R. Barbara Pedley

In vivo imaging of glucose uptake and metabolism in tumors

Tumors have a greater reliance on anaerobic glycolysis for energy production than normal tissues. We developed a noninvasive method for imaging glucose uptake in vivo that is based on magnetic resonance imaging and allows the uptake of unlabeled glucose to be measured through the chemical exchange of protons between hydroxyl groups and water. This method differs from existing molecular imaging methods because it permits detection of the delivery and uptake of a metabolically active compound in physiological quantities. We show that our technique, named glucose chemical exchange saturation transfer (glucoCEST), is sensitive to tumor glucose accumulation in colorectal tumor models and can distinguish tumor types with differing metabolic characteristics and pathophysiologies. The results of this study suggest that glucoCEST has potential as a useful and cost-effective method for characterizing disease and assessing response to therapy in the clinic.

Transformation of human mesenchymal stem cells increases their dependency on oxidative phosphorylation for energy production

An increased dependency on glycolysis for ATP production is considered to be a hallmark of tumor cells. Whether this increase in glycolytic activity is due mainly to inherent metabolic alterations or to the hypoxic microenvironment remains controversial. Here we have transformed human adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) using genetic alterations as described for differentiated cells. Our data suggest that MSC require disruption of the same pathways as have been shown for differentiated cells to confer a fully transformed phenotype. Furthermore, we found that MSC are more glycolytic than primary human fibroblasts and, in contrast to differentiated cells, do not depend on increased aerobic glycolysis for ATP production during transformation. These data indicate that aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect) is not an intrinsic component of the transformation of adult stem cells, and that oncogenic adaptation to bioenergetic requirements, in some circumstances, may also rely on increases in oxidative phosphorylation. We did find, however, a reversible increase in the transcription of glycolytic enzymes in tumors generated by transformed MSC, indicating this is a secondary phenomenon resulting from adaptation of the tumor to its microenvironment.

SJG-136 (NSC 694501), a Novel Rationally Designed DNA Minor Groove Interstrand Cross-Linking Agent with Potent and Broad Spectrum Antitumor Activity Part 1: Cellular Pharmacology, In vitro and Initial In vivo Antitumor Activity

SJG-136 (NSC 694501) is a rationally designed pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimer that binds in the minor groove of DNA. It spans 6 bp with a preference for binding to purine-GATC-pyrimidine sequences. The agent has potent activity in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) anticancer drug screen with 50% net growth inhibition conferred by 0.14 to 320 nmol/L (7.4 nmol/L mean). Sensitive cell lines exhibit total growth inhibition and 50% lethality after treatment with as little as 0.83 and 7.1 nmol/L SJG-136, respectively. COMPARE and molecular target analysis of SJG-136 data versus that of >60,000 compounds tested in the NCI 60 cell line screen shows that, although the agent has similarity to other DNA binding agents, the pattern of activity for SJG-136 does not fit within the clusters of any known agents, suggesting that SJG-136 possesses a distinct mechanism of action. Testing in the NCI standard hollow fiber assay produced prominent growth inhibition in 20 of 24 i.p. and 7 of 24 s.c. test combinations with 5 of 12 cell lines exhibiting cell kill. In addition, SJG-136 produced antitumor activity in mice bearing CH1 and CH1cisR xenografts, a cisplatin-resistant human ovarian tumor model, and also in mice bearing LS174T xenografts, a human colon tumor model. SJG-136 produces DNA interstrand cross-links between two N-2 guanine positions on opposite strands and separated by 2 bp. In human tumor cell lines, the cross-links form rapidly and persist compared with those produced by conventional cross-linking agents such as nitrogen mustards. In mice bearing the LS174T human colon xenograft, DNA interstrand cross-links can be detected in tumor cells using a modification of the single cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay after administration of a therapeutic dose. Cross-links in the tumor increase with dose and are clearly detectable at 1 hour after i.v. administration. The level of cross-linking persists over a 24-hour period in this tumor in contrast to cross-links produced by conventional cross-linking agents observed over the same time period.

Catalytic activity of an in vivo tumor targeted anti-CEA scFv::carboxypeptidase G2 fusion protein.

