U87MG Human Glioma Research Articles

Inhibitory Effect of Benzyl Isothiocyanate on Proliferation in vitro of Human Glioma Cells

Malignant glioma, also known as brain cancer, is the most common intracranial tumor, having an extremely high mortality and recurrence rate. The survival rate of the affected patients is very low and treatment is difficult. Hence, growth inhibition of glioma has become a hot topic in the study of brain cancer treatment. Among the various isothiocyanate compounds, it has been confirmed that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) can inhibit the growth of a variety of tumors, including leukemia, glioma and lung cancer, both inside and outside the body. This study explored inhibitory effects of BITC on human glioma U87MG cells, as well as potential mechanisms. It was found that BITC could inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and arrest cell cycling of U87MG cells. In addition, it inhibited the expression of SOD and GSH, and caused oxidative stress to tumor cells. Therefore, it is believed that BITC can inhibit the growth of U87MG cells outside the body. Its mechanism may be related to the fact that BITC can cause oxidative stress to tumor cells.

Impact of the biophysical features of a 3D gelatin microenvironment on glioblastoma malignancy

Three-dimensional tissue engineered constructs provide a platform to examine how the local extracellular matrix (ECM) contributes to the malignancy of cancers such as human glioblastoma multiforme. Improved resolution of how local matrix biophysical features impact glioma proliferation, genomic and signal transduction paths, as well as phenotypic malignancy markers would complement recent improvements in our understanding of molecular mechanisms associated with enhanced malignancy. Here, we report the use of a gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) platform to create libraries of three-dimensional biomaterials to identify combinations of biophysical features that promote malignant phenotypes of human U87MG glioma cells. We noted key biophysical properties, namely matrix density, crosslinking density, and biodegradability, that significantly impact glioma cell morphology, proliferation, and motility. Gene expression profiles and secreted markers of increased malignancy, notably VEGF, MMP-2, MMP-9, HIF-1, and the ECM protein fibronectin, were also significantly impacted by the local biophysical environment as well as matrix-induced deficits in diffusion-mediated oxygen and nutrient biotransport. Overall, this biomaterial system provides a flexible platform to explore the role biophysical factors play in the etiology, growth, and subsequent invasive spreading of gliomas.

Integrin-facilitated transcytosis for enhanced penetration of advanced gliomas by poly(trimethylene carbonate)-based nanoparticles encapsulating paclitaxel

The treatment of cerebral tumor, especially advanced gliomas, represents one of the most formidable challenges in oncology. In this study, integrin-mediated poly(trimethylene carbonate)-based nanoparticulate system (c(RGDyK)–NP) was proposed as a delivery vehicle for enhancing drug penetration and chemotherapy of malignant gliomas. Following the recognition by integrin proteins on cell surface, c(RGDyK)–NP could be energy-dependently internalized by human U87MG glioma cells through a multiple endocytic pathway. The tumor penetration, homing specificity and anticancer efficacy of PTX-loaded c(RGDyK)–NP (c(RGDyK)–NP/PTX) were performed on the 3D glioma spheroids, the U87MG glioma cells and the intracranial glioma mice model, respectively. Compared with conventional nanoparticles (NP/PTX) and Taxol, c(RGDyK)–NP/PTX showed the strongest penetration and accumulation into 3D glioma spheroids, an obvious microtubule stabilization effect to U87MG glioma cells, a significant homing specificity to malignant glioma in vivo, and an extended median survival time in the intracranial glioma-bearing mice. Furthermore, preliminary in vivo subacute toxicity was also evaluated by measuring the histopathology, blood cell counts and clinical biochemistry parameters, and the results revealed no obvious subacute toxicity to hematological system, major organs or tissues were observed post successive intravenous injection of c(RGDyK)–NP. Therefore, our results suggested that cyclic RGD-conjugated PEG–PTMC nanoparticle could be a promising vehicle for enhancing the penetration and cxhemotherapy of high-grade malignant gliomas.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: TNF receptor-associated factor 6 regulates proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion of glioma cells

