The clinical significance of cathepsin S expression in human astrocytomas

Early local invasion by astrocytoma cells results in tumor recurrence even after apparent total surgical resection, leading to the poor prognosis associated with malignant astrocytomas. Proteolytic enzymes have been implicated in facilitating tumor cell invasion and the current study was designed to characterize the expression of the cysteine proteinase cathepsin S (CatS) in astrocytomas and examine its potential role in invasion. Immunohistochemical analysis of biopsies demonstrated that CatS was expressed in astrocytoma cells but absent from normal astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurones and endothelial cells. Microglial cells and macrophages were also positive. Assays of specific activity in 59 astrocytoma biopsies confirmed CatS expression and in addition demonstrated that the highest levels of activity were expressed in grade IV tumors. CatS activity was also present in astrocytoma cells in vitro and the extracellular levels of activity were highest in cultures derived from grade IV tumors. In vitro invasion assays were carried out using the U251MG cell line and the invasion rate was reduced by up to 61% in the presence of the selective CatS inhibitor 4-Morpholineurea-Leu-HomoPhe-vinylsulphone. We conclude that CatS expression is up-regulated in astrocytoma cells and provide evidence for a potential role for CatS in invasion.     

Urokinase and urokinase receptor expression in somatic cell hybrids

To study the mechanisms that control cell-bound urokinase (u-PA) activity we characterised the expression of u-PA and its cellular receptor (u-PAR) in somatic cell hybrids between mouse L fibroblasts that do not produce u-PA and human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells that express high levels of u-PA and u-PAR. Although the hybrids possessed a number of copies of the human u-PA and u-PAR genes comparable to that of HT1080 cells, they had levels of human u-PA mRNA and u-PAR mRNA significantly lower than HT1080 cells. Accordingly, the levels of u-PA and u-PAR were lower in the hybrids than in HT1080 cells. However, the hybrid cells surprisingly had a 2- to 6-fold higher u-PA-binding capacity than HT1080 cells. Some hybrid cells expressed glycosilation variants of u-PAR. In addition, in the hybrids, that express very low levels of u-PA, u-PAR was predominantly in the ligand-binding, three-domain form, whereas HT1080 cells, that have a high u-PA level, possessed higher levels of the cleaved, two-domain form of u-PAR devoid of ligand-binding activity. This indicates that the u-PA-binding capacity is controlled not only by u-PAR expression but also depends on receptor affinity and cleavage by u-PA or plasmin.     

Cell invasion is affected by differential expression of the urokinase plasminogen activator/urokinase plasminogen activator receptor system in muscle satellite cells from normal and dystrophic patients

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential expression and the function in cell movement and proliferation of the urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) system in muscle satellite cells (MSC) of normal individuals and patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). By immunoenzymatic, zymographic, and radioligand binding methods and by quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the specific mRNA we have shown that both normal and DMD MSC produce u-PA and the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and express u-PA receptors (u-PAR). During the proliferation phase of their growth-differentiation program, MSC from DMD patients show more u-PAR than their normal counterpart, produce more plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and release low amounts of u-PA into the culture medium. By Boyden chamber Matrigel invasion assays we have shown that normal MSC are more prone than DMD cells to spontaneous invasion but, when subjected to a chemotactic gradient of u-PA, DMD MSC sense the ligand much better and to a greater extent than normal MSC. u-PA also stimulates proliferation of MSC, but no difference is observable between normal and DMD patients. Antagonization of u-PA/u-PAR interaction with specific anti-u-PA and anti-u-PAR monoclonal antibodies and with antisense oligonucleotides inhibiting u-PAR expression indicates that u-PA/u-PAR interaction is required in spontaneous and u-PA-induced invasion, as well as in u-PA-induced proliferation.     

