Prostaglandin Transporter Research Articles

Su1982 Reduced Expression of Prostaglandin Transporter is an Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Associated With Tumor Angiogenesis

Su1982 Reduced Expression of Prostaglandin Transporter is an Independent Predictor of Poor Prognosis in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Associated With Tumor Angiogenesis

Genetic Variability in Key Genes in Prostaglandin E2 Pathway (COX-2, HPGD, ABCC4 and SLCO2A1) and Their Involvement in Colorectal Cancer Development

The pro-carcinogenic effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in colonic mucosa are not only regulated by the rates between Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) biosynthesis and 15-Hydroxyprostaglandin Dehydrogenase (15-PGDH)-dependent degradation but also the steady-state levels of PGE2 in extracellular microenvironment, maintained by key specific prostaglandin transporters, the Multidrug Resistance Protein (MRP4) (efflux carrier) and Prostaglandin Transporter (PGT) (influx carrier). To understand the contribution of genetic variability in genes coding for COX-2/15-PGDH/MRP4/PGT proteins in CRC development, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study involving 246 CRC patients and 480 cancer-free controls. A total of 51 tagSNPs were characterized using the Sequenom platform through multiplexed amplification followed by mass-spectrometric product separation or allelic discrimination using real-time PCR. Seven tagSNPs were implicated in CRC development: the rs689466 in COX-2 gene, the rs1346271 and rs1426945 in 15-PGDH, the rs6439448 and rs7616492 in PGT and rs1751051 and rs1751031 in MRP4 coding genes. Upon a stratified analysis a measurable gene-environment interaction was noticed between rs689466 and smoking habits, with individuals ever-smokers carriers of rs689466 GG homozygous genotype having a nearly 6-fold increased susceptibility for CRC onset (95%CI: 1.49–22.42, P = 0.011). Furthermore, the multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis identified an overall four-factor best gene-gene interactive model, including the rs1426945, rs6439448, rs1751051 and rs1751031 polymorphisms. This model had the highest cross-validation consistency (10/10, P<0.0001) and an accuracy of 0.6957 and was further associated with a 5-fold increased risk for CRC development (95%CI: 3.89–7.02, P<0.0001). In conclusion, specific low penetrance genes in the pro-carcinogenic PGE2 pathway appear to modulate the genetic susceptibility for CRC development. A clearer understanding on CRC etiology through the identification of biomarkers of colorectal carcinogenesis might allow a better definition of risk models that are more likely to benefit from targeted preventive strategies to reduce CRC burden.

Prostaglandin Transporters ABCC4 and SLCO2A1 in the Uterine Endometrium and Conceptus During Pregnancy in Pigs

Prostaglandins (PGs) are involved in many reproductive activities including luteolysis, maternal recognition of pregnancy, endometrial gene expression, conceptus development, and parturition in domestic animals. However, mechanisms by which PGE2 and PGF2alpha are modulated in the uterine endometrium and expression of ABCC4 and SLCO2A1, responsible for efficient transport of PGs across the cell membrane, in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy are not fully understood in pigs. Therefore, we determined expression of ABCC4 and SLCO2A1, genes involved in transport of PGE2 and PGF2alpha in the uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy in pigs. ABCC4 and SLCO2A1 mRNAs were expressed in the uterine endometrium, most abundantly on Day 12 of pregnancy and during late pregnancy. Expression of ABCC4 mRNA and protein was localized mainly to uterine luminal epithelial (LE) and glandular epithelial (GE) cells, and expression of SLCO2A1 mRNA and protein was expressed primarily in uterine LE and blood vessels. Expression of ABCC4 and SLCO2A1 mRNAs was also detected in conceptuses during early pregnancy. In addition, explant culture experiments showed that increasing doses of interleukin 1B (IL1B) with estrogen and progesterone increased levels of ABCC4 and SLCO2A1 mRNAs in the uterine endometrium. These results indicate that expression of genes responsible for transport of PGE2 and PGF2alpha are dynamically regulated in the uterine endometrium during pregnancy and that ABCC4 and SLCO2A1 play critical roles in supporting the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy by regulating PG transport at the maternal-fetal interface in pigs.

