temperature and toroidal rotation. Edge CXRS on EAST typically monitors the carbon vi (529.059 nm, n = 8 → 7) spectral line. Spectral lines emitted from other different impurities that appeared in the wavelength ranges of 528 nm-530 nm illustrate the need to revise the edge change exchange spectra analysis in this region. Since the eCXRS sightlines end on the ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) stainless steel antenna, the passive Fe lines coming from the antenna could be recorded by eCXRS diagnostic when ICRF is used. A revised edge toroidal charge exchange spectra analysis including Fe spectral lines is presented. The accuracy of eCXRS measurement has been improved by the revised spectra analysis.

Simultaneous measurement of C VI, Ne X, and Li III charge exchange lines on EAST

The core toroidal charge exchange recombination spectroscopy system on experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) has been enhanced recently to extend the spectral range. The C VI charge exchange line at 529.059 nm, Ne X line at 524.897 nm, and Li III line at 516.67 nm are observed successfully. The measurements were performed by injecting neon gas and dropping lithium powder simultaneously during the 2016 EAST experimental campaign. One channel connected to a neon lamp is used to perform the real-time wavelength calibration on a shot-to-shot basis. The preliminary results indicate that ion temperature profiles from the carbon and neon impurities are in excellent agreement and provide a consistency check of the measurement from different impurities. Toroidal velocity correction associated with the energy-dependent cross section has been performed. Toroidal rotation of neon impurity is obviously faster than C VI across the whole profile. A cumulative and saturated effect of core lithium ions was observed.

GATA6 phosphorylation by Erk1/2 propels exit from pluripotency and commitment to primitive endoderm

The transcription factor GATA6 and the Fgf/Ras/MAPK signaling pathway are essential for the development of the primitive endoderm (PrE), one of the two lineages derived from the pluripotent inner cell mass (ICM) of mammalian blastocysts. A mutant mouse line in which Gata6-coding exons are replaced with H2BGFP (histone H2B Green Fluorescence Protein fusion protein) was developed to monitor Gata6 promoter activity. In the Gata6-H2BGFP heterozygous blastocysts, the ICM cells that initially had uniform GFP fluorescence signal at E3.5 diverged into two populations by the 64-cell stage, either as the GFP-high PrE or the GFP-low epiblasts (Epi). However in the GATA6-null blastocysts, the originally moderate GFP expression subsided in all ICM cells, indicating that the GATA6 protein is required to maintain its own promoter activity during PrE linage commitment. In embryonic stem cells, expressed GATA6 was shown to bind and activate the Gata6 promoter in PrE differentiation. Mutations of a conserved serine residue (S264) for Erk1/2 phosphorylation in GATA6 protein drastically impacted its ability to activate its own promoter. We conclude that phosphorylation of GATA6 by Erk1/2 compels exit from pluripotent state, and the phosphorylation propels a GATA6 positive feedback regulatory circuit to compel PrE differentiation. Our findings resolve the longstanding question on the dual requirements of GATA6 and Ras/MAPK pathway for PrE commitment of the pluripotent ICM.

RNA-Sequencing Gene Expression Profiling of Orbital Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Population Implicate HOX Genes and WNT Signaling Dysregulation in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid-Associated Orbitopathy

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterize the intrinsic cellular properties of orbital adipose-derived stem cells (OASC) from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO) and healthy controls.

Methods

Orbital adipose tissue was collected from a total of nine patients: four controls and five patients with TAO. Isolated OASC were characterized with mesenchymal stem cell–specific markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells were differentiated into three lineages: chondrocytes, osteocytes, and adipocytes. Reverse transcription PCR of genes involved in the adipogenesis, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis pathways were selected to assay the differentiation capacities. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) was performed and results were compared to assess for differences in gene expression between TAO and controls. Selected top-ranked results were confirmed by RT-PCR.

Results

Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from orbital fat expressed high levels of mesenchymal stem cell markers, but low levels of the pluripotent stem cell markers. Orbital adipose-derived stem cells isolated from TAO patients exhibited an increase in adipogenesis, and a decrease in chondrogenesis and osteogenesis. RNA-seq disclosed 54 differentially expressed genes. In TAO OASC, expression of early neural crest progenitor marker (WNT signaling, ZIC genes and MSX2) was lost. Meanwhile, ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 was found in the OASC from TAO.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that there are intrinsic genetic and cellular differences in the OASC populations derived from TAO patients. The upregulation in adipogenesis in OASC of TAO may be is consistent with the clinical phenotype. Downregulation of early neural crest markers and ectopic expression of HOXB2 and HOXB3 in TAO OASC demonstrate dysregulation of developmental and tissue patterning pathways.

Therapeutic targeting of oncogenic transcription factors by natural products in eye cancer

Carcinogenesis has a multifactorial etiology, and the underlying molecular pathogenesis is still not entirely understood, especially for eye cancers. Primary malignant intraocular neoplasms are relatively rare, but delayed detection and inappropriate management contribute to poor outcomes. Conventional treatment, such as orbital exenteration, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy, alone results in high mortality for many of these malignancies. Recent sequential multimodal therapy with a combination of high-dose chemotherapy, followed by appropriate surgery, radiotherapy, and additional adjuvant chemotherapy has helped dramatically improve management. Transcription factors are proteins that regulate gene expression by modulating the synthesis of mRNA. Since transcription is a dominant control point in the production of many proteins, transcription factors represent key regulators for numerous cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, making them compelling targets for drug development. Natural compounds have been studied for their potential to be potent yet safe chemotherapeutic drugs. Since the ancient times, plant-derived bioactive molecules have been used to treat dreadful diseases like cancer, and several refined pharmaceutics have been developed from these compounds. Understanding targeting mechanisms of oncogenic transcription factors by natural products can add to our oncologic management toolbox. This review summarizes the current findings of natural products in targeting specific oncogenic transcription factors in various types of eye cancer.

