Partial characterization of endothelial FGF receptor functional domain by monoclonal antibody VBS-1

Polypeptide growth factors mediate their cellular responses by binding to and activating specific cell surface receptors. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) VBS-1, produced against native fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1), inhibited the binding of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to its receptor on coronary venular endothelial cells (CVECs) as determined by 125I-FGF-2 Scatchard analysis and [3H]thymidine uptake assays (ED50 = 80 ng/mL). Enzyme studies demonstrated that MAb VBS-1 binds to a protein epitope. Proteolytic mapping of the CVEC-FGFR established that a 52 kDa doublet contained the FGF binding site and the MAb VBS-1 antigenic epitope. N-glycanase digestion suggested the presence of a 50 kDa core protein for the CVEC-FGFR. Tunicamycin treatment resulted in the loss of expression of the core protein and the mature receptor, indicating the importance of CVEC-FGFR n-linked glycosylation. By Northern blot analysis, it was determined that CVECs express fgfr-1 and not fgfr-2. VBS-1 recognized FGFR-1 (140 kDa) and crossreacted weakly with FGFR-2 (135 kDa). Using a combination of affinity crosslinking, proteolytic mapping and Mab VBS-1 binding studies, we have located the FGF binding site near the NH2-terminal domain of the receptor close to the highly acidic box.     

Expression and structural features of endoglin (CD105), a transforming growth factor beta1 and beta3 binding protein, in human melanoma.

Human endoglin (CD105) is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor family that binds TGF-beta1 and -beta3, but not TGF-beta2, on human endothelial cells. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that CD105 is expressed on normal and neoplastic cells of the melanocytic lineage. The anti-CD105 MAb, MAEND3, stained 50, 25 and 34% of intradermal naevi, primary and metastatic melanomas investigated, respectively, and nine out of 12 melanoma cell lines. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis revealed that CD105 expressed by melanoma cells consists of a homodimeric protein with an apparent molecular weight of 180 and 95 kDa under non-reducing and reducing conditions. Cross-linking of 125I-labelled TGF-beta1 to melanoma cells, Mel 97, by disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS) demonstrated that CD105 expressed on pigmented cells binds TGF-beta1; the pattern of binding of TGF-beta1 to melanoma cells was found to be similar to that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The addition of exogenous, bioactive TGF-beta1 significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the growth of CD105-positive melanoma cells, Mel 97, but did not affect that of CD105-negative melanoma cells, F0-1. These data, altogether, demonstrate that CD105 is expressed on pigmented cells and might play a functionally relevant role in the biology of human melanoma cells by regulating their sensitivity to TGF-betas.     

Expression of bfgf and differential expression of fgf receptors in normal human myoblasts and rhabdomyosarcomas

In an attempt to investigate the expression and possible function(s) of bFGF and the four members of the fibroblast growth factor receptor family, FGFR-1 -4, in a mesenchymal-derived cell system, we analyzed normal human myoblasts and rhabdomyosarcomas. RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of both the ligand bFGF and the FGF receptors, FGFR-1, FGFR-2, FGFR-3 and FGFR-4, in myoblasts and rhabdomyosarcomas; with FGFR-3 at comparably lower levels of detection. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeted against the translation start site and splice-donor acceptor sites of human bFGF and FGFR-1 did not exert proliferation-inhibitory effects in either cell type. Thus, unlike previous studies which demonstrated the importance of bFGF and FGFR-1 as major contributors in sustaining,the proliferation of normal and malignant cells of neuroectodermal origin, the data presented here, indicate that cells of mesenchymal origin may rely on additional, if not altogether different, growth factors and growth factor receptors for their proliferation.     

Histidine-rich glycoprotein function in hepatocellular carcinoma depends on its N-glycosylation status,and it regulates cell proliferation by inhibiting Erk1/2 phosphorylation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer mortality. Significantly downregulated histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) during the dynamic stages (WB, WB7, and WB11) of neoplastic transformation of WB F344 hepatic oval-like cells was screened out by iTRAQ labeling followed by 2DLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. HRG expression was significantly lower in HCC tissues. HRG overexpression in Huh7 and MHCC-97H hepatoma cell lines led to decreased cell proliferation, colony-forming ability, and tumor growth, and increased cell apoptosis. HRG could inhibit cell proliferation via the FGF-Erk1/2 signaling pathway by reducing Erk1/2 phosphorylation. On the other hand, the functional expression of HRG was also dependent on the glycosylation status at its N-terminal, especially at the glycosylation site Asn 125. The glycosylation of HRG may play a key competitive role in the interaction between HRG and heparin sulfate for binding bFGF and activating the FGF receptor. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular mechanism of HRG in HCC.     