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which plays an important role in inflammation and immune response, is an essential adaptor protein for the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signaling pathway. Recent studies have shown that TRAF6 played an important role in tumorigenesis and invasion by suppressing NF-κB activation. However, up to now, the biologic role of TRAF6 in glioma has still remained unknown. To address the expression of TRAF6 in glioma cells, four glioma cell lines (U251, U-87MG, LN-18, and U373) and a non-cancerous human glial cell line SVG p12 were used to explore the protein expression of TRAF6 by Western blot. Our results indicated that TRAF6 expression was upregulated in human glioma cell lines, especially in metastatic cell lines. To investigate the role of TRAF6 in cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of glioma, we generated human glioma U-87MG cell lines in which TRAF6 was either overexpressed or depleted. Subsequently, the effects of TRAF6 on cell viability, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in U-87MG cells were determined with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, flow cytometry analysis, transwell invasion assay, and wound-healing assay. The results showed that knockdown of TRAF6 could decrease cell viability, suppress cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promote cell apoptosis, whereas overexpression of TRAF6 displayed the opposite effects. In addition, the effects of TRAF6 on the expression of phosphor-NF-κB (p-p65), cyclin D1, caspase 3, and MMP-9 were also probed. Knockdown of TRAF6 could lower the expression of p-p65, cyclin D1, and MMP-9, and raise the expression of caspase 3. All these results suggested that TRAF6 might be involved in the potentiation of growth, proliferation, invasion, and migration of U-87MG cell, as well as inhibition of apoptosis of U-87MG cell by abrogating activation of NF-κB.

Harmol induces autophagy and subsequent apoptosis in U251MG human glioma cells through the downregulation of survivin

The β-carboline alkaloids are plant substances that exhibit a wide spectrum of neuropharmacological, psychopharma-cological and antitumor effects. In the present study, we found that harmol, a β-carboline alkaloid, induced autophagy and suppression of survivin expression, and subsequently induced apoptotic cell death in U251MG human glioma cells. Autophagy was induced within 12 h by treatment with harmol. When treated for over 36 h, however, apoptotic cell death was induced. Harmol treatment also reduced survivin protein expression. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of survivin enhanced the harmol-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of survivin by siRNA also induced autophagy. Therefore, harmol-induced apoptosis is a result of the reduction in survivin protein expression. Treatment with 3-methyladenine (3-MA) in the presence of harmol did not affect the expression of survivin and diminished harmol-induced cell death. Treatment with chloroquine in the presence of harmol did not suppress the reduction of survivin expression and increased harmol-induced cell death. From these results, harmol-induced reduction of survivin expression was closely related to autophagy. It is assumed that when isolation membrane formation is inhibited by treatment with 3-MA, reduction of survivin protein expression and apoptotic cell death were not induced. However, when isolation membrane formation is started and an autophagosome is formed, survivin expression is suppressed and apoptosis is executed. Harmol treatment reduced phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream targets p70-ribosomal protein S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein 1, resulting in induction of autophagy. Conversely, activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway inhibited harmol-induced autophagy and cell death. These findings indicate that harmol-induced autophagy involves the Akt/mTOR pathway. Taken together, autophagy induced by harmol represented a pro-apoptotic mechanism, and harmol suppressed the expression of survivin and subsequently induced apoptosis.

Treatment efficacy of DNA lipid nanocapsules and DNA multimodular systems after systemic administration in a human glioma model

