Orthotopic Prostate Cancer Model Research Articles

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer.

Orthotopic tumor modeling is a valuable tool for pre-clinical prostate cancer research, as it has multiple advantages over both subcutaneous and transgenic genetically engineered mouse models. Unlike subcutaneous tumors, orthotopic tumors contain more clinically accurate vasculature, tumor microenvironment, and responses to multiple therapies. In contrast to genetically engineered mouse models, orthotopic models can be performed with lower cost and in less time, involve the use of highly complex and heterogeneous mouse or human cancer cell lines, rather that single genetic alterations, and these cell lines can be genetically modified, such as to express imaging agents. Here, we present a protocol to surgically injecting a luciferase- and mCherry-expressing murine prostate cancer cell line into the anterior prostate lobe of mice. These mice developed orthotopic tumors that were non-invasively monitored in vivo and further analyzed for tumor volume, weight, mouse survival, and immune infiltration. Further, orthotopic tumor-bearing mice were surgically castrated, leading to immediate tumor regression and subsequent recurrence, representing castration-resistant prostate cancer. Although technical skill is required to carry out this procedure, this syngeneic orthotopic model of both androgen-dependent and castration-resistant prostate cancer is of great use to all investigators in the field.

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Orthotopic tumor modeling is a valuable tool for pre-clinical prostate cancer research, as it has multiple advantages over both subcutaneous and transgenic genetically engineered mouse models. Unlike subcutaneous tumors, orthotopic tumors contain more clinically accurate vasculature, tumor microenvironment, and responses to multiple therapies. In contrast to genetically engineered mouse models, orthotopic models can be performed with lower cost and in less time, involve the use of highly complex and heterogeneous mouse or human cancer cell lines, rather that single genetic alterations, and these cell lines can be genetically modified, such as to express imaging agents. Here, we present a protocol to surgically injecting a luciferase- and mCherry-expressing murine prostate cancer cell line into the anterior prostate lobe of mice. These mice developed orthotopic tumors that were non-invasively monitored in vivo and further analyzed for tumor volume, weight, mouse survival, and immune infiltration. Further, orthotopic tumor-bearing mice were surgically castrated, leading to immediate tumor regression and subsequent recurrence, representing castration-resistant prostate cancer. Although technical skill is required to carry out this procedure, this syngeneic orthotopic model of both androgen-dependent and castration-resistant prostate cancer is of great use to all investigators in the field.

Abstract 2228: Altering rictor with diosmetin reduces tumor progression in orthotopic prostate cancer model

Abstract Rapamycin insensitive companion of mTOR (Rictor) is an essential subunit of mTOR complex 2, maintains the integrity of the complex and functions as full activator of Akt. Rictor has been implicated to be involved in growth and progression of malignancies. Reports suggested that overexpression of Rictor in prostate cancer tissues, which may have potential role in prostate cancer progression. We demonstrated silencing Rictor in PC-3 cells decreased p- Akt (Ser-473) expression; conversely p-Akt (Thr-308) and p-PKCα (Ser-657) expression was increasing. Additionally to observe the molecular mechanism of Rictor regulation, we took HAP1 cells (derived from male chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cell line KBM-7) were edited and silenced by CRISPR/Cas9 with 2 and 10 base pair Rictor in a coding exon 5. HAP1 haploid human cell line contains a single copy of all chromosomes except for a heterozygous 30-megabase fragment of Chromosome 15; these cells are instrumental for genetic screening, as gene inactivation is greatly facilitated by the absence of a second gene copy. In these cells we observed p-Akt (Ser-473) expression was significantly less with more pronounced in 10 base pair than 2 base pair. Further to determine potential role of diosmetin (5, 7-Trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone; a natural flavonoid present in citrus plant, has anti-mutagenic properties) on Rictor silenced 2 base pair and 10 base pair HAP1 cells, we treated these cells in concentration response fashion, and observed decrease in p-Akt (Ser-473) expression than control cells. Next, we determine invivo potential of Rictor silencing, we used luciferase tag PC-3 cells silenced with Rictor gene orthotopically implanted in ventral prostate of mice. After 8 weeks of Rictor silenced cells implanted mice, we observed less luciferase activity in prostate and occasional metastasis than control luciferase PC-3 cells. Moreover, diosmetin fed mice in dose dependent fashion (20 and 50µg/animal/day) represented decrease in tumor luciferase activity with reduced tumor volume and no metastasis than control mice. We observed metastasis only in control and rapamycin (8 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally every alternate day) treated mice in spine, lung and kidney. Taken together, our studies demonstrate that diosmetin fed animals resulted in growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis by altering Rictor signaling cascade. We are demonstrating that diosmetin modulates molecular targets viz., Rictor and Akt to alter cellular events and elicit anticancer effects in prostate cancer cells. Citation Format: Rebecca Pakradooni, Ahmad Khalifa, Riddhi Patel, Sanjeev Shukla. Altering rictor with diosmetin reduces tumor progression in orthotopic prostate cancer model [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2228. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2228

