Cell-to-cell communication: a differential response to TGF-beta in normal and transformed (BEAS-2B) human bronchial epithelial cells

The effects of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) on cell-to-cell communication were investigated in the log phase of growth in normal BE and in adenovirus-12 SV40 hybrid virus transformed BE cells (strain BEAS-2B). Gap junctions in these cells were identified immunocytochemically. Exposure of BE cells to exogenous TGF-beta (0.04-4.0 pM) in serum-free keratinocyte growth medium (KGM) for 1 or 24 h reduced the rate of fluorescent dye transfer (i.e. cell-to-cell communication) by 30-50% in BE cells. Inversely, in BEAS-2B cells, TGF-beta after 1 h induced a 2- to 10-fold increase in the rate of dye transfer. After 24 h of TGF-beta, communication among BEAS-2B cells was not significantly different from controls (no exogenous TGF-beta). The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7 induced a dose-dependent enhancement in communication, which was even higher in the presence of TGF-beta (4 pM X 24 h). The calmodulin antagonist W-7 enhanced communication in BEAS-2B cells independently of the presence of TGF-beta. In keratinocyte basal medium (KBM) supplemented with EGF (5 ng/ml) or with TGF-beta (4.0 pM) dye transfer was reduced or enhanced respectively. The combination of EGF and TGF-beta in KBM antagonized the stimulatory effect of the latter on communication in BEAS-2B cells. In BE cells, continuous exposure (4 days) to TGF-beta in KGM induced a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation and an increased expression of a keratinized, epidermoid phenotype. This correlated with a reduction in the expression of a mucous secretory phenotype. Increased exposure to TGF-beta (0.04-4.0 pM) decreased the labeling index in BEAS-2B cells, but the cells retained a growth advantage over normal BE cells, and did not express a keratinized epidermoid morphology. With respect to dye transfer as an index of cell-to-cell communication, we conclude (i) that an inhibition or enhancement of communication is involved in the response of bronchial epithelial cells to mitogens (e.g. epidermal growth factor) or growth inhibitors (e.g. TGF-beta), (ii) that PKC and Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent processes regulate dye transfer, and (iii) the effects of TGF-beta are mediated by PKC.     

贫铀诱发人支气管上皮细胞恶性转化

背景与目的：实验研究和流行病学调查结果表明,铀可广泛地影响人体健康,但其远期效应,特别是致癌性,还缺乏明确的结论。本文模拟人吸入贫铀（depleted uranium,DU)气溶胶的情形,研究难溶性贫铀诱发人支气管上皮细胞恶性转化及肺癌相关基因表达谱。方法：用难溶性贫铀氧化物（dUO2)作用腺病毒-12/SV40病毒永生化的人支气管上皮细胞（BEAS-2B）,通过观察不同代龄细胞的倍增时间,血清抗性,半固体琼脂克隆形成率及裸鼠成瘤性,鉴定细胞的恶性转化特性;用213个肺癌相关基因的芯片对贫铀诱发的转化BEAS-2B细胞的基因表达谱进行检测。结果：贫铀作用后的第5代BEAS-2B细胞倍增时间明显缩短,血清抗性显著增强;第10代细胞具有锚着独立性生长特性（半固体琼脂克隆形成）;第15代裸鼠体内成瘤。二甲亚砜（DMSO）对贫铀诱发的BEAS-2B细胞恶性转化有明显保护效果。213个肺癌相关基因的芯片检测结果表明,转化细胞中有70多个基因的表达水平发生明显改变,其中10余个基因表达水平明显下降。结论：贫铀在体外具有致癌性。     

Inhibition of benzo[a]pyrene-activating enzymes and DNA binding in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells by methoxylated flavonoids

