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Biomedical subjects

G D Sorenson

Publications and source records attributed to G D Sorenson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Involvement of the RAF1 locus, at band 3p25, in the 3p deletion of small-cell lung cancer.

The ability to establish long-term cell lines of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) has provided an in vitro model for the disease. We report on the characterization of 10 new human SCLC cell lines established from 34 cytopathologically positive specimens. Based on morphologic and biochemical characterization, growth properties, and expression of MYC and neuroendocrine properties, eight cell lines were categorized as "classic" and two cell lines as "variant". Cytogenetic examination revealed loss of all or part of 3p in all nine SCLC cell lines analyzed. The smallest deletion in common was found at 3p21-3p25. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses with probes for 3p were performed for correlation with karyotypic data and supported the cytogenetic findings. In 21 SCLC specimens (cell lines and tumor tissue) with normal DNA, used for comparison, we observed loss of heterozygosity at RAF1 (3p25) in ten of ten informative pairs by using two RFLPs from the RAF1 locus. In addition, loss of heterozygosity was noted in nine of 10 pairs examined with DNF15S2 (3p21) and four of four with D3S3 (3p14). Analysis of cell lines and tumor specimens that lacked paired normal tissue showed a homozygous pattern with the RAF1 probes in all 18 cases. Northern blots revealed significant expression of RAF1 in all cell lines tested. The transcript size was normal. The cytogenetic and RFLP data suggest that the RAF1 locus at 3p25 is involved in the chromosomal deletion of SCLC.

Blotting, Northern

Abnormalities in structure and expression of the retinoblastoma gene in small cell lung cancer cell lines and xenografts in nude mice.

The putative retinoblastoma gene (Rb) is a tumor suppressor gene which is believed to cause retinoblastomas when both alleles are inactivated, leading to lack of the encoded Mr 110,000-116,000 phosphoprotein. Inactivation of the Rb gene has also been found in several other tumor types, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Absence of the 4.7 kilobase mRNA has been found to be frequent in SCLC, and it has been reported that the Rb Mr 110,000-116,000 protein product is always absent, even in tumors expressing Rb mRNA. Using Western blotting technique with a monoclonal antibody directed against the Rb protein, we investigated the expression of the Mr 110,000-116,000 Rb protein in SCLC tumors grown as xenografts in nude mice and/or as cell lines. Rb messenger RNA expression was determined by Northern blotting, and gross structural gene alterations were investigated by Southern blotting. Tumors established from 23 patients were studied. Seven of the tumors did not express Rb protein, whereas expression was detectable in 13. Three tumors were not investigated for protein expression. Only two tumors expressed Rb mRNA without detectable Rb protein expression. Gross DNA alterations were found in four tumors, of which only one expressed Rb mRNA. Our results demonstrated frequent absence of Rb mRNA and protein in SCLC, but apparently normal Rb mRNA and protein were both expressed in more than one-half of the tumors.

Animals

Molecular mapping of deletion sites in the short arm of chromosome 3 in human lung cancer.

We used 10 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) probes spanning the length of the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) to map deletion sites in human lung cancer. Two approaches were used. 1) When a patient's tumor and normal tissue were available, loci with allelic heterozygosity in the normal tissue were tested for loss of alleles at 3p. 2) When the corresponding normal tissue was not available, the frequency of heterozygosity at each locus in a panel of tumors was compared to the corresponding published frequencies in nontumor tissue of healthy individuals or patients with lung cancer. In 14 small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) with normal DNA for comparison, allele loss was found at all heterozygous loci, with one exception at a locus near the 3p centromere (D3S4). In the total of 53 SCLCs, which included tumors without paired normal tissue, frequency of heterozygosity was significantly reduced in all 10 3p loci. Three loci, DNF 15S2, RAF1, and D3S18, were homozygous in all tumors in the SCLC panel. These loci, which are in regions 3p21 and 3p25, may thus be involved in the origin or evolution of SCLC. We also investigated 24 non-SCLC tumors. In this panel, frequency of heterozygosity was significantly reduced at seven of the 10 loci tested. Comparison of the results shows that the pattern of allele loss on 3p is different in SCLC and non-SCLC, suggesting a difference in pathogenesis at the genetic level.

Alleles

Mapping and characterization of an X-linked processed gene related to MYCL1.

A DNA sequence with homology to the myc family of proto-oncogenes has been characterized and found to be a processed gene related to L-MYC (MYCL1). This processed gene (MYCL2) was isolated by cross-hybridization to an oligonucleotide probe synthesized from the C-MYC (MYC) sequence in a highly conserved region of the myc gene family. Sequence analysis of MYCL2 revealed an open reading frame of 1194 bp with no intervening sequences and strong homology to the recently published DNA sequence of MYCL1. Southern and Northern blot analyses of DNAs and RNAs from small cell lung carcinomas confirmed its MYCL1 homology. Mapping of MYCL2 by somatic cell hybrids places this sequence on the long arm of the X chromosome in bands q22----q28.