Abstract 2225: Green tea polyphenols suppress tumor growth and invasion by targeting matrix metalloproteinases, RECK and TIMP-3, in a mouse model implanted with prostate tumors

Abstract Green tea polyphenols (GTP) and its major constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) reactivate epigenetically silenced genes in cancer cells that reduces invasiveness and migration capabilities; however, the mechanisms whereby these effects occur are not well understood. RECK, a novel tumor suppressor and the tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) genes negatively regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inhibits tumor invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. In the present study, we demonstrate that GTP mediate epigenetic induction of RECK and TIMP-3 thereby playing a key role in suppressing invasiveness and gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in vivo in an orthotopic implantation model of human prostate cancer. Athymic nude mice were implanted with human prostate cancer LNCaP tumor in the ventral prostate for 2 weeks and later treated DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA), histone deacetylase inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA) and histone methyltransferase inhibitor, 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) individually at 0.1 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally at alternate days/week; and combination of AZA+TSA and DZNep+TSA at similar doses and times; whereas GTP was provided peroral by gavage at 7.5 and 15.0 mg/kg body weight freshly prepared in 100µl PBS. Treatment of mice with GTP resulted in marked decrease in tumor growth and its local invasion in dose dependent manner, compared to treatment with epigenetic inhibitors and their combination after 8 weeks of intervention. GTP treatment significantly reduced serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF, compared to treatment with epigenetic inhibitors alone. Combination of AZA+TSA exhibited similar effect which was equivalent to the lower dose of GTP treatment. Furthermore, GTP treatment significantly reduced EZH2 and H3K27me3 and class I HDAC protein levels in tumors. GTP partially reversed the hypermethylation status of RECK and TIMP3 gene and significantly enhanced their protein expression in the tumor tissue. Inhibition of VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were also noted after GTP treatment in tumor tissue in dose-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that induction of RECK and TIMP-3 are key epigenetic events modulated by GTP that results in suppression of matrix degradation and angiogenesis to delay prostate cancer invasion and its subsequent progression. Citation Format: Eswar Shankar, Natarajan Bhaskaran, Rajnee Kanwal, Sanjay Gupta. Green tea polyphenols suppress tumor growth and invasion by targeting matrix metalloproteinases, RECK and TIMP-3, in a mouse model implanted with prostate tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2225. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2225

Abstract 874: Lifting the iron curtain: Imaging cellular barriers to combination chelation-immune checkpoint therapy