Prostaglandin Transporting Protein-mediated Prostaglandin E2 Transport in Lipopolysaccharide-inflamed Rat Dental Pulp

IntroductionThe prostaglandin transporter (Pgt) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (Mrp) 4 are membrane transport proteins that play crucial roles in the transmembrane uptake and/or efflux of prostaglandins (PGs). This study attempted to analyze the protein expression of Pgt and Mrp4 and their involvement in PGE2 efflux transport in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed rat incisor pulp tissue. MethodsPulpitis was induced in the upper incisors of Wistar rats by treating them with LPS for 24 hours. The protein expression levels of Pgt, Mrp4, and microsomal PGE synthase (mPGES) were analyzed with immunofluorescent staining. The amount of PGE2 released from the inflamed pulp tissue in the presence or absence of dipyridamole (an Mrp4 inhibitor) was assessed by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. ResultsDouble immunofluorescence staining revealed that the Pgt, Mrp4, and mPGES immunoreactivity co-localized in CD31-expressing endothelial cells. Moreover, the Mrp4 inhibitor caused a significant decrease in the amount of PGE2 released from the LPS-inflamed pulp (P < .01 at 24 hours). ConclusionPgt, Mrp4, and mPGES expression was detected in the endothelial cells of normal and LPS-inflamed rat incisor pulp tissue, suggesting that these cells are associated with the biosynthesis and transmembrane transport of PGE2. The significant decrease in PGE2 release induced by the Mrp4 inhibitor suggests that Mrp4 contributes to the transport of PGE2 in the transmembrane efflux pathway.

Glucocorticoid mediates the transcription of OAT-PG, a kidney-specific prostaglandin transporter

OAT-PG is a kidney-specific prostaglandin transporter and exclusively expressed at the basolateral membrane of proximal tubules in rodent kidneys. We previously reported that OAT-PG was dominantly expressed in the male kidney similar to the other SLC22 family proteins as organic anion transporter (OAT) 1 and OAT3. Recently, Wegner et al. revealed that a transcription factor, B-cell CLL/lymphoma 6 (BCL6), is associated with the male-dominant expressions of OAT1 and OAT3 in the rat kidney. Here, we performed the luciferase assay to investigate whether OAT-PG is also transcriptionally regulated by BCL6. However, the promoter activity of OAT-PG was not directly affected by BCL6 overexpression nor the testosterone treatment, suggesting that different regulatory mechanisms underlie the male-dominant transcriptional regulation of OAT-PG compared to those of OAT1 and OAT3. We newly found that adrenalectomy (Adx) of male rat caused a significant reduction of OAT-PG expression without any significant changes in the OAT1 and OAT3 expressions, and it was recovered by the dexamethasone administration. Furthermore, the renocortical PGE2 concentration was markedly increased in Adx male rat, concomitant with the downregulation of OAT-PG, and it was reduced to the basal level by dexamethasone treatment. In the luciferase assay, dexamethasone stimulated OAT-PG promoter activity but not OAT1. The luciferase activity responsiveness to dexamethasone was significantly reduced by the deletion of glucocorticoid response elements in the OAT-PG promoter region. These results suggest that glucocorticoid plays an important role in the regulation of the renocortical PGE2 concentration by the transcriptional regulation of OAT-PG in the rat kidney.

Decreased Expression of a Novel Prostaglandin Transporter, OAT-PG, Facilitates Renocortical PGE2 Accumulation during Rat Pregnancy

Background: Prostaglandin (PG)-specific organic anion transporter (OAT-PG) is a recently identified renal transporter involved in the local clearance of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂). Since the renal biosynthesis of PGE₂ is not increased during pregnancy, this transporter expression would affect the gestational changes in the renal PGE₂ content. Methods: Kidneys from rats at different gestational stages were used to examine gestational changes in the renocortical PGE₂ concentration. The renal expression of OAT-PG and the enzymes for PGE₂ synthesis was also examined sequentially, together with the gestational changes in renal renin production. Results: The renocortical PGE₂ concentration was significantly increased during midterm to late pregnancy, with a maximum increase of 47.6 ± 11.5% from the virgin value. Although the expression of the enzymes, such as cyclooxygenases and PG synthases, was not increased, that of OAT-PG was significantly decreased throughout pregnancy, inversely correlating with changes in the renocortical PGE₂ concentration. Renal renin production was significantly increased during pregnancy. Conclusion: This study demonstrated for the first time that the tissue PGE₂ concentration was increased in pregnant rat kidneys, which may be associated with the gestational rise in glomerular filtration rate. The decreased expression of OAT-PG was thought to be responsible for the increased tissue PGE₂ content.