Expression and Characterization of the Recombinant Human FLT-3 Ligand Extracellular Domain in Pichia Pastoris

T he FLT-3 ligand (fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 ligand, FL) is a recently described growth factor affecting early hematopoiet- ic progenitor cells. The FL plays a key role in the growth and differen-tiation of primitive hematopoietic cells. FL prom…     

Identification and characterisation of a platelet GPIb/V/IX-like complex on human breast cancers: implications for the metastatic process.

The glycoprotein (GP) Ib /V/IX receptor complex is an important adhesion molecule, originally thought to be unique to the megakaryocytic lineage. Recent evidence now indicates that GPIb /V/IX may be more widely expressed. In this study we report the presence of all subunits of the complex on four breast cancer cell lines, and 51 / 80 primary breast tumours. The surface expression of GPIb /V/IX was confirmed by flow cytometry, and by immunoprecipitation of biotin surface-labelled tumour cells. Western blotting of cell lysates under reducing conditions revealed that tumour cell-GPIb alpha had a relative molecular weight of 95 kDa as compared to 135 kDa on platelets. Despite the discrepant protein size, molecular analyses on the tumour cell-GPIb alpha subunit using RT-PCR and DNA sequencing revealed 100% sequence homology to platelet GPIb alpha. Tumour cell-GPIb /V/IX was capable of binding human von Willebrand factor (vWf), and this binding caused aggregation of tumour cells in suspension. Tumour cells bound to immobilised vWf in the presence of EDTA and demonstrated prominent filapodial extensions indicative of cytoskeletal reorganisation. Furthermore, in a modified Boyden chamber assay, prior exposure to vWf or a GPIb alpha monoclonal antibody, AK2, enhanced cell migration. The presence of a functional GPIb /V/IX-like complex in tumour cells suggests that this complex may participate in the process of haematogenous breast cancer metastasis.     

Identification and Characterisation of a Platelet GPIb/V/IX-like Complex on Human Breast Cancers: Implications for the Metastatic Process

The glycoprotein (GP) Ib/V/IX receptor complex is an important adhesion molecule, originally thought to be unique to the megakaryocytic lineage. Recent evidence now indicates that GPIb/V/IX may be more widely expressed. In this study we report the presence of all subunits of the complex on four breast cancer cell lines, and 51/80 primary breast tumours. The surface expression of GPIb/V/IX was confirmed by flow cytometry, and by immunoprecipitation of biotin surface-labelled tumour cells. Western blotting of cell lysates under reducing conditions revealed that tumour cell-GPIba had a relative molecular weight of 95 kDa as compared to 135 kDa on platelets. Despite the discrepant protein size, molecular analyses on the tumour cell-GPIba subunit using RT-PCR and DNA sequencing revealed 100% sequence homology to platelet GPIba. Tumour cell-GPIb/V/IX was capable of binding human von Willebrand factor (vWf), and this binding caused aggregation of tumour cells in suspension. Tumour cells bound to immobilised vWf in the presence of EDTA and demonstrated prominent filapodial extensions indicative of cytoskeletal reorganisation. Furthermore, in a modified Boyden chamber assay, prior exposure to vWf or a GPIba monoclonal antibody, AK2, enhanced cell migration. The presence of a functional GPIb/V/IX-like complex in tumour cells suggests that this complex may participate in the process of haematogenous breast cancer metastasis     

Expression and Characterization of the Recombinant Human FLT-3 Ligand Extracellular Domain in Pichia Pastors