Abstract Iron accumulation in cancer cells and macrophages can result in a tumor microenvironment that is unfavorable for checkpoint immune therapy. Chelation is a safe approach of reducing cellular iron accumulation that while affecting all cells biochemically, has been shown to also regulate tumor growth via specific “off-label” effects on macrophages that can hypothetically support an immune therapy responsive microenvironment. To further investigate the connection between infiltration of macrophages, iron chelation therapy, and synergy with immune therapy, we used established orthotopic Myc-CaP and TRAMP-C2 prostate cancer models and quantitative iron and cellular MRI, histology, and FACS to evaluate pre-treatment and post-chelation macrophage/immunological status, and MRI to monitor tumor growth. Quantitative assessment of cellular iron from MRI and histology of tumors, livers, and spleens revealed differences in tissue iron levels between host mouse strains, and enabled us to correlate these differences with extent of iron-macrophage infiltration in the tissues. To see if we could reduce these cells metabolically we administered the oral chelator deferiprone at tumor onset which resulted in reductions in endpoint tumor volume in both prostate tumor models with the largest response to chelation being observed in low-iron C57BL6 model backgrounds; a result subsequently confirmed in MMTV-PyMT orthotopic breast cancer models. Even in cases of complete tumor growth inhibition, systemic iron-load was not significantly affected, indicating that chelation achieved these therapeutic gains without harmful side-effects. Reduction of iron-macrophages and tumor volume accompanied shifts in macrophage surface receptor presentation and T-cell repertoire indicating that pro-tumor (M2) macrophage de-polarization to anti-tumor (M1) phenotypes occurred with chelation therapy. As these changes can potentially support improved action of checkpoint PDL-1 inhibitors, we then tested the combination chelation-checkpoint therapy approach in the prostate tumor models. These trials showed a modest reduction in tumor growth with either chelation or immune checkpoint therapy alone. A notable synergistic effect was observed using combination chelation-checkpoint therapy that accompanied a shift in macrophage polarization suggesting that chelation was sufficient to enhance checkpoint response. These therapeutic imaging studies demonstrate how tumor infiltration of iron-macrophages can be used as a biomarker of the immune-microenvironment, and how by using iron-chelation immunotherapeutic response can be enhanced. Citation Format: Avigdor Leftin, Suresh Veeraperumal, Huiyong Zhao, Sadna Budhu, Elisa de Stanchina, Jedd Wolchok, Taha Merghoub, Jason Koutcher. Lifting the iron curtain: Imaging cellular barriers to combination chelation-immune checkpoint therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 874. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-874

Canine prostate models in preclinical studies of minimally invasive interventions: part I, canine prostate anatomy and prostate cancer models.

The high prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) in elderly men and technical advances in early detection of localized PCa have led to continued efforts to develop new therapeutic options of minimally invasive nature in current urologic oncology community. Increasing newly emerging therapies are undergoing preclinical tests on the technical feasibility, efficacy and safety in animal experiments. The dog is an ideal large animal because of its similar anatomy to human and the capability allowing the use of the same medical devices applied in future clinical trials. Awareness of the local anatomy, microvascular structure, and histological features of the prostate in dogs is essential to experimental design and performance of the tested procedures and techniques. Although dogs with spontaneous PCa may be used in preclinical investigation, the low incidence and pathological features limit its utility. Alternatively, canine orthotopic PCa models have a great potential in preclinical research for this purpose. The goal of this review is to provide detailed anatomic and histological information of the canine prostate, outline the pathological and clinical characteristics of spontaneous PCa in dogs and discuss the current status of canine orthotopic PCa models.

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Real - time monitoring of circulation tumor cells in a surgical orthotopic implantation model of human metastatic prostate cancer

