Quantitative Superresolution Microscopy Reveals Differences in Nuclear DNA Organization of Multiple Myeloma and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance

The mammalian nucleus has a distinct substructure that cannot be visualized directly by conventional microscopy. In this study, the organization of the DNA within the nucleus of multiple myeloma (MM) cells, their precursor cells (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance; MGUS) and control lymphocytes of the representative patients is visualized and quantified by superresolution microscopy. Three‐dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D‐SIM) increases the spatial resolution beyond the limits of conventional widefield fluorescence microscopy. 3D‐SIM reveals new insights into the nuclear architecture of cancer as we show for the first time that it resolves organizational differences in intranuclear DNA organization of myeloma cells in MGUS and in MM patients. In addition, we report a significant increase in nuclear submicron DNA structure and structure of the DNA‐free space in myeloma nuclei compared to normal lymphocyte nuclei. Our study provides previously unknown details of the nanoscopic DNA architecture of interphase nuclei of the normal lymphocytes, MGUS and MM cells. This study opens new avenues to understanding the disease progression from MGUS to MM. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 704–710, 2015. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

白介素-6在多发性骨髓瘤中的作用及靶向治疗研究进展

多发性骨髓瘤(multiple myeloma,MM)是浆细胞克隆性增殖和异常积聚的一种恶性疾病。白介素-6(IL-6)是MM最关键的生长因子,能参与细胞内信号转导,促进细胞生长增殖,其基因异常表达或分泌往往引起MM的发生。IL-6在MM中的作用居多,如参与信号转导、免疫反应以及增殖、生存、耐药性等。目前依据IL-6在MM发生发展中的作用,针对IL-6在MM的靶向治疗已成为MM治疗的趋势。靶向治疗主要在信号通路、骨髓微环境、免疫反应以及遗传表观学等方面展开研究,并在临床应用上发挥关键性作用。     

Manipulation of cellular redox parameters for improving therapeutic responses in B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma

Developing novel combined-modality therapeutic approaches based on understanding of the involvement of redox biology in apoptosis of malignant cells is a promising approach for improving clinical responses in B-cell lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Therapeutic modalities that generate reactive oxygen species (i.e., radiation, photodynamic therapy, and specific chemotherapeutic drugs) have been shown to be selectively cytotoxic to malignant B-cells. In this review, we will discuss agents that induce apoptosis in B-cell tumors by oxidative stress. Subsequently, a novel biochemical rationale (based on fundamental differences in cancer vs. normal cell oxidative metabolism) for combining oxidative stressors with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, that may lead to designing of more effective treatment strategies for B-cell malignancies, will be discussed. Besides providing potential curative benefit, such novel therapies could also selectively target and inhibit the emergence of drug-resistance in tumor cells, which is a major determinant of treatment failure in many B-cell malignancies.     

Serglycin Proteoglycan Is Required for Multiple Myeloma Cell Adhesion,in Vivo Growth,and Vascularization

Recently, it was discovered that serglycin, a hematopoietic cell proteoglycan, is the major proteoglycan expressed and constitutively secreted by multiple myeloma (MM) cells. High levels of serglycin are present in the bone marrow aspirates of at least 30% of newly diagnosed MM patients. However, its contribution to the pathophysiology of MM is unknown. Here, we show that serglycin knockdown (by ∼85% compared with normal levels), using lentiviral shRNA, dramatically attenuated MM tumor growth in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency. Tumors formed from cells deficient in serglycin exhibited diminished levels of hepatocyte growth factor expression and impaired development of blood vessels, indicating that serglycin may affect tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, knockdown of serglycin significantly decreased MM cell adhesion to bone marrow stromal cells and collagen I. Even though serglycin proteoglycan does not have a transmembrane domain, flow cytometry showed that serglycin is present on the MM cell surface, and attachment to the cell surface is, at least in part, dependent on its chondroitin sulfate side chains. Co-precipitation of serglycin from conditioned medium of MM cells using a CD44-Fc chimera suggests that CD44 is the cell surface-binding partner for serglycin, which therefore may serve as a major ligand for CD44 at various stages during myeloma progression. Finally, we demonstrate that serglycin mRNA expression in MM cells is up-regulated by activin, a predominant cytokine among those increased in MM patients with osteolytic lesions. These studies provide direct evidence for a critical role for serglycin in MM pathogenesis and show that targeting serglycin may provide a novel therapeutic approach for MM.     

