Colon Carcinoma Cell Line HT-29 Research Articles

Induction of Apoptosis of 2,4′,6-Trihydroxybenzophenone in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cell Line

2,4′,6-Trihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Phaleria macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. fruits. It was found to inhibit cell proliferation in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cell line but caused little damage to WRL-68 normal human liver and MRC-5 normal human fibroblast lung cell lines. The compound was found to sharply affect the viability of HT-29 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. HT-29 cells treated with the compound showed morphological changes under microscopic examination such as cell shrinkage, membrane blebbing, DNA fragmentation, and the occurrence of apoptotic nuclei. The percentage of early apoptotic, late apoptotic, and dead or necrotic cells was determined by flow cytometry using annexin V-FTIC/PI staining. In addition, flow cytometry showed that, when the HT-29 cells were treated with 115 µM of the compound, it resulted in G0/G1 phase arrest in a time-dependent manner. Western blot revealed an upregulation of PUMA, Bak, Bcl-2, and Mcl-1 proteins suggesting that the compound induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells by regulating these proteins.

Expression of DIAPH1 is up‐regulated in colorectal cancer and its down‐regulation strongly reduces the metastatic capacity of colon carcinoma cells

In most cases, metastatic colorectal cancer is not curable, thus new approaches are necessary to identify novel targets for colorectal cancer therapy. Actin-binding-proteins (ABPs) directly regulate motility of metastasising tumor cells, and for cortactin an association with colon cancer metastasis has been already shown. However, as its depletion only incompletely inhibits metastasis, additional, more suitable cellular targets have to be identified. Here we analyzed expression of the ABPs, DIAPH1, VASP, N-WASP, and fascin in comparison with cortactin and found that, besides cortactin, DIAPH1 was expressed with the highest frequency (63%) in colorectal cancer. As well as cortactin, DIAPH1 was not detectable in normal colon tissue and expression of both proteins was positively correlated with metastasis of colorectal cancer. To analyse the mechanistic role of DIAPH1 for metastasis of colon carcinoma cells in comparison with cortactin, expression of the proteins was stably down-regulated in the human colon carcinoma cell lines HT-29, HROC-24 and HCT-116. Analysis of metastasis of colon carcinoma cells in SCID mice revealed that depletion of DIAPH1 reduced metastasis 60-fold and depletion of cortactin 16-fold as compared with control cells. Most likely the stronger effect of DIAPH1 depletion on colon cancer metastasis is due to the fact that in vitro knock down of DIAPH1 impaired all steps of metastasis; adhesion, invasion and migration while down-regulation of cortactin only reduced adhesion and invasion. This very strong reducing effect of DIAPH1 depletion on colon carcinoma cell metastasis makes the protein a promising therapeutic target for individualized colorectal cancer therapy.

Effect of the Schiff base complex diaqua-(N-salicylidene-l-glutamato)copper(II) monohydrate on human tumor cells

The aim of our study was to estimate cytostatic/cytotoxic activity of the copper(II) Schiff base complex of the composition [Cu(N-salicylidene-l-glutamato)(H2O)2]·H2O, further Cu(SG-L)H2O, against human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29, as well as to determine type of cell death and to find out the molecular mechanism of apoptosis induced by this complex. Two highest concentrations (50, 100µmol/l) of the complex showed a strong cytotoxic activity against human colon carcinoma cells HT-29 after 72h of influence. Other concentrations had a cytostatic activity. Unchelated copper(II) ions and free ligands had no effect on the cell growth. Cu(SG-L)H2O preferentially reduced cancer cell viability compared to healthy cells (NIH-3T3). Cu(SG-L)H2O induced apoptosis of cells HT-29 at all concentrations used (1–100µmol/l) after 48h of influence. Apoptosis was carried out by the mitochondrial pathway with active caspases 3 and 9. By the spin-trapping technique combined with electron paramagnetic resonance we found that our complex is photochemically stable in aqueous systems and does not exhibit radical-scavenging activity when 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cation radical was used as an oxidant. The complex exhibits a strong prooxidant property in the initial stages of thermal decomposition of K2S2O8 in water solutions leading to the massive production of ·OH radicals. Therefore, this complex could strongly participate in anticancer action via a free radical mechanism.

