High Levels Of C-myc Expression Research Articles

Niches of Stem Cells

In niches, stem cells are associated with adhesion extracellular matrix molecules (ECM). This gives rise to cells that retain their ‘stemness’, control their self-renewal and their progeny production, by using asymmetric or symmetric divisions. The adhesion molecules include N-cadherin/β-catenin, VCAM/integrin, and osteopontin /β1 integrin. They create a microenvironment that favor cell division, and interactions leading to cell differentiation. Asymmetric division contributes to self-renewal (a single division) and produce daughter cells that conduct to terminal differentiation. C-Myc is involved in controlling the balance between stem cell maintenance and proliferation. Daughter cells are expressing low levels of c-Myc. They are retained in the niche in a quiescent state, whereas, high levels of c-Myc expression in the remaining daughter cells supports the proliferation of cells and the displacement of dividing transit cells and their replacement leading to terminal differentiation.

Abstract 3189: Targeting NPM1 for controlling growth of Ewing sarcoma

Abstract Ewing sarcoma is a rare cancer found in children and young adults. Long term survival rates are approximately 70% for patients who present without clinically overt metastases. However, 5 year survival is less than 20% for patients with recurrent tumors or metastasis. Thus, there is a need to improve local tumor control and to treat metastatic disease. Eighty five percent of these cancers are driven by the reciprocal chromosomal translocation t (11;22) (q24;q12), a consequence of a fusion between the 5' portion of Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 on EWSR1 (chromosome 22) and the 3' portion of Friend leukemia virus integration site 1 on FLI1 (chromosome 11). Nucleophosmin1 (NPM1) is a chaperone protein involved in many cellular functions, including DNA repair. NPM1 has been shown to be a novel prognostic biomarker for patients with localized Ewing's sarcoma. Overall survival is significantly lower for patients whose tumors express high levels of NPM1. Besides promoting repair of DNA double strand breaks NPM1 directly interacts with and induces c-Myc-induced hyperproliferation and transformation. Consistent with this knowledge is the observation that relapsed Ewing's patients exhibit high levels of c-Myc expression compared to disease-free patients. Therefore, we wanted to ascertain whether NPM1 represented a molecular target for controlling growth of Ewing's sarcoma. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting of NPM1 exons 3 and 4, as well as lentivirus-mediated shRNA targeting of NPM1 mRNA revealed that targeting of NPM1 expression reduced survival (colony formation) of TC32 and A673 cells (P<0.05). NPM shRNA also reduced TC32 sphere formation under non-adherent conditions. YTR107 and NSC348884 are small molecule inhibitors of NPM1 oligomerization, which is required for NPM1 activity. Both drugs reduced survival of TC32 and A673 Ewing's sarcoma cells in a dose-dependent fashion (P<0.05). We interpret these data to indicate that NPM1 represents a potential molecular target for controlling growth of Ewing's sarcoma. Supported in part by RO1CA140409. Citation Format: Geri Traver, Konjeti R. Sekhar, Narsimha R. Renthala, Peter A. Crooks, Maxwell Ofori, Michael L. Freeman. Targeting NPM1 for controlling growth of Ewing sarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3189.

Abstract 4135: c-MYC drives a subset of high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma and is activated through mechanisms including enhancer hijacking and focal enhancer amplification