We previously developed different types of DNA nanocarriers for systemic administration. Recently, the biodistribution profiles of these intravenously administered nanocarriers, DNA lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) and different multimodular systems (MMS), were analysed in healthy mice using in vivo biofluorescence imaging. In the present study, the experiments were performed in an ectopic human U87MG glioma model in nude mice. First, the biodistribution profiles of intravenously administered multimodular systems delivering a plasmid DNA with a luciferase cassette were analysed using in vivo biofluorescence imaging. Afterwards, a systemic treatment with two long circulating DNA nanocarriers, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) DNA LNCs and galactose (GAL) DNA MMS dioleylamin-succinyl paromomycin (DOSP) was performed on this glioma model using a plasmid encoding the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) and subsequent ganciclovir (GCV) treatment. The biodistribution profiles of the different DNA nanocarriers on this glioma model were similar to those observed on healthy animals and varied in function of their cationic lipid composition and their surface characteristics. Furthermore, PEG DNA LNCs and GAL DNA MMS DOSP showed a specific accumulation and some luciferase expression in the tumour tissue. The systemic treatment using the HSV-tk/GCV approach showed a tumour growth reduction compared to the nontreated mice cohort. These results are in good accordance with those obtained previously with PEG DNA LNCs in a human melanoma mouse model and highlight the potential use of GAL DNA MMS DOSP and PEG DNA LNCs as future therapeutics in glioma and other cancers.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)-dependent Processing of βig-h3 Protein Regulates Cell Migration, Invasion, and Adhesion

Cell migration is critically involved in inflammation, cancer, and development. In this study, transforming growth factor-β-induced protein (βig-h3) was identified as a substrate of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) by site-directed mutagenesis. βig-h3 has two cleavage sites with the consensus sequence Pro-Xaa-Xaa-Hy-(Ser/Thr) (Hy is a hydrophobic amino acid) (PGSFT beginning at amino acid 135 and PPMGT beginning at amino acid 501). Using recombinant human βig-h3 and MMP-9, βig-h3 from βig-h3-transfected HEK293F cells, and MMP-9 from MMP-9-transfected HEK293F cells, human macrophages, and neutrophils, we found that MMP-9 proteolytically cleaves βig-h3. Cleavage leads to the loss of its adhesive property and its release from extracellular matrix proteins, collagen IV, and fibronectin. Spheroids formed by increased cell-cell interactions were observed in βig-h3-transfected HEK293F cells but not in vehicle-transfected HEK293F cells. In human glioma U87MG cells, MMP-9 constitutive overexpression resulted in endogenous βig-h3 cleavage. βig-h3 cleavage by MMP-9 led to increased cell invasion, and βig-h3 knockdown also resulted in increased cell invasion. The βig-h3 fragment cleaved by MMP-9 could bind to the surface of macrophages, and it may play a role as a peptide chemoattractant by inducing macrophage migration via focal adhesion kinase/Src-mediated signal activation. Thus, intact βig-h3 is responsible for cell migration inhibition, cell-cell contact, and cell-extracellular matrix interaction. Experimental evidence indicates that MMP-9-cleaved βig-h3 plays a role in MMP-9-mediated tumor cell and macrophage migration.

Non-Agonistic Bivalent Antibodies That Promote c-MET Degradation and Inhibit Tumor Growth and Others Specific for Tumor Related c-MET

The c-MET receptor has a function in many human cancers and is a proven therapeutic target. Generating antagonistic or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting c-MET has been difficult because bivalent, intact anti-Met antibodies frequently display agonistic activity, necessitating the use of monovalent antibody fragments for therapy. By using a novel strategy that included immunizing with cells expressing c-MET, we obtained a range of mAbs. These c-MET mAbs were tested for binding specificity and anti-tumor activity using a range of cell-based techniques and in silico modeling. The LMH 80 antibody bound an epitope, contained in the small cysteine-rich domain of c-MET (amino acids 519–561), that was preferentially exposed on the c-MET precursor. Since the c-MET precursor is only expressed on the surface of cancer cells and not normal cells, this antibody is potentially tumor specific. An interesting subset of our antibodies displayed profound activities on c-MET internalization and degradation. LMH 87, an antibody binding the loop connecting strands 3d and 4a of the 7-bladed β-propeller domain of c-MET, displayed no intrinsic agonistic activity but promoted receptor internalization and degradation. LMH 87 inhibited HGF/SF-induced migration of SK-OV-3 ovarian carcinoma cells, the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells and the growth of human U87MG glioma cells in a mouse xenograft model. These results indicate that c-MET antibodies targeting epitopes controlling receptor internalization and degradation provide new ways of controlling c-MET expression and activity and may enable the therapeutic targeting of c-MET by intact, bivalent antibodies.

