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Biomedical subjects

K D Tew

Publications and source records attributed to K D Tew.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

Pharmacologic or genetic manipulation of glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTpi) influences cell proliferation pathways.

Glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTpi) is an abundant and ubiquitously expressed protein in normal and malignant mammalian tissues and possesses catalytic and ligand binding properties. Our present data suggest that the protein contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation. Mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from mice with a GSTP1-1 [glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (isozyme in nonhepatic tissue)] null genotype (GSTpi(-/-)) doubled their population in 26.2 h versus 33.6 h for the wild type (GSTpi(+/+)). Retroviral transfection of GSTP1-1 into GSTpi(-/-) MEF cells slowed the doubling time to 30.4 h. Both early passage and immortalized MEF cells from GSTpi(-/-) animals expressed significantly elevated activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/ERK2, kinases linked to cell proliferation pathways. In vivo, GSTpi(-/-) mice had higher basal levels of circulating white blood cells compared with GSTpi(+/+). Administration of a peptidomimetic inhibitor of GSTP1-1, TLK199, (gamma-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)cysteinyl-R-phenyl glycine diethyl ester), stimulated both lymphocyte production and bone marrow progenitor (colony-forming unit-granulocyte macrophage) proliferation, but only in GSTpi(+/+) and not in GSTpi(-/-) animals. Selection of a resistant clone of an HL60 tumor cell line through chronic exposure to TLK199 resulted in cells with elevated activities of c-Jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK1) and ERK1/ERK2, and allowed the cells to proliferate under stress conditions that induced high levels of apoptosis in the wild type cells. The in vitro and in vivo data are consistent with the principle that GSTP1-1 influences cell proliferation.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Cellular response to a glutathione S-transferase P1-1 activated prodrug.

TER286 [gamma-glutamyl-alpha-amino-beta(2-ethyl-N,N,N', N'-tetrakis(2-chloroethyl)phosphorodiamidate)-sulfonyl-propionyl-( R)- (-) phenylglycine] is a novel nitrogen mustard prodrug that is preferentially activated by glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1). A human promyelocytic leukemia /TER286-resistant cell line was selected by chronic, long-term exposure to the prodrug. Although resistance was not readily achieved, eventually a 5-fold resistant clone was isolated. Cross-resistance to melphalan occurred, but not to doxorubicin (Adriamycin), taxol, and gamma-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)cysteinyl-R(-)-phenyl glycine diethyl ester, a GSTP1-1 inhibitor. The protein and transcript levels and enzymatic activity of GSTP1-1 were reduced significantly in the selected resistant line. GSTalpha levels were unchanged, and GSTmu was undetectable. Although glutathione levels were elevated in human promyelocytic leukemia/TER286 cells, no changes in the expression of thiol-related genes including gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, or multidrug resistance protein were found. A 7-fold increase in catalase expression in the resistant cell line indicated an adaptive response to oxidative and electrophilic stress, and this was also reflected in the lower prevalence of drug-induced DNA single-strand breaks in the resistant cells. Mouse embryo fibroblast GSTP1-1(-/-) cells exhibited 2-fold resistance to TER286 compared with GSTP1-1(+/+) cells. NIH3T3 cells transfected with combinations of gamma-GCS and multidrug resistance protein exhibited enhanced resistance to TER286, although the degree of resistance was impaired by cotransfection of GSTP1-1. These results are consistent with responses in the TER286-resistant cells indicative of GSTP1-1-mediated mechanism of activation. In consequence, these data support the rationale that tumors expressing high levels of GSTP1-1 will be more sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of the drug.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed2000

The influence of coordinate overexpression of glutathione phase II detoxification gene products on drug resistance.

Glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and the multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) have been independently studied for their contributions to drug resistance. Single cDNA transfection experiments have provided inconsistent and disparate conclusions with respect to the importance of GSH and GST in conferring a resistant phenotype. Because these three proteins can act as a concerted coordinated pathway, we reasoned that equivalent increases may be required for enhanced resistance to be expressed. We have assembled these proteins together, or in various combinations, to determine whether they show cooperativity in determining drug response. Increased expression through single cDNA transfection of GSTpi, gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS) (regulatory plus catalytic subunits), or MRP1 enhanced resistance to a number of anticancer drugs. Cotransfection of GSTpi and GCS, gave higher resistance to doxorubicin, etoposide, and vincristine than with either alone. Resistance toward chlorambucil and ethacrynic acid was similar in cells overexpressing either component or overexpressing GST alone. Coexpression of GSTpi with MRP1 conferred significant resistance above that seen for MRP1 alone to chlorambucil, etoposide, ethacrynic acid, and vincristine. The combination of GCS and MRP1 did not afford additional resistance above MRP1 alone. When all three were transfected, significantly higher levels of resistance were found for doxorubicin and etoposide. These results support the concept that coordinate enhancement of focal thiol elements of detoxification pathways provides a more efficient protective phenotype than do single components alone.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1999

Genomic sequence of human glyoxalase-I: analysis of promoter activity and its regulation.

