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Biomedical subjects

M E Berens

Publications and source records attributed to M E Berens.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cost of migration: invasion of malignant gliomas and implications for treatment.

Tumors of glial origin consist of a core mass and a penumbra of invasive, single cells, decreasing in numbers towards the periphery and still detectable several centimeters away from the core lesion. Several decades ago, the diffuse nature of malignant gliomas was recognized by neurosurgeons when super-radical resections using hemispherectomies failed to eradicate these tumors. Local invasiveness eventually leads to regrowth of a recurrent tumor predominantly adjacent to the resection cavity, which is not significantly altered by radiation or chemotherapy. This raises the question of whether invasive glioma cells activate cellular programs that render these cells resistant to conventional treatments. Clinical and experimental data demonstrate that glioma invasion is determined by several independent mechanisms that facilitate the spread of these tumors along different anatomic and molecular structures. A common denominator of this cellular behavior may be cell motility. Gene-expression profiling showed upregulation of genes related to motility, and functional studies demonstrated that cell motility contributes to the invasive phenotype of malignant gliomas. There is accumulating evidence that invasive glioma cells show a decreased proliferation rate and a relative resistance to apoptosis, which may contribute to chemotherapy and radiation resistance. Interestingly, interference with cell motility by different strategies results in increased susceptibility to apoptosis, indicating that this dynamic relationship can potentially be exploited as an anti-invasive treatment paradigm. In this review, we discuss mechanisms of glioma invasion, characteristics of the invasive cell, and consequences of this cellular phenotype for surgical resection, oncologic treatments, and future perspectives for anti-invasive strategies.

Brain Neoplasms↗

Identification and validation of P311 as a glioblastoma invasion gene using laser capture microdissection.

The mRNA expression profiles from glioblastoma cells residing at the tumor core and invasive rim of a human tumor resection were compared. From a single tumor specimen, 20,000 single cells from each region were collected by laser capture microdissection. Differential expression of 50-60 cDNA bands was detected. One of the sequences overexpressed by the invasive cells showed 99% homology to the P311 gene, the protein product of which is reported to localize at focal adhesions. Relative overexpression of P311 by invading glioblastoma cells compared with tumor core was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR of six glioblastoma specimens after laser capture microdissection collection of rim and core cells. In vitro studies using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and integrin activation confirmed the role of P311 in supporting migration of malignant glioma cells. Immunochemistry studies confirmed the presence of the P311 protein in tumor cells, particularly at the invasive edge of human glioblastoma specimens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Migration and invasion in brain neoplasms.

Local invasion of the brain by neoplastic glial cells is a major obstacle to effective treatment of intrinsic brain tumors. Invasion is directly related to histologic malignancy, but occurs to some extent irrespective of tumor grade. Because the brain-to-tumor interface is not well demarcated, total surgical removal is rarely possible; moreover, as invading cells transiently arrest from cell division they are refractory to radiotherapeutic intervention. Invading cells may also be protected from the action of cytotoxic drugs by the presence of an intact blood-brain barrier. The invading cells, having migrated several millimeters or even centimeters from the main focus of the tumor, return to cycle phase under the control of some as yet unknown microenvironmental cue to form a recurrent tumor adjacent to the original site of presentation. Recent cellular and genetic information concerning factors underlying invasion may not only yield suitable targets for adaptation of existing therapies, but may also lead to novel approaches in glioma management.

Adolescent↗

Glioma cell motility is associated with reduced transcription of proapoptotic and proliferation genes: a cDNA microarray analysis.