Differential expression of HOX genes in neoplastic and non-neoplastic human astrocytes

HOX genes are a large family of regulatory genes implicated in the control of developmental processes. HOX genes are involved in malignant transformation and progression of different types of tumour. Despite intensive efforts to delineate the expression profiles of HOX genes in other cell types, nothing is known regarding the global expression profile of these genes in normal human astrocytes and astrocytomas. The present study has analysed the expression profile of the 39 class I HOX genes in normal human astrocytes (NHA and E6/E7), two well-established glioblastoma cell lines (U-87 MG and U-1242-MG), as well as neoplastic (WHO grades II/III and IV) and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens with hippocampal sclerosis and medically intractable epilepsy. RT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR, immunocytochemistry, and western blot analyses revealed differential expression of nine HOX genes (A6, A7, A9, A13, B13, D4, D9, D10, and D13) in normal human astrocytic cell lines and non-neoplastic temporal lobe specimens. The data show that HOX genes are differentially expressed in neoplastic and non-neoplastic astrocytes and that multiple HOX genes are overexpressed in glioblastoma cell lines, astrocytomas (II/III), and glioblastoma multiforme. The differential expression of HOX genes in normal and neoplastic astrocytes suggests a role for these genes in brain tumourigenesis.     

Immunocytochemical detection of p53 in human gliomas.

Since previous published studies of astrocytomas have shown alterations in the short arm of chromosome 17, and this chromosomal location is that which encodes the p53 protein, we used a monoclonal antibody and immunocytochemistry to detect this protein in a series of brain biopsies. The normal p53 protein has a short half-life and is not detectable using this method. Expression of an altered p53 protein was detected in 29 of 71 brain biopsies, but only in those that showed astrocytic features. p53 expression was detected in 20/32 glioblastomas, 5/12 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 3/5 mixed anaplastic oligo-astrocytomas, but only in astrocytic cells. It could not be detected in any other histologic types of primary brain neoplasms, either benign or malignant. The protein was detected in only 1/11 biopsies interpreted as showing gliosis, but this was in a patient who had previously had a resection for glioblastoma, and may have represented unrecognized infiltrating astrocytoma cells. The p53 protein was also expressed in the nuclei of the two human astrocytoma cell lines examined, U251MG and D54MG. These results are in general agreement with previous detailed chromosomal analyses that have found loss of heterozygosity in up to 60% of malignant astrocytic gliomas.     

Detection of mRNAs for urokinase-type plasminogen activator, its receptor, and type 1 inhibitor in giant cell tumors of bone with in situ hybridization.

Although giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is generally considered to be an uncommon benign neoplasm, it can pursue an aggressive course with local recurrence and metastasis. Attempts to predict the biological behavior of GCT with histopathological parameters, however, have not been successful. The urokinase-type plasminogen activation system has been implicated in tumor invasion and metastasis and abnormalities of the components of this system have been found in several malignancies. In this study we postulated that the urokinase-type plasminogen activation system associated with bone destruction and local invasion is present in GCT. We therefore evaluated the mRNA levels for urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR), and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) by using Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization in four cases of GCT and spindle-shaped mononuclear cells at the 35th passage from a GCT. Our results showed that giant cell tumors of bone contained variable levels of u-PA, u-PAR, and PAI-1 mRNA, respectively, 2.3, 1.4, and 3.2 kb in size. In situ hybridization showed that u-PA, u-PAR, and PAI-1 mRNA were expressed in both the mononuclear cells and the osteoclast-like giant cells; the signal for u-PA mRNA in the spindle-shaped mononuclear cells was more intense than that in the osteoclast-like multinuclear giant cells. Some spherical mononuclear cells (macrophage-like cells) expressed high levels of PAI-1 mRNA in comparison with the spindle-shaped mononuclear cells. In addition, the 35th passaged spindle-shaped mononuclear cells were used to study the gene expression of u-PA during cell proliferation. The results showed that the level of u-PA mRNA increases after adding 10% fetal calf serum to quiescent cells. The induction was maximal at 16 hours and remained high during 48 hours of treatment. In conclusion, even though osteoclast-like cells are ultimately responsible for the bone resorption of GCT, the mononuclear neoplastic cells of GCT may also be involved in degradation of the extracellular matrix during invasive growth by facilitating the urokinase plasminogen activation system. In addition, our observation of upregulation of u-PA mRNA in spindle-shaped mononuclear cells after serum stimulation indicated that u-PA production may be linked to tumor growth.     

