Biomedical subjects

P Waliszewski

Publications and source records attributed to P Waliszewski.

10 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1999

Retinoid signaling in immortalized and carcinoma-derived human uroepithelial cells.

This paper investigates the presence and functionality of retinoid signaling pathways in human urinary bladder carcinoma and SV40-immortalized uroepithelial cell lines. Only two of eight cell lines were proliferation-inhibited by 10 microM of either all-trans or 13-cis-retinoic acid. Transactivation of the CAT gene under control of a retinoid-responsive element demonstrated functionality of the signaling pathway in both sensitive cell lines and four of six resistant cell lines. Relative RT-PCR analysis of a panel of retinoid-responsive and inducible genes demonstrated changes in expression levels of all the genes in response to-retinoic acid treatment together with numerous aberrations dysregulations. We conclude that retinoid signaling may be a target for inactivation during tumorigenesis by uncoupling gene expression, proliferation and differentiation. Therefore retinoids are more likely to be effective for chemoprevention than for treatment of bladder carcinomas.

Apoptosis↗

PubMed1998

On the holistic approach in cellular and cancer biology: nonlinearity, complexity, and quasi-determinism of the dynamic cellular network.

A keystone of the molecular reductionist approach to cellular biology is a specific deductive strategy relating genotype to phenotype-two distinct categories. This relationship is based on the assumption that the intermediary cellular network of actively transcribed genes and their regulatory elements is deterministic (i.e., a link between expression of a gene and a phenotypic trait can always be identified, and evolution of the network in time is predetermined). However, experimental data suggest that the relationship between genotype and phenotype is nonbijective (i.e., a gene can contribute to the emergence of more than just one phenotypic trait or a phenotypic trait can be determined by expression of several genes). This implies nonlinearity (i.e., lack of the proportional relationship between input and the outcome), complexity (i.e. emergence of the hierarchical network of multiple cross-interacting elements that is sensitive to initial conditions, possesses multiple equilibria, organizes spontaneously into different morphological patterns, and is controlled in dispersed rather than centralized manner), and quasi-determinism (i.e., coexistence of deterministic and nondeterministic events) of the network. Nonlinearity within the space of the cellular molecular events underlies the existence of a fractal structure within a number of metabolic processes, and patterns of tissue growth, which is measured experimentally as a fractal dimension. Because of its complexity, the same phenotype can be associated with a number of alternative sequences of cellular events. Moreover, the primary cause initiating phenotypic evolution of cells such as malignant transformation can be favored probabilistically, but not identified unequivocally. Thermodynamic fluctuations of energy rather than gene mutations, the material traits of the fluctuations alter both the molecular and informational structure of the network. Then, the interplay between deterministic chaos, complexity, self-organization, and natural selection drives formation of malignant phenotype. This concept offers a novel perspective for investigation of tumorigenesis without invalidating current molecular findings. The essay integrates the ideas of the sciences of complexity in a biological context.

Genotype↗

PubMed1997

Molecular study of sex steroid receptor gene expression in human colon and in colorectal carcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Sex steroid hormones influence function of the human gastrointestinal tract. Although the specific receptor proteins have been identified in surgical specimens of both intestinal mucosa and colorectal carcinomas, it is still unknown whether they are expressed in intestinal epithelial cells. METHODS: Expression of androgen receptor (AR) protein and estrogen receptor (ER) protein was studied by Scatchard analysis and ELISA (for ER only) in surgical specimens of normal-appearing mucosa, colorectal carcinomas, isolated colonocytes, and human colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Northern analysis was applied to identify the appropriate mRNAs, followed by the sensitive technique of reverse transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: AR protein was identified in all surgical specimens analyzed and ER protein in 10 out of 13 normal-appearing mucosa specimens and 4 out of 7 colorectal carcinomas. The receptor proteins were not found in isolated colonocytes or in the transformed cell lines. RT-PCR confirmed that none of the isolated normal colonocytes or transformed colorectal carcinoma-derived cells expressed these mRNAs. Intestinal smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts were found to express sex steroid receptor mRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: Both receptors are present in human large intestine but are expressed in stromal cells and not in intestinal epithelial cells. We hypothesize that sex steroids may influence the function of colonocytes indirectly through stromal-epithelial interactions.