Abstract The amplified MYCN gene serves as an oncogenic driver in approximately 20% of high-risk pediatric neuroblastomas. Here we show that c-MYC itself is a potent transforming gene in a separate subset of high-risk neuroblastoma cases (~10%), based on (i) its upregulation by focal enhancer amplification or genomic rearrangements leading to enhancer hijacking, and (ii) its ability to transform neuroblastoma precursor cells in a transgenic animal model. The aberrant regulatory elements associated with oncogenic c-MYC activation include focally amplified distal enhancers or translocation of highly active enhancers from other genes to within topologically associating domains containing the c-MYC gene locus. The clinical outcome for patients with high levels of c-MYC expression is virtually identical to that of patients with amplification of the MYCN gene, a known high-risk feature of this disease. Together, these findings establish c-MYC as a bona fide oncogene in a clinically significant group of high risk childhood neuroblastomas. Citation Format: Mark W. Zimmerman, Yu Liu, Shuning He, Adam D. Durbin, Brian J. Abraham, John Easton, Ying Shao, Xu Beisi, Shizhen Zhu, Xiaoling Zhang, Zhaodong Li, Nina Weichert-Leahey, Richard A. Young, Jinghui Zhang, A. Thomas Look. c-MYC drives a subset of high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma and is activated through mechanisms including enhancer hijacking and focal enhancer amplification [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4135.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT1 is overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinomas and predicts poor prognosis.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant tumor in India with 5-year survival rates totaling <50%. Recently, dysregulation of non-coding RNA was reported as a potential hallmark of carcinogenesis. Colon Cancer Associated Transcript 1 (CCAT1), an lncRNA located in chromosome 8q24, close to the c-Myc gene, has been reported to be overexpressed in many human cancers. In the present study, the authors analyzed the expression of CCAT1, c-Myc and the miRNAs miR155-5p, let7b-5p, miR490-3p and miR218-5p sponged by CCAT1 in 60 oral tumor and 8 normal tissue samples by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. CCAT1 was significantly overexpressed in 27% (16/60) of oral tumors. Interestingly, a high level of c-Myc expression was observed in all CCAT1 overexpressing cases (P=0.0473). Furthermore, CCAT1 overexpression significantly downregulated miR155-5p (P=0.03) and let7b-5p (P<0.0001). Oral cancer cases expressing high level of CCAT1 (P=0.01) presented poor therapeutic outcome. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to report the overexpression of the CCAT1 in oral SCCs, and the results suggested that CCAT1 overexpression may sponge miR155-5p and let7b-5p, and may account for poor treatment response.

Guttiferone K impedes cell cycle re-entry of quiescent prostate cancer cells via stabilization of FBXW7 and subsequent c-MYC degradation.

Cell cycle re-entry by quiescent cancer cells is an important mechanism for cancer progression. While high levels of c-MYC expression are sufficient for cell cycle re-entry, the modality to block c-MYC expression, and subsequent cell cycle re-entry, is limited. Using reversible quiescence rendered by serum withdrawal or contact inhibition in PTENnull/p53WT (LNCaP) or PTENnull/p53mut (PC-3) prostate cancer cells, we have identified a compound that is able to impede cell cycle re-entry through c-MYC. Guttiferone K (GUTK) blocked resumption of DNA synthesis and preserved the cell cycle phase characteristics of quiescent cells after release from the quiescence. In vehicle-treated cells, there was a rapid increase in c-MYC protein levels upon release from the quiescence. However, this increase was inhibited in the presence of GUTK with an associated acceleration in c-MYC protein degradation. The inhibitory effect of GUTK on cell cycle re-entry was significantly reduced in cells overexpressing c-MYC. The protein level of FBXW7, a subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for degradation of c-MYC, was reduced upon the release from the quiescence. In contrast, GUTK stabilized FBXW7 protein levels during release from the quiescence. The critical role of FBXW7 was confirmed using siRNA knockdown, which impaired the inhibitory effect of GUTK on c-MYC protein levels and cell cycle re-entry. Administration of GUTK, either in vitro prior to transplantation or in vivo, suppressed the growth of quiescent prostate cancer cell xenografts. Furthermore, elevation of FBXW7 protein levels and reduction of c-MYC protein levels were found in the xenografts of GUTK-treated compared with vehicle-treated mice. Hence, we have identified a compound that is capable of impeding cell cycle re-entry by quiescent PTENnull/p53WT and PTENnull/p53mut prostate cancer cells likely by promoting c-MYC protein degradation through stabilization of FBXW7. Its usage as a clinical modality to prevent prostate cancer progression should be further evaluated.

