Activity In HT-29 Cells Research Articles

Changes of NF-κB activity in colon carcinoma cells treated with different crude extracts of abrotani herba

To study changes of NF-κB activity in colon carcinoma cell lines treated with different crude extracts of abrotani herba obtained through solvent extraction methods. Crude extracts of abrotani herba were extracted with ligarine, chloroform, acetoacetate and n-butanol in separating funnel. Exposure concentration of crude extracts were obtained through detecting viability of HT-29 cells by MTT. Then HT-29 cells and Lovo cells were treated with different crude extracts respectively. Changes of NF-κB activity in HT-29 cells and Lovo cells using different crude extracts were observed by EMSA. Successfully extracted different crude extracts of abrotani herba and called them ligarine extract, chloroform extract, acetoacetate extract, n-butanol extract and remaining extract for short. NF-κB activity was significantly inhibited in HT-29 cells treated with chloroform extract, there were no significant differences in other groups compared with the control. The same change of NF-κB activity was observed in Lovo cells using different crude extracts of abrotani herba. NF-κB activity can be inhibited in colon carcinoma HT-29 cells and Lovo cells treated with chloroform extract obtained from abrotani herba through the method of solvent extraction.

Effect of Methanolic Extract from Silkworm Droppings on Proliferation and Caspase Activity in HT-29 Human Colon Cancer Cells

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Surgical intervention followed by chemotherapy remains the primary approach to treatment since colon cancers remain refractory to most chemotherapeutic agents. Based on that, we established a program to screen natural products for cytotoxic activity, employing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay system utilizing HT-29 human colon cancer cells. During the course of our screening, we found that the methanolic extract of silkworm droppings (SDME) has cytotoxic effects on HT-29 cells. In the present study, we investigated the possible mechanisms by which SDME exerts its antiproliferative activity in HT-29 cells. As expected, SDME inhibited growth of HT-29 cells in a dose-dependent manner as assessed by the MTT reduction assay, the lactate dehydrogenase release assay, and the colony formation assay. We also investigated whether the apoptotic effects induced by SDME involve the caspase pathway using the caspase colorimetric assay. Interestingly, caspase-9 and -3, but not caspase-8, were activated in response to SDME treatment. Taken together, these results clearly indicate that the induction of apoptosis by SDME involves a mitochondrial-mediated pathway and strongly suggest that SDME may potentially be a chemotherapeutic agent for human colon cancer.

Transcriptional regulation of IL‐8 by iron chelator in human epithelial cells is independent from NF‐κB but involves ERK1/2‐ and p38 kinase‐dependent activation of AP‐1

We have shown that the bacterial iron chelator, deferoxamine (DFO), triggers inflammatory signals including the production of CXC chemokine IL-8, in human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) by activating the ERK1/2 and p38 kinase pathways. In this study we investigated the mechanisms involved in IL-8 generation by DFO, focusing on the transcription factors involved and the roles of both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in the transcription factor activation. Treatment of human epithelial HT-29 cells with DFO markedly up-regulated the expression of the essential components of the transcription factor AP-1 at a transcriptional level, while it minimally affected the expression of the NF-kappaB subunits. DFO also induced AP-1-dependent transcriptional activity in HT-29 cells, and this activity was further augmented by the wild-type c-Jun transfection. In contrast, the AP-1 activity by DFO was markedly decreased by the dominant-negative c-Jun transfection. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that DFO increases the specific binding of AP-1 but not of NF-kappaB. Such AP-1 binding and transcriptional activities were blocked by the inhibitors of the ERK1/2 and p38 kinase pathways, suggesting that both mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) lie upstream of AP-1. Besides its action on AP-1, DFO also induced the specific binding of other transcription factors such as CREB and Egr-1. In summary, our results indicate that iron chelator-induced IL-8 generation in IECs involves activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinase and downstream activation of AP-1. A possible link between iron status and two additional transcription factors, that is, CREB and Egr-1, rather than NF-kappaB, was also suggested.