Ursolic acid inhibits colorectal cancer angiogenesis through suppression of multiple signaling pathways

Angiogenesis plays a critical role in the development of solid tumors by supplying nutrients and oxygen to support continuous growth of tumor as well as providing an avenue for hematogenous metastasis. Tumor angiogenesis is highly regulated by multiple intracellular signaling transduction cascades such as Hedgehog, STAT3, Akt and p70S6K pathways that are known to malfunction in many types of cancer including colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, suppression of tumor angiogenesis through targeting these signaling pathways has become a promising strategy for cancer chemotherapy. Ursolic acid (UA) is a major active compound present in many medicinal herbs that have long been used in China for the clinical treatment of various types of cancer. Although previous studies have demonstrated an antitumor effect for UA, the precise mechanisms of its anti-angiogenic activity are not well understood. To further elucidate the mechanism(s) of the tumorcidal activity of UA, using a CRC mouse xenograft model, chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model, the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in the present study we evaluated the efficacy of UA against tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that administration of UA significantly inhibited tumor volume but had no effect on body weight changes in CRC mice, suggesting that UA can suppress colon cancer growth in vivo without noticeable signs of toxicity. In addition, UA treatment reduced intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) in CRC mice, decreased the total number of blood vessels in the CAM model, and dose and time-dependently inhibited the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs, demonstrating UA's antitumor angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, UA treatment inhibited the expression of critical angiogenic factors, such as VEGF-A and bFGF. Furthermore, UA suppressed the activation of sonic hedgehog (SHH), STAT3, Akt and p70S6K pathways. Collectively, our findings suggest that inhibition of tumor angiogenesis via suppression of multiple signaling pathways might be one of the mechanisms whereby UA can be effective in cancer treatment.

Evaluation of Opuntia spp. derived products as antiproliferative agents in human colon cancer cell line (HT29)

During the last years, special interest has been focused on the recovery of bioactive compounds from food industry wastes in an effort to find added value applications for residues. In this work, Opuntia spp. residues from fruit juice production were explored as potential sources of natural chemotherapeutic ingredients towards colon cancer. Hydroalcoholic extraction and adsorption separation processes (with Amberlite XAD16 resin) were used to produce natural extracts from residues of Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia robusta and their antiproliferative effect was evaluated in human colon carcinoma HT29 cell line. Our results showed that the natural extracts efficiently inhibited cancer cell growth and induced cell cycle arrest in different checkpoints—G1, G2/M and S. The phytochemical constituents presented in the samples, namely betacyanins, flavonoids (isorhamnetin derivatives) and phenolic acids (ferulic acid) were identified as the main responsible compounds for the cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the extracts that presented the lowest effective dose values in terms of polyphenols (ED50 value<0.5mgGAE/mL) showed to increase intracellular ROS accumulation in HT29 cells, suggesting that cancer cell death may be induced by the pro-oxidant effect of these compounds.

Synthesis and evaluation of some novel precursors of oxazolidinone analogues of chloroquinoline for their antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential

Some 3-(3-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylamino)propyl-2-imino-5-(4-chloro/nitro/methoxy benzylidene) oxazolidin-4-one 4(a–c) and 4-(3-(7-chloroquinolin-4-ylamino) propyl)-2(4-chloro/nitro/methoxy benzylidene)-1,6-diox-4,9 diazaspiro[4,4]nonane-3,8-dione 5(a–c) derivatives were synthesized using appropriate synthetic route. The newly prepared compounds 5a–c demonstrated inhibitory effects on the growth of a MCF7 (hormone-dependant breast carcinoma cell line), HT29 (colon carcinoma cell line on leukemia). The MCF7 cell line was found to be very susceptible towards compound 5a with IC50 values of 16 μg/ml. Similarly, the HT29 cell line was found to be moderately susceptible towards compounds 5a and 5c with IC 50 values of 32 and 49 μg/ml, respectively. A series of novel spiro oxazolidinone 5(a-c) was synthesized in multistep reactions. Newly synthesized compounds were characterized and screened for their in-vitro cytotoxic potential against MCF7 and HT29 cell lines.

