Enhanced growth of pancreatic tumors in SPARC-null mice is associated with decreased deposition of extracellular matrix and reduced tumor cell apoptosis

SPARC, a matricellular glycoprotein, modulates cellular interaction with the extracellular matrix (ECM). Tumor growth and metastasis occur in the context of the ECM, the levels and deposition of which are controlled in part by SPARC. Tumor-derived SPARC is reported to stimulate or retard tumor progression depending on the tumor type, whereas the function of host-derived SPARC in tumorigenesis has not been explored fully. To evaluate the function of endogenous SPARC, we have examined the growth of pancreatic tumors in SPARC-null (SP(-/-)) mice and their wild-type (SP(+/+)) counterparts. Mouse pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells injected s.c. grew significantly faster in SP(-/-) mice than cells injected into SP(+/+) animals, with mean tumor weights at sacrifice of 0.415 +/- 0.08 and 0.086 +/- 0.03 g (P < 0.01), respectively. Lack of endogenous SPARC resulted in decreased collagen deposition and fiber formation, alterations in the distribution of tumor-infiltrating macrophages, and decreased tumor cell apoptosis. There was no difference in microvessel density of tumors from SP(-/-) or SP(+/+) mice. However, tumors grown in SP(-/-) had a lower percentage of blood vessels that expressed smooth muscle alpha-actin, a marker of pericytes. These data reflect the importance of ECM deposition in regulating tumor growth and demonstrate that host-derived SPARC is a critical factor in the response of host tissue to tumorigenesis.     

Targeted deletion of the SPARC gene accelerates disc degeneration in the aging mouse.

SPARC (secreted protein, acidic, and rich in cysteine) is a matricellular protein that is present in the intervertebral disc; in man, levels of SPARC decrease with aging and degeneration. In this study, we asked whether targeted deletion of SPARC in the mouse influenced disc morphology. SPARC-null and wild-type (WT) mice were studied at 0.3-21 months of age. Radiologic examination of spines from 2-month-old SPARC-null mice revealed wedging, endplate calcification, and sclerosis, features absent in age-matched WT spines. Discs from 3-month-old SPARC-null mice had a greater number of annulus cells than those of WT animals (1884.6 +/- 397.9 [mean +/- SD] vs 1500.2 +/- 188.2, p=0.031). By 19 months discs from SPARC-null mice contained fewer cells than WT counterparts (1383.6 +/- 363.3 vs 1466.8 +/- 148.0, p=0.033). Histology of midsagittal spines showed herniations of lower lumbar discs of SPARC-null mice ages 14-19 months; in contrast, no herniations were seen in WT age-matched animals. Ultrastructural studies showed uniform collagen fibril diameters in the WT annulus, whereas in SPARC-null disc fibrils were of variable size with irregular margins. Consistent with the connective tissue deficits observed in other tissues of SPARC-null mice, our findings support a fundamental role for SPARC in the production, assembly, or maintenance of the disc extracellular matrix.     

SPARC regulates collagen interaction with cardiac fibroblast cell surfaces

Cardiac tissue from mice that do not express secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) have reduced amounts of insoluble collagen content at baseline and in response to pressure overload hypertrophy compared with wild-type (WT) mice. However, the cellular mechanism by which SPARC affects myocardial collagen is not clearly defined. Although expression of SPARC by cardiac myocytes has been detected in vitro, immunohistochemistry of hearts demonstrated SPARC staining primarily associated with interstitial fibroblastic cells. Primary cardiac fibroblasts isolated from SPARC-null and WT mice were assayed for collagen I synthesis by [(3)H]proline incorporation into procollagen and by immunoblot analysis of procollagen processing. Bacterial collagenase was used to discern intracellular from extracellular forms of collagen I. Increased amounts of collagen I were found associated with SPARC-null versus WT cells, and the proportion of total collagen I detected on SPARC-null fibroblasts without propeptides [collagen-α(1)(I)] was higher than in WT cells. In addition, the amount of total collagen sensitive to collagenase digestion (extracellular) was greater in SPARC-null cells than in WT cells, indicating an increase in cell surface-associated collagen in the absence of SPARC. Furthermore, higher levels of collagen type V, a fibrillar collagen implicated in collagen fibril initiation, were found in SPARC-null fibroblasts. The absence of SPARC did not result in significant differences in proliferation or in decreased production of procollagen I by cardiac fibroblasts. We conclude that SPARC regulates collagen in the heart by modulating procollagen processing and interactions with fibroblast cell surfaces. These results are consistent with decreased levels of interstitial collagen in the hearts of SPARC-null mice being due primarily to inefficient collagen deposition into the extracellular matrix rather than to differences in collagen production.     

Loss of insulin-like growth factor I receptor-dependent expression of p107 and cyclin A in cells that lack the extracellular matrix protein secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine.

The extracellular matrix-associated glycoprotein secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) has been implicated in the control of cell proliferation during tissue remodeling, wound healing, and malignant development. Here, we describe a novel mechanism through which SPARC influences cell cycle progression in embryonic fibroblasts derived from Sparc-nullizygous (-/-) mice. SPARC-deficient cells were indistinguishable from wild-type cells in their ability to initiate DNA synthesis after treatment with either fetal bovine serum or platelet-derived growth factor. In contrast, Sparc -/- cells responded poorly to activation of the insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFI-R) by insulin. This defect was traced to reduced expression of the IGFI-R in Sparc -/- cells. Consistent with impaired cell cycle progression through S-phase, insulin-stimulated Sparc -/- cells also revealed reduced expression of two key regulators of S phase progression (cyclin A and thymidine kinase), whereas expression of the G1 phase progression regulators cmyc or cyclin D1 was unaffected. An examination of the status of retinoblastoma family pocket proteins in Sparc -/- cells revealed a selective and dramatic reduction in levels of the retinoblastoma-related protein p107. Exogenous platelet-derived growth factor restored expression of the IGFI-R and IGFI-R dependent DNA synthesis as well as induction of cyclin A, thymidine kinase, and p107 in insulin-stimulated Sparc -/- cells. These results suggest that SPARC-dependent matrix to cell interactions contribute to the regulation of p107 and cyclin A through IGFI-R dependent pathway(s).     

SPARC/Osteonectin Functions to Maintain Homeostasis of the Collagenous Extracellular Matrix in the Periodontal Ligament

Expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC)/osteonectin, a collagen-binding matricellular protein, is frequently associated with tissues with high rates of collagen turnover, such as bone. In the oral cavity, expression of SPARC/osteonectin has been localized to the periodontal ligament (PDL), a collagen-rich tissue with high rates of collagen turnover. The PDL is critical for tooth position within the alveolar bone and for absorbing forces generated by chewing. To characterize the function of SPARC/osteonectin in PDL, SPARC/osteonectin expression in murine PDL was evaluated by immunochemistry at 1, 4, 6, and >18 months. Highest levels of SPARC/osteonectin were detected at 1 and >18 months, with decreased levels associated with adult (4–6 months) PDL. To determine whether the absence of SPARC/osteonectin expression influenced cellular and fibrillar collagen content in PDL, PDL of SPARC-null mice was evaluated using histological stains and compared with that of wild-type (WT). Our results demonstrated decreased numbers of nuclei in PDL of SPARC-null mice at 1 month. In addition, decreased collagen volume fractions were found at 1 and >18 months and decreases in thick collagen fiber volume fraction were detected at 4, 6, and >18 months in SPARC-null PDL. The greatest differences in cell number and in collagen content between SPARC-null and WT PDL coincided with ages at which levels of SPARC/osteonectin expression were highest in WT PDL, at 1 and >18 months. These results support the hypothesis that SPARC/osteonectin is critical in the control of tissue collagen content and indicate that SPARC/osteonectin is necessary for PDL homeostasis. (J Histochem Cytochem 58:871–879, 2010)     

Mice deficient for the secreted glycoprotein SPARC/osteonectin/BM40 develop normally but show severe age-onset cataract formation and disruption of the lens.

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine, also known as osteonectin/BM40) is a secreted Ca2+-binding glycoprotein that interacts with a range of extracellular matrix molecules, including collagen IV. It is widely expressed during embryogenesis, and in vitro studies have suggested roles in the regulation of cell adhesion and proliferation, and in the modulation of cytokine activity. In order to analyse the function of this protein in vivo, the endogenous Sparc locus was disrupted by homologous recombination in murine embryonic stem cells. SPARC-deficient mice (Sparctm1Cam) appear normal and fertile until around 6 months of age, when they develop severe eye pathology characterized by cataract formation and rupture of the lens capsule. The first sign of lens pathology occurs in the equatorial bow region where vacuoles gradually form within differentiating epithelial cells and fibre cells. The lens capsule, however, shows no qualitative changes in the major basal lamina proteins laminin, collagen IV, perlecan or entactin. These mice are an excellent resource for further studies on how SPARC affects cell behaviour in vivo.     

Enhanced angiogenesis characteristic of SPARC-null mice disappears with age

The impairment of angiogenesis in aging has been attributed, in part, to alterations in proteins associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM). SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine/osteonectin/BM-40) is a matricellular protein that regulates endothelial cell function as well as cell-ECM interactions. We have previously shown that angiogenesis, as reflected by fibrovascular invasion into subcutaneously implanted polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges, is increased in SPARC-null mice (6-9 months of age) relative to their wild-type (WT) counterparts. In this study, we define the influence of aging on (a) the expression of SPARC and (b) fibrovascular invasion into sponge implants in SPARC-null and WT mice. The expression of SPARC in fibroblasts and endothelial cells derived from young donors (humans mean age less than 30 years and mice 4-6 months of age) and old donors (humans mean age over 65 years and mice 22-27 months of age) decreased 1.6 to 2.3-fold with age. Analysis of fibrovascular invasion into sponges implanted into old (22-27 months) SPARC-null and WT mice showed no differences in percent area of invasion or collagenous ECM. Moreover, sponges from old SPARC-null and WT mice contained similar levels of VEGF that were significantly lower than those from young (4-6 months) mice. In contrast to fibroblasts from young SPARC-null mice, dermal fibroblasts from old SPARC-null mice did not migrate farther, proliferate faster, or produce greater amounts of VEGF relative to their old WT counterparts. However, when stimulated with TGF-beta1, primary cells isolated from the sponge implants, and dermal fibroblasts from both old SPARC-null and WT mice, showed marked increases in VEGF secretion. These data indicate that aging results in a loss of enhanced angiogenesis in SPARC-null mice, as a result of the detrimental impact of age on cellular functions, collagen deposition, and VEGF synthesis. However, the influence of aging on these processes may be reversed, in part, by growth factor stimulation.     

IL-2 plasmid therapy of murine ovarian carcinoma inhibits the growth of tumor ascites and alters its cytokine profile

We have evaluated whether i.p. murine ovarian tumors could be treated with an IL-2 plasmid DNA complexed with the cationic lipid, (+/-)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2, 3-bis(tetradecyloxy)-1-propanaminium bromide/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DMRIE/DOPE). Reporter gene studies were initially conducted in which mice bearing i.p. murine ovarian teratocarcinoma (MOT) were injected i.p. with reporter gene plasmid DNA (pDNA):DMRIE/DOPE. Histochemical analyses revealed that transfection occurred primarily in the tumor cells of the ascites, with only a minority of other ascitic cells or surrounding tissues transfected. IL-2 levels in the MOT ascites were determined after i. p. injection of either IL-2 pDNA:DMRIE/DOPE or recombinant IL-2 protein. IL-2 was detected in tumor ascites for up to 10 days after a single i.p. injection of IL-2 pDNA:DMRIE/DOPE, but was undetectable 24 h after a single i.p. injection of IL-2 protein. In an antitumor efficacy study, MOT tumor-bearing mice injected i.p. with IL-2 pDNA:DMRIE/DOPE on days 5, 8, and 11 after tumor cell implant had a significant inhibition of tumor ascites (p = 0.001) as well as a significant increase in survival (p = 0.008). A cytokine profile of the MOT tumor ascites revealed that mice treated with IL-2 pDNA:DMRIE/DOPE had an IL-2-specific increase in the levels of IFN-gamma and GM-CSF. Taken together, these findings indicate that i. p. treatment of ovarian tumors with IL-2 pDNA:DMRIE/DOPE can lead to an increase in local IL-2 levels, a change in the cytokine profile of the tumor ascites, and a significant antitumor effect.     

Endogenous amylin contributes to the anorectic effects of cholecystokinin and bombesin

Previous studies indicated that amylin contributes to the anorectic effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) and bombesin (BBS), possibly by enhancing the release of pancreatic amylin or by modulating their anorectic actions within the central nervous system (CNS). To elucidate the interaction between amylin and CCK or BBS, respectively, we investigated the influence of an IP injection of CCK or BBS on feeding in amylin-deficient mice (IAPP(-/-)). The anorectic effects of CCK and BBS were nearly abolished in IAPP(-/-) mice compared to wildtype (WT) mice (e.g. 20 microg/kg CCK, 1-h food intake: WT/NaCl 0.53 +/- 0.03 g; WT/CCK 0.16 +/- 0.03 g (P < 0.001); IAPP(-/-)/NaCl 0.49 +/- 0.05 g; IAPP(-/-)/CCK 0.39 +/- 0.04 g). Acute amylin replacement restored the anorectic effect of CCK in IAPP(-/-) mice.To find out whether CCK or BBS enhance the feeding-induced release of pancreatic amylin, we injected rats with CCK-8 (0.5-50 microg/kg) or BBS (5 microg/kg) and measured plasma amylin levels after injections. Neither CCK nor BBS increased the plasma amylin level in rats. We suggest that the mediation of the anorectic effects of CCK and BBS by amylin is not dependent on a CCK- or BBS-induced release of pancreatic amylin, but may rather be due to a modulation of their effects by amylin within the CNS.     

Cisplatin increases immune activity of monocytes and cytotoxic T-cells in a murine model of epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is an immunologically active malignancy, but thus far immune therapy has had limited success in clinical trials. One barrier to implementation of efficacious immune therapies is a lack of knowledge of the effect of chemotherapy on the monocyte-derived component of the immune infiltrate within the tumor. We utilized the ID8 murine EOC model to investigate alterations within tumor ascites that occur following administration of platinum chemotherapy. Cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant increase in monocytes within the ascites of tumor bearing mice. We identified that CD11b⁺ cells from the ascites of mice that have been treated with cisplatin elicits an increase in IFN-ɣ expression from CD8⁺ T-cells compared to CD11b⁺ cells from a mouse treated with vehicle control (604.0 pg/mL v. 4328.0 pg/mL; p < .0001). Splenocytes derived from tumor bearing mice released increase levels of IFN-ɣ after treatment with cisplatin when incubated with dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor antigen (62.0 v. 92.1 pg/mL; p = .03). Cisplatin induced an increase in T-cell and monocyte/macrophage activation markers (CD62L and CD301). Levels of IL-10, IL-6, and VEGF in the cell free ascites of mice treated with cisplatin decreased (p > .05). These results indicate that treatment with cisplatin leads to an increase of anti-tumor activity within the ascites related to alterations in the ascites monocytes. Further investigation of these findings in humans is necessary to identify how these cells behave in different patient subgroups and if there is a role for monocyte directed therapy in conjunction with T-cell directed therapy and/or chemotherapy.     

Cisplatin increases immune activity of monocytes and cytotoxic T-cells in a murine model of epithelial ovarian cancer

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is an immunologically active malignancy, but thus far immune therapy has had limited success in clinical trials. One barrier to implementation of efficacious immune therapies is a lack of knowledge of the effect of chemotherapy on the monocyte-derived component of the immune infiltrate within the tumor. We utilized the ID8 murine EOC model to investigate alterations within tumor ascites that occur following administration of platinum chemotherapy. Cisplatin treatment resulted in a significant increase in monocytes within the ascites of tumor bearing mice. We identified that CD11b⁺ cells from the ascites of mice that have been treated with cisplatin elicits an increase in IFN-ɣ expression from CD8⁺ T-cells compared to CD11b⁺ cells from a mouse treated with vehicle control (604.0 pg/mL v. 4328.0 pg/mL; p < .0001). Splenocytes derived from tumor bearing mice released increase levels of IFN-ɣ after treatment with cisplatin when incubated with dendritic cells (DCs) and tumor antigen (62.0 v. 92.1 pg/mL; p = .03). Cisplatin induced an increase in T-cell and monocyte/macrophage activation markers (CD62L and CD301). Levels of IL-10, IL-6, and VEGF in the cell free ascites of mice treated with cisplatin decreased (p > .05). These results indicate that treatment with cisplatin leads to an increase of anti-tumor activity within the ascites related to alterations in the ascites monocytes. Further investigation of these findings in humans is necessary to identify how these cells behave in different patient subgroups and if there is a role for monocyte directed therapy in conjunction with T-cell directed therapy and/or chemotherapy.     

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 promotes the proliferation and invasion of epithelial ovarian cancer cells

Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is the catalytic subunit of the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) that includes noncatalytic subunits suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12) and embryonic ectoderm development (EED). When present in PRC2, EZH2 catalyzes trimethylation on lysine 27 residue of histone H3 (H3K27Me3), resulting in epigenetic silencing of gene expression. Here, we investigated the expression and function of EZH2 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). When compared with primary human ovarian surface epithelial (pHOSE) cells, EZH2, SUZ12, and EED were expressed at higher levels in all 8 human EOC cell lines tested. Consistently, H3K27Me3 was also overexpressed in human EOC cell lines compared with pHOSE cells. EZH2 was significantly overexpressed in primary human EOCs (n = 134) when compared with normal ovarian surface epithelium (n = 46; P < 0.001). EZH2 expression positively correlated with expression of Ki67 (P < 0.001; a marker of cell proliferation) and tumor grade (P = 0.034) but not tumor stage (P = 0.908) in EOC. There was no correlation of EZH2 expression with overall (P = 0.3) or disease-free survival (P = 0.2) in high-grade serous histotype EOC patients (n = 98). Knockdown of EZH2 expression reduced the level of H3K27Me3 and suppressed the growth of human EOC cells both in vitro and in vivo in xenograft models. EZH2 knockdown induced apoptosis of human EOC cells. Finally, we showed that EZH2 knockdown suppressed the invasion of human EOC cells. Together, these data demonstrate that EZH2 is frequently overexpressed in human EOC cells and its overexpression promotes the proliferation and invasion of human EOC cells, suggesting that EZH2 is a potential target for developing EOC therapeutics.     

Intraperitoneal delivery of human natural killer cells for treatment of ovarian cancer in a mouse xenograft model

Background aimsThere is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for relapsed ovarian cancer. Dramatic clinical anti-tumor effects have been observed with interleukin (IL)-2 activated natural killer (NK) cells; however, intravenous delivery of NK cells in patients with ovarian cancer has not been successful in ameliorating disease. We investigated in vivo engraftment of intraperitoneally (IP) delivered NK cells in an ovarian cancer xenograft model to determine if delivery mode can affect tumor cell killing and circumvent lack of NK cell expansion.MethodsAn ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate efficacy of IP-delivered NK cells. Tumor burden was monitored by bioluminescent imaging of luciferase-expressing ovarian cancer cells. NK cell persistence, tumor burden and NK cell trafficking were evaluated. Transplanted NK cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays.ResultsIP delivery of human NK cells plus cytokines led to high levels of circulating NK and was effective in clearing intraperitoneal ovarian cancer burden in xenografted mice. NK cells remained within the peritoneal cavity 54 days after injection and had markers of maturation. Additionally, surviving NK cells were able to kill ovarian cancer cells at a rate similar to pre-infusion levels, supporting that in vivo functionality of human NK cells can be maintained after IP infusion.ConclusionsIP delivery of NK cells leads to stable engraftment and antitumor response in an ovarian cancer xenograft model. These data support further pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of IP delivery of allogeneic NK cells in ovarian cancer.     

Sparc基因的克隆及其在HEK293细胞中的表达

目的：为探讨SPARC（secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine）在人恶性肿瘤发生、发展中的作用及其分子机制,进一步明确SPARC发挥作用的方式及其与肿瘤发生类型的关系。方法：我们首先提取了人乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7的总RNA,在对总RNA进行纯度与定量检测后,利用RT-PCR的方法,以该总RNA为模板,将其反转录为cDNA;再设计引物,以该cDNA为模板,利用PCR扩增出包含Sparc编码区的DNA片段,将该产物纯化后通过T-A克隆连接入pMD20-T载体,利用菌落PCR及DNA测序进行鉴定。以pMD20-T-Sparc为模板,我们设计了特异的针对Sparc全长编码区的引物,并在引物5＇端分别加入BamHI、HindIII酶切位点,通过PCR将Sparc编码区扩增出来,经纯化及双酶切后与真核表达载体pcDNA3.1myc-his（-）相连,再经菌落PCR和DNA测序进行鉴定。通过瞬时转染的方法,利用脂质体将所构建的重组SPARC真核表达载体转染HEK293细胞,48h后裂解所培养的细胞,使用western blot检测有无SPARC的表达。结果：测序证实所克隆的Sparc编码区cDNA正确地插入pcDNA3.1myc-his（-）中,western blot检测证实其在HEK293细胞中得到表达,而空载体转染的细胞则无表达,说明所构建的pcDNA3.1myc-his（-）-Sparc能够成功表达。结论：我们成功克隆了人Sparc cDNA,构建了其真核表达载体,并在HEK293细胞中得到有效表达,从而为进一步研究人SPARC的功能及其与肿瘤的关系奠定了基础。     

Tumor stroma engraftment of gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells as anti-tumor therapy against ovarian cancer

Background aimsMany ovarian cancers originate from ovarian surface epithelium, where they develop from cysts intermixed with stroma. The stromal layer is critical to the progression and survival of the neoplasm and consequently is recruited into the tumor microenvironment.MethodsUsing both syngeneic mouse tumors (ID8-R) and human xenograft (OVCAR3, SKOV3) tumor models, we first confirmed that intraperitoneally injected circulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could target, preferentially engraft and differentiate into α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts, suggesting their role as “reactive stroma” in ovarian carcinoma development and confirming their potential as a targeted delivery vehicle for the intratumoral production of interferon-β (IFN-β). Mice with ovarian carcinomas then received weekly intraperitoneal injections of IFN-β expressing MSCs.ResultsIntraperitoneal injections of IFN-β expressing MSCs resulted in complete eradication of tumors in 70% of treated OVCAR3 mice (P = 0.004) and an increased survival of treated SKOV3 mice compared with controls (P = 0.01). Similar tumor growth control was observed using murine IFN-β delivered by murine MSCs in ID8-R ovarian carcinoma. As a potential mechanism of tumor killing, MSCs produced IFN-β-induced caspase-dependent tumor cell apoptosis.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that ovarian carcinoma engrafts MSCs to participate in myofibrovascular networks and that IFN-β produced by MSCs intratumorally modulates tumor kinetics, resulting in prolonged survival.     

Host dendritic cells alone are sufficient to initiate acute graft-versus-host disease

Alloantigen expression on host APCs is essential to initiate graft-vs-host disease (GVHD); however, critical APC subset remains to be elucidated. We compared the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) and B cells to initiate acute GVHD by an add-back study of MHC class II-expressing APCs (II(+/+)) into MHC class II-deficient (II(-/-)) mice that were resistant to CD4-dependent GVHD. Injection of host-derived, but not donor-derived, II(+/+) DCs or host-derived II(+/+) B cells, was sufficient to break GVHD resistance of II(-/-) mice and induced lethal acute GVHD. By contrast, host-derived II(+/+) B cells, both naive and LPS stimulated, failed to induce activation or tolerance of donor CD4(+) T cells. Similarly, in a model of CD8-dependent GVHD across MHC class I mismatch injection of allogeneic DCs, but not B cells, induced robust proliferation of donor CD8(+) T cells and broke GVHD resistance of chimeric recipients in which APCs were syngeneic to donors. These results demonstrate that host-derived DCs are critical in priming donor CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells to cause GVHD, and selective targeting of host DCs may be a promising strategy to prevent GVHD.     

SPARC mediates early extracellular matrix remodeling following myocardial infarction

Secreted protein, acidic, and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a matricellular protein that functions in the extracellular processing of newly synthesized collagen. Collagen deposition to form a scar is a key event following a myocardial infarction (MI). Because the roles of SPARC in the early post-MI setting have not been defined, we examined age-matched wild-type (WT; n=22) and SPARC-deficient (null; n=25) mice at day 3 post-MI. Day 0 WT (n=28) and null (n=20) mice served as controls. Infarct size was 52 ± 2% for WT and 47 ± 2% for SPARC null (P=NS), indicating that the MI injury was comparable in the two groups. By echocardiography, WT mice increased end-diastolic volumes from 45 ± 2 to 83 ± 5 μl (P < 0.05). SPARC null mice also increased end-diastolic volumes but to a lesser extent than WT (39 ± 3 to 63 ± 5 μl; P < 0.05 vs. day 0 controls and vs. WT day 3 MI). Ejection fraction fell post-MI in WT mice from 57 ± 2 to 19 ± 1%. The decrease in ejection fraction was attenuated in the absence of SPARC (65 ± 2 to 28 ± 2%). Fibroblasts isolated from SPARC null left ventricle (LV) showed differences in the expression of 22 genes encoding extracellular matrix and adhesion molecule genes, including fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; CCN2), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). The change in fibroblast gene expression levels was mirrored in tissue protein extracts for fibronectin, CTGF, and MMP-3 but not TIMP-2. Combined, the results of this study indicate that SPARC deletion preserves LV function at day 3 post-MI but may be detrimental for the long-term response due to impaired fibroblast activation.     

MiR-628-5p decreases the tumorigenicity of epithelial ovarian cancer cells by targeting at FGFR2

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs which are 19–24 nucleotides in length. MiRNAs play a vital role in the whole process of tumour development, but how they influence the tumourigenecity of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC)cells is rarely researched. In our study, it was verified that miR-628-5p decreased the stem like cell percentage of EOC cells by inducing their apoptosis. The animal experiments showed that miR-628-5p decreased the tumourigenecity of EOC cells. Besides, we found miR-628-5p targeted at and down-regulated the expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2). FGFR2 expressed higher in ovarian cancer tissues and was correlated with worse prognosis. Our findings indicated that miR-628-5pplays an important role in ovarian cancer stem cell driven tumorigenesis.     

Loss of 4.1N in epithelial ovarian cancer results in EMT and matrix-detached cell death resistance

Epithelial ovarian cancer(EOC)is one of the leading causes of death from gynecologic cancers and peritoneal dissemination is the major cause of death in patients with EOC.Although the loss of 4.1N is associated with increased risk of malignancy,its association with EOC remains unclear.To explore the underlying mechanism of the loss of 4.1N in constitutive activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and matrixdetached cell death resistance,we investigated samples from 268 formalin-fixed EOC tissues and performed various in vitro and in vivo assays.We report that the loss of 4.1N correlated with progress in clinical stage,as well as poor survival in EOC patients.The loss of 4.1N induces EMT in adherent EOC cells and its expression inhibits anoikis resistance and EMT by directly binding and accelerating the degradation of 14-3-3 in suspension EOC cells.Furthermore,the loss of 4.1N could increase the rate of entosis,which aggravates cell death resistance in suspension EOC cells.Moreover,xenograft tumors in nude mice also show that the loss of 4.1N can aggravate peritoneal dissemination of EOC cells.Single-agent and combination therapy with a ROCK inhibitor and a 14-3-3 antagonist can reduce tumor spread to varying degrees.Our results not only define the vital role of 4.1N loss in inducing EMT,anoikis resistance,and entosis-induced cell death resistance in EOC,but also suggest that individual or combined application of 4.1N,14-3-3 antagonists,and entosis inhibitors may be a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of EOC.