Human Follicular Lymphoma Cell Research Articles

The combination of TRAIL and MG-132 induces apoptosis in both TRAIL-sensitive and TRAIL-resistant human follicular lymphoma cells

We have previously shown that the human follicular lymphoma cell line, HF28GFP, is sensitive to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis. Nevertheless, when the same cells overexpress anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, Bcl-xL (HF28Bcl-xL), they become resistant to TRAIL. Thus, these cell lines help us to investigate the action of novel apoptosis inducing candidate drugs. In the present study, we examined the effects of MG-132 (a proteasome inhibitor), LiCl (a glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor) and/or TRAIL on pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bim and Bid. Here we demonstrate that the combination of MG-132 and TRAIL induced significant apoptotic cell death in both cell lines, HF28GFP and HF28BclxL. Apoptosis correlated with a decrease of phospho-ERK1/2, the accumulation of Bim and translocation of truncated Bid (tBid) and jBid. In addition, the combination of MG-132 and TRAIL seemed to target other apoptotic factors, which led to the accumulation of active capsase-3. Furthermore, co-stimulation of LiCl and TRAIL induced apoptosis in HF28GFP cells. However, HF28Bcl-xL cells were far less sensitive to the combinatorial effects of LiCl and TRAIL. Interestingly, we observed that LiCl did not target Bim and Bid proteins. In conclusion, these data show that targeting of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins simultaneously through a selective proteasome inhibition might help to overcome TRAIL resistance caused by overexpression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins. Moreover, the data may provide new strategies to develop targeted therapies against lymphomas.

RIP1 has a role in CD40-mediated apoptosis in human follicular lymphoma cells

CD40 is a cell surface receptor which belongs to tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members. It transmits signals that regulate diverse cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, adhesion molecule expression and apoptosis. Unlike other TNFR family members (TRAIL-R, Fas-R and TNFR1), the CD40 cytoplasmic tail lacks death domain. However, CD40 is capable of inducing apoptosis in different types of cancer cells including lymphoma. The apoptotic effect of CD40 is linked to the involvement of Fas, TRAIL or receptor interacting protein 1 (RIP1) kinase. We have previously shown that CD40 activation has anti-apoptotic or apoptotic effect in follicular lymphoma (FL) cell lines. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which CD40 mediates apoptosis in a follicular lymphoma cell line, HF4.9. We show here that CD40-induced apoptosis was dependent on caspase-8 activation because caspase-8 specific inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK completely prevented apoptosis. Therefore, the involvement of TRAIL, Fas and RIP1 in caspase-8 activation was examined. The exogenous TRAIL-induced apoptosis was fully prevented by anti-TRAIL neutralizing antibody. However, the antibody had no effect on CD40-induced apoptosis indicating that CD40 did not induce the expression of endogenous TRAIL in HF4.9 cells. Moreover, the cells were not sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Interestingly, RIP1 specific inhibitor, necrostatin-1 decreased CD40-induced apoptosis, which showed that RIP1 has a role in caspase-8 activation. In conclusion, the survival or apoptotic effects of CD40-mediated signaling might be related to the differentiation stages of FL cells.

BCL6 Antagonizes NOTCH2 to Maintain Survival of Human Follicular Lymphoma Cells.

Although the BCL6 transcriptional repressor is frequently expressed in human follicular lymphomas (FL), its biological role in this disease remains unknown. Herein, we comprehensively identify the set of gene promoters directly targeted by BCL6 in primary human FLs. We noted that BCL6 binds and represses NOTCH2 and NOTCH pathway genes. Moreover, BCL6 and NOTCH2 pathway gene expression is inversely correlated in FL. Notably, BCL6 upregulation is associated with repression of NOTCH2 and its target genes in primary human and murine germinal center (GC) cells. Repression of NOTCH2 is an essential function of BCL6 in FL and GC B cells because inducible expression of Notch2 abrogated GC formation in mice and killed FL cells. Indeed, BCL6-targeting compounds or gene silencing leads to the induction of NOTCH2 activity and compromises survival of FL cells, whereas NOTCH2 depletion or pathway antagonists rescue FL cells from such effects. Moreover, BCL6 inhibitors induced NOTCH2 expression and suppressed growth of human FL xenografts in vivo and primary human FL specimens ex vivo These studies suggest that established FLs are thus dependent on BCL6 through its suppression of NOTCH2Significance: We show that human FLs are dependent on BCL6, and primary human FLs can be killed using specific BCL6 inhibitors. Integrative genomics and functional studies of BCL6 in primary FL cells point toward a novel mechanism whereby BCL6 repression of NOTCH2 drives the survival and growth of FL cells as well as GC B cells, which are the FL cell of origin. Cancer Discov; 7(5); 506-21. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 443.

