Differential signal transduction of alternatively spliced FGFR2 variants expressed in human mammary epithelial cells

Gene amplification and protein overexpression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) characterize the SUM-52 breast cancer cell line developed in our laboratory. SUM-52 cells express nine distinct alternatively spliced isoforms of FGFR2. Among these isoforms are two otherwise identical FGFR2 variants that express either the C1 or C3 carboxyl terminus. FGFR2-C3 variants are not normally expressed by human mammary epithelial (HME) cells, and we have shown that overexpression of FGFR2-C3 in HME cells results in potent transformation. In particular, FGFR2-C3 expression leads to robust levels of constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated FRS2 in the absence of ligand stimulation. In contrast, overexpressed FGFR2-C1 requires constant stimulation with exogenous keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) to mimic the signaling capability of FGFR2-C3. However, activation of FRS2 that results from KGF-stimulated FGFR2-C1 signaling is transient and is associated with a mobility shift of FRS2 not observed when this signaling molecule is activated by the C3 isoform of FGFR2. Mutation of the only tyrosine phosphorylated site present in the C1 terminus and absent from C3, Tyr769, did not yield a receptor that rivaled the potent signaling of FGFR2-C3. We therefore conclude that aberrant expression of alternatively spliced isoforms of FGFR2 with the C3 carboxyl terminus in the SUM-52 breast cancer cells results in sustained activation of signal transduction leading to transformation.     

Differential Roles of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFR) 1, 2 and 3 in the Regulation of S115 Breast Cancer Cell Growth

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) regulate the growth and progression of breast cancer. FGF signaling is transduced through FGF receptors 1–4, which have oncogenic or anti-oncogenic roles depending on the ligand and the cellular context. Our aim was to clarify the roles of FGFR1–3 in breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Pools of S115 mouse breast cancer cells expressing shRNA against FGFR1, 2 and 3 were created by lentiviral gene transfer, resulting in cells with downregulated expression of FGFR1, FGFR2 or FGFR3 (shR1, shR2 and shR3 cells, respectively) and shLacZ controls. FGFR1-silenced shR1 cells formed small, poorly vascularized tumors in nude mice. Silencing of FGFR2 in shR2 cells was associated with strong upregulation of FGFR1 expression and the formation of large, highly vascularized tumors compared to the control tumors. Silencing FGFR3 did not affect cell survival or tumor growth. Overexpressing FGFR2 in control cells did not affect FGFR1 expression, suggesting that high FGFR1 expression in shR2 cells and tumors was associated with FGFR2 silencing by indirect mechanisms. The expression of FGFR1 was, however, increased by the addition of FGF-8 to starved shLacZ or MCF-7 cells and decreased by the FGFR inhibitor PD173074 in shR2 cells with an elevated FGFR1 level. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that FGFR1 is crucial for S115 breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth and angiogenesis, whereas FGFR2 and FGFR3 are less critical for the growth of these cells. The results also suggest that the expression of FGFR1 itself is regulated by FGF-8 and FGF signaling, which may be of importance in breast tumors expressing FGFs at a high level.     

CGH, cDNA and tissue microarray analyses implicate FGFR2 amplification in a small subset of breast tumors.

Multiple regions of the genome are often amplified during breast cancer development and progression, as evidenced in a number of published studies by comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). However, only relatively few target genes for such amplifications have been identified. Here, we indicate how small-scale commercially available cDNA and CGH microarray formats combined with the tissue microarray technology enable rapid identification of putative amplification target genes as well as analysis of their clinical significance. According to CGH, the SUM-52 breast cancer cell line harbors several high-level DNA amplification sites, including the 10q26 chromosomal region where the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene has been localized. High level amplification of FGFR2 in SUM-52 was identified using CGH analysis on a microarray of BAC clones. A cDNA microarray survey of 588 genes showed >40-fold overexpression of FGFR2. Finally, a tissue microarray based FISH analysis of 750 uncultured primary breast cancers demonstrated in vivo amplification of the FGFR2 gene in about 1% of the tumors. In conclusion, three consecutive microarray (CGH, cDNA and tissue) experiments revealed high-level amplification and overexpression of the FGFR2 in a breast cancer cell line, but only a low frequency of involvement in primary breast tumors. Applied to a genomic scale with larger arrays, this strategy should facilitate identification of the most important target genes for cytogenetic rearrangements, such as DNA amplification sites detected by conventional CGH. Figures on http://www.esacp.org/acp/2001/22-4/heiskanen.htm     