Prostaglandin E2-EP4 receptor signalling promotes tumorigenic behaviour of HT-29 human colorectal cancer cells

The predominant product of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity in the colon, prostaglandin (PG) E2 promotes intestinal tumorigenesis. Expression of the PGE2 receptor EP4 is upregulated during colorectal carcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the role of elevated PGE2-EP4 receptor signalling in the protumorigenic activity of PGE2 by increasing EP4 receptor expression in HT-29 human colorectal cancer (CRC) cells (HT-29-EP4) by stable transfection. Elevated PGE2-induced EP4 receptor activity in HT-29 cells increased resistance to spontaneous apoptosis and promoted anchorage-independent growth, but had no effect on proliferation of HT-29-EP4 cells. EP4 receptor activation by PGE2 in HT-29-EP4 cells also led to development of fluid-filled cysts, which was associated with increased tight junction protein (occludin and zonula occludens-1) expression. Overexpression of the EP4 receptor in HT-29 cells led to basal EP4 receptor signalling in the absence of exogenous PGE2, which was explained by autocrine activity of endogenous, COX-2-derived PGE2 and constitutive, ligand-independent EP4 receptor activity. The predominant signalling pathway mediating antiapoptotic activity downstream of PGE2-EP4 receptor activation in HT-29-EP4 cells was elevation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, which was associated with phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein. EP4 receptor activation led to a small increase in phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 protein levels but inhibition of ERK phosphorylation did not abrogate the antiapoptotic activity of PGE2. However, PGE2-EP4 receptor signalling did not lead to trans-activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor in HT-29 cells. Inhibition of protumorigenic PGE2-EP4 receptor signalling represents a potential strategy for anti-CRC therapy that may avoid the toxicity associated with systemic COX inhibition.

Modulation of Key Elements of the Wnt Pathway by Apple Polyphenols

Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) is one of the key elements of the Wnt pathway involved in the regulation of beta-catenin homeostasis. The inhibition of GSK3beta kinase activity might lead to the onset of beta-catenin/TCF/LEF-mediated gene transcription, representing a potentially mitogenic stimulus. Apple polyphenols have been shown to mediate several biological effects that might be of interest with respect to chemoprevention. The objective of the study was to elucidate whether apple polyphenols also modulate key elements of the Wnt pathway, an effect that might limit the usefulness of these compounds for the prevention of carcinogenesis. A polyphenol-rich apple juice extract (AE02) was found to effectively inhibit the kinase activity of GSK3beta, immunoprecipitated from HT29 cells. Treatment of HT29 cells with AE02 for 24 h resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease of the cellular GSK3beta kinase activity. The inhibition of the kinase activity in HT29 cells was observed at polyphenol concentrations corresponding to the concentration of the constituents in the original apple juice. The apple characteristic dihydrochalcone glycoside phloridzin was found to be inactive up to 500 muM. The free aglycon phloretin as well as the flavonol quercetin effectively inhibited isolated GSK3beta, but did not affect the respective kinase activity within HT29 cells. In accordance with the inhibition of GSK3beta kinase activity by AE02, treatment of HT29 cells resulted in a significant decrease of phosphorylated beta-catenin. However, the total intracellular beta-catenin level was also found to be diminished, indicating that the interference of the apple constituents with GSK3beta was not associated with a stabilization of beta-catenin in HT29 cells. In line with these results, TCF/LEF-mediated gene transcription remained unaffected by treatment with AE02 as shown in a reporter gene approach. We can assume from the results that at consumer-relevant concentrations apple polyphenols do not mediate growth-stimulating effects in HT29 cells via the Wnt pathway.

EphA2 Phosphorylates the Cytoplasmic Tail of Claudin-4 and Mediates Paracellular Permeability

Eph receptors and ephrin ligands are widely expressed in epithelial cells and mediate cell-cell interaction. EphA2 is expressed in various cancer tissues and cell lines. Although the mechanism of action of EphA2 is unknown, its expression correlates with progression of the malignant phenotype of cancerous tissues. Here, we have shown that EphA2 modulates the localization and function of claudin-4, a constituent of tight junctions. EphA2 associates with claudin-4 via their extracellular domains. This association, in turn, leads to phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic carboxyl terminus of claudin-4 at Tyr-208. The tyrosine phosphorylation of claudin-4 attenuates association of claudin-4 with ZO-1, decreasing integration of claudin-4 into sites of cell-cell contact and enhancing paracellular permeability. These results indicate that EphA2 moderates the function of tight junctions via phosphorylation of claudin-4.