Determination and quantification of intracellular fludarabine triphosphate, cladribine triphosphate and clofarabine triphosphate by LC-MS/MS in human cancer cells.

Purine nucleoside analogues are widely used in the treatment of haematological malignancies, and their biological activity is dependent on the intracellular accumulation of their triphosphorylated metabolites. In this context, we developed and validated a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to study the formation of 5'-triphosphorylated derivatives of cladribine, fludarabine, clofarabine and 2'-deoxyadenosine in human cancer cells. Br-ATP was used as internal standard. Separation was achieved on a hypercarb column. Analytes were eluted with a mixture of hexylamine (5 mM), DEA (0.4%, v/v, pH 10.5) and acetonitrile, in a gradient mode at a flow rate of 0.3mLmin-1. Multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) and electrospray ionization in negative mode (ESI-) were used for detection. The application of this method to the quantification of these phosphorylated cytotoxic compounds in a human follicular lymphoma cell line, showed that it was suitable for the study of relevant biological samples.

Differential Expression of Bcl-2 Family Proteins Determines the Sensitivity of Human Follicular Lymphoma Cells to Dexamethasone-mediated and Anti-BCR-mediated Apoptosis.

Bcl-2 family comprises proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins. The balance between these proteins is critical for the survival of the cells. Overexpression of the antiapoptotic protein, Bcl-2, is the hallmark of follicular lymphoma (FL). High expression of Bcl-2 provides survival advantage and may facilitate chemotherapeutic resistance in FL. In the present study, we examined expression profile of Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Bim in human FL cell lines, HF1A3 and HF28. We assessed the correlation between the expression levels of these proteins and cells' sensitivity to dexamethasone (Dex)-mediated and B-cell receptor (BCR)-mediated apoptosis. Here, we show that Dex and anti-BCR-induced synergistic apoptosis which correlated with significant downregulation of Bcl-xL, inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and accumulation of nonphosphorylated Bim. However, HF28 cells were less sensitive than HF1A3 cells to Dex-induced and anti-BCR-induced apoptosis due to high Bcl-2 protein level. It is interesting to note that, a Bcl-2-specific inhibitor, ABT-199, sensitized HF28 cells to Dex-induced or anti-BCR-induced apoptosis. In addition, overexpression of Bcl-xL prevented Dex-mediated, anti-BCR-mediated, and ABT-199-mediated apoptosis, indicating that mitochondria were involved. In conclusion, these data show that the expression levels of Bcl-2 family proteins may serve to predict tumor response to BH3 mimetics and the sensitivity of FL cells to Dex-induced and anti-BCR-induced apoptosis. Moreover, our results show that BCR-targeted apoptosis might have therapeutic benefit against FL and B-cell lymphomas.

ERK1/2 has an essential role in B cell receptor- and CD40-induced signaling in an in vitro model of germinal center B cell selection.

Germinal center (GC) B cells undergo apoptosis after B cell receptor (BCR) ligation, unless they receive CD40-mediated survival signal from helper T cells. In the present study, we used a human follicular lymphoma cell line HF1A3, as an in vitro model to study the selection process in germinal centers. We show here that BCR ligation led to immediate ERK1/2 activation and phosphorylations of its downstream targets, Bim EL/L and Bcl-2 (at Ser70) which resulted in short-term survival. On the other hand, during the late phase of BCR signaling, ERK1/2 phosphorylation was inhibited which resulted in apoptosis. In addition, CD40 signaling led to sustained ERK1/2 activation and up-regulation of Bcl-xL in BCR-primed HF1A3 GC B cells. In conclusion, MEK-ERK pathway and Bcl-2 family proteins are crucial players in BCR-mediated survival/apoptosis and CD40-mediated survival.