Involvement of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 isoform switching in mammary oncogenesis

We identified the IIIb C2 epithelial cell-specific splice variant of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2 IIIb C2) receptor tyrosine kinase in a screen for activated oncogenes expressed in T-47D human breast carcinoma cells. We found FGFR2 IIIb C2 expression in breast carcinoma cell lines and, additionally, expression of the mesenchymal-specific FGFR2 IIIc splice variant in invasive breast carcinomas. FGFR2 IIIc expression was associated with loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers. Although FGFR2 IIIb is expressed in epithelial cells, previous studies on FGFR2 IIIb transformation have focused on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Therefore, we compared the transforming activities of FGFR2 IIIb C2 in RIE-1 intestinal cells and several mammary epithelial cells. FGFR2 IIIb C2 caused growth transformation of epithelial cells but morphologic transformation of only NIH 3T3 cells. FGFR2 IIIb C2-transformed NIH 3T3, but not RIE-1 cells, showed persistent activation of Ras and increased cyclin D1 protein expression. NIH 3T3 but not RIE-1 cells express keratinocyte growth factor, a ligand for FGFR2 IIIb C2. Ectopic treatment with keratinocyte growth factor caused FGFR2 IIIb C2-dependent morphologic transformation of RIE-1 cells, as well as cyclin D1 up-regulation, indicating that both ligand-independent and stromal cell-derived, ligand-dependent mechanisms contribute to RIE-1 cell transformation. Our results support cell context distinct mechanisms of FGFR2 IIIb C2 transformation.     

Knock-down of amphiregulin inhibits cellular invasion in inflammatory breast cancer

We have previously shown that SUM-149 human breast cancer cells require an amphiregulin (AREG) autocrine loop for cell proliferation. We also demonstrated that AREG can increase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) stability and promote EGFR localization to the plasma membrane. In the present studies we successfully knocked-down AREG expression in SUM-149 cells by lentiviral infection of AREG shRNA. In the absence of AREG expression, SUM-149 cell growth was slowed, but not completely inhibited. Furthermore, cells infected with AREG shRNA constructs showed an increase in EGFR protein expression by Western blot. Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy showed that following AREG knock-down, EGFR continued to localize to the cell surface. Soft agar assays demonstrated that AREG knock-down cells retain anchorage-independent growth capacity. Additionally mammosphere forming assays and Adefluor staining analysis showed that knock-down of AREG expression did not affect the expression of stem cell phenotypes. However, following AREG knock-down, SUM-149 cells demonstrated a dramatic decrease in their ability to invade a Matrigel matrix. Consistent with this observation, microarray analysis comparing cells infected with a non-silencing vector to the AREG knock-down cells, identified genes associated with the invasive phenotype such as RHOB and DKK1, and networks associated with cell motility such as integrin-linked kinase signaling, and focal adhesion kinase signaling. AREG was also found to modulate WNT and Notch signaling in these cells. Thus, AREG functions in regulating the invasive phenotype, and we propose that this regulation may be through altered signaling that occurs when AREG activates plasma membrane localized EGFR.     

Switching addictions between HER2 and FGFR2 in HER2-positive breast tumor cells: FGFR2 as a potential target for salvage after lapatinib failure

Agents that target HER2 have improved the prognosis of patients with HER2-amplified breast cancers. However, patients who initially respond to such targeted therapy eventually develop resistance to the treatment. We have established a line of lapatinib-resistant breast cancer cells (UACC812/LR) by chronic exposure of HER2-amplified and lapatinib-sensitive UACC812 cells to the drug. The mechanism by which UACC812/LR acquired resistance to lapatinib was explored using comprehensive gene hybridization. The FGFR2 gene in UACC812/LR was highly amplified, accompanied by overexpression of FGFR2 and reduced expression of HER2, and a cell proliferation assay showed that the IC₅₀ of PD173074, a small-molecule inhibitor of FGFR tyrosine kinase, was 10,000 times lower in UACC812/LR than in the parent cells. PD173074 decreased the phosphorylation of FGFR2 and substantially induced apoptosis in UACC812/LR, but not in the parent cells. FGFR2 appeared to be a pivotal molecule for the survival of UACC812/LR as they became independent of the HER2 pathway, suggesting that a switch of addiction from the HER2 to the FGFR2 pathway enabled cancer cells to become resistant to HER2-targeted therapy. The present study is the first to implicate FGFR in the development of resistance to lapatinib in cancer, and suggests that FGFR-targeted therapy might become a promising salvage strategy after lapatinib failure in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.     