人脑星形细胞瘤纤溶酶原激活抑制因子1基因表达研究

目的研究人脑星形细胞瘤纤溶酶原激活抑制因子１（ＰＡＩ１）基因表达及其临床意义。方法采用Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ杂交和免疫组化ＡＢＣ方法检测３６例人脑星形细胞瘤ＰＡＩ１ｍＲＮＡ和蛋白表达，分析其与临床病理因素之间的关系。结果所有星形细胞瘤组织均可表达３．０ｋｂ和２．２ｋｂ的ＰＡＩ１ｍＲＮＡ转录物；高分级星形细胞瘤ＰＡＩ１ｍＲＮＡ表达水平显著高于低分级星形细胞瘤（Ｐ＜００１）；正常脑组织未检测出ＰＡＩ１ｍＲＮＡ表达。ＰＡＩ１ｍＲＮＡ表达水平与星形细胞瘤的坏死（ｒ＝０．５１，Ｐ＜０．０１）、微血管数（ｒ＝０．３３，Ｐ＜０．０１）及脑水肿（ｒ＝０．２７，Ｐ＜０．０１）呈显著正相关，与患者性别、年龄及瘤体大小无显著相关性。免疫组化染色显示，ＰＡＩ１蛋白主要分布在高分级星形细胞瘤的瘤细胞和内皮细胞，尤以血管增殖部位和坏死灶周围较为显著，低分级星形细胞瘤呈低水平表达。结论ＰＡＩ１基因表达与人脑星形细胞瘤的分级、坏死、血管生成及脑水肿密切相关，可作为星形细胞瘤恶性程度的分子标记。     

Characterization and regulation of the urokinase receptor of human endothelial cells

Endothelial cells synthesize and secrete urokinase-type plasminogen activators (u-PA) in response to various stimuli. To modulate the local expression of u-PA activity both intravascularly and pericellularly during angiogenesis, endothelial cells express both inhibitors (primarily PAI-1) and receptors (u-PAR) for u-PA. The interaction of u-PA with receptors on the surface of endothelial cells may play an important role in the regulation of fibrinolysis and cell migration. Using radioligand binding studies, we and others have demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) express high affinity receptors for urokinase on the cell surface. We have demonstrated that single chain urokinase (scu-PA, prourokinase) binds only via the growth factor domain, while two chain high molecular weight urokinase (tcu-PA) can bind to the receptor or to cell- or matrix-associated PAI-1. We have isolated a ∼46kDa glycoprotein from HUVEC using affinity chromatography which retains the ability to specifically bind u-PA. At least three post -translational modifications appear to occur including removal of an N-terminal signal peptide; N-linked glycosylation, and C-terminal cleavage with addition of a phosphatidylinositol-glycan moiety which links the externally oriented protein to the cell surface. Using the polymerase chain reaction and published sequence information of the u-PAR cloned from a transformed fibroblast cDNA library, we amplified cDNAs of u-PAR from HUVEC and PMA-treated U937 cells. The specificity of the cDNAs was confirmed by restriction mapping and direct sequence analysis. Using these probes and radioligand binding studies we have demonstrated that at least two independent protein kinase pathways exist in endothelial cells for upregulating u-PA receptor expression. Down regulation of receptors may be pathophysiologic in thrombosic disorders whereas up regulation may be important in promoting wound healing, vascular repair, and protection from thrombosis. Up regulation could be harmful as well in such conditions as pathologic neovascularization (e.g., diabetic retinopathy) and in tumour metastasis as well as in tumour-related angiogenesis. Understanding the control and functional significance of u-PA binding to cells in general will hopefully enable the design of therapies to optimize the beneficial aspects and minimize any harmful effects of this interaction. Changes in the local expression of u-PA, PAM and u-PAR by endothelial cells may affect the extent of angiogenesis or the degree of local intravascular fibrinolysis, which might be critical in conditions such as unstable angina and myocardial infarction.     