Patrinia scabiosaefolia inhibits colorectal cancer growth through suppression of tumor angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is an essential process for tumor development and metastasis, therefore inhibition of tumor angiogenesis has become a promising strategy for anticancer treatments. Patrinia scabiosaefolia, a well-known Oriental folk medicine, has been shown to be effective in the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. However, the precise mechanism of its tumoricidal activity remains largely unknown. Using a colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse xenograft model, the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), in the present study we evaluated the effects of an ethanol extract of Patrinia scabiosaefolia (EEPS) on tumor angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that EEPS treatment significantly reduced the tumor volume in CRC mice and decreased the intratumoral microvessel density in tumor tissues. In addition, EEPS inhibited several key processes of angiogenesis, including the proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs. Moreover, EEPS treatment suppressed the expression of VEGF-A in CRC tumors and HT-29 cells. Collectively, our data suggest that Patrinia scabiosaefolia inhibits CRC growth likely via suppression of tumor angiogenesis.

Strong Cytotoxicity of Organometallic Platinum Complexes with Alkynyl Ligands

The synthesis, spectroscopy, structures, and chemical reactivity of the organometallic complexes [(COD)Pt(C≡CR)2] and [(COD)Pt(C≡CR)(R′)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, R = Ph, (Me)Ph (2Me, 3Me, or 4Me), (NO2)Ph (2NO2, 3NO2, or 4NO2), (4F)Ph, (4OMe)Ph, 2Py (2-pyridyl); R′ = Me (methyl), Neop (neopentyl = 2,2-dimethyl-1-methyl), NeoSi (neosilyl = trimethylsilylmethyl), Bz (benzyl)) has been explored. The crystal structures reveal square-planar surroundings of the Pt atoms with short Pt–C(alkynyl) bonds (<2 Å) and almost perpendicular orientation of the C≡C–aryl group to the Pt coordination plane. Nonattractive π–π stacking and C–H···F intermolecular interactions were observed in the crystal structures. Multinuclear (1H, 13C, 195Pt, and 19F) NMR spectroscopy reveals structures in solution and Pt–ligand bond strength. The thermal stability in organic solvents, the electrochemical stability, and the reactivity of the complexes in organic or aquatic (water-containing) solution toward the physiologically relevant species glutathione, chloride, and protons was tested, revealing remarkable stability or inertness of the complexes. Cytotoxicity experiments in HT-29 colon carcinoma and MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cell lines revealed highly promising activities for selected platinum alkynyl COD complexes.

Abstract 5546: Coupling of hydroxyethyl starch to anticancer drugs for the improvement of tolerability and efficacy.

Abstract Background: Standard-of-care anti-cancer drugs exhibit anti-tumor activity but typically display dose limiting toxicities in patients. Poor solubility in water, a short half-life, and a narrow therapeutic window further limit their applicability. The aim of the current studies was to investigate whether coupling of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) to selected anti-cancer drugs with different cleavable linkers improves their efficacy and safety in human tumor xenograft models in mice. Materials and methods: Female NMRI nu/nu mice bearing subcutaneous xenografts of the human large cell lung cancer LXFL 529 were treated twice weekly i.v. for two to four weeks with either the vehicle only, etoposide, temsirolimus or their HES-conjugates. Dosing started at group median tumor volumes of 200-250 mm3. In another model, 5x106 tumor cells from the human breast carcinoma MT-3 cell line were inoculated s.c. followed by i.v. injection of vehicle, docetaxel, or HES-docetaxel conjugates starting on day 7 at palpable tumor size. Docetaxel was administered on 5 consecutive days [5 mg/kg]; the HES-docetaxel conjugates were given only once on day 7 [75 mg/kg]. Moreover, 1x107 cells of the human colon carcinoma HT-29 cell line were implanted s.c. to develop palpable tumors within 8 days. On day 8, the mice received a single i.v. dose of vehicle, irinotecan, or either HES-irinotecan or HES-SN38 conjugates. Tumor volume, body weight, and mortality were monitored during an observation period of up to 90 days. Results: The conjugates were well soluble in saline in contrast to the originator drugs. HES-temsirolimus exerted a higher anti-tumor activity, and HES-etoposide caused a substantially delayed progression of the large cell lung cancer xenograft LXFL 529 after the end of dosing in comparison to the respective originator drug. In the experiment with the breast carcinoma xenograft model, the HES-docetaxel conjugates were better tolerated than docetaxel, allowing the administration of higher doses. HES-docetaxel conjugates exerted a stronger anti-tumor activity compared to the originator drug. In the human colon carcinoma xenograft model, HES-SN38 at the same, or even at a lower dose level compared to irinotecan, caused a substantially stronger tumor growth inhibition dependent on the stability of the linker. Moreover, HES-irinotecan reduced tumor growth to a significantly greater degree than the irinotecan originator. Conclusion: We showed for the first time that the conjugation of HES to drugs is useful to improve their water solubility, making irritating excipients required to dissolve hydrophobic drugs, dispensable. In addition, the coupling of HES to anti-cancer drugs can improve their efficacy and tolerability in tumor xenograft models in mice. The extended release kinetics of HES-drug conjugates may improve the pharmacokinetic profile by reducing exposure peaks, which are typically related to unwanted drug effects. Citation Format: Silke Baasner, Corinna Lupp, Christoph Meyer, Dominik Heckmann, Norbert Zander, Steven Tucker, Martin Westphal. Coupling of hydroxyethyl starch to anticancer drugs for the improvement of tolerability and efficacy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5546. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5546