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in lung carcinogenesis via carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrosamines. In this study, we used benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) as the classic PAH compound and BEAS-2B cells, a model of normal human bronchial epithelial cells, to investigate whether 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (5,7-DMF) and 3',4'-DMF compared with resveratrol (RV) have chemopreventive properties in this cancer. Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to [(3)H]BaP (1 microM) showed increasing binding to DNA up to 72 h of exposure, about 20-fold higher than that at 0.5 h exposure. BaP exposure also increased both CYP1A1/1B1 and microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) enzyme activities with a maximum 10-fold increase at 48 h. BaP induced CYP1A1 protein and mRNA levels maximally after 48 h. In contrast, although CYP1B1 mRNA was rapidly induced, its protein expression showed a very poor response. Simultaneous treatment with BaP and 5,7-DMF, 3',4'-DMF or RV for 48 h inhibited BaP-DNA binding by > or =75%, with 3',4'-DMF being the most effective. 5,7-DMF affected CYP1A1 mRNA levels only modestly, whereas 3',4'-DMF was a potent inhibitor. The catalytic activity of CYP1A1/1B1 was reduced over 95% after exposure to 5,7-DMF, 3',4'-DMF or RV, most effectively by 3',4'-DMF. BaP-induced mEH activity was not affected by treatment with 5,7-DMF, but was significantly inhibited by 3',4'-DMF. In contrast, mEH activity was notably increased by RV. Most importantly, western blotting showed all three polyphenols dramatically reducing BaP-induced CYP1A1 protein expression. Both 5,7-DMF and 3',4'-DMF demonstrated very high, about 40-fold, accumulation in BEAS-2B cells. In summary, BaP exposure results in a high level of DNA binding in BEAS-2B cells, which is mainly mediated by induction of CYP1A1 protein, just as in the human lung. Two methoxylated dietary flavonoids with highly specific effects on BaP bioactivation block this DNA binding and CYP1A1 protein expression as effectively as RV, thus making them potential chemopreventive agents for BaP-induced lung carcinogenesis.     

Measurement of cytochrome P450 2A6 and 2E1 gene expression in primary human bronchial epithelial cells

Bronchogenic carcinomas arise from bronchial epithelial cells (BECs). Inhalation exposure of BECs to nitrosamines in cigarette smoke is an important exogenous risk factor for malignant transformation of BECs. Thus, an important endogenous risk factor is likely to be the capacity of BECs to metabolize nitrosamines. Among the cytochrome P450 enzymes capable of metabolizing nitrosamines, CYP2A6, CYP2E1 and CYP2B6 are expressed in BECs. In this study, we used quantitative RT-PCR to evaluate expression of CYP2A6 and CYP2E1 in primary human BECs from 12 non-smokers and eight smokers. CYP2A6 was expressed in 20/20 cases and quantifiable in 18/20 cases, with a mean level of 580 mRNA/10(6) beta- actin mRNA. CYP2E1 expression was observed in 9/20 cases, but in all cases it was expressed at levels below our limit of quantification (10 mRNA/10(6) beta-actin mRNA). There was significant (P < 0.05) 20-fold inter-individual variation in expression of CYP2A6. Further, the mean level of CYP2A6 among smokers (260 mRNA/10(6) beta-actin mRNA) was significantly lower than among non-smokers (740 mRNA/10(6) beta-actin mRNA). It is hypothesized that: (i) inter-individual variation in CYP2A6 gene expression may contribute to inter-individual variation in risk for bronchogenic carcinoma; (ii) smoking may reduce the level of expression of CYP2A6 in the BECs of some individuals; and (iii) CYP2A6 is more important than CYP2E1 for metabolic activation of nitrosamines in bronchial epithelial cells.      

Deregulation of the histone demethylase JMJD2A is involved in human carcinogenesis through regulation of the G1/S transition

Although a number of JmjC-containing histone demethylases have been identified and biochemically characterized, pathological roles of their dysfunction in human disease such as cancer have not been well elucidated. Here, we report the Jumonji domain containing 2A (JMJD2A) is integral to proliferation of cancer cells. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed higher expression of JMJD2A in clinical bladder cancer tissues than in corresponding non-neoplastic tissues (P < 0.0001). Immunohistochemical analysis also showed positive staining for JMJD2A in 288 out of 403 lung cancer cases, whereas no staining was observed in lung normal tissues. Suppression of JMJD2A expression in lung and bladder cancer cells overexpressing this gene, using specific siRNAs, inhibited incorporation of BrdU and resulted in significant suppression of cell growth. Furthermore, JMJD2A appears to directly transactivate the expression of some tumor associated proteins including ADAM12 through the regulation of histone H3K9 methylation. As expression levels of JMJD2A are low in normal tissues, it may be feasible to develop specific inhibitors targeting the enzyme as anti-tumor agents which should have a minimal risk of adverse reaction.     