Microarray analysis of complementary DNA (cDNA) allows large-scale, comparative, gene expression profiling of two different cell populations. This approach has the potential for elucidating the primary transcription events and genetic cascades responsible for increased glioma cell motility in vitro and invasion in vivo. These genetic determinants could become therapeutic targets. We compared cDNA populations of a glioma cell line (G112) exposed or not to a motility-inducing substrate of cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins using two sets of cDNA microarrays of 5,700 and 7,000 gene sequences. The data were analyzed considering the level and consistency of differential expression (outliers) and whether genes involved in pathways of motility, apoptosis, and proliferation were differentially expressed when the motility behavior was engaged. Validation of differential expression of selected genes was performed on additional cell lines and human glioblastoma tissue using quantitative RT-PCR. Some genes involved in cell motility, like tenascin C, neuropilin 2, GAP43, PARG1 (an inhibitor of Rho), PLCy, and CD44, were over expressed; other genes, like adducin 3y and integrins, were down regulated in migrating cells. Many key cell cycle components, like cyclin A and B, and proliferation markers, like PCNA, were strongly down regulated on ECM. Interestingly, genes involved in apoptotic cascades, like Bcl-2 and effector caspases, were differentially expressed, suggesting the global down regulation of proapoptotic components in cells exposed to cell-derived ECM. Overall, our findings indicate a reduced proliferative and apoptotic activity of migrating cells. cDNA microarray analysis has the potential for uncovering genes linking the phenotypic aspects of motility, proliferation, and apoptosis.

Apoptosis↗

Pattern of self-organization in tumour systems: complex growth dynamics in a novel brain tumour spheroid model.

We propose that a highly malignant brain tumour is an opportunistic, self-organizing and adaptive complex dynamic biosystem rather than an unorganized cell mass. To test the hypothesis of related key behaviour such as cell proliferation and invasion, we have developed a new in vitro assay capable of displaying several of the dynamic features of this multiparameter system in the same experimental setting. This assay investigates the development of multicellular U87MGmEGFR spheroids in a specific extracellular matrix gel over time. The results show that key features such as volumetric growth and cell invasion can be analysed in the same setting over 144 h without continuously supplementing additional nutrition. Moreover, tumour proliferation and invasion are closely correlated and both key features establish a distinct ratio over time to achieve maximum cell velocity and to maintain the system's temporo-spatial expansion dynamics. Single cell invasion follows a chain-like pattern leading to the new concept of a intrabranch homotype attraction. Since preliminary studies demonstrate that heterotype attraction can specifically direct and accelerate the emerging invasive network, we further introduce the concept of least resistance, most permission and highest attraction as an essential principle for tumour invasion. Together, these results support the hypothesis of a self-organizing adaptive biosystem.

Adaptation, Biological↗

Death-associated protein 3 (Dap-3) is overexpressed in invasive glioblastoma cells in vivo and in glioma cell lines with induced motility phenotype in vitro.

PURPOSE: To discover the genetic determinants of glioma invasion in vivo, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of glioblastoma cells residing at the tumor core versus those at the invasive rim of a human tumor resection. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: From a single glioblastoma specimen, 20,000 individual cells from each region (core and invasive rim) were collected by laser capture microdissection and analyzed by mRNA differential display. Differential expression of gene candidates was confirmed by laser capture microdissection and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in additional glioblastoma multiforme specimens, and the role in migration was further evaluated in glioma cell lines in vitro. RESULTS: Reproducible overexpression the death-associated Protein 3 (Dap-3) mRNA (NM 004632, GenBank; also reported as human ionizing resistance conferring protein mRNA, HSU18321, GenBank) by invasive cells was identified. Although the full-length Dap-3 protein has been described as proapoptotic, the NH(2)-terminal fragment can act in a dominant negative way resulting in protection from programmed cell death. In glioma cell lines T98G and G112 with an induced motility phenotype, Dap-3 was up-regulated at the mRNA and protein level as assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, cDNA microarray, and Western blot analysis. These cells showed an increased resistance to undergo camptothecin-induced apoptosis, which was overcome by effective Dap-3-antisense treatment. Antisense treatment also decreased the migration ability of T98G cells. CONCLUSIONS: Dap-3 is up-regulated in invasive glioblastoma multiforme cells in vivo and in glioma cells with an induced motility phenotype in vitro. When migration is activated, Dap-3 is up-regulated and cells become resistant to apoptosis. These findings suggest that Dap-3 confers apoptosis-resistance when migration behavior is engaged.

Apoptosis↗

Characterization of a canine glioma cell line as related to established experimental brain tumor models.