Efficacy of Vitamin D compounds to modulate estrogen receptor negative breast cancer growth and invasion

In estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cells such as MCF-7 cells, the anti-tumor effects of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) (1,25D(3)) may be secondary to disruption of estrogen mediated survival signals. If so, then sensitivity to 1,25D(3) mediated growth arrest could be reduced in estrogen independent breast cancer cells. The aim of these studies was to determine the effects of 1,25D(3) and EB1089 on the ER negative, invasive human breast cancer cell line SUM-159PT. 1,25D(3) and EB1089 reduced SUM-159PT cell growth subsequent to elevation of p27 and p21 levels. 1,25D(3) mediated apoptosis of SUM-159PT cells was associated with an enrichment of membrane bound bax, a redistribution of cytochome c from the mitochondria to the cytosol and PARP cleavage. 1,25D(3) and EB1089 also inhibited SUM-159PT cell invasion through an 8 microM Matrigel membrane. In pre-clinical studies, EB1089 dramatically reduced the growth of SUM-159PT xenografts in nude mice. The decreased size of tumors from EB1089 treated mice was associated with decreased proliferation and increased DNA fragmentation. Our data support the concept that Vitamin D(3) compounds trigger apoptosis by mechanisms independent of estrogen signaling. These studies indicate that Vitamin D(3) based therapeutics may be beneficial, alone or in conjunction with other agents, for the treatment of estrogen independent breast cancer.     

Irinotecan Upregulates Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 Expression in Colorectal Cancer Cells,Which Mitigates Irinotecan-Induced Apoptosis

BACKGROUND: Irinotecan (IRI) is an integral part of colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy, but response rates are unsatisfactory and resistance mechanisms are still insufficiently understood. As fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) mediates essential survival signals in CRC, it is a candidate gene for causing intrinsic resistance to IRI. METHODS: We have used cell line models overexpressing FGFR3 to study the receptor's impact on IRI response. For pathway blockade, a dominant-negative receptor mutant and a small molecule kinase inhibitor were employed. RESULTS: IRI exposure induced expression of FGFR3 as well as its ligands FGF8 and FGF18 both in cell cultures and in xenograft tumors. As overexpression of FGFR3 mitigated IRI-induced apoptosis in CRC cell models, this suggests that the drug itself activated a survival response. On the cellular level, the antiapoptotic protein bcl-xl was upregulated and caspase 3 activation was inhibited. Targeting FGFR3 signaling using a dominant-negative receptor mutant sensitized cells for IRI. In addition, the FGFR inhibitor PD173074 acted synergistically with the chemotherapeutic drug and significantly enhanced IRI-induced caspase 3 activity in vitro. In vivo, PD173074 strongly inhibited growth of IRI-treated tumors. CONCLUSION: Together, our results indicate that targeting FGFR3 can be a promising strategy to enhance IRI response in CRC patients.     

Epidermal growth factor receptor gene-amplified MDA-468 breast cancer cell line and its nonamplified variants.

We have recently reported (J. Filmus, M. N. Pollak, R. Cailleau, and R. N. Buick, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 128:898-905, 1985) that MDA-468, a human breast cancer cell line with a high number of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, has an amplified EGF receptor gene and is growth inhibited in vitro pharmacological doses of EGF. We have derived several MDA-468 clonal variants which are resistant to EGF-induced growth inhibition. These clones had a number of EGF receptors, similar to normal human fibroblasts, and had lost the EGF receptor gene amplification. Karyotype analysis showed that MDA-468 cells had an abnormally banded region (ABR) in chromosome 7p which was not present in the variants. It was shown by in situ hybridization that the amplified EGF receptor sequences were located in that chromosome, 7pABR. Five of the six variants studied were able to generate tumors in nude mice, but their growth rate was significantly lower than that of tumors derived from the parental cell line. The variant that was unable to produce tumors was found to be uniquely dependent on EGF for growth in soft agar.     

Electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter (NBCe1) variants expressed in Xenopus oocytes: functional comparison and roles of the amino and carboxy termini

Using pH- and voltage-sensitive microelectrodes, as well as the two-electrode voltage-clamp and macropatch techniques, we compared the functional properties of the three NBCe1 variants (NBCe1-A, -B, and -C) with different amino and/or carboxy termini expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Oocytes expressing rat brain NBCe1-B and exposed to a CO(2)/HCO(3)(-) solution displayed all the hallmarks of an electrogenic Na(+)/HCO(3)(-) cotransporter: (a) a DIDS-sensitive pH(i) recovery following the initial CO(2)-induced acidification, (b) an instantaneous hyperpolarization, and (c) an instantaneous Na(+)-dependent outward current under voltage-clamp conditions (-60 mV). All three variants had similar external HCO(3)(-) dependencies (apparent K(M) of 4-6 mM) and external Na(+) dependencies (apparent K(M) of 21-36 mM), as well as similar voltage dependencies. However, voltage-clamped oocytes (-60 mV) expressing NBCe1-A exhibited peak HCO(3)(-)-stimulated NBC currents that were 4.3-fold larger than the currents seen in oocytes expressing the most dissimilar C variant. Larger NBCe1-A currents were also observed in current-voltage relationships. Plasma membrane expression levels as assessed by single oocyte chemiluminescence with hemagglutinin-tagged NBCs were similar for the three variants. In whole-cell experiments (V(m) = -60 mV), removing the unique amino terminus of NBCe1-A reduced the mean HCO(3)(-)-induced NBC current 55%, whereas removing the different amino terminus of NBCe1-C increased the mean NBC current 2.7-fold. A similar pattern was observed in macropatch experiments. Thus, the unique amino terminus of NBCe1-A stimulates transporter activity, whereas the different amino terminus of the B and C variants inhibits activity. One or more cytosolic factors may also contribute to NBCe1 activity based on discrepancies between macropatch and whole-cell currents. While the amino termini influence transporter function, the carboxy termini influence plasma membrane expression. Removing the entire cytosolic carboxy terminus of NBCe1-C, or the different carboxy terminus of the A/B variants, causes a loss of NBC activity due to low expression at the plasma membrane.     

Targeting N-cadherin through fibroblast growth factor receptor-4: distinct pathogenetic and therapeutic implications

Several molecular aberrations have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors, but few have proven thus far to be of therapeutic value. Pituitary tumor-derived fibroblast growth factor receptor-4 (ptd-FGFR4) is an alternatively transcribed cytoplasmic isoform lacking most of the extracellular domain. This oncogene recapitulates the morphological features of human pituitary tumors in transgenic mice. To investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting ptd-FGFR4, we examined the impact of FGFR4 tyrosine kinase inhibition in xenografted mice. GH4 pituitary cells expressing ptd-FGFR4 develop into invasive tumors. Systemic treatment of mice bearing ptd-FGFR4 tumors with the FGFR-selective inhibitor PD173074 resulted in recovery of membranous N-cadherin staining and a significant reduction in tumor volume with less invasive growth behavior. Mutation of tyrosine Y754F in ptd-FGFR4 abrogated the effect of PD173074-mediated inhibition. The pivotal role of N-cadherin as a mediator of this pituitary cell growth was demonstrated by small interfering RNA mediated down-regulation, which promoted invasive growth in xenografted mice. To validate this model in primary human pituitary tumors, we examined the expression of ptd-FGFR4, N-cadherin, and clinical behavior. Loss of membranous N-cadherin correlated with cytoplasmic FGFR4 expression and with tumor invasiveness in surgically resected human pituitary tumors. Primary human pituitary tumor cells treated with PD173074 showed restoration of N-cadherin to the membrane with dephosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein. These data highlight the pathogenetic significance of N-cadherin misexpression and emphasize the importance of FGFR partnership in mediating its functions.     