Mechanisms of the anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal fixed combination STW 5 (Iberogast®) on colon adenocarcinoma (HT29) cells in vitro

IntroductionSeveral conventional pharmaceuticals like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to exert anti-proliferative effects and to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell lines, e.g. colon, stomach, or prostate cancer cells. STW 5 (Iberogast®), a combination of nine plant extracts, is widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome for which the involvement of an inflammatory etiology is discussed. To investigate the possible anti-proliferative effects, STW 5 and its components have been tested by using the colon-carcinoma cell line HT-29. The analyses have been performed in comparison to acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and diclofenac (Diclo), which are well-known to reduce colon carcinoma risk. ResultsSTW 5 showed significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on HT-29 cancer cells, similar to NSAIDs under test. However, using the LDH assay, STW 5 revealed significantly lower cytotoxicity than Diclo at same concentrations. In contrast to NSAIDs, STW 5 induced COX-1/COX-2, caspase-3 and Bax mRNA expressions in HT-29 and blocked LPS mediated translocation of the NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus in PMA-differentiated THP-1 macrophages. These effects might be relevant, e.g. for prevention of undesirable side effects like gastric erosions. ConclusionOur data suggest that the pro-apoptotic effect of STW 5 on HT-29 cells is involving multiple targets and is possibly due to an activation of the caspase cascade via mitochondrial destabilization. Active concentrations of STW 5 are, in relation to therapeutic doses, comparable to those of ASA and Diclo, suggesting a similar favorable effect on colon carcinoma risk.

Inhibition of proliferation of human carcinoma cell lines by phenolic compounds from a bearberry-leaf crude extract and its fractions

Phenolic compounds were extracted from the leaves of bearberry, a potential functional food ingredient, using 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol after which the resultant crude extract was applied to a Sephadex LH-20 column. A fraction comprising low-molecular-weight phenolics (LMW fraction) and sugars was eluted from the column with 95% (v/v) ethanol. A tannin fraction was then obtained after switching the mobile phase to acetone/water (1:1, v/v). Phenolic compounds present in the crude extract and its two fractions showed antiproliferative activities in a concentration-dependent manner against five carcinoma cell lines, namely MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive breast carcinoma), DU-145 (androgen receptor-negative prostate carcinoma), HT-29 (colon carcinoma), SK-MEL-5 and MDA-MB-435 (melanoma; skin carcinoma). IC50 data revealed that the tannin fraction was best at retarding cell proliferation in the tested cancer cell lines. The greatest inhibition at 1.5μg fraction/mL assay was observed for the HT-29 colon carcinoma cell line. The proliferation of SK-MEL-5 skin carcinoma cells was also strongly inhibited by both the crude extract and LMW fraction. MDA-MB-435 cells were found to be the least sensitive for the materials tested, particularly for the LMW fraction.

Epigenetic control of HNF-4α in colon carcinoma cells affects MUC4 expression and malignancy