Objective To study the relationship of circulation tumor cells (CTCs) and metastatic process, we use subcutaneous model and surgical orthotopic implantation model of human metastatic prostate cancer and detected by in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC). Methods The human prostate cancer cell line PC3 cells were transduced with pLVX-EGFP-3FLAG lentivirus vector containing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) and puromycin resistance gene. PC3 cells, high-expression of GFP, were obtained by screening of stably transfected clones. PC3-GFP cells or unlabeled tumor cells were implanted into the right armpit of 10 nude mice to build up subcutaneous xenograft prostate cancer mode1, which provided tumor fragments to implant the orthotopic prostate tumor mode1. Tumor tissue with high fluorescent from the subcutaneous tumor was harvested and cut into pieces of 1 mm3, and grafted into the anterior prostates of 10 nude mice. The number of CTCs monitored by IVFC real-time detecting fluorescent signal noninvasively at 5 d, 10 d and 15 d after tumor established. Results A PC3-GFP cell line was established which had the same growth pattern as well as tumorigenesis ability as mock-transfected PC3 cells. IVFC detected 2.37, 6.25, 99.75 CTCs/h at 5, 10, and 15 days. Conclusion The orthotopic prostate cancer models are better to assess the morphology, growth, metastatic pattern and development characteristics of clinical disease. They are also more representative of a primary tumor with respect to tumor site and metastasis, especially CTCs dynamics. The in vivo flow cytometry technique combined with orthotopic tumor models might provide insights into tumor hematogenous metastasis and guidance to cancer therapy. Key words: Prostate cancer; Metastasis; Circulating tumor cells; In vivo flow cytometry

Pre-clinical Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer.

To study the multifaceted biology of prostate cancer, pre-clinical in vivo models offer a range of options to uncover critical biological information about this disease. The human orthotopic prostate cancer xenograft mouse model provides a useful alternative approach for understanding the specific interactions between genetically and molecularly altered tumor cells, their organ microenvironment, and for evaluation of efficacy of therapeutic regimens. This is a well characterized model designed to study the molecular events of primary tumor development and it recapitulates the early events in the metastatic cascade prior to embolism and entry of tumor cells into the circulation. Thus it allows elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying the initial phase of metastatic disease. In addition, this model can annotate drug targets of clinical relevance and is a valuable tool to study prostate cancer progression. In this manuscript we describe a detailed procedure to establish a human orthotopic prostate cancer xenograft mouse model.

Pre-clinical Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer

Pre-clinical Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer

Abstract 1342: A production-scalable cabazitaxel cellulose nanoparticle exhibits significant efficacy in a bone model of docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer

Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to: (1) evaluate the antitumor efficacy of a controlled release cabazitaxel cellulose nanoparticle (CBZed-Nano) in an orthotopic bone model of docetaxel-resistant LNCaP C4-2B prostate cancer, and (2) confirm the efficacy of dose preparation by scalable instrumentation (NanoAssemblr), in a subcutaneous PC3 prostate xenograft model. Methods: mPEG-OH and cabazitaxel (CBZ) were coupled to a carboxymethylcellulose acetate polymer to yield CBZed-Nano, according to established coupling and purification methods (1). Particles were prepared by nanoprecipitation of polymer into saline by either a manual vortex technique (1) or a NanoAssemblr™ (NA) microfluidic-based instrument. Particles were purified by dialysis and sterile filtration (1). Particle size was measured by a DLS Malvern Zetasizer, morphology was screened by TEM, and residual substances were measured by LC. Male NOD-SCID mice were inoculated via intrafemoral injection with docetaxel-resistant LNCaP C42B prostate cancer. One day after inoculation, mice were treated with vortex prep CBZed-Nano (55 mg/kg) or CBZ (2 mg/kg) on a q1,5,9d schedule. Survival curves were generated (n = 10 mice per group). To directly compare preparation technique, nude mice bearing s.c. PC3 prostate cancer xenografts were treated at Bolder BioPath (Boulder, US) with CBZed-Nano (NA and vortex prep, 85 to 142 mg/kg) and CBZ (15-25 mg/kg) on a q1,5,9d schedule. Results: The CBZed-Nano polymer conjugate contained 36 wt% CBZ and 11 wt% PEG, with residual free CBZ < 0.01 wt% of CBZ content. Particles prepared by vortex and NA were 94 and 70 nm respectively (by DLS). By TEM analysis, NA particles exhibit a more uniform spherical morphology. Mice bearing docetaxel resistant LNCaP C42B tumors exhibited a partial response to CBZ treatment, with a median survival of 61 days, compared to 34 days for vehicle controls. In contrast, mice treated with CBZed-Nano exhibited a significantly improved response, with 70% durable cure. Efficacy was observed regardless of CBZed-Nano preparation technique. Mice treated with CBZ exhibited a 38-63% durable cure in the 60, 75, and 100% MTD groups. In comparison, mice treated with CBZed-Nano exhibited a 92-100% durable cure, confirming both the superior activity of CBZed-Nano relative to free CBZ, and confirming antitumor activity of the scalable NanoAssemblr production. Conclusion: The CBZed-Nano preparation technique is scalable, with manual and NanoAssemblr™ produced dose being equally efficacious in a PC3 prostate cancer model. Significant efficacy (70% durable cure) in a docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer of the bone model was also observed. The data suggests that CBZed-Nano is more tolerable than CBZ, and that it may overcome taxane-resistant solid tumor indications. (1) Bioconjugate Chem 22 2011, 2474-2486 (2) Biomaterials 33 2012, 3931-3941 Citation Format: Joseph Bteich, Bryan Hoang, Elijus Undzys, Mohammed Mohammed, Ai Lin Su, Kevin Ou, David Emerson, Kenneth Sokoll, Shyh-Dar Li, Mohit Trikha, Henry Lowman, Mark J. Ernsting. A production-scalable cabazitaxel cellulose nanoparticle exhibits significant efficacy in a bone model of docetaxel-resistant prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1342.

