Mouse Bladder Research Articles

The Significance of Expression Pattern of Dab1 and Reelin in the Postnatal Bladder of Dab1 -/- (Yotari) Mice

Background. The aim of our study is to provide an insight into the genetic expression landscape of Dab1 and Reelin, which are important in human genitourinary tract development and could help elucidate the critical stages of the onset of bladder anomalies.Methods. Yotari, heterozygote and wild type mice were sacrificed on the 4th, 11th and 14th postnatal day. Morphological parameters were analyzed using immunohistochemistry on mice bladder samples.Results. Significant expression of Dab1 was observed in the bladder epithelium during the 4th postnatal day and in the wt -wild type, but also in the yot -/- mouse. Reelin expression was significant in bladder epithelium during the 4th postnatal day in the wild-type and mutant mouse type. A significant expression of Dab1 positive cells in lamina propria was observed on the 4th postnatal day in yot -/- and in wt. The percentage of Reelin positive cells in lamina propria was significant on the 4th postnatal day in mutated and wild-type mice.Conclusions. An increase in the expression of Dab1 and Reelin proteins in the bladder of a yotari mouse may indicate bladder damage, due to congenital renal abnormalities and caused by a mutation in the Dab1 gene.Key words: Dab1; Reelin, CAKUT, bladder development, yotari mice

Studies of ultrastructure, gene expression, and marker analysis reveal that mouse bladder PDGFRA+ interstitial cells are fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts are crucial to normal and abnormal organ and tissue biology, yet we lack basic insights into the fibroblasts that populate the bladder wall. Candidates may include bladder interstitial cells (also referred to as myofibroblasts, telocytes, and interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells), which express the fibroblast-associated marker PDGFRA along with VIM and CD34 but whose form and function remain enigmatic. By applying the latest insights in fibroblast transcriptomics, coupled with studies of gene expression, ultrastructure, and marker analysis, we observe the following: 1) that mouse bladder PDGFRA+ cells exhibit all of the ultrastructural hallmarks of fibroblasts including spindle shape, lack of basement membrane, abundant endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi, and formation of homotypic cell-cell contacts (but not heterotypic ones); 2) that they express multiple canonical fibroblast markers (including Col1a2, CD34, LY6A, and PDGFRA) along with the universal fibroblast genes Col15a1 and Pi16 but they do not express Kit; and 3) that PDGFRA+ fibroblasts include suburothelial ones (which express ACTA2, CAR3, LY6A, MYH10, TNC, VIM, Col1a2, and Col15a1), outer lamina propria ones (which express CD34, LY6A, PI16, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16), intermuscular ones (which express CD34, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16), and serosal ones (which express CD34, PI16, VIM, Col1a2, Col15a1, and Pi16). Collectively, our study revealed that the ultrastructure of PDFRA+ interstitial cells combined with their expression of multiple canonical and universal fibroblast-associated gene products indicates that they are fibroblasts. We further propose that there are four regionally distinct populations of fibroblasts in the bladder wall, which likely contribute to bladder function and dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We currently lack basic insights into the fibroblasts that populate the bladder wall. By exploring the ultrastructure of mouse bladder connective tissue cells, combined with analyses of their gene and protein expression, our study revealed that PDGRA+ interstitial cells (also referred to as myofibroblasts, telocytes, and interstitial cells of Cajal-like cells) are fibroblasts and that the bladder wall contains multiple, regionally distinct populations of these cells.

Bacteria-inspired transformable nanoparticle targets and covers residual tumor against bladder cancer recurrence

The regrowth of residual tumor left by incomplete surgery leads to bladder cancer recurrence. Postoperative intravesical instillation in clinic shows unsatisfactory recurrence inhibition owing to rapid drug emptying and non-specific distribution. Here, inspired by intrinsic bacterial adhesion towards exposed wounds through fibronectin binding peptide, we develop a bacteria-inspired peptide-based nanoparticle that targets exposed fibronectin on the surgical bed with residual tumor. Upon binding, the nanoparticle simultaneously transforms into fibrous coating as drug depots for long-term release of encapsulated doxorubicin. The transformable nanoparticle retains 8.5-fold higher doxorubicin concentration than free one in bladders of live mice 3 days post-instillation. Reasonably, this formulation obviously suppresses tumor regrowth in an incomplete tumor resection model. Compared to the clinical doxorubicin treatment, it reduces the recurrence rate from 71% to 29% in a murine orthotopic bladder cancer model. This bacteria-inspired biomaterial provides a promising intravesical treatment but also opportunities for clinical management on cancer recurrence.

