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International audience; Anthracyclin-treated tumor cells are particularly effective in eliciting an anticancer immune response, whereas other DNA-damaging agents such as etoposide and mitomycin C do not induce immunogenic cell death. Here we show that anthracyclins induce the rapid, preapoptotic translocation of calreticulin (CRT) to the cell surface. Blockade or knockdown of CRT suppressed the phagocytosis of anthracyclin-treated tumor cells by dendritic cells and abolished their immunogenicity in mice. The anthracyclin-induced CRT translocation was mimicked by inhibition of the protein phosphatase 1/GADD34 complex. Administration of recombinant CRT or inhibitors of protein phosphatase 1/GADD34 restored the immunogenicity of cell death elicited by etoposide and mitomycin C, and enhanced their antitumor effects in vivo. These data identify CRT as a key feature determining anticancer immune responses and delineate a possible strategy for immunogenic chemotherapy.

To investigate whether Src, JAK2 and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways are involved in the proliferation of human colonic tumour cells induced by glycine-extended gastrin (G-gly), the precursor of the mature amidated gastrin and to elucidate the molecular interaction between these three kinases in response to this peptide.Using the human colonic tumour cell line HCT116 as a model, we first measured the activation of PI3K, p60-Src and JAK2 in response to G-gly by in vitro kinase assays. Then we investigated the involvement of these kinases in G-gly-induced cell proliferation by MTT test.G-gly stimulation induced p60-Src, JAK2 and PI3K activation in HCT116. The different pathways were involved in proliferation of human colon cancer cells induced by G-gly. Furthermore, we found that both Src and JAK2 were necessary to PI3K regulation by this peptide. However, we did not find any cross-talk between the two tyrosine kinases.Our results suggest that the p60-Src/PI3K and JAK2/PI3K pathways act independently to mediate G-gly proliferative effect on human colonic tumour cells.

International audience; Evaluation of the role of clonal heterogeneity in colon tumour sensitivity/resistance to drugs and/or in conferring metastatic potential requires an adequate experimental model in which the tumour cells maintain the initial genetic alterations and intra-tumoral heterogeneity through maintenance of the genetic clones present in the initial tumour. Therefore, we xenografted subcutaneously into nude mice seven human colonic tumours (from stages B1 to D) that showed chromosome instability and transplanted them sequentially for up to 14 passages. Maintenance after xenografting of the genetic alterations present in the initial tumours was scored by allelotype studies targeting 45 loci localized on 18 chromosomes. We show that xenografting does not alter the genetic or the histological profiles of the tumours even after 14 passages. Screening of the entire genome of one tumour by comparative genome hybridization also showed overall stability of the alterations between the initial and the xenografted tumour. In addition, intra-tumoral heterogeneity was maintained over time, suggesting that no clonal selection occurred in the nude mice. The observation that some loci showed partial allelic imbalance in the initial tumour but loss of heterozygosity after the first passage in nude mice when all the normal cells were lost may allow identification of interesting genetic defects that could be involved in tumour expansion. Thus, sequential xenografts of colon tumours will provide a powerful model for further study of tumour clonality and for the identification of genetic profiles responsible for differential resistance to therapeutic treatments. Our data also suggest that tumour expansion can result from alterations in several distinct genetic pathways.

BACKGROUND: The HNPCC syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer) is an inherited condition defined by clinical and genealogical information, known as Amsterdam criteria. In about 70% of cases, HNPCC syndrome is caused by germline mutations in MMR genes, leading to microsatellite instability of tumor DNA (MSI phenotype). Patients affected by the disease are at high risk for colorectal and endometrial carcinomas, but also for small intestine, urothelial, ovary, stomach and biliary tract carcinomas. HNPCC syndrome is responsible for 5% of colorectal cancers. Identification and management of this disease are part of a multidisciplinary procedure. METHODS: Twelve experts have been mandated by the French Health Ministry to analyze and synthesize their consensus position, and the resulting document has been reviewed by an additional group of 4 independent experts. MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS: The lack of sensitivity of Amsterdam criteria in recognizing patients carrying a MMR germline mutation led to an enlargement of these criteria for the recruitment of possible HNPCC patients, and to a 2-steps strategy, asking first for a tumor characterization according to MSI phenotype, especially in case of early-onset sporadic cases. The identification of germline MMR mutations has no major consequence on the cancer treatments, but influences markedly the long-term follow-up and the management of at-risk relatives. Gene carriers will enter a follow-up program regarding their colorectal and endometrial cancer risks, but other organs being at low lifetime risk, no specific surveillance will be proposed.