Overexpression of the long non‐coding RNA MEG3 impairs in vitro glioma cell proliferation

Gliomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor in the central nervous system of adults. Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted gene located at 14q32 that encodes a non-coding RNA (ncRNA) associated with tumorigenesis. However, little is known about whether and how MEG3 regulates glioma development. In the present study we assayed the expression of MEG3 in glioma tissue samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, and defined the biological functions and target genes by CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and RNA immunoprecipitation. We first demonstrated that MEG3 expression was markedly decreased in glioma tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, ectopic expression of MEG3 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in U251 and U87 MG human glioma cell lines. We further verified that MEG3 was associated with p53 and that this association was required for p53 activation. These data suggest an important role of MEG3 in the molecular etiology of glioma and implicate the potential application of MEG3 in glioma therapy.

Blood glutamate scavengers prolong the survival of rats and mice with brain-implanted gliomas.

L-Glutamate (Glu) plays a crucial role in the growth of malignant gliomas. We have established the feasibility of accelerating a naturally occurring brain to-blood Glu efflux by decreasing blood Glu levels with intravenous oxaloacetate, the respective Glu co-substrate of the blood resident enzyme humane glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase(hGOT). We wished to demonstrate that blood Glu scavenging provides neuroprotection in the case of glioma.We now describe the neuroprotective effects of blood Glu scavenging in a fatal condition such as brain-implanted C6 glioma in rats and brain-implanted human U87 MG glioma in nude mice. Rat (C-6) or human (U87) glioma cells were grafted stereotactically in the brain of rats or mice. After development of tumors, the animals were drinking oxaloacetate with or without injections of hGOT. In addition, mice were treated with combination treatment, which included drinking oxaloacetate with intracutaneous injections of hGOT and intraperitoneal injection of Temozolomide. Animals drinking oxaloacetate with or without injections of hGOT displayed a smaller tumor volume, reduced invasiveness and prolonged survival than control animals drinking saline. These effects were significantly enhanced by Temozolomide in mice, which increased survival by 237%. This is the first demonstration of blood Glu scavenging in brain cancer, and because of its safety, is likely to be of clinical significance for the future treatment of human gliomas. As we demonstrated, the blood glutamate scavenging treatment in combination with TMZ could be a good candidate or as an alternative treatment to the patients that do not respond to TMZ.

Blood glutamate scavengers prolong the survival of rats and mice with brain-implanted gliomas.

SummaryL-Glutamate (Glu) plays a crucial role in the growth of malignant gliomas. We have established the feasibility of accelerating a naturally occurring brain to-blood Glu efflux by decreasing blood Glu levels with intravenous oxaloacetate, the respective Glu co-substrate of the blood resident enzyme humane glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase (hGOT). We wished to demonstrate that blood Glu scavenging provides neuroprotection in the case of glioma. We now describe the neuroprotective effects of blood Glu scavenging in a fatal condition such as brain-implanted C6 glioma in rats and brain-implanted human U87 MG glioma in nude mice. Rat (C-6) or human (U87) glioma cells were grafted stereotactically in the brain of rats or mice. After development of tumors, the animals were drinking oxaloacetate with or without injections of hGOT. In addition, mice were treated with combination treatment, which included drinking oxaloacetate with intracutaneous injections of hGOT and intraperitoneal injection of Temozolomide. Animals drinking oxaloacetate with or without injections of hGOT displayed a smaller tumor volume, reduced invasiveness and prolonged survival than control animals drinking saline. These effects were significantly enhanced by Temozolomide in mice, which increased survival by 237%. This is the first demonstration of blood Glu scavenging in brain cancer, and because of its safety, is likely to be of clinical significance for the future treatment of human gliomas. As we demonstrated, the blood glutamate scavenging treatment in combination with TMZ could be a good candidate or as an alternative treatment to the patients that do not respond to TMZ.