Increase of a urokinase receptor-related low-molecular-weight molecule in colorectal adenocarcinomas

Proteolytic activity is important for tumor growth and metastasis. Plasminogen and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) constitute one of the most extensively studied proteolytic systems believed to participate in these processes. u-PA cleaves plasminogen to plasmin, which in turn degrades surrounding extracellular matrix and allows tumor cells to migrate to other areas. The specific receptor for u-PA (u-PAR) has also been implicated as an essential modulator in this pathway. Eleven paired samples of colorectal cancers and normal mucosal tissues from the same patients were removed at surgery. The tissues were homogenized and the supernatants assayed for u-PAR immunoreactivity, u-PAR antigen concentration, u-PAR binding activity and u-PA activity. Immunoblot analysis showed that a major u-PAR species of 55 kDa was present in all tissues. In addition, a protein band of 4 kDa, which crossreacted with anti-u-PAR antibodies, was also found in the tumors. This protein band was either absent, or present in relatively small amounts in the normal colorectal tissues. Cross-linking experiments showed that the 55 kDa band only, and not the 41 kDa band, was able to bind either single chain urokinase-type plasminogen activator (scu-PA) or the amino terminal fragment of urokinase (ATF). The tumor samples also exhibited highly elevated u-PA activity and u-PAR antigen relative to the corresponding normal tissues. Elevated u-PA activity appeared to correlate with elevated u-PAR antigen in colorectal cancers, but not in the normal tissues. These increases were also associated with increase of the u-PAR-related, low-molecular-weight protein in the tumor samples. The measurement of u-PAR and the u-PAR-related protein, in addition to u-PA activity, could have diagnostic or prognostic value in this type of cancer.     

Promoter hypermethylation-mediated down-regulation of LATS1 and LATS2 in human astrocytoma

LATS1 and LATS2 are tumor suppressor genes implicated in the regulation of cell cycle, but their methylation statuses are still unknown in human astrocytoma. Here, we found that the promoter hypermethylation frequencies of LATS1 and LATS1 were 63.66% (56/88) and 71.5% (63/88) in 88 astrocytomas by methylation-specific PCR. But no methylation of LATS1 and LATS2 promoter was detected in the 10 normal brain tissues. There was an increased methylation frequency of LATS1 and LATS2 with the malignant development of astrcytoma. By real-time PCR, the mRNA expression of LATS1 or LATS2 was detected significantly decreased in different pathological grade astrocytomas (P<0.05). And the mRNA levels of LATS1 and LATS2 in astrocytomas with hypermethylation were both significantly (P<0.01) lower than those without methylation. The methylation of LATS1 and LATS2 was detected in U251 and SHG-44 cell lines, and 5-aza-deoxycytidine could restore their expression to induce cell apoptosis. Our results suggested that LATS1 and LATS2 mRNA was down-regulated in astrocytoma by hypermethylation of the promoter. The methylation and mRNA expression of LATS1 and LATS2 may provide useful clues to the development of the diagnostic assays for astrocytoma. Our results also suggested that LATS1 and LATS2 may be a useful target for astrocytoma therapy.     

星形细胞瘤p16与Rb蛋白的表达及其相关性研究

目的检测ｐ１６与Ｒｂ蛋白在原发性星形细胞瘤中的存在状况，以探讨不同病理类型星形细胞瘤中ｐ１６与Ｒｂ蛋白表达及其相关性。方法使用抗ｐ１６及Ｒｂ蛋白抗体对１０２例星形细胞瘤手术标本进行免疫细胞化学检测。结果低度恶性星形细胞瘤（ＷＨＯⅠ～Ⅱ级）中ｐ１６及Ｒｂ蛋白均为阳性表达，在高度恶性星形细胞瘤（ＷＨＯⅢ～Ⅳ级）中其阳性表达分别为４８．１％（２６／５４）和５７．４％（３１／５４）。在３１例Ｒｂ蛋白阳性标本中，有２４例（７７．４％）显示ｐ１６蛋白表达缺失或低表达，而在２３例Ｒｂ蛋白阴性标本中却有１９例（８２．６％）显示ｐ１６蛋白阳性或强阳性。结论（１）ｐ１６及Ｒｂ蛋白参与星形细胞瘤细胞增殖过程并影响其细胞分化；（２）ｐ１６与Ｒｂ蛋白之间阳性表达的相互抑制，可能是高度恶性星形细胞瘤的标志之一。     

Endotoxin stimulates expression of the murine urokinase receptor gene in vivo.