Phosphodiesterase1 inhibitor "Vinpocetine" ameliorates the inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide in urinary bladder: an experimental study.

Hemorrhagic cystitis often develops in patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CP). Vincamine (vinca alkaloid) is the source of the synthetic derivative vinpocetine (Vinpo). Worldwide, Vinpo is used as a cerebroprotective drug. As it has anti-oxidant, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects but the power of Vinpo to prevent CP induced cystitis has not been studied. This research was planned to explore the effect of Vinpo (10-30mg/kg, orally) administered 1 or 4h before inducing cystitis by CP injection (300mg/kg, i.p.) on the urinary bladder of mice. Administration of Vinpo 30mg/kg, 4h before CP injection ameliorated inflammatory markers. It reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), and BCL2 Associated X (Bax) expression in the bladder and increased the total antioxidant capacity level. Histological examination of the bladder has further supported these results. The present study suggests a protective effect of Vinpo (30mg/kg, 4h before CP injection) against CP-induced bladder inflammation. This proposes that Vinpo 30mg/kg may become a promising pharmacological drug to prevent urinary adverse effects in patients treated with chemotherapy using CP.

MYL9 deficiency is neonatal lethal in mice due to abnormalities in the lung and the muscularis propria of the bladder and intestine.

Class II myosin complexes are responsible for muscle contraction as well as other non-sarcomeric contractile functions in cells. Myosin heavy chain molecules form the core of these structures, while light chain molecules regulate their stability and function. MYL9 is a light chain isoform that is thought to regulate non-sarcomeric myosin. However, whether this in only in specific cell types or in all cells remains unclear. To address this, we generated MYL9 deficient mice. These mice die soon after birth with abnormalities in multiple organs. All mice exhibited a distended bladder, shortening of the small intestine and alveolar overdistension in the lung. The Myl9 allele in these mice included a LacZ reporter knockin that allowed for mapping of Myl9 gene expression. Using this reporter, we show that MYL9 expression is restricted to the muscularis propria of the small intestine and bladder, as well as in the smooth muscle layer of the bronchi in the lung and major bladder vessels in all organs. This suggests that MYL9 is important for the function of smooth muscle cells in these organs. Smooth muscle dysfunction is therefore likely to be the cause of the abnormalities observed in the intestine, bladder and lung of MYL9 deficient mice and the resulting neonatal lethality.

Group 3 innate lymphocytes make a distinct contribution to type 17 immunity in bladder defence

SummaryBladder infection affects a hundred million people annually, but our understanding of bladder immunity is incomplete. We found type 17 immune response genes among the most up-regulated networks in mouse bladder following uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) challenge. Intravital imaging revealed submucosal Rorc+ cells responsive to UPEC challenge, and we found increased Il17 and IL22 transcripts in wild-type and Rag2−/− mice, implicating group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) as a source of these cytokines. NCR-positive and negative ILC3 subsets were identified in murine and human bladders, with local proliferation increasing IL17-producing ILC3s post infection. ILC3s made a more limited contribution to bladder IL22, with prominent early induction of IL22 evident in Th17 cells. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed bladder NCR-negative ILC3s as the source of IL17 and identified putative ILC3-myeloid cell interactions, including via lymphotoxin-β-LTBR. Altogether, our data provide important insights into the orchestration and execution of type 17 immunity in bladder defense.

Gardnerella Exposures Alter Bladder Gene Expression and Augment Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Urinary Tract Infection in Mice.

The anaerobic actinobacterium Gardnerella was first isolated from the bladder by suprapubic aspiration more than 50 years ago. Since then, Gardnerella has been increasingly recognized as a common and often abundant member of the female urinary microbiome (urobiome). Some studies even suggest that the presence of Gardnerella is associated with urological disorders in women. We recently reported that inoculation of Gardnerella into the bladders of mice results in urothelial exfoliation. Here, we performed whole bladder RNA-seq in our mouse model to identify additional host pathways involved in the response to Gardnerella bladder exposure. The transcriptional response to Gardnerella reflected the urothelial turnover that is a consequence of exfoliation while also illustrating the activation of pathways involved in inflammation and immunity. Additional timed exposure experiments in mice provided further evidence of a potentially clinically relevant consequence of bladder exposure to Gardnerella—increased susceptibility to subsequent UTI caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Together, these data provide a broader picture of the bladder’s response to Gardnerella and lay the groundwork for future studies examining the impact of Gardnerella on bladder health.

Abstract 3540: Effect of route of Bacillus Calmette Guerin administration on the immune microenvironment and growth of bladder tumors

Abstract Background: Bladder cancer is the fifth most common cancer in North America. The standard of care for high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) involves intravesical immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG). However, it is possible that the efficacy of this modality of BCG administration is suboptimal, as most patients do not respond fully to this immunotherapy. Furthermore, our current understanding of the immunotherapeutic effect of BCG is incomplete. Using a mouse model of NMIBC, we compared the tumor immune microenvironment (TiME) following intravesical versus intravenous administration of BCG, as well as changes in tumor volume and mice survival. Methods: Female C57Bl/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were catheterized and instilled with 2.5x105 MB49 bladder cancer cells after poly-L-lysine treatment. Beginning on day 7, mice were treated with intravenous (IV) or intravesical BCG (8 mg/ml) or saline once weekly for three weeks. Ultrasound was performed weekly to monitor tumor growth. Similarly, a cohort of non-tumor bearing mice was treated with poly-L-lysine on day one followed by three weekly intravesical instillations of BCG. In both cohorts, mice were sacrificed on day 23 and bladders were harvested, enzymatically dispersed to generate single-cell suspensions for analysis by flow cytometry, or snap frozen for transcriptomic analysis using NanoString nCounter Platform. Results: Mice receiving IV BCG had better survival and their bladder tumors were significantly smaller compared with mice receiving intravesical BCG. This reduction in tumor size was associated with a significantly increased proportion of CD8+ T cells and a significantly reduced proportion of inflammatory monocytes in bladder tumors from mice treated with IV BCG compared with intravesical BCG. Whole tumor transcriptome analysis revealed alterations in various signalling pathways associated with route of BCG administration. Our results demonstrate similar trends in the distribution of immune populations in the TiME following intravesical saline and IV BCG treatment, as well as following IV saline and intravesical BCG treatment. We also found that the TiME after intravesical BCG treatment has more immune cells which are predominantly immature myeloid cells. Moreover, our results indicate that intravesical BCG treatment leads to a significant population of immature myeloid cells in the bladders of non-tumor bearing mice. Conclusion/Significance: These results provide evidence that the route of BCG administration is an important determinant of the TiME composition and may influence anti-tumor responses. Understanding the link between the TiME and BCG therapy may facilitate the development of new approaches to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence rates in patients with NMIBC. Citation Format: Aline Atallah, Arielle Grossman, Jean-Francois Pare, Robert Siemens, Tiziana Cotechini, Charles H. Graham. Effect of route of Bacillus Calmette Guerin administration on the immune microenvironment and growth of bladder tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 3540.

Abstract 6060: Can the gut microbiota both radiosensitize tumors and spare normal tissue toxicity

Abstract Background: New non-toxic radiosensitizers are needed in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer because elderly patients are vulnerable to chemotherapy-related toxicity of currently available radiosensitizers. Our previous study showed that high fiber diets sensitized RT112 xenografts to ionizing radiation (IR) by modifying the gut microbiome and this phenotype was positively correlated with B.acidifaciens (BA) abundance. It is noted that gut microbiota can enhance anti-tumoral responses, so we hypothesise that gut microbiota including BA may radiosensitize tumors via secretion of metabolites and immunomodulation. Methods: UPPL1591 mouse bladder cancer cell line flank xenografts were implanted into C57BL/6 mice (an immune-competent setting) at the same time as starting low (0.2% cellulose) and high fiber (5% psyllium, 5% psyllium plus 10% resistant starch/10% inulin) diets for their lifetime (N=30). 16S rRNA sequencing, IC-MS, IHC and the Nanostring platform were used for gut microbiota, untargeted metabolomics, and local tumor immunity analyses. For normal tissue toxicity studies, mice received 10-14 Gy IR (N=84). We used an intestinal crypt assay and FACS analysis of spleen to assess acute normal effects in small intestine and systemic immunity. Cell viability, clonogenic assay and Western blotting were used to validate the cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects of bacterial supernatants on RT112 human bladder cancer cells (N=3). Results: Psyllium plus either resistant starch (RS, p=0.007) or inulin (p<0.001) significantly decreased tumors size. Psyllium plus inulin raised inosine-producing bacteria (p<0.001) and faecal inosine levels (p<0.001) which has been shown to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Increased systemic (p=0.189) and local (p=0.024) anti-tumoral T cell responses were observed in the psyllium plus inulin group. Furthermore, the two diets mitigated the radiation injury from 14 Gy in intestinal crypt assays (p=0.011) and increased systemic immunity, with higher populations of B (p=0.024), cytotoxic T (p=0.019) and helper T (p<0.001) cells. Psyllium plus RS or inulin significantly increased caecal size (p<0.001), implying higher fermentation levels. We previously found inulin can enhance the relative abundance of BA. The supernatants of co-cultures of BA and F.praunitzii (FP, butyrate-producer) conferred greater cytotoxity than BA alone (p<0.001) or co-cultures of Bifidobacterium and FP (p<0.001), and also increased histone acetylation levels. Bacterial supernatants of BA increased DNA damage with 5Gy IR (p<0.05) and radiosensitivity of bladder tumour cells (p=0.008 at 8Gy). Conclusions: B.acidifaciens is a potential radiosensitiser with enhanced efficacy in combination with butyrate-producing bacteria. Our in vivo experiments suggest a role for inosine and cytotoxic T cells generated by the gut microbiota in radiosensitisation of bladder tumors. Citation Format: Chee Kin Then, Salome Paillas, Xuedan Wang, Mariya Misheva, James McCullagh, Kevin R. Foster, Anne E. Kiltie. Can the gut microbiota both radiosensitize tumors and spare normal tissue toxicity [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6060.