OBJECTIVE The FLT-3 ligand （fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor-3 ligand, FL） is a recently described growth factor affecting early hematopoietic progenitor cells. The FL plays a key role in the growth and differentiation of primitive hematopoietic cells. To yield a high-level of recombinant human FL protein, a recembinant Pichia Pastoris （P. pastoris）strain was constructed. METHODS An artificial expression frame, with the same encoding protein sequence for the FL extracellular domain cDNA, was synthesized by using favored genetic codons of P. pastoris. P. pastoris strain KM71 cells were transformed with the endonuclease Bgl II linearized recombined plasmid, pPIC9K-FL. The plasmid then was linerized in the 5＇AOX1 site and integrated into the yeast KM71 genome. KM71 was transformed with pPIC9K plasmids as a control for the production of recombinant protein. Southern blotting and Northern blotting tests were used to screen the genotype of the recombined strain. Biological activity was demonstrated in vitro with culturing of CD34＋cells. RESULTS The recombinant human FL protein expressed into the yeast culture supertant was identified on the basis of its molecular weight and Western blotting analysis. Numerous bands were observed in the 10-100 kDa molecular mass range. SDS-PAGE showed that the expressed product, a 20 kDa protein, was secreted into the medium in the form of a soluble molecule. Western-blot analyses showed good antigenicity and specificity against polyclonal antibodies. A sharp band and a smeared band were observed at a molecular mass of approximately 20 kDa by Western blotting. The recombinant human FL protein was the major protein component observed in the culture supernatant. The highest yield （108 mg/L） was obtained when expression was induced with 0.5% methanol for 96 h. Deglycosylation with PNGase F resulted in a decrease in apparent molecular mass from 20 kDa to 18kDa forming three bands all of which were also detected by rabbit anti-FL antibodies, Culturing of CD34＋ cells in the presence of KM71pPIC9K-FL over 7 days increased 2.9 fold, while in the control group they increased only 1,5 fold. The biological assay showed that the expressed product could stimulate the proliferation of CD34＋ hematopoietic cells, CONCLUSION We demonstrated that human FL was secreted into the culture supernatant from P. pastoris, and that this yeast strain was a preferred host for recombinant human FL gene expression. This recombinant strain can provide a convenient process for pharmaceutical application.     

Associated expressions of FGFR-2 and FGFR-3: from mouse mammary gland physiology to human breast cancer

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are tyrosine kinase receptors which have been implicated in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate FGFR-1, -2, -3, and -4 protein expressions in normal murine mammary gland development, and in murine and human breast carcinomas. Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, we report a hormonal regulation of FGFR during postnatal mammary gland development. Progestin treatment of adult virgin mammary glands resulted in changes in localization of FGFR-3 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, while treatment with 17-β-estradiol induced changes in the expressions and/or localizations of FGFR-2 and -3. In murine mammary carcinomas showing different degrees of hormone dependence, we found progestin-induced increased expressions, mainly of FGFR-2 and -3. These receptors were constitutively activated in hormone-independent variants. We studied three luminal human breast cancer cell lines growing as xenografts, which particularly expressed FGFR-2 and -3, suggesting a correlation between hormonal status and FGFR expression. Most importantly, in breast cancer samples from 58 patients, we found a strong association (P?相似文献   

CEA-related proteins on human urothelial cell lines of different transformation grades.

CEA family proteins from human urothelial cell lines of different transformation grades were characterized by flow cytometry and Western blotting using monoclonal antibodies: 26/3/13, D14HD11, 9A6 and 4/3/17. The following observations were made: (i) the urothelial cell lines, representing transformation grade III (TGr III, tumorigenic, invasive cells), were characterized by the presence of a component with molecular mass 110-135 kDa, most probably representing biliary glycoprotein (BGP); (ii) BGP was absent in non-tumorigenic and non-invasive TGr II urothelial cell lines; (iii) a protein band with apparent molecular mass 180 kDa, and migrating as a CEA standard was detected in only one of seven urothelial cell lines analyzed; (iv) a broad band of apparent molecular mass migrating at 65-90 kDa, probably representing NCA-50/90, was found in two tumorigenic and invasive cell lines, HCV 29T and Hu 1703He.     