Animals

Loss of heterozygosity in a gene coding for a thyroid hormone receptor in lung cancers.

The ERBA beta gene codes for a DNA-binding thyroid hormone receptor (THR) and maps to chromosome 3p21-p25, overlapping a 3p deletion characterizing small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). A DNA clone detecting an RFLP at the ERBA beta locus has been used to probe a large number of lung tumors. Virtually all SCLC had lost heterozygosity, showing that the 3p deletion in SCLC includes this gene. A substantial but smaller proportion of non-small-cell carcinomas had lost heterozygosity at ERBA beta. Among all non-small-cell tumors some had lost heterozygosity at the proximal locus DNF15S2 (band 3p21) but not at ERBA beta, whereas none were found where the reverse was true. Therefore, the locus which plays a role in non-small-cell tumorigenesis probably lies closer to DNF15S2 than to ERBA beta and is almost certainly not the latter.

Blotting, Southern

Molecular analysis of the short arm of chromosome 3 in small-cell and non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung.

Previous studies have suggested that the loss of DNA sequences on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) is associated with small-cell lung carcinoma. We therefore looked for loss of 3p alleles in tumor tissue from 42 patients with either small-cell or non-small-cell lung carcinoma. All 13 patients with small-cell lung carcinoma who were heterozygous for one or more alleles at 3p in normal tissue had the loss of at least one codominant allele in the tumor tissue. Cell lines of small-cell lung carcinoma from an additional eight patients were homozygous for 3p alleles; this result was significantly different from the predicted frequency of homozygosity. The tumor tissue studied included cell lines of small-cell lung carcinoma obtained from biopsy specimens, an autopsy sample, and an excised lymph node containing tumor cells. Loss of alleles at 3p was observed in tumor samples obtained before and after chemotherapy. Four of 15 evaluable patients with non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung had loss of 3p alleles. We conclude that loss of alleles at 3p is a change found consistently in small-cell lung carcinoma and occasionally in non-small-cell lung carcinoma.

Alleles

Lysis of small cell carcinoma of the lung tumor cell lines by gamma interferon-activated allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells: abrogation of killing by pretreatment of tumor cells with gamma interferon.

Interferon has been shown to enhance the ability of nonspecific cytotoxic mononuclear cells to lyse some, but not all, tumor cells. We have examined the effect of recombinant human gamma interferon (rIFN gamma) on the cell-mediated cytolysis of tumor target cells derived from continuously cultured lines of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). Cells from the SCCL lines DMS 44, 53, 79, 92, and 406 were labeled with 51Cr and incubated with normal and rIFN gamma-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 18 h at 37 degrees C and tumor cell lysis estimated by measuring 51Cr release. Although cells from certain SCCL lines were good targets for cell mediated cytotoxicity, susceptibility to lysis was heterogeneous among the different SCCL lines. DMS 406 and 79 were, on average, maximally lysed, while DMS 44, 53, and 92 showed less susceptibility to lysis by either control or rIFN gamma-stimulated effector cells. In addition, although pretreatment with rIFN gamma increased the cytolytic capacity of normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells from several different donors, preincubation of the tumor cell lines with rIFN gamma resulted in inhibition of cytolysis mediated by both control and IFN-activated effector cells. These findings suggest that although rIFN gamma may enhance cell-mediated lysis of SCCL tumor cells, it may also decrease susceptibility to lysis.

Antigens, Surface

Biosynthesis of procalcitonin in small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Immunoreactive calcitonin (CT) secreted by DMS 53, a cell line derived from human small cell carcinoma of the lung, consists almost entirely of molecular species larger than the mature hormone (Mr 3,420). Messenger RNA isolated from DMS 53 cells and nude mouse tumors was translated in wheat germ systems, and the products were precipitated with CT-specific antisera. Analyses of the translation products by electrophoresis on 15% polyacrylamide-sodium dodecyl sulfate gels indicated synthesis of a Mr 16,500 preprohormone that was reduced to Mr 14,500 by cotranslation with microsomal membranes. Immunoprecipitation of CT from media from pulse-labeled cultures revealed two major products (Mr 16,500 and Mr 14,500) and up to three minor secreted polypeptides (Mr 9,400, 8,400, and 6,800). Intracellular CT from cell homogenates appeared almost entirely as a single major product (Mr 14,500) and possibly 3-4 minor components (Mr 16,500; 9,200, 8,400, and 6,800). No glycosylated forms of CT were demonstrable by lectin binding methods or labeling attempts with tritiated sugars. The presence of multiple CT species in DMS 53 cells suggests significant post-translational processing of the larger precursor molecules and the accumulation and secretion by small cell carcinoma of the lung of several intermediate immunoreactive forms via a glycosylation-independent secretory pathway.

Calcitonin

Expression of myeloid and major histocompatibility antigens on small cell carcinoma of the lung cell lines analyzed by cytofluorography: modulation by gamma-interferon.