Analysis of intestinal haem-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in clinical and experimental colitis.

Haem-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. We investigated HO-1 expression in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and could demonstrate a scattered expression of HO-1 in the intestinal epithelium of severely inflamed colonic mucosa of patients with IBD compared to control specimens such as diverticulitis, suggesting dysregulated expression in IBD. To further analyse potential mechanisms of HO-1 induction in the intestine we employed an in vitro epithelial cell apoptosis model and an experimental colitis model. In vitro induction of HO-1 by the HO-1 inducer cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP) resulted in a dose-dependent down-regulation of caspase-3 activation in HT-29 cells, indicating an anti-apoptotic function of HO-1 in the intestine. In vivo, preventive HO-1 induction by CoPP in acute dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis led to a significant down-regulation of colonic inflammation (P < 0.01) with a concomitant reduction in interferon (IFN)-gamma - but unaffected interleukin (IL)-10-secretion by isolated mesenteric lymph nodes (P < 0.01). Additionally, TUNEL staining of colonic sections demonstrated fewer apoptotic epithelial cells in the colon of CoPP treated animals. No beneficial effects were observed if HO-1 was induced by CoPP after the onset of acute colitis or in chronic DSS-induced colitis. In conclusion, the data suggest a protective role of HO-1 if it is induced before the onset of inflammation. However, as shown by the lack of effects in established acute or in chronic colitis, the induction of HO-1 may not be a promising approach for the treatment of IBD.

Extracellular Zinc Triggers ERK-dependent Activation of Na+/H+ Exchange in Colonocytes Mediated by the Zinc-sensing Receptor

Extracellular zinc promotes cell proliferation and its deficiency leads to impairment of this process, which is particularly important in epithelial cells. We have recently characterized a zinc-sensing receptor (ZnR) linking extracellular zinc to intracellular release of calcium. In the present study, we addressed the role of extracellular zinc, acting via the ZnR, in regulating the MAP kinase pathway and Na+/H+ exchange in colonocytes. We demonstrate that Ca2+ release, mediated by the ZnR, induces phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which is highly metal-specific, mediated by physiological concentrations of extracellular Zn2+ but not by Cd2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, or Mn2+. Desensitization of the ZnR by Zn2+, is followed by approximately 90% inhibition of the Zn2+ -dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that the ZnR is a principal link between extracellular Zn2+ and ERK1/2 activation. Application of both the IP3 pathway and PI 3-kinase antagonists largely inhibited Zn2+ -dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The physiological significance of the Zn2+ -dependent activation of ERK1/2 was addressed by monitoring Na+/H+ exchanger activity in HT29 cells and in native colon epithelium. Preincubation of the cells with zinc was followed by robust activation of Na+/H+ exchange, which was eliminated by cariporide (0.5 microm); indicating that zinc enhances the activity of NHE1. Activation of NHE1 by zinc was totally blocked by the ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126. Prolonged acidification, in contrast, stimulates NHE1 by a distinct pathway that is not affected by extracellular Zn2+ or inhibitors of the MAP kinase pathway. Desensitization of ZnR activity eliminates the Zn2+ -dependent, but not the prolonged acidification-dependent activation of NHE1, indicating that Zn2+ -dependent activation of H+ extrusion is specifically mediated by the ZnR. Our results support a role for extracellular zinc, acting through the ZnR, in regulating multiple signaling pathways that affect pH homeostasis in colonocytes. Furthermore activation of both, ERK and NHE1, by extracellular zinc may provide the mechanism linking zinc to enhanced cell proliferation.