Rituximab-induced early and late signaling have opposite effects on dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in human follicular lymphoma cells

The addition of rituximab (RTX) to standard chemotherapy has improved the treatment of B-cell malignancies. We show here that RTX and dexamethasone (Dex) induced synergistic apoptosis in follicular lymphoma cell lines. However, apoptosis was delayed by RTX-induced early protective signaling. RTX-induced early signaling also decreased Dex-induced apoptosis and led to phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Bcl-2 (at serine 70) and phosphorylation/degradation of BimL/EL. All these events were prevented by the MEK inhibitor, UO126. Therefore, we suggest that RTX-induced ERK-mediated signaling events lead to protection from apoptosis during early signaling and that blocking of Bim and Bcl-2 phosphorylation might be used as a novel strategy for lymphoma treatment.

The purine analog fludarabine acts as a cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase II inhibitor

For several years the IMP/GMP-preferring cytosolic 5′-nucleotidase II (cN-II) has been considered as a therapeutic target in oncology. Indeed, various reports have indicated associations between cN-II expression level and resistance to anticancer agents in several cancer cell lines and in patients affected with neoplasia, mainly by hematologic malignancies. In this paper we present evidence showing that, among the commonly used cytotoxic nucleoside analogs, fludarabine can act as a cN-II inhibitor. In vitro studies using the wild type recombinant cN-II demonstrated that fludarabine inhibited enzymatic activity in a mixed manner (Ki 0.5mM and Ki′ 9mM), whereas no inhibition was observed with clofarabine and cladribine. Additional experiments with mutant recombinant proteins and an in silico molecular docking indicated that this inhibition is due to an interaction with a regulatory site of cN-II known to interact with adenylic compounds. Moreover, synergy experiments between fludarabine and 6-mercaptopurine in human follicular lymphoma (RL) and human acute promyelocytic leukemia (HL-60) cells transfected with control or cN-II-targeting shRNA-encoding plasmids, showed synergy in control cells and antagonism in cells with decreased cN-II expression. This is in line with the hypothesis that fludarabine acts as a cN-II inhibitor and supports the idea of using cN-II inhibitors in association with other drugs to increase their therapeutic effect and decrease their resistance.

The IL-15 Superagonist ALT-803 Enhances NK Cell ADCC and in Vivo Clearance of B Cell Lymphomas Directed By an Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody

Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have provided an important therapeutic passive immunotherapy approach for B cell malignancies. Typically anti-CD20 mAbs are combined with traditional chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy that have the potential for serious long term adverse complications. Novel approaches are needed to improve anti-CD20 mAb anti-lymphoma efficacy with agents that do not result in long term toxicity. ALT-803 is a super agonist IL-15 variant bound to an IL-15Ralpha – Fc fusion and represents a novel immunostimulatory agent for NK and T cells. Notably, ALT-803 exhibits extended in vivo pharmacokinetics and altered biodistribution compared to recombinant human IL-15. We hypothesized that ALT-803 would enhance anti-CD20-mAb-(rituximab) directed NK cell antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against B cell lymphomas. ALT-803 at concentrations of 0.35-35 ng/mL potentiated rituximab-triggered NK cell ADCC against the Raji (27% vs. 74%, E:T 25:1, P<0.01) and Daudi (39% vs. 84%, E:T 2:1, P<0.05) B cell lymphoma lines in vitro. Moreover, the activation of NK cells with ALT-803 significantly increased ADCC against primary human follicular lymphoma cells in vitro (11% vs. 33% at a 2.5:1 E:T ratio, P<0.001, N=5 primary follicular lymphomas, N=15 NK cell donors). One mechanism whereby ALT-803 may be modulating human NK cells is via the induction of cytotoxic effector molecules. After 24-48 hour in vitro activation with ALT-803 (0.35-350 ng/mL) an increased expression of granzyme B and perforin were observed in primary human NK cells (P<0.05). The effectiveness of ALT-803 enhancement of NK cell ADCC against B cell lymphoma cell lines was assessed with two in vivo mouse models. First, Daudi cells were engrafted into SCID mice (that have an intact NK cell compartment), and groups were treated with vehicle, rituximab (10 mg/kg), ALT-803 (0.2 mg/kg), or ALT-803+rituximab at day 15 and 18, and assessed for lymphoma percentages in the bone marrow at day 22. Mice treated with ALT-803+rituximab had significantly reduced Daudi B cell burden, compared to rituximab, ALT-803, or vehicle treatment (vehicle versus ALT-803+rituximab, 38% vs. 5%, P<0.01). At doses of 0.2-0.02 mg/kg the effect of ALT-803 on rituximab mediated lymphoma clearance was demonstrated (P<0.02 compared to vehicle treatment). Further, the survival of mice treated with ALT-803+rituximab was significantly longer compared vehicle control, rituximab alone, and ALT-803 alone groups (see KM survival curves, Figure, P<0.05). In our second in vivo model, malignant Raji B cells expressing luciferase were injected into immunodeficient NOD-SCID-gamma-c-/- (NSG) mice (100,000/mouse, day 0) followed by primary human NK cells (4 million / mouse, day 3), and treated (initiated on day 3) with vehicle, ALT-803 (0.05 mg/kg q3-4 days), rituximab (10 mg/kg day 3), or ALT-803+rituximab. At day 16, ALT-803+rituximab exhibited a significant reduction in Raji signal compared to the control groups (P<0.05). These results were confirmed in a second approach where an increased Raji cell numbers were engrafted (1 million / mouse, day 0), primary human NK cells (4 million / mouse) were infused on day 3, and groups of mice were treated with rituximab (5 mg/kg) or ALT-803 (0.2 mg/kg q3-4 days)+rituximab (mean photons per second at day 34, 3.8x109 versus 3.1x108, respectively, P<0.05). ALT-803 was well tolerated at all of the administered dose levels in combination with rituximab. Thus, ALT-803 represents an effective immunostimulatory agent that augments NK cell cytotoxic potential and ADCC against malignant follicular lymphoma and B cell lines in vitro, and significantly increases rituximab-directed clearance of B cell lymphoma by NK cells in two in vivo models. Based on these findings, a phase 1/2 clinical trial of ALT-803 plus rituximab is planned for patients with relapsed/refractory indolent non-Hodgkin lymphomas. [Display omitted] DisclosuresLiu:Altor BioScience Corporation: Employment. Kong:Altor BioScience Corporation: Employment. Jeng:Altor BioScience Corporation: Employment. Rhode:Altor BioScience Corporation: Employment. Wong:Altor BioScience Corporation: Employment.

Abstract 3613: Opposite effects of adipocytes and adenosine on hematological cancer cell survival and proliferation in vitro

Abstract Background: Tumor microenvironment is composed of stroma that contains adipocytes. It is well established that obesity is a cancer risk factor and is associated with a poor prognosis in cancer patients. Cancer-associated adipocytes are thought to interact with cancer cells to promote tumor progression. Moreover, adipocytes express CD73 and can produce adenosine which also has been shown to promote cancer development through its interaction with adenosine receptors on solid cancer cells. As hematological malignancies can proliferate in bone marrow which is rich in adipocytes, we hypothesized that these latter could influence cancer cell survival and proliferation through the action of adenosine. Methods: CD73 enzymatic activity was determined on human pre-adipocyte cells (hMAD, ASC) by the Malachite Green Assay. The expression of adenosine receptor was assessed on human T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells (Jurkat) and follicular lymphoma cells (RL) by FACS analysis. Cancer cell proliferation and percentage of cell death were evaluated by FACS using CFSE staining and DAPI respectively. Survival and proliferation was evaluated in the absence or presence of human pre-adipocytes (hMAD, ASC) or adenosine with or without an adenosine deaminase inhibitor (deoxycoformycin 10 µM). Results: CD73 enzymatic activity was observed both in hMAD and ASC cells, while Jurkat and RL cells express the four adenosine receptors A1, A2A, A2B and A3. Hematological cancer cells tend to proliferate more when co-cultivated with pre-adipocytes (Jurkat 63,8% alone vs 69,2% with hMAD; RL 67,7% alone vs 73,9% with hMAD; Jurkat 62,4% alone vs 69,6% with ASC; RL 66,1% alone vs 74,8% with ASC). These cells also tend to have a lower rate of spontaneous cell death in same conditions (Jurkat 31,4% alone vs 23,6% with hMAD; RL 37,1% alone vs 30,1% with hMAD; Jurkat 32,7% alone vs 30,9% with ASC; RL 53,5% alone vs 36,0% with ASC). In contrast, we found that hematological cancer cells proliferate less in the presence of adenosine in a dose-dependent manner starting from 200 µM in media containing 1% serum (Jurkat 71,0% alone vs 68,6% with 200 µM adenosine and 47,6% with 200 µM adenosine + deoxycoformycin; RL 79,0% alone vs 73,3% with 200 µM adenosine and 59,8% with 200 µM adenosine + deoxycoformycin). Finally, adenosine also induced more cell death in these cells (Jurkat 28,6% alone vs 41,2% with 200 µM adenosine and 57,4% with 200 µM adenosine + deoxycoformycin; RL: 28,2% alone vs 47,9% with 200 µM adenosine + deoxycoformycin). Conclusion: Adipose cells have pro-proliferative and protective effects on hematological cancer cells in vitro while acute exposure to adenosine at supraphysiological concentrations has a cytotoxic effect. These results do not suggest that adipocytes favor proliferation through adenosine signaling. Citation Format: Cécile Bossard, Charles Dumontet, Lars P. Jordheim. Opposite effects of adipocytes and adenosine on hematological cancer cell survival and proliferation in vitro. [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 3613. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3613