Colon↗

PubMed1997

Expression of retinoid-responsive genes occurs in colorectal carcinoma-derived cells irrespective of the presence of resistance to all-trans retinoic acid.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Retinoids are metabolized in human intestinal epithelial cells to all-trans retinoic acid; however, it is unknown whether these cells express retinoid receptors, and whether sensitivity or resistance to the hormone is associated with a particular pattern of expression of retinoid-responsive genes. METHODS: Northern blot analysis and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to identify mRNAs for retinoid receptors. Both Relative RT-PCR and transfection of retinoid-inducible plasmid were applied to test functionality of the pathway in a model system for colorectal carcinoma progression (primary SW480, all-trans retinoic acid-sensitive cells vs. metastatic SW620, -insensitive cells). RESULTS: Three colorectal carcinoma-derived cell lines were inhibited by the hormone. Retinoic acid receptor type alpha (hRAR alpha) and retinoid X receptor type alpha (hRXR alpha) mRNAs were detected in normal enterocytes, colonocytes, and in all colorectal carcinoma-derived cells studied. Primary carcinomas and metastatic lesions expressed high amounts of hRAR alpha receptor protein, showing no simple correlation between the amounts of mRNA and receptor protein. No pattern of expression of the retinoid-responsive genes was associated with sensitivity or resistance to the retinoid. Expression of the genes occurred irrespective of resistance to the hormone or inactivity of the pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Colonocytes possess a molecular system for transduction of the retinoid signal. All-trans retinoic acid modifies gene expression and inhibits proliferation of these cells. Therefore, retinoids are likely to be effective in chemoprevention of colorectal carcinoma.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1997

Retinoids and secosteroids induce gene expression in human colorectal carcinoma-derived cells but the macroscopic-scale effects remain unpredictable.

Expression of a number of retinoid-responsive genes (hRAR alpha, CRABP I, CRABP II, MK cytokine) and secosteroid-responsive genes (hVD3R, Calbindin) was studied in in vitro model of human colorectal carcinoma by Relative RT-PCR. MK cytokine mRNA has been identified in human colonocytes for the first time. Proliferation of SW480 cells was inhibited by 5 microM all-trans retinoic acid and 5 microM 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol; however, SW620 cells were not inhibited by all-trans retinoic acid. Unexpectedly, SW620 cells were stimulated by nanomolar concentrations of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. In the latter case, no induction of gene expression was seen. Gene expression was induced in both cell types, whether there was a responsive element in the promotor region or not, suggesting that signal transduction to cellular nucleus did occur. Also, the Scatchard analysis for hVD3R receptor protein confirmed that the amount of the protein was modified under the treatment with both hormones; however, non-linear relationship between the amount of the mRNA and the protein was observed. In general, the genes responded differently to the treatment than it had been predicted. While this variability could be ascribed to the genetic instability, we hypothesize that instability in the cellular network of genes, mRNAs, and proteins is responsible for the observed effects. Due to the complexity, a microscopic-scale phenomenon such as gene expression cannot determine a macroscopic-scale process such as proliferation. This study provides a molecular background for retinoid/secosteroid chemoprevention of colorectal carcinoma; however, these hormones should be applied early to control premalignant lesions rather than advanced carcinomas.

Carcinoma↗

PubMed1997

Complexity, dynamic cellular network, and tumorigenesis.

A holistic approach to tumorigenesis is proposed. The main element of the model is the existence of dynamic cellular network. This network comprises a molecular and an energetistic structure of a cell connected through the multidirectional flow of information. The interactions within dynamic cellular network are complex, stochastic, nonlinear, and also involve quantum effects. From this non-reductionist perspective, neither tumorigenesis can be limited to the genetic aspect, nor the initial event must be of molecular nature, nor mutations and epigenetic factors are mutually exclusive, nor a link between cause and effect can be established. Due to complexity, an unstable stationary state of dynamic cellular network rather than a group of unrelated genes determines the phenotype of normal and transformed cells. This implies relativity of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. A bifurcation point is defined as an unstable state of dynamic cellular network leading to the other phenotype-stationary state. In particular, the bifurcation point may be determined by a change of expression of a single gene. Then, the gene is called bifurcation point gene. The unstable stationary state facilitates the chaotic dynamics. This may result in a fractal dimension of both normal and tumor tissues. The co-existence of chaotic dynamics and complexity is the essence of cellular processes and shapes differentiation, morphogenesis, and tumorigenesis. In consequence, tumorigenesis is a complex, unpredictable process driven by the interplay between self-organisation and selection.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

G-actin as a risk factor and modulatable endpoint for cancer chemoprevention trials.

