Study of interaction between Si(O,C) nanowires and the biological system

Nanomedicine is a new branch of medicine, based on the potentiality and intrinsic properties of nanomaterials. Indeed, the nanomaterials ( i.e. the materials with nano and under micron size) can be suitable to different applications in biomedicine. The nanostructures can be used by taking advantage of their properties (for example superparamagnetic nanoparticles) or functionalized to deliver the drug in a specific target, thanks the ability to cross biological barriers. The size and the shape of 1D-nanostructures (nanotubes and nanowires) have an important role on the cell fate: their morphology plays a key role on the interaction between nanostructure and the biological system. For this reason the 1D nanostructure are interesting for their ability to mime the biological system. An implantable material or device must therefore integrate with the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex network of proteins with structural and signaling properties. Innovative techniques allow the generation of complex surface patterns that can resemble the structure of the ECM, such as 1D nanostructures. NWs based on cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC), either bare (3C-SiC NWs) or surrounded by an amorphous shell (3C-SiC/SiO2 core/shell NWs), and silicon oxycarbide nanowires (SiOxCy NWs) can meet the chemical, mechanical and electrical requirements for tissue engineering and have a strong potential to pave the way for the development of a novel generation of implantable nano-devices. Silicon oxycarbide shows promising physical and chemical properties as elastic modulus, bending strength and hardness, chemical durability superior to conventional silicate glasses in aggressive environments and high temperature stability up to 1300 °C. Moreover, it can easily be engineered through functionalization and decoration with macro-molecules and nanoparticles. Silicon carbide has been extensively studied for applications in harsh conditions, as chemical environment, high electric field and high and low temperature, owing to its high hardness, high thermal conductivity, chemical inertness and high electron mobility. Also, its cubic polytype (3C) is highly biocompatible and hemocompatible, and some prototypes of biomedical applications and biomedical devices have been already realized starting from 3C-SiC thin films. Cubic SiC-based NWs can be used as a biomimetic biomaterial, providing a robust and novel biocompatible biological interface . We cultured in vitro A549 human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells and L929 murine fibroblast cells over core/shell SiC/SiO2, SiOxCy and bare 3C-SiC nanowire platforms, and analysed the cytotoxicity, by indirect and direct contact tests, the cell adhesion, and the cell proliferation. These studies showed that all the nanowires are biocompatible according to ISO 10993 standards. We evaluated the blood compatibility through the interaction of the nanowires with platelet rich plasma. The adhesion and activation of platelets on the nanowire bundles, assessed via SEM imaging and soluble P-selectin quantification, indicated that a higher platelet activation is induced by the core/shell structures compared to the bare ones. Further, platelet activation is higher with 3C-SiC/SiO2 NWs and SiOxCyNWs, which therefore appear suitable in view of possible tissue regeneration. On the contrary, bare 3C-SiC NWs show a lower platelet activation and are therefore promising in view of implantable bioelectronics devices, as cardiovascular implantable devices. The NWs properties are suitable to allow the design of a novel subretinal Micro Device (MD). This devices is based on Si NWs and PEDOT:PSS, though the well know principle of the hybrid ordered bulk heterojunction (OBHJ). The aim is to develop a device based on a well-established photovoltaic technology and to adapt this know-how to the prosthetic field. The hybrid OBHJ allows to form a radial p–n junction on a nanowire/organic structure. In addition, the nanowires increase the light absorption by means of light scattering effects: a nanowires based p-n junction increases the light absorption up to the 80%, as previously demonstrated, overcoming the Shockley-Queisser limit of 30 % of a bulk p-n junction. Another interesting employment of these NWs is to design of a SiC based epicardial-interacting patch based on teflon that include SiC nanowires. . Such contact patch can bridge the electric conduction across the cardiac infarct as nanowires can ‘sense’ the direction of the wavefront propagation on the survival cardiac tissue and transmit it to the downstream surivived regions without discontinuity. The SiC NWs are tested in terms of toxicology, biocompatibility and conductance among cardiomyocytes and myofibroblasts.

Análise química e atividades biológicas de Guatteria elliptica R. E. Fries (Annonaceae)

A espécie endêmica G. elliptica R. E. Fries não apresentava estudos fitoquímicos e biológicos detalhados na literatura. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a composição química e as propriedades biológicas dos óleos essenciais, extratos brutos, alcaloides totais, tortas, frações das tortas, amostras isoladas dessa espécie. O material vegetal foi coletado em Paranapiacaba (Santo André, SP, Brasil). O óleo essencial extraído das folhas por destilação à vapor apresentou um rendimento de 0,2%. A análise histológica das folhas encontrou óleo em células oleíferas localizadas no parênquima esponjoso. A composição do óleo (CG-EM) indicou espatulenol e óxido de cariofileno como compostos majoritários. Os alcaloides totais foram obtidos dos extratos brutos das folhas e dos galhos e analisados por CG-EM, identificando quatro aporfinas (nornuciferina, estefarina, corituberina e asimilobina) e duas protoberberinas (discretamina e caseadina). Os alcaloides totais foram fracionados em coluna cromatográfica ou por Extração em Fase Sólida e purificados por cromatografia em camada preparativa, originando duas amostras (Amostra 9 e 10). Na Amostra 9, foram identificados dois alcaloides aporfinicos nornuciferina e asimilobina (CG-EM e RMN-1H). Na Amostra 10, foram identificados (LC-EM/EM) cinco alcaloides aporfínicos (desidronantenina, glaunidina, liriodenina, N-óxido de oliverina e telikovina) e um alcaloide protoberberínico (caseadina). Caseadina, glaunidina, N-óxido de oliverina e telikovina não foram previamente identificados em Guatteria. Os resíduos dos extratos brutos livres de alcaloides foram fracionados pelo método de partição com solventes de polaridade crescente. Os extratos brutos e as frações acetato de etila e butanólicas de folhas e galhos apresentaram flavonoides (NP-PEG). Nos ensaios biológicos, a melhor atividade antioxidante (sequestro do radical DPPH) foi encontrada para a fração clorofórmica dos galhos (EC50=24,25±1,14 µg/mL) e a torta dos galhos (EC50=26,23±4,20 µg/mL). No ensaio antimicrobiano pelo método turbidimétrico a atividade mais importante foi obtida contra Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) para os alcaloides totais dos galhos (CIM/CBM=0,12±0,01/0,26 mg/mL) e das folhas (CIM/CBM=0,21±0,01/0,28 mg/mL), e fração hexânica das folhas (CIM/CBM=0,24±0,02/>1 mg/mL). Uma alta atividade antitumoral foi observada frente a células humanas de mama (MCF-7) para Amostra 10 (IC50=2,28±0,18 µg/mL), fração de acetato de etila das folhas (IC50=4,47±0,40 µg/mL), óleo essencial (IC50=7,01±0,23 µg/mL) e os alcaloides totais das folhas (IC50=9,32±0,36 µg/mL). Para as células de próstata (PC-3), foi encontrada atividade para a Amostra 10 (IC50=1,37±0,36 µg/mL) e o óleo essencial (IC50=5,32±0,35 µg/mL). A futura aplicação dos extratos e frações de G. elliptica como um agente antitumoral parece ser segura, pois mantiveram uma viabilidade celular maior do que 90% no ensaio de citotoxicidade com culturas de fibroblasto murino (BALB/c 3T3, ATCC CCL-163) nas concentrações onde a atividade antitumoral foi promissora (<30 µg/mL) contra MCF-7 e/ou PC-3.

Tumores indutores de osteomalácia: diagnóstico, caracterização tumoral e avaliação evolutiva em longo prazo de nove pacientes

INTRODUÇÃO: Tumores indutores de osteomalácia (TIOs) são raros, geralmente apresentam origem mesenquimal, têm produção excessiva de fosfatoninas sendo a mais comum o FGF23 (Fibroblast Growth Factor 23) que, em níveis elevados, provoca osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica. A cura dos TIOs envolve a remoção completa do tumor, o que torna essencial sua localização. OBJETIVOS: (1) caracterizar nove pacientes com TIO ao diagnóstico e avaliá-los evolutivamente em longo prazo; (2) avaliar a eficácia da cintilografia com Octreotida (Octreoscan®) e a da cintilografia de corpo inteiro com Mibi (MIBI) na detecção dos TIOs. MÉTODOS: O acompanhamento dos pacientes consistiu na avaliação clínica, na avaliação laboratorial com ênfase no metabolismo ósseo e na realização de exames de imagem para caracterização das deformidades esqueléticas. Para a localização dos TIOs, os pacientes foram submetidos a exames de Octreoscan®, MIBI, ressonância magnética (RM) e tomografia computadorizada (TC). RESULTADOS: O período de observação dos pacientes variou de dois a 25 anos. Ao diagnóstico, todos exibiam fraqueza muscular, dores ósseas e fraturas de fragilidade. Em relação à avaliação laboratorial, apresentavam: hipofosfatemia com taxa de reabsorção tubular de fosfato reduzida, fosfatase alcalina aumentada e níveis elevados de FGF23. O Octreoscan® permitiu a identificação dos TIOs nos nove pacientes e o MIBI possibilitou a localização dos TIOs em seis pacientes, sendo que ambos os exames foram concordantes entre si e com os exames topográficos (RM ou TC). Os achados histopatológicos das lesões dos nove pacientes confirmaram tratar-se de oito tumores mesenquimais fosfatúricos (PMTs) benignos e um PMT maligno. Após a primeira intervenção cirúrgica para a remoção dos TIOs, quatro pacientes encontram-se em remissão da doença e cinco evoluíram com persistência tumoral. Dos cinco, quatro foram reoperados e um aguarda nova cirurgia. Dos que foram reoperados, um paciente se mantém em remissão da doença, um foi a óbito por complicações clínicas, uma teve doença metastática e o último apresentou recidiva tumoral três anos após a segunda cirurgia. Deformidades ósseas graves foram observadas nos pacientes cujo diagnóstico e/ou tratamento clínico foram tardios. O tratamento da osteomalácia foi iniciado com fosfato e perdurou até a ressecção tumoral, tendo sido reintroduzido nos casos de persistência/recidiva tumoral. Quatro pacientes que fizerem uso regular desse medicamento por mais de seis anos evoluíram com hiperparatireoidismo terciário (HPT). CONCLUSÕES: O estudo revelou que tanto o Octreoscan® como o MIBI foram capazes de localizar os TIOs. Por isso, incentivamos a realização do MIBI nos locais onde o Octreoscan® não for disponível. Uma equipe experiente é indispensável para o sucesso cirúrgico visto que os tumores, embora benignos, costumam ser infiltrativos. Recomendamos o seguimento por tempo indeterminado em função do risco de recidiva tumoral. Assim como o FGF23, consideramos o fósforo um excelente marcador de remissão, persistência e recidiva dos TIOs. O diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce são fundamentais para a melhora dos sintomas podendo minimizar as deformidades esqueléticas e as sequelas ósseas. O uso prolongado do fosfato no tratamento da osteomalácia hipofosfatêmica foi associado ao desenvolvimento do HPT

Evidence for a Myotomal Hox/Myf Cascade Governing Nonautonomous Control of Rib Specification within Global Vertebral Domains

Hox genes are essential for the patterning of the axial skeleton. Hox group 10 has been shown to specify the lumbar domain by setting a rib-inhibiting program in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM). We have now produced mice with ribs in every vertebra by ectopically expressing Hox group 6 in the PSM, indicating that Hox genes are also able to specify the thoracic domain. We show that the information provided by Hox genes to specify rib-containing and rib-less areas is first interpreted in the myotome through the regional-specific control of Myf5 and Myf6 expression. This information is then transmitted to the sclerotome by a system that includes FGF and PDGF signaling to produce vertebrae with or without ribs at different axial levels. Our findings offer a new perspective of how Hox genes produce global patterns in the axial skeleton and support a redundant nonmyogenic role of Myf5 and Myf6 in rib formation.

Opposing RA and FGF signals control proximodistal vertebrate limb development through regulation of Meis genes.

Vertebrate limbs develop in a temporal proximodistal sequence, with proximal regions specified and generated earlier than distal ones. Whereas considerable information is available on the mechanisms promoting limb growth, those involved in determining the proximodistal identity of limb parts remain largely unknown. We show here that retinoic acid (RA) is an upstream activator of the proximal determinant genes Meis1 and Meis2. RA promotes proximalization of limb cells and endogenous RA signaling is required to maintain the proximal Meis domain in the limb. RA synthesis and signaling range, which initially span the entire lateral plate mesoderm, become restricted to proximal limb domains by the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) activity following limb initiation. We identify fibroblast growth factor (FGF) as the main molecule responsible for this AER activity and propose a model integrating the role of FGF in limb cell proliferation, with a specific function in promoting distalization through inhibition of RA production and signaling.

Angiopoietin-1 receptor Tie2 distinguishes multipotent differentiation capability in bovine coccygeal nucleus pulposus cells.

BACKGROUND The intervertebral disc (IVD) has limited self-healing potential and disc repair strategies require an appropriate cell source such as progenitor cells that could regenerate the damaged cells and tissues. The objective of this study was to identify nucleus pulposus-derived progenitor cells (NPPC) and examine their potential in regenerative medicine in vitro. METHODS Nucleus pulposus cells (NPC) were obtained from 1-year-old bovine coccygeal discs by enzymatic digestion and were sorted for the angiopoietin-1 receptor Tie2. The obtained Tie2- and Tie2+ fractions of cells were differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages in vitro. Colony-forming units were prepared from both cell populations and the colonies formed were analyzed and quantified after 8 days of culture. In order to improve the preservation of the Tie2+ phenotype of NPPC in monolayer cultures, we tested a selection of growth factors known to have stimulating effects, cocultured NPPC with IVD tissue, and exposed them to hypoxic conditions (2 % O2). RESULTS After 3 weeks of differentiation culture, only the NPC that were positive for Tie2 were able to differentiate into osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes as characterized by calcium deposition (p < 0.0001), fat droplet formation (p < 0.0001), and glycosaminoglycan content (p = 0.0095 vs. Tie2- NPC), respectively. Sorted Tie2- and Tie2+ subpopulations of cells both formed colonies; however, the colonies formed from Tie2+ cells were spheroid in shape, whereas those from Tie2- cells were spread and fibroblastic. In addition, Tie2+ cells formed more colonies in 3D culture (p = 0.011) than Tie2- cells. During expansion, a fast decline in the fraction of Tie2+ cells was observed (p < 0.0001), which was partially reversed by low oxygen concentration (p = 0.0068) and supplementation of the culture with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that the bovine nucleus pulposus contains NPPC that are Tie2+. These cells fulfilled formally progenitor criteria that were maintained in subsequent monolayer culture for up to 7 days by addition of FGF2 or hypoxic conditions. We propose that the nucleus pulposus represents a niche of precursor cells for regeneration of the IVD.

Expression of the CD44v2-10 isoform confers a metastatic phenotype: Importance of the heparan sulfate attachment site CD44v3

We expressed the full-length CD44v2-10 isoform in SKHep1 cells, a nonmetastatic human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line that does not express any endogenous CD44v isoforms. In SCID mice, expression of CD44v2-10 by SKHep1 cells had no effect on s.c. primary tumor development but caused pulmonary metastases in 41% (7 of 17) of animals compared with control SKHep1 cells (0 of 16; P < 0.01). CD44v2-10 expression by SKHep1 cells resulted in enhanced heparan sulfate (HS) attachment and an enhanced capacity to bind heparin-binding growth factors. Mutation of the v3 domain to prevent HS attachment and growth factor binding abolished the metastatic phenotype, demonstrating that HS modification of CD44v2-10 plays a critical role in the development of metastases in this model. However, in vitro proliferation, motility, and invasion were not altered by CD44v2-10 expression.

IGF-1 phosphorylates AMPK-alpha subunit in ATM-dependent and LKB1-independent manner

Serine/threonine protein kinase AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key metabolic stress-responsive factor that promotes the adaptation of cells to their microenvironment. Elevated concentrations of intracellular AMP, caused by metabolic stress, are known to activate AMPK by phosphorylation of the catalytic subunit. Recently, the tumor suppressor serine/threonine protein kinase LKB1 was identified as an upstream kinases, AMPKKs. In the current study, we found that stimulation with growth factors also caused AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation. Interestingly, even an LKB1-nonexpressing cancer cell line, HeLa, exhibited growth factor-stimulated AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation, suggesting the presence of an LKB1-independent pathway for AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation. In the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC-1, AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation promoted by IGF-I was suppressed by antisense ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) expression. We found that IGF-1 also induced AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation in the human normal fibroblast TIG103 cell line, but failed to do so in a human fibroblast AT2-KY cell line lacking ATM. Immunoprecipitates of ATM collected from IGF-1-stimulated cells also caused the phosphorylation of the AMPK-alpha subunit in vitro. IGF-1-stimulated ATM phosphorylation at both threonine and tyrosine residues, and our results demonstrated that the phosphorylation of tyrosine in the ATM molecule is important for AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation during IGF-1 signaling. These results suggest that IGF-1 induces AMPK-alpha subunit phosphorylation via an ATM-dependent and LKB1-independent pathway. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Transdermal delivery of a tetrapeptide: Evaluation of passive diffusion

Skin penetration of the tetrapeptide Ac-Ala-Ala-Pro-Val-NH2 was assessed. This peptide sequence fits the P-P-1 subsites of elastase and inhibits human neutrophil elastase competitively. Consequently this peptide may be therapeutically useful in a variety of inflammatory disorders, including psoriasis. in which elevated levels of human neutrophil elastase have been reported. Peptide penetration was assessed across whole human skin, whole skin with the stratum corneum removed by tape stripping and epidermis, which had been removed from the dermis by heat separation. The influence of 75% aqueous ethanol as a potential penetration enhancer of the tetrapeptide across epidermis was also assessed. The tetrapeptide did not penetrate whole human skin or epidermis, even under the influence of 75% aqueous ethanol. However, when the stratum corneum was removed tetrapeptide flux of 73.39 mug cm(-2) h(-1) was achieved. The study demonstrates that the stratum corneum is the main barrier to tetrapeptide skin penetration and must be overcome if therapeutically relevant amounts of tetrapeptide are to be delivered to the skin.

Sox genes and cancer

Sox genes encode transcription factors belonging to the HMG ( High Mobility Group) superfamily. They are conserved across species and involved in a number of developmental processes. In vitro studies have shown at least one Sox gene to be capable of inducing oncogenic transformation of fibroblast cells. In addition, overexpression and/or amplification of Sox genes are associated with a large number of tumour types in vivo. We review here the available evidence linking Sox gene expression and cancer, and show that this link is supported by extensive EST database analysis. This work provides a basis for further studies aimed at investigating the possible role of Sox genes in the oncogenic process. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Regulation of antigen processing and presentation molecules in West Nile virus-infected human skin fibroblasts

Infection of humans with the West Nile flavivirus principally occurs via tick and mosquito bites. Here, we document the expression of antigen processing and presentation molecules in West Nile virus (WNV)-infected human skin fibroblast (HFF) cells. Using a new Flavivirus-specific antibody, 4G4, we have analyzed cell surface human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on virus-infected cells at a single cell level. Using this approach, we show that West Nile Virus infection alters surface HLA expression on both infected HFF and neighboring uninfected HFF cells. Interestingly, increased surface HLA evident on infected HFF cultures is almost entirely due to virus-induced interferon (IFN)alpha/beta because IFNalpha/beta-neutralizing antibodies completely prevent increased surface HLA expression. In contrast, RT-PCR analysis indicates that WNV infection results in increased mRNAs for HLA-A, -B, and -C genes, and HLA-associated molecules low molecular weight polypeptide-2 (LMP-2) and transporter associated with antigen presentation-1 (TAP-1), but induction of these mRNAs is not diminished in HFF cells cultured with IFNalpha/beta-neutralizing antibodies. Taken together, these data support the idea that that both cytokine-dependent and cytokine-independent mechanisms account for WNV-induced HLA expression in human skin fibroblasts. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Co-expression of SOX9 and SOX10 during melanocytic differentiation in vitro

Investigations into pigment cell biology have relied on the ability to culture both murine and human melanocytes, numerous melanoma cell lines and more recently, murine and human melanoblasts. Melanoblast culture requires medium supplemented with a range of growth factors including Stem Cell Factor, Endothelin-3 and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2, withdrawal of which causes the cells to differentiate into melanocytes. Using the human melanoblast culture system, we have now examined the expression and/or DNA binding activity of several transcription factors implicated in melanocytic development and differentiation. Of these, the POU domain factor BRN2 and the SOX family member SOX10 are both highly expressed in unpigmented melanocyte precursors but are down-regulated upon differentiation. In contrast, the expression levels of the previously described MITF and PAX3 transcription factors remain relatively constant during the melanoblast-melanocyte transition. Moreover, BRN2 ablated melanoma cells lack expression of SOX10 and MITF but retain PAX3. A novel finding implicates a second SOX protein, SOX9, as a potential melanogenic transcriptional regulator, as its expression level is increased following the down-regulation of BRN2 and SOX10 in differentiated melanoblasts. Our results suggest that a complex network of transcription factor interactions requiring proper temporal coordination is necessary for acquisition and maintenance of the melanocytic phenotype. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unlocking pathology archives for molecular genetic studies: a reliable method to generate probes for chromogenic and fluorescent in situ hybridization

Chromogenic (CISH) and fluorescent ( FISH) in situ hybridization have emerged as reliable techniques to identify amplifications and chromosomal translocations. CISH provides a spatial distribution of gene copy number changes in tumour tissue and allows a direct correlation between copy number changes and the morphological features of neoplastic cells. However, the limited number of commercially available gene probes has hindered the use of this technique. We have devised a protocol to generate probes for CISH that can be applied to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections (FFPETS). Bacterial artificial chromosomes ( BACs) containing fragments of human DNA which map to specific genomic regions of interest are amplified with phi 29 polymerase and random primer labelled with biotin. The genomic location of these can be readily confirmed by BAC end pair sequencing and FISH mapping on normal lymphocyte metaphase spreads. To demonstrate the reliability of the probes generated with this protocol, four strategies were employed: (i) probes mapping to cyclin D1 (CCND1) were generated and their performance was compared with that of a commercially available probe for the same gene in a series of 10 FFPETS of breast cancer samples of which five harboured CCND1 amplification; (ii) probes targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4 were used to validate an amplification identified by microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in a pleomorphic adenoma; (iii) probes targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 and CCND1 were used to validate amplifications mapping to these regions, as defined by aCGH, in an invasive lobular breast carcinoma with FISH and CISH; and (iv) gene-specific probes for ETV6 and NTRK3 were used to demonstrate the presence of t(12; 15)(p12; q25) translocation in a case of breast secretory carcinoma with dual colour FISH. In summary, this protocol enables the generation of probes mapping to any gene of interest that can be applied to FFPETS, allowing correlation of morphological features with gene copy number.

FGFR1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for lobular breast carcinomas

Purpose: Classic lobular carcinomas (CLC) account for 10% to 15% of all breast cancers. At the genetic level, CLCs show recurrent physical loss of chromosome16q coupled with the lack of E-cadherin (CDH1 gene) expression. However, little is known about the putative therapeutic targets for these tumors. The aim of this study was to characterize CLCs at the molecular genetic level and identify putative therapeutic targets. Experimental Design: We subjected 13 cases of CLC to a comprehensive molecular analysis including immunohistochemistry for E-cadherin, estrogen and progesterone receptors, HER2/ neu and p53; high-resolution comparative genomic hybridization (HR-CGH); microarray-based CGH (aCGH); and fluorescent and chromogenic in situ hybridization for CCND1 and FGFR1. Results: All cases lacked the expression of E-cadherin, p53, and HER2, and all but one case was positive for estrogen receptors. HR-CGH revealed recurrent gains on 1q and losses on 16q (both, 85%). aCGH showed a good agreement with but higher resolution and sensitivity than HR-CGH. Recurrent, high level gains at 11q13 (CCND1) and 8p12-p11.2 were identified in seven and six cases, respectively, and were validated with in situ hybridization. Examination of aCGH and the gene expression profile data of the cell lines, MDA-MB-134 and ZR-75-1, which harbor distinct gains of 8p12-p11.2, identified FGFR1 as a putative amplicon driver of 8p12-p11.2 amplification in MDA-MB-134. Inhibition of FGFR1 expression using small interfering RNA or a small-molecule chemical inhibitor showed that FGFR1 signaling contributes to the survival of MDA-MB-134 cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that receptor FGFR1 inhibitors may be useful as therapeutics in a subset of CLCs.

A phase I biological and pharmacologic study of the heparanase inhibitor PI-88 in patients with advanced solid tumors

Purpose: PI-88 is a mixture of highly sulfated oligosaccharides that inhibits heparanase, an extracellular matrix endoglycosidase, and the binding of angiogenic growth factors to heparan sulfate. This agent showed potent inhibition of placental blood vessel angiogenesis as well as growth inhibition in multiple xenograft models, thus forming the basis for this study. Experimental Design: This study evaluated the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of PI-88 (80-315 mg) when administered s.c. daily for 4 consecutive days bimonthly (part 1) or weekly (part 2). Results: Forty-two patients [median age, 53 years (range, 19-78 years); median performance status, 1] with a range of advanced solid tumors received a total of 232 courses. The maximum tolerated dose was 250 mg/d. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of thrombocytopenia and pulmonary embolism. Other toxicity was generally mild and included prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and injection site echymosis. The pharmacokinetics were linear with dose. Intrapatient variability was low and interpatient variability was moderate. Both AUC and C-max correlated with the percent increase in activated partial thromboplastin time, showing that this pharmacodynamic end point can be used as a surrogate for drug exposure, No association between PI-88 administration and vascular endothelial growth factor or basic fibroblast growth factor levels was observed. One patient with melanoma had a partial response, which was maintained for >50 months, and 9 patients had stable disease for >= 6 months. Conclusion: The recommended dose of PI-88 administered for 4 consecutive days bimonthly or weekly is 250 mg/d. PI-88 was generally well tolerated. Evidence of efficacy in melanoma supports further evaluation of PI-88 in phase II trials.