We previously found that enhanced expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α) is associated with hyper-proliferation of colon carcinoma cells. Here, the effect of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors on proliferation and the expression of HNF-4α and its downstream target genes were assessed in HM7, LS174T, HT29 and Caco-2 colon carcinoma cell lines. HNF-4α expression was found to vary in the different colon carcinoma cell lines tested, being highest in HM7. Additionally, a direct correlation with proliferation was observed. In HM7 cells, the weak HDAC inhibitor butyrate significantly inhibited the transcription of HNF-4α, its downstream target gene MUC4, and genes associated with proliferation, including the proliferating cell nuclear antigen gene PCNA. siRNA-mediated silencing of HNF-4α exerted an effect similar to butyrate on HM7 cell proliferation. The stronger HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA) exerted an effect similar to that of siRNA-mediated HNF-4α silencing and, concomitantly, inhibited the expression of the transcription factor gene SP1. Also, siRNA-mediated silencing of HDAC3 and HDAC4 reduced HNF-4α expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that TSA induces hyperacetylation of histones H3 and H4 and, concomitantly, inhibits SP1 binding to the HNF-4α promoter. Subsequent electromobility shift assays supported these latter findings. HNF-4α transcriptional expression and activity are tightly controlled by epigenetic mechanisms. HDAC inhibitor targeting of HNF-4α may serve as an effective treatment for advanced colon carcinomas, since downstream cancer-associated target genes such as MUC4 are significantly down-regulated by this treatment.

Plant Polyphenols and Oxidative Metabolites of the Herbal Alkenylbenzene Methyleugenol Suppress Histone Deacetylase Activity in Human Colon Carcinoma Cells

Evidence has been provided that diet and environmental factors directly influence epigenetic mechanisms associated with cancer development in humans. The inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity and the disruption of the HDAC complex have been recognized as a potent strategy for cancer therapy and chemoprevention. In the present study, we investigated whether selected plant constituents affect HDAC activity or HDAC1 protein status in the human colon carcinoma cell line HT29. The polyphenols (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and genistein (GEN) as well as two oxidative methyleugenol (ME) metabolites were shown to inhibit HDAC activity in intact HT29 cells. Concomitantly, a significant decrease of the HDAC1 protein level was observed after incubation with EGCG and GEN, whereas the investigated ME metabolites did not affect HDAC1 protein status. In conclusion, dietary compounds were found to possess promising HDAC-inhibitory properties, contributing to epigenetic alterations in colon tumor cells, which should be taken into account in further risk/benefit assessments of polyphenols and alkenylbenzenes.

Ferrocenyl bioconjugates of ampicillin and 6-aminopenicillinic acid – Synthesis, electrochemistry and biological activity

We report on the synthesis of ferrocenyl–ampicillin and ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid bioconjugates. Title compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis. These novel ferrocenyl-antibiotic conjugates were also investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Ferrocenyl–ampicillin complexes revealed reversible uncomplicated oxidation whereas ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid derivatives were found to exhibit adsorption waves in cathodic scans. Antibacterial activities of our ferrocenyl–antibiotic conjugates against Gram-positive methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial strains were determined. Our experiments show significant antibacterial activity of ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid bioconjugates against the bacterial strains tested. Contrary to that ferrocenyl–ampicillin derivatives were inactive. The inhibitory effects on the dd-carboxypeptidase 64-575 II exerted by our ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid bioconjugates were established in the low nanomolar range. The tumor cell growth inhibition of representative ferrocenyl–ampicillin and ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid bioconjugates against MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma and HT-29 colon carcinoma cell lines were studied in vitro. Similar to the antibacterial activity tests the assays in tumor cells revealed significant antiproliferative effects exerted by ferrocenyl–6-aminopenicillinic acid bioconjugates.

Hedgehog Pathway Signaling Regulates Human Colon Carcinoma HT-29 Epithelial Cell Line Apoptosis and Cytokine Secretion

The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is involved in embryogenesis and physiologic processes including cell survival and proliferation. We used the HT-29 and other human colon carcinoma cell lines to investigate Hh signaling and biological functions in colonic epithelial cells. HT-29 cells were cultured under different conditions and exposed to various stimuli. The expression of Hh pathway components and related genes and proteins were assessed by real-time PCR and immunofluorescence. Viability, apoptosis and cell proliferation were measured by the MTT assay, Annexin-V/7-AAD staining and BrdU uptake, respectively. Chemokines production was measured by ELISA in culture supernatants. Indian and Sonic Hh mRNA levels and the downstream transcription factors Gli-1 and Gli-2 increased following treatment with Hh agonists and butyrate, but decreased upon exposure to cyclopamine or GANT61. BMP4 and BMP7 expression increased after stimulation with Hh agonists. Gli-1 protein expression increased after Hh agonists and decreased following cyclopamine. Exposure to Hh agonists promoted β-catenin reduction and subcellular redistribution. Levels of IL-8 and MCP-1 decreased upon exposure to Hh agonists compared to Hh antagonists, LPS, IFN-γ or EGF. Monocyte chemotaxis decreased upon exposure to supernatants of HT-29 cells treated with Shh compared to Hh antagonists, LPS and IFN-γ. Cellular incorporation of BrdU and cell viability decreased following Hh blockade. Hh agonists abrogated the anti-CD95 induced apoptosis. Hh pathway is a key controller of colon cancer cells, as demonstrated by its effect in dampening inflammatory signals and antagonizing apoptosis. The differential expression of Hh components may underlie abnormalities in the local immune response and in epithelial barrier integrity, with potential homeostatic implications for the development of colonic inflammation and malignancies.