A human GRPr-transfected Ace-1 canine prostate cancer model in mice.

A versatile drug screening system was developed to simplify early targeted drug discovery in mice and then translate readily from mice to a dog prostate cancer model that more fully replicates the features of human prostate cancer. We stably transfected human cDNA of the GRPr bombesin (BBN) receptor subtype to canine Ace-1 prostate cancer cells (Ace-1(huGRPr) ). Expression was examined by (125) I-Tyr(4) -BBN competition, calcium stimulation assay, and fluorescent microscopy. A dual tumor nude mouse xenograft model was developed from Ace-1(CMV) (vector transfected Ace-1) and Ace-1(huGRPr) cells. The model was used to explore the in vivo behavior of two new IRDye800-labeled GRPr binding optical imaging agents: 800-G-Abz4-t-BBN, from a GRPr agonist peptide, and 800-G-Abz4-STAT, from a GRPr antagonist peptide, by imaging the tumor mice and dissected organs. Both agents bound Ace-1(huGRPr) and PC-3, a known GRPr-expressing human prostate cancer cell line, with 4-13 nM IC50 against (125) I-Tyr(4) -BBN, but did not bind Ace-1(CMV) cells (vector transfected). Binding was blocked by bombesin. Ca(2+) activation assays demonstrated that Ace-1(huGPRr) expressed biologically active GRPr. Both Ace-1 cell lines grew in the flanks of 100% of the nude mice and formed tumors of ∼0.5 cm diameter in 1 week. In vivo imaging of the mice at 800 nm emission showed GRPr+: GRPr- tumor signal brighter by a factor of two at 24 h post IV administration of 10 nmol of the imaging agents. Blood retention (4-8% ID at 1 h) was greater by a factor >10 and cumulative urine accumulation (28-30% at 4 h) was less by a factor 2 compared to a radioactive analog of the t-BBN containing agent, (177) LuAMBA, probably due to binding to blood albumin, which we confirmed in a mouse serum assay. The dual tumor Ace-1(CMV) /Ace-1(huGRPr) model system provides a rapid test of specific to nonspecific binding of new GRPr avid agents in a model that will extend logically to the known Ace-1 orthotopic canine prostate cancer model. Prostate 76:783-795, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

In vivo imaging of prostate cancer using an anti-PSMA scFv fragment as a probe.