Doxycycline inhibits cell proliferation and invasive potential: combination therapy with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor in human colorectal cancer cells

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes play pivotal roles in the metastatic process of colorectal cancers. Inhibition of both MMPs and COX could be an attractive option for the inhibition of cell growth and invasion. Two human colorectal cancer cell lines, LS174T and HT29, were challenged with MMP inhibitor (doxycycline), selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398), or a combination of these agents to evaluate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Dose-dependent growth inhibition was observed in both cell lines when they were treated with a single therapy. These effects were not related to MMP-2 or MMP-9 expression potential of the cell lines. Doxycycline (10 μg/mL) induced G 0/G 1 arrest, and 20 μg/mL provoked annexin V positivity and up-regulated caspase-3 activity in HT29 cells. However, 20 μg/mL doxycycline caused no distinct apoptotic change in LS174T cells. Although MMP expression was not inhibited by 5 to 10 μg/mL doxycycline or 50 to 100 μmol/L NS-398, MMPs' activities were down-regulated by these concentrations. Cellular invasion was noticed in LS174T cells, but their capacity for invasion was diminished by these inhibitors. The antiproliferative and antiinvasive effects of the combination therapy were more pronounced. Doxycycline (5 μg/mL) with 50 μmol/L NS-398 inhibited cell proliferation and doxycycline (5 μg/mL) with 100 μmol/L NS-398 attenuated MMP expression and activity, as well as capacity for invasion, compared with single therapy. These data suggest that combination therapy consisting of an MMP inhibitor with a COX-2 inhibitor is an attractive approach to the treatment of colorectal cancers. The use of this treatment regimen for chemoprevention or treatment of colorectal cancers should be considered in future clinical trials.

Butyrate suppresses Cox-2 activation in colon cancer cells through HDAC inhibition

Cox-2 plays an important role in colon carcinogenesis and inflammation. Studying the HT-29 colon cancer cell line as a model, we found that Cox-2 expression and activity is increased approximately 25-fold by TNF-α. As previously reported for other Cox-2 inducers, this activation appears to result from a p38-mediated mRNA stabilization rather than an increase in promoter activity. The HDAC inhibitors butyrate and TSA blocked the TNF-α activation of Cox-2 protein and mRNA synthesis, and dramatically suppressed Cox-2 activity in HT-29 cells. The suppression of Cox-2 synthesis did not involve promoter inactivation and could be achieved even when applied after the TNF-α stimulus. The effect of the HDAC inhibitors was observed prior to the activation of p21 expression and did not require new protein synthesis. Finally, butyrate did not prevent p38 phosphorylation, so the block is likely to occur at a later step in the activation pathway. We propose that a component of the cytokine-induced Cox-2 mRNA stabilization pathway is sensitive to acetylation.

Proteasome inhibitors induce inhibitory kappa B (I kappa B) kinase activation, I kappa B alpha degradation, and nuclear factor kappa B activation in HT-29 cells.

The transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) is activated and seems to promote oncogenesis in certain cancers. A major mechanism of NF-kappaB activation in cells involves cytoplasm-to-nucleus translocation of this transcription factor after hydrolysis of the cytoplasmic inhibitor inhibitory kappaB (IkappaB) by the 26S proteasome. Because selective proteasome inhibitors have been shown to block IkappaB degradation; consequently, NF-kappaB activation in a variety of cellular systems, proteasome inhibitors were proposed as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer. However, under certain conditions, IkappaB degradation and NF-kappaB activation are not mediated by the proteasome system. We investigated how proteasome inhibitors affected NF-kappaB activation in the intestinal epithelial cancer cell line HT-29, which has been documented to have an atypical NF-kappaB regulation. Treatment of cells with the selective proteasome inhibitors carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-norvalinal (MG-115), carbobenzoxy-L-leucyl-L-leucyl-L-leucinal (MG-132), or lactacystin induced NF-kappaB activation as indicated by both an increase in NF-kappaB DNA binding and transcriptional activity. This increase in NF-kappaB activation caused by proteasome inhibitors was accompanied by an increase in IkappaB kinase activation and a degradation of IkappaBalpha but not IkappaBbeta. Furthermore, proteasome inhibitors induced the expression of NF-kappaB target genes. In summary, these results demonstrate a unique effect of proteasome inhibitors on the IkappaB-NF-kappaB systems in HT-29 cells, in which proteasome inhibitors activate rather than deactivate the NF-kappaB system. We conclude that the use of proteasome inhibitors to block NF-kappaB activation in cancer cells may not always be a viable approach.