Abstract LB-83: Transcriptional mechanisms of NR4A orphan nuclear receptor tumor suppression in AML

Abstract Acute myeloid leukemias are a highly heterogeneous group of diseases associated with corruption of myeloid cell differentiation, accumulation of immature blasts, and emergence of a transformed leukemia initiating cell (LIC) capable of sustaining leukemic expansion. Genetic and phenotypic properties of LICs are highly variable among AML patients as a consequence of variable cytogenetics, stem/progenitor cell of origin and stage of disease progression. The orphan nuclear receptors NR4A1 and NR4A3 are potent AML tumor suppressors whose deletion in mice leads to rapid AML development. They are also silenced in cytogenetically diverse human LICs, and their anti-leukemic effect is associated with acute transcriptional repression of c-MYC and reprogramming of a core MYC oncogenic gene signature that is common to LICs of distinct cytogenetic backgrounds. c-MYC transcription is controlled at the step of transcriptional elongation, and high levels of c-MYC expression are maintained in many cancers, including AML, by establishment of cancer cell-selective super enhancers that are marked by high levels of the BET bromodomain protein, BRD4, a key regulator of c-MYC transcription elongation together with BRD4 associated components of the Mediator coactivator complex. BRD4 promotes transcription elongation of c-MYC by recruiting the positive transcription elongation factor, P-TEFb, a catalytic component of the super elongation complex (SEC) which phosphorylates RNA PolII at serine 2 to enable release of promoter paused RNA PolII. Here we investigated the transcriptional mechanisms of NR4A1-dependent c-MYC repression. Interrogation of genome-wide NR4A1 binding in Kasumi-1 AML-ETO positive human AML cells revealed NR4A1 occupancy within the 5’ proximal regions of the c-MYC gene and at a downstream enhancer region previously identified as a c-MYC super enhancer in the RN2 mouse model of MLL-AF9/NrasG12D driven AML. Consistent with its classification as a super enhancer, we found strong enrichment of BRD4 and the MED1 component of the Mediator complex at the c-MYC enhancer in Kasumi-1 AML cells in the absence of NR4A1. Interrogation of the effects of acute rescue of NR4A1 expression on the enhancer status of this region and transcriptional elongation of c-MYC revealed that NR4A1 represses c-MYC transcription elongation by interacting directly with the enhancer locus to inhibit recruitment of Mediator complex and BRD4, leading to loss of P-TEFb recruitment to both the enhancer and c-MYC gene and a loss of elongation competent RNA PolII. Together, these data indicate the NR4A1 negatively regulates transcriptional elongation at the c-MYC locus by interfering with factors required for super enhancer maintenance and AML selective overexpression of c-MYC. Since AML cells which rely on c-MYC overexpression are extremely sensitive to BRD4 inhibition, our results predict that strategies directed toward NR4A activation in AML cells may provide an alternative means of targeting c-MYC driven AMLs. Citation Format: Ryan P. Duren, Orla M. Conneely. Transcriptional mechanisms of NR4A orphan nuclear receptor tumor suppression in AML. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-83. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-LB-83

Striking Similarity in the Gene Expression Levels of Individual Myc Module Members among ESCs, EpiSCs, and Partial iPSCs

Predominant transcriptional subnetworks called Core, Myc, and PRC modules have been shown to participate in preservation of the pluripotency and self-renewality of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) are another cell type that possesses pluripotency and self-renewality. However, the roles of these modules in EpiSCs have not been systematically examined to date. Here, we compared the average expression levels of Core, Myc, and PRC module genes between ESCs and EpiSCs. EpiSCs showed substantially higher and lower expression levels of PRC and Core module genes, respectively, compared with those in ESCs, while Myc module members showed almost equivalent levels of average gene expression. Subsequent analyses revealed that the similarity in gene expression levels of the Myc module between these two cell types was not just overall, but striking similarities were evident even when comparing the expression of individual genes. We also observed equivalent levels of similarity in the expression of individual Myc module genes between induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and partial iPSCs that are an unwanted byproduct generated during iPSC induction. Moreover, our data demonstrate that partial iPSCs depend on a high level of c-Myc expression for their self-renewal properties.