We aimed to evaluate a fluorescent-labeled single chain variable fragment (scFv) of the anti-PSMA antibody as a specific probe for the detection of prostate cancer by in vivo fluorescence imaging. An orthotopic model of prostate cancer was generated by injecting LNCaP cells into the prostate lobe. ScFvD2B, a high affinity anti-PSMA antibody fragment, was labeled using a near-infrared fluorophore to generate a specific imaging probe (X770-scFvD2B). PSMA-unrelated scFv-X770 was used as a control. Probes were injected intravenously into mice with prostate tumors and fluorescence was monitored in vivo by fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). In vitro assays showed that X770-scFvD2B specifically bound to PSMA and was internalized in PSMA-expressing LNCaP cells. After intravenous injection, X770-scFvD2B was detected in vivo by FMT in the prostate region. On excised prostates the scFv probe co-localized with the cancer cells and was found in PSMA-expressing cells. The PSMA-unrelated scFv used as a control did not label the prostate cancer cells. Our data demonstrate that scFvD2B is a high affinity contrast agent for in vivo detection of PSMA-expressing cells in the prostate. NIR-labeled scFvD2B could thus be further developed as a clinical probe for imaging-guided targeted biopsies.

TRAIL-coated leukocytes that prevent the bloodborne metastasis of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer, once it has progressed from its local to metastatic form, is a disease with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Here we demonstrate an approach using nanoscale liposomes conjugated with E-selectin adhesion protein and Apo2L/TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) apoptosis ligand that attach to the surface of leukocytes and rapidly clear viable cancer cells from circulating blood in the living mouse. For the first time, it is shown that such an approach can be used to prevent the spontaneous formation and growth of metastatic tumors in an orthotopic xenograft model of prostate cancer, by greatly reducing the number of circulating tumor cells. We conclude that the use of circulating leukocytes as a carrier for the anti-cancer protein TRAIL could be an effective tool to directly target circulating tumor cells for the prevention of prostate cancer metastasis, and potentially other cancers that spread through the bloodstream.

Abstract 3246: Novel luciferase labelling technique to improve imaging of orthotopic prostate and pancreatic cancer models

Abstract Bioluminescent-labelling allows sensitive non-invasive sequential imaging of tumor development and early metastasis. However, current methods for the genetic modification of cells typically use integrating genotoxic viruses that can potentially disrupt the molecular behavior of cancer cell lines due to their random nature of integration. Here, we utilized a non-viral DNA vector that comprises an S/MAR (Scaffold/Matrix Attachment Region) element to stably modify cells to be further used in xenograft studies to allow long term expression without affecting cell behavior or silencing over cell divisions. Human PC-3 prostate cancer cells and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells were stably transfected with a pCAG-LUC-S/MAR and cultured for 4 weeks under selection. Colonies that formed after this period were isolated and expanded in normal medium and evaluated for luciferase expression and molecular integrity of the DNA vector. For in vivo studies, PC-3 cells were inoculated orthotopically into the prostate, and BxPC-3 cells into the pancreas using athymic and BALB/c nude mice. For comparison, similar experiments with the corresponding study designs were performed with the non-labelled parental cell lines. The luciferase transfected cells maintained their original properties with stable expression. Luciferase-labelled PC-3 and BxPC-3 cells inoculated orthotopically into the prostate and pancreas, respectively, were successfully followed for 5 weeks with non-invasive bioluminescence imaging by IVIS. The results demonstrated high-quality follow-up of tumor growth compared with tumor models using non-labelled cells. In conclusion, S/MAR DNA vectors are able to produce genetically modified cells without the limitations of random genomic integration, whilst providing extra-chromosomal mitotic stability and sustained transgene expression at high level. When utilized in orthotopic xenograft studies, these luciferase expressing cells formed a reliable and essential non-invasive imaging platform that improves substantially efficacy testing of anticancer drug candidates. Citation Format: Jenni Bernoulli, Johanna Tuomela, Matthias Bozza, Katja M. Fagerlund, Mari I. Suominen, George Morris, Jussi M. Halleen, Richard Harbottle. Novel luciferase labelling technique to improve imaging of orthotopic prostate and pancreatic cancer models. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3246. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3246

Nonautophagic cytoplasmic vacuolation death induction in human PC-3M prostate cancer by curcumin through reactive oxygen species -mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress.