MicroRNA 335 Is Required for Differentiation of Malignant Glioma Cells Induced by Activation of cAMP/Protein Kinase A Pathway

Glioma is the most common malignant cancer affecting the central nerve system, with dismal prognosis. Differentiation-inducing therapy is a novel strategy that has been preliminarily proved effective against malignant glioma. We have reported previously that activation of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway is capable of inducing glioma cell differentiation, characterized by astrocyte-like shape and dramatic induction of astrocyte biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). However, little progress has been made on molecular mechanisms related. Here we demonstrate that microRNA 335 (miR-335) is responsible for the glioma cell differentiation stimulated by activation of cAMP/PKA pathway. In the cAMP elevator cholera toxin-induced differentiation model of rat C6 glioma cells, miR-335 was significantly up-regulated, which was mimicked by other typical cAMP/PKA pathway activators (e.g., forskolin, dibutyryl-cAMP) and abolished by PKA-specific inhibitor (9R,10S,12S)-2,3,9,10,11,12-hexahydro-10-hydroxy-9-methyl-1-oxo-9,12-epoxy-1H-diindolo[1,2,3-fg:3',2',1'-kl]pyrrolo[3,4-i] [1,6]benzodiazocine-10-carboxylic acid, hexyl ester (KT5720). In an assay measuring gain and loss of miR-335 function, exogenetic miR-335 resulted in induction of GFAP, whereas miR-335 specific inhibitor antagomir-335 violently blocked cholera toxin-induced GFAP up-regulation. It is noteworthy that in human U87-MG glioma cells and human primary culture glioma cells, miR-335 also mediated cholera toxin-induced differentiation. Taken together, our findings suggest that miR-335 is potently required for differentiation of malignant glioma cells induced by cAMP/PKA pathway activation, and a single microRNA may act as an important fate determinant to control the differentiation status of malignant gliomas, which has provided a new insight into differentiation-inducing therapy against malignant gliomas.

68Ga-labeling and in vivo evaluation of a uPAR binding DOTA- and NODAGA-conjugated peptide for PET imaging of invasive cancers

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a well-established biomarker for tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. DOTA-AE105 and DOTA-AE105-NH(2) labeled with (64)Cu have previously been demonstrated to be able to noninvasively monitor uPAR expression using positron emission tomography (PET) in human cancer xenograft mice models. Here we introduce (68)Ga-DOTA-AE105-NH(2) and (68)Ga-NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) and evaluate their imaging properties using small-animal PET. Synthesis of DOTA-AE105-NH(2) and NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) was based on solid-phase peptide synthesis protocols using the Fmoc strategy. (68)GaCl(3) was eluted from a (68)Ge/(68)Ga generator. The eluate was either concentrated on a cation-exchange column or fractionated and used directly for labeling. For in vitro characterization of both tracers, partition coefficient, buffer and plasma stability, uPAR binding affinity and cell uptake were determined. To characterize the in vivo properties, dynamic microPET imaging was carried out in nude mice bearing human glioma U87MG tumor xenograft. In vitro experiments revealed uPAR binding affinities in the lower nM range for both conjugated peptides and identical to AE105. Labeling of DOTA-AE105-NH(2) and NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) with (68)Ga was done at 95°C and room temperature, respectively. The highest radiochemical yield and purity were obtained using fractionated elution, whereas a negative effect of acetone on labeling efficiency for NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) was observed. Good stability in phosphate-buffered saline and mouse plasma was observed. High cell uptake was found for both tracers in U87MG tumor cells. Dynamic microPET imaging demonstrated good tumor-to-background ratio for both tracers. Tumor uptake was 2.1% ID/g and 1.3% ID/g 30 min postinjection and 2.0% ID/g and 1.1% ID/g 60 min postinjection for (68)Ga-NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) and (68)Ga-DOTA-AE105-NH(2), respectively. A significantly higher tumor-to-muscle ratio (P<.05) was found for (68)Ga-NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) 60 min postinjection. The use of (68)Ga-DOTA-AE105-NH(2) and (68)Ga-NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) as the first gallium-68 labeled uPAR radiotracers for noninvasive PET imaging is reported, which combine versatility with good imaging properties. These new tracers thus constitute an interesting alternative to the (64)Cu-labeled version ((64)Cu-DOTA-AE105 and 64Cu-DOTA-AE105-NH(2)) for detecting uPAR expression in tumor tissue. In our hands, the fractionated elution approach was superior for labeling of peptides, and (68)Ga-NODAGA-AE105-NH(2) is the favored tracer as it provides the highest tumor-to-background ratio.