The regulation of urokinase receptor (u-PAR) gene expression during endotoxemia was studied in vivo with a murine model system. Northern blot analysis demonstrated relatively high levels of u-PAR mRNA in mouse placenta, with intermediate levels in lung and spleen and very low levels in heart and kidney. No u-PAR mRNA could be detected in liver, gut, thymus, brain, or skeletal muscle. Intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) increased the steady-state levels of u-PAR mRNA in most tissues examined. The greatest induction (sevenfold) was observed in the lung at 1 hour after injection. The cellular localization of u-PAR mRNA was assessed by in situ hybridization. In control mice, u-PAR mRNA was detected primarily in alveolar macrophages of the lung and lymphocytes of the spleen and thymus, although a specific signal was also present in other cell types. In general, endothelial cells lacked detectable u-PAR mRNA. The induction of u-PAR mRNA by lipopolysaccharide was apparent within 30 minutes and was localized to tissue macrophages, lymphocytes, and endothelial cells lining arteries and veins. At later times (1 to 3 hours), specialized epithelial cells present in gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts, and uterus were also positive for u-PAR mRNA. Induction of u-PAR in vivo by lipopolysaccharide may facilitate the extravasation and migration of leukocytes during inflammation.     

Characterization of integrin receptors in normal and neoplastic human brain.

We studied the immunohistochemical expression of integrin alpha and beta chains in the normal and neoplastic human brain. Normal astrocytes expressed alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 chains in some areas facing major interstitial tissues, but they were consistently negative for the other integrins examined (alpha 4, alpha 5, alpha V, alpha L, alpha M, alpha X, beta 2, beta 3). Neoplastic astrocytes in vivo and in vitro showed increased expression of alpha 3 and beta 1, and some also of alpha 5, alpha V, beta 3, and beta 4. Neoexpression of alpha 4 and reduced levels of beta 4 were detected in glioblastoma vascular proliferations compared with normal endothelial cells. Oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, choroid plexus papilloma, pituitary adenoma, and meningioma cells showed the same integrin pattern as their normal counterparts. Adhesion assays using the astrocytoma cell lines U-138 MG and U-373 MG revealed strong attachment to collagen types I to VI and undulin, which was inhibited by antibodies to beta 1, but not by those to alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6, and alpha V. We conclude that astrocytomas show increased levels or neoexpression of various integrins and strong attachment to various extracellular matrix components, which appears to be almost exclusively mediated by beta 1-integrins.     

Participation of host cells: resistance or collaboration

Matrix metalloproteinases play an important regulatory role in tissue morphogenesis, cell differentiation and motility, and tumor cell invasiveness. We have recently demonstrated elevated activity of the 92 kDa type IV collagenase (MMP-9) in human glioblastoma and in the present study examine the relative amounts of MMP-9 protein and mRNA in human gliomas and as well as the distribution of MMP-9 in human glioma tumors in vivo. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitative determination of MMP-9 protein, we found that levels were significantly higher in malignant astrocytomas, especially in glioblastoma multiforme, than in normal brain tissues and low-grade gliomas. In addition, the amount of MMP-9 mRNA, as determined by northern blot analysis was higher in anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastoma multiforme than in normal brain tissue and low-grade gliomas. Immunocytochemical staining for MMP-9 showed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity in the tumor cells and the proliferating endothelial cells of glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytomas. The staining intensity was lower in low-grade astrocytomas, and was undetectable or very low in normal brain astrocytes. The results indicate that expression of MMP-9 is dramatically upregulated in highly malignant gliomas and correlates with the highly malignant progression of human gliomas in vivo, and support a role for the MMP-9 in facilitating the invasiveness seen in malignant gliomas in vivo.