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Aims Adenoviruses that have C NGR C VSG C AGR C peptide inserted into fiber (AdFNGR) or hexon (AdHNGR) protein, respectively, showed increased transduction of endothelial cells. In this study we investigated if cysteines within the C NGR C VSG C AGR C sequence inserted into Ad5 fiber or hexon protein form disulfide bond(s) and whether they play a role in retargeting potential of AdFNGR and AdHNGR. Methods Transduction efficiency of adenoviruses was done by counting infected cells under the microscope. Adenovirus attachment and internalization were measured by qPCR. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of CD13 and integrins. Gene knockdown was achieved by transfection of small interfering RNA. Mass spectrometry was used for determining disulfide bonds in adenovirus fiber and hexon protein. Molecular modeling was use to predict interaction of CNGRCVSGCAGRC peptide and CD13. Key findings AdFNGR and AdHNGR attach better to CD13 and/or αvβ3 integrin-positive cells than Adwt. Reducing disulfide bonds using DTT decreased transduction efficiency and attachment of both AdFNGR and AdHNGR. Cysteins from CNGRCVSGCAGRC peptide within AdHNGR do not form disulfide bonds. Knockdown of αvβ3 integrin reduced increased transduction efficiency of both AdFNGR and AdHNGR, while CD13 knockdown had no effect, indicating that retargeting properties of these viruses rely mainly on αvβ3 integrin expression. Significance Insertion site of NGR-containing peptides as well as NGR flanking residues are critical for receptor binding affinity/specificity and transduction efficiency of NGR retargeted adenoviral vectors.

Low survival rates of patients with metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and melanoma, in which current therapies are ineffective, emphasize the need for new therapeutic approaches. Integrin signalling regulates proliferation, migration, metastasis and cell death and has been suggested as a possible target in antitumor therapy. Although seen as a promising target when combined with chemotherapy, recent data on integrin β1 have shown that its inactivation increases metastatic potential due to the compensatory upregulation of other integrin subunits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of integrin subunits αv, α3, or α4 knockdown in increasing sensitivity in seven TNBC (MDA-MB-231, -468 and -436) and melanoma (MDA-MB-435S, RPMI-7951, MeWo and A375) cell lines to cisplatin, microtubule poisons paclitaxel (PTX) and vincristine (VCR), and mitigating metastatic potential. Experiments performed in integrin αvβ1 negative melanoma cell line MDA-MB-435S identified integrin subunit αv as a target whose knockdown increases sensitivity to vincristine or paclitaxel, and decreases migration and invasion. In MDA-MB-435S cell line we also identified a phenomenon in which change in expression of one integrin subunit changes the expression of other integrin/s, leading to an unpredictable influence on sensitivity to anticancer drugs and cell migration referred to as the integrin switching effect. The contribution of integrins αv versus integrins αvβ3/β5 was also assessed in a panel of six TNBC and melanoma cell lines by the combined action of αv-specific siRNA or αvβ3/β5 inhibitor cilengitide with paclitaxel. Knockdown of integrin αv in combination with VCR and PTX resulted in beneficial effect in all three TNBC cell lines, while in melanoma cell lines we observed beneficial effect in only one cell line out of three. Interestingly, cilengitide-driven inactivation of integrin heterodimers αvβ3 and αvβ5 showed beneficial effect in combination with PTX in five out of seven TNBC and melanoma cell lines, although in a different set of cells as compared to integrin αv knockdown. Our results suggest that for TNBC the knockdown of integrin αv in combination with paclitaxel presents a better therapeutic option than cilengitide, and simultaneously decreases migration and invasion. However, in melanoma neither of these combinations is advisable because decreased sensitivity to paclitaxel was observed.

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polymer films have been proposed as a cheap way of producing antibacterial coatings on external surfaces. Recently, we synthesized MoO3 nanowires in a unique shape and degree of anisotropy, which enables their fast water dissolution and quick antimicrobial reaction. Potential human health risks following the exposure to MoO3 NPs however need to be assessed prior their wide use. We therefore, investigated the biological effect of these newly synthesized MoO3 NPs on the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT, used here as a model for the human skin. Exposure of HaCaT cells to 1 mg/mL MoO3 NPs concentration for 1 h showed no effect on cell survival, had no influence on reactive oxygen species production, expression of proteins involved in antioxidant defense, secretion of pro- inflammatory cytokines, nor induced DNA damage. Interestingly however, ERK and p38 MAP kinases were activated, and upon longer time exposure, induced a moderate release of the pro- inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6, increased DNA damage and increased the level of caspase independent cell death. Our study indicates that exposing HaCaT cells to antibacterial MoO3 NPs water-based solution in durations less than 1 h exhibits no cytotoxicity, but rather triggers cell signalling involved in cell survival and inflammation ; which should be taken into consideration when evaluating MoO3 NPs for medical applications.

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface receptors composed of α and β subunits that control adhesion, proliferation and gene expression. The integrin heterodimer binding to ligand reorganises the cytoskeletal networks and triggers multiple signalling pathways that can cause changes in cell cycle, proliferation, differentiation, survival and motility. In addition, integrins have been identified as targets for many different diseases, including cancer. Integrin crosstalk is a mechanism by which a change in the expression of a certain integrin subunit or the activation of an integrin heterodimer may interfere with the expression and/or activation of other integrin subunit(s) in the very same cell. Here, we review the evidence for integrin crosstalk in a range of cellular systems, with a particular emphasis on cancer. We describe the molecular mechanisms of integrin crosstalk, the effects of cell fate determination, and the contribution of crosstalk to therapeutic outcomes. Our intention is to raise awareness of integrin crosstalk events such that the contribution of the phenomenon can be taken into account when researching the biological or pathophysiological roles of integrins.