Deguelin-induced inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 expression in human bronchial epithelial cells.

The increased expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 significantly enhances carcinogenesis and inflammatory reactions, and its regulation may be a reasonable target for cancer chemoprevention. We demonstrated previously that deguelin inhibits proliferation of premalignant human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells, such as 1799 cells and squamous HBE cells, by regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase Akt activity, which is involved in COX-2 expression. We sought to determine the effect of deguelin on COX-2 expression in squamous HBE cells. Deguelin strongly inhibited COX-2 expression in squamous HBE cells, without affecting the COX-1 protein level. Deguelin inhibited proliferation of a variety of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell lines through apoptosis and induced Bax expression in the H322 NSCLC and squamous HBE cells. Deguelin treatment did not affect Bcl-2 protein levels but increased expression levels of the proapoptotic protein p53 and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 in the squamous HBE cells. The sensitivity of the squamous HBE and NSCLC cells to deguelin and the inhibitory effects of deguelin on COX-2 expression in the squamous HBE cells indicate that regulation of COX-2 expression is involved in the chemopreventive action of deguelin in lung cancer.     

Differential expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 in human breast epithelial cells and breast tumor cells

Human cytochromes P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) catalyze the metabolic activation of a number of procarcinogens and the hydroxylation of 17beta-estradiol (E2) at the C-2 and C-4 positions, respectively. The aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has a marked effect on estrogen metabolism in MCF-7 breast-tumor cells by induction of these two enzymes. To investigate whether induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 by AhR agonists and the associated increase in E2 metabolism are common to all breast epithelial cells and breast-tumor cells, we determined the effects of TCDD on E2 metabolism, and CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA levels in a series of non-tumor-derived breast epithelial (184A1 and MCF-10A) and breast-tumor (MCF-7, T-47D, ZR-75-1, BT-20, MDA-MB-157, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436) cell lines. In 184A1 cells, which did not express detectable estrogen receptor (ER) alpha mRNA, CYP1A1 mRNA and activity were induced by TCDD, and enhanced E2 metabolism in TCDD-treated cells was predominantly E2 2-hydroxylation. In MCF-10A, MCF-7, T-47D, ZR-75-1 and BT-20 cells, which expressed varying levels of ER alpha mRNA, both CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 mRNA levels and rates of both E2 2- and 4- hydroxylation were highly elevated following exposure to TCDD. In MDA- MB-157, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-436 cells, which did not express detectable ER alpha mRNA and generally displayed fibroblastic or mesenchymal rather than epithelial morphology, CYP1B1 induction was favored, and the rate of E2 4-hydroxylation exceeded that of 2- hydroxylation in TCDD-treated cells. These results show that breast epithelial cells and tumor cells vary widely with regard to AhR- mediated CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 induction, suggesting that factors in addition to the AhR regulate CYP1A1 and CYP1B1 gene expression. In these cell lines, significant CYP1A1 inducibility was restricted to cultures displaying epithelial morphology, whereas CYP1B1 inducibility was observed in cells of both epithelial and mesenchymal morphology.      

Hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 repress SEMA4B expression to promote non-small cell lung cancer invasion

Sema domain of semaphorin 4B (SEMA4B), which is an interacting protein of LNM35, plays an important role in lung cancer invasion. However, the regulation mechanism of this protein is completely unknown. Here, we report that hypoxia and hypoxia mimic reagent could downregulate the expression of SEMA4B in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) lines. We provide evidences that SEMA4B is a direct target of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Silencing the expression of HIF-1α in cancer cells by RNA interference abolished hypoxia-repressed SEMA4B expression. Using luciferase reporter assay, we showed that HIF-1α recognized a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) of SEMA4B gene, which is required for HIF-1-repressed SEMA4B expression. Moreover, ectopic expression of SEMA4B abolished invasion of hypoxia-induced NSCLC cells. Taken together, these data would shed novel insights on the mechanisms for invasion of hypoxia-induced NSCLC cells.     