Knockdown ofSecreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine(SPARC) Expression Diminishes Radiosensitivity of Glioma Cells

Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) has been shown to play an important role in the promotion of glioma. In this study, we investigated the effects of downregulated SPARC expression on the radiosensitivity of human glioma U-87MG cells and its possible mechanism. With a small-interfering RNA (siRNA) expression plasmid vector targeting SPARC, we obtained the stably transfected cells in which the expression of SPARC was successfully downregulated. Then, the cells were irradiated with 60Co-γ-rays and analyzed by several methods, such as clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, comet assay, and western blotting. Clonogenic assay showed that downregulation of SPARC expression enhanced cell survival after radiation. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that SPARCsiRNA decreased cell apoptosis responding to irradiation. Analysis of signaling molecules with western blotting showed that the level of Akt phosphorylation was increased in irradiated U-87MG/SPARCsiRNA cells. Further, cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry showed enhanced G2 accumulation in U-87MG/SPARCsiRNA cells after irradiation. Comet assay revealed that SPARCsiRNA promoted the repair of radiation-induced DNA damage. Our results suggest that inhibition of SPARC expression may diminish the radiosensitivity of human glioma U-87MG cells. One of the mechanisms for this effect may be associated with the reduced cell apoptosis responding to radiation, which may be contributed by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT pathway activation. Moreover, enhanced G2 accumulation and increased DNA repair may also account for the decreased radiosensitivity.

Abstract B206: FG-3019, an anti-CTGF antibody, attenuates tumor invasion, delays tumor growth, and prolongs survival alone and in combination with radiation in an orthotopic glioma model.

Abstract Objective: Despite progress in understanding molecular changes in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), it remains a cancer with poor prognosis in need of better therapy. Pathological features of GBM are explosive growth, angiogenesis and its unique diffuse, infiltrative growth pattern. There is a consensus that cell-matrix-interactions play a pivotal role for infiltrative growth. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a matricellular protein that is involved in many pathological processes including tumorigenesis and invasion. CTGF modulates cell-matrix-interactions that may allow glioma cells to invade brain parenchyma, degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM), and enhance proliferation and angiogenesis in GBM. High CTGF-expression levels have been reported to correlate with tumor grade, invasiveness and poor patient survival. Here the effects of a human monoclonal anti-CTGF-antibody (FG-3019) were investigated alone and in combination with irradiation in vitro and in vivo in an orthotopic glioma model in mice. Methods and materials: In vitro studies were performed with two established human glioma cell lines, U87MG and T98G, as well as with primary isolated human glioblastoma cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) cells. The effects of FG-3019 alone and in combination with photon irradiation (6 MV Linac) on clonogenic survival, proliferation, migration, neurosphere formation, and limiting dilution were determined. RNA was isolated from CSLCs and gene expression changes were examined after different treatments using micro-arrays and RT-PCR. In vivo, CSLCs were subcultured as neurospheres and stereotactically implanted into brains of SCID-beige mice. Mice brains were treated with 7Gy single dose radiation +/− FG-3019. The treatment effects were assessed by MRI, survival time and histology. Results: Tumor growth delay in the orthotopic tumor model resulted from treatment with radiation or FG-3019 alone, which was significantly enhanced by combined treatment. Similarly, animal survival was prolonged by each monotherapy and significantly enhanced by the combination. Histology showed that FG-3019 significantly reduced constitutive and radiation-induced tumor invasion into the brain parenchyma. FG-3019 also reduced intracellular CTGF expression, glioma cell proliferation, deposition of different types of collagen and reduced microvessel density. FG-3019 also reduced expression of Nestin and the stem cell marker SOX-2. In vitro, FG-3019 and irradiation reduced clonogenicity, proliferation and migration of U87MG, T98G and CSLCs, which was enhanced by the combination. Gene expression analysis revealed that FG-3019 down regulated tumorigenesis- and tumor-invasion-related genes. Conclusions: The human monoclonal CTGF antibody, FG-3019, shows remarkable anti-tumorigenic and anti-invasive effects in vitro and in vivo in a primary human glioblastoma model growing orthotopically in mice. Our results indicate that FG-3019 alone and in combination with radiotherapy is a promising approach for clinical translation in humans. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference: Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2011 Nov 12-16; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2011;10(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B206.