The antiapoptotic and antiautophagic abilities of cancer cells constitute a major challenge for anticancer drug treatment. Strategies for triggering nonapoptotic or nonautophagic cell death may improve therapeutic efficacy against cancer. Curcumin has been reported to exhibit cancer chemopreventive properties. Herein, we report that curcumin induced apoptosis in LNCaP, DU145, and PC-3 cells but triggered extensive cytoplasmic vacuolation in PC-3M cells. Electron microscopic images showed that the vacuoles lacked intracellular organelles and were derived from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, curcumin-induced vacuolation was not reversed by an apoptosis- or autophagy-related inhibitor, suggesting that vacuolation-mediated cell death differs from classical apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Mechanistic investigations revealed that curcumin treatment upregulated the ER stress markers CHOP and Bip/GRP78 and the autophagic marker LC3-II. In addition, curcumin induced ER stress by triggering ROS generation, which was supported by the finding that treating cells with the antioxidant NAC alleviated curcumin-mediated ER stress and vacuolation-mediated death. An in vivo PC-3M orthotopic prostate cancer model revealed that curcumin reduced tumor growth by inducing ROS production followed by vacuolation-mediated cell death. Overall, our results indicated that curcumin acts as an inducer of ROS production, which leads to nonapoptotic and nonautophagic cell death via increased ER stress.

Neutralizing S1P inhibits intratumoral hypoxia, induces vascular remodelling and sensitizes to chemotherapy in prostate cancer.

Hypoxia promotes neovascularization, increased tumor growth, and therapeutic resistance. The transcription factor, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), has been reported as the master driver of adaptation to hypoxia. We previously identified the sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine 1-phosphate (SphK1/S1P) pathway as a new modulator of HIF-1α under hypoxia. Taking advantage of a monoclonal antibody neutralizing extracellular S1P (sphingomab), we report that inhibition of S1P extracellular signaling blocks HIF-1α accumulation and activity in several cancer cell models exposed to hypoxia. In an orthotopic xenograft model of prostate cancer, we show that sphingomab reduces hypoxia and modifies vessel architecture within 5 days of treatment, leading to increased intratumoral blood perfusion. Supporting the notion that a transient vascular normalization of tumor vessels is the mechanism by which sphingomab exerts its effects, we demonstrate that administration of the antibody for 5 days before chemotherapy is more effective at local tumor control and metastatic dissemination than any other treatment scheduling. These findings validate sphingomab as a potential new normalization agent that could contribute to successful sensitization of hypoxic tumors to chemotherapy.

Cell-based Hyper-interleukin 6 or Hyper-interleukin 11 secreting vaccines combined with low dose cyclophosphamide in an orthotopic murine prostate cancer model.

BackgroundCell based vaccines encoding Hyper-IL-6 (H6) and Hyper-IL-11 (H11) present high activity in murine melanoma and renal cancer model. We evaluated the efficacy of cellular vaccines modified with H6 or H11 combined with cyclophosphamide in orthotopic murine prostate cancer model.Material and methodsTRAMP cells were transduced with H6 and H11 cDNA (TRAMP-H6 and TRAMP-H11). An orthotopic TRAMP model based on the implantation of TRAMP cells into the dorsolateral lobe of the prostate of C57BL6/J mice was employed. The efficacy of TRAMP-H6 and TRAMP-H11 vaccines evaluated in the therapeutic setting was compared with the TRAMP cells modified with a mock transduced E1-deleted adenoviral vector (TRAMP-AdV) and non-modified irradiated TRAMP cells (TRAMP IRR) in relation to naive (non-immunized) mice. In the next experimental groups mice vaccinated with TRAMP-H6 and TRAMP-H11 received cyclophosphamide (CY). Detection of immune cells in the spleen in mice receiving vaccines combined with CY was evaluated.ResultsModification of TRAMP cells with H6 increased the efficacy of TRAMP-based whole-cell vaccine. The highest response rate was observed in mice receiving TRAMP-H6 alone and combined with CY. Vaccination with TRAMP-H6 alone and combined with CY and TRAMP H11 combined with CY extended median OS of mice bearing orthotopic TRAMP tumors in therapeutic setting. Low dose CY administered alone demonstrated some antitumor activity in employed model. TRAMP-H6 or TRAMP-H11 combined with CY strongly augmented generation of CD8+, CD4+ T lymphocytes and memory T cells. Immunization with TRAMP combined with or without CY suppressed generation of T regulatory cells.ConslusionsProstate cancer vaccines modified with H6 or H11 induce prostate tumour regression and increase mice survival by stimulating the immune system. Cyclophosphamide added to modified TRAMP vaccines demonstrated clinical benefit of treated mice and enhanced anti-tumour immune response.