Functional properties of a new Wnt11 isoform expressed in colon carcinoma cell line HT29

Colon carcinoma is a common type of neoplastic transformation. Mechanisms of its establishment and progression have been studying for several decades. Aberrant activation of the canonical Wnt signaling is frequently observed in colon carcinoma cells. Moreover, expression of the "noncanonical" Wnt ligands is also detected in this type of cancer. However, the implication of the noncanonical Wnt signaling in carcinogenesis and colorectal cancer (CRC) progression is still unclear. Here, to elucidate the characteristic features of the noncanonical Wnt signaling activation in CRC the expression of the "noncanonical" ligand hWnt11 has been studied. It was shown for the first time that expression of the hWnt11 in CRC is accompanied by the alternative splicing. The new hWnt11 isoform (hWnt11sp3) has been identified. Unlike to hWnt11, this isoform is not secreted and lacks the ability to inhibit the canonical Wnt signaling. Considering the canonical Wnt signaling inhibiting activity of hWnt11, different functional properties of the ligand and its isoform may reflect a special role of the alternative splicing in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Thus, due to the difference in their functional properties an existence of several Wnt isoforms should be taken into account for the investigation of the role of Wnt ligands.

The interaction between CD44 on tumour cells and hyaluronan under physiologic flow conditions: implications for metastasis formation

The adhesion of tumour cells to the endothelial cells of blood vessels of the microcirculation represents a crucial step in haematogenous metastasis formation. Similar to leukocyte extravasation, selectins mediate initial tumour cell rolling on endothelium. An additional mechanism of leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells is mediated by hyaluronan (HA). However, data on the interaction of tumour cells with hyaluronan under shear stress are lacking. The expression of the hyaluronan binding protein CD44 on tumour cell surfaces was evaluated using flow cytometry. The adhesion of tumour cells to HA with regard to adhesive events and rolling velocity was determined in flow assays in the human small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines SW2, H69, H82, OH1 and OH3, the colon carcinoma cell line HT29 and the melanoma cell line MeWo. Hyaluronan deposition in human and mouse lung blood vessels was histochemically determined. MeWo adhered best to HA followed by HT29. SCLC cell lines showed the lowest CD44 expression on the cell surface and lowest number of adhesive events. While hyaluronan was deposited in patches in the microvasculature of the alveolar septum in the human lung, it was only present in the periarterial space in the mouse lung. Certain tumour entities bind to HA under physiological shear stresses so that HA can be considered a further ligand for cell extravasation in haematogenous metastasis. As hyaluronan is deposited within the pulmonary microvasculature, it may well serve as a ligand for its binding partner CD44, which is expressed by many tumour cells.

Multiple antitumor effects of picropodophyllin in colon carcinoma cell lines: Clinical implications

Although colorectal cancer can be successfully treated by conventional strategies such as chemo/radiotherapy and surgery, a substantial number of cases, in particular those with liver metastases, remain incurable. Therefore, novel treatment approaches are warranted. The IGF-1R and its ligands, mainly IGF-1 and IGF-2, have been suggested to play pivotal roles in proliferation, survival and migration of adenocarcinoma cells of the colon/rectum. Therefore, interference with IGF-1R-mediated signaling may represent a therapeutic option for this malignancy. In this study, semi-quantitative RT-PCR analyses of 48 paired, colorectal cancer patient samples showed significant overexpression of tumor IGF-1R and IGF-2 mRNA. There was also an overexpression of MMP-7, which was significantly correlated with histopathological parameters. Based on these findings, the effect of the IGF-1R-inhibitory cyclolignan picropodophyllin (PPP) was assessed in the four colon carcinoma cell lines HT-29, HCT-116, DLD-1 and CaCO-2. PPP strongly and dose-dependently inhibited proliferation and migration in all cell lines. However, when exposed to 0.5 μM PPP, only HT-29 showed a net decrease of viable cells as compared with the cell number at the beginning of the experiment, a finding that coincided with decreased expression/phosphorylation of IGF-1R, AKT and ERK. This cell line also exhibited PPP-induced downregulation of MMP-7 and MMP-9. Similar to the DLD-1 and HCT-116 cell lines, HT-29 also showed substantial cell detachment in response to PPP. Although a net reduction of cells by PPP seems to require a synchronized downregulation of IGF-1R, AKT and ERK1/2, part of the antitumor effect may be explained by other, possibly IGF-1R-unrelated mechanism(s). Such a multitude of inhibitory effects of PPP in colon cancer cells together with its low toxicity in vivo makes it a promising drug candidate in the treatment of this disease.