Antibody‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) targets an enzyme selectively to a tumor where it converts a relatively non‐toxic prodrug to a potent cytotoxic drug. Previous clinical work using antibody‐enzyme chemical conjugates has been limited by the moderate efficiency of tumor targeting of these molecules. To address this a recombinant fusion protein composed of MFE‐23, an anti‐carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) single chain Fv (scFv) antibody, fused to the amino‐terminus of the enzyme carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) has been constructed to achieve ADEPT in CEA‐producing tumors. MFE‐23::CPG2 fusion protein was overexpressed in Escherichia coli and purified using CEA affinity chromatography. Efficacy of MFE‐23::CPG2 delivery to tumors in vivo was assessed by measuring catalytic activity after intravenous injection of purified MFE‐23::CPG2 into nude mice bearing CEA‐positive LS174T human colon adenocarcinoma xenografts. Recombinant MFE‐23::CPG2 cleared rapidly from circulation and catalytic activity in extracted tissues showed tumor to plasma ratios of 1.5:1 (6 hr), 10:1 (24 hr), 19:1 (48 hr) and 12:1 (72 hr). 125I‐MFE‐23::CPG2 was retained in kidney, liver and spleen but MFE‐23::CPG2 catalytic activity was not, resulting in excellent tumor to normal tissue enzyme ratios 48 hr after injection. These were 371:1 (tumor to liver), 450:1 (tumor to lung), 562:1 (tumor to kidney), 1,477:1 (tumor to colon) and 1,618:1 (tumor to spleen). Favorable tumor : normal tissue ratios occurred at early time points when there was still 21% (24 hr) and 9.5% (48 hr) of the injected activity present per gram of tumor tissue. The high tumor concentrations and selective tumor retention of active enzyme delivered by MFE‐23::CPG2 establish that this recombinant fusion protein has potential to give improved clinical efficiency for ADEPT. Int. J. Cancer 85:571–577, 2000.

Predicting Response to Radioimmunotherapy from the Tumor Microenvironment of Colorectal Carcinomas

Solid tumors have a heterogeneous pathophysiology, which directly affects antibody-targeted therapies. Here, we consider the influence of selected tumor parameters on radioimmunotherapy, by comparing the gross biodistribution, microdistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of either radiolabeled or fluorescently labeled antibodies (A5B7 anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody and a nonspecific control) after i.v. injection in two contrasting human colorectal xenografts in MF1 nude mice. The LS174T is moderately/poorly differentiated, whereas SW1222 has a well-differentiated glandular structure. Biodistribution studies (1.8 MBq (131)I-labeled A5B7, four mice per group) showed similar gross tumor uptake at 48 h in the two models (25.1% and 24.0% injected dose per gram, respectively). However, in therapy studies (six mice per group), LS174T required a 3-fold increase in dose (18 versus 6 MBq) to equal SW1222 growth inhibition ( approximately 55 versus approximately 60 days, respectively). To investigate the basis of this discrepancy, high-resolution multifluorescence microscopy was used to study antibody localization in relation to tumor parameters (5 min, 1 and 24 h, four mice per time point). Three-dimensional microvascular corrosion casting and transmission electron microscopy showed further structural differences between xenografts. Vascular supply, overall antigen distribution, and tumor structure varied greatly between models, and were principally responsible for major differences in antibody localization and subsequent therapeutic efficacy. The study shows that multiparameter, high-resolution imaging of both therapeutic and tumor microenvironment is required to comprehend complex antibody-tumor interactions, and to determine which tumor regions are being successfully treated. This will inform the design of optimized clinical trials of single and combined agents, and aid individual patient selection for antibody-targeted therapies.

A One-Pot Three-Component Radiochemical Reaction for Rapid Assembly of 125I-labeled Molecular Probes

Nuclear imaging in conjunction with radioactive tracers enables noninvasive measurements of biochemical events in vivo. However, access to tracers remains limited due to the lack of methods for rapid assembly of radiolabeled molecules with the prerequisite biological activity. Herein, we report a one-pot, three-component, copper(II)-mediated reaction of azides, alkynes, and [(125)I]iodide to yield 5-[(125)I]iodo-1,2,3-triazoles. Using a selection of azides and alkynes in a combinatorial approach, we have synthesized a library of structurally diverse (125)I-labeled triazoles functionalized with bioconjugation groups, fluorescent dyes, and biomolecules. Our preliminary biological evaluation suggests that 5-[(125)I]iodo-1,2,3-triazoles are resistant to deiodination in vivo, both as small molecular probes and as antibody conjugates. The ability to incorporate radioactive iodide into triazoles directly from the parent azides and alkynes makes the method broadly applicable and offers the potential to rapidly assemble molecular probes from an array of structurally diverse, and readily available, building blocks.

SYNERGY BETWEEN VASCULAR TARGETING AGENTS AND ANTIBODY-DIRECTED THERAPY

PURPOSE Tumor heterogeneity necessitates the use of combined therapies. We have shown that combining antibody-directed therapy with antivascular agents converts a subcurative to a curative treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate, by radioluminographic and microscopic techniques, the regional effects of the two complementary therapies. METHODS AND MATERIALS Nude mice bearing colorectal tumors were injected with 125I-labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody, and images were obtained for antibody distribution and modeling studies using radioluminography. For therapy studies, the mice were given radioimmunotherapy alone (131I-A5B7 anti-carcinoembryonic antigen antibody), the antivascular agent combretastatin A-4 3-0-phosphate (200 mg/kg), or both. Extra mice were used to study the regional tumor effects of these therapies over time: relevant histochemical procedures were performed on tissue sections to obtain composite digital microscopic images of apoptosis, blood vessels, perfusion, hypoxia, and morphology. RESULTS Antibody distribution, modeling, and immunohistochemistry showed how radioimmunotherapy (7.4 MBq/40 microg antibody) effectively treated the outer, well-oxygenated tumor region only. Combretastatin A-4 3-0-phosphate treated the more hypoxic center, and in doing so altered the relationship between tumor parameters. CONCLUSION The combined complementary therapies produced cures by destroying tumor regions with different pathophysiologies. Relating these regional therapeutic effects to the relevant tumor parameters microscopically allows optimization of therapy and improved translation to clinical trials.

mTORβ Splicing Isoform Promotes Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis

The mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) promotes growth in response to nutrients and growth factors and is deregulated in numerous pathologies, including cancer. The mechanisms by which mTOR senses and regulates energy metabolism and cell growth are relatively well understood, whereas the molecular events underlining how it mediates survival and proliferation remain to be elucidated. Here, we describe the existence of the mTOR splicing isoform, TORβ, which, in contrast to the full-length protein (mTORα), has the potential to regulate the G1 phase of the cell cycle and to stimulate cell proliferation. mTORβ is an active protein kinase that mediates downstream signaling through complexing with Rictor and Raptor proteins. Remarkably, overexpression of mTORβ transforms immortal cells and is tumorigenic in nude mice and therefore could be a proto-oncogene.

A G-quadruplex-binding compound showing anti-tumour activity in an in vivo model for pancreatic cancer.

We report here that a tetra-substituted naphthalene-diimide derivative (MM41) has significant in vivo anti-tumour activity against the MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer xenograft model. IV administration with a twice-weekly 15 mg/kg dose produces ca 80% tumour growth decrease in a group of tumour-bearing animals. Two animals survived tumour-free after 279 days. High levels of MM41 are rapidly transported into cell nuclei and were found to accumulate in the tumour. MM41 is a quadruplex-interactive compound which binds strongly to the quadruplexes encoded in the promoter sequences of the BCL-2 and k-RAS genes, both of which are dis-regulated in many human pancreatic cancers. Levels of BCL-2 were reduced by ca 40% in tumours from MM41-treated animals relative to controls, consistent with BCL-2 being a target for MM41. Molecular modelling suggests that MM41 binds to a BCL-2 quadruplex in a manner resembling that previously observed in co-crystal structures with human telomeric quadruplexes. This supports the concept that MM41 (and by implication other quadruplex-targeting small molecules) can bind to quadruplex-forming promoter regions in a number of genes and down-regulate their transcription. We suggest that quadruplexes within those master genes that are up-regulated drivers for particular cancers, may be selective targets for compounds such as MM41.

Regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) protein: a novel marker of cancer vasculature elicited and sustained by the tumor’s proangiogenic microenvironment

We previously identified regulator of G-protein signaling 5 (RGS5) among several genes expressed by tumor-derived endothelial cells (EC). In this study, we provide the first in vivo/ex vivo evidence of RGS5 protein in the vasculature of ovarian carcinoma clinical specimens and its absence in human ovaries. Consistent with this, we show higher amounts of Rgs5 transcript in EC isolated from human cancers (as opposed to normal tissues) and demonstrate that expression is sustained by a milieu of factors typical of the proangiogenic tumor environment, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Supporting these findings, we show elevated levels of Rgs5 mRNA in the stroma from strongly (as opposed to weakly) angiogenic ovarian carcinoma xenografts and accordingly, we also show more of the protein associated to the abnormal vasculature. RGS5 protein predominantly colocalizes with the endothelium expressing platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1/CD31) and to a much lesser extent with perivascular/mural cells expressing platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta (PDGFR-β) or alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA). To toughen the relevance of the findings, we demonstrate RGS5 in the blood vessels of other cancer models endowed with a proangiogenic environment, such as human melanoma and renal carcinoma xenografts; to the contrary, it was undetectable in the vasculature of normal mouse tissues. RGS5 expression by the cancer vasculature triggered and retained by the proangiogenic microenvironment supports its exploitation as a novel biomarker and opens the path to explore new possibilities of therapeutic intervention aimed at targeting tumor blood vessels.