Amplification of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in breast cancer and the effects of brivanib alaninate

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) is amplified in 10% of human breast cancers. The goal of this study was to test the correlation between FGFR-1 amplification and expression and sensitivity to brivanib, an FGFR-1 small molecule inhibitor, in breast cancer cell lines in vitro. Using CGH array and gene expression profiling, FGFR-1 DNA copy number, mRNA, and protein expression were measured in 21 cell lines and correlated with growth inhibition by brivanib. We examined FGFR-1 autophosphorylation and kinase activity, as well as phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules in response to bFGF and brivanib exposure. CAMA, MDA-MB-361, and HCC38 cells had FGFR-1 amplification and protein overexpression. Brivanib GI₅₀ values were significantly lower in the gene amplified (15.17 μM, n = 3) compared to normal copy number (69.09 μM, n = 11) or FGFR-1 deleted (76.14 μM, n = 7) cells (P = 0.0107). Among nonamplified cells, there was no correlation between FGFR-1 mRNA or protein expression levels and brivanib sensitivity. Two of three FGFR-1 amplified cells were sensitive to bFGF-induced growth stimulation, which was blocked by brivanib. In cells with amplified FGFR-1, brivanib decreased receptor autophosphorylation, inhibited bFGF-induced tyrosine kinase activity, and reduced phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. Breast cancer cell lines with FGFR-1 gene amplification and protein overexpression are more sensitive to growth inhibition by brivanib than nonamplified cells. These findings suggest that FGFR-1 amplification or protein overexpression in breast cancers may be an indicator for brivanib treatment, where it may have direct anti-proliferative effects in addition to its’ anti-angiogenic effects.     

Expression of P62, A Putative Collagen Receptor, on Human Megakaryocytic Leukemia Cells

The expression of glycoprotein (GP)/Ia/Ila and that of P62, a putative collagen receptor defined by IgG in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (Blood, 69, 1712), was demonstrated on a human megakaryocytic cell line (CMK) using flow-cytometric analysis and Western blotting. Immunological reaction to GPIa/IIa and P62 antigen was detected in about 80% and 50% of CMK cells, respectively. On stimulation with 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate, the expression of P62 antigen increased markedly, in contrast to that of GPIa/IIa. Immunoblot studies revealed that CMK cells had P62 antigens with molecular weights of 48 kDa and 43 kDa under both reduced and non-reduced conditions. In contrast to the effect of thrombin stimulation, the addition of collagen caused no increase in cytosolic free Ca²⁺ in CMK cells. We conclude that the lack of response of CMK cells to collagen may result from the presence of dysfunctional collagen receptors.     

Subtractive immunization using highly metastatic human tumor cells identifies SIMA135/CDCP1, a 135 kDa cell surface phosphorylated glycoprotein antigen

We have previously used a subtractive immunization (SI) approach to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against proteins preferentially expressed by the highly metastatic human epidermoid carcinoma cell line, M(+)HEp3. Here we report the immunopurification, identification and characterization of SIMA135/CDCP1 (subtractive immunization M(+)HEp3 associated 135 kDa protein/CUB domain containing protein 1) using one of these mAbs designated 41-2. Protein expression levels of SIMA135/CDCP1 correlated with the metastatic ability of variant HEp3 cell lines. Protein sequence analysis predicted a cell surface location and type I orientation of SIMA135/CDCP1, which was confirmed directly by immunocytochemistry. Analysis of deglycosylated cell lysates indicated that up to 40 kDa of the apparent molecular weight of SIMA135/CDCP1 is because of N-glycosylation. Western blot analysis using a antiphosphotyrosine antibody demonstrated that SIMA135/CDCP1 from HEp3 cells is tyrosine phosphorylated. Selective inhibitor studies indicated that an Src kinase family member is involved in the tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein. In addition to high expression in M(+)HEp3 cells, the SIMA135/CDCP1 protein is expressed to varying levels in 13 other human tumor cell lines, manifesting only a weak correlation with the reported metastatic ability of these tumor cell lines. The protein is not detected in normal human fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Northern blot analysis indicated that SIMA135/CDCP1 mRNA has a restricted expression pattern in normal human tissues with highest levels of expression in skeletal muscle and colon. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated apical and basal plasma membrane expression of SIMA135/CDCP1 in epithelial cells in normal colon. In colon tumor, SIMA135/CDCP1 expression appeared dysregulated showing extensive cell surface as well as cytoplasmic expression. Consistent with in vitro shedding experiments on HEp3 cells, SIMA135/CDCP1 was also detected within the lumen of normal and cancerous colon crypts, suggesting that protein shedding may occur in vivo. Thus, specific immunodetection followed by proteomic analysis allows for the identification and partial characterization of a heretofore uncharacterized human cell surface antigen.