Effects of nickel sulfate on growth and differentiation of normal human bronchial epithelial cells

Epidemiological studies have shown that inhalation of nickelcompounds enhances the risk of human respiratory cancer. Culturesof normal human bronchial epithelial cells were continuouslyexposed to a dose (5–20 µg/ml) of NiSO₄ that reducedtheir colony forming efficiency by 30–80%. After 40 daysof incubation, the cultures consisted of large, squamous cells;mitotic cells were not observed. The cells were then maintainedin medium without NiSO₄. After 40–75 total days of incubation,colonies of mitotic cells appeared at a rate of 1 colony per100 000 cells originally at risk; no colonies appeared in controlcultures or in cultures exposed to <5 µg NiSO₄/ml for90 days. Twelve NiSO₄-altered cell cultures isolated from fiveexperiments have been expanded into mass cultures. Most of thecell lines have an increased population doubling potential (>50divisions). Some exhibit aberrations in the squamous (terminal)differentiation process whereas others have lost the requirementfor epidermal growth factor for clonal growth. Aneuploidy andmarker chromosomes have also been noted. However, none of theseNiSO₄-altered cell cultures are anchorage independent nor dothey produce tumors upon injection into athymic nude mice.     

煤焦沥青烟提取物对BEAS-2B细胞Nrf2及NQO1表达的影响

目的：研究煤焦沥青烟提取物对人肺支气管上皮细胞（BEAS-2B）Nrf2、NQO1 mRNA及Nrf2蛋白表达的影响。方法：煤焦沥青烟提取物以0．00、1．25、2．50、5．00、10．00μg／ml分别染毒BEAS-2B细胞24h后,提取细胞总RNA和总蛋白。采用RT-PCR检测Nrf2、NQO1 mRNA的相对表达量,Western blot测定Nrf2蛋白相对表达量。结果：染毒组BEAS-2B细胞Nrf2 mRNA及蛋白相对表达量均低于对照组,差别均有统计学意义（P均〈0．05）,在1．25—5．00μg／ml浓度范围内,随着染毒浓度的增加,Nrf2 mRNA和蛋白表达呈递增趋势,而当染毒浓度为10．00μg／ml时,Nrf2 mRNA和蛋白表达量均有所减少（P〈0．05）。随着染毒浓度的增加,NQO1基因表达水平升高,在5．00、10．00μg／ml时NQO1基因相对表达量比对照组高（P〈0．05）。结论：在煤焦沥青烟提取物浓度较低时（1．25～5．00μg／ml）,随染毒浓度增加Nrf2表达水平升高,可能上调NQO1基因的表达,增强BEAS-2B细胞氧化应激能力。     

Cytochrome P450 2A13 mediates the neoplastic transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells at a low concentration of aflatoxin B1

Cytochrome P450 2A13 (CYP2A13), mainly expressed in human respiratory tract, is highly efficient in the metabolic activation of aflatoxin (AF) B1 (AFB1) and is assumed to play a role in human lung tumorigenesis in airborne AFB1 exposure. To validate the assumption, we exposed human bronchial epithelial (BEAS‐2B) cells stably expressing CYP2A13 (B‐2A13), CYP1A2 (B‐1A2) and CYP2A6 (B‐2A6) to 0.1–10 nM AFB1 for 30–50 passages. B‐2A13 cells showed increased sensitivity to 0.1 nM AFB1‐induced neoplastic transformation and the formation of tumors in nude mice were observed at passage 30 (P30) while it occurred at P50 B‐1A2 cells. B‐2A6, similar to vector control, showed no neoplastic transformation in this condition. Additionally, AFB1‐DNA adducts and 8‐OHdG significantly increased in transformed P40 B‐2A13, in parallel with the upregulation of p‐ATR, p‐BRCA1, Mre11, Rad50 and Rad51. However, the apoptosis of P40 cells was near normal, while the expression of Bax, C‐Caspase 3 and C‐PARP increased passage‐dependently. Inhibition of ATR (ATR siRNA or NU6027) reversely increased the apoptosis of P40 B‐2A13 cells in parallel with the upregulation of Bax, C‐Caspase 3 and C‐PARP, suggesting that ATR plays an important role in maintaining cell survival via antiapoptosis. Additionally, activation of ATR was necessary to neoplastic transformation since blockage of ATR in P40 cells inhibited DNA damage repair response and anchorage‐independent growth. Our data demonstrated that CYP2A13 played a critical role in AFB1‐induced neoplastic transformation. ATR‐mediated the dysfunction of apoptosis and DNA damage repair might be involved. These results help establish a linkage between airborne AFB1 and human respiratory carcinoma.     