Abstract 3444: Enforced expression of MycN and C-Myc induces different medulloblastoma subtypes

Abstract Medulloblastoma (MB), a tumor of the cerebellum, is the most common malignant brain tumor of childhood. MBs are classified histologically and molecularly into four distinct major subgroups, two of which correspond to the deregulation of major developmental pathways, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and WNT. Among the two other subgroups, one correlates with high levels of C-MYC expression. Using orthotopic transplantation in the cerebellum or cortex of naïve recipient mice, we showed that enforced expression of MycN in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) isolated from the cerebellum of postnatal (P) day 6-7 Cdkn2c-/-, Trp53-/-, Atoh1-GFP mice induced MBs with a SHH “signature”. Interestingly, overexpression of C-Myc in the same CGNPs induced MBs with Large Cell Anaplastic (LCA) features and mRNA and microRNA profiles distinct from the SHH subgroup. In vitro analysis revealed that tumor cells were resistant to Shh antagonists, such as cyclopamine and BMP4. Ongoing experiments are focusing on understanding the differences between MycN and C-Myc function in CGNPs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3444. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3444

Selective Inhibition of CDK4 and CDK6 Primes Chemoresistant MCL Cells for Killing by Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib by Activating Cell Cycle-Coupled Apoptosis

Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) remains generally incurable, suggesting that more effective control of unrestrained tumor growth is essential. Loss of cell cycle control is a hallmark of cancer, in particular of MCL where cell cycle progression through G1 is accelerated due to elevation of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and constitutive cyclin D1 expression. Thus, one rational approach to improve MCL therapy is to target CDK4/6 in combination with cytotoxic killing. Although success in targeting the cell cycle in cancer with broad-spectrum CDK inhibitors has been modest, PD 0332991, the only known CDK4/6-specific inhibitor with oral bioavailability, has been shown to selectively and potently inhibit CDK4/6 in MCL cells ex vivo. Additionally, in a proof-of-mechanism study in patients with recurrent MCL, we have found that PD 0332991 is well tolerated, and effective in inhibiting CDK4 and CDK6 and suppressing tumor growth in vivo. Of note, 50% of the patients (8/16) have achieved a stable disease for greater then 40 weeks (Leonard et al, abstract submitted to ASH 2008). These findings suggest that selective targeting of CDK4 and CDK6 with PD 0332991 is a promising therapy for MCL. To advance targeting of the cell cycle in cancer, we have developed two novel approaches to both inhibit tumor cell proliferation and activate cell cycle-coupled apoptosis in MCL. We show in primary MCL tumor cells and MCL cell lines by BrdU pulse labeling and DNA content analysis that selective inhibition of CDK4/6 with PD 0332991 leads to a complete G1 arrest, despite high level of c-Myc expression and extensive chromosomal abnormality. As PD 0332991 acts reversibly, removal of PD 0332991 immediately releases the G1 block and induces synchronous (>90%) G1-S cell cycle progression and S phase entry. This sensitizes chemoresistant MCL cells to killing by suboptimal doses of cytotoxic agents such as bortezomib, through activating cell cycle-coupled apoptosis during S phase entry. Synergistic killing of MCL cells by induction of cell cycle synchronization with PD 0332991 in combination with bortezomib is mediated by induction of mitochondrial membrane depolarization and activation of caspase-9. In a complementary study, we have demonstrated that selective targeting of CDK4 and CDK6 by PD 0332991 similarly primes chemoresistant primary myeloma cells for cytotoxic killing by activating cell cycle-coupled apoptosis, and induces synergistic tumor suppression in animal models. Selective targeting of CDK4 and CDK6 by PD 0332991 in combination with cytotoxic killing, therefore, represents a promising new strategy for cell cycle-based therapy for MCL and other hematopoietic malignancies.