The initial invasive processes during cancer development remain largely unknown. Stromelysin-3/matrix metalloproteinase 11 (ST3/MMP11) is associated with tumor invasion and poor prognosis. We present novel evidence that adipocytes present at human breast tumor invasive front are induced by cancer cells to express ST3. Using mouse syngeneic model, light and electron microscopy showed that in ST3-deficient mice but not in wild-type mice, forced cancer cell-adipocyte interaction/crosstalk results in adipocyte membrane alteration, allowing cancer cell fat infiltration and death. Thus, adipocytes are involved in initial cancer cell survival into connective tissue, and this effect is ST3 mediated. This suggested that ST3 might play a role in adipocyte metabolism. Accordingly, ST3-deficient mice exhibited fat excess and increased mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) adipogenic markers, indicating that, in vivo, ST3 negatively regulates fat homeostasis. Moreover, ST3-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts exhibited a dramatic enhanced potential to differentiate into adipocytes associated with increased PPARγ and aP2 expression, and recombinant ST3 treatment reverted their differentiation. Thus, in vitro, ST3 reduces adipocyte differentiation in an autocrine manner. High fibroblasts/adipocytes ratio is a stroma feature, and peritumoral fibroblast origin remains debated. Our results support the concept that invading cancer cells aberrantly restore the negative ST3 function on adipogenesis into proximal adipocytes/preadipocytes, leading to the accumulation/maintenance of a particular peritumoral fibroblast subpopulation. Accordingly, in human breast tumors, we observed that ST3-expressing peritumoral fibroblasts are distinct from α-smooth muscle actin-expressing myofibroblasts. This constitutes the first report of implication of a MMP in cancer cell-adipocyte interaction/crosstalk during early steps of connective tissue invasion.

The Caudal-related homeodomain transcription factor Cdx2 plays a key role in intestinal cell fate determination. Reduction of Cdx2 expression is a feature of many human colon carcinomas and inactivation of one cdx2 allele facilitates the development of invasive adenocarcinoma in the murine colon. Here, we investigated the post-translational regulation of Cdx2. We showed that various forms of Cdx2 coexist in the intestine and colon cancer cell lines, some of them being phosphorylated forms. We found that cyclin-dependent kinase 2 phosphorylated Cdx2 in vitro and in vivo. Using site-specific mutagenesis, we identified serine 281 as a new key residue for Cdx2 phosphorylation. Intriguingly, serine 281 belongs to a conserved motif of four evenly spaced serines (the 4S motif) similar to the one controlling beta-catenin degradation by the proteasome pathway. A nonphosphorylated mutant Cdx2 lacking the 4S motif (4S>A) exhibited reduced polyubiquitination upon proteasome inhibition and increased stability compared to wild-type Cdx2. In addition, we found that this mutant was less efficient to suppress colony formation than wild-type Cdx2. Thus, our data highlight a novel post-translational mechanism controlling Cdx2 degradation via phosphorylation and polyubiquitination, which may be of importance for intestinal development and cancer.

BackgroundCD40L was found to reduce doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines through caspase-3 dependent mechanism. Whether this represents a general mechanism for other tumor types is unknown.MethodsThe resistance induced by CD40L against apoptosis induced by a panel of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs in non Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast carcinoma cell lines was investigated.ResultsDoxorubicin, cisplatyl, etoposide, vinblastin and paclitaxel increased apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in breast carcinoma as well as in non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines. Co-culture with irradiated L cells expressing CD40L significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells in breast carcinoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines treated with these drugs. In breast carcinoma cell lines, these 5 drugs induced an inconsistent increase of caspase-3/7 activity, while in non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines all 5 drugs increased caspase-3/7 activity up to 28-fold above baseline. Co-culture with CD40L L cells reduced (-39% to -89%) the activation of caspase-3/7 induced by these agents in all 5 non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines, but in none of the 2 breast carcinoma cell lines. Co culture with CD40L L cells also blocked the apoptosis induced by exogenous ceramides in breast carcinoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines through a caspase-3-like, 8-like and 9-like dependent pathways.ConclusionThese results indicate that CD40L expressed on adjacent non tumoral cells induces multidrug resistance to cytotoxic agents and ceramides in both breast carcinoma and non Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines, albeit through a caspase independent and dependent pathway respectively.

International audience; Tumours in rodent and human colon share many histological and genetic features. To know if rodent models of colon carcinogenesis are good predictors of chemopreventive efficacy in humans, we conducted a meta-analysis of aspirin, beta-carotene, calcium, and wheat bran studies. Controlled intervention studies of adenoma recurrence in human volunteers were compared with chemoprevention studies of carcinogen-induced tumours in rats, and of polyps in Min (Apc(+/-)) mice: 6714 volunteers, 3911 rats and 458 mice were included in the meta-analyses. Difference between models was small since most global relative risks were between 0.76 and 1.00. A closer look showed that carcinogen-induced rat studies matched human trials for aspirin, calcium, carotene, and were compatible for wheat bran. Min mice results were compatible with human results for aspirin, but discordant for calcium and wheat bran (no carotene study). These few results suggest that rodent models roughly predict effect in humans, but the prediction is not accurate for all agents. Based on three cases only, the carcinogen-induced rat model seems better than the Min mouse model. However, rodent studies are useful to screen potential chemopreventive agents, and to study mechanisms of carcinogenesis and chemoprevention.