Recent reports have described the expression of myeloid cell surface antigens on cells of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). In order to confirm and extend these findings, we have examined by cytofluorography a large panel of well-characterized cell lines derived from SCCL tumors for the expression of several myeloid cell-associated antigens, some of which were not examined in previous reports. In addition, we have studied the expression of Classes I and II HLA antigens on these SCCL cell lines. Finally, we examined the effect of gamma-interferon on the expression of several cell surface markers and on proliferation of SCCL cells. We have found that several SCCL cell lines expressed a Mr 55,000 polypeptide antigen, My23, previously found only on monocytes and monocytic leukemia cells. In addition, the cell lines studied expressed another antigen, defined by monoclonal antibody AML-1-99, which is associated with monocytes and hematopoietic stem cells. We confirmed previous studies that the Leu-7 antigenic determinant is expressed on SCCL cells but observed only minimal or absent binding of monoclonal antibody OKM1 to most cell lines. Class I HLA antigens were present on eight of nine lines examined while Class II HLA was expressed on three of nine lines. Gamma-Interferon decreased the proliferative rate of all lines examined. However, this lymphokine was capable of inducing Class I HLA on several lines. The effect of gamma-interferon on other cell surface antigens was variable. These studies confirm that some myeloid cell-associated antigens are expressed on cultured SCCL lines and, additionally, show that their expression can be modulated by immune interferon. Determining the significance of finding myeloid cell-associated antigens on SCCL cells will require further study.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Evaluation of drug efficacy in vitro using human small cell carcinoma of the lung spheroids.

Five human small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) cell lines selected from 25 established cultures were grown as three-dimensional spheroid tumor models in either spinner culture or in static, agar-coated multiwells. Volume doubling times for the cell lines were approximately 4.5 days. Decreases in spheroid volumes after exposure to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents were used as indicators of drug activity. To further quantify cell killing in SCCL spheroids by chemotherapeutic agents 24 hours after exposure to drugs, a technique was employed that measured maximum levels of incorporation of 125IUdR after continuous labeling for 48 hours. The results of the use of this assay report for SCCL spheroid responses to various concentrations of doxorubicin hydrochloride, cytosine arabinoside, mechlorethamine hydrochloride, cisplatin, or etoposide. Some evidence for an intertumor heterogeneous response to chemotherapy is presented for some of the drugs tested. This assay was also used to characterize a potentiated cell kill when etoposide is combined with cisplatin and to identify activity by a new compound, diazoacetylcholine iodide (DACI), which was synthesized as an agent targeted for SCCL cells.

Animals

Expression of the human calcitonin/CGRP gene in lung and thyroid carcinoma.

Nucleotide sequence analysis of a partially processed polyadenylated precursor RNA transcript shows that the human calcitonin gene in common with the rat calcitonin gene, encodes calcitonin and the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP). Using hybridisation probes specific to calcitonin mRNA, intron, coding and non-coding regions of the CGRP mRNA, we demonstrate by Southern blotting the existence of a second human CGRP gene, and by RNA blotting and S1 mapping, the differential expression of calcitonin and CGRP in medullary thyroid carcinoma and human lung tumour cell-lines. These studies implicate the requirement for separate post-transcriptional events in the differential expression of calcitonin and CGRP from a single gene, the preferential use of splice acceptor sites for the synthesis of CGRP mRNA, and post-transcriptional cleavage modulated by a trans-acting gene product for the synthesis of calcitonin mRNA. Studies using antisera raised against CGRP and calcitonin, demonstrate elevated circulating levels of plasma CGRP in medullary thyroid carcinoma which do not parallel calcitonin levels, and the presence of CGRP in secretions from lung tumour cell-lines. These studies indicate that CGRP is a tumour marker of diagnostic and possibly prognostic value in the management of lung and thyroid tumours.

Amino Acid Sequence

Immunocytochemical staining of cytocentrifuge prepared cultured cells: nonspecific staining and its elimination.

In an attempt to localize hormones in cytocentrifuge-prepared cultured cells of small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL), various modifications of the immunoperoxidase (PAP) procedure (Sternberger, 1979) were tested. When using glutaraldehyde, formaldehyde, or p-benzoquinone fixation (Pearse & Polak, 1975) and rabbit antibodies in primary or bridging steps of the PAP procedure, nonspecific staining (false positives) could be elicited with the majority of rabbit antibodies tested, but not with antibodies from other animal sources. This problem could be eliminated by fixation of cells either with formalin-acetone (Mason et al., 1975) or, when using antibodies from a source other than rabbit, glutaraldehyde. It was not possible to localize ACTH in DMS-79, a human SCCL line known to produce this hormone. However, calcitonin was localized in the calcitonin-producing SCCL line DMS-53. Failure to localize ACTH in DMS-79 may be due to the lower levels of this hormone in DMS-79, as compared to the levels of calcitonin in DMS-53. This study emphasizes the importance of proper controls before concluding successful localization in a given immunocytochemical preparation of cultured cells.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone