Neurotensin receptor 1 is expressed in gastrointestinal stromal tumors but not in interstitial cells of Cajal

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are thought to derive from the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) or an ICC precursor. Oncogenic mutations of the KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases are present in the majority of GIST, leading to ligand-independent activation of the intracellular signal transduction pathways. We previously investigated the gene expression profile in the murine Kit(K641E) GIST model and identified Ntsr1 mRNA, encoding the Neurotensin receptor 1, amongst the upregulated genes. Here we characterized Ntsr1 mRNA and protein expression in the murine Kit(K641E) GIST model and in tissue microarrays of human GIST. Ntsr1 mRNA upregulation in Kit(K641E) animals was confirmed by quantitative PCR. Ntsr1 immunoreactivity was not detected in the Kit positive ICC of WT mice, but was present in the Kit positive hyperplasia of Kit(K641E) mice. In the normal human gut, NTSR1 immunoreactivity was detected in myenteric neurons but not in KIT positive ICC. Two independent tissue microarrays, including a total of 97 GIST, revealed NTSR1 immunoreactivity in all specimens, including the KIT negative GIST with PDGFRA mutation. NTSR1 immunoreactivity exhibited nuclear, cytoplasmic or mixed patterns, which might relate to variable levels of NTSR1 activation. As studies using radio-labeled NTSR1 ligand analogues for whole body tumor imaging and for targeted therapeutic interventions have already been reported, this study opens new perspectives for similar approaches in GIST.     

Abnormal elevated PTEN expression in the mouse antrum of a model of GIST Kit(K641E/K641E)

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 85% of GISTs harbor activating mutations of the KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinases. PTEN and SHIP2 are major phosphatases that dephosphorylate PI(3,4,5)P₃, one of the intracellular signal pathways downstream of KIT. PTEN is an important tumor suppressor, whereas the involvement of SHIP2 in cancer has been proposed based essentially on cell line studies. We have used a mouse model of GIST, i.e. Kit^K641E knock-in mice, resulting in the substitution of a Lys by Glu at position 641 of Kit. In homozygous Kit^K641E mice, PTEN-immunoreactivity (ir) in antrum was found in the hyperplastic Kit-ir layer. The same localization was found for SHIP2. Western blot analysis in antrum showed a large increase in PTEN expression in Kit^K641E homozygous mice as compared to wild type. In contrast, SHIP2 expression was not affected between the two genotypes. Erk1, but not PKB, phosphorylation appears to be upregulated in Kit^K641E homozygous mice. In the human GIST882 imatinib sensitive cell line, both PTEN and SHIP2 were expressed and showed, in part, a nuclear localization. The upregulation of PTEN in antrum in Kit^K641E mice might serve as a feedback mechanism to limit PI 3-kinase activation downstream of Kit in a context of oncogenic mutation.     

CD34 immunoreactivity and interstitial cells of Cajal in the human and mouse gastrointestinal tract

Immunoreactivity for the tyrosine kinase receptor Kit (Kit-ir) is an established marker for the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) of the gut. Recently, the presence of CD34 immunoreactivity (CD34-ir) has been reported in Kit-ir ICC around the myenteric plexus in human small intestine. Conversely, we observed that CD34-ir labeled Kit-negative fibroblast-like cells, closely adjacent to, but distinct from, the Kit-ir ICC. The existence of cells expressing both CD34-ir and Kit-ir remains controversial. CD34-ir and Kit-ir were studied by high-resolution confocal microscopy on cryostat sections of human and murine gut as well as murine whole-mounts, using specific antibodies raised to human and murine CD34, respectively. CD34-ir labeled numerous cells in all parts of the gut, in man and in mouse. CD34-ir was consistently observed in Kit-negative cells, distinct from the closely adjacent Kit-ir ICC. Thin processes of both cell types intermingled extensively, often at the limit of resolution for light microscopy. CD34-ir was also observed in Kit-negative mesenchymal cells in the submucosa, in capillaries and in mesothelial cells. CD34-ir is not a marker for Kit-ir ICC in the human and murine gut. No CD34-ir, Kit-ir-expressing cells were encountered. Conversely, CD34-ir cells, closely adjacent to, but distinct from, Kit-ir ICC were consistently identified. The intimate relationship between these cells may offer an alternative explanation for reports of CD34 and Kit co-localization. The ontogeny and function of CD34-ir cells in the gut, as well as the origin of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, remain unclear.     

Imatinib potentiates antitumor T cell responses in gastrointestinal stromal tumor through the inhibition of Ido

Imatinib mesylate targets mutated KIT oncoproteins in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and produces a clinical response in 80% of patients. The mechanism is believed to depend predominantly on the inhibition of KIT-driven signals for tumor-cell survival and proliferation. Using a mouse model of spontaneous GIST, we found that the immune system contributes substantially to the antitumor effects of imatinib. Imatinib therapy activated CD8(+) T cells and induced regulatory T cell (T(reg) cell) apoptosis within the tumor by reducing tumor-cell expression of the immunosuppressive enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (Ido). Concurrent immunotherapy augmented the efficacy of imatinib in mouse GIST. In freshly obtained human GIST specimens, the T cell profile correlated with imatinib sensitivity and IDO expression. Thus, T cells are crucial to the antitumor effects of imatinib in GIST, and concomitant immunotherapy may further improve outcomes in human cancers treated with targeted agents.     

Engineering of the yeast ubiquitin ligase Rsp5: isolation of a new variant that induces constitutive inactivation of the general amino acid permease Gap1

Rsp5 is an essential ubiquitin-protein ligase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . We found previously that the Ala401Glu rsp 5 mutant is hypersensitive to various stresses that induce protein misfolding, suggesting that Rsp5 is a key enzyme for yeast cell growth under stress conditions. To isolate new Rsp5 variants as suppressors of the A401E mutant, PCR random mutagenesis was used in the rsp5 ^A401E gene, and the mutagenized plasmid library was introduced into rsp5 ^A401E cells. As a phenotypic suppressor of rsp5 ^A401E cells, we isolated a quadruple variant (Thr357Ala/Glu401Gly/Lys764Glu/Glu767Gly) on a minimal medium containing the toxic proline analogue azetidine-2-carboxylate (AZC). Site-directed mutagenesis experiments showed that the rsp5 ^T357A/K764E cells were much more tolerant to AZC than the wild-type cells, due to the smaller amounts of intracellular AZC. However, the T357A/K764E variant Rsp5 did not reverse the hypersensitivity of rsp5 ^A401E cells to other stresses such as high growth temperature, ethanol, and freezing treatment. Interestingly, immunoblot and localization analyses indicated that the general amino acid permease Gap1, which is involved in AZC uptake, was absent on the plasma membrane and degraded in the vacuole of rsp5 ^T357A/K764E cells before the addition of ammonium ions. These results suggest that the T357A/K764E variant Rsp5 induces constitutive inactivation of Gap1.     

Germline mutations of KIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and mastocytosis

Somatic mutations of KIT are frequently found in mastocytosis and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), while germline mutations of KIT are rare, and only found in few cases of familial GIST and mastocytosis. Although ligand-independent activation is the common feature of KIT mutations, the phenotypes mediated by various germline KIT mutations are different. Germline KIT mutations affect different tissues such as interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), mast cells or melanocytes, and thereby lead to GIST, mastocytosis, or abnormal pigmentation. In this review, we summarize germline KIT mutations in familial mastocytosis and GIST and discuss the possible cellular context dependent transforming activity of KIT mutations.     