Background Tumor cell lines are commonly used as experimental tools in cancer research, but their relevance for the in vivo situation is debated. In a series of 11 microsatellite stable (MSS) and 9 microsatellite unstable (MSI) colon cancer cell lines and primary colon carcinomas (25 MSS and 28 MSI) with known ploidy stem line and APC, KRAS, and TP53 mutation status, we analyzed the promoter methylation of the following genes: hMLH1, MGMT, p16INK4a (CDKN2A α-transcript), p14ARF (CDKN2A β-transcript), APC, and E-cadherin (CDH1). We compared the DNA methylation profiles of the cell lines with those of the primary tumors. Finally, we examined if the epigenetic changes were associated with known genetic markers and/or clinicopathological variables. Results The cell lines and primary tumors generally showed similar overall distribution and frequencies of gene methylation. Among the cell lines, 15%, 50%, 75%, 65%, 20% and 15% showed promoter methylation for hMLH1, MGMT, p16INK4a, p14ARF, APC, and E-cadherin, respectively, whereas 21%, 40%, 32%, 38%, 32%, and 40% of the primary tumors were methylated for the same genes. hMLH1 and p14ARF were significantly more often methylated in MSI than in MSS primary tumors, whereas the remaining four genes showed similar methylation frequencies in the two groups. Methylation of p14ARF, which indirectly inactivates TP53, was seen more frequently in tumors with normal TP53 than in mutated samples, but the difference was not statistically significant. Methylation of p14ARF and p16INK4a was often present in the same primary tumors, but association to diploidy, MSI, right-sided location and female gender was only significant for p14ARF. E-cadherin was methylated in 14/34 tumors with altered APC further stimulating WNT signaling. Conclusions The present study shows that colon cancer cell lines are in general relevant in vitro models, comparable with the in vivo situation, as the cell lines display many of the same molecular alterations as do the primary carcinomas. The combined pattern of epigenetic and genetic aberrations in the primary carcinomas reveals associations between them as well as to clinicopathological variables, and may aid in the future molecular assisted classification of clinically distinct stages.

International audience; Red meat intake is associated with colon cancer risk. Puzzlingly, meat does not promote carcinogenesis in rat studies. However, we demonstrated previously that dietary heme promotes aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation in rats given a low-calcium diet. Here, we tested the hypothesis that heme-rich meats promote colon carcinogenesis in rats treated with azoxymethane and fed low-calcium diets (0.8 g/kg). Three meat-based diets were formulated to contain varying concentrations of heme by the addition of raw chicken (low heme), beef (medium heme), or black pudding (blood sausage; high heme). The no-heme control diet was supplemented with ferric citrate and the heme control diet with hemoglobin to match iron and heme concentrations in the beef diet, respectively. After 100 d, colons were scored for ACF and mucin-depleted foci (MDF). Fecal water was assayed for lipoperoxides and cytotoxicity. Only diets with heme promoted the formation of MDF, but all meat diets promoted ACF formation. The number of MDF/colon was 0.55 +/- 0.68 in controls, but 1.2 +/- 0.6 (P = 0.13), 1.9 +/- 1.4 (P < 0.01), and 3.0 +/- 1.2 (P < 0.001) in chicken-, beef-, and black pudding-fed rats. MDF promotion by the high-heme black pudding diet was greater than that by the medium-heme beef diet. The number of ACF/colon was 72 +/- 16 in controls, but 91 +/- 18, 100 +/- 13, and 103 +/- 14 in chicken-, beef-, and black pudding-fed rats (all P < 0.001). ACF and MDF did not differ between rats fed the beef diet and those fed the heme control diet. MDF promotion was correlated with high fecal water lipoperoxides and cytotoxicity (r = 0.65, P < 0.01). This is the first study to show the promotion of experimental carcinogenesis by dietary meat and the association with heme intake.

International audience; TCF and SOX proteins belong to the high mobility group box transcription factor family. Whereas TCFs, the transcriptional effectors of the Wnt pathway, have been widely implicated in the development, homeostasis and disease of the intestine epithelium, little is known about the function of the SOX proteins in this tissue. Here, we identified SOX9 in a SOX expression screening in the mouse fetal intestine. We report that the SOX9 protein is expressed in the intestinal epithelium in a pattern characteristic of Wnt targets. We provide in vitro and in vivo evidence that a bipartite beta-catenin/TCF4 transcription factor, the effector of the Wnt signaling pathway, is required for SOX9 expression in epithelial cells. Finally, in colon epithelium-derived cells, SOX9 transcriptionally represses the CDX2 and MUC2 genes, normally expressed in the mature villus cells of the intestinal epithelium, and may therefore contribute to the Wnt-dependent maintenance of a progenitor cell phenotype.