Abstract 6032: Establishment of a bladder cancer model using organoids derived from bladder epithelium in genetically engineered mice

Abstract Despite recent advances in molecular profiling of bladder cancer, molecular mechanisms for urothelial carcinogenesis have not fully understood. It is partly because the lack of faithful disease models that accurately recapitulate human bladder cancer. In our previous study, we have analyzed mutation landscape of chemical-induced mouse bladder cancer and human bladder cancer by exome-sequence and found that some components of histone methyltransferase complex like Kmt2c, Kmt2d, Kdm6a were highly prevalent as common mutations and associated with Trp53. Additionally, the downregulation of tumor suppressor gene PTEN is known in human muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). We also investigated cell of origin of chemical-induced mouse bladder cancer using lineage tracing method and found that Krt5 expressing cells with Trp53 alteration efficiently give a rise of high-grade MIBC with squamous differentiation. Based on these results, we have tried to make MIBC mouse model using genetically engineered mouse in which Cas9 and target gene mutation express specifically in Krt5 expressing cells by Cre-LoxP system, combined with CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique and 3D organoid culture system. Eight-week-old mice harboring Krt5CreERT2/+; LSL-Cas9; LSL-Trp53+/R172H were used in this study. After introducing gene recombination by administration of tamoxifen, we generated organoids from bladder epithelial cells. For further gene editing, we infected adeno-associated virus with sgPten and sgMll3 to the organoids, which successfully edited the target genes. There seemed to be no significant differences in growth of the organoids in culture between the wild-type and gene-edited organoids. However, gene-edited organoids showed tumorigenesis in vivo when inoculated in subcutaneous space, renal subcapsular space or bladder submucosa of athymic mice, whereas wild-type organoids did not show tumorigenesis in vivo. Histologically, the organoid-derived tumors showed morphological similarity to human urothelial carcinoma with squamous differentiation and intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Furthermore, tumor derived organoid has a potential of tumor development in immune-competent mice. These tumors also maintain squamous phenotype and tumor heterogeneity. These findings suggest that the technique is a promising approach toward the establishment of a useful model of human bladder cancer for the elucidation of bladder carcinogenesis including driver genes. In addition, we think our syngeneic mouse model may be useful tool for further research of tumor immunity and immune checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Citation Format: Akihiro Hamada, Yuki Kita, Hideaki Takada, Kenji Nakamura, Toru Sakatani, Takeshi Sano, Takayuki Goto, Atsuro Sawada, Shusuke Akamatsu, Takashi Kobayashi. Establishment of a bladder cancer model using organoids derived from bladder epithelium in genetically engineered mice [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6032.

Abstract 942: Development of customizable bladder cancer mouse model using CRISPR