Complementary IL-23 and IL-27 anti-tumor activities cause strong inhibition of human follicular and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma growth in vivo

Interleukin (IL)-23 and IL-27 are pro-inflammatory cytokines that share functional and structural similarities and may exert anti-tumor activities against solid and hematological malignancies. Here, we asked whether IL-23 and IL-27, alone or in combination, may act directly against human follicular lymphoma (FL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cells. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that human primary FL and DLBCL cells expressed complete and functional IL-23 and IL-27 receptors (R) and that IL-23 and IL-27 exerted anti-tumor activities in vitro and in vivo through different and complementary mechanisms. In vivo studies using severe combined immunodeficiency /non-obese diabetic mice-injected subcutaneously with human SU-DHL-4 cell line revealed that IL-23 inhibited directly tumor-cell proliferation, whereas IL-27 impaired the angiogenic program of lymphoma cells resulting in strong reduction of cell growth. In addition, combined treatment of IL-23 and IL-27 amplified the anti-tumor effects in vivo as compared with administration of each cytokine alone. These anti-tumor mechanisms were confirmed by in vitro experiments performed with primary lymphoma cells and cell lines. Our results strongly encourage the development of future clinical trials to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of the IL-23 and IL-27 in lymphoma patients.

Lysosomal-Mitochondrial Axis in Zoledronic Acid-induced Apoptosis in Human Follicular Lymphoma Cells

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are potent inhibitors of osteoclast function, widely used to treat excessive bone resorption associated with bone metastases, that also have anti-tumor activity. Zoledronic acid (ZOL) represents a potential chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer. ZOL is the most potent nitrogen-containing BPs, and it inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. Recently we demonstrated that accumulation of isopentenyl pyrophosphate and the consequent formation of a new type of ATP analog (ApppI) after mevalonate pathway inhibition by nitrogen-containing BPs strongly correlates with ZOL-induced cell death in cancer cells in vitro. In this study we show that ZOL-induced apoptosis in HF28RA human follicular lymphoma cells occurs exclusively via the mitochondrial pathway, involves lysosomes, and is dependent on mevalonate pathway inhibition. To define the exact signaling pathway connecting them, we used modified HF28RA cell lines overexpressing either BclXL or dominant-negative caspase-9. In both mutant cells, mitochondrial and lysosomal membrane permeabilization (MMP and LMP) were totally prevented, indicating signaling between lysosomes and mitochondria and, additionally, an amplification loop for MMP and/or LMP regulated by caspase-9 in association with farnesyl pyrophosphate synthetase inhibition. Additionally, the lysosomal pathway in ZOL-induced apoptosis plays an additional/amplification role of the intrinsic pathway independently of caspase-3 activation. Moreover, we show a potential regulation by Bcl-XL and caspase-9 on cell cycle regulators of S-phase. Our findings provide a molecular basis for new strategies concomitantly targeting cell death pathways from multiple sites.