International audience; BACKGROUND: Tumor cell adhesiveness is involved in metastatic dissemination, and adhesive behavior may be different under static and dynamic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing primary colorectal cancer excision were tested for: i) serum concentration of sE-selectin, sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, ii) expression of CD18, CD29d and E-cadherin on tumor cells and iii) efficiency of tumor cell adhesion to ECV304 monolayers under flow and resistance to detachment by shear. RESULTS: Twenty out of 31 patients were free of detectable relapse 12 months later. Relapsing and non-relapsing patients had similar levels of soluble adhesion molecules. E-cadherin was detected on tumor cells from three non-relapsing patients, but no relapsing one. Unexpectedly, significant CD18 labeling was found on two relapsing patients and one non-relapsing patient. Cells from relapsing patients displayed significantly increased (p < 0.05 two-sided, p < 0.025 one-sided) capacity to adhere to test monolayers under flow. CONCLUSION: Cancer invasion is related to tumor cell adhesiveness, and the flow chamber provides a practical way of measuring adhesive parameters with a potential value for relapse prediction.

The lipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF) plays a role in cancer. We investigated its presence in human colon carcinoma by assessing the levels of tissue phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2), the key enzyme in the generation of the lyso-PAF precursor), lyso-PAF, PAF and acetylhydrolase activity (AHA, the key enzyme in PAF degradation) in colorectal cancer patients and by correlating them with Dukes' classification. The results highlighted that the tumour tissues of Dukes' A and B patients had significantly higher PLA(2), lyso-PAF, PAF and AHA levels as compared with nontumour tissues. Dukes' C patients had higher PLA(2), lyso-PAF and AHA levels but unchanged PAF. Dukes' D patients had higher AHA levels but unchanged PLA(2), lyso-PAF and PAF. A pathophysiological role for PAF is suggested in human colon carcinoma.

International audience; Sialyl-Tn antigen (STn) is a cancer associated carbohydrate antigen over-expressed in several cancers including breast cancer, and currently associated with more aggressive diseases and poor prognosis. However, the commonly used breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231, T47-D and MCF7) do not express STn antigen. The key step in the biosynthesis of STn is the transfer of a sialic acid residue in alpha2,6-linkage to GalNAc alpha-O-Ser/Thr. This reaction is mainly catalyzed by a CMP-Neu5Ac GalNAc alpha2,6-sialyltransferase: ST6GalNAc I. In order to generate STn-positive breast cancer cells, we have cloned a cDNA encoding the full-length human ST6GalNAc I from HT-29-MTX cells. The stable transfection of MDA-MB-231 with an expression vector encoding ST6GalNAc I induces the expression of STn antigen at the cell surface. The expression of STn short cuts the initial O-glycosylation pattern of these cell lines, by competing with the Core-1 beta1,3-galactosyltransferase, the first enzyme involved in the elongation of O-glycan chains. Moreover, we show that STn expression is associated with morphological changes, decreased growth and increased migration of MDA-MB-231 cells.

International audience; The Apc(Min/+) mouse model and the azoxymethane (AOM) rat model are the main animal models used to study the effect of dietary agents on colorectal cancer. We reviewed recently the potency of chemopreventive agents in the AOM rat model (D. E. Corpet and S. Tache, Nutr. Cancer, 43: 1-21, 2002). Here we add the results of a systematic review of the effect of dietary and chemopreventive agents on the tumor yield in Min mice. The review is based on the results of 179 studies from 71 articles and is displayed also on the internet http://corpet.net/min.(2) We compared the efficacy of agents in the Min mouse model and the AOM rat model, and found that they were correlated (r = 0.66; P < 0.001), although some agents that afford strong protection in the AOM rat and the Min mouse small bowel increase the tumor yield in the large bowel of mutant mice. The agents included piroxicam, sulindac, celecoxib, difluoromethylornithine, and polyethylene glycol. The reason for this discrepancy is not known. We also compare the results of rodent studies with those of clinical intervention studies of polyp recurrence. We found that the effect of most of the agents tested was consistent across the animal and clinical models. Our point is thus: rodent models can provide guidance in the selection of prevention approaches to human colon cancer, in particular they suggest that polyethylene glycol, hesperidin, protease inhibitor, sphingomyelin, physical exercise, epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, (+)-catechin, resveratrol, fish oil, curcumin, caffeate, and thiosulfonate are likely important preventive agents.

