Sanjay Tiwari

Near-infrared molecular imaging of tumors via chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7

The chemokine CXCL12/SDF-1 and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 play a major role in tumor invasion, proliferation and metastasis. Since both receptors are overexpressed on distinct tumor cells and on the tumor vasculature, we evaluated their potential as targets for detection of cancers by molecular imaging. We synthesized conjugates of CXCL12 and the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye IRDye®800CW, tested their selectivity, sensitivity and biological activity in vitro and their feasibility to visualize tumors in vivo. Purified CXCL12-conjugates detected in vitro as low as 500 A764 human glioma cells or MCF-7 breast cancer cells that express CXCR7 alone or together with CXCR4. Binding was time- and concentration-dependent, and the label could be competitively displaced by the native peptide. Control conjugates with bovine serum albumin or lactalbumin failed to label the cells. In mice, the conjugate distributed rapidly. After 1–92xa0h, subcutaneous tumors of human MCF-7 and A764 cells in immunodeficient mice were detected with high sensitivity. Background was observed in particular in liver within the first 24xa0h, but also skull and hind limbs yielded some background. Overall, fluorescent CXCL12-conjugates are sensitive and selective probes to detect solid and metastatic tumors by targeting tumor cells and tumor vasculature.

Prowling wolves in sheep's clothing: the search for tumor stem cells.

Abstract The importance of a subset of cells which have ‘stem like’ characteristics and are capable of tumor initiation has been reported for a range of tumors. Isolation of these tumor-initiating cells (TICs) has largely been based on differential cell surface protein expression. However, there is still much debate on the functional significance of these markers in initiating tumors, as many properties of tumor initiation are modified by cell-cell interactions. In particular, the relationship between TICs and their microenvironment is poorly understood but has therapeutic implications, as the microenvironment can maintain tumor cells in a prolonged period of quiescence. However, a major limitation in advancing our understanding of the crosstalk between TICs and their microenvironment is the lack of sensitive techniques which allow the in vivo tracking and monitoring of TICs. Application of new in vivo cellular and molecular imaging technologies holds much promise in uncovering the mysteries of TIC behavior at the three-dimensional level. This review will describe recent advances in our understanding of the TIC concept and how the application of in vivo imaging techniques can advance our understanding of the biological fate of TICs. A supplementary resource guide describing TICs from different malignancies is also presented.

Interleukin-6 trans-signaling increases the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules 5 and 6 in colorectal cancer cells

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is among the five most frequent causes for cancer-related deaths in Europe. One of the most important tumor-associated antigens for CRC is carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), which is involved in cell adhesion, migration, anoikis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Its family member CEACAM6 is also upregulated in adenomas and carcinomas of the colon and an independent predictor of poor survival. Previous studies have reported a link between upregulation of CEACAM5 and interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 plays an important role in CRC progression, and signaling is mediated via two pathways (classic and trans-signaling). However, this link could not be confirmed by other studies, and the role of IL-6 trans-signaling in the CEACAM5 upregulation has not been elucidated. Moreover, the impact of IL-6 on the expression of CEACAM6 has not yet been examined.MethodsThe expression of IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), glycoprotein (gp) 130, CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 was analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry or qPCR. Colon cell lines were incubated with IL-6 or Hyper-IL-6 (mediating IL-6 trans-signaling), and subsequently, the expression of CEACAMs was determined by qPCR or Western blot. FLLL31, an inhibitor of the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), was used to determine the role of STAT3 phosphorylation.ResultsWe confirmed that colon carcinoma cell lines express IL-6 and IL-6R. We observed only a weak upregulation of CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 by classic IL-6 signaling, but a strong increase by IL-6 trans-signaling. This upregulation depended on the phosphorylation of STAT3.ConclusionsOur data show the upregulation of the tumor-associated antigens CEACAM5/6 by trans-signaling of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. This mechanism may contribute to the tumor-promoting role of IL-6 and could therefore be a target for therapeutic intervention in particular by specific inhibitors such as sgp130Fc.

Preclinical evaluation of sunitinib as a single agent in the prophylactic setting in a mouse model of bone metastases.