A large animal tumor model for anaplastic glioma has been recently developed using immunotolerant allogeneic Beagle dogs and an established canine glioma cell line, J3T. This model offers advantages in terms of tumor morphology and similarity to human anaplastic glioma. The present study was aimed at evaluating the biological characteristics of the J3T canine glioma cell line as related to experimental gene therapy studies. Furthermore, development and morphology of canine brain tumors in a xenogeneic immunodeficient SCID mouse model was investigated. It was demonstrated that cultured J3T cells can be efficiently infected by adenovirus (AV), herpes-simplex type I (HSV), or retrovirus (RV) vectors, as well as by non-virus vectors such as cationic liposome/DNA complexes. Thus, in terms of infectability and transfectability, J3T cells seem to be closer to human glioma than the 9L rodent gliosarcoma. Cytotoxicity of selection antibiotics such as G418, puromycin, and hygromycin on J3T cells essentially resemble cytotoxicity seen with other established glioma lines, for example, 9L, U87, or U343. RV-mediated HSV-TK/GCV gene therapy demonstrated comparable LD50 for TK-expressing and control (non-expressing) J3T and 9L cells treated with Ganciclovir. Further, it was proven that J3T cells are tumorigenic and may grow heterotopically and orthotopically in a xenogeneic immunodeficient host, the SCID mouse, although morphology and growth pattern of these xenogeneic tumors differ from the demonstrated invasive phenotype in the Beagle dog.

3T3 Cells↗

Allogeneic astrocytoma in immune competent dogs.

We have induced in canines long-term immune tolerance to an allogeneic cell line derived from a spontaneous canine astrocytoma. Allogeneic astrocytoma cells were implanted endoscopically into the subcutaneous space of fetal dogs before the onset of immune competency (< 40th gestational day). At adulthood, dogs rendered tolerant successfully serve as recipients of intracranial transplants of their growing allogeneic, subcutaneous tumor. Transplanted dogs subsequently develop a solid brain tumor with histological features similar to the original astrocytoma. This model may allow rapid development and evaluation of new therapies for brain tumors, as well as afford tumor biology studies that are untenable in smaller, immune incompetent, or inbred animals harboring less representative tumors.

Animals↗

"...those left behind." Biology and oncology of invasive glioma cells.

Although significant technical advances in surgical and radiation treatment for brain tumors have emerged in recent years, their impact on clinical outcome for patients has been disappointing. A fundamental source of the management challenge presented by glioma patients is the insidious propensity of the malignant cells to invade into adjacent normal brain. Invasive tumor cells escape surgical removal and geographically dodge lethal radiation exposure. Recent improved understanding of the biochemistry and molecular determinants of glioma cell invasion provide valuable insight to the underlying biological features of the disease, as well as illuminating possible new therapeutic targets. Heightened commitment to migrate and invade is accompanied by a glioma cell's reduced proliferative activity. The microenvironmental manipulations coincident to invasion and migration may also impact the glioma cell's response to cytotoxic treatments. These collateral aspects of the glioma cell invasive phenotype should be further explored and exploited as novel antiglioma therapies.

Animals↗

Thromboxane synthase regulates the migratory phenotype of human glioma cells.

The capacity of glial tumor cells to migrate and diffusely infiltrate normal brain compromises surgical eradication of the disease. Identification of genes associated with invasion may offer novel strategies for anti-invasive therapies. The gene for TXsyn, an enzyme of the arachidonic acid pathway, has been identified by differential mRNA display as being overexpressed in a glioma cell line selected for migration. In this study TXsyn mRNA expression was found in a large panel of glioma cell lines but not in a strain of human astrocytes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated TXsyn in the parenchyma of glial tumors and in reactive astrocytes, whereas it could not be detected in quiescent astrocytes and oligodendroglia of normal brain. Glioma cell lines showed a wide range of thromboxane B2 formation, the relative expression of which correlated with migration rates of these cells. Migration was effectively blocked by specific inhibitors of TXsyn, such as furegrelate and dazmegrel. Other TXsyn inhibitors and cyclooxygenase inhibitors were less effective. Treatment with specific inhibitors also resulted in a decrease of intercellular adhesion in glioma cells. These data indicate that TXsyn plays a crucial role in the signal transduction of migration in glial tumors and may offer a novel strategy for anti-invasive therapies.