International audience; The Apc(Min/+) mouse model and the azoxymethane (AOM) rat model are the main animal models used to study the effect of dietary agents on colorectal cancer. We reviewed recently the potency of chemopreventive agents in the AOM rat model (D. E. Corpet and S. Tache, Nutr. Cancer, 43: 1-21, 2002). Here we add the results of a systematic review of the effect of dietary and chemopreventive agents on the tumor yield in Min mice. The review is based on the results of 179 studies from 71 articles and is displayed also on the internet http://corpet.net/min.(2) We compared the efficacy of agents in the Min mouse model and the AOM rat model, and found that they were correlated (r = 0.66; P < 0.001), although some agents that afford strong protection in the AOM rat and the Min mouse small bowel increase the tumor yield in the large bowel of mutant mice. The agents included piroxicam, sulindac, celecoxib, difluoromethylornithine, and polyethylene glycol. The reason for this discrepancy is not known. We also compare the results of rodent studies with those of clinical intervention studies of polyp recurrence. We found that the effect of most of the agents tested was consistent across the animal and clinical models. Our point is thus: rodent models can provide guidance in the selection of prevention approaches to human colon cancer, in particular they suggest that polyethylene glycol, hesperidin, protease inhibitor, sphingomyelin, physical exercise, epidermal growth factor receptor kinase inhibitor, (+)-catechin, resveratrol, fish oil, curcumin, caffeate, and thiosulfonate are likely important preventive agents.

Potential chemopreventive agents for colorectal cancer are assessed in rodents. We speculated that the magnitude of the effect is meaningful and ranked all published agents according to their potency. Data were gathered systematically from 137 articles with the aberrant crypt foci (ACF) end point and from 146 articles with the tumor end point. The potency of each agent to reduce the number of ACF is listed in one table and the potency of each agent to reduce the tumor incidence in another table. Both tables are shown in this review and on a website with sorting abilities (http://www.inra.fr/reseau-nacre/sci-memb/corpet/indexan.html). Potency was estimated as the ratio of the value in control rats to the value in treated rats. From each article, only the most potent agent was kept, except in articles reporting the effect of more than seven agents. Among the 186 agents in the ACF table, the median agent reduced the number of ACF by one-half. The most potent agents to reduce azoxymethane-induced ACF were Pluronic, polyethylene glycol, perilla oil with beta-carotene, and sulindac sulfide. Among the 160 agents in the tumor table, the median agent reduced the tumor incidence in rats by one-half. The most potent agents to reduce the incidence of azoxymethane-induced tumors were celecoxib, a protease inhibitor from soy, difluoromethylornithine with piroxicam, polyethylene glycol, and a thiosulfonate. For the 57 agents present in both tables, a significant correlation (r) was found between the potencies against ACF and tumors (r = 0.45, P < 0.001); without celecoxib, a major outlying point in the correlation, r = 0.68 (P < 0.001, n = 56). In conclusion, this review gathers most known chemopreventive agents, ranks the most promising agents against colon carcinogenesis in rats or mice, and further supports the use of ACF as a surrogate end point for tumors in rats.

International audience; Processed meat intake is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer. This association may be explained by the endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds (NOC). The hypothesis that meat intake can increase fecal NOC levels and colon carcinogenesis was tested in 175 Fischer 344 rats. Initiation was assessed by the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of rats 45 days after the start of a high-fat bacon-based diet. Promotion was assessed by the multiplicity of ACF (crypts per ACF) in rats given experimental diets for 100 days starting 7 days after an azoxymethane injection. Three promotion studies were done, each in 5 groups of 10 rats, whose diets contained 7%, 14%, or 28% fat. Tested meats were bacon, pork, chicken, and beef. Fecal and dietary NOC were assayed by thermal energy analysis. Results show that feces from rats fed bacon-based diets contained 10-20 times more NOC than feces from control rats fed a casein-based diet (all p < 0.0001 in 4 studies). In bacon-fed rats, the amount of NOC input (diet) and output (feces) was similar. Rats fed a diet based on beef, pork, or chicken meat had less fecal NOC than controls (most p < 0.01). No ACF were detected in the colon of bacon-fed uninitiated rats. After azoxymethane injection, unprocessed but cooked meat-based diets did not change the number of ACF or the ACF multiplicity compared with control rats. In contrast, the bacon-based diet consistently reduced the number of large ACF per rat and the ACF multiplicity in the three promotion studies by 12%, 17%, and 20% (all p < 0.01). Results suggest that NOC from dietary bacon would not enhance colon carcinogenesis in rats.

A synthetic peptide corresponding to the human MUC2 tandem repeat unit was glycosylated in vitro using UDP-GalNAc and extracts of colonic adenocarcinoma and paired normal mucosa, followed by fractionation of the products by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Several peaks of glycopeptides with different numbers of GalNAc residues attached were detected. It is notable that the adenocarcinoma extract was capable of glycosylating peptides to a much greater extent than was normal mucosa. The levels of mRNA for N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases-1, -2, and -3 were determined by reverse transcription-PCR. Only N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-3 mRNA was expressed at a higher level in the adenocarcinoma than in the normal tissue. When the MUC2 tandem repeat peptide was glycosylated with a mixture of the normal mucosa extract and recombinant N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-3, larger amounts of glycopeptides with higher contents of GalNAc residues were produced. The MUC2 tandem repeat peptides glycosylated extensively by recombinant N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-1, -2, or -3 were prepared and characterized. Substitution at each Thr residue, as revealed by Edman degradation sequencing, in conjunction with evidence obtained on mass spectrometry indicated a heterogeneous pattern of site-specific glycosylation within the MUC2 tandem repeat. It was found that maximum numbers of 6, 8, and 11 GalNAc residues were incorporated by N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases-1, -2, and -3, respectively, and that only N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-3 could completely glycosylate both consecutive sequences composed of three and five Thr residues in the MUC2 tandem repeat unit. These results suggest that O-glycosylation of the clustered Thr residues is a selective process controlled by N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-3 in the synthesis of clustered carbohydrate antigens.

Polyethylene-glycol (PEG) is a strong inhibitor of colon cancer in rats, and the most potent suppressor of aberrant crypt foci. 9 PEG-like block copolymers were tested in rodents, after an azoxymethane injection. Dietary pluronic F68 led to a 98.6% reduction in the number of aberrant crypt foci in a first rat study (P< 0.0001). Next 3 studies confirmed this pluronic efficacy in rats and mice. This non-toxic laxative seems roughly 5 times more potent than PEG for chemoprevention. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com

International audience; Polyethylene glycol (PEG 8000) is a potent cancer chemopreventive agent. This osmotic laxative polymer markedly suppresses colon cancer in rats. To explain the mechanism, we have tested the in vitro effect of PEG on four human cell lines. Two poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma lines (HT29 and COLO205), a fetal mucosa line (FHC) and a differentiated line (post-confluent Caco-2) were incubated with various PEG concentrations for 2-5 days. Results show that PEG markedly and dose-dependently inhibited HT29 and COLO205 cell growth. This cytostatic effect was associated with a blocking of the cell cycle in G0/G1 phase. In addition, PEG decreased the viability of HT29 and COLO205 adenocarcinoma cells. In contrast, post-confluent intestinal-like Caco-2 cells and normal FHC cells were, respectively, not or little affected by PEG. Moreover, the lactate concentration increased twofold in the medium of PEG-treated HT29 cells compared with untreated cells. Microscopic observations showed that PEG induced cell shrinking, membrane blebbing and the condensation of nuclear chromatin. However, because no DNA ladder and no annexin staining were detected, we presume that PEG did not induce apoptosis. PEG increased the osmotic pressure of the culture medium. Hyperosmotic media with added NaCl or sorbitol also inhibited HT29 cell growth, and increased lactate release. These results suggest that PEG may be selectively cytostatic for proliferating cancer cells. This growth inhibition may be due to the high osmotic pressure induced by PEG in vitro. Because the osmotic pressure is high in feces of PEG-fed rats, it may explain the suppression of colon carcinogenesis by PEG.

Lactoferrin inhibits cell proliferation and suppresses tumor growth in vivo. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate that treatment of breast carcinoma cells MDA-MB-231 with human lactoferrin induces growth arrest at the G1 to S transition of the cell cycle. This G1 arrest is associated with a dramatic decrease in the protein levels of Cdk2 and cyclin E correlated with an inhibition of the Cdk2 kinase activity. Cdk4 activity is also significantly decreased in the treated cells and is accompanied by an increased expression of the Cdk inhibitor p21(CIP1). Furthermore, we show that lactoferrin maintains the cell cycle progression regulator retinoblastoma protein pRb in a hypophosphorylated form. Additional experiments with synchronized cells by serum depletion confirm the anti-proliferative activity of human lactoferrin. These effects of lactoferrin occur through a p53-independent mechanism both in MDA-MB-231 cells and other epithelial cell lines such as HBL-100, MCF-7, and HT-29. These findings demonstrate that lactoferrin induces growth arrest by modulating the expression and the activity of key G1 regulatory proteins.

International audience; We speculated that a diet with a high glycemic index (GI) or a diet with a low nutrient density (nutrient-to-calorie ratio) would enhance colon carcinogenesis, presumably via increased insulin resistance. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received an azoxymethane injection (20 mg/kg) and were randomized into five groups given an AIN-76 diet containing 1) 65% starch by weight, 2) 65% glucose (GI = 100), 3) 65% fructose (GI = 23), 4) 82% starch, or 5) 39% oil and 39% sucrose. The nutrient density of Diets 4 and 5 was one-half that of Diets 1-3. Promotion was assessed by the multiplicity (number of crypts) of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), an early marker of colon carcinogenesis. Insulin resistance was estimated by the FIRI index (blood insulin x blood glucose), by plasma triglycerides, and by visceral fat. To confirm the results in another rat strain, the experiment was duplicated in 48 Fischer (F344) rats. Results show that 1) the ACF multiplicity was not different in glucose- and fructose-fed rats (p > 0.7): diets with contrasting GI had the same effect on ACF growth; 2) diets of low nutrient density increased visceral fat (p < 0.05) but reduced the ACF size in F344 rats (p < 0.001, no reduction in SD rats); and 3) indirect insulin resistance markers (FIRI index, blood triglycerides, and visceral fat) did not correlate with ACF multiplicity. These results do not support the hypothesis that diets with a high GI or low nutrient density or diets that increase some indirect insulin resistance markers can promote colon carcinogenesis in F344 or SD rats.

International audience; High intake of red meat or processed meat is associated with increased risk of colon cancer. In contrast, consumption of white meat (chicken) is not associated with risk and might even reduce the occurrence of colorectal cancer. We speculated that a diet containing beef or bacon would increase and a diet containing chicken would decrease colon carcinogenesis in rats. One hundred female Fischer 344 rats were given a single injection of azoxymethane (20 mg/kg i.p.), then randomized to 10 different AIN-76-based diets. Five diets were adjusted to 14% fat and 23% protein and five other diets to 28% fat and 40% protein. Fat and protein were supplied by 1) lard and casein, 2) olive oil and casein, 3) beef, 4) chicken with skin, and 5) bacon. Meat diets contained 30% or 60% freeze-dried fried meat. The diets were given ad libitum for 100 days, then colon tumor promotion was assessed by the multiplicity of aberrant crypt foci [number of crypts per aberrant crypt focus (ACF)]. The ACF multiplicity was nearly the same in all groups, except bacon-fed rats, with no effect of fat and protein level or source (p = 0.7 between 8 groups by analysis of variance). In contrast, compared with lard- and casein-fed controls, the ACF multiplicity was reduced by 12% in rats fed a diet with 30% bacon and by 20% in rats fed a diet with 60% bacon (p < 0.001). The water intake was higher in bacon-fed rats than in controls (p < 0.0001). The concentrations of iron and bile acids in fecal water and total fatty acids in feces changed with diet, but there was no correlation between these concentrations and the ACF multiplicity. Thus the hypothesis that colonic iron, bile acids, or total fatty acids can promote colon tumors is not supported by this study. The results suggest that, in rats, beef does not promote the growth of ACF and chicken does not protect against colon carcinogenesis. A bacon-based diet appears to protect against carcinogenesis, perhaps because bacon contains 5% NaCl and increased the rats' water intake.

Thermolyzed casein is known to promote the growth of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and colon cancer when it is fed to rats that have been initiated with azoxymethane. We speculated that the promotion was a consequence of increased colonic protein fermentation (i.e., that the thermolysis of the casein decreases its digestibility, increases the amount of protein reaching the colon, and increases colonic protein fermentation and that the potentially toxic products of this fermentation promote colon carcinogenesis). We found that the thermolysis of casein reduces its digestibility and increases colonic protein fermentation, as assessed by fecal ammonium and urinary phenol, cresol, and indol-3-ol. Thermolysis of two other proteins, soy and egg white protein, also increases colonic protein fermentation with increased fecal ammonia and urinary phenols, and thermolysis of all three proteins increases the levels of ammonia and butyric, valeric, and i-valeric acids in the cecal contents. We found, however, that the increased protein fermentation observed with thermolysis is not associated with promotion of colon carcinogenesis. With casein, the kinetics of protein fermentation with increasing thermolysis time are clearly different from the kinetics of promotion of ACF growth. The formation of the fermentation products was highest when the protein was thermolyzed for one hour, whereas promotion was highest for protein that had been thermolyzed for two or more hours. With soy and egg white, thermolysis increased colonic protein fermentation but did not promote colon carcinogenesis. Thus, although thermolysis of dietary casein increases colonic protein fermentation, products of this fermentation do not appear to be responsible for the promotion of colon carcinogenesis. Indeed, the results suggest that protein fermentation products do not play an important role in colon cancer promotion.

International audience; This chapter discusses the molecular cloning and expression of internalin in Listeria. Listeria monocytogenes is a ubiquitous gram-positive bacterium that causes severe infections in humans and in a variety of warm-blooded animals. This pathogen has emerged as an important agent of foodborne disease in the last decade. The majority of human infection affects pregnant women and result in stillbirths or neonatal sepsis. Meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and bacteremia account for most cases in nonpregnant adults occurring in the setting of immunosuppression or aging. The internalin (inl) region contains three open reading frames (ORFs): ORFA, inlA, and inlB. ORFA is 744 bp long and encodes a polypeptide of 248 amino acids that has 30% identity with the ribitol dehydrogenase from Klebsiella aerogenes, the protein encoded by the nodG gene of Rhizobium meliloti, and the actIII gene from Streptomyces coelicolor. inlA starts at 681 bp downstream from the end of ORFA, which is 2400 bp long. Two-thirds of inlA is made up of intragenic repeats that form two regions, region A and region B. These regions are independently formed by internal tandem duplications of ancestral sequences inlB starts 85 bp after the end of inlA and the two are separated by a putative transcription terminator, inlB is 1890 bp long and resembles inlA.

International audience; Mouse biliary glycoprotein (Bgp) is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen gene family and is highly expressed in the epithelial cells of normal hepatic biliary ducts and intestine. Nine mouse Bgp isoforms have been identified through molecular cloning and shown to be splice and allelic variants of one Bgp gene. These glycoproteins function in vitro as intercellular adhesion molecules and serve as the mouse hepatitis virus receptors. Since human carcinoembryonic antigen is overexpressed in gastrointestinal tumors, we have investigated the expression of mouse Bgp in primary tumors and carcinoma cell lines. Our results demonstrate that the expression of the major mouse Bgp isoforms is down-regulated in tumors at the transcriptional and the posttranscriptional levels. This decrease in expression is corroborated by immunostaining of primary colonic tumors with anti-mouse Bgp antibodies. In addition, Bgp expression is influenced by transcriptional control mechanisms involving DNA methylation of the Bgp gene upstream regulatory region. Our results demonstrate that mouse Bgp protein expression is decreased upon malignant transformation and further suggest that Bgp proteins may be involved in the maintenance of the differentiated cellular phenotype.

International audience; Entry of Listeria monocytogenes into epithelial cells requires expression of inIA, the first gene of an operon comprising two genes: inIA, which encodes internalin, a 800-amino-acid protein, and inIB, which encodes a 630-amino-acid protein. We report here that the inI locus is transcribed on two transcripts in constant relative ratio: a 5 kb transcript spanning inIA and inIB, and a 2.9 kb transcript that covers only inIA. The promoter is located 397 bp from the GTG initiator of inIA and displays in its -35 region a palindrome similar to that found in promoters controlled by the pleiotropic activator prfA. Transcription of the inI locus is, as are several other L. monocytogenes virulence genes, activated by prfA and regulated by temperature--with higher expression at 37 degrees C versus 25 degrees C--and bacterial growth state. It is maximal during exponential growth and correlates with maximal invasivity of the bacteria in the human epithelial cell line Caco-2. It also correlates with maximum amounts of internalin present on the bacterial surface. Internalin is also detected in substantial amounts in culture supernatants. Taken together, these data suggest that surface-bound internalin plays an important role in bacterial entry but do not exclude a role for the released form.

International audience; Assessment of anti-tumor treatment efficiency is usually done by measuring tumor size. Treatment may however induce changes in the tumor other than tumor size. Magnetic Resonance Imaging Texture Analysis (MRI-TA) is presently used to follow activated lymphocyte cell therapy. We used a 7T microimager to acquire high-resolution MR images of an experimental liver metastasis from colon carcinoma in rats treated (n = 4) or not (n = 3) with a cell therapy product. MRI-TA was then performed with Linear Discriminant Analysis and showed: i) a significant variation of tumor texture with tumor growth and ii) a significant modification in the texture of tumors treated with activated lymphocytes compared with untreated tumors. T2-weighted images or volume calculation did not evidence any difference. MRI-TA appears as a promising method for early detection and follow-up of response to cell therapy.

Integrins, receptors for extracellular matrix ligands, are critical regulators of the invasive phenotype. Specifically, the alpha(6)beta(4) integrin has been linked with epithelial cell motility, cellular survival and carcinoma invasion, hallmarks of metastatic tumours. Previous studies have also shown that antagonists of the NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cells) family of transcription factors exhibit strong anti-tumour-promoting activity. This suggests that NFAT may function in tumour metastasis. Here, we investigate the involvement of NFAT in promoting carcinoma invasion downstream of the alpha(6)beta(4) integrin. We provide evidence that both NFAT1, and the recently identified NFAT5 isoform, are expressed in invasive human ductal breast carcinomas and participate in promoting carcinoma invasion using cell lines derived from human breast and colon carcinomas. NFAT1 and NFAT5 activity correlates with the expression of the alpha(6)beta(4) integrin. In addition, the transcriptional activity of NFAT5 is induced by alpha(6)beta(4) clustering in the presence of chemo-attractants, resulting in enhanced cell migration. These observations show that NFATs are targets of alpha(6)beta(4) integrin signalling and are involved in promoting carcinoma invasion, highlighting a novel function for this family of transcription factors in human cancer.