The Effect of Microenvironmental CD40 Signals on TRAIL‐ and Drug‐induced Apoptosis in Follicular Lymphoma Cells

Follicular lymphoma (FL) cells are malignant counterparts of germinal centre (GC) B cells. Microenvironment of FL B cells has an important role in the progression of FL and might also have an impact on the treatment of FL. CD40 is an important mediator of microenvironmental survival signals in GCs. Here we studied responses of CD40 signalling on TRAIL-, dexamethasone- and doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in three human FL cell lines. In two of the FL cell lines, CD40 protected cells from apoptosis which was entirely dependent on the activation of NF-kappaB. In one of the FL cell lines, CD40 induced apoptosis itself. However, inhibition of NF-kappaB induced apoptosis in all three FL cell lines. Therefore, our results indicate that inhibitors of NF-kappaB or critical downstream anti-apoptotic targets of NF-kappaB instead of blocking CD40 antibodies in combination with TRAIL or other cytotoxic agents should be considered in the treatment of FL in order to prevent the protective effect of the microenvironment.

Feedback Regulation of Mitochondria by Caspase‐9 in the B Cell Receptor‐Mediated Apoptosis

During the germinal centre reaction (GC), B cells with non-functional or self-reactive antigen receptors are negatively selected by apoptosis to generate B cell repertoire with appropriate antigen specificities. We studied the molecular mechanism of Fas/CD95- and B cell receptor (BCR)-induced apoptosis to shed light on the signalling events involved in the negative selection of GC B cells. As an experimental model, we used human follicular lymphoma (FL) cell line HF1A3, which originates from a GC B cell, and transfected HF1A3 cell lines overexpressing Bcl-x(L), c-FLIP(long) or dominant negative (DN) caspase-9. Fas-induced apoptosis was dependent on the caspase-8 activation, since the overexpression of c-FLIP(long), a natural inhibitor of caspase-8 activation, blocked apoptosis induced by Fas. In contrast, caspase-9 activation was not involved in Fas-induced apoptosis. BCR-induced apoptosis showed the typical characteristics of mitochondria-dependent (intrinsic) apoptosis. Firstly, the activation of caspase-9 was involved in BCR-induced DNA fragmentation, while caspase-8 showed only marginal role. Secondly, overexpression of Bcl-x(L) could block all apoptotic changes induced by BCR. As a novel finding, we demonstrate that caspase-9 can enhance the cytochrome-c release and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) during BCR-induced apoptosis. The requirement of different signalling pathways in apoptosis induced by BCR and Fas may be relevant, since Fas- and BCR-induced apoptosis can thus be regulated independently, and targeted to different subsets of GC B cells.

Transfection of cells in suspension by ultrasound cavitation

Sonoporation holds many promises in developing an efficient, reproducible and permanent gene delivery vector. In this study, we evaluated sonoporation as a method to transfect nucleic acids in suspension cells, including the human follicular lymphoma cell line RL and fresh human Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) cells. RL and CLL cells were exposed to continuous ultrasound waves (445 kHz) in the presence of either plasmid DNA coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP) or fluorescent siRNA directed against BCL2L1. Transfection efficiency and cell viability were assessed using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. Knock-down of target protein by siRNA was assessed by immunoblotting. Moreover, sonoporation was used to stably transfect RL cells with a plasmid coding for luciferase (pGL3). These cells were then used for the non-invasive monitoring of tumorigenesis in immunodeficient SCID mice. Sonoporation allows a highly efficient transfection of nucleic acid in suspension cells with a low rate of mortality, both in a tumor cell line and in fresh human leukemic cells. It also allowed efficient transfection of BCL2L1 siRNA with efficient reduction of the target protein level. In conclusion, ultrasound cavitation represents an efficient method for the transfection of cells in suspension, including fresh human leukemic cells.