Pre-Clinical Evaluation of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of CDK1 as Potential Therapy for MYC Expressing Mutiple Myeloma Tumors

Through the recent elucidation of molecular and cellular processes in multiple myeloma (MM) pathogenesis that effect well-defined proliferative and survival pathways, a number of molecular targets for anti-cancer agents have emerged. This includes proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. A recent model of early MM pathogenesis proposes that at least one of the cyclin D genes is dysregulated in all myeloma tumors facilitating activation of cyclin dependent kinase (CDK)4 (or CDK6), and transition from G1 to S phase. It is hypothesized that this renders myeloma cells more responsive to bone marrow (BM) derived proliferative stimuli including IL-6 that upregulates MYC expression in MM cells and cooperates with cyclin D to promote transit to S-phase. In addition, recent studies have established a causative role of MYC dysreguation in progression from monoclonal gammopathy to myeloma. Thus an approach targeting deregulated cell cycle progression and MYC may prove effective MM therapy. Purvalanol is a potent and selective inhibitor of CDK1, an important regulator of cell cycle progression and has been reported to induce MYC-dependent apoptosis. Activity of purvalanol against a panel of 14 standardized, annotated myeloma cell lines was measured in a 48 hour MTT viability assay. IC50-s of all 14 cell lines ranged between 5 uM to 7.5 uM. Western blot and real-time PCR analysis revealed variability of MYC protein and mRNA levels between the 14 myeloma cell lines. We compared potential therapeutic activity of purvalanol against 3 myeloma cell lines (U266, H929, KMS12PE) with low, intermediate, and high levels of c-MYC expression, respectively. All three cell lines demonstrated G2-M growth arrest however marked apoptosis as determined by PI/annexin V staining was observed only in the cell lines with the highest level of MYC expression. Exposure of MM patient-derived BM mononuclear cells to purvalanol preferentially induced apoptosis of CD138+ MM cells. In contrast, purvalanol was minimally cytotoxic to the non-myeloma cell fraction and to non-transformed fibroblast cell lines (MRC5, IMR90 and W138) and failed to inhibit normal bone marrow-derived CD34 colony formation. Recent studies have demonstrated that the BM microenvironment offers protection of myeloma cells from chemotherapeutic agents by common mechanisms. Myeloma cell lines were cultured in 3 different conditions to mimic the tumor's protective microenvironment. Soluble factors produced by the BM, IL6 and IGF-1 induced a modest degree of resistance to purvalanol while co-culture on BM stroma cells was completely protective. Studies evaluating the in vivo efficacy of purvalanol in a novel Vk*myc transgenic mouse model that spontaneously develops myeloma with a low proliferative index are ongoing and will be presented. The CDK1 inhibitor, purvalanol demonstrates broad single agent activity against myeloma cells with enhanced activity against MYC overexpressing cells. However, the strong protective effect of the BM microenvironment suggest that combination with agents that can reverse cell-adhesion mediated drug resistance may prove beneficial in optimizing the efficacy of this class of drugs for the treatment of MM.