Numerous viruses hijack cellular protein trafficking pathways to mediate cell entry or to rearrange membrane structures thereby promoting viral replication and antagonizing the immune response. Adaptor protein complexes (AP), which mediate protein sorting in endocytic and secretory transport pathways, are one of the conserved viral targets with many viruses possessing AP-interacting motifs. We present here different mechanisms of viral interference with AP complexes and the functional consequences that allow for efficient viral propagation and evasion of host immune defense. The ubiquity of this phenomenon is evidenced by the fact that there are representatives for AP interference in all major viral families, covered in this review. The best described examples are interactions of human immunodeficiency virus and human herpesviruses with AP complexes. Several other viruses, like Ebola, Nipah, and SARS-CoV-2, are pointed out as high priority disease-causative agents supporting the need for deeper understanding of virus-AP interplay which can be exploited in the design of novel antiviral therapies.

The serotype specificity of adenovirus ion-exchange chromatography has previously been studied using standard particle-based columns, and the hexon protein has been reported to determine retention time. In this study, we have submitted Adenovirus type 5 recombinants to anion-exchange chromatography using methacrylate monolithic supports. Our experiments with hexon-modified adenoviral vectors show more precisely that the retention time is affected by the substitution of amino acids in hypervariable region 5, which lies within the hexon DE1 loop. By exploring the recombinants modified in the fiber protein, we have proven the previously predicted chromatographic potential of this surface constituent. Modifications that preserve the net charge of the hexon protein, or those that cause only a small charge difference in the fiber protein, in addition to shortening the fiber shaft, did not change the chromatographic behavior of the adenovirus particles. However, modifications that include the deletion of just two negatively charged amino acids in the hexon protein, or the introduction of a heterologous fiber protein, derived from another serotype, revealed recognizable changes in anion-exchange chromatography. This could be useful in facilitating chromatography-approach purification by creating targeted capsid modifications, thereby shifting adenovirus particles away from particular interfering substances present in the crude lysate.

Integrins have been suggested as possible targets in anticancer therapy. Here we show that knockdown of integrins αVβ3, αVβ5, α3β1 and α4β1 and pharmacological inhibition using a cyclo-RGD integrin αVβ3/αVβ5 antagonist sensitized multiple highgrade glioma cell lines to temozolomide (TMZ)- induced cytotoxicity. The greatest effect was observed in LN229 cells upon integrin β3 silencing, which led to inhibition of the FAK/Src/Akt/NFκB signaling pathway and increased formation of γH2AX foci. The integrin β3 knockdown led to the proteasomal degradation of Rad51, reduction of Rad51 foci and reduced repair of TMZ- induced DNA double-strand breaks by impairing homologous recombination efficiency. The down- regulation of β3 in Rad51 knockdown (LN229- Rad51kd) cells neither further sensitized them to TMZ nor increased the number of γH2AX foci, confirming causality between β3 silencing and Rad51 reduction. RIP1 was found cleaved and IκBα significantly less degraded in β3- silenced/TMZexposed cells, indicating inactivation of NFκB signaling. The anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL, survivin and XIAP were proteasomally degraded and caspase-3/-2 cleaved. Increased H2AX phosphorylation, caspase-3 cleavage, reduced Rad51 and RIP1 expression, as well as sustained IκBα expression were also observed in mouse glioma xenografts treated with the cyclo-RGD inhibitor and TMZ, confirming the molecular mechanism in vivo. Our data indicates that β3 silencing in glioma cells represents a promising strategy to sensitize high-grade gliomas to TMZ therapy.

The Kank (kidney or KN motif and ankyrin repeat domain-containing) family of proteins has been described as essential for crosstalk between actin and microtubules. Kank1, 2, 3 and 4 arose by gene duplication and diversification and share conserved structural domains. KANK proteins are localised mainly to the plasma membrane in focal adhesions, indirectly affecting RhoA and Rac1 thus regulating actin cytoskeleton. In addition, Kank proteins are part of the cortical microtubule stabilisation complex regulating microtubules. Most of the data have been collected for Kank1 protein whose expression promotes apoptosis and cell- cycle arrest while Kank3 was identified as hypoxia- inducible proapoptotic target of p53. A discrepancy in Kanks role in regulation of cell migration and sensitivity to antitumour drugs has been observed in different cell models. Since expression of Kank1 and 3 correlate positively with tumour progression and patient outcome, at least in some tumour types, they are candidates for tumour suppressors.

Low survival rates of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and melanoma, in which current therapies are ineffective, emphasize the need for new therapeutic approaches. Integrin

Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) has a promising role in cancer tumourigenesis and treatment, but there have been controversies about its role as oncogene or tumour suppressor in different types of cancer. Changes in its expression are associated with the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction and age-related pathologies. Hyperoxic treatment (i.e. generator of ROS) was shown to support some tumourigenic properties, but finally suppresses growth of certain mammary carcinoma cells. Due to strikingly reduced Sirt3 level in many breast cancer cell lines, we aimed to clarify the effect of de novo Sirt3 expression upon hyperoxic treatment in the human MCF-7 breast cancer cells. De novo expression of Sirt3 decreased metabolic activity and cellular growth of MCF-7 cells, reduced expression of proangiogenic and epithelial mesenchymal transition genes, induced metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, and decreased abundance of senescent cells. These effects were enhanced upon hyperoxic treatment: induction of DNA damage and upregulation of p53, with an increase of ROS levels followed by mitochondrial and antioxidant dysfunction, resulted in additional reduction of metabolic activity and inhibition of cellular growth and survival. The mitigation of tumorigenic properties and enhancement of the susceptibility of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells to the hyperoxic treatment upon de novo Sirt3 expression indicates that these factors, individually and in combination, should be further explored in vitro and particularly in vivo, as an adjuvant tumour therapy in breast cancer malignancies.

Sirtuin 3 (Sirt3) is the only member of sirtuin family linked to longevity in humans. In addition, important cellular and mitochondrial processes, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation are integrated through Sirt3. Furthermore, Sirt3 has a promising role in cancer tumorigenesis and treatment, but there have been controversies about its role as oncogene or tumor suppressor in different types of cancer. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women, and ranks as the fifth cause of cancer death worldwide. Since breast cancer cells have strikingly reduced Sirt3 level, and even 20% of them have almost no detectable Sirt3 protein we wanted to examine the effect of de novo Sirt3 expression upon treatment with 95% O 2 (hyperoxia) in human MCF-7 breast cancer cells model. Since hypoxia is a hallmark of various tumors, we hypothesized that hyperoxia would have negative impact on cancer cells, thus providing therapeutic strategy against their tumorigenic properties. Therefore, in this study we have developed human MCF-7 breast cancer cells transfectants expressing the Sirt3 protein in order to test its potential in affecting the response of these cells upon the hyperoxic treatment, i.e. to decipher whether it sensitizes or makes these cancer cells more resistant to oxidative stress. De novo expression of Sirt3 decreased metabolic activity and cellular growth of MCF-7 cells, reduced expression of pro- angiogenic and epithelial mesenchymal transition genes, induced metabolic switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, and decreased abundance of senescent cells. These effects were enhanced upon hyperoxic treatment: induction of DNA damage and upregulation of p53, with increase of ROS levels followed by mitochondrial and antioxidant dysfunction, resulted in additional reduction of metabolic activity and inhibition of cellular growth and survival. The mitigation of tumorigenic properties and enhancement of the susceptibility of the MCF-7 breast cancer cells to the hyperoxic treatment upon de novo Sirt3 expression, indicates that the impact of these factors, individually and in combination, should be further explored in vitro and particularly in vivo in breast cancer malignancies.

Previously, we described the synthesis and biological activity of a new class of anticancer molecules that preferentially target malignant cells and may serve as potential antitumor agents. Among several synthesized agents, we selected 3-acetyl-1,3-bis(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-1-triazene (8b) as a representative of the group of 4-nitro-substituted 1,3-diaryltriazenes. The aim of this study was to further investigate the mechanism of cell response to the 8b compound. The HeLa human cervical carcinoma cell line was used as an experimental model to further investigate the mechanism of cell response to the 8b compound. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay was used to address cell survival, and western blot (immunoblotting) was used for the expression of relevant proteins after 8b drug exposure. The pretreatment of HeLa cells with salubrinal, a specific inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, confirmed the importance of ER stress in apoptosis induced by 8b. We also demonstrate that 8b triggers the activation of stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the inhibition of SAPK/JNK activity by JNK II before 8b treatment increased the survival rate of HeLa cells relative to survival in the presence of 8b alone, indicating the importance of this kinase in cell death. The simultaneous inhibition of ER stress induction and SAPK/JNK activation increased the survival of HeLa cells upon 8b treatment more than inhibition of both pathways independently, suggesting the separate triggering of both signaling pathways. Our data indicate that cytotoxic activity of the novel compound 8b is based on its ability to induce ER stress and SAPK/JNK signaling pathways independently, driving cells to cell death.

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) contains genes important for immune response in mammals, and these genes exhibit high polymorphism and diversity. The DRA gene, a member of the MHC class II family, is highly conserved across a large number of mammalian species, but it displays exceptionally rich sequence variations in Equidae members. We analyzed allelic polymorphism of the DRA locus in 248 donkeys sampled across the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Greece and Montenegro). Five known alleles and two new alleles were identified. The new allele Eqas-DRA*0601 was found to carry a synonymous mutation, and new allele Eqas-DRA*0701, a non-synonymous mutation. We further analyzed the historical selection and allele genealogy at the DRA locus in equids. Signals of positive selection obtained by various tests were ambiguous. A conservative conclusion is that DRA polymorphism occurred relatively recently and that positive selection has been acting on the DRA locus for a relatively brief period.

The serotype specificity of adenovirus ion-exchange chromatography has previously been studied using standard particle-based columns, and the hexon protein has been reported to determine retention time. In this study, we have submitted Adenovirus type 5 recombinants to anion-exchange chromatography using methacrylate monolithic supports. Our experiments with hexon-modified adenoviral vectors show more precisely that the retention time is affected by the substitution of amino acids in hypervariable region 5, which lies within the hexon DE1 loop. By exploring the recombinants modified in the fiber protein, we have proven the previously predicted chromatographic potential of this surface constituent. Modifications that preserve the net charge of the hexon protein, or those that cause only a small charge difference in the fiber protein, in addition to shortening the fiber shaft, did not change the chromatographic behavior of the adenovirus particles. However, modifications that include the deletion of just two negatively charged amino acids in the hexon protein, or the introduction of a heterologous fiber protein, derived from another serotype, revealed recognizable changes in anion-exchange chromatography. This could be useful in facilitating chromatography-approach purification by creating targeted capsid modifications, thereby shifting adenovirus particles away from particular interfering substances present in the crude lysate.

Background The αv-integrin binding motif RGD4C (CDCRGDCFC) has been used extensively to circumvent inefficient adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) transduction of cells expressing low levels of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor. However, until now, it has been unclear whether disulfide bonds in the RGD4C motif influence the retargeting potential of RGD4C-modified Ad5. Methods Replication deficient Ad5 bearing wild-type fiber (Ad5wt) or RGD4G, RGD4C and RGD2C2G insertions within the HI loop of the fiber protein (Ad5RGD4G, Ad5RGD4C and Ad5RGD2C2G, respectively) were used to transduce a panel of cancer cell lines, with or without previous treatment of these Ad5s with the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). In parallel, native and DTT-treated fiber proteins isolated from purified Ad5RGD4C were compared by mass spectrometry. Results Ad5RGD4C transduced all studied cell lines much more efficiently than Ad5wt, whereas Ad5RGD4G transduced cells only slightly more efficiently than Ad5wt. DTT treatment had no effect on cell transduction by wild-type Ad5wt and Ad5RGD4G but abolished the increased transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C in a dose-dependent manner. The mass spectra of native and DTT-reduced tryptic digests of the Ad5RGD4C fiber protein are consistent with the presence of a C547–C549 linkage in the C547DC549RGDC553FC555 motif. Finally, the high transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C is conserved in Ad5RGD2C2G. Conclusions We provide genetic and biochemical data strongly suggesting that cysteines C547 and C549 from the C547DC549RGDC553FC555 motif inserted in the HI loop of the Ad5 fiber form a single disulfide bond, with this disulfide bond being crucial for Ad5RGD4C retargeting to av-integrins. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Aims Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is a tumor suppressor and a primary receptor for adenovirus type 5 (Ad5). Our study aims to examine the influence of forced expression of CAR in rhabdomyosarcoma cells (RD) on expression levels of integrins implicated in Ad5 entry, and the effect of CAR on cell–extracellular matrix adhesion and migration. Main methods CAR expressing clones were established from RD cells by stable transfection. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of CAR and integrins. Adhesion was measured in plates previously coated with vitronectin or fibronectin. Boyden chambers were used to investigate migration. Transfection of cells with siRNA was used to achieve integrin silencing. Ad5-mediated transgene expression was measured by β-gal staining. Key findings Increased expression of CAR in RD cells reduces the expression of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins. Cells overexpressing CAR exhibit significantly reduced adhesion to vitronectin and fibronectin, and reduced cell migration. Specifically silencing αvβ3 integrin in RD cells reduced cell migration indicating that reduced migration could be the consequence of αvβ3 integrin downregulation. This study also demonstrates the negative effect of reduced levels of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins on Ad5-mediated transgene expression with Ad5 retargeted to αv integrins. Significance The pharmacological upregulation of CAR aimed to increase Ad5-mediated transgene expression may actually downregulate αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins and thus alter Ad5-mediated gene transfer. The mechanism of decreased cell migration, a prerequisite for metastasis and invasion, due to increased CAR expression may be explained by reduced αvβ3 integrin expression.

Introduction Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins that bind cells to extracellular matrix proteins. Upon integrin clustering, multimolecular integrin adhesion complexes (IACs) form that facilitate the linkage between integrins and the actin cytoskeleton and permit bidirectional signalling. The αV integrin is expressed in most tumour cells where it regulates an array of cellular functions and plays a role in anti-tumour drug resistance. The aim of our work was to assess αV-dependent changes in IAC composition in MDA-MB-435S melanoma cells in order to better understand the increased sensitivity to paclitaxel and vincristine upon integrin αV knockdown. Material and methods Integrin αV-specific shRNA was cloned into pSUPER.puro, transfected into MDA-MB-435S cells using Lipofectamine, and cell clones were selected using puromycin. The sensitivity of cells to antitumor drugs was determined using an MTT assay. Cell migration was monitored using a Transwell assay. IACs were isolated following crosslinking and their molecular composition analysed using mass spectrometry (MS)–based proteomics. Results and discussions In two MDA-MB-435S-derived cell clones with decreased expression of integrin αV, expressing 15% (2αV) or 5% (3αV) of the control cells amount, increased sensitivity to paclitaxel and vincristine, decreased sensitivity to cisplatin, and decreased migration were observed in line with previous results obtained following transient transfection with integrin αV siRNA. In cell clones 2αV and 3αV, which were smaller than control cells and lacked stress fibres, the number of focal adhesions was shown to be significantly lower as observed by interference reflection microscopy and immunofluorescence detection of phospho-paxillin, phospho-FAK and phospho-Src. MS analysis of isolated IACs from control MDA-MB-435S, 2αV and 3αV cells identified 282 proteins, including 36 out of 60 consensus adhesome proteins. As expected, in clones 2αV and 3αV, integrins αV, β3 and β5 were detected at much lower levels compared with control cells. In addition, lower levels of talin-1 and −2, vinculin, alpha-actinin-4, tensin-3, filamin-A and -B, liprin β1 and plectin were detected. Conclusion These data will enable follow-up analyses of the mechanisms of signalling by integrins αVβ3/β5 and therefore represent a valuable resource to improve our understanding of the mechanisms involved in adhesion control of cell sensitivity to antitumor drugs and metastatic potential.

Introduction Integrin signalling regulates proliferation, migration, metastasis and cell death and has been suggested as a possible target in antitumor therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of different integrin α subunits knockdown in increasing sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and melanoma cell lines to cisplatin, microtubule poisons paclitaxel (PTX) and vincristine (VCR), and mitigating metastatic potential. Material and methods The knockdown of integrin subunits αv, β3, β5, α3 and α4 was achieved by transfection of siRNA. The sensitivity of cell lines to anticancer drugs was determined using MTT assay. For monitoring cell migration and invasion, migration or matrigel-coated invasion Transwell Cell Culture Inserts were used. Flow cytometry, western blot, and confocal microscopy were done using standard protocols. Results and discussions We analysed the proof of concept in melanoma cell line MDA-MB-435S that expresses integrins αvβ3 and αvβ5 but not αvβ1. Following transfection with integrin-specific siRNAs integrin subunit αv knockdown was selected since it increased sensitivity to PTX and VCR, and decreased metastatic potential. We observed an integrin switching effect upon β3, β5 and α4 knockdown that led to differing changes of sensitivity to antitumor drugs and cell migration. Using a panel of TNBC (MDA-MB-231,–468 and −436) and melanoma (RPMI-7951, MeWo and A375) cell lines we showed that knockdown of integrin αv increased sensitivity to PTX and VCR and inhibited metastatic potential in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, RPMI-7951 and MeWo, while no effect was observed in MDA-MB-436 and A375 cells. To assess the importance of integrins αvβ3/β5 in sensitisation to PTX we exposed all cell lines to combination of αvβ3/β5 inhibitor cilengitide and PTX and observed increased sensitivity to PTX in MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, RPMI-7951 and A375 but surprisingly decreased sensitivity in MeWo and MDA-MB-468 cell lines, implying either involvement of other integrins αv or integrin switching effect. The correlation between loss of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase pFAK(Y397) and increased sensitivity to PTX was observed in melanoma cell lines, however, sensitisation was not achieved using pFAK(Y397) inhibitor. Conclusion Our results highlight that knocking down integrin αv, rather than inhibiting αvβ3/β5 using cilengitide, could be more effective for increasing sensitivity to microtubule poisons and decreasing metastatic potential in TNBC and melanoma.

In order to analyze the role of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins in gene transfer by adenovirus-based vectors, an RGD4C motif was inserted into the HI-loop of wild type or shortened fiber protein of human adenovirus of serotype 5, thereby creating Ad5RGD4C and Ad5Δ639RGD4C vectors, respectively. Infection by the latter is independent of the Coxsackie B adenovirus receptor. Internalization and transduction of these vectors and were investigated in several stably transfected cell clones derived from a human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2) expressing different ratios of αvβ5 and αvβ3 integrins. We show that αvβ3 is more successful than αvβ5 in: (i) mediating adenovirus internalization and transduction when the RGD motif is present only in the penton base and (ii) mediating internalization and transduction by RGD4C-fiber modified adenoviruses. The highest amount of internalized virus was found in the cell clone in which αvβ3 integrin predominated over αvβ5 integrin (as judged by the % of cells expressing αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins). However the level of transgene expression in this cell line was even lower than that in parental HEp2 cells which do not express αvβ3 integrin. This discrepancy between internalization and transgene expression (transduction) is likely due to the crucial role of αvβ5 in membrane permeabilization, indicating that αvβ5 integrin is a limiting factor for Ad5-mediated gene transfer. We conclude that αvβ3 integrin is an efficient adenovirus internalization receptor, but cannot functionally replace αvβ5 in endosomal release.

As a model for determination of the role of integrins in drug resistance, we used alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-negative human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2) and three HEp2-derived cell clones with a gradual increase of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression. The alpha(v)beta(3) integrin expression protects cells from cisplatin, mitomycin C, and doxorubicin. In HEp2-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-expressing cells, the constitutive expression of Bcl-2 protein and the level of glutathione (GSH) were increased compared with HEp2 cells. Pretreatment of HEp2-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-expressing cells with an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), decreased the level of GSH and partially reverted drug resistance to all above-mentioned drugs, but it did not influence the expression of Bcl-2. Sensitivity to selected anticancer drugs did not change with overexpression of Bcl-2 in HEp2 cells, nor with silencing of Bcl-2 in HEp2-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-expressing cells, indicating that Bcl-2 is not involved in resistance mechanism. There was no difference in DNA platination between HEp2 and HEp2-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-expressing cells, indicating that the mechanism of drug resistance is independent of cisplatin detoxification by GSH. A strong increase of reactive oxidative species (ROS) formation during cisplatin or doxorubicin treatment in HEp2 cells was reduced in HEp2-alpha(v)beta(3) integrin-expressing cells. Since this increased elimination of ROS could be reverted by GSH depletion, we concluded that multidrug resistance is the consequence of GSH-dependent increased ability of alpha(v)beta(3)-expressing cells to eliminate drug-induced ROS.

Integrins play key roles in the regulation of tumor cell adhesion, migration, invasion and sensitivity to anticancer drugs. In the present study we investigate the mechanism of resistance of tongue squamous carcinoma cells Cal27 with de novo integrin αvβ3 expression to anticancer drugs. Cal27-derived cell clones, obtained by transfection of plasmid containing integrin subunit β3 cDNA, as compared to control cells demonstrate: expression of integrin αvβ3 ; increased expression of integrin αvβ5 ; increased adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin ; resistance to cisplatin, mitomycin C, doxorubicin and 5-fluorouracil ; increased migration and invasion, increased amount of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and decreased amounts of non-receptor tyrosine kinase (Src) and pSrc(Y418). Knockdown of ILK and integrin β5 in cells expressing integrin αvβ3 ruled out their involvement in drug resistance. Opposite, Src knockdown in Cal27 cells which led to a reduction in pSrc(Y418), as well as treatment with the pSrc(Y418) inhibitors dasatinib and PP2, conferred resistance to all four anticancer drugs, indicating that the loss of pSrc(Y418) is responsible for the observed effect. We identified differential integrin signaling between Cal27 and integrin αvβ3-expressing cells. In Cal27 cells integrin αv heterodimers signal through pSrc(Y418) while this is not the case in integrin αvβ3-expressing cells. Finally, we show that dasatinib counteracts the effect of cisplatin in two additional head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines Cal33 and Detroit562. Our results suggest that pSrc(Y418) inhibitors, potential drugs for cancer therapy, may reduce therapeutic efficacy if combined with chemotherapeutics, and might not be recommended for HNSCC treatment.

Acquired resistance to cisplatin represents a major obstacle to successful chemotherapy. We have developed cisplatin-resistant CA3(ST) and CK2 cells, which exhibited altered formation of cell-cell junctions compared to their parental cisplatin-sensitive human laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells. Although cell-cell adhesion can induce antiapoptotic signaling, there is contradictory evidence considering the significance of cadherin-catenin complex in cellular response to cisplatin. Therefore, we analyzed junctional proteins in this model of cisplatin resistance. In both cisplatin-resistant sublines plakoglobin expression was decreased, while beta-catenin expression was increased, at cell-cell junctions. Although cisplatin-resistant cells showed decreased plakoglobin mRNA, they retained equal expression of beta-catenin mRNA as parental cells. Immunoprecipitation of cadherin-catenin complex established that upregulation of beta-catenin results from its stabilization through interaction with N-cadherin. Furthermore, beta-catenin upregulation was closely associated with cisplatin exposure, since cisplatin-resistant HeLa subline also had increased beta-catenin, while vincristine-resistant HEp-2 subline did not upregulate beta-catenin. However, single cisplatin treatment of HEp-2 cells did not induce beta-catenin upregulation, nor plakoglobin mRNA downregulation, suggesting that the alteration in catenin ratio is a late event, which requires repeated cisplatin exposure. Finally, we overexpressed plakoglobin in CA3(ST) cells and selected several clones that established the pattern of plakoglobin/beta-catenin expression found in HEp-2 cells. However, none of the clones restored sensitivity to cisplatin. Thus, it appears that beta-catenin and plakoglobin are not involved in the resistance development, implying that the observed alterations are an outcome of a slowly generating process, which is presumably a secondary event of vital cellular response triggered by cisplatin toxicity.

Background In order to increase the effectiveness of cancer treatment, new compounds with potential anticancer activities are synthesized and screened. Here we present the screening of a new class of compounds, 1-(2-picolyl)-, 4-(2-picolyl)-, 1-(2-pyridyl)-, and 4-(2-pyridyl)-3-methyl-1,2,3-triazolium salts and ‘parent’ 1,2,3-triazole precursors. Methods Cytotoxic activity of new compounds was determined by spectrophotometric MTT assay on several tumour and one normal cell line. Effect of the selected compound to bind double stranded DNA (ds DNA) was examined by testing its influence on thermal stability of calf thymus DNA while its influence on cell cycle was determined by flow cytometric analysis. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by addition of specific substrate 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2’,7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CM-H2DCFDA). Results Parent triazoles were largely inactive, while some of the triazolium salts were highly cytotoxic for HeLa cells. Triazolium salts exhibited high cell-type dependent cytotoxicity against different tumour cells. Selected compound (4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1-(2-picolyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazolium hexafluorophosphate(V) (2b) was significantly more cytotoxic against tumour cells than to normal cells, with very high therapeutic index 7.69 for large cell lung carcinoma H460 cells. Additionally, this compound was similarly cytotoxic against parent laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells and their drug resistant 7T subline, suggesting the potential of this compound in treatment of drug resistant cancers. Compound 2b arrested cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. It did not bind ds DNA, but induced ROS in treated cells, which further triggered cell death. Conclusions Our results suggest that the ‘click’ triazolium salts are worthy of further investigation as anti-cancer agents.

1, 3-Diaryltriazenes (1) were let to react with [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 in the presence of trimethylamine to give neutral 1, 3-diaryltriazenido(p-cymene)ruthenium(II) complexes, [RuCl(p-cymene)(ArNNNAr)] (2). The molecular composition of the products 2 was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The structures of the selected complexes were confirmed by a single crystal X-ray analysis. All ruthenium-triazenide complexes were highly cytotoxic against human cervical carcinoma HeLa cells with IC50 below 6 µM, as determined by a spectrophotometric MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) method. The most active was [RuCl(p-cymene)(ArNNNAr)] (Ar = 4-Cl-3-(CF3)-C6H3) (2g) with IC50 of 0.103 ± 0.006 µM. In comparison with the data for the non-coordinated triazenes 1, the triazenido-ruthenium complexes 2 exhibited up to 560-times higher activity. Three selected complexes were highly cytotoxic also against several tumor cell lines: laryngeal carcinoma HEp-2 cells and their drug-resistant HEp-2 subline (7T), colorectal carcinoma HCT-116 cells, lung adenocarcinoma H460 cells, and mammary carcinoma MDA-MB-435 cells. The compounds 2g and [RuCl(p-cymene)(ArNNNAr)] (Ar = 4-I-C6H4) (2j) were similarly cytotoxic against parental and drug-resistant cells. Time and dose dependent accumulation of the cells in the S phase of the cell cycle was induced by the compound 2g, triggering apoptosis. Our preliminary results indicate triazenido-ruthenium complexes as promising anticancer drug candidates.

For many years the mechanisms of intrinsic or acquired drug resistance have been the major object for molecular oncologists and clinicians, because resistance to chemotherapy critically limits the outcome of cancer treatment. Initially, the interaction of a drug with its molecular target that yields a lethal lesion has been studied - at the target level or upstream of this interaction (drug influx and efflux, detoxification, DNA repair etc.). Later, it was discovered that downstream cellular responses to a given DNA lesion can determine the outcome of the therapy, focusing the investigation on the processes of the programmed cell death. More recently a new phenomenon of drug resistance has been discovered, called Cell Adhesion-Mediated Drug Resistance. It is based on the adherence of cells to extracellular matrix proteins through adhesive molecules such as integrins. Integrins are cell surface heterodimeric receptors that mediate cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. They trigger many intracellular signaling pathways involved in a cell proliferation, survival/apoptosis, shape, polarity, motility, and differentiation. Integrins may protect cancer cells from an array of cytotoxic agents in several ways. This review will focus on the role of integrins in conferring resistance to tumor cells. We will discuss specific signal transduction pathways initiated by integrin ligation as a source of potential therapeutic targets for the fight against cancer.

Membrane-bound peptidases play important roles in the regulation of local concentrations of various signalling peptides such as the growth factors, hormones, chemokines and cytokines. That is accomplished by means of their enzyme activity. Recently, membrane-bound peptidases have also been shown to act as receptors, receiving signals from as yet undefined ligands and transducing them into the cell interior. By using either or both of these mechanisms, peptidases interact with fundamental cellular functions: growth, differentiation, activation and death. This study addressed the effects of a T-cell derived cytokine, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the activity of aminopeptidase N (APN), an ectoenzyme processing several signal peptides. Cells of a myelo-monocytic cell line HL-60 were used as a model system, and APN was assayed at the levels of mRNA, its membrane marker CD13, and the enzyme activity. Regulation of CD13/APN by IFN-gamma was found at all three levels. The direction of regulation was time-dependent: an initial down-regulation seen 24 and 48 hrs after the onset of treatment with IFN-gamma was replaced by an up-regulation after 72 and/or 96 hrs. Up-regulation of CD13/APN observed after 96 hrs was preceded by an up-regulation of APN mRNA reaching its maximum after 72 hrs. The IFN-gamma-induced regulation of APN was due to membrane aminopeptidase N, since it could be completely abrogated by an APN blocking antibody WM-15. The delayed up-regulation of CD13/APN (observed after 72 and/or 96 hrs), required de novo protein synthesis as it could be abrogated by cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Possible role of endogenous (IFN-gamma-induced) TGF-beta in mediating CD13/APN up-regulation could be excluded, since no TGF-beta was found in supernatants of IFN-gamma treated HL-60 cells. Thus, our data show regulation of CD13/APN on cells of myelo-monocytic origin by a T-cell derived cytokine, IFN-gamma. A similar mechanism might play a role in inflammation.

The coxsackie B virus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) functions as an attachment receptor for multiple adenovirus serotypes. It has been shown that apart from virus-cellular receptor interactions, the fiber shaft length also influences viral tropism. We therefore generated Ad5FbDelta639 virus with 8beta-repeats in the shaft, instead of the 22beta-repeats present in the wild-type. Here, we show that the extent of attachment of the virus with shortened fiber to CAR-expressing cells was three- to fivefold lower than that of the wild-type. Transduction studies, however, clearly showed that infection of CAR-expressing cells with Ad5FbDelta639 was strongly impaired by comparison with the wild-type virus. Since this impairment was not linked to a proportional reduction in binding to cells, it appeared to be linked to subsequent/later events in infection. A similar decrease in efficacy of postbinding steps was also evidenced in cells that did not express CAR.

The major obstacle of successful tumor treatment with carboplatin (CBP) is the development of drug resistance. In the present study, we found that following treatment with CBP the amount of platinum which enters the human laryngeal carcinoma (HEp2)-derived CBP- resistant (7T) cells is reduced relative to the parental HEp2. As a consequence, the formation of reactive oxidative species (ROS) is reduced, the induction of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is diminished, the amount of inter- and intrastrand cross-links is lower, and the induction of apoptosis is depressed. In HEp2 cells, ROS scavenger tempol, inhibitor of ER stress salubrinal, as well as gene silencing of ER stress marker CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (CHOP) increases their survival and renders them as resistant to CBP as 7T cell subline but did not influence the survival of 7T cells. Our results suggest that in HEp2 cells CBP-induced ROS is a stimulus for ER stress. To the contrary, despite the ability of CBP to induce formation of ROS and activate ER stress in 7T cells, the cell death mechanism in 7T cells is independent of ROS induction and activation of ER stress. The novel signaling pathway of CBP- driven toxicity that was found in the HEp2 cell line, i.e. increased ROS formation and induction of ER stress, may be predictive for therapeutic response of epithelial cancer cells to CBP-based therapy.

The α(v) -integrin binding motif RGD4C (CDCRGDCFC) has been used extensively to circumvent inefficient adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) transduction of cells expressing low levels of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor. However, until now, it has been unclear whether disulfide bonds in the RGD4C motif influence the retargeting potential of RGD4C-modified Ad5.Replication deficient Ad5 bearing wild-type fiber (Ad5wt) or RGD4G, RGD4C and RGD2C2G insertions within the HI loop of the fiber protein (Ad5RGD4G, Ad5RGD4C and Ad5RGD2C2G, respectively) were used to transduce a panel of cancer cell lines, with or without previous treatment of these Ad5s with the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT). In parallel, native and DTT-treated fiber proteins isolated from purified Ad5RGD4C were compared by mass spectrometry.Ad5RGD4C transduced all studied cell lines much more efficiently than Ad5wt, whereas Ad5RGD4G transduced cells only slightly more efficiently than Ad5wt. DTT treatment had no effect on cell transduction by wild-type Ad5wt and Ad5RGD4G but abolished the increased transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C in a dose-dependent manner. The mass spectra of native and DTT-reduced tryptic digests of the Ad5RGD4C fiber protein are consistent with the presence of a C(547) -C(549) linkage in the C(547) DC(549) RGDC(553) FC(555) motif. Finally, the high transduction efficacy of Ad5RGD4C is conserved in Ad5RGD2C2G.We provide genetic and biochemical data strongly suggesting that cysteines C(547) and C(549) from the C(547) DC(549) RGDC(553) FC(555) motif inserted in the HI loop of the Ad5 fiber form a single disulfide bond, with this disulfide bond being crucial for Ad5RGD4C retargeting to av-integrins.

In 2002 I decided to organize Methodological Courses in Biology and Medicine (Metodološki tečajevi u biologiji i medicini, MTBM) mainly for the PhD students but also for the experienced scientists who are interested in learning both fundamental and advanced-level molecular biology techniques. My intention was for participants to perform the real experiments in a lab, not just to organize a demonstration of the method. RBI is an ideal place for this because laboratories are already there with a critical mass of young, enthusiastic scientists working on different subjects, using various methods. The primary objective of these practical courses is to enable participants to implement newly learned techniques in their home laboratories.

Cisplatin (cDDP) is an anticancer agent that is widely used in the treatment of many solid tumors. A major obstacle to successful cDDP-based chemotherapy, however, is the intrinsic and acquired resistance of tumor cells to this drug. Greater insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of cellular responses to cDDP will aid in the development and optimization of new therapeutic strategies. Apart from induction of DNA damage, recent data have suggested that cDDP also induces the formation of reactive oxygen species that can trigger cell death. Cell death occurs as the result of several simultaneously activated signaling pathways. The specific pathway responsible for cell death depends on the cell type and the treatment conditions. This review focuses on the relationship between glutathione and BCL-2 and their protective role in cDDP-induced reactive oxygen species formation and cDDP resistance.

In order to analyze the role of alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins in gene transfer by adenovirus-based vectors, an RGD4C motif was inserted into the HI-loop of wild type or shortened fiber protein of human adenovirus of serotype 5, thereby creating Ad5RGD4C and Ad5Delta639RGD4C vectors, respectively. Infection by the latter is independent of the Coxsackie B adenovirus receptor. Internalization and transduction of these vectors and were investigated in several stably transfected cell clones derived from a human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2) expressing different ratios of alpha(v)beta(5) and alpha(v)beta(3) integrins. We show that alpha(v)beta(3) is more successful than alpha(v)beta(5) in: (i) mediating adenovirus internalization and transduction when the RGD motif is present only in the penton base and (ii) mediating internalization and transduction by RGD4C-fiber modified adenoviruses. The highest amount of internalized virus was found in the cell clone in which alpha(v)beta(3) integrin predominated over alpha(v)beta(5) integrin (as judged by the % of cells expressing alpha(v)beta(3) and alpha(v)beta(5) integrins). However the level of transgene expression in this cell line was even lower than that in parental HEp2 cells which do not express alpha(v)beta(3) integrin. This discrepancy between internalization and transgene expression (transduction) is likely due to the crucial role of alpha(v)beta(5) in membrane permeabilization, indicating that alpha(v)beta(5) integrin is a limiting factor for Ad5-mediated gene transfer. We conclude that alpha(v)beta(3) integrin is an efficient adenovirus internalization receptor, but cannot functionally replace alpha(v)beta(5) in endosomal release.

Fish possess similar mechanisms of billiary excretion of xeno(endo)biotics and their metabolites as found in higher vertebrates and various types of ABC efflux proteins expressed in apical membranes of polarized cells appears to be key mediators of this vectorial transport. To test this hypothesis the main goals of this study were identification and cloning of genes coding for different types of ABC transport proteins, determination of the gene transcript (mRNA) levels, and characterization of the related protein transport activities in primary cultured rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) hepatocytes. We have cloned one partial and two full gene sequences, which show high degree of identity with mammalian Pgp1 (ABCB1), BSEP (ABCB11) and MRP2 (ABCC2) efflux transporters. Using real-time RT-PCR expression levels of the mRNA of these genes were determined. Identical relative expression patterns of identified efflux transporters (BSEP ≫ MRP2 > Pgp1) were observed for both liver and primary hepatocytes, with expression of all three transporter mRNAs approximately 3–4-fold lower in primary hepatocytes in comparison to intact liver. In addition, the presence of Pgp1-, BSEP- and MRP-like transport activities were indicated using putative specific fluorescent substrates (rhodamine 123, calcein-AM, bodipy-verapamil and dihydrofluorescein diacetat), model inhibitors (verapamil, cyclosporine A, MK571, reversine 205, taurocholate and taurochenodeoxycholate) and their combinations. Taken together the results of this study showed that primary trout hepatocytes express critical components of detoxification pathways—phase I and II enzymes, as well as the ABC proteins involved in transport of xenobiotics, affirming this in vitro model as a promising tool in (eco)toxicological research.

Peptides that permit targeting to specific cell types may be identified by phage display. The peptide motif NGR (asparagine-glycine-arginine) is known to bind to aminopeptidase N (APN) expressed on the endothelial cells of angiogenic vasculature, representing a target molecule for tumor gene therapy aimed at inhibition of angiogenesis. The goal of this work was to design an Adenovirus vector type 5 (Ad5) retargeted on the APN molecule via incorporation of specific NGR-containing ligands into the HI loop of a fiber protein and to examine the effect of linear and cyclic sequences on its targeting properties. We constructed four replication defective adenoviruses bearing cyclic or linear NGR-containing sequences and showed that these insertions did not affect structure or incorporation of the fiber protein in viral particles. We have shown on the rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cell line which expresses APN, and a model composed of a human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEp2) derived stably transfected cell lines with graded expression levels of the alpha v beta 3, that cellular receptor(s) for adenoviruses bearing cyclic or linear NGR-containing sequences were not identical. Ads containing NGR within potentially cyclic sequences flanked by cysteines retargeted viruses mainly to APN, while Ads containing NGR within linear sequences not containing cysteines retargeted Ads mainly to alpha v beta 3 integrin, albeit with a lower affinity. Finally, we show evidence that disulfide bond formation within an Ad bearing the CDCNGRCFC sequence is essential for retargeting to APN, suggesting that this sequence does indeed assume a cyclic structure which facilitates NGR binding to APN. Therefore, our study underscores the importance of cysteine residues flanking targeting peptides for not only affinity but also specificity of the retargeted Ad.

In our study, we investigated molecular mechanisms of increased adenoviral transduction efficacy in cisplatin-resistant human laryngeal carcinoma cells CA3ST as compared to parental cells HEp2. Using reverse transcription-PCR, the genes potentially implicated in adenoviral entry were screened. In cisplatin-resistant cells, only upregulation of alphavbeta3 integrin was detected, which was additionally confirmed by flow cytometry. Moderately increased expression of CAR was determined in cisplatin-resistant CA3ST cells using flow cytometry and measurement of wild-type adenovirus Ad5CMVbetagal attachment. In order to test the implication of alphavbeta3 integrin in transduction efficacy, 6 HEp2-derived alphavbeta3-expressing clones with graded expression of alphavbeta3 were isolated. To a certain degree of density, expression of alphavbeta3 positively correlated with Ad5CMVbetagal transduction efficacy (i.e., increased viral transduction), suggesting a role of alphavbeta3 in transduction efficacy. However, HEp2 clones with the highest alphavbeta3) expression were negatively correlated with transduction efficacy (i.e., decreased viral transduction). This was shown to be associated with downregulation of alphavbeta5 integrin, also involved in viral transduction, in clones with the highest alphavbeta3 expression. The implication of CAR in increased adenoviral transduction efficacy in cisplatin resistant CA3ST cells was further assessed by transduction experiments using adenoviral mutant Ad5FbDelta639 whose entry is only to a very small extent dependent on the presence of CAR. Indeed, Ad5FbDelta639 infected 2.5-fold more, in comparison to wild-type adenovirus, which infected 5-fold more efficiently resistant CA3ST cells than parental HEp2 cells, indicating that increased expression of CAR contributes to increased efficacy of adenoviral transduction. Thus, the data presented provide evidence that both alphavbeta3 integrin and CAR are involved in increased adenoviral transduction efficacy in cisplatin resistant CA3ST cells. These findings may have significant implications in human gene therapy using adenoviruses, especially in patients after unsuccessful cisplatin treatment.