Arachidonic Acids↗

Overexpression of a transmembrane isoform of neural cell adhesion molecule alters the invasiveness of rat CNS-1 glioma.

CNS-1 is a highly invasive neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM)-positive rat glioma that exhibits similarities in its pattern of infiltration to human gliomas. To investigate whether increasing NCAM expression alters invasive behavior, retroviruses encoding human NCAM 140 and a cytoplasmic truncation of NCAM 140 were used to transduce a population of CNS-1 glioma cells that had a relatively low endogenous level of NCAM. Compared to cells transduced with a control virus, cells overexpressing either intact or truncated human NCAM 140 showed decreased invasion of a reconstituted basal lamina. Changes in growth rate or in key matrix metalloproteinase activities could not account for this result. In a migration assay on type IV collagen, cells exhibited a substrate concentration-dependent increase in the rate of migration; however, overexpression of NCAM 140 or truncated NCAM 140 inhibited motility at higher substrate concentrations. Consistent with these findings was the decreased spread of NCAM 140 overexpressers in vivo following instillation of cells into the right frontal cortex of rat brain. NCAM 140 overexpressers showed considerably more restricted perivascular and periventricular spread than cells transduced with a control virus. However, NCAM-140-overexpressing tumor exhibited a less cohesive pattern of growth near the site of tumor instillation and more individual cell infiltration of brain parenchyma with more pronounced perineuronal satellitosis. The stability of recombinant NCAM expression was confirmed by recovering tumor cells from tumor-bearing animals and measuring NCAM levels by flow cytometry. These observations show that overexpression of NCAM 140 decreases the long-range spread of CNS-1 glioma along basal lamina pathways but enhances local infiltration of neuropil.

Animals↗

Altered gene expression in human astrocytoma cells selected for migration: I. Thromboxane synthase.

Human glioma cells from a long-term cell line were selected for their ability to migrate on a glioma-derived extracellular matrix. When tested over 28 serial passages, the migration-selected strain showed a genetically stable, enhanced migration rate compared with the parental cells. Proliferation studies demonstrated that the growth rate of migration-selected cells was slightly arrested. Both the selected strain and the parental culture showed anchorage-independent growth in soft agarose and were tumorigenic in athymic mice. Using molecular genetic strategies' display to isolate genes expressed differentially between the 2 populations, a 300-bp sequence homologous to thromboxane synthase was upregulated in the migration-selected cells relative to the parental cells. Expression levels of thromboxane synthase were highly elevated in the migration-selected cells when assessed by RNAse-protection assay and by flow cytometry. Two specific thromboxane synthase inhibitors, Dazmegrel and Furegrelate, reduced the migration rate of the migration-selected cells to a rate equal to or less than the rate exhibited by the parental cells, respectively. The inhibitors effect on the parental cells was inconsequential. These results suggest that aberrations in the regulation of thromboxane synthase expression or activity may influence the motility of human glioma cells.

Animals↗

Migration arrest in glioma cells is dependent on the alphav integrin subunit.

Local invasion is a hallmark of gliomas. Infiltrating tumor cells establish sites of persistent and recurrent lesions that ultimately prove fatal. Determinants of glioma cell migration include integrins and their ligands within the matrix. In contrast to the response to other matrix proteins, glioma cells migrating on tenascin do not follow a characteristic dose-dependent pattern. For two of four glioma cell lines tested, tenascin acts as both a permissive and a nonpermissive motility substrate, i.e., low densities of tenascin are permissive substrates, whereas high densities are nonpermissive. Specific antisense oligonucleotides directed at the alpha(v) integrin subunit effectively suppress the anti-migratory phenotype of glioma cells at high tenascin densities. The two cell lines that fail to demonstrate this unusual biphasic pattern do not endogenously express the alpha(v) subunit, whereas the cell lines for which high densities of tenascin are anti-migratory are found to express alpha(v). We conclude that loss of the alpha(v) integrin subunit may be associated with the invasive behavior of gliomas, along vascular channels that express tenascin.

Animals↗

Inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-mediated signal transduction and tumor growth by N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide.

