Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor AG1478 Research Articles

Downregulation of angulin-1/LSR induces malignancy via upregulation of EGF-dependent claudin-2 and TGF-β-dependent cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells.

Abnormal expression of bicellular tight junction claudins, including claudin-2 are observed during carcinogenesis in human lung adenocarcinoma. However, little is known about the role of tricellular tight junction molecule angulin-1/lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR). In the lung adenocarcinoma tissues examined in the present study, expression of claudin-2 was higher than in normal lung tissues, while angulin-1/LSR was poorly or faintly expressed. We investigated how loss of angulin-1/LSR affects the malignancy of lung adenocarcinoma cell line A549 and normal human lung epithelial (HLE) cells. The EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 prevented the increase of claudin-2 expression induced by EGF in A549 cells. Knockdown of LSR induced expression of claudin-2 at the protein and mRNA levels and AG1478 prevented the upregulation of claudin-2 in A549 cells. Knockdown of LSR induced cell proliferation, cell migration and cell metabolism in A549 cells. Knockdown of claudin-2 inhibited the cell proliferation but did not affect the cell migration or cell metabolism of A549 cells. The TGF-β type I receptor inhibitor EW-7197 prevented the decrease of LSR and claudin-2 induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells and 2D culture of normal HLE cells. EW-7197 prevented the increase of cell migration and cell metabolism induced by TGF-β1 in A549 cells. EW-7197 prevented the increase of epithelial permeability of FITC-4kD dextran induced by TGF-β1 in 2.5D culture of normal HLE cells. In conclusion, downregulation of angulin-1/LSR induces malignancy via EGF-dependent claudin-2 and TGF-β-dependent cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma.

Eosinophil–Epithelial Cell Interactions Stimulate the Production of MUC5AC Mucin and Profibrotic Cytokines Involved in Airway Tissue Remodeling

Predominant eosinophil infiltration and tissue remodeling are common characteristics of chronic airway inflammation such as nasal polyposis and bronchial asthma. This study was designed to elucidate the role of eosinophils in tissue remodeling of chronic airway inflammation; eosinophil-epithelial interactions were examined by the coculture of airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292 with the eosinophilic cell line EoL-1 or with human blood eosinophils. The coculture-induced production of MUC5AC mucin, platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Eosinophil-epithelial interactions significantly stimulated the secretion of MUC5AC, PDGF-AB, VEGF, TGF-beta1, and IL-8 in culture supernatants. The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 inhibited the coculture-induced secretion of MUC5AC, PDGF-AB, VEGF, and IL-8. Neutralizing antibodies directed against TGF-alpha or amphiregulin and pan-metalloproteinase inhibitor GM6001 inhibited the coculture-induced secretion of MUC5AC and amphiregulin from the cocultured NCI-H292 cells. Coculture of NCI-H292 cells with peripheral blood eosinophils also significantly stimulated MUC5AC production. The results of this study indicate that eosinophil-epithelial cell interactions are important in the pathogenesis of tissue remodeling of eosinophil-predominant airway inflammation such as occurs in nasal polyposis and bronchial asthma.

Biphasic modulation of airway mesenchymal cell proliferation by hogbarn dust extract

Workers in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) often develop chronic inflammatory lung disease. Previous studies have characterized effects of an aqueous hogbarn dust extract (HDE) on inflammation responses of airway epithelial cells. We hypothesized that HDE would also exhibit disease‐relevant effects on airway mesenchymal cells. In both primary isolates of human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cells and the HFL1 human fetal lung fibroblast cell line, HDE at low concentrations stimulated proliferation assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation, with maximal stimulation at 1%. HDE stimulation was blocked by the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, implicating EGF receptor involvement, as shown previously for some HDE effects on epithelial cells. At higher concentrations, HDE stimulation decreased, with no stimulation and often significant inhibition induced by HDE at 5% or higher. The stimulatory and inhibitory activities were found in different gel filtration fractions of HDE, though the specific mediators remain unknown. HDE modulation of airway mesenchymal cell proliferation may contribute to airway remodeling in hogbarn workers. Supported by NIH Grant OH008539 to DJR.