Expression of Neuron-Specific Enolase in Multiple Myeloma and Implications for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment

Objective

To determine the expression of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and to evaluate its clinical value as a tumor marker and, an indicator of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Methods

Using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), we measured the serum levels of NSE in 47 healthy subjects (control group), 25 patients with small cell lung cancer (lung cancer group), and 52 patients with MM (MM group). For the MM group, serum NSE levels were measured and other disease indicators and related symptoms were monitored before and after chemotherapy. The relationship between NSE expression and other MM-related factors was analyzed. In addition, immunohistochemical staining was performed on bone marrow biopsy specimens from patients with MM.

Results

In the control group, serum NSE levels were within the normal range as previously reported, while the lung cancer group and the untreated MM group exhibited NSE levels that were significantly higher relative to the control group (P<0.05). The difference in NSE expression between the lung cancer group and untreated MM group was statistically significant (P<0.05). NSE levels were significantly decreased in MM patients after chemotherapy and were positively correlated with an MM disease index [beta-2 microglobulin (β₂-MG)]. Changes in NSE were not related to the response rate to chemotherapy but rather were correlated with progression-free survival.

Conclusions

Patients with MM may have increased serum NSE levels, and changes in NSE may provide insight into treatment efficacy of chemotherapy and disease progression. Perhaps NSE expression is a viable biomarker for MM and can be a useful reference for the design and adjustment of clinical MM treatment programs.     

Regulation of CD38 on Multiple Myeloma and NK Cells by Monoclonal Antibodies

CD38 is highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells and plays a role in regulating tumor generation and development. CD38 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been used as an effective therapy for MM treatment by various mechanisms, including complement-dependent cytotoxic effects, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, programmed cell death, enzymatic modulation, and immunomodulation. Although CD38 mAbs inhibit the proliferation and survival of MM cells, there are substantial side effects on antitumoral NK cells. The NK-mediated immune response needs to be further evaluated to minimize the adverse effects of NK cell loss. The killing effect of CD38 mAbs on CD38^high NK cells should be minimized and the potential combination of CD38^low/- NK cells and CD38 mAbs should be maximized to better benefit from their therapeutic efficacy against MM. CD38 mAb effects against MM can be maximized by combination therapies with immunomodulatory imide drugs (IMiDs), proteasome inhibitors (PIs), anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies, or cellular therapies for the treatment of MM, especially in patients with relapsed or refractory MM (R/R MM) and drug-resistant MM.     

miR-483-3p靶向CD44抑制EGFR突变肺癌的作用研究

目的:探讨mi R-483-3p对CD44表达的调控作用及采用脂质体载药系统递送mi R-483-3p治疗表皮生长因子(epidermalgrowth factor receptor,EGFR)突变的非小细胞肺癌(non-small cell lung cancer,NSCLC)的作用。方法:通过mi R-483-3p靶基因的数据库发现CD44可能是mi R-483-3p的靶基因之一,从结构上及功能上进行验证。在EGFR酪氨酸激酶抑制剂(epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, EGFR-TKI)耐药的NSCLC模型中,分别从基因及蛋白水平检测耐药模型及敏感模型中CD44的表达。在HCC827GR移植瘤模型中,采用脂质体-鱼精蛋白-DNA (liposome-polycation-DNA, LPD)载药系统递送mi R-483-3p进行治疗,观察肿瘤的生长情况。结果:双荧光素酶报告基因实验及Western blot实验结果显示CD44是mi R-483-3p的靶基因之一,且CD44在EGFR-TKI耐药模型中异常高表达(P0.05)。脂质体载药系统LPD-mi RNA-DSPE-PEG符合静脉给药要求,Size为66.93±21 nm,Zeta potential为8.7±2 m V,PDI (Polydispersity Index)为0.1,递送mi R-483-3p后能够抑制HCC827GR移植瘤的生长(P0.05)。结论:CD44为mi R-483-3p的靶基因之一,在耐药模型中高表达,脂质体载药系统给予mi R-483-3p能够抑制EGFR-TKI耐药肿瘤的生长。     

Lactate stimulates fibroblast expression of hyaluronan and CD44: the Warburg effect revisited