A Simple Guide Screw Method for Intracranial Xenograft Studies in Mice

The grafting of human tumor cells into the brain of immunosuppressed mice is an established method for the study of brain cancers including glioblastoma (glioma) and medulloblastoma. The widely used stereotactic approach only allows for the injection of a single animal at a time, is labor intensive and requires highly specialized equipment. The guide screw method, initially developed by Lal et al.,1 was developed to eliminate cumbersome stereotactic procedures. We now describe a modified guide screw approach that is rapid and exceptionally safe; both of which are critical ethical considerations. Notably, our procedure now incorporates an infusion pump that allows up to 10 animals to be simultaneously injected with tumor cells.To demonstrate the utility of this procedure, we established human U87MG glioma cells as intracranial xenografts in mice, which were then treated with AMG102; a fully human antibody directed to HGF/scatter factor currently undergoing clinical evaluation2-5. Systemic injection of AMG102 significantly prolonged the survival of all mice with intracranial U87MG xenografts and resulted in a number of complete cures. This study demonstrates that the guide screw method is an inexpensive, highly reproducible approach for establishing intracranial xenografts. Furthermore, it provides a relevant physiological model for validating novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of brain cancers.

A Simple Guide Screw Method for Intracranial Xenograft Studies in Mice

The grafting of human tumor cells into the brain of immunosuppressed mice is an established method for the study of brain cancers including glioblastoma (glioma) and medulloblastoma. The widely used stereotactic approach only allows for the injection of a single animal at a time, is labor intensive and requires highly specialized equipment. The guide screw method, initially developed by Lal et al.,1 was developed to eliminate cumbersome stereotactic procedures. We now describe a modified guide screw approach that is rapid and exceptionally safe; both of which are critical ethical considerations. Notably, our procedure now incorporates an infusion pump that allows up to 10 animals to be simultaneously injected with tumor cells. To demonstrate the utility of this procedure, we established human U87MG glioma cells as intracranial xenografts in mice, which were then treated with AMG102; a fully human antibody directed to HGF/scatter factor currently undergoing clinical evaluation2-5. Systemic injection of AMG102 significantly prolonged the survival of all mice with intracranial U87MG xenografts and resulted in a number of complete cures. This study demonstrates that the guide screw method is an inexpensive, highly reproducible approach for establishing intracranial xenografts. Furthermore, it provides a relevant physiological model for validating novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of brain cancers.

Toxicity and delivery methods for the linamarase/linamarin/glucose oxidase system, when used against human glioma tumors implanted in the brain of nude rats

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with an average survival time of approximately 1 year despite aggressive surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we report a preclinical study by which the two main energy pathways of the tumor cells, oxidative phosphorylation and aerobic glycolysis, are simultaneously disrupted. The therapy is based on a plant gene encoding a β-glucosidase, linamarase ( lis), which react with the substrate linamarin (lin) producing cyanide. We also use glucose oxidase (GO) to enhance oxidative stress and to induce cell death in the tumor. To test in vivo this suicide gene therapy system ( lis/lin/GO), we used an orthotopic model of the human U87MG glioma cells, genetically modified to express the lis gene, and stereotactically implanted into the brains of nude rats ( rnu/ rnu). Despite its genetic condition, 6% of the animals immunorejected the xenotransplanted cells giving false curative results. We tried several delivery methods with limited success. The therapeutic cocktail, at dosages that perhaps eliminated the brain tumors, is too toxic for the animal causing its premature death.

Asiatic Acid Inhibits Pro-Angiogenic Effects of VEGF and Human Gliomas in Endothelial Cell Culture Models

Malignant gliomas are one of the most devastating and incurable tumors. Sustained excessive angiogenesis by glioma cells is the major reason for their uncontrolled growth and resistance toward conventional therapies resulting in high mortality. Therefore, targeting angiogenesis should be a logical strategy to prevent or control glioma cell growth. Earlier studies have shown that Asiatic Acid (AsA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is effective against glioma and other cancer cells; however, its efficacy against angiogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, we examined the anti-angiogenic efficacy of AsA using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Our results showed that AsA (5–20 µM) inhibits HUVEC growth and induces apoptotic cell death by activating caspases (3 and 9) and modulating the expression of apoptosis regulators Bad, survivin and pAkt-ser473. Further, AsA showed a dose-dependent inhibition of HUVEC migration, invasion and capillary tube formation, and disintegrated preformed capillary network. AsA also inhibited the VEGF-stimulated growth and capillary tube formation by HUVEC and HBMEC. Next, we analyzed the angiogenic potential of conditioned media collected from human glioma LN18 and U87-MG cells treated with either DMSO (control conditioned media, CCM) or AsA 20 µM (AsA20 conditioned media, AsA20CM). CCM from glioma cells significantly enhanced the capillary tube formation in both HUVEC and HBMEC, while capillary tube formation in both endothelial cell lines was greatly compromised in the presence of AsA20CM. Consistent with these results, VEGF expression was lesser in AsA20CM compared to CCM, and indeed AsA strongly inhibited VEGF level (both cellular and secreted) in glioma cells. AsA also showed dose-dependent anti-angiogenic efficacy in Matrigel plug assay, and inhibited the glioma cells potential to attract HUVEC/HBMEC. Overall, the present study clearly showed the strong anti-angiogenic potential of AsA and suggests its usefulness against malignant gliomas.

Abstract 1151: microRNAs affect therapeutic sensitivity of human gliobastoma to temozolomide

Abstract Glioma is among the most deadly type of cancer. In spite of the enormous improvements made the prognosis of malignant glioma has remained poor over the last decade. Many glial-derived tumors seem to be particularly resistant to apoptosis following DNA damage. MicroRNAs (miRNA) represent a novel class of small RNAs that might play a fundamental role in tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Temozolomide is an alkylating agent used in glioma patients that alkylates/methylates DNA. The alkylation damages the DNA and triggers the death of tumor cells. O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA repair enzyme which removes DNA adducts. MGMT activity is frequently lost in glioblastoma in the presence of CpG island hypermethylation in the promoter region. The methylation status of the MGMT promoter is considered to be indicative of a good outcome in patients with malignant gliomas. However, in some studies the correlation between MGMT promoter methylation and MGMT expression levels are contradictory. Other possible mechanisms of MGMT modulation should exist. Therefore, we investigated the role of miRs on the regulation of MGMT expression levels. We analyzed temozolomide sensitivity of human glioma cell lines, T98G and U87MG. T98G resulted resistant to temozolomide, whereas U87MG cells were sensitive. Through a microarray analysis we provided evidences that miR-221/222 are differentially expressed in U87MG compared to T98G cells. Bioinformatics analysis through RNA Hybrid indicated a possible match between MGMT 3’UTR and miR-221/222. Luciferase assay confirmed that miR-221/222 are capable to bind the 3’UTR of MGMT and to impair its mRNA translation. Western blot and RT-PCR analysis upon synthetic pre-miR-221/222 transfection of T98G cells indicated that MGMT levels were significantly decreased. At the contrar, the transfection of U87MG cells with anti-miR-221/222 induced an increase of MGMT levels. Therefore this data indicate that MGMT is a new target of miRs -221/222. The analysis of cell death with MTT, Annexin V and colony assay upon temozolomide treatment in cells whose miR-221/222 levels were modulated, demonstrated an important role of those miRs in temozolomide sensitivity. All these data indicate that miR-221/222 might represent a new strategy for regulation of MGMT expression levels and thus temozolomide sensitivity and an improvement in chemotherapy strategy for glioblastoma patients. 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 1151. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1151