Abstract Introduction: In forward genetics, a phenotype (sensitivity to therapy) is attributed to a genotype (mutation in relevant gene) based on findings in anecdotal cases (e.g., extreme responders) with little systematic/experimental study. Although powerful, this approach is not widely applicable due to the limited availability of clinical materials and throughput thus limiting the number and type of hypotheses that can be rigorously tested. However, a genotype-therapy sensitivity relationship could be measured in isogenic systems using reverse genetics, whereby mutations in relevant genes are introduced followed by evaluation of a phenotype in wild-type and mutant contexts. Since no such pre-clinical system exists for bladder cancer, we developed an immunocompetent mouse model to induce customizable isogenic tumor formation in bladder urothelium using CRISPR. Methods: Bladder urothelium was harvested from transgenic mice harboring LSL-Cas9/GFP in Rosa26 locus (as described by Platt et al) and grown as organoids. These organoids had a basal phenotype. AAV harboring Cre and sgRNA(s) were used to induce Cas9 and engineer mutations. Based on their frequent somatic alteration pathway in TCGA-BLCA, Tp53 and Rb1 were chosen for knockout first to establish ‘base organoids’. Additional genes related to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were edited in base organoids to develop a series of organoids with different genotypes predicted to activate this signaling pathway. Sanger sequencing and western blot were used to confirm knockout. Kinase inhibitors targeting the mTOR pathway at different levels were assessed in organoids with different genotypes. The edited urothelial cells were grafted in mouse bladder to develop isogenic tumor to assess in vivo therapeutic vulnerability of in-vitro-prioritized kinase inhibitors matching the genotype of the allografted tumor. Results: Rb1, Tp53, and Pten were successfully knocked out in urothelial organoids. When treated with Ipataseritib, an AKT inhibitor, the triple knockout organoid was found to be 9X more sensitive than Trp53/Rb1 knockout organoids. In contrast, triple knockout organoids were 15X less sensitive to Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, than Trp53/Rb1 knockout organoids, in line with published data. Edited organoids generate a neo-urothelium in murine bladder in short term assays. Conclusions: We developed a flexible bladder cancer mouse model to study mutation-therapy relationship using reverse genetics. This system is a plausible way to uncover unappreciated therapeutic vulnerabilities that probably exist in bladder cancer. Citation Format: Henkel L. Valentine, Uttam Satyal, Philip H. Abbosh. Development of customizable bladder cancer mouse model using CRISPR [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 942.

TGR5 agonists induce peripheral and central hypersensitivity to bladder distension

The mechanisms underlying chronic bladder conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) are incompletely understood. However, targeting specific receptors mediating neuronal sensitivity to specific stimuli is an emerging treatment strategy. Recently, irritant-sensing receptors including the bile acid receptor TGR5, have been identified within the viscera and are thought to play a key role in neuronal hypersensitivity. Here, in mice, we identify mRNA expression of TGR5 (Gpbar1) in all layers of the bladder as well as in the lumbosacral dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and in isolated bladder-innervating DRG neurons. In bladder-innervating DRG neurons Gpbar1 mRNA was 100% co-expressed with Trpv1 and 30% co-expressed with Trpa1. In vitro live-cell calcium imaging of bladder-innervating DRG neurons showed direct activation of a sub-population of bladder-innervating DRG neurons with the synthetic TGR5 agonist CCDC, which was diminished in Trpv1−/− but not Trpa1−/− DRG neurons. CCDC also activated a small percentage of non-neuronal cells. Using an ex vivo mouse bladder afferent recording preparation we show intravesical application of endogenous (5α-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one sulphate, Pg5α) and synthetic (CCDC) TGR5 agonists enhanced afferent mechanosensitivity to bladder distension. Correspondingly, in vivo intravesical administration of CCDC increased the number of spinal dorsal horn neurons that were activated by bladder distension. The enhanced mechanosensitivity induced by CCDC ex vivo and in vivo was absent using Gpbar1−/− mice. Together, these results indicate a role for the TGR5 receptor in mediating bladder afferent hypersensitivity to distension and thus may be important to the symptoms associated with IC/BPS and OAB.

Abstract 2058: Effect of route of Bacillus-Calmette Guerin administration on systemic immune responses in a murine model of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer

Abstract Background: Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer worldwide, with the most common type being non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Treatment for high grade NMIBC includes resection of the bladder tumor followed by repeated intravesical administration of Bacillus-Calmette Guérin (BCG), the live-attenuated form of Mycobacterium bovis. Unfortunately, 60-70% of patients will experience disease recurrence. Our current understanding is that BCG acts within the local bladder tumor microenvironment and draining lymph nodes, leading to the activation of a systemic immune response. Using a murine model of NMIBC, here we investigated whether different routes of BCG administration alter the systemic immune response to BCG and affect tumor size. Methods: To establish syngeneic orthotopic bladder tumors in a mouse model, female C57Bl/6 mice were catheterized and 2.5 x 105 mouse bladder cancer cells (MB49) were instilled into the bladder. Beginning on day 7, mice received either intravesical, intravenous (IV) or intraperitoneal (IP) BCG (8 mg/ml) or saline once weekly for three weeks and bladders were imaged through ultrasound. At endpoint (day 23), tumors, tumor draining lymph nodes (tdLNs), spleen, and bone marrow were harvested and stored. Immune composition of the various lymphoid organs was evaluated using polychromatic flow cytometry. Ex vivo responsiveness to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was assessed in bone marrow cells by measuring cytokine levels in culture supernatants. Results: Mice treated with IV BCG had significantly smaller tumor volumes when compared to intravesical BCG treatment. Ex vivo LPS stimulation of bone marrow from BCG-treated mice, regardless of administration route, led to increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with saline controls. IP and IV BCG treatment skewed immune microenvironments of secondary lymphoid organs towards a cytotoxic phenotype compared with intravesical BCG treatment. Within the lymphoid compartment of tdLNs, the proportion of CD8+ T cells was significantly increased while the proportion of CD4+ T cells was significantly decreased in mice treated with IV and IP BCG compared with intravesical BCG. Conversely, the proportion of CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) was significantly increased in tdLNs from mice receiving intravesical BCG compared with BCG administered IV or IP. Within the spleen, the proportion of CD8+CD11b- DCs were significantly increased in the DC compartment following IP BCG treatment compared to other treatment routes. Conclusion: This provides evidence that route of BCG administration affects the immune composition of secondary lymphoid organs that may be associated with anti-tumor responses. A better understanding of the mechanism of BCG immunotherapy will lead to novel approaches to optimize anti-tumor immune responses and, consequently, improved patient outcomes. Citation Format: Arielle Grossman, Aline Atallah, Tiziana Cotechini, Jean-Francois Pare, Robert Siemens, Charles H. Graham. Effect of route of Bacillus-Calmette Guerin administration on systemic immune responses in a murine model of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2058.

Therapeutic potential of nanoceria pretreatment in preventing the development of urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Immunomodulation via reactive oxygen species scavenging and SerpinB2 downregulation.

Urological chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) manifests as pelvic pain with frequent urination and has a 10% prevalence rate without effective therapy. Nanoceria (cerium oxide nanoparticles [CNPs]) were synthesized in this study to achieve potential long-term pain relief, using a commonly used UCPPS mouse model with cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that serpin family B member 2 (SerpinB2) was the most upregulated marker in mouse bladder, and SerpinB2 was downregulated with CNP pretreatment. The transcriptome sequencing analysis results agreed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis results for the expression of related mRNAs and proteins. Analysis of Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets revealed that SerpinB2 was a differentially upregulated gene in human UCPPS. In vitro SerpinB2 knockdown downregulated proinflammatory chemokine expression (chemokine receptor CXCR3 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10) upon treatment with 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide. In conclusion, CNP pretreatment may prevent the development of UCPPS, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and SerpinB2 downregulation may modulate the immune response in UCPPS.

Lentiviral interferon: A novel method for gene therapy in bladder cancer

Interferon alpha (IFNα) gene therapy is emerging as a new treatment option for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Adenoviral vectors expressing IFNα have shown clinical efficacy treating bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-unresponsive bladder cancer (BLCA). However, transient transgene expression and adenoviral immunogenicity may limit therapeutic activity. Lentiviral vectors can achieve stable transgene expression and are less immunogenic. In this study, we evaluated lentiviral vectors expressing murine IFNα (LV-IFNα) and demonstrate IFNα expression by transduced murine BLCA cell lines, bladder urothelium, and within the urine following intravesical instillation. Murine BLCA cell lines (MB49 and UPPL1541) were sensitive to IFN-mediated cell death after LV-IFNα, whereas BBN975 was inherently resistant. Upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) predicted sensitivity to IFN-mediated cell death mediated by caspase signaling, which when inhibited abrogated IFN-mediated cell killing. Intravesical therapy with LV-IFNα/Syn3 in a syngeneic BLCA model significantly improved survival, and molecular analysis of treated tumors revealed upregulation of apoptotic and immune-cell-mediated death pathways. In particular, biomarker discovery analysis identified three clinically actionable targets, PD-L1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and ALDHA1A, in murine tumors treated with LV-IFNα/Syn3. Our findings warrant the comparison of adenoviral and LV-IFNα and the study of novel combination strategies with IFNα gene therapy for the BLCA treatment.

Magnetic-Powered Janus Cell Robots Loaded with Oncolytic Adenovirus for Active and Targeted Virotherapy of Bladder Cancer.