BackgroundA substantial number of breast cancer patients are identified as being at high risk of developing metastatic disease. With increasing number of targeted therapeutics entering clinical trials, chronic administration of these agents may be a feasible approach for the prevention of metastases within this subgroup of patients. In this preclinical study we examined whether Sunitinib, a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor which has anti-angiogenic and anti-resorptive activity, is effective in the prevention of bone metastases.MethodSunitinib was administered daily with the first dose commencing prior to tumor cell inoculation. Intracardiac injection was performed with MDA-MB23 bone-seeking cells, which were stably transfected with DsRed2. In vivo plain radiography and fluorescent imaging (Berthold NightOwl) was used in the analysis of bone metastases. Histomorphometry was used for the quantification of TRAP+ cells from bone sections and immunohistochemistry was performed using an antibody reactive to CD34 for quantification of microvessel density.ResultsPreventive dosing administration of Sunitinib does not inhibit colonization of tumor cells to bone or reduce the size of osteolytic lesions. There was a decrease in the number of TRAP+ cells with Sunitinib treatment but this did not reach significance. Sunitinib inhibited tumor growth as determined by imaging of fluorescent tumor area. Immunohistochemical analyses of microvessel density revealed a concomitant decrease in the number of tumor blood vessels.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that Sunitinib can be used as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of bone metastases but as a single agent it is not effective in terms of prevention. Therefore a combination approach with other cytostatic drugs should be pursued.

Application of ex vivo micro-computed tomography for assessment of in vivo fluorescence and plain radiographic imaging for monitoring bone metastases and osteolytic lesions

The intracardiac injection model is a commonly used in vivo model to test therapeutic response in bone metastases. However, few studies have critically compared the performance of different imaging methods in terms of sensitivity and quantitative assessment of osteolytic lesions. We performed in vivo optical and plain radiographic imaging of bone metastases followed by high-sensitivity ex vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) imaging. This approach allowed for quantitative assessment of in vivo imaging techniques using fluorescence and plain radiography. Comparison of lesions detected in vivo by fluorescent optical imaging with ex vivo micro-CT revealed that the limited spatial resolution of fluorescent optical imaging may underestimate the number of bone metastases. Radiography was compared with micro-CT for the detection of osteolytic lesions. When using dichotomous yes/no grading, there was a 64% agreement in detection of osteolytic lesions. When subjective semiquantitative grading methods were used to assess the extent of osteolytic lesions, a positive association between the micro-CT grades and the square root of the radiography-based grades was observed (pxa0<xa00.05). Micro-CT also showed a significant association with fluorescent optical values; however, no such association was observed between lesion scores based on radiographs and those based on fluorescent imaging. The findings reveal an approximate two-fold sensitivity for micro-CT compared to plain radiography in the detection of osteolytic lesions. Significant associations between micro-CT-based osteolytic lesion grade and tumor growth characterized by increased fluorescent area document the value of these two techniques for the assessment of osteolytic bone metastases.

Expression of L Amino Acid Transport System 1 and Analysis of iodine-123-methyltyrosine Tumor Uptake in a Pancreatic Xenotransplantation Model Using Fused high-resolution-micro-SPECT-MRI

BACKGROUNDnThe specificity in discriminating pancreatitis is limited in the positron emission tomography (PET) using Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose. Furthermore, PET is not widely available compared to the single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Since amino acids play a minor role in metabolism of inflammatory cells, the potential of the SPECT tracer, 3-[123I]iodo-L-alpha-methyltyrosine (123I-IMT), for detecting pancreatic cancer was examined in xenotransplantation models of human pancreatic carcinoma in mice.nnnMETHODSn123I-IMT was injected to eight mice inoculated with subcutaneous or orthotopic pancreatic tumors. Fused high-resolution-micro-SPECT (Hi-SPECT) and magnetic resonance imaging were performed. The gene expression level of L amino acid transport-system 1 (LAT1) was analyzed and correlated with tumor uptake of 123I-IMT.nnnRESULTSnA high uptake of 123I-IMT was detected in all tumor-bearing mice. The median tumor-to-background ratio (T/B) was 12.1 (2.0-13.2) for orthotopic and 8.4 (1.8-11.1) for subcutaneous xenotransplantation, respectively. Accordingly, the LAT1 expression in transplanted Colo357 cells was increased compared to non-malignant controls.nnnCONCLUSIONSnOur mouse model could show a high 123I-IMT uptake in pancreatic cancer. Fused MRI scans facilitate precise evaluation of uptake in the specific regions of interest. Further studies are required to confirm these findings in tumors derived from other human pancreatic cancer cells. Since amino acids play a minor role in the metabolism of inflammatory cells, the potential for application of 123I-IMT to distinguish pancreatic tumor from inflammatory pancreatitis warrants further investigation.

Assessment of anti-inflammatory tumor treatment efficacy by longitudinal monitoring employing sonographic micro morphology in a preclinical mouse model

BackgroundWith the development of increasingly sophisticated three-dimensional volumetric imaging methods, tumor volume can serve as a robust and reproducible measurement of drug efficacy. Since the use of molecularly targeted agents in the clinic will almost certainly involve combinations with other therapeutic modalities, the use of volumetric determination can help to identify a dosing schedule of sequential combinations of cytostatic drugs resulting in long term control of tumor growth with minimal toxicity. The aim of this study is to assess high resolution sonography imaging for the in vivo monitoring of efficacy of Infliximab in pancreatic tumor.MethodsIn the first experiment, primary orthotopic pancreatic tumor growth was measured with Infliximab treatment. In the second experiment, orthotopic tumors were resected ten days after inoculation of tumor cells and tumor recurrence was measured following Infliximab treatment. Tumor progression was evaluated using 3D high resolution sonography.ResultsSonography measurement of tumor volume in vivo showed inhibitory effect of Infliximab on primary tumor growth in both non-resected and resected models. Measurement of the dynamics of tumor growth by sonography revealed that in the primary tumor Infliximab is effective against established tumors while in the resection model, Infliximab is more effective at an early stage following tumor resection. Infliximab treatment is also effective in inhibiting tumor growth growth as a result of tumor cell contamination of the surgical field.ConclusionsClinical application of Infliximab is feasible in both the neoadjuvant and adjuvant setting. Infliximab is also effective in slowing the growth of tumor growth under the peritoneum and may have application in treating peritoneal carcinomatosis. Finally the study demonstrates that high resolution sonography is a sensitive imaging modality for the measurement of pancreatic tumor growth.

Target Gene Discovery for Novel Therapeutic Agents in Cancer Treatment

Target identification of novel therapeutic drugs is pivotal for the establishment of (1) new anticancer regimens, (2) to control side effects of the drugs, and (3) to identify appropriate combinations with established drugs. Here, we describe several in vitro assays applicable to characterize different characteristics of tumor cells. Furthermore, we present a protocol for establishing a reporter gene system for in vivo imaging, allowing for the study of drug effects in small animal models.

The hepatic microenvironment essentially determines tumor cell dormancy and metastatic outgrowth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

ABSTRACT Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed when liver metastases already emerged. This study elucidated the impact of hepatic stromal cells on growth behavior of premalignant and malignant pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs). Liver sections of tumor-bearing KPC mice comprised micrometastases displaying low proliferation located in an unobtrusive hepatic microenvironment whereas macrometastases containing more proliferating cells were surrounded by hepatic myofibroblasts (HMFs). In an age-related syngeneic PDAC mouse model livers with signs of age-related inflammation exhibited significantly more proliferating disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) and micrometastases despite comparable primary tumor growth and DTC numbers. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC), representing a physiologic liver stroma, promoted an IL-8 mediated quiescence-associated phenotype (QAP) of PDECs in coculture. QAP included flattened cell morphology, Ki67-negativity and reduced proliferation, elevated senescence-associated β galactosidase activity and diminished p-Erk/p-p38-ratio. In contrast, proliferation of PDECs was enhanced by VEGF in the presence of HMF. Switching the micromilieu from HSC to HMF or blocking VEGF reversed QAP in PDECs. This study demonstrates how HSCs induce and maintain a reversible QAP in disseminated PDAC cells, while inflammatory HMFs foster QAP reversal and metastatic outgrowth. Overall, the importance of the hepatic microenvironment in induction and reversal of dormancy during PDAC metastasis is emphasized.