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New platform for controlled and sustained delivery of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microspheres

Inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) reduces tumour growth and metastases and promotes axon regeneration in the central nervous system. Current EGFR inhibition strategies include the administration of reversible small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, to be effective in vivo sustained delivery is required. This study explored the feasibility of encapsulating the tyrphostin 4-(3-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline (AG1478) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using three different emulsion methods: solid-in-oil-in-water, oil-in-water and oil-in-water with co-solvent. Addition of a co-solvent increased loading and release of AG1478 and significantly (p < 0.001) decreased microsphere size. Co-solvent addition also prolonged AG1478 release from 6 months to over 9 months. Once released AG1478 remained bioactive and inhibited EGFR in immortalized rat fibroblasts and EGFR-amplified human carcinoma cells. These results demonstrate that AG1478 can be encapsulated in PLGA with sustained release and retain bioactivity; thereby providing a new platform for controlled administration of EGFR TKIs.

Regulation and Function of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 and TIMP3 in Periovulatory Rat Granulosa Cells

In the ovary, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) have been postulated to regulate extracellular matrix remodeling associated with ovulation. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms controlling expression of Timp1 and Timp3 mRNA in periovulatory granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were isolated from immature pregnant mare serum gonadotropin-primed (10 IU) rat ovaries and treated with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG; 1 IU/ml). At 4 h after hCG treatment, Timp1 expression was highest and then decreased gradually over the remaining 24 h of culture. In contrast, hCG induced a biphasic increase of Timp3 expression at 2 and 16 h. The hCG stimulated expression of Timp1 and Timp3 mRNA was blocked by inhibitors of the protein kinase A (H89), protein kinase C (GF109203), and MAPK (SB2035850) pathways. To further explore Timp1 and Timp3 regulation, cells were cultured with the progesterone receptor antagonist RU486, which blocked the hCG induction of Timp3 expression, whereas the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 blocked the hCG stimulation of both Timp1 and Timp3 expression. The prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 inhibitor NS-398 had no effect. The potential function of TIMP3 was investigated with Timp3-specific small interfering RNA treatment. Timp3 small interfering RNA resulted in a 20% decrease in hCG-induced progesterone levels and microarray analysis revealed an increase in cytochrome P450 Cyp 17, ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2T, and heat shock protein 70. IGF binding protein 5, stearyl-CoA desaturase, and annexin A1 were decreased. The differential regulation between Timp1 and Timp3 may correlate with their unique roles in the processes of ovulation and luteinization. For TIMP3, this may include regulating fatty acid synthesis, steroidogenesis, and protein turnover.

Thrombin regulates vascular smooth muscle cell proteoglycan synthesis via PAR-1 and multiple downstream signalling pathways

Introduction Atherosclerosis is the underlying pathological process of most cardiovascular disease. Thrombin is a serine protease which can activate protease activated receptors (PAR) on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to elicit cellular responses that can contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Human atherosclerosis commences with the binding and retention of lipoproteins by the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans. The potential effects of thrombin on the synthesis and structure of CS/DS proteoglycans produced by VSMCs was investigated. Materials and methods VSMCs were derived from human internal mammary arteries. Proteoglycan synthesis was assessed by [ 35S]sulfate and [ 3H]glucosamine incorporation. Proteoglycan size was assessed by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography. Results and conclusion Thrombin caused a dose-dependent increase in [ 35S]sulfate and [ 3H]glucosamine incorporation with maximum effects of approximately 150% at the highest doses tested. This increase was associated with increased size of biglycan and decorin assessed by SDS-PAGE. Chemically cleaved glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains analyzed by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography were larger for proteoglycans from thrombin treated cells. VSMCs synthesize small GAGs when provided with exogenous xyloside and thrombin treatment also increased the size of the secreted xyloside GAGs. The effect of thrombin was not mimicked by the catalytically inactive FPRCK-HCT and was blocked in a concentration- dependent manner by the PAR-1 antagonist, JNJ5177049. Inhibition of PK C with GF 109203X resulted in concentration dependent but partial inhibition of [ 35S]sulfate incorporation accompanied by a reduction in the size of biglycan and decorin. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated [ 35S]sulfate incorporation and increased proteoglycan size and this was completely blocked by the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478. AG1478 partially (32%, p < 0.01) blocked the effect of thrombin. Thrombin treatment of VSMCs increased the proportion of disaccharides sulfated at the 6 position of the GalNAc residues. Thus, thrombin has actions on VSMCs which increase the length and modify the sulfation pattern of GAG chains on proteoglycans in a manner that would enhance the binding of LDL. If manifest in vivo, this effect on proteoglycan synthesis and structure represents a new biochemical mechanism through which thrombin contributes to the development of atherosclerosis.