The serine-threonine kinase MNK1 is post-translationally stabilized by PML-RARα and regulates differentiation of hematopoietic cells

Microarray analyses were performed to identify target genes that are shared by the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) translocation products PML-RARalpha, PLZF-RARalpha and AML1-ETO in inducibly transfected U937 cell lines. The cytoplasmic serine and threonine kinase MNK1 was identified as one of the target genes. At the protein level, MNK1 was significantly induced by each of the three fusion proteins. Protein half-life analyses showed that PML-RARalpha enhanced MNK1 protein stability in U937 cells and ATRA exposure decreased MNK1 half-life in NB4 cells. EIF4E, the main MNK1 substrate, plays a role in the pathogenesis of a variety of cancers. Upon MNK1 overexpression, eIF4E phosphorylation increased as a sign of functional activation. Interestingly, MNK1 protein expression decreased during myeloid differentiation. Inhibition of MNK1 activity by a specific inhibitor (CGP57380) enhanced differentiation of HL60 and 32D cells, further suggesting a role for MNK1 in the myeloid differentiation. In addition, kinase dead mutants of MNK1 significantly impaired proliferation of 32D cells. Immunohistochemistry of primary AML bone marrow biopsies showed strong cytoplasmic MNK1 expression in 25 of 99 AML specimens (25%). MNK1 expression was associated with high levels of c-myc expression. Taken together, we identified MNK1 as a target gene of several leukemogenic fusion proteins in AML. MNK1 plays a role in myeloid differentiation. These data suggest a role for MNK1 in the AML fusion protein-associated differentiation block.

Development of a Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay for c-myc Expression That Allows the Identification of a Subset of c-myc+ Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Absence of a reliable method for determining the level of c-myc expression has impeded the analysis of its biological and clinical relevance in tumors. We have standardized the conditions for a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis for c-myc expression, including the selection of an endogenous reference (18S rRNA), the adequate number of measurements for each sample (2 cDNA in triplicate), and suitable controls for determining inter- and intrarun variability (standard curve and calibrator). Subsequently, in a series of 56 non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, we analyzed the expression of c-myc mRNA, using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and of other functionally related proteins (bcl-6, p27, cyclin D3, and p53). As expected, all eight Burkitt's lymphoma cases analyzed had high levels of c-myc mRNA expression compared with that observed in reactive lymphoid tissue. There was a wider range of expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, with 30% (15 of 48) of cases overexpressing c-myc. This overexpression was largely independent of c-myc translocations (4 of 5), as demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization. In this large B-cell lymphoma series, a high level of c-myc expression predicted lower survival probability, irrespectively of the International Prognostic Index risk group classification. A slightly increased frequency of p53 inactivation was observed in the cases with c-myc overexpression, which suggests a growth advantage in lymphomas with concurrent deregulation of c-myc and p53. In addition, a moderate increase in bcl-6 protein expression was observed in the c-myc–positive cases, suggesting the existence of a complex interrelationship between these two genes. These findings suggest that c-myc may play a relevant role in the pathogenesis of a subset of large B-cell lymphoma and suggest the existence of additional regulatory mechanisms of c-myc expression to c-myc rearrangements.

Platelet-derived growth factor-B and -C and active α-receptors in medulloblastoma cells

The malignant childhood brain tumor medulloblastoma belongs to the group of primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNETs). Medulloblastomas are thought to arise from remnants of the transient external germinal layer in the cerebellum. Proliferation, differentiation, and motility of cells in the central nervous system are regulated by growth factors, e.g., platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Recently, it was shown that higher level of PDGF α-receptor expression is characteristic of metastatic medulloblastomas. We have investigated five medulloblastoma/PNET cell lines and found that the PDGF α-receptor is actively signalling in most of them, an activity most likely driven by endogenously produced PDGF-C. PDGF-C is normally present in cells of the developing external germinal layer and our results are consistent with the idea that medulloblastomas are derived from such cells undergoing early neuronal differentiation. Moreover, the expression of PDGF and its receptors was associated with neuronal characteristics, but not with high levels of c-myc expression in the medullablastoma cells.

Genomic instability and apoptosis are frequent in p53 deficient young mice.