A unique robotic medical platform is designed by utilizing cell robots as the active "Trojan horse" of oncolytic adenovirus (OA), capable of tumor-selective binding and killing. The OA-loaded cell robots are fabricated by entirely modifying OA-infected 293T cells with cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid tripeptide (cRGD) to specifically bind with bladder cancer cells, followed by asymmetric immobilization of Fe3 O4 nanoparticles (NPs) on the cell surface. OA can replicate in host cells and induce cytolysis to release the virus progeny to the surrounding tumor sites for sustainable infection and oncolysis. The asymmetric coating of magnetic NPs bestows the cell robots with effective movement in various media and wireless manipulation with directional migration in a microfluidic device and bladder mold under magnetic control, further enabling steerable movement and prolonged retention of cell robots in the mouse bladder. The biorecognition of cRGD and robust, controllable propulsion of cell robots work synergistically to greatly enhance their tissue penetration and anticancer efficacy in the 3D cancer spheroid and orthotopic mouse bladder tumor model. Overall, this study integrates cell-based microrobots with virotherapy to generate an attractive robotic system with tumor specificity, expanding the operation scope of cell robots in biomedical community.

The Release of 24 h Infravesical Obstruction in Mice: Changes in Molecular, Morphological, and Functional Parameters for 14-Day Observation.

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) induces bladder dysfunction and altered bladder architecture. Irrespective of the release of the obstruction, persistent bladder dysfunction severely affects the quality of life. A better understanding of the repair process offers an opportunity to enhance postintervention management. We subsequently evaluated the postobstructive repair process in mice subjected to 24 h BOO followed by release. Male and female mice bladders were obstructed for 24 h by placing a clip around the bladder neck. After the release of obstruction, the mice were studied for 3, 7, and 14 days to observe the bladder repair process over time. Voiding frequency and volume were recorded using the voiding spot assay, and the transcutaneous glomerular filtration rate (tGFR) was measured. Fibrogenesis and associated gene expressions and altered protein levels were evaluated in the bladder using histology, quantatative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and Western blot analyses. Bladder wall thickness was increased in both genders over time but occurred later in female mice. Moreover, collagen deposition in the smooth muscle layer increased over time in both genders. Male mice showed a decreased average voided volume at 3 days post release, while female mice showed no significant change during the time course. Fibrosis-related molecular events, including upregulation of fibronectin (FN) protein and Collagen-3 (Col-3) mRNA expression, were transient and normalized again at 14 days in both genders. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenic protein (BMP)-7 mRNA expressions were upregulated at 14 days post release in both genders. Transcutaneous GFR remained normal during the time course. Release of 24 h BOO initiated a bladder remodeling process. The animal model enables a wide range of experiments to study bladder remodeling, and gender differences offer potential targets for understanding bladder fibrosis and adaptation with BOO.

The Isopropyl Gallate Counteracts Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis in Mice.

Simple SummaryIfosfamide (IFOS) is an antineoplastic drug used to treat various cancers. Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the main adverse effect related to the use of IFOS. Acrolein, a metabolite of IFOS, is the main molecule responsible for this side-effect, resulting in increased oxidative stress and production of inflammatory mediators, which culminate in the degradation of bladder tissue. In clinical practice, mesna is used to reduce the incidence of HC. However, this drug presents some dose-dependent side effects. Isopropyl gallate (IPG), a gallic acid-derived compound, is promising for the development of new anti-inflammatory agents. In the present study, the effects of oral administration of IPG against IFOS-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice were investigated. Interestingly pretreatment of IPG was able to reduce IFOS-induced bladder damage evidenced by a decrease of inflammatory parameters and improvement in histology and antioxidants of the urinary bladder. Furthermore, IPG significantly decreased the expression levels of inflammatory biomarkers in the bladder tissue. These preliminary findings suggest that IPG represents a promising adjuvant therapy for protecting against IFOS-induced urotoxicity.Hemorrhagic cystitis is the main adverse effect associated with the clinical use of oxazaphosphorine, resulting in increased oxidative stress and proinflammatory cytokines, which culminate in injury of the bladder tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of isopropyl gallate (IPG) against ifosfamide (IFOS)-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice. The induction of the hemorrhagic cystitis model was carried out using a single dose of IFOS (400 mg/kg, i.p.) four hours after oral pretreatment with IPG (6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) or saline (vehicle). Mesna (positive control; 80 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered four hours before and eight hours after induction of cystitis. In the present study, IPG 25 mg/kg significantly decreased edema and hemorrhage, with a reduction of the bladder wet weight (36.86%), hemoglobin content (54.55%), and peritoneal vascular permeability (42.94%) in urinary bladders of mice. Interestingly, IPG increased SOD activity (89.27%) and reduced MDA levels (35.53%), as well as displayed anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing TNF-α (88.77%), IL-1β (62.87%), and C-reactive protein (56.41%) levels. Our findings demonstrate that IPG has a substantial protective role against IFOS-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice by enhancing antioxidant activity and proinflammatory mechanisms. Thus, IPG represents a promising co-adjuvant agent in oxazaphosphorine-based chemotherapy treatments.

The hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel resides on myocytes in mouse bladders and contributes to adrenergic-induced detrusor relaxation.

Control of urinary continence is predicated on sensory signaling about bladder volume. Bladder sensory nerve activity is dependent on tension, implicating autonomic control over detrusor myocyte activity during bladder filling. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) ion channels are known contributors to bladder control, but their mechanism of action is not well understood. The lack of a definitive identification of cell type(s) expressing HCN in the bladder presents a significant knowledge gap. We recently reported a complete transcriptomic atlas of the C57BL/6 mouse bladder showing the dominant HCN paralog in mouse bladder, Hcn1, is limited to a subpopulation of detrusor smooth myocytes (DSMs). Here, we report details of these findings, along with results of patch-clamp experiments, immunohistochemistry, and functional myobath/tension experiments in bladder strips. With the use of a transgenic mouse expressing fluorescence-tagged α-smooth muscle actin, our data confirmed location and function of DSM HCN channels. Despite previous associations of HCN with postulated bladder interstitial cells, neither evidence of specific interstitial cell types nor an association of nonmyocytes with HCN was discovered. We confirm that HCN activation participates in reducing sustained (tonic) detrusor tension via cAMP, with no effect on intermittent (phasic) detrusor activity. In contrast, blockade of HCN increases phasic activity induced by a protein kinase A (PKA) blocker or a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel opener. Our findings, therefore, suggest a central role for detrusor myocyte HCN in regulating and constraining detrusor myocyte activity during bladder filling.

PD24-01 DIFFERENTIAL TRANSCRIPTOMIC CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND NEUROGENIC BLADDERS OF MICE INFECTED WITH A CORONAVIRUS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD24-01 DIFFERENTIAL TRANSCRIPTOMIC CHANGES IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AND NEUROGENIC BLADDERS OF MICE INFECTED WITH A CORONAVIRUS Taylor Clarkson, Alison Xie, Naoko Iguchi, and Anna Malykhina Taylor ClarksonTaylor Clarkson More articles by this author , Alison XieAlison Xie More articles by this author , Naoko IguchiNaoko Iguchi More articles by this author , and Anna MalykhinaAnna Malykhina More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002566.01AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), often lead to the development of neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). We previously characterized neurogenic bladder dysfunction in a mouse model of MS induced by a coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). The objective of this study was to identify genes and pathways linking neuroinflammation in the central nervous system with urinary bladder dysfunction to enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying LUTS in demyelinating diseases. METHODS: Adult C57BL/6 male mice (N=12) received either an intracranial injection of MHV (6,000 PFU) or sterile saline (control). The lumbosacral (L6-S2) spinal cord (SC) segments and urinary bladders were collected during acute infection stage (week 1) and at the first peak of demyelination (week 4) after inoculation with the virus. Total RNA was isolated and analyzed using Nanostring nCounter Neuroinflammation panel. The expression levels of 770 genes associated with neuroinflammation were assessed and compared between the specimens. RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis of SC specimens confirmed a significantly increased expression of 132 genes in MHV mice (tens to hundreds fold change) involved in the regulation of astrocyte, microglia and oligodendrocyte functions, neuroinflammation and immune responses. Out of 132 genes up-regulated in the SC, only 2 genes (siglec1, 46-fold in the SC, 2.6-fold at 1 week and 1.8-fold at 4 weeks in the bladder; and zbp1, 568-fold in the SC, 2.8-fold at 1 week and 2.2-fold at 4 weeks in the bladder) were up-regulated in the urinary bladders of MHV-infected mice. Additionally, two genes were significantly up-regulated (ttr, 2.2-fold at 1week and 1.7-fold at 4 weeks; and ms4a4a, 2.3-fold at 1week and 1.6-fold at 4 weeks), and two were down-regulated (asb2, -1.8-fold at 1 week and -1.6-fold at 4 weeks, and myct1, -1.7-fold at 1week and -1.6-fold at 4 weeks) exclusively in the urinary bladders of MHV mice. CONCLUSIONS: Two genes, siglec1 (encodes type 1 transmembrane protein, expressed in microglia and macrophages, promotes neuroinflammation) and zbp1 (encodes a Z-DNA binding protein, plays role in the innate immune response) link the development of neuroinflammation in the central nervous system with neurogenic changes in the urinary bladders of MHV-infected mice. Further research is needed to establish a functional relationship between expression of these genes and neurogenic LUTS. Source of Funding: NIH/NIDDK R01 DK116648 (to A.M.) © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e415 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Taylor Clarkson More articles by this author Alison Xie More articles by this author Naoko Iguchi More articles by this author Anna Malykhina More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...