Organ, Cellular, and Subcellular Localization of Brain-Specific Anion Transporter BSAT1

Organ, cellular, and subcellular localization of brain-specific anion transporter BSAT1 was studied in rats using antibodies to the extracellular fragment (451-557 a.a). The antibodies were shown to recognize the antigen predominantly localized in the nervous tissue, tumors of glial origin, and primordial ovarian follicles. The absence of BSAT1 immunofluorescence signal in kidney and liver sections and accumulation of (125)I labeled antibodies to BSAT1 in these organs indicate that these antibodies do not cross-react with the most common isoforms of OATP expressed in these organs. Analysis of the cellular localization suggests that in the brain, BSAT1 is localized predominantly in astrocytes, but not in endothelial cells, as was previously reported. Laser scanning confocal microscopy with a set of relevant trackers revealed membrane localization of BSAT1. Taking into account the data on the of localization, we can conclude that antibodies to BSAT1 451-557 can be used for basic research of the transport of thyroxin and prostaglandins across the blood brain barrier and for testing the systems for targeted transport of diagnostic preparations and drugs across the blood brain barrier, e.g. to astroglial tumors.

Intrauterine Inhibition of Prostaglandin Transporter Protein Blocks Release of Luteolytic PGF2alpha Pulses Without Suppressing Endometrial Expression of Estradiol or Oxytocin Receptor in Ruminants1

In ruminants, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2(alpha)) is synthesized and released in a pulsatile pattern from the endometria luminal epithelial (LE) cells during the process of luteolysis. Prostaglandin transporter (PGT) is a 12-transmembrane solute carrier organic anion transporter protein that facilitates transport of PGF2(alpha). The present study determined the effects of inhibition of PGT protein on pulsatile release of luteolytic PGF2(alpha) and the underlined cell-signaling mechanisms. The results indicate that intrauterine inhibition of the PGT protein inhibits the pulsatile release of PGF2(alpha) from the endometrium and maintains a functional corpus luteum. Surprisingly, inhibition of PGT-mediated luteolytic pulses is not associated with spatial regulation of estrogen and oxytocin receptors in the LE of the endometrium and is also not accompanied by decreased biosynthesis of PGF2(alpha) or increased catabolism of PGF2(alpha) by the endometrium. Importantly, PGT inhibitor increases expression of pERK1/2 proteins in the LE of the endometrium. Knock down of ERK1/2 genes in LE cells reverses the inhibitory effects of PGT inhibitor on release of PGF2(alpha). In conclusion, intrauterine inhibition of PGT inhibits the pulsatile release of PGF2(alpha) from the endometrium without modulating spatial expressions of estrogen and oxytocin receptor proteins and metabolism of PGF2(alpha) at the time of luteolysis. Activation of ERK1/2 pathways and interactions between ERK1/2 and PGT protein appear to be important cell-signaling mechanisms that control PGT-mediated efflux transport function. PGT emerges as an important final component in the luteolytic machinery that controls the release of luteolytic pulses of PGF2(alpha) from the endometrium in sheep.

Su1963 Overexpression of Prostaglandin Transporter Is Associated With Differentiation in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Su1963 Overexpression of Prostaglandin Transporter Is Associated With Differentiation in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Abstract 5119: Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) may contribute to breast cancer progression by exporting the COX-2 product PGE2.

Abstract Cancer is becoming the most prevalent disease in developed countries due to aging populations. Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women accounting for 23% of total cancer diagnoses and 14% of cancer-related deaths. As with many solid tumors, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and its enzymatic product, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), are elevated in breast cancer, and are associated with a poor prognosis. PGE2 initiates various signaling pathways when it binds to each of its four cognate EP receptors. We have previously shown that PGE2 signaling through the EP4 receptor increases the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) is responsible for the active export of PGE2 from the tumor cells, while the prostaglandin transporter (PGT) imports PGE2 for 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH)-mediated degradation. The role of neither MRP4 nor PGT has been investigated in breast cancer progression. We hypothesize that increased expression of MRP4 would cause increased PGE2 signaling and, therefore, increased metastatic potential in breast cancer. Using a panel of breast cancer cell lines, we demonstrate that highly metastatic tumor cells can express low levels of COX-2, but still achieve high extracellular levels of PGE2. We used MCF10A (immortalized normal breast epithelium), MCF7 (luminal), T47D (luminal), MDA-MB-231 (basal B), 4175 (basal B), MDA-MD-468 (basal A), MDA-MB-436 (Basal B), and SKBR3 (HER2-enriched) cell lines. These cell lines span not only a range of molecular subtypes, but also a range of metastatic potential. MRP4 mRNA and protein expression is increased in tumor cell lines with high metastatic potential while expression of PGT mRNA and protein is decreased in these cells when compared to cells with lower metastatic potential. This inverse relationship between MRP4 and PGT should lead to higher concentrations of extracellular PGE2 in the tumor microenvironment, and this hypothesis is being tested through pharmacologic and genetic approaches. Pharmacologic inhibition of MRP4 with MK571 in vitro results in decreased export of two substrates of MRP4, PGE2 and cyclic-AMP (cAMP). Likewise, genetic suppression by MRP4 shRNA shows that decreased MRP4 expression also results in reduced PGE2 export. This data supports the hypothesis that MRP4 is a critcal step in the PGE2 signaling pathway that leads to high extracellular PGE2, and implicates MRP4 as a possible therapeutic target. Citation Format: Tyler J. Kochel, Jocelyn Reader, Namita Kundu, Yanchun Li, Xinrong Ma, Dawn Holt, Amy Fulton. Multiple drug resistance-associated protein 4 (MRP4) may contribute to breast cancer progression by exporting the COX-2 product PGE2. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5119. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5119

Abstract 524: Cyclooxygenase pathway in ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objectives: To examine the role of the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway in ovarian cancer. Cyclooxygenases, specifically COX1 and COX2, are frequently overexpressed in malignancies and lead to the synthesis of prostaglandins. A particularly important prostaglandin, PGE2 is exported from the cell into the extracellular milieu by the multi-drug resistance protein 4 (MRP4) transporter where it acts in a paracrine and autocrine manner by activating a family of G-protein coupled receptors (EP1-4). PGE2 is transported into the cell by the prostaglandin transporter (PGT) and catabolized by 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH). It has been previously shown that COX1, rather than COX2, is overexpressed in ovarian cancer. Little is known about the role of other members of this pathway, including EP receptors, PGT, MRP4, and 15-PGDH, in this disease. Methods: HOSE (benign immortalized ovarian epithelial cells) and two ovarian cancer cell lines, SKOV3 and OVCAR3, were grown under standard conditions. Cells were harvested and RNA and protein were isolated. Quantitative RT-PCR was done using the SYBR Green protocol to examine the expression of members of the cyclooxygenase pathway and expressed relative to HOSE cells. Results: In both ovarian cancer cell lines relative to HOSE, expression of COX2, PGT, EP4, and EP1 was decreased. In SKOV3 cells, COX1 and 15-PGDH expression was decreased but MRP4 levels were comparable to levels detected in HOSE cells. In OVCAR3 cells, COX1 and 15-PGDH expression levels were increased and MRP4 was decreased relative to HOSE cells. PGE2 levels in media will be measured to determine the net effect of these changes. Protein levels of the members of the cyclooxygenase pathway will be determined by western blot. Conclusions: It is clear that several members of the cyclooxygenase pathway are expressed differently in malignant versus normal ovarian cells. Studies in progress will determine the functional significance of these differences. Citation Format: Gautam G. Rao, Tyler Kochel, Namita Kundu, Jocelyn Reader, Amy Fulton. Cyclooxygenase pathway in ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 524. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-524

Arachidonic acid increases permeability of HBMEC monolayers via increased production of prostaglandin E2

The blood‐brain barrier, formed by microvessel endothelial cells, is the restrictive barrier between the brain parenchyma and the circulating blood. Arachidonic acid (AA) is a conditionally essential polyunsaturated fatty acid [20:4(n‐6)] and a major constituent of brain lipids. In this study transport of AA in confluent monolayers of human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMEC) was examined. Addition of [3H]AA to the apical compartment of HBMEC confluent monolayers cultured on Transwell® inserts resulted in rapid incorporation of [3H]AA into the basolateral medium. Knock down of FATP‐1 or CD36 did not alter [3H]AA movement into the basolateral medium and this was due to a rapid generation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an eicosanoid known to facilitate opening of the blood‐brain barrier. Disruption of HBMEC monolayers following AA exposure was confirmed by an increased movement of fluorescein‐labeled dextran from the apical to basolateral medium. HBMECs expressed PGE2 synthase, cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2, PGE2 receptors, tight junction proteins and prostaglandin transporters. Specific cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors attenuated the AA‐mediated increase in membrane permeability. The results indicate that AA increases the permeability of HBMEC monolayers via increased production of PGE2. [Funded by NSERC Canada; GMH is a Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cardiolipin Metabolism]

A role of prostaglandin transporter in regulating PGE2 release from human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells in response to LPS

Naturally occurring prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) plays a role in inflammatory responses through eicosanoid signaling pathways. PGE₂ is impermeable to cell membranes at physiological pH and needs solute carrier across the membranes; however, it remains unclear how intercellular concentrations of PGE₂ are regulated under the condition of inflammation. We aimed to clarify a role of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2A1 (OATP2A1/SLCO2A1), also known as prostaglandin transporter (PGT), in PGE₂ release from cells. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and PGT inhibitors were tested to evaluate contribution of PGT to PGE₂ release by assessing its extracellular concentration and characterizing PGT-mediated PGE₂ efflux in Xenopus laevis oocytes. As a result, LPS elevated mRNA expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6 and extracellular concentration of PGE₂ in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. PGT inhibitors tested (e.g. bromocresol green (BCG), bromosulfophthalein (BSP), and PGB₁) significantly inhibited efflux of PGE₂ from oocytes expressing PGT. Similarly, the amount of released PGE2 from the BEAS-2B cells decreased in the presence of BCG and BSP by 45 and 44% respectively while TGBz increased the concentration by 71%, suggesting that PGT mediates the release. In conclusion, these results imply a role of PGT in regulating intra- and extracellular concentrations of PGE₂ in response to cells under inflammatory conditions.

Mutations in theSLCO2A1Gene and Primary Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy: A Clinical and Biochemical Characterization

We previously demonstrated that deficiency of the prostaglandin transporter (SLCO2A1) is a cause of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). However, its clinical and metabolic characteristics have not been well defined. The objective of the study was to expand this mutational spectrum to better delineate the SLCO2A1 deficiency phenotype and investigate the clinical and metabolic characteristics of a cohort of subjects with PHO. Eleven affected individuals and their available healthy family members from 9 unrelated Chinese families with PHO (7 of which were previously undescribed) were clinically studied. The SLCO2A1 gene was screened and analyzed. Urinary levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and prostaglandin E metabolite (PGE-M) were measured using competitive ELISAs. The serum levels of total T, estradiol, sex hormone-binding protein, LH, FSH, and fasting gastrin were detected. Nine different SLCO2A1 mutations were identified in affected individuals in the 7 previously undescribed families, 7 of which (Glu165X, Ala286GlnfsX35, Gln356AlafsX77, Gly369Asp, Gly379Glu, Glu465Lys, and c.861+2T>C) were novel. The urinary levels of PGE₂ and PGE-M were much higher in the SLCO2A1-deficient individuals and decreased with age. There was no relationship between sex hormones and PGE₂ or PGE-M. There was no significant difference in the levels of fasting serum gastrin between PHO patients with watery diarrhea and their relatives. The present findings broaden the allelic spectrum of SLCO2A1 mutations. The urinary levels of PGE₂ and PGE-M in the SLCO2A1-deficient individuals decreased with age. The measurement of the excreted PGE₂ and PGE-M may have implications in the differential diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of PHO.

Prostaglandin E2 functions as a luteotrophic factor in the dog

The luteal phase in dogs is governed by many poorly understood regulatory mechanisms. Functioning of the corpus luteum (CL) is unaffected by hysterectomy. Recently, the role of prostaglandins in regulating canine CL function was addressed suggesting a luteotrophic effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) during the early luteal phase. However, compelling functional evidence was lacking. The potential of PGE2 to stimulate steroidogenesis was tested in canine primary luteal cells isolated from developing CL of non-pregnant dogs. In addition, the luteal expression of prostaglandin transporter (PGT) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) was demonstrated and characterized in CL from non-pregnant bitches during the course of dioestrus as well as from pregnant animals during the pre-implantation, post-implantation and mid-gestation periods of pregnancy and during luteolysis; the luteal expression of PGE2 receptors (EP2 and EP4) has been investigated at the protein level throughout pregnancy. Our findings show that PGE2 is an activator of STAR expression in canine luteal cells from early luteal phase, significantly up-regulating STAR promoter activity and protein expression resulting in increased steroidogenesis. The 3βHSD (HSD3B2) and P450scc (CYP11A1) expression remained unaffected by PGE2 treatment. The expression of PGT was confirmed in CL during both pregnancy and dioestrus and generally localized to the luteal cells. After initial up-regulation during the earlier stages of the CL phase, its expression declined towards the luteal regression. Together with the demonstration of EP2 and EP4 throughout pregnancy, and the decline in EP2 at prepartum, our findings further support our hypothesis that intra-luteal PGE2 may play an important role in regulating progesterone secretion in the canine CL.

β-catenin negatively regulates expression of the prostaglandin transporter PGT in the normal intestinal epithelium and colorectal tumour cells: a role in the chemopreventive efficacy of aspirin?

Background:Levels of the pro-tumorigenic prostaglandin PGE2 are increased in colorectal cancer, previously attributed to increased synthesis through COX-2 upregulation and, more recently, to decreased catabolism. The functionally linked genes 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) and the prostaglandin transporter PGT co-operate in prostaglandin degradation and are downregulated in colorectal cancer. We previously reported repression of 15-PGDH expression by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, commonly deregulated during early colorectal neoplasia. Here we asked whether β-catenin also regulates PGT expression.Methods:The effect of β-catenin deletion in vivo was addressed by PGT immunostaining of β-catenin−/lox-villin-cre-ERT2 mouse tissue. The effect of siRNA-mediated β-catenin knockdown and dnTCF4 induction in vitro was addressed by semi-quantitative and quantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting.Results:This study shows for the first time that deletion of β-catenin in murine intestinal epithelium in vivo upregulates PGT protein, especially in the crypt epithelium. Furthermore, β-catenin knockdown in vitro increases PGT expression in both colorectal adenoma- and carcinoma-derived cell lines, as does dnTCF4 induction in LS174T cells.Conclusions:These data suggest that β-catenin employs a two-pronged approach to inhibiting prostaglandin turnover during colorectal neoplasia by repressing PGT expression in addition to 15-PGDH. Furthermore, our data highlight a potential mechanism that may contribute to the non-selective NSAID aspirin’s chemopreventive efficacy.

A Clearance System for Prostaglandin D2, a Sleep-Promoting Factor, in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Role of the Blood-Cerebrospinal Barrier Transporters

Although the level of prostaglandin (PG) D(2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) affects the action of D-type prostanoid receptors that promote physiological sleep, the regulatory system of PGD(2) clearance from the CSF is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate PGD(2) elimination from the CSF via the blood-CSF barrier (BCSFB). The in vivo PGD(2) elimination clearance from the CSF was 16-fold greater than that of inulin, which is considered to reflect CSF bulk flow. This process was inhibited by the simultaneous injection of unlabeled PGD(2). The characteristics of PGD(2) uptake by isolated choroid plexus were, at least partially, consistent with those of PG transporter (PGT) and organic anion transporter 3 (OAT3). Studies using an oocyte expression system showed that PGT and OAT3 were able to mediate PGD(2) transport with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 1.07 and 7.32 μM, respectively. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGT was localized on the brush-border membrane of the choroid plexus epithelial cells. These findings indicate that the system regulating the PGD(2) level in the CSF involves PGT- and OAT3-mediated PGD(2) uptake by the choroid plexus epithelial cells, acting as a pathway for PGD(2) clearance from the CSF via the BCSFB.

Identification of mutations in the prostaglandin transporter gene SLCO2A1 and its phenotype–genotype correlation in Japanese patients with pachydermoperiostosis

Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by 3 major symptoms: pachydermia including cutis verticis gyrata (CVG), periostosis, and finger clubbing. Recently, a homozygous mutation in the gene HPGD, which encodes 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), was found to be associated with PDP. However, mutations in HPGD have not been identified in Japanese PDP patients. We aimed to identify a novel responsible gene for PDP using whole exome sequencing by next-generation DNA sequencer (NGS). Five patients, including 2 patient-parent trios were enrolled in this study. Entire coding regions were sequenced by NGS to identify candidate mutations associated with PDP. The candidate mutations were subsequently sequenced using the Sanger method. To determine clinical characteristics, we analyzed histological samples, as well as serum and urinary prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels for each of the 5 PDP patients, and 1 additional patient with idiopathic CVG. From initial analyses of whole exome sequencing data, we identified mutations in the solute carrier organic anion transporter family, member 2A1 (SLCO2A1) gene, encoding prostaglandin transporter, in 3 of the PDP patients. Follow-up Sanger sequencing showed 5 different SLCO2A1 mutations (c.940+1G>A, p.E427_P430del, p.G104*, p.T347I, p.Q556H) in 4 unrelated PDP patients. In addition, the splice-site mutation c.940+1G>A identified in 3 of 4 PDP patients was determined to be a founder mutation in the Japanese population. Furthermore, it is likely that the combination of these SLCO2A1 mutations in PDP patients is also associated with disease severity. We found that SLCO2A1 is a novel gene responsible for PDP. Although the SLCO2A1 gene is only the second gene discovered to be associated with PDP, it is likely to be a major cause of PDP in the Japanese population.

Apricoxib upregulates 15-PGDH and PGT in tobacco-related epithelial malignancies

Background:Despite focused research in conventional therapies and considerable advances in the understanding of the molecular carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the 5-year survival rate for patients with advanced disease remains ∼15–20%. The major causes of HNSCC-related deaths are cervical node and distant metastasis. E-cadherin has a key role in epithelial intercellular adhesion and its downregulation is a hallmark of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is associated with invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition is the major mechanism responsible for mediating invasiveness and metastasis of epithelial cancers. Recently, we reported the role of E-cadherin transcriptional repressors in the inflammation-induced promotion of EMT in HNSCC, which is mediated by COX-2. These findings suggest that therapies targeting the cyclooxygenase pathway may diminish the propensity for tumour metastasis in HNSCC by blocking the PGE2-mediated induction of E-cadherin transcriptional repressors.Methods:Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of the COX-2 inhibitor, apricoxib, in HNSCC cell lines. Apricoxib is effective in preventing tumour cell growth in three-dimensional, and anchorage-independent growth assays, as well as decreasing the capacity for tumour cell migration.Results:Herein, we evaluate the efficacy of the COX-2 inhibitor, apricoxib, in HNSCC cell lines. Apricoxib is effective in preventing tumour cell growth in three-dimensional, and anchorage-independent growth assays, as well as decreasing the capacity for tumour cell migration. Treatment of HNSCC cells with apricoxib also causes greater upregulation of E-cadherin and Muc1 expression and downregulation of vimentin, as compared with celecoxib treatment. This has significant implications for targeted chemoprevention and anti-cancer therapy because E-cadherin expression has been implicated as a marker of sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and other therapies. We show for the first time the molecular mechanisms underlying the efficacy of apricoxib in HNSCC cells.Conclusion:In addition to reversing EMT via inhibition of COX-2, apricoxib upregulates 15-prostaglandin dehydrogenase and the prostaglandin transporter, thereby reducing the levels of active PGE2 by both suppressing its synthesis and increasing its catabolism. These findings have significant implications for metastasis and tumour progression in HNSCC.

Prostaglandin transporter mutations cause pachydermoperiostosis with myelofibrosis

Pachydermoperiostosis, or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO), is an inherited multisystem disorder, whose features closely mimic the reactive osteoarthropathy that commonly accompanies neoplastic and inflammatory pathologies. We previously described deficiency of the prostaglandin-degrading enzyme 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) as a cause of this condition, implicating elevated circulating prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) as causative of PHO, and perhaps also as the principal mediator of secondary HO. However, PHO is genetically heterogeneous. Here, we use whole-exome sequencing to identify recessive mutations of the prostaglandin transporter SLCO2A1, in individuals lacking HPGD mutations. We performed exome sequencing of four probands with severe PHO, followed by conventional mutation analysis of SLCO2A1 in nine others. Biallelic SLCO2A1 mutations were identified in 12 of the 13 families. Affected individuals had elevated urinary PGE(2), but unlike HPGD-deficient patients, also excreted considerable quantities of the PGE(2) metabolite, PGE-M. Clinical differences between the two groups were also identified, notably that SLCO2A1-deficient individuals have a high frequency of severe anemia due to myelofibrosis. These findings reinforce the key role of systemic or local prostaglandin excess as the stimulus to HO. They also suggest that the induction or maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells by prostaglandin may depend upon transporter activity.