Connexin37 protects against atherosclerosis by regulating monocyte adhesion

A genetic polymorphism in the human gene encoding connexin37 (CX37, encoded by GJA4, also known as CX37) has been reported as a potential prognostic marker for atherosclerosis. The expression of this gap-junction protein is altered in mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions: it disappears from the endothelium of advanced plaques but is detected in macrophages recruited to the lesions. The role of CX37 in atherogenesis, however, remains unknown. Here we have investigated the effect of deleting the mouse connexin37 (Cx37) gene (Gja4, also known as Cx37) on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe(-/-)) mice, an animal model of this disease. We find that Gja4(-/-)Apoe(-/-) mice develop more aortic lesions than Gja4(+/+)Apoe(-/-) mice that express Cx37. Using in vivo adoptive transfer, we show that monocyte and macrophage recruitment is enhanced by eliminating expression of Cx37 in these leukocytes but not by eliminating its expression in the endothelium. We further show that Cx37 hemichannel activity in primary monocytes, macrophages and a macrophage cell line (H36.12j) inhibits leukocyte adhesion. This antiadhesive effect is mediated by release of ATP into the extracellular space. Thus, Cx37 hemichannels may control initiation of the development of atherosclerotic plaques by regulating monocyte adhesion. H36.12j macrophages expressing either of the two CX37 proteins encoded by a polymorphism in the human GJA4 gene show differential ATP-dependent adhesion. These results provide a potential mechanism by which a polymorphism in CX37 protects against atherosclerosis.     

Two Amino Acid Differences in the Sixth Transmembrane Domain Are Partially Responsible for the Pharmacological Differences Between the 5-HT1Dβ and 5-HT1E 5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptors

Abstract: 5-Hydroxytryptamine elicits its physiological effects by interacting with a diverse group of receptors. Two of these receptors, the 5-HT_1Dβ and the 5-HT_1E receptors, are ∼60% identical in the transmembrane domains that presumably form the ligand binding site yet have very different pharmacological properties. Analysis of the pharmacological properties of a series of chimeric 5-HT_1Dβ/5-HT_1E receptors indicates that sequences in the sixth and seventh transmembrane domains are responsible for the differential affinity of 5-carboxamidotryptamine for these two receptors. More detailed analysis shows that two amino acid differences in the sixth transmembrane domain (Ile³³³ and Ser³³⁴ in the 5-HT_1Dβ receptor, corresponding to Lys³¹⁰ and Glu³¹¹ in the 5-HT_1E receptor) are largely responsible for the differential affinities of some, but not all, ligands for the 5-HT_1Dβ and 5-HT_1E receptors. It is likely that these two amino acids subtly determine the overall three-dimensional structure of the receptor rather than interact directly with individual ligands.     

Up-regulation of BMP2/4 signaling increases both osteoblast-specific marker expression and bone marrow adipogenesis in Gja1Jrt/+ stromal cell cultures

Gja1^Jrt/+ mice carry a mutation in one allele of the gap junction protein α1 gene (Gja1), resulting in a G60S connexin 43 (Cx43) mutant protein that is dominant negative for Cx43 protein production of <50% of wild-type (WT) levels and significantly reduced gap junction formation and function in osteoblasts and other Cx43-expressing cells. Previously we reported that Gja1^Jrt/+ mice exhibited early-onset osteopenia caused by activation of osteoclasts secondary to activation of osteoblast lineage cells, which expressed increased RANKL and produced an abnormal resorption-stimulating bone matrix high in BSP content. Gja1^Jrt/+ mice also displayed early and progressive bone marrow atrophy, with a significant increase in bone marrow adiposity versus WT littermates but no increase in adipose tissues elsewhere in the body. BMP2/4 production and signaling were increased in Gja1^Jrt/+ trabecular bone and osteogenic stromal cell cultures, which contributed to the up-regulated expression of osteoblast-specific markers (e.g., Bsp and Ocn) in Gja1^Jrt/+ osteoblasts and increased Pparg2 expression in bone marrow–derived adipoprogenitors in vitro. The elevated levels of BMP2/4 signaling in G60S Cx43-containing cells resulted at least in part from elevated levels of cAMP. We conclude that up-regulation of BMP2/4 signaling in trabecular bone and/or stromal cells increases osteoblast-specific marker expression in hyperactive Gja1^Jrt/+ osteoblasts and may also increase bone marrow adipogenesis by up-regulation of Pparg2 in the Cx43-deficient Gja1^Jrt/+ mouse model.     