Paracrine and Autocrine Regulation of Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Factors in Cumulus Oocyte Complexes and Granulosa Cells: Key Roles for Prostaglandin Synthase 2 and Progesterone Receptor

The molecular bridges that link the LH surge with functional changes in cumulus cells that possess few LH receptors are being unraveled. Herein we document that epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factors amphiregulin (Areg), epiregulin (Ereg), and betacellulin (Btc) are induced in cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms that involve the actions of prostaglandins (PGs) and progesterone receptor (PGR). Areg and Ereg mRNA and protein levels were reduced significantly in COCs and ovaries collected from prostaglandin synthase 2 (Ptgs2) null mice and Pgr null (PRKO) mice at 4 h and 8 h after human chorionic gonadotropin, respectively. In cultured COCs, FSH/forskolin induced Areg mRNA within 0.5 h that peaked at 4 h, a process blocked by inhibitors of p38MAPK (SB203580), MAPK kinase (MEK) 1 (PD98059), and PTGS2 (NS398) but not protein kinase A (PKA) (KT5720). Conversely, AREG but not FSH induced Ptsg2 mRNA at 0.5 h with peak expression of Ptgs2 and Areg mRNAs at 4 h, processes blocked by the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 (AG), PD98059, and NS398. PGE2 reversed the inhibitory effects of AG on AREG-induced expression of Areg but not Ptgs2, placing Ptgs2 downstream of EGF-R signaling. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and adenovirally expressed PGRA synergistically induced Areg mRNA in granulosa cells. In COCs, AREG not only induced genes that impact matrix formation but also genes involved in steroidogenesis (StAR, Cyp11a1) and immune cell-like functions (Pdcd1, Runx1, Cd52). Collectively, FSH-mediated induction of Areg mRNA via p38MAPK precedes AREG induction of Ptgs2 mRNA via ERK1/2. PGs acting via PTGER2 in cumulus cells provide a secondary, autocrine pathway to regulate expression of Areg in COCs showing critical functional links between G protein-coupled receptor and growth factor receptor pathways in ovulating follicles.

Alpha 2 adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in porcine palmar lateral vein: role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and EGF receptor transactivation.

1 Alpha(2) adrenoceptors cause vasoconstriction in the porcine palmar lateral vein through a mechanism involving the ERK signal transduction cascade, calcium influx, and a Src tyrosine kinase. The aim of the present study was to determine if phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor transactivation are also involved. 2 alpha(2) Adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction and ERK2 activation in the porcine palmar lateral vein was inhibited in the presence of either the PI 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002, or the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 suggesting the involvement of both PI 3-kinase and EGF receptor transactivation. 3 Akt phosphorylation was increased in segments of porcine palmar lateral vein contracted with UK14304 indicating an increase in Akt activation. This is a further indication that PI 3-kinase is involved in alpha(2) adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Akt activation was inhibited by the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2, and removal of extracellular calcium. 4 UK14304 (10 microM) stimulated an increase in intracellular calcium in segments of palmar lateral vein. This was inhibited by removal of extracellular calcium, but not by nifedipine suggesting the rise in calcium is due to influx of calcium through non-L type calcium channels. The increase in calcium was also inhibited by LY294002 indicating that PI 3-kinase is upstream of calcium influx. 5 These data indicate that alpha(2) adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the porcine palmar lateral vein is dependent upon stimulation of PI 3-kinase, leading to an influx of calcium. This results in activation of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, and finally activation of ERK-MAP kinase.