Response of HT29 cells to butyrate depends on time of exposure and glucose deprivation

The high level of alkaline phosphatase activity in HT29 cells induced after 2 or 5 days of butyrate treatment was decreased during their prolonged exposure (about 30 days) to this agent together with a decrease of sensitivity to apoptosis. However, an enormous additive effect on alkaline phosphatase activity was found after butyrate treatment of glucose-starved cells. In concert with this finding, the substructural analysis revealed a dense brush border, tendency to polarization and morphologically normal mitochondria. It can be concluded that prolonged butyrate treatment of HT29 cells attenuated their response to this agent. On the other hand, glucose deprivation, as another inductor of differentiation, was found to increase the sensitivity of HT29 cells to butyrate.

APC-dependent regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in human colon tumor cells.

Mutation/deletion of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene in germline cells of rodents and humans is associated with increased intestinal activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first enzyme in polyamine synthesis, and intestinal neoplasia. To study the role of APC in signaling ODC expression, we used the human colon tumor cell line HT29 (wtAPC-/-), which has been stably transfected with a zinc-inducible wild-type APC gene. The addition of ZnCl(2) to HT29-APC cells increased wild-type APC protein and Mad1 RNA and protein and decreased levels of c-myc and ODC RNA and protein, relative to these parameters in HT29 cells transfected with the same plasmid containing the beta-galactosidase gene in place of APC. Upon induction of APC expression, ODC promoter activity and RNA levels were suppressed. When the e-box domain in the 5' flanking region of the ODC gene was mutated, ODC promoter activity was unaffected by wild-type APC expression. Antisense, but not missense, c-myc oligonucleotides decreased ODC activity in HT29 cells expressing mutant APC. These results demonstrated that wild-type APC suppressed c-myc and activated Mad1 expression in HT29 colon-derived cells. These proteins, in turn, regulated the transcription of target genes, including ODC. The data presented indicate that ODC is a modifier of APC-dependent signaling in intestinal cells and tissues.

Activation of NF-κB Binding in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells by Inhibition of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase

The ubiquitous transcription factor NF-κB, which is activated in cells by diverse stimuli including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), is a critical factor for cell survival and growth. Inhibition of PI3-kinase enhances enterocyte-like differentiation of the human colon cancer cell line HT-29. The purpose of our study was to determine whether PI3-kinase alters NF-κB in HT-29 cells. Wortmannin, a specific PI3-kinase inhibitor, stimulated NF-κB binding activity in HT-29 cells by 4 h after treatment. Activation of NF-κB occurred without degradation of IκBα, a protein that sequesters NF-κB in the cytosol. In addition to increasing NF-κB binding, either wortmannin or cotransfection with a dominant negative mutant of the p85 regulatory subunit of PI3-kinase (Δp85) induced NF-κB transactivation. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibition of PI3-kinase in HT-29 cells results in induction of NF-κB binding activity and transactivation which is independent of IκBα degradation.

Glutathione redox potential in response to differentiation and enzyme inducers

The reduced glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) redox state is thought to function in signaling of detoxification gene expression, but also appears to be tightly regulated in cells under normal conditions. Thus it is not clear that the magnitude of change in response to physiologic stimuli is sufficient for a role in redox signaling under nontoxicologic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the change in 2GSH/GSSG redox during signaling of differentiation and increased detoxification enzyme activity in HT29 cells. We measured GSH, GSSG, cell volume, and cell pH, and we used the Nernst equation to determine the changes in redox potential E h of the 2GSH/GSSG pool in response to the differentiating agent, sodium butyrate, and the detoxification enzyme inducer, benzyl isothiocyanate. Sodium butyrate caused a 60-mV oxidation (from −260 to −200 mV), an oxidation sufficient for a 100-fold change in protein dithiols:disulfide ratio. Benzyl isothiocyanate caused a 16-mV oxidation in control cells but a 40-mV oxidation (to −160 mV) in differentiated cells. Changes in GSH and mRNA for glutamate:cysteine ligase did not correlate with E h; however, correlations were seen between E h and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH):quinone reductase activities (N:QR). These results show that 2GSH/GSSG redox changes in response to physiologic stimuli such as differentiation and enzyme inducers are of a sufficient magnitude to control the activity of redox-sensitive proteins. This suggests that physiologic modulation of the 2GSH/GSSG redox poise could provide a fundamental parameter for the control of cell phenotype.

Aspirin induces cell death and caspase-dependent phosphatidylserine externalization in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells.

The induction of cell death by aspirin was analysed in HT-29 colon carcinoma cells. Aspirin induced two hallmarks of apoptosis: nuclear chromatin condensation and increase in phosphatidylserine externalization. However, aspirin did not induce either oligonucleosomal fragmentation of DNA, decrease in DNA content or nuclear fragmentation. The effect of aspirin on Annexin V binding was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor Z-VAD.fmk, indicating the involvement of caspases in the apoptotic action of aspirin. However, aspirin did not induce proteolysis of PARP, suggesting that aspirin does not increase nuclear caspase 3-like activity in HT-29 cells. This finding may be related with the ‘atypical’ features of aspirin-induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaign

Cyclooxygenase-independent induction of p21WAF-1/cip1, apoptosis and differentiation by L-745,337, a selective PGH synthase-2 inhibitor, and salicylate in HT-29 cells.

In order to dissect out cyclooxygenase-dependent from cyclooxygenase-independent mechanisms in the antiproliferative effects of selective prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS)-2 inhibitors, we compared the effects of L-745,337 (a highly selective PGHS-2 inhibitor) with sodium salicylate (a weak PGHS inhibitor) on prostanoid production, induction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF-1/cip1, mutant p53 (m273-p53) levels, apoptosis and differentiation in human colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells. L-745,337 dose-dependently suppressed the cyclooxygenase activity of HT-29 cells (IC50: 0.24 microM). Four-day treatment with L-745,337 caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of cell growth (IC50: 0.9 mM) associated with the induction of p21WAF-1/cip1 and an increase in the proportion of apoptotic nuclei (EC50: 0.1 and 0.34 mM, respectively) while reducing the levels of m273-p53 (IC50: 0.2 mM). Sodium salicylate, at the concentration of 10 mM that did not affect prostanoid formation, caused a 60% reduction of cell growth associated with a 3-fold induction of p21WAF-1/cip1 and a 60% increase in the proportion of apoptotic nuclei. Ultrastructural analysis showed that L-745,337 (0.5 mM) and sodium salicylate (10 mM) caused the induction of a differentiated phenotype. We conclude that high concentrations of L-745,337 and sodium salicylate inhibit colon cancer cell growth by a mechanism unrelated to cyclooxygenase inhibition that may involve p53-independent induction of the tumor suppressor p21WAF-1/cip1.

O6-Alkylguanine-DNA Alkyltransferase Inactivation by Ester Prodrugs of O6-Benzylguanine Derivatives and their Rate of Hydrolysis by Cellular Esterases

To modulate the bioavailability and perhaps improve the tumor cell selectivity of O 6-alkylguanine-DNA alkyltransferase (AGT) inactivators, pivaloyloxymethyl ester derivatives of O 6-benzylguanine (BG) were synthesized and tested as AGT inactivators and as substrates for cellular esterases. The potential prodrugs examined were the 7- and 9-pivaloyloxymethyl derivatives of O 6-benzylguanine (7- and 9-esterBG), and of 8-aza- O 6-benzylguanine (8-aza-7-esterBG and 8-aza-9-esterBG) and the 9-pivaloyloxymethyl derivative of 8-bromo- O 6-benzylguanine (8-bromo-9-esterBG). The benzylated purines were all potent inactivators of the pure AGT and of the AGT activity in HT29 cells and cell extracts. Each ester was at least 75 times less potent than the corresponding benzylated purine against the pure human AGT. In contrast, the activities of esters and their respective benzylated purine were similar in crude cell extracts and in intact cells. The increase in potency of esters in cellular extracts could be explained by a conversion of the respective prodrug to the more potent benzylated purine in the presence of cellular esterases. The apparent catalytic activity ( V max/ K m ) of liver microsomal esterase for 8-azaBG ester prodrugs was 70–130 times greater than for BG prodrugs and 10–20 times greater than for 8-bromo-9-esterBG. Tumor cell hydrolysis of the esters varied considerably as a function of cell type and prodrug structure. These data suggest that these or related prodrugs may be advantageous for selective AGT inactivation in certain tumor types.

Geldanamycin-induced cytotoxicity in human colon-cancer cell lines: evidence against the involvement of c-Src or DT-diaphorase.

We investigated two of the major proposed modes of action of the benzoquinoid ansamycin geldanamycin using a pair of human colon-carcinoma cell lines, BE and HT29. One potential mechanism of action in colorectal cancer is the inhibition of c-Src kinase activity, since this proto-oncogene is hyperexpressed in human large-bowel tumours. Our results show that despite the 9-fold higher level of c-Src kinase activity found in HT29 cells, there was only a 1.4-fold difference in cytotoxicity as compared with BE cells, the latter being the most sensitive. Moreover, even at concentrations of geldanamycin that resulted in cell kill of 80% or more after a 24-h period of exposure, there was no effect on c-Src kinase activity in HT29 cells, although c-Src protein was depleted at supralethal levels of exposure. We also investigated the metabolism of the quinone moiety of geldanamycin by DT-diaphorase, an enzyme that activates certain quinone antibiotics such as mitomycin C and is hyperexpressed in colorectal cancer cells. Geldanamycin was shown to be a substrate for DT-diaphorase present in HT29 cells. However, the lack of a major differential in cytotoxicity between HT29 and BE cells indicates that this is unlikely to be pharmacologically significant, since the former contains high levels of enzyme activity, whereas BE cells have no significant activity due to a point mutation in the DT-diaphorase (NQO1) gene. Although reduction of geldanamycin was also catalysed by non-DT-diaphorase reductases in HT29 and BE cells, providing the potential for free radical induction, this is unlikely to be significant since studies previously reported by us elsewhere showed that cells exposed to geldanamycin exhibited no evidence of DNA damage. Thus, as far as the mode of action of geldanamycin in human colon-carcinoma cells is concerned, the present results rule out two major possibilities, namely, the involvement of c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibition and DT-diaphorase metabolism.

Prevention of fluorodeoxyuridine-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage in HT29 colon carcinoma cells by conditional expression of wild-type p53 phenotype.

We have examined the effects of conditionally expressing wild-type p53 activity in HT29 cells on DNA damage and cytotoxicity caused by exposure to fluorodeoxyuridine (FdUrd). Expression of wild-type p53 phenotype for 24 hr before FdUrd treatment provided HT29 cells with virtually complete protection from cytotoxicity caused by this drug. In addition, wild-type p53 expression also prevented FdUrd-induced DNA double-strand breaks and, unexpectedly, single-strand breaks in parental (mature) DNA. Temporary expression of wild-type p53 activity in the absence of drug treatment caused some loss of clonogenicity, although the magnitude of this cytotoxic effect was small compared with the level of cell kill obtained by treatment with cytotoxic drugs for similar periods of time, indicating that HT29 cells are not highly sensitive to induction of programmed cell death by wild-type p53. Because these observations conflict with previously suggested models for FdUrd-induced damage to parental DNA, we propose an alternative model to explain how incorporation of uracil into nascent DNA might result in single-strand breaks in the opposite (parental) strand and how these breaks might be converted to the double-strand breaks that produce cell death.