Guinea pig hippocampal 5-HT1E receptors: a tool for selective drug development

Recent studies have indicated that the serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] 1E receptor, originally discovered in human brain tissue, is not expressed in rat or mouse brain. Thus, there have been few reports on 5-HT_1E receptor drug development. However, expression of 5-HT_1E receptor mRNA has been shown in guinea pig brain. To establish this species as an animal model for 5-HT_1E drug development, we identified brain regions that exhibit 5-carboxyamidotryptamine, ritanserin, and LY344864 – insensitive [³H]5-HT binding (characteristic of the 5-HT_1E receptor). In hippocampal homogenates, where 5-HT_1E receptor density was sufficiently high for radioligand binding analysis, 100 nM 5-carboxyamidotryptamine, 30 nM ritanserin, and 100 nM LY344864 were used to mask [³H]5-HT binding at non-5-HT_1E receptors. The K _d of [³H]5-HT was 5.7 ± 0.7 nM and is indistinguishable from the cloned receptor K _d of 6.5 ± 0.6 nM. The affinities of 16 drugs for the cloned and hippocampal-expressed guinea pig 5-HT_1E receptors are essentially identical ( R ² = 0.97). These findings indicate that using these conditions autoradiographical distribution and signal transduction studies of the 5-HT_1E receptor in guinea pig brain are feasible. Using the guinea pig as an animal model should provide important insights into possible functions of this receptor and the therapeutic potential of selective human 5-HT_1E drugs.     

Differences in signaling pathways and expression level of the phosphoinositide phosphatase SHIP1 between two oncogenic mutants of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT

Oncogenic mutations of the receptor tyrosine kinase KIT are encountered in myeloid leukemia and various solid tumors, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors. We previously identified the human oncogenic germ line mutant KIT(K642E), a substitution in the tyrosine kinase 1 domain (TK1D) in a familial form of gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The effects of oncogenic KIT mutants on cell signaling and regulation are complex. Cellular models are valuable basic tools to tailor novel strategies on specific cellular and molecular bases for tumors expressing KIT oncogenic mutants. Murine KIT(WT) and the murine homologues of human KIT oncogenic mutants, further referred to as KIT(K641E) and KIT(del559), a point deletion in the juxtamembrane domain (JMD), were stably expressed in IL-3-dependent Ba/F3 cells. Major differences in the constitutively activation of Akt/PKB, MAP kinases and STATs pathways were observed between KIT(K641E) and KIT(del559), whereas KIT ligand elicited responses in both mutants. Noteworthy, the protein level of the phosphoinositide phosphatase SHIP1, but not SHIP2 and PTEN, was reduced in KIT(K641E) only while inhibition of KIT phosphorylation reversibly raised SHIP1 level in both JMD and TK1D oncogenic mutants, unraveling the control of SHIP protein level by KIT phosphorylation.     

The stem cell growth factor receptor KIT is not expressed on interstitial cells in bladder

The mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT has long been assumed to be a specific marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the bladder, with possible druggable perspectives. However, several authors have challenged the presence of KIT⁺ ICC in recent years. The aim of this study was therefore to attempt to clarify the conflicting reports on KIT expression in the bladder of human beings, rat, mouse and guinea pig and to elucidate the possible role of antibody‐related issues and interspecies differences in this matter. Fresh samples were obtained from human, rat, mouse and guinea pig cystectomies and processed for single/double immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Specific antibodies against KIT, mast cell tryptase (MCT), anoctamin‐1 (ANO1) and vimentin were used to characterize the cell types expressing KIT. Gut (jejunum) tissue was used as an external antibody control. Our results revealed KIT expression on mast cells but not on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder. Parallel immunohistochemistry showed KIT expression on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig gut, which confirmed the selectivity of the KIT antibody clones. In conclusion, we have shown that KIT⁺ cells in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder are mast cells and not ICC. The present report is important as it opposes the idea that KIT⁺ ICC are present in bladder. In this perspective, functional concepts of KIT⁺ ICC being involved in sensory and/or motor aspects of bladder physiology should be revised.     