A Novel Mouse Model of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Using External Ultrasound Energy to Achieve Focal, Indirect Optic Nerve Injury

Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a devastating cause of permanent visual loss following blunt injury to the head. Animal models for TON exist, but most fail to recapitulate the clinical scenario of closed head indirect trauma to the nerve and subsequent neurodegeneration. Thus, we developed a clinically-relevant animal model for TON using a novel ultrasonic pulse injury modality (sonication-induced TON; SI-TON). To trigger TON, a microtip probe sonifier was placed on the supraorbital ridge directly above the entrance of the optic nerve into the bony canal. An ultrasonic pulse was then delivered to the optic nerve. After injury, the number of RGCs in the retina as well as visual function measured by PERG steadily decreased over a two-week period. In the optic nerve, pro-inflammatory markers were upregulated within 6 hours following injury. Immunohistochemistry showed activation of microglia and infiltration of CD45-positive leukocytes in the optic nerve and initiation of a gliotic response. The SI-TON model is capable of delivering a non-contact concussive injury to the optic nerve and induce TON in mice. Thus, our data indicate that the SI-TON model reliably recapitulates the pathophysiology and progressive neurodegeneration seen in the human manifestation.

A low-temperature scanning tunneling microscope capable of microscopy and spectroscopy in a Bitter magnet at up to 34 T

We present the design and performance of a cryogenic scanning tunneling microscope (STM) which operates inside a water-cooled Bitter magnet, which can attain a magnetic field of up to 38 T. Due to the high vibration environment generated by the magnet cooling water, a uniquely designed STM and a vibration damping system are required. The STM scan head is designed to be as compact and rigid as possible, to minimize the effect of vibrational noise as well as fit the size constraints of the Bitter magnet. The STM uses a differential screw mechanism for coarse tip-sample approach, and operates in helium exchange gas at cryogenic temperatures. The reliability and performance of the STM are demonstrated through topographic imaging and scanning tunneling spectroscopy on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite at T = 4.2 K and in magnetic fields up to 34 T.

Whole Exome Sequencing of Lacrimal Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Purpose

To identify genomic mutations in lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma (LGACC) samples from patients.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from LGACC specimens. Whole exome sequencing (exome-seq) was conducted to screen for mutations. Capillary sequencing was performed to verify mutations in genes shared by multiple samples. Luciferase assays were used to evaluate functional consequences of NOTCH1 mutations.

Results

The mutation profile of LGACC was complicated. The most frequently mutated gene observed (28.6%) was bromodomain PHD finger transcription factor (BPTF). No mutation was identified in common cancer genes such as TP53, KRAS, and BRAF. However, mutations predicted to be functionally severe were accumulated in the Notch signaling pathway including NOTCH1 and NOTCH2, of which mutations have been reported in head/neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). Of 14 LGACC samples, five samples carry mutations in Notch pathway genes. Capillary sequencing verified all the mutations in the two NOTCH genes identified by exome-seq. Compared to the wild-type NOTCH1, three frame shifting mutations and two missense mutations (C387W and L1600Q) increased luciferase activity approximately 10- to 25-fold.

Conclusions

Major genomic mutation profiles in LGACC were uncovered by exome-seq. Although preliminary in nature, the Notch pathway could be a potential therapeutic target for LGACC.

Molecular Profiling of the Developing Lacrimal Gland Reveals Putative Role of Notch Signaling in Branching Morphogenesis

Purpose

Although normal function of the lacrimal gland is essential for vision (and thus for human well-being), the lacrimal gland remains rather poorly understood at a molecular level. The purpose of this study was to identify new genes and signaling cascades involved in lacrimal gland development.

Methods

To identify these genes, we used microarray analysis to compare the gene expression profiles of developing (embryonic) and adult lacrimal glands. Differential data were validated by quantitative RT-PCR, and several corresponding proteins were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. To evaluate the role of NOTCH signaling in lacrimal gland (LG) development, we used the NOTCH inhibitor DAPT and conditional Notch1 knockouts.

Results

Our microarray data and an in silico reconstruction of cellular networks revealed significant changes in the expression patterns of genes from the NOTCH, WNT, TGFβ, and Hedgehog pathways, all of which are involved in the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our study also revealed new putative lacrimal gland stem cell/progenitor markers. We found that inhibiting Notch signaling both increases the average number of lacrimal gland lobules and reduces the size of each lobule.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that NOTCH-, WNT-, TGFβ-, and Hedgehog-regulated EMT transition are critical mechanisms in lacrimal gland development and morphogenesis. Our data also supports the hypothesis that NOTCH signaling regulates branching morphogenesis in the developing lacrimal gland by suppressing cleft formation.