Establishment of a syngeneic orthotopic model of prostate cancer in immunocompetent rats.

We previously established 3 cell lines (PLS10, PLS20 and PLS30) from a chemically-induced prostate carcinoma in F344 rats, and demonstrated high potential for metastasis in nude mice. In the present study, we investigated the feasibility of establishing an orthotopic model using the 3 rat prostate cancer cell lines in immunocompetent rats with the aim of resolving species-mismatch problems and defects of immune systems. The PLS10, PLS20 and PLS30 cell lines were injected into the ventral prostates of 6-week-old rats, which were then sacrificed at experimental weeks 4 and 8. Tumor mass formation was found in rats with PLS10, but not in those with PLS20 or PLS30. Additionally, metastatic carcinomas could be detected in lymph nodes and lungs of PLS10-inoculated rats. Genetic analysis demonstrated K-ras gene mutations in PLS10 and PLS20, but not in PLS30 cells. There were no mutations in p53 and KLF6. In conclusion, we established a syngeneic orthotopic model for prostate cancer in immunocompetent rats simulating human castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which should prove useful for development and validation of therapeutic agents, especially with immunotherapy.

Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) deficiency decreases latency of tumorigenesis and increases metastasis in a murine genetic model of prostate cancer.

Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) has been shown to act as a metastasis suppressor gene in multiple models of cancer. Loss of RKIP expression promotes invasion and metastasis in cell transplantation animal models. However, it is unknown if RKIP expression can impact the progression of cancer in an autochthonous model of cancer. The goal of this study was to determine if loss of RKIP expression in a genetic mouse model of prostate cancer (PCa) impacts metastasis. Endogenous RKIP expression was measured in the primary tumors and metastases of transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP(+) ) mice. RKIP knockout mice (RKIP(-/-) ) were crossbred with (TRAMP(+) ) mice to create RKIP(-/-) TRAMP(+) mice. Mice were euthanized at 10, 20, and 30 weeks for evaluation of primary and metastatic tumor development. To determine if loss of RKIP alone promotes metastasis, RKIP was knocked down in the low metastatic LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Endogenous RKIP expression decreased in TRAMP(+) mice as tumors progressed. Primary tumors developed earlier in RKIP(-/-) TRAMP(+) compared to TRAMP(+) mice. At 30 weeks of age, distant metastases were identified only the RKIP(-/-) TRAMP(+) mice. While prostate epithelial cell proliferation rates were higher at 10 and 20 weeks in RKIP(-/-) TRAMP(+) compared to TRAMP(+) mice, by 30 weeks there was no difference. Apoptosis rates in both groups were similar at all timepoints. Decreased RKIP expression did not impact the metastatic rate of LNCaP in an orthotopic PCa model. These results demonstrate that loss of RKIP decreases latency of tumor development and promotes distant metastasis in the TRAMP mouse model in the context of a pro-metastatic background; but loss of RKIP alone is insufficient to promote metastasis. These findings suggest that in addition to its known metastasis suppressor activity, RKIP may promote tumor progression through enhancing tumor initiation. Prostate 75:292-302, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.