Because tumorigenesis is an ongoing process, biomarkers can be used to identify individuals at risk for bladder cancer, and treatment of those at risk to prevent or slow further progression could be an effective means of cancer control given accurate individual risk assessment. Tumorigenesis proceeds through a series of defined phenotypic changes, including those in genetically altered cells destined to become cancer as well as in surrounding normal cells responding to the altered cytokine environment. A panel of biomarkers for the changes can provide a useful system for individual risk assessment in cancer patients and in individuals exposed to carcinogens. The use of such markers can increase the specificity of chemoprevention trials by targeting therapy to patients likely to respond, and thereby markedly reduce the costs of the trials. Previous studies in our laboratories showed the cytoskeletal proteins G- and F-actin reflect differentiation-related changes in cells undergoing tumorigenesis and in adjacent "field" cells, and a pattern of low F-actin and high G-actin is indicative of increased risk. Actin changes may be a common feature in genetic and epigenetic carcinogenic mechanisms. In a group of over 1600 workers exposed to benzidine, G-actin correlated with exposure, establishing it as an early marker of effect. In another study, a profile of biomarkers was monitored in patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and received Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) and/or DMSO. The primary objective was to determine how the defined biomarkers expressed in the tumor and the field correlate with clinical response and recurrence. DMSO, known to modulate G-actin in vitro, was used as an agent. Results strongly support the hypothesis that cytosolic G-actin levels measured by quantitative fluorescence image analysis (QFIA) can be an important intermediate endpoint marker for chemoprevention and that the p300 (M344) and DNA ploidy markers identify a high-risk group that requires more aggressive therapy and recurrence monitoring. Further research with other markers has shown that DD23 and nuclear actin, both of which identify late, specific changes, may increase the battery of useful markers. Taken together these studies show how biomarkers are employed to study individuals at risk, aid in the selection of chemopreventive compounds and assist in the understanding of the pathogenesis of malignancy.

Actins↗

PubMed1995

Controversies about the genetic model of colorectal tumorigenesis.

According to the genetic model, intestinal tumorigenesis is a result of the ordered in time inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and the activation of oncogenes. A tacit assumption is that both genes involved in the regulation of proliferation and growth factor-inducible genes, although inactivated, would not be changed during that process. The model requires that cancer cell population is homogenous, exists in a deterministic environment, and develops in a teleological manner. Meanwhile, tumorigenesis is rather a combination of both deterministic and stochastic molecular phenomena. Therefore, a novel notion of bifurcating point genes is defined as a generalization of the idea of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. Alternative stochastic mechanisms of tumorigenesis are discussed such as a decreased expression of intestinal-specific genes in cancer cells, most likely reflecting adaptation to survival within a heterogeneous, and non-equilibrated cellular population.

Colorectal Neoplasms↗

PubMed1995

Advances in cancer research: report from the eighty-sixth annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.

A meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research was held in Toronto, Canada on March 18-22, 1995 to discuss advances in cancer research. Growing interest was shown in the molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer. Both breast cancer and colorectal cancer continued to be major scientific topics of interest. Research into the genetics of cancer was dominated by the issue of genomic instability due to failures in the mismatch DNA repair gene system of cells. Instability appeared to represent the key mechanism for the generation of mutations. Another common theme was the identification of putative tumor suppressor and metastasis loci using loss of heterozygosity and cell chromosome fusion approaches. A few novel sequences with a potential suppressive function were reported. Also, relationships between growth factor receptors, tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and proteins controlling cell cycle were analyzed. Progress in gene therapy and chemoprevention of malignant tumors was frequently discussed.

American Cancer Society↗

PubMed1992

Colorectal carcinoma as a genetic phenomenon.

Carcinogenesis in human large intestine is a result of multiple, heterogeneous and random genetic changes. Deletion of tumor suppressor genes and activation of oncogenes appear to be important molecular events. These compromise the loss of chromosomes 5, 17, 18 or functional inactivation of FAP, p53 and DCC genes. Activation of Ki-ras and c-myc oncogenes seems to be crucial for both cell immortalization and morphology modification. Identification of genes involved in this process enables both a screening and a new classification. Also it is an important step towards a gene therapy.

Animals↗