Many reports have cited coexpression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptors by tumor cells or cells supporting tumor growth, suggesting both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms for PDGF-mediated tumor growth. We found that a small organic molecule, N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] 5-methylisoxazole-4-carboxamide (SU101, leflunomide), inhibited PDGF-mediated signaling events, including receptor tyrosine phosphorylation, DNA synthesis, cell cycle progression, and cell proliferation. SU101 inhibited PDGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF receptor (PDGFR) beta in C6 (rat glioma) and NIH3T3 cells engineered to overexpress human PDGFRbeta (3T3-PDGFRbeta). SU101 blocked both PDGF- and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated DNA synthesis. Previously, this compound was shown to inhibit pyrimidine biosynthesis by interfering with the enzymatic activity of dihydroorotate dehydrogenase. In the current study, EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis was restored by the addition of saturating quantities of uridine, whereas PDGF-induced DNA synthesis was not, suggesting that the compound demonstrated some selectivity for the PDGFR pathway that was independent of pyrimidine biosynthesis. Selectivity was further demonstrated by the ability of the compound to block the entry of PDGF-stimulated cells into the S phase of the cell cycle, without affecting cell cycle progression of EGF-stimulated cells. In cell growth assays, SU101 selectively inhibited the growth of PDGFRbeta-expressing cell lines more efficiently than it inhibited the growth of PDGFRbeta-negative cell lines. SU101 inhibited the s.c., i.p., and intracerebral growth of a panel of cell lines including cells from glioma, ovarian, and prostate origin. In contrast, SU101 failed to inhibit the in vitro or s.c. growth of A431 and KB tumor cells, both of which express EGF receptor but not PDGFRbeta. SU101 also inhibited the growth of D1B and L1210 (murine leukemia) cells in syngeneic immunocompetent mice, without causing adverse effects on the immune response of the animals. In an i.p. model of tumor growth in syngeneic immunocompetent mice, SU101 prevented tumor growth and induced long-term survivors in animals implanted with 7TD1 (murine B-cell hybridoma) tumor cells. Because PDGFRbeta was detected on most of the tumor cell lines in which in vivo growth was inhibited by SU101, these data suggest that SU101 is an effective inhibitor of PDGF-driven tumor growth in vivo.

3T3 Cells↗

Dichotomy of astrocytoma migration and proliferation.

Astrocytomas often show high rates of local invasion that lead to local recurrence of the disease. Histologically, the most highly invasive astrocytoma cells are detected in isolation rather than as nests of tumor. Our study attempted to determine whether the migratory response to extracellular substrates influences the proliferative behavior of these highly invasive cells. The preferential and specific migratory response of human astrocytoma cells to extracellular matrix proteins was assessed by a microliter scale migration assay. Growth curve studies on protein ligands permissive (merosin) for cell migration indicated that the lag phase was protracted compared with cells seeded on non-permissive proteins (vitronectin). Once a certain cell density was reached, logarithmic proliferation was indistinguishable on the different proteins. The proliferation index of populations of cells migrating on merosin and vitronectin was measured by both BrdU incorporation and MIB-1 immunocytochemistry labeling. Cells seeded on vitronectin showed higher proliferation throughout the population than cells seeded on merosin. On merosin, the more migratory cells at the periphery were less proliferative than non-migratory cells in the central region of that population. The integrin-associated signal transduction protein, p125FAK, was heavily localized in the membrane of non-migrating cells and largely absent in migrating astrocytoma cells. We conclude that temporally, proliferation and migration are mutually exclusive behaviors. Cell density or non-permissive substrates that inhibit cell motility favor a more proliferative phenotype. Conversely, active migration suppresses cell proliferation.

Astrocytoma↗

Proliferation and motility responses of primary and recurrent gliomas related to changes in epidermal growth factor receptor expression.