Not all perlecans are created equal: interactions with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 2 and FGF receptors

Human basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) perlecan binds and activates fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 through its heparan sulfate (HS) chains. Here we show that perlecans immunopurified from three cellular sources possess different HS structures and subsequently different FGF-2 binding and activating capabilities. Perlecan isolated from human umbilical arterial endothelial cells (HUAEC) and a continuous endothelial cell line (C11 STH) bound similar amounts of FGF-2 either alone or complexed with FGFRalpha1-IIIc or FGFR3alpha-IIIc. Both perlecans stimulated the growth of BaF3 cell lines expressing FGFR1b/c; however, only HUAEC perlecan stimulated those cells expressing FGFR3c, suggesting that the source of perlecan confers FGF and FGFR binding specificity. Despite these differences in FGF-2 activation, the level of 2-O- and 6-O-sulfation was similar for both perlecans. Interestingly, perlecan isolated from a colon carcinoma cell line that was capable of binding FGF-2 was incapable of activating any BaF3 cell line unless the HS was removed from the protein core. The HS chains also exhibited greater bioactivity after digestion with heparinase III. Collectively, these data clearly demonstrate that the bioactivity of HS decorating a single PG is dependent on its cell source and that subtle changes in structure including secondary interactions have a profound effect on biological activity.     

The FGFR1 inhibitor PD 173074 selectively and potently antagonizes FGF-2 neurotrophic and neurotropic effects

Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) promotes survival and/or neurite outgrowth from a variety of neurons in cell culture and regenerative processes in vivo. FGFs exert their effects by activating cell surface receptor tyrosine kinases. FGF receptor (FGFR) inhibitors have not been characterized on neuronal cell behaviors to date. In the present study, we show that the FGFR1 inhibitor PD 173074 potently and selectively antagonized the neurotrophic and neurotropic actions of FGF-2. Nanomolar concentrations of PD 173074 prevented FGF-2, but not insulin-like growth factor-1, support of cerebellar granule neuron survival under conditions of serum/K(+) deprivation; another FGF-2 inhibitor, SU 5402, was effective only at a 1,000-fold greater concentration. Neither PD 173074 nor SU 5402, at 100 times their IC(50) values, interfered with the survival of dorsal root ganglion neurons promoted by nerve growth factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, or glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor. PD 173074 and SU 5402 displayed 1,000-fold differential IC(50) values for inhibition of FGF-2-stimulated neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and in granule neurons, and FGF-2-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (p44/42) phosphorylation. The two inhibitors failed to disturb downstream signalling stimuli of FGF-2. PD 173074 represents a valuable tool for dissecting the role of FGF-2 in normal and pathological nervous system function without compromising the actions of other neurotrophic factors.     

The nonsense-mediated decay pathway and mutually exclusive expression of alternatively spliced FGFR2IIIb and -IIIc mRNAs

Exons IIIb and IIIc of the FGFR2 gene are alternatively spliced in a mutually exclusive manner in different cell types. A switch from expression of FGFR2IIIb to FGFR2IIIc accompanies the transition of nonmalignant rat prostate tumor epithelial cells (DTE) to cells comprising malignant AT3 tumors. Here we used transfection of minigenes with and without alterations in reading frame and with and without introns to examine how translation affects observed FGFR2 splice products. We observed that nonsense mutations in other than the last exon led to a dramatic reduction in mRNA that is abrogated by removal of downstream introns in both DTE and AT3 cells. The mRNA, devoid of both IIIb and IIIc exons (C1-C2), is a major splice product from minigenes lacking an intron downstream of the second common exon C2. From these observations, we suggest that repression of exon IIIc and activation of exon IIIb inclusion in DTE cells lead to the generation of both C1-IIIb-C2 and C1-C2 products. However, the C1-C2 product from the native gene is degraded due to a frameshift and a premature termination codon caused by splicing C1 and C2 together. Derepression of exon IIIc and repression of exon IIIb lead to the generation of both C1-IIIc-C2 and C1-C2 products in AT3 cells, but the C1-C2 product is degraded. The C1-IIIb-IIIc-C2 mRNA containing a premature termination codon in exon IIIc was present, but at apparently trace levels in both cell types. The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway and cell type-dependent rates of inclusion of exons IIIb and IIIc result in the mutually exclusive expression of FGFR2IIIb and IIIc.     

Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Causes G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest in Ras-Driven Tumor Cells through a Src-Dependent Pathway

We recently reported that paracrine Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF2) triggers senescence in Ras-driven Y1 and 3T3^Ras mouse malignant cell lines. Here, we show that although FGF2 activates mitogenic pathways in these Ras-dependent malignant cells, it can block cell proliferation and cause a G2/M arrest. These cytostatic effects of FGF2 are inhibited by PD173074, an FGF receptor (FGFR) inhibitor. To determine which downstream pathways are induced by FGF2, we tested specific inhibitors targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase C (PKC). We show that these classical mitogenic pathways do not mediate the cytostatic activity of FGF2. On the other hand, the inhibition of Src family kinases rescued Ras-dependent malignant cells from the G2/M irreversible arrest induced by FGF2. Taken together, these data indicate a growth factor-sensitive point in G2/M that likely involves FGFR/Ras/Src pathway activation in a MEK, PI3K and PKC independent manner.     

Fibroblast growth factor receptor mediates fibroblast-dependent growth in EMMPRIN-depleted head and neck cancer tumor cells

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma tumors (HNSCC) contain a dense fibrous stroma which is known to promote tumor growth, although the mechanism of stroma-mediated growth remains unclear. As dysplastic mucosal epithelium progresses to cancer, there is incremental overexpression of extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer (EMMPRIN) which is associated with tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we present evidence that gain of EMMPRIN expression allows tumor growth to be less dependent on fibroblasts by modulating fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2) signaling. We show that silencing EMMPRIN in FaDu and SCC-5 HNSCC cell lines inhibits cell growth, but when EMMPRIN-silenced tumor cells were cocultured with fibroblasts or inoculated with fibroblasts into severe combined immunodeficient mice, the growth inhibition by silencing EMMPRIN was blunted by the presence of fibroblasts. Coculture experiments showed fibroblast-dependent tumor cell growth occurred via a paracrine signaling. Analysis of tumor gene expression revealed expression of FGFR2 was inversely related to EMMPRIN expression. To determine the role of FGFR2 signaling in EMMPRIN-silenced tumor cells, ligands and inhibitors of FGFR2 were assessed. Both FGF1 and FGF2 enhanced tumor growth in EMMPRIN-silenced cells compared with control vector-transfected cells, whereas inhibition of FGFR2 with blocking antibody or with a synthetic inhibitor (PD173074) inhibited tumor cell growth in fibroblast coculture, suggesting the importance of FGFR2 signaling in fibroblast-mediated tumor growth. Analysis of xenografted tumors revealed that EMMPRIN-silenced tumors had a larger stromal compartment compared with control. Taken together, these results suggest that EMMPRIN acquired during tumor progression promotes fibroblast-independent tumor growth.     

Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 3 (FGFR3) Associated with the CD20 Antigen Regulates the Rituximab-induced Proliferation Inhibition in B-cell Lymphoma Cells

Rituximab is reported to inhibit the proliferation of lymphoma cells through an unknown CD20-mediated signal transduction pathway. Herein, we investigated cell surface molecules involved in the CD20-mediated signal transduction pathway by using a recently developed technique named enzyme-mediated activation of radical sources. Using this method, we found that under stimulation with rituximab and another anti-CD20 antibody B-Ly1, CD20 was physically associated with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) as well as some other receptor tyrosine kinases in Raji cells. However, under stimulation with a noncytotoxic anti-CD20 antibody 2H7, CD20 was not associated with FGFR3 but with the PDGF receptor β. When the tyrosine kinase activity of FGFR3 was inhibited by the chemical inhibitor PD173074 or an siRNA knockdown strategy, the proliferation inhibition by rituximab was attenuated, indicating that FGFR3 participates in the rituximab-dependent signal transduction pathway leading to proliferation inhibition. These observations raise the possibility that concomitant targeted therapy toward FGFR3 might improve the efficacy and safety of the rituximab therapy.