The effect of microenvironmental CD40 signals on TRAIL- and drug-induced apoptosis in follicular lymphoma cells

Follicular lymphoma (FL) cells are malignant counterparts of germinal centre (GC) B cells. Microenvironment of FL B cells has an important role in the progression of FL and might also have an impact on the treatment of FL. CD40 is an important mediator of microenvironmental survival signals in GCs. Here we studied responses of CD40 signalling on TRAIL-, dexamethasone- and doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in three human FL cell lines. In two of the FL cell lines, CD40 protected cells from apoptosis which was entirely dependent on the activation of NF-κB. In one of the FL cell lines, CD40 induced apoptosis itself. However, inhibition of NF-κB induced apoptosis in all three FL cell lines. Therefore, our results indicate that inhibitors of NF-κB or critical downstream anti-apoptotic targets of NF-κB instead of blocking CD40 antibodies in combination with TRAIL or other cytotoxic agents should be considered in the treatment of FL in order to prevent the protective effect of the microenvironment.

Development of a sensitive and selective LC/MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of intracellular 1-beta-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine triphosphate (araCTP), cytidine triphosphate (CTP) and deoxycytidine triphosphate (dCTP) in a human follicular lymphoma cell line

A method was developed for the quantification of araCTP, CTP and dCTP in a human follicular lymphoma cell line. This method involves solid phase extraction (SPE) using a weak anion-exchanger (WAX) cartridge, a porous graphitic carbon high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column separation, and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection. By using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer operating in negative ion multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, the method was able to achieve a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of 0.1μgmL−1 for araCTP and of 0.01μgmL−1 for both CTP and dCTP. The method was validated and used to determine the amount of araCTP, CTP and dCTP formed after incubation of araC and an araCMP prodrug in the human follicular lymphoma cell line RL.

Responses to Rituximab Vary Among Follicular Lymphoma B Cells of Different Maturation Stages

The chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has been used for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas with varying responses. Rituximab has been demonstrated to act by direct complement-dependent cytotoxity (CDC) and by inducing apoptosis, complement-, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxity. In the present study, we determined whether rituximab's effector mechanisms differed between two human follicular lymphoma cell lines that originate from different maturation stages of B cell germinal centre (GC) development. The tested HF-1 and HF-4b lymphoma cells represent GC centrocytes and centroblasts, respectively. Both cell lines responded to rituximab treatment by undergoing apoptosis yet the HF-1 cells were more sensitive. A major difference was seen in the proliferation response as only the proliferation of HF-1 cells was inhibited by rituximab. In the presence of normal human serum (NHS) rituximab almost completely inhibited DNA synthesis and induced necrosis of both cell lines because of CDC. Our results show that the CD20-positive HF-1 and HF-4b cells respond differentially to rituximab-induced apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation but similarly to complement-mediated killing. The increased sensitivity of the HF-1 cell line to apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation may reflect a tendency of centrocytic cells for negative selection and a role for CD20 in this process.