The loss of p53 tumor suppressor functions results in genetic instability, characteristically associated with changes in chromosome ploidy and gene amplification. In vivo, we find that cells from various organs of 4 to 6-week old p53-nullizygous (p53-/-) mice display aneuploidy and frequent gene amplification as well as evidence for apoptosis. Regardless of tissue types, many p53-/- cells contain multiple centrosomes and abnormally formed mitotic spindles. Thus, chromosome instability in vivo may be associated with abnormal centrosome amplification. Moreover, we observed a significant increase in the number of cells overexpressing c-Myc in p53-/- mice. Consistent with previous studies showing that c-Myc overexpression is associated with gene amplification in vitro, many of the p53-/- cells exhibited, in the same cell, c-Myc overexpression and amplified c-myc, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase-aspartate transcarbamoyl-dihydroorotase (CAD) genes. Furthermore, apoptosis was frequently observed in cells isolated from p53-/- mice. The apoptotic cells contained abnormally amplified centrosomes, displayed aneuploidy, high levels of c-Myc expression, as well as gene amplification. These results indicate that a high number of aberrant cells is eliminated by p53-independent pathways in vivo.

STUDIES ON THE ONTOGENY OF FETAL HEPATOCYTE (FH) PROLIFERATION DURING LATE GESTATION IN THE RAT. † 341

We have found that late gestation rat FHs can proliferate in vitro in the absence of added mitogens or serum. However, this capacity varies with the gestational age at which the FHs are isolated: A gradual decline occurs as term approaches such that term FHs are non-proliferative in culture under these mitogen-free conditions. The present studies were undertaken to characterize the FH growth arrest which occurs at term. Primary cultures of FHs from day 19 of gestation (E19) showed a gradual decline in DNA synthesis (3H-thymidine incorporation) from very high levels during the first 24 hr in culture to low levels by 72 hr. In contrast, term (E21) FHs synthesized little DNA over the first 24 hr and showed a marked increase by 48 to 72 hr. In addition, E21 FH DNA synthesis was potentiated by Transforming Growth Factor α (TGFα) whereas E19 FH DNA synthesis was not. These findings correlated with immunocytochemical staining for Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). E19 FHs were PCNA positive immediately after plating and this persisted over 48 hr. E21 FHs showed a synchronized pattern of PCNA staining which was cytoplasmic at 12 hr and nucleolar at 24 to 48 hr. Intense, diffuse nuclear expression appeared for a brief period at 60 hr. Additional studies showed that: (a) E21 fetal liver has a high level of c-myc expression even though the cells are not proliferating; (b) The mitogenic Jun kinase signaling pathway is equally active at E19 and E21; (c) The cell cycle kinase, cdc2, is expressed at term but its inactive forms predominate. These results indicate that E21 FHs are growth arrested in vivo and that culturing releases them from inhibitory influences, resulting in synchronized proliferation in vitro.

Establishment and characterization of an uveal-melanoma cell line.

A human uveal melanoma cell line (92-1) was established from a primary uveal melanoma, and has now been maintained in culture for over 2 1/2 years. Light microscopy of the cultured cells demonstrated extremely pleiomorphic cells with large prominent nucleoli. Cell proliferation was determined with a non-radioactive propidium-iodide assay and indicated an in vitro doubling time of approximately 58 hr. Furthermore, the cell line was characterized by cytogenetic analysis, electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry and Northern blotting for HLA and c-myc-mRNA analysis. Cytogenetic analysis revealed numerical abnormalities of chromosome 8 and structural abnormalities of chromosome 6. By electron microscopy, different stages of melanosome development were observed. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated expression of the melanoma-associated antigen gp 100. Expression analysis of HLA antigens revealed a very low level of, in particular, the HLA-B locus products, which could be induced by interferon-alpha or -gamma treatment. Likewise, Northern-blot experiments revealed decreased levels of HLA-B mRNA as compared with HLA-A. In addition, high levels of c-myc expression were observed. The phenotypic characteristics of the cultured cells indicate that we have established an uveal melanoma cell line. This now well-characterized uveal melanoma cell line can be used in future studies.