In vitro anti-proliferative effects of the willow bark extract STW 33-I

The well-known anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the phytopharmacon willow bark extract have been attributed to the content of salicin; however, pharmacological studies have shown that salicin alone, despite being involved in its therapeutic action, cannot fully explain its clinical efficacy. In addition to reducing inflammation and pain, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, CAS 50-78-2), like other synthetic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has been shown to exert anti-proliferative effects and to induce apoptosis in a variety of cell lines, e.g., colon, stomach, and prostate cancer cells. To investigate the mechanism of action and possible anti-proliferative and proapoptotic effects of willow bark, a water extract (STW 33-I) and a polyphenol rich fraction (fraction E) have been tested by using the colon-carcinoma cell line HT-29. Both, STW 33-I and its fraction E showed significant anti-proliferative and (1) Introduction The most well-known component of willow bark extract is salicin, which is metabolized in vivo to salicylic acid. The standardized aqueous willow bark extract STW 33-I, which is an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug, contains 23-26% total salicin derivatives and additionally flavonoids, condensed tannins and polyphenols. Typical representatives of the flavonoids are glycosides of naringenin, isosalipurpuroside or eriodictyol. In vitro experiments have demonstrated for pro-apoptotic effects on HT-29 cancer cells. Related to the salicin content of the willow bark extract, a higher dosage of ASA was needed. Furthermore, compared to ASA and to diclofenac (Diclo, CAS 15307-79-6), the COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expressions were influenced differently by STW 33-I and fraction E. ASA and Diclo inhibited both the COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expressions, whereas STW 33-I and its fraction E increased the COX-1 mRNA expression. In addition to the already well-known anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, willow bark extract has been found to possess anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects similar to NSAIDs. The different influence of willow bark on the COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA expressions in comparison to NSAIDs might be relevant, e.g., for prevention of undesirable side effects such as gastric erosions.

Synthesis, antiproliferative activity and genotoxicity of novel anthracene-containing aminophosphonates and a new anthracene-derived Schiff base

A new Schiff base, 9-anthrylidene-furfurylamine and three novel anthracene-containing α-aminophosphonates, [N-methyl(dimethoxyphosphonyl)-1-(9-anthryl)]-p-toluidine, [N-methyl(diethoxyphosphonyl)-1-(9-anthryl)]-p-toluidine and [N-methyl(diethoxyphosphonyl)-1-(9-anthryl)]furfurylamine were synthesized. The compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, TLC, IR, NMR and fluorescent spectra. The aminophosphonates and their synthetic precursors were tested for in vitro antitumor activity on a panel of seven human epithelial cancer cell lines. Safety testing was performed both in vitro (3T3 NRU test) and in vivo on ICR mice for genotoxicity and antiproliferative activity. 9-Anthrylidene-furfurylamine and [N-methyl(diethoxyphosphonyl)-1-(9-anthryl)]furfurylamine were most potent cytotoxic agents towards colon carcinoma cell line HT-29. The latter compound exhibited also antiproliferative activity to HBL-100, MDA-MB-231 and 647-V cells. The aminophosphonate [N-methyl(dimethoxyphosphonyl)-1-(9-anthryl)]-p-toluidine and its synthetic precursor 9-anthrylidene-p-toluidine were found to be cytotoxic to HBL-100 and HT-29 tumor cell lines, respectively. Moderate genotoxic and antiproliferative activity in vivo and low toxicity to Balb/c 3T3 (clone 31) mouse embryo cells were observed for all tested compounds. The subcellular distribution of two tested compounds in a tumor cell culture system was also studied.