Altered p53 gene structure and expression in human epithelial cells after exposure to nickel.

The carcinogenicity of certain nickel compounds is well known. We have previously shown that human kidney epithelial cells were immortalized by treatment with Ni(II) and in cooperation with the v-Ha-ras oncogene transformed the cells to acquire tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice. Immunocytochemistry and sequence analysis of DNA from the nickel-immortalized cells revealed abnormal p53 expression and a T----C transition mutation in codon 238. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that Ni(II)-induced mutation in the p53 gene can be involved in the escape from senescence of kidney epithelial cells.     

Lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1/KDM1A) and MYCN cooperatively repress tumor suppressor genes in neuroblastoma

The chromatin-modifying enzyme lysine-specific demethylase 1, KDM1A/LSD1 is involved in maintaining the undifferentiated, malignant phenotype of neuroblastoma cells and its overexpression correlated with aggressive disease, poor differentiation and infaust outcome. Here, we show that LSD1 physically binds MYCN both in vitro and in vivo and that such an interaction requires the MYCN BoxIII. We found that LSD1 co-localizes with MYCN on promoter regions of CDKN1A/p21 and Clusterin (CLU) suppressor genes and cooperates with MYCN to repress the expression of these genes. KDM1A needs to engage with MYCN in order to associate with the CDKN1A and CLU promoters. The expression of CLU and CDKN1A can be restored in MYCN-amplified cells by pharmacological inhibition of LSD1 activity or knockdown of its expression. Combined pharmacological inhibition of MYCN and LSD1 through the use of small molecule inhibitors synergistically reduces MYCN-amplified Neuroblastoma cell viability in vitro. These findings demonstrate that LSD1 is a critical co-factor of the MYCN repressive function, and suggest that combination of LSD1 and MYCN inhibitors may have strong therapeutic relevance to counteract MYCN-driven oncogenesis.     

Glucocorticoids regulate gene expression and repress cellular proliferation in human uterine leiomyoma cells

Sex hormones and growth factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomas. The uterus is also an abundant source of the glucocorticoid receptor but its role and function have been largely ignored. Human samples of uterine leiomyomas and matched myometrium retain expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) suggesting a potential role for GR in leiomyoma function. However, hormone responsive gene expression varies between normal myometrium and leiomyoma cells. We now employ genome-wide microarray studies comparing glucocorticoid and estrogen-treated human uterine leiomyoma cells to those treated with both steroids to identify the potential role of glucocorticoids in uterine leiomyoma cells. Treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) regulated 3,128 probes. Estrogen (E(2)) treatment identified 2,094 probes, and in the presence of both hormones, 4,626 probes were regulated. Of the 552 probes identified, the majority of genes co-regulated by Dex, E(2), and Dex?+?E(2) exhibited co-downregulation. Interestingly, a small group of 17 genes displayed antagonistic regulation by Dex and E(2), where all genes in this group, Dex reversed the E(2) effect with. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis of the data identified cell growth, development, and differentiation as significant glucocorticoid regulated pathways. Flow cytometry confirmed that glucocorticoids regulated cell proliferation and significantly reduced the percentage of S-phase cells either in the presence or absence of estrogen in leiomyomas but not smooth muscle cells. Translation of our results suggest that glucocorticoids may play a significant role in regulating uterine leiomyoma gene expression and cell growth, and thus may have implications for therapeutic development of uterine leiomyoma treatment.