Hyaluronan, a high-molecular-weight glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix, is prominent during rapid tissue growth and repair. It stimulates cell motility and hydrates tissue, providing an environment that facilitates cell movement. Markedly enhanced levels of hyaluronan also occur in the stroma surrounding human cancers, thus providing an environment that promotes spread of cancer cells. The ability of malignant tumors to generate lactate, even in the presence of adequate oxygen, is known as the Warburg effect. Early in wound healing as blood and oxygen supply decrease, lactate levels increase, as does stromal hyaluronan, suggesting a cause-and-effect relationship. Similarly, peritumor stromal fibroblast hyaluronan may be a response to cancer cell lactate. To test this, fibroblasts were cultured in the presence of lactate. With increasing lactate, higher levels of hyaluronan were observed, as were levels of CD44 expression, the predominant receptor for hyaluronan. The ability of tumor cells to utilize anaerobic metabolism and to generate lactate, even in the presence of adequate supplies of oxygen, may be one of the mechanisms used to recruit host fibroblasts to deposit hyaluronan and to express CD44, thereby participating in the process of cancer invasion and metastasis.     

CD56、CD117表达水平与来那度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤疗效的相关性分析

目的:探讨CD56、CD117的表达水平与来那度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤疗效的相关性,为预测来那度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤的疗效提供参考依据。方法:将我院2016年12月至2019年3月收治的多发性骨髓瘤患者64例,均给予来那度胺联合小剂量地塞米松治疗,所有患者根据疗效分为完全缓解(CR)、非常好的部分缓解(VGPR)、部分缓解(PR)、疾病稳定(SD)、疾病进展(PD),并且采用门诊、电话、住院等随访方式定期随访。采用流式细胞仪测定所有患者入院治疗前一天的CD56、CD117的表达水平,分析CD56、CD117表达与患者病理特征以及来那度胺疗效的相关性。结果:CD56、CD117的表达水平与多发性骨髓瘤患者的轻链分型、M蛋白分型、临床分型显著相关,与性别无关。来那度胺治疗多发性骨髓瘤的64例患者中,有效例数53例,总有效率为83%;其有效组患者中,CD56、CD117的阳性率分别为56.6%、35.8%,显著高于无效组患者(18.2%、9.1%)(P<0.05)。结论:多发性骨髓瘤患者CD56、CD117均呈现高表达的状态,其表达与患者的临床分期、M蛋白类型、轻链重链类型及来那度胺治疗的疗效有显著相关性。     

Characterization of the expression of variant and standard CD44 in prostate cancer cells: Identification of the possible molecular mechanism of CD44/MMP9 complex formation on the cell surface

CD44 is a glycosylated adhesion molecule and osteopontin is one of its ligand. CD44 undergoes alternative splicing to produce variant isoforms. Our recent studies have shown an increase in the surface expression of CD44 isoforms (sCD44 and v4–v10 variant CD44) in prostate cancer cells over‐expressing osteopontin (PC3/OPN). Formation of CD44/MMP9 complex on the cell surface is indispensable for MMP9 activity. In this study, we have characterized the expression of variant CD44 using RT‐PCR, surface labeling with NHS–biotin, and immunoblotting. Expression of variant CD44 encompassing v4–v10 and sCD44 at mRNA and protein levels are of the same levels in PC3 and PC3/OPN cells. However, an increase in the surface expression of v6, v10, and sCD44 in PC3/OPN cells suggest that OPN may be a ligand for these isoforms. We then proceeded to determine the role of sCD44 in MMP9 activation. Based on our previous studies in osteoclasts, we hypothesized that phosphorylation of CD44 has a role on its surface expression and subsequent activation of MMP9. We have prepared TAT‐fused CD44 peptides comprising unphosphorylated and constitutively phosphorylated serine residues at positions Ser323 and Ser325. Transduction of phosphopeptides at Ser323 and Ser323/325 into PC3 cells reduced the surface levels of CD44, MMP9 activity, and cell migration; but had no effect on the membrane localization of MMP9. However, MMP9 knock‐down PC3 cells showed reduced CD44 at cellular and surface levels. Thus we conclude that surface expression of CD44 and activation of MMP9 on the cell surface are interdependent. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 272–284, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Molecular Tools for the Analysis of Cell Adhesion

Advances in cell adhesion research have often been linked to technological advances. The development of monoclonal antibody technology allowed the definition of the molecular components of cell adhesion and pointed to the complexity of the leukocyte cell surface (Knapp & Gilks, 1989); previously only the erythrocyte had been subjected to attempts at detailed analysis of membrane associated molecules (Steck, 1974). It was also possible to use selection strategies to produce antibodies that could perturb functional properties of the antigens they recognise. The interaction between the T cell surface molecule CD2 and its natural ligand LFA-3 was defined by monoclonal antibodies which blocked adhesion and the same antibodies have allowed large scale purification of these proteins for detailed in vitro studies (Dustin & Springer, 1991).     