Molecule of the Month

Bad news for cancer. The Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins is comprised of both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members that operate through a complex series of protein-protein interactions [1-3]. The pro-apoptotic proteins are categorized into two groups based on the number of Bcl homology (BH) domains: 1) those with 3 BH domains (BH1-BH3 such as Bax and Bak) and 2) those with a single BH domain (BH-3 only such as Bad, Bik, Puma, etc...). The prosurvival (anti-apoptotic) members contain four BH domains (BH1-BH4 such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, etc...). Overexpression of Bcl-2 and its closely related counterpart Bcl-xL affords a mechanism by which cancer cells suppress apoptotic signaling, confer a survival advantage and provide resistance to chemotherapy [1-3]. Recognizing that inhibition of Bcl-2 family members should specifically target the abnormal cell death pathway in the overexpressing cancer cells led Elmore and co-workers at Abbott labs to launch a drug discovery campaign aimed at developing small molecule protein-protein inhibitors of the Bcl-2 family [4-6]. Initial work centered on a class of potent biarylacylsulfonamide antagonists - outside the usual α-helical mimetics - and a lead compound which bound Bcl-xL with a Ki of 800 pM [4]. Despite effective cytotoxic activity with multiple cytotoxic agents and UV irradiation, this Bcl-xL antagonist had no single agent efficacy across a large panel of human tumor cell lines. Elmore and co-workers then reasoned that since this inhibitor was developed by structure-based design aimed at Bcl-xL, it was not surprising that it exhibited much lower affinity for Bcl-2 [5,6]. Since Bcl-2 overexpression is a major hallmark of many human cancers, the team sought to broaden their inhibitor profile to target both Bcl-xL and Bcl-2; interestingly, despite only 49% homology, the three-dimensional structures of Bcl-xL and Bcl-2 are similar. The researchers focused in on the largest structural distinction between the two - a different helical fold of the α3 helix [5]. The α3 helix borders one side of the hydrophobic binding groove, and there exists a wider groove for Bcl-2 than Bcl-xL and a deeper hydrophobic pocket within the groove for Bcl-2 than Bcl-xL. Based on this key structural difference, the team designed modified inhibitors to access this deep hydrophobic pocket in the floor of the groove and thereby increasing affinity for Bcl-2. Their strategy worked! A chemical lead optimization campaign along with structure-guided design resulted in the identification of a clincal candidate, ABT-737, the first dual, subnanomolar inhibitors of Bcl- 2 and Bcl-xL (Ki < 1 nM and < 0.5 nM, respectively) and with EC50s of 8 nM and 30 nM, respectively [5]. ABT-737 showed single agent efficacy against human follicular lymphoma cell lines that overexpress Bcl-2 and efficacy in a murine tumor xenograft model of lymphoma when given as either a single agent or in combination with etoposide. ABT-737 was also efficacious in two mice small cell lung carcinoma xenograft models known to be resistant to most cytotoxic agents. For example, ABT-737 administered i.p. at 75 mg/kg/day for 21 days in a H146 model caused complete regression of established xenografts and 58 days after cessation of therapy, the tumors did not grow back in 77% of the mice [5,6]. ABT-737 represents a significant advance in the discovery and development of small molecule protein-protein inhibitors and clinical data in human patients is eagerly awaited. REFERENCES [1] Cory, S.; Adams, J.M. The Bcl2 family: regulators of the cellular life-ordeath switch. Nat. Rev. Cancer 2002, 2, 647-656. [2] Borner, C. The Bcl2 protein family: sensor and checkpoints for life-or-death decisions. Mol. Immunol. 2003, 39, 615-647. [3] van Delft, M.F.; Huang, D.S.C. How the Bcl-2 family of proteins interact to regulate apoptosis. Cell. Res. 2006, 16, 203-213. [4] Wendt, M.D.; Shen, W.; Kunzer, A.; McClellan, W.J.; Bruncko, M.; Oost, T.K.; Ding, H.; Joseph, M. K.; Zhang, H.; Nimmer, P.M.; Ng, S.-C.; Shoemaker, A.R.; Petros, A.M.; Oleksijew, A.; Marsh, K.; Bauch, J.; Oltersdorf, T.; Belli, B.A.; Martineau, D.; Fesik, S.W.; Rosenberg, S. H.; Elmore, S.W. Discovery and structure-activity relationship of antagonists of B-Cell Lymphoma 2 Family Proteins with chemopotentiation activity in vitro and in vivo. J. Med. Chem. 2006, 49, 1165-1181.

Brefeldin A triggers apoptosis associated with mitochondrial breach and enhances HA14-1- and anti-Fas-mediated cell killing in follicular lymphoma cells

Follicular lymphoma (FL) remains a fatal disease of increasing worldwide incidence. Since patients with FL eventually develop resistance to conventional anticancer agents, and due to BCL-2 overexpression present with profoundly compromised execution of mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, targeting alternative pathways of cell demise may appear therapeutically beneficial. Herein we report for the first time the effects of an ER-Golgi transport inhibitor, Brefeldin A (BFA), alone and in combination with a small molecule Bcl-2 inhibitor HA14-1 or agonistic anti-Fas mAb, in the recently established human FL cell lines. All cell lines tested were sensitive to BFA-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Moreover BFA-induced cell death was associated with profound ER stress, mitochondrial breach and subsequent caspase cascade activation, including caspase 2 activation. Interestingly, BFA-induced ER stress did not result in appearance of autophagic morphology in FL cells. Of importance, small molecule Bcl-2 antagonist, HA14-1 and agonistic anti-Fas mAb significantly enhanced BFA-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis, revealing novel and previously unexplored means to enhance ER stress-mediated cell killing in follicular lymphoma cells.