Cataracts and Microphthalmia Caused by a Gja8 Mutation in Extracellular Loop 2

The mouse semi-dominant Nm2249 mutation displays variable cataracts in heterozygous mice and smaller lenses with severe cataracts in homozygous mice. This mutation is caused by a Gja8^R205G point mutation in the second extracellular loop of the Cx50 (or α8 connexin) protein. Immunohistological data reveal that Cx50-R205G mutant proteins and endogenous wild-type Cx46 (or α3 connexin) proteins form diffuse tiny spots rather than typical punctate signals of normal gap junctions in the lens. The level of phosphorylated Cx46 proteins is decreased in Gja8^R205G/R205G mutant lenses. Genetic analysis reveals that the Cx50-R205G mutation needs the presence of wild-type Cx46 to disrupt lens peripheral fibers and epithelial cells. Electrophysiological data in Xenopus oocytes reveal that Cx50-R205G mutant proteins block channel function of gap junctions composed of wild-type Cx50, but only affect the gating of wild-type Cx46 channels. Both genetic and electrophysiological results suggest that Cx50-R205G mutant proteins alone are unable to form functional channels. These findings imply that the Gja8^R205G mutation differentially impairs the functions of Cx50 and Cx46 to cause cataracts, small lenses and microphthalmia. The Gja8^R205G mutation occurs at the same conserved residue as the human GJA8^R198W mutation. This work provides molecular insights to understand the cataract and microphthalmia/microcornea phenotype caused by Gja8 mutations in mice and humans.     

The phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase pathway is central to the pathogenesis of Kit-activated melanoma

Mouse Kit L575P, the ortholog of human KIT L576P, a common KIT mutation found in human melanoma was expressed in an immortalized but non-transformed mouse Ink4a-Arf-deficient melanocyte cell line. The resultant Ink4a-Arf-deficient Kit L575P-expressing melanocytes exhibited increased proliferation, the ability to grow in soft agar, and increased migration. When these cells were injected subcutaneously into NOD/SCID/gamma(c) mice, melanomas arose in 5 of 7 (71%) mice. One of seven mice (14%) injected with these cells developed metastatic disease. Evaluation of signal transduction pathways downstream of constitutively activated Kit L575P revealed striking activation of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Inhibition of the PI3K pathway pharmacologically or genetically abolished the transformation phenotypes gained by the L575P single mutant. These studies validate this Kit L575P-activated model of melanoma and establish the PI3K pathway as a dominant signaling pathway downstream of Kit in melanoma.     

Decreased levels of Cx43 gap junctions result in ameloblast dysregulation and enamel hypoplasia in Gja1Jrt/+ mice

Coordinated differentiation of the ameloblast cell layer is essential to enamel matrix protein deposition and subsequent mineralization. It has been hypothesized that this process is governed by Cx43‐based gap junctional intercellular communication as oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) patients harboring autosomal‐dominant mutations in Cx43 exhibit enamel defects typically resulting in early adulthood tooth loss. To assess the role of Cx43 in tooth development we employ a mouse model of ODDD that harbors a G60S Cx43 mutant, Gja1^Jrt/+, and appears to exhibit tooth abnormalities that mimic the human disease. We found that total Cx43 plaques at all stages of ameloblast differentiation, as well as within the supporting cell layers, were greatly reduced in Gja1^Jrt/+ incisors compared to wild‐type littermate controls. To characterize the Gja1^Jrt/+ mouse tooth phenotype, mice were sacrificed prior to tooth eruption (postnatal day 7), weaning (postnatal day 21), and adulthood (2 months postnatal). A severely disorganized Gja1^Jrt/+ mouse ameloblast layer and abnormal accumulation of amelogenin were observed at stages when the cells were active in secretion and mineralization. Differences in enamel thickness became more apparent after tooth eruption and incisor exposure to the oral cavity suggesting that enamel integrity is compromised, leading to rapid erosion. Additional analysis of incisors from mutant mice revealed that they were longer with a thicker dentin layer than their wild‐type littermates, which may reflect a mechanical stress response to the depleted enamel layer. Together, these data show that reduced levels of Cx43 gap junctions result in ameloblast dysregulation, enamel hypoplasia, and secondary tissue responses. J. Cell. Physiol. 223:601–609, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.