Astrocytic neoplasms show a high incidence of elevated or mutated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Although proliferative effects from EGFR activation are well described, the role that changes in this receptor play in glioma growth and migration remain poorly addressed. This report characterizes changes in the levels of EGFR expression in three glial tumors at initial presentation (resection) and at the time of recurrence. By quantitative flow cytometry the mean level of EGFR expression increased, decreased, or remained the same in different recurrent astrocytomas relative to their primary tumor cells. Immunocytochemistry for EGFR on monolayer cells corroborated the level of expression in the recurrent tumors relative to their matched primary specimen. Immunoprecipitation indicated that 170 kd EGFR was expressed in each of the tumors, and showed normal down regulation following treatment with EGF. Proliferation response to EGF was seen in only 1/6 instances, but was concentration-dependent when observed. Stimulated migration of the cells was frequently seen and was also concentration-dependent on EGF; the magnitude of response was related to the relative level of 170 kd EGFR expression in the cells. EGFR immunostaining of tissue sections from the tumors confirmed the levels of EGFR expressed in primary and recurrent astrocytomas as was seen in the cultured cells. These results indicate that the relative levels of EGFR in early passage cell cultures from glioma specimens concurs with the measured tissue levels of expression. Human glioma cells are more responsive to migration induction than proliferation induction by EGF.

Cell Division↗

Interferon-beta inhibits proliferation and progression through S phase of the cell cycle in five glioma cell lines.

The growth inhibitory effect of IFN-beta was evaluated in 5 human glioma cell lines (AO2V4, GJC, GJR, NN and NNR) and in normal astrocyte cultures (SC and TM). All 5 glioma cell lines showed an anti-proliferative response to IFN-beta whereas normal glial cells were non-responsive. IFN-beta at 10, 100 and 500 U/ml lead to a 30%, 70% and 80% relative decrease in cell number after 12 days, respectively in AO2V4 cells. GJC and GJR cell lines also responded significantly to the lowest concentration of IFN-beta tested and at 500 U/ml the relative cell number decreased 55%. The NN and NNR cells were the least responsive to IFN-beta with maximum growth inhibition of 30% at 500 U IFN-beta/ml. Following treatment with IFN-beta, AO2V4, GJC, GJR and normal astrocytes all expressed mRNA encoding the anti-viral protein, 2-5A synthetase demonstrating that IFN-beta bound to receptors on all four cell lines and activated signal transduction pathways required for induction of an anti-viral protein. A determination of the relative number of viable cells showed that none of these cells exhibited a significant decrease in cell viability. Since the antiproliferative response to IFN-beta was not primarily due to cell death, the effect of IFN-beta on cell cycle progression was evaluated by flow cytometry. All treated glioma cell lines showed a relative increase in proportion of cells in S phase. AO2V4 cells had a 50%-80% increase in the percentage of cells in S phase, whereas GJC, GJR and NNR had percentage increases of 20%-40%. IFN-beta treatment of normal astrocytes did not significantly alter their cell cycle profile. These data suggest that IFN-beta exerts its antiproliferative effect on glioma cells by arresting the ordered progression through S phase or decreasing entry into G2/M phase of the cell cycle.

Adult↗

Contrasting migratory response of astrocytoma cells to tenascin mediated by different integrins.

Tenascin, an extracellular matrix protein, is expressed in human gliomas in vitro and in vivo. The distribution of tenascin at the invasive edge of these tumors, even surrounding solitary invading cells, suggests a role for this protein as a regulator of glioma cell migration. We tested whether purified tenascin, passively deposited on surfaces, influenced the adhesion or migration of a human gliomaderived cell line, SF-767. Adhesion of glioma cells to tenascin increased in a dose-dependent fashion up to a coating concentration of 10 micrograms/ml. Higher coating concentrations resulted in progressively fewer cells attaching. Cell adhesion could be blocked to basal levels using anti-beta 1 integrin antibodies. In contrast, when anti-alpha v antibodies were added to the medium of cells on tenascin, cell adhesion was enhanced slightly. Using a microliter scale migration assay, we found that cell motility on tenascin was dose dependently stimulated at coating concentrations of 1 and 3 micrograms/ml, but migration was inhibited below levels of non-specific motility when tested at coating concentrations of 30 and 100 micrograms/ml. Migration on permissive concentrations of tenascin could be reversibly inhibited with anti-beta 1, while treatment with anti-alpha v antibodies increased migration rates. We conclude that SF-767 glioma cells express two separate integrin receptors that mediate contrasting adhesive and migratory responses to tenascin.

Astrocytoma↗