Human neutrophil defensins induce lung epithelial cell proliferation in vitro

Repair of injured airway epithelium is often accompanied by an influx of leukocytes, and these cells have been suggested to contribute to the repair process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of neutrophil defensins--antimicrobial peptides present in large amounts in the neutrophil--on proliferation of cultured lung epithelial cells. Neutrophil defensins at 4-10 microg/ml enhanced proliferation of the A549 lung epithelial cell line as assessed using cell counting, BrdU incorporation, and the tetrazolium salt MTT assay. Higher, cytotoxic concentrations of defensins decreased cell proliferation. Whereas defensin-induced cell proliferation was not inhibited by the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478, it was completely inhibited by the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126, suggesting that defensins mediate cell proliferation via an EGF receptor-independent, MAP kinase signaling pathway. Although the cytotoxic effect of defensins was inhibited by alpha1-proteinase inhibitor, the defensin-induced cell proliferation was not affected. These data suggest that neutrophil defensins may possibly be involved in epithelial repair in the airways by inducing lung epithelial cell proliferation.

Pancreatic cancer cells require an EGF receptor-mediated autocrine pathway for proliferation in serum-free conditions.

In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown that autocrine growth factors and receptors are frequently expressed in human malignancies. Few of these studies, however, provide evidence that the identified autocrine pathway is functional. In this study, a functional autocrine growth pathway in pancreatic cancer has been identified using an in-vitro cell culture system. When pancreatic cancer cells were grown without change of medium, proliferation was greater than when either medium was replaced frequently (HPAF, CAPAN-2, PANC-1 or SW1990) or cells were grown in the presence of the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 or the MEK inhibitor PD098059 (HPAF or CAPAN-2). Activity of extracellular-regulated kinases (ERK) 1 and 2 and c- jun and c- fos mRNA levels were significantly elevated in CAPAN-2 cells cultured continuously in serum-free medium. Collectively, the observations indicate that the EGF receptor and the ERK MAP kinase pathway mediate autocrine signals. In contrast to previous reports, the GRP and IGF-I receptors were shown not to be required for autocrine effects on pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Autocrine stimulation of the EGF receptor can contribute to sustained mitogenic activity and proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com

Regulation of p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK by the adenosine A 1 receptor in DDT 1MF-2 cells

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family consists of the p42/p44 MAPKs and the stress-activated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK. We have previously reported that the human adenosine A 1 receptor stimulates p42/p44 MAPK in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. In this study, we have investigated whether the endogenous adenosine A 1 receptor in the smooth muscle cell line, DDT 1MF-2 activates p42/p44 MAPK, JNK and p38 MAPK. The adenosine A 1 receptor agonist N 6-cyclopentyladenosine stimulated time and concentration-dependent increases in p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation in DDT 1MF-2 cells. No increases in JNK phosphorylation were observed following adenosine A 1 receptor activation. N 6-cyclopentyladenosine-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were blocked by the selective adenosine A 1 receptor antagonist 1,3-dipropylcyclopentylxanthine and following pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin. Furthermore, adenosine A 1 receptor-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK were sensitive to the MAPK kinase 1 inhibitor PD 98059 (2′-amino-3′-methoxyflavone), whereas p38 MAPK responses were blocked by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB 203580 (4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1 H-imidazole). The broad range protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin A47 (α-cyano-(3,4-dihydroxy)thiocinnamide) did not block adenosine A 1 receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK. For comparison, insulin-mediated increases in p42/p44 MAPK were blocked by genistein and tyrphostin A47. The Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 (4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-( t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4- d]pyrimidine) and the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1478 (4-(3-chloroanilino)-6,7-dimethoxyquinazoline) also had no effect on adenosine A 1 receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK. Furthermore, the protein kinase C inhibitors Ro 31-8220 (3-{1-[3-(2-isothioureido) propyl]indol-3-yl}-4-(1-methylindol-3-yl)-3-pyrrolin-2,5-dione), chelerythrine and GF 109203X (2-[1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-1 H-indol-3-yl]-3-(1 H-indol-3-yl)-maleimide) were without effect on adenosine A 1 receptor-induced p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation. In contrast, wortmannin and LY 294002 (2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4 H-1-benzopyran-4-one), inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, attenuated adenosine A 1 receptor stimulation of p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation. In conclusion, the adenosine A 1 receptor stimulates p42/p44 MAPK through a pathway which appears to be independent of tyrosine kinase activation but involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Finally, adenosine A 1 receptor stimulation in DDT 1MF-2 cells also activated p38 MAPK but not JNK via a pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway.