Jacqueline Akech

Runx2 association with progression of prostate cancer in patients: mechanisms mediating bone osteolysis and osteoblastic metastatic lesions.

Runx2, a bone-specific transcriptional regulator, is abnormally expressed in highly metastatic prostate cancer cells. Here, we identified the functional activities of Runx2 in facilitating tumor growth and osteolysis. Our studies show that negligible Runx2 is found in normal prostate epithelial and non-metastatic LNCaP prostate cancer cells. In the intra-tibial metastasis model, high Runx2 levels are associated with development of large tumors, increased expression of metastasis-related genes (MMP9, MMP13, VEGF, Osteopontin) and secreted bone-resorbing factors (PTHrP, IL8) promoting osteolytic disease. Runx2 siRNA treatment of PC3 cells decreased cell migration and invasion through Matrigel in vitro, and in vivo shRunx2 expression in PC3 cells blocked their ability to survive in the bone microenvironment. Mechanisms of Runx2 function were identified in co-culture studies showing that PC3 cells promote osteoclastogenesis and inhibit osteoblast activity. The clinical significance of these findings is supported by human tissue microarray studies of prostate tumors at stages of cancer progression, in which Runx2 is expressed in both adenocarcinomas and metastatic tumors. Together these findings indicate that Runx2 is a key regulator of events associated with prostate cancer metastatic bone disease.

Ectopic Runx2 Expression in Mammary Epithelial Cells Disrupts Formation of Normal Acini Structure: Implications for Breast Cancer Progression

The transcription factor Runx2 is highly expressed in breast cancer cells compared with mammary epithelial cells and contributes to metastasis. Here we directly show that Runx2 expression promotes a tumor cell phenotype of mammary acini in three-dimensional culture. Human mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A) form polarized, growth-arrested, acini-like structures with glandular architecture. The ectopic expression of Runx2 disrupts acini formation, and electron microscopic ultrastructural analysis revealed the absence of lumens. Characterization of the disrupted acini structures showed increased cell proliferation (Ki-67 positive cells), decreased apoptosis (Bcl-2 induction), and loss of basement membrane formation (absence of beta(4) integrin expression). In complementary experiments, inhibition of Runx2 function in metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by stable expression of either short hairpin RNA-Runx2 or a mutant Runx2 deficient in subnuclear targeting resulted in reversion of acini to more normal structures and reduced tumor growth in vivo. These novel findings provide direct mechanistic evidence for the biological activity of Runx2, dependent on its subnuclear localization, in promoting early events of breast cancer progression and suggest a molecular therapeutic target.

Targeting of Runx2 by miR-135 and miR-203 Impairs Progression of Breast Cancer and Metastatic Bone Disease

Progression of breast cancer to metastatic bone disease is linked to deregulated expression of the transcription factor Runx2. Therefore, our goal was to evaluate the potential for clinical use of Runx2-targeting miRNAs to reduce tumor growth and bone metastatic burden. Expression analysis of a panel of miRNAs regulating Runx2 revealed a reciprocal relationship between the abundance of Runx2 protein and two miRNAs, miR-135 and miR-203. These miRNAs are highly expressed in normal breast epithelial cells where Runx2 is not detected, and absent in metastatic breast cancer cells and tissue biopsies that express Runx2. Reconstituting metastatic MDA-MB-231-luc cells with miR-135 and miR-203 reduced the abundance of Runx2 and expression of the metastasis-promoting Runx2 target genes IL11, MMP-13, and PTHrP. In addition, tumor cell viability was decreased and migration suppressed in vitro. Orthotopic implantation of MDA-MB-231-luc cells delivered with miR-135 or miR-203, followed by an intratumoral administration of the synthetic miRNAs, reduced the tumor growth and spontaneous metastasis to bone. Furthermore, intratibial injection of these miRNA-delivered cells impaired tumor growth in the bone environment and inhibited bone resorption. Importantly, reconstitution of Runx2 in MDA-MB-231-luc cells delivered with miR-135 and miR-203 reversed the inhibitory effect of the miRNAs on tumor growth and metastasis. Thus, we have identified that aberrant expression of Runx2 in aggressive tumor cells is related to the loss of specific Runx2-targeting miRNAs and that a clinically relevant replacement strategy by delivery of synthetic miRNAs is a candidate for a therapeutic approach to prevent metastatic bone disease by this route.

Genomic Promoter Occupancy of Runt-related Transcription Factor RUNX2 in Osteosarcoma Cells Identifies Genes Involved in Cell Adhesion and Motility

Background: The osteogenic Runt-related (RUNX) transcription factor Runx2 is frequently elevated in osseous and non-osseous tumor cells. Results: Genomic RUNX2 target genes involved in motility were identified; RUNX2 depletion reduces cell motility in osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion: RUNX2 regulates cell motility and adhesion in osteosarcoma cells. Significance: RUNX2 may also control migration of normal osteoblasts and/or tumor cells. Runt-related transcription factors (RUNX1, RUNX2, and RUNX3) are key lineage-specific regulators of progenitor cell growth and differentiation but also function pathologically as cancer genes that contribute to tumorigenesis. RUNX2 attenuates growth and stimulates maturation of osteoblasts during bone formation but is also robustly expressed in a subset of osteosarcomas, as well as in metastatic breast and prostate tumors. To assess the biological function of RUNX2 in osteosarcoma cells, we examined human genomic promoter interactions for RUNX2 using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-microarray analysis in SAOS-2 cells. Promoter binding of both RUNX2 and RNA polymerase II was compared with gene expression profiles of cells in which RUNX2 was depleted by RNA interference. Many RUNX2-bound loci (1550 of 2339 total) exhibit promoter occupancy by RNA polymerase II and contain the RUNX consensus motif 5′-((T/A/C)G(T/A/C)GG(T/G). Gene ontology analysis indicates that RUNX2 controls components of multiple signaling pathways (e.g. WNT, TGFβ, TNFα, and interleukins), as well as genes linked to cell motility and adhesion (e.g. the focal adhesion-related genes FAK/PTK2 and TLN1). Our results reveal that siRNA depletion of RUNX2, PTK2, or TLN1 diminishes motility of U2OS osteosarcoma cells. Thus, RUNX2 binding to diverse gene loci may support the biological properties of osteosarcoma cells.

The cancer-related Runx2 protein enhances cell growth and responses to androgen and TGFβ in prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer cells often metastasize to bone where osteolytic lesions are formed. Runx2 is an essential transcription factor for bone formation and suppresses cell growth in normal osteoblasts but may function as an oncogenic factor in solid tumors (e.g., breast, prostate). Here, we addressed whether Runx2 is linked to steroid hormone and growth factor signaling, which controls prostate cancer cell growth. Protein expression profiling of prostate cell lines (i.e., PC3, LNCaP, RWPE) treated with 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or tumor growth factor β (TGFβ) revealed modulations in selected cyclins, cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs), and CDK inhibitors that are generally consistent with mitogenic responses. Endogenous elevation of Runx2 and diminished p57 protein levels in PC3 cells are associated with faster proliferation in vitro and development of larger tumors upon xenografting these cells in bone in vivo. To examine whether TGFβ or DHT signaling modulates the transcriptional activity of Runx2 and vice versa, we performed luciferase reporter assays. In PC3 cells that express TGFβRII, TGFβ and Runx2 synergize to increase transcription of synthetic promoters. In LNCaP cells that are DHT responsive, Runx2 stimulates the androgen receptor (AR) responsive expression of the prostate‐specific marker PSA, perhaps facilitated by formation of a complex with AR. Our data suggest that Runx2 is mechanistically linked to TGFβ and androgen responsive pathways that support prostate cancer cell growth. J. Cell. Biochem. 109: 828–837, 2010.

The histone deacetylase inhibitor, vorinostat, reduces tumor growth at the metastatic bone site and associated osteolysis, but promotes normal bone loss

Vorinostat, an oral histone deacetylase inhibitor with antitumor activity, is in clinical trials for hematologic and solid tumors that metastasize and compromise bone structure. Consequently, there is a requirement to establish the effects of vorinostat on tumor growth within bone. Breast (MDA-231) and prostate (PC3) cancer cells were injected into tibias of SCID/NCr mice and the effects of vorinostat on tumor growth and osteolytic disease were assessed by radiography, micro-computed tomography, and histologic and molecular analyses. Vorinostat-treated and control mice without tumors were also examined. Tumor growth in bone was reduced ∼33% by vorinostat with inhibited osteolysis in the first few weeks of the experiment. However, osteolysis became more severe in both the vehicle and vorinostat-treated groups. Vorinostat increased the expression of tumor-derived factors promoting bone resorption, including PTHrP, IL-8, and osteopontin. After 4 weeks of vorinostat therapy, the non–tumor-bearing contralateral femurs and limbs from vorinostat-treated tumor-free SCID mice showed significant bone loss (50% volume density of controls). Thus, our studies indicate that vorinostat effectively inhibits tumor growth in bone, but has a negative systemic effect reducing normal trabecular bone mass. Vorinostat treatment reduces tumor growth in bone and accompanying osteolytic disease as a result of decreased tumor burden in bone. However, vorinostat can promote osteopenia throughout the skeleton independent of tumor cell activity. Mol Cancer Ther; 9(12); 3210–20. ©2010 AACR.

The SWI/SNF ATPases Are Required for Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cell Proliferation

The Brahma (BRM) and Brahma‐related Gene 1 (BRG1) ATPases are highly conserved homologs that catalyze the chromatin remodeling functions of the multi‐subunit human SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling enzymes in a mutually exclusive manner. SWI/SNF enzyme subunits are mutated or missing in many cancer types, but are overexpressed without apparent mutation in other cancers. Here, we report that both BRG1 and BRM are overexpressed in most primary breast cancers independent of the tumors receptor status. Knockdown of either ATPase in a triple negative breast cancer cell line reduced tumor formation in vivo and cell proliferation in vitro. Fewer cells in S phase and an extended cell cycle progression time were observed without any indication of apoptosis, senescence, or alterations in migration or attachment properties. Combined knockdown of BRM and BRG1 showed additive effects in the reduction of cell proliferation and time required for completion of cell cycle, suggesting that these enzymes promote cell cycle progression through independent mechanisms. Knockout of BRG1 or BRM using CRISPR/Cas9 technology resulted in the loss of viability, consistent with a requirement for both enzymes in triple negative breast cancer cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2683–2694, 2015.

Integrin αvβ6 promotes an osteolytic program in cancer cells by upregulating MMP2

The molecular circuitries controlling osseous prostate metastasis are known to depend on the activity of multiple pathways, including integrin signaling. Here, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 integrin is upregulated in human prostate cancer bone metastasis. In prostate cancer cells, this integrin is a functionally active receptor for fibronectin and latency associated peptide-TGFβ1; it mediates attachment and migration upon ligand binding and is localized in focal contacts. Given the propensity of prostate cancer cells to form bone metastatic lesions, we investigated whether the αvβ6 integrin promotes this type of metastasis. We show for the first time that αvβ6 selectively induces matrix metalloproteinase 2, MMP2, in vitro in multiple prostate cancer cells, and promotes osteolysis in vivo in an immunodeficient mouse model of bone metastasis through upregulation of MMP2, but not MMP9. The effect of αvβ6 on MMP2 expression and activity is independent of androgen receptor in the analyzed prostate cancer cells. Increased levels of PTHrP, known to induce osteoclastogenesis, were also observed in αvβ6 expressing cells. However, using MMP2 shRNA, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 effect on bone loss is due to upregulation of soluble MMP2 by the cancer cells, not to changes in tumor growth rate. Another related αv-containing integrin, αvβ5, fails to show similar responses, underscoring the significance of αvβ6 activity. Overall, these mechanistic studies establish that expression of a single integrin, αvβ6, contributes to the cancer cell -mediated program of osteolysis by inducing matrix degradation through MMP2. Our results open new prospects for molecular therapy of metastatic bone disease.The molecular circuitries controlling osseous prostate metastasis are known to depend on the activity of multiple pathways, including integrin signaling. Here, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 integrin is upregulated in human prostate cancer bone metastasis. In prostate cancer cells, this integrin is a functionally active receptor for fibronectin and latency-associated peptide-TGF-β1; it mediates attachment and migration upon ligand binding and is localized in focal contacts. Given the propensity of prostate cancer cells to form bone metastatic lesions, we investigated whether the αvβ6 integrin promotes this type of metastasis. We show for the first time that αvβ6 selectively induces matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in vitro in multiple prostate cancer cells and promotes osteolysis in vivo in an immunodeficient mouse model of bone metastasis through upregulation of MMP2, but not MMP9. The effect of αvβ6 on MMP2 expression and activity is independent of androgen receptor in the analyzed prostate cancer cells. Increased levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), known to induce osteoclastogenesis, were also observed in αvβ6-expressing cells. However, by using MMP2 short hairpin RNA, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 effect on bone loss is due to upregulation of soluble MMP2 by the cancer cells, not due to changes in tumor growth rate. Another related αv-containing integrin, αvβ5, fails to show similar responses, underscoring the significance of αvβ6 activity. Overall, these mechanistic studies establish that expression of a single integrin, αvβ6, contributes to the cancer cell-mediated program of osteolysis by inducing matrix degradation through MMP2. Our results open new prospects for molecular therapy for metastatic bone disease.

Runx2–smad signaling impacts the progression of tumor-induced bone disease

Runx2, a master regulator of osteogenesis, is abnormally expressed in advanced prostate cancer. Here, we addressed Runx2 contribution to formation of prostate cancer‐related osteolytic and osteoblastic bone lesions by mediating TGFβ/BMP signaling through direct interaction with Smads. Further, we examined involvement of the Runx2–Smad complex in mediating tumor growth and distal metastasis. To identify Runx2–Smad‐specific mechanisms of prostate tumor activity in bone, we generated PC3 prostate cancer cell lines expressing Runx2‐WT or one of two mutant proteins (Runx2‐HTY and Runx2‐ΔC) that each disrupt the Runx2–Smad interaction, either directly through a point mutation or by deletion of the functional C‐terminus, respectively. Intratibial tumors generated from these cells revealed that Runx2‐WT‐expressing cells resulted in predominantly osteolytic disease, whereas cells expressing mutant proteins exhibited tumors with mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic lesions. Extent of bone loss and woven bone formation was assessed by radiography and micro‐computed tomography. Bioluminescent imaging showed the presence of labeled prostate cancer cells in the lung at the latest time point examined, with Runx2‐WT group exhibiting increased incidence of tumor cells in lung. Notably, disruption of the Runx2–Smad interaction significantly reduced incidence and size of lung tumors. Altered expression of Runx2 target genes involved in invasion, growth, adhesion and metastasis supported our findings. Thus, our studies demonstrate that Runx2 in prostate cancer cells plays a significant role in intratibial prostate cancer‐related tumor growth and bone loss through mechanisms mediated by the Runx2–Smad signaling pathway. This work expands upon the potential importance of Runx2 as a therapeutic target in cancer.

Integrin alphavbeta6 promotes an osteolytic program in cancer cells by upregulating MMP2

The molecular circuitries controlling osseous prostate metastasis are known to depend on the activity of multiple pathways, including integrin signaling. Here, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 integrin is upregulated in human prostate cancer bone metastasis. In prostate cancer cells, this integrin is a functionally active receptor for fibronectin and latency associated peptide-TGFβ1; it mediates attachment and migration upon ligand binding and is localized in focal contacts. Given the propensity of prostate cancer cells to form bone metastatic lesions, we investigated whether the αvβ6 integrin promotes this type of metastasis. We show for the first time that αvβ6 selectively induces matrix metalloproteinase 2, MMP2, in vitro in multiple prostate cancer cells, and promotes osteolysis in vivo in an immunodeficient mouse model of bone metastasis through upregulation of MMP2, but not MMP9. The effect of αvβ6 on MMP2 expression and activity is independent of androgen receptor in the analyzed prostate cancer cells. Increased levels of PTHrP, known to induce osteoclastogenesis, were also observed in αvβ6 expressing cells. However, using MMP2 shRNA, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 effect on bone loss is due to upregulation of soluble MMP2 by the cancer cells, not to changes in tumor growth rate. Another related αv-containing integrin, αvβ5, fails to show similar responses, underscoring the significance of αvβ6 activity. Overall, these mechanistic studies establish that expression of a single integrin, αvβ6, contributes to the cancer cell -mediated program of osteolysis by inducing matrix degradation through MMP2. Our results open new prospects for molecular therapy of metastatic bone disease.The molecular circuitries controlling osseous prostate metastasis are known to depend on the activity of multiple pathways, including integrin signaling. Here, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 integrin is upregulated in human prostate cancer bone metastasis. In prostate cancer cells, this integrin is a functionally active receptor for fibronectin and latency-associated peptide-TGF-β1; it mediates attachment and migration upon ligand binding and is localized in focal contacts. Given the propensity of prostate cancer cells to form bone metastatic lesions, we investigated whether the αvβ6 integrin promotes this type of metastasis. We show for the first time that αvβ6 selectively induces matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in vitro in multiple prostate cancer cells and promotes osteolysis in vivo in an immunodeficient mouse model of bone metastasis through upregulation of MMP2, but not MMP9. The effect of αvβ6 on MMP2 expression and activity is independent of androgen receptor in the analyzed prostate cancer cells. Increased levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), known to induce osteoclastogenesis, were also observed in αvβ6-expressing cells. However, by using MMP2 short hairpin RNA, we demonstrate that the αvβ6 effect on bone loss is due to upregulation of soluble MMP2 by the cancer cells, not due to changes in tumor growth rate. Another related αv-containing integrin, αvβ5, fails to show similar responses, underscoring the significance of αvβ6 activity. Overall, these mechanistic studies establish that expression of a single integrin, αvβ6, contributes to the cancer cell-mediated program of osteolysis by inducing matrix degradation through MMP2. Our results open new prospects for molecular therapy for metastatic bone disease.