Effective Blockage of Both the Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Apoptosis in Mice by TAT-crmA

Evidence accumulates that in clinically relevant cell death, both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway synergistically contribute to organ failure. In search for an inhibitor of apoptosis that provides effective blockage of these pathways, we analyzed viral proteins that evolved to protect the infected host cells. In particular, the cowpox virus protein crmA has been demonstrated to be capable of blocking key caspases of both pro-apoptotic pathways. To deliver crmA into eukaryotic cells, we fused the TAT protein transduction domain of HIV to the N terminus of crmA. In vitro, the TAT-crmA fusion protein was efficiently translocated into target cells and inhibited apoptosis mediated through caspase-8, caspase-9, and caspase-3 after stimulation with α-Fas, etoposide, doxorubicin, or staurosporine. The extrinsic apoptotic pathway was investigated following α-Fas stimulation. In vivo 90% of TAT-crmA-treated animals survived an otherwise lethal dose of α-Fas and showed protection from Fas-induced organ failure. To examine the intrinsic apoptotic pathway, we investigated the survival of mice treated with an otherwise lethal dose of doxorubicin. Whereas all control mice died within 31 days, 40% of mice that concomitantly received intraperitoneal injections of TAT-crmA survived. To test the ability to comprehensively block both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathway in a clinically relevant setting, we employed a murine cardiac ischemia-reperfusion model. TAT-crmA reduced infarction size by 40% and preserved left ventricular function. In summary, these results provide a proof of principle for the inhibition of apoptosis with TAT-crmA, which might provide a new treatment option for ischemia-reperfusion injuries.     

Molecular Tools for the Analysis of Cell Adhesion

Advances in cell adhesion research have often been linked to technological advances. The development of monoclonal antibody technology allowed the definition of the molecular components of cell adhesion and pointed to the complexity of the leukocyte cell surface (Knapp & Gilks, 1989); previously only the erythrocyte had been subjected to attempts at detailed analysis of membrane associated molecules (Steck, 1974). It was also possible to use selection strategies to produce antibodies that could perturb functional properties of the antigens they recognise. The interaction between the T cell surface molecule CD2 and its natural ligand LFA-3 was defined by monoclonal antibodies which blocked adhesion and the same antibodies have allowed large scale purification of these proteins for detailed in vitro studies (Dustin & Springer, 1991).     

Visualization of CD44 and CD133 in Normal Pancreas and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas: Non-overlapping Membrane Expression in Cell Populations Positive for Both Markers

Tumor-initiating cells of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have been isolated based on expression of either CD133 or CD44. The authors aimed to visualize pancreatic cells simultaneously expressing both these cell surface markers by employing the same antibodies commonly used in cell-sorting studies. Normal and diseased pancreatic tissue, including 51 PDAC cases, were analyzed. CD44 and CD133 expression was determined by immunohistochemical double staining on formalin-fixed material and subcellular protein distribution evaluated by immunofluorescence/confocal microscopy. In the normal pancreas, CD44 and CD133 were coexpressed in the centroacinar regions but in non-overlapping subcellular compartments. As expected, CD44 was found mainly basolaterally, whereas CD133 was present on the apical/endoluminal membrane. This was also the case in chronically inflamed/atrophic pancreatic tissue and in PDAC. In some malignant ducts, CD44 was found at the apical cell membrane adjacent to but never overlapping with CD133 expression. CD44 level was significantly associated with the patient’s lymph node status. In conclusion, a CD44+/CD133+ cell population does exist in the normal and neoplastic pancreas. The preferentially centroacinar localization of the doubly positive cells in the normal parenchyma suggests that this population could be of particular interest in attempts to identify tumor-initiating cells in PDAC. This article contains online supplemental material at http://www.jhc.org. Please visit this article online to view these materials.     

Evidences for correlation between the reduced VCAM-1 expression and hyaluronan synthesis during cellular senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo cellular senescence during in vitro expansion culture, which accompanies the loss of migration and homing abilities. In this study, we analyzed expression levels of several surface markers of human MSCs at different passages of expansion culture. It has been shown that expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) was most markedly decreased among the tested markers in the senescent MSCs. Interestingly the reduced VCAM-1 expression could be restored by applying hyaluronan, a major glycosaminoglycan ligand of CD44, to the culture. It was found that the hyaluronan level in extracellular and pericellular matrices was greatly reduced in the senescent MSCs, mainly due to the decreased expression of hyaluronan synthases, suggesting a correlation between the reduced VCAM-1 expression and hyaluronan synthesis. In fact, when hyaluronan synthases were knock-downed by siRNA transfection, the VCAM-1 expression was also reduced. Our results indicate that VCAM-1 expression in the senescent MSCs was down-regulated because of the reduced synthesis of hyaluronan. Thus, we suggest that hyaluronan supplementation in expansion culture of MSCs would compensate adverse effects induced by its decreased synthesis and subsequently enhance cell adhesion and migration abilities.     

PAD方案治疗75例初诊多发性骨髓瘤疗效观察

目的:PAD方案已成为目前多发性骨髓瘤(MM)治疗的一线方案,国内外就其疗效和不良反应发生均有报道,本实验旨在观察并探讨PAD方案治疗我中心初诊多发性骨髓瘤患者的疗效和不良反应,为临床工作提供参考。方法:我科75例初诊多发性骨髓瘤患者给予PAD方案4-6疗程,评估疗效及不良反应。结果:75例患者接受PAD方案化疗,四疗程后总有效率(CR+VGPR+PR)为73.3%,其中CR 5例,占6.7%,VGPR 12例,占16%,PR 38例,占50.7%;无效例数为20例,占26.7%,其中SD 17例,占22.7%,PD 3例,占4%;1年总生存率为75%,2年总生存率为62.7%。血液学不良反应有白细胞降低34例(45.3%),血小板降低10例(13.3%);非血液学不良反应有周围神经系统症状25例(33.3%),疱疹病毒感染7例(9.3%),消化系统症状15例(20%),乏力14例(18.7%),呼吸系统症状29例(38.7%),激素相关症状3例(4%)。绝大部分患者可以耐受且完成相应化疗疗程。结论:我中心PAD方案疗效令人满意,不良反应可耐受,同国内外报道的疗效反应率相近,不良反应发生率更低,是治疗多发性骨髓瘤的首选方案。     

NMR fragment-based screening for development of the CD44-binding small molecules

The cell-surface protein CD44, a primary receptor for hyaluronic acid (HA), is one of the most promising targets for cancer therapies. It is prominently involved in the process of tumor growth and metastasis. The possibility of modulating the CD44-HA interaction with a pharmacological inhibitor is therefore of great importance, yet until now there are only few small molecules reported to bind to CD44. Here, we describe the results of the NMR fragment-based screening conducted against CD44 by which we found eight new hit compounds that bind to the receptor with the affinity in milimolar range. The NMR-based characterization revealed that there are two possible binding modes for these compounds, and for some of them the binding is no longer possible in the presence of hyaluronic acid. This could provide an interesting starting point for the development of new high-affinity ligands targeting the CD44-HA axis.     

Combination therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer through hyaluronic acid-decorated nanoparticles loaded with quercetin and gemcitabine: A preliminary in vitro study

Combination chemotherapy by means of two or more drugs is prone to suppressing or discouraging the inception of multidrug resistance, exploiting the fact that diverse drugs act in different points of the cellular cycle of amplifying tumor cells. For example, the combination of gemcitabine (GMC) with quercetin (QCT) showed a synergistic effect in inhibiting the migration of pancreatic cancer cells. Consequently, herein GMC and QCT have been loaded within biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), externally decorated with hyaluronic acid (HA; viz., PPHA NPs), which plays a major role in drug targeting to tumors due to its ability to specifically interact with CD44 receptor, that is overexpressed in many tumors. The produced HA-decorated NPs loaded with GMC and QCT showed an improved cytotoxicity and cellular uptake toward two cell lines of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, namely Mia-PaCa-2 and PANC-1, compared with both the bare drugs and the drugs loaded in NPs which do not expose HA on the surface. HA-decorated NPs were also able to improve the anti-inflammatory properties of QCT, therefore leading to a decrease of interleukin cellular levels in both cell lines, preliminarily stimulated with lipopolysaccharides. This result is of special interest also considering the crucial role of interleukins in progression, metastatic processes, and drug resistance of human pancreas cancer cells.