Bovine papillomavirus type 1-transformed primary mouse fibroblasts show no correlation between tumorigenicity and viral gene expression, but c-myc gene expression is elevated in tumorigenic cell lines.

Bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1)-transformed primary mouse fibroblasts containing episomal or integrated BPV-1 sequences were analysed for virus-specific transcripts and c-myc gene expression. Total BPV-1-specific expression was high in cell lines containing episomal BPV-1 DNA in comparison to lines containing integrated BPV-1 sequences, mainly due to higher expression of the E6/E7 sequences. No correlation was found between the viral transcription and tumorigenicity, although BPV-1 gene expression occurred in all cell lines. High levels of c-myc expression were found in all cell lines exhibiting a tumorigenic phenotype as compared to the nontumorigenic lines. These data suggest that expression of BPV-1 genes may be essential for transformation but not tumorigenicity, whereas high levels of expression of cellular oncogenes like c-myc may be associated with tumorigenicity.

Expression of c-myc oncogene in colorectal polyps as a biological marker for monitoring malignant potential.

The expression of oncogenes (c-myc, c-fos, c-Ki-ras, c-Ha-ras, and p53) was examined by Northern blot analysis using freshly isolated human colorectal and gastric cancers and noncancerous portions as the controls. Remarkably high levels of c-myc expression were found in colorectal cancers (eight of 11), but not in gastric cancers. High levels of c-myc expression were also detected in colorectal polyps and in metastatic liver tumors. In colorectal polyps, the transcript levels significantly correlated with the histologic malignancy and the size. In contrast, neither c-fos nor c-Ki-ras was overexpressed in colorectal and gastric cancers, and transcripts of c-Ha-ras and p53 were not evident in any tissue examined. In light of these observations the c-myc expression may be specifically associated with the evolution of colorectal cancer as well as progression and maintenance stages, hence may prove to be a useful marker to evaluate the malignant potential of colorectal polyps.

Protooncogene expression and the clinical characteristics of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia: A Leukemia Intergroup pilot study

Northern blot analysis was used to assess the level of expression of five protooncogenes and histone H3 in the bone marrow cells of patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). The relationship between the level of gene expression and the clinical characteristics of the disease and response to therapy was studied. The levels of expression of c-myc and c-myb are weakly correlated and are unrelated to French- American-British (FAB) type of ANLL. The levels of expression of c-fms, c-fes, and c-fos are highly correlated with each other and are highest in leukemia with a monocytic component (c-fms v FAB = .71, c-fes v FAB = .75). High levels of c-myc expression are associated with a high probability of not responding to remission induction therapy (P = .004). The converse is true for c-fms expression levels. High levels of expression of c-myc or c-myb are associated with short remissions (P = .059 and .065, respectively), perhaps because they are associated with a high capacity for leukemic cell self-renewal and/or an inability of leukemic cells to differentiate in response to chemotherapy.

Protooncogene Expression and the Clinical Characteristics of Acute Nonlymphocytic Leukemia: A Leukemia Intergroup Pilot Study

Northern blot analysis was used to assess the level of expression of five protooncogenes and histone H3 in the bone marrow cells of patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL). The relationship between the level of gene expression and the clinical characteristics of the disease and response to therapy was studied. The levels of expression of c-myc and c-myb are weakly correlated and are unrelated to French-American-British (FAB) type of ANLL. The levels of expression of c-fms, c-fes, and c-fos are highly correlated with each other and are highest in leukemia with a monocytic component (c-fms v FAB = .71, c-fes v FAB = .75). High levels of c-myc expression are associated with a high probability of not responding to remission induction therapy (P = .004). The converse is true for c-fms expression levels. High levels of expression of c-myc or c-myb are associated with short remissions (P = .059 and .065, respectively), perhaps because they are associated with a high capacity for leukemic cell self-renewal and/or an inability of leukemic cells to differentiate in response to chemotherapy.