Glyoxalase-I is a glutathione-binding protein involved in the detoxification of methylglyoxal, a by-product of glycolysis. Aberrations in the expression of human glyoxalase in cancer and diabetes have been reported. To gain a better understanding of the glyoxalase-I regulation under normal physiological conditions and in disease processes, we have cloned 12kb of genomic sequence, comprising five exons, separated by four introns. A fragment comprising 982bp of 5' flanking region was used in the pSEAP reporter system to identify the minimal promoter and to locate any cis-acting functional elements. This region contained a minimal promoter between -20 and -160bp. Cells transfected with a construct containing the 5' flanking sequence exhibited a 45-fold higher activity over vector transfected cells. A twofold reproducible increase in reporter activity was seen with insulin and ZnCl(2) treatments, indicating a functionally operative insulin response element (IRE) and metal response element (MRE). Knowledge regarding the regulation of glyoxalase-I may provide insights into the importance of this enzyme in human diseases.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗
PubMed1999

Role of redox potential and reactive oxygen species in stress signaling.

Stress-activated signaling cascades are affected by altered redox potential. Key contributors to altered redox potential are reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are formed, in most cases, by exogenous genotoxic agents including irradiation, inflammatory cytokines and chemical carcinogens. ROS and altered redox potential can be considered as the primary intracellular changes which regulate protein kinases, thereby serving as an important cellular component linking external stimuli with signal transduction in stress response. The mechanisms, which underlie the ROS-mediated response, involve direct alteration of kinases and transcription factors, and indirect modulation of cysteine-rich redox-sensitive proteins exemplified by thioredoxin and glutathione S-transferase. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms contributing to ROS-related changes in key stress activated signaling cascades.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Regulation of JNK signaling by GSTp.

Studies of low basal Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity in non-stressed cells led us to identify a JNK inhibitor that was purified and identified as glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTp) and was characterized as a JNK-associated protein. UV irradiation or H2O2 treatment caused GSTp oligomerization and dissociation of the GSTp-JNK complex, indicating that it is the monomeric form of GSTp that elicits JNK inhibition. Addition of purified GSTp to the Jun-JNK complex caused a dose-dependent inhibition of JNK activity. Conversely, immunodepleting GSTp from protein extracts attenuated JNK inhibition. Furthermore, JNK activity was increased in the presence of specific GSTp inhibitors and a GSTp-derived peptide. Forced expression of GSTp decreased MKK4 and JNK phosphorylation which coincided with decreased JNK activity, increased c-Jun ubiquitination and decreased c-Jun-mediated transcription. Co-transfection of MEKK1 and GSTp restored MKK4 phosphorylation but did not affect GSTp inhibition of JNK activity, suggesting that the effect of GSTp on JNK is independent of the MEKK1-MKK4 module. Mouse embryo fibroblasts from GSTp-null mice exhibited a high basal level of JNK activity that could be reduced by forced expression of GSTp cDNA. In demonstrating the relationships between GSTp expression and its association with JNK, our findings provide new insight into the regulation of stress kinases.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1999

Oxidative stress induced in pathologies: the role of antioxidants.

Exposure to oxidant molecules issued from the environment (pollution, radiation), nutrition, or pathologies can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS for example, H2O2, O2-, OH). These free radicals can alter DNA, proteins and/or membrane phospholipids. Depletion of intracellular antioxidants in acute oxidative stress or in various diseases increases intracellular ROS accumulation. This in turn is responsible for several chronic pathologies including cancer, neurodegenerative or cardiovascular pathologies. Thus, to prevent against cellular damages associated with oxidative stress it is important to balance the ratio of antioxidants to oxidants by supplementation or by cell induction of antioxidants.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Glutathione conjugate interactions with DNA-dependent protein kinase.

A photoactivatable glutathione-drug conjugate (35)S-labeled-azidophenacyl-glutathione (APA-SG) was synthesized and used to identify protein(s) involved in recognition and/or transport of glutathione conjugates of electrophilic drug species. A approximately 460-kDa protein was found to be highly labeled by (35)S-labeled APA-SG in an Adriamycin-resistant HL-60 (HL-60/ADR) cell line and identified as the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) by amino acid sequence analysis, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies. Binding specificity was confirmed by competition isotope dilution assays with purified proteins. A 15- to 20-fold increase in DNA-PKcs expression in the HL-60/ADR cell line was accompanied by an equivalent increase in (35)S-labeled APA-SG binding. APA-SG, along with other glutathione conjugates and analogs inhibited the DNA-PK-mediated phosphorylation of an in vitro peptide substrate in a concentration-dependent manner. Using different antibodies to immunoprecipitate the individual components of the DNA-PK complex (DNA-PKcs, Ku70, and Ku80), it was shown that APA-SG caused a destabilization of the trimeric holoenzyme complex by dissociating the catalytic subunit from the Ku heterodimer. These data suggest that the kinase-mediated signaling is inhibited when glutathione conjugates bind to DNA-PKcs and may also indicate a possible strategy for design of novel DNA-PK inhibitors.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Glutathione peptidomimetic drug modulator of multidrug resistance-associated protein.

The peptidomimetic drug gamma-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)cysteinyl-R-(-)-phenyl glycine diethyl ester (TER199) is an analog of glutathione designed to be an isozyme-specific inhibitor of GSTP1-1 protein1-1. This compound (and the de-esterified moiety) is shown to be an effective inhibitor of multidrug resistance-associated protein1 (MRP1)-mediated drug resistance. Kinetic analyses revealed that gamma-glutamyl-S-(benzyl)cysteinyl-R-(-)-phenyl glycine reversibly inhibits the transport of 2,4-dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione with a K(i) of 752 microM. TER199 reversed the accumulation deficit of daunorubicin in MRP1-transfected NIH3T3 fibroblasts and maintained intracellular levels for >2 h after daunorubicin removal. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that TER199 significantly reversed the resistance of MRP1-transfected NIH3T3 cells for vincristine, doxorubicin, etoposide, and mitoxantrone. HL-60 cells made resistant to TER199 by chronic, long-term selection had increased mRNA and protein levels of multidrug resistance-associated protein, MRP1, and gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase heavy and light subunits (the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis). In spite of increased gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase, their glutathione content was reduced approximately 35% from that of parental HL-60 cells. These cells also exhibited a drug resistance profile commensurate with the previously described MRP1 overexpressing phenotype, with resistance to Vinca alkaloids, epipodophyllotoxins, and anthracyclines; additional cross-resistance to paclitaxel (Taxol), mitoxantrone, and 5-fluorouracil was observed.

3T3 Cells↗
PubMed1998

Estramustine resistance correlates with tau over-expression in human prostatic carcinoma cells.

Estramustine (EM) is an anti-microtubule drug used in the treatment of hormone-refractory advanced prostate cancer. Since microtubules are the targets for EM cytotoxicity, we investigated the effects of EM on the microtubule-associated protein tau to determine what role it may play in drug resistance. We have compared tau expression in human prostate cancer cells (DU145) and an EM-resistant derived cell line (E4). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction has established that tau is expressed in both cell lines but increased 1.9-fold in E4 compared with DU145 cells. This result was confirmed at the protein level by Western blotting. Tau is a phosphoprotein, most of its reported phosphorylation sites being serine or threonine residues. We have shown, however, that tau is also phosphorylated at tyrosine residues in DU145 cells and that the phosphotyrosine level of tau is significantly increased in E4 cells. Moreover, DU145 cells exposed to short term micromolar drug concentrations enter a phase of microtubule depolymerization, display an increased level of tau phosphorylation and follow a pattern similar to that observed in EM-resistant E4 cells. EM is therefore able to induce a very rapid change in the posttranslational state of tau. Our results show that the acquisition of EM resistance in E4 cells, which is accompanied by changes at the tubulin level, is also associated with important changes in tau expression and phosphorylation.

Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating↗
PubMed1998

Increased expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase confers resistance to adriamycin.

Acquired resistance to adriamycin (ADR) in an HL60 cell line is shown to be accompanied by an increase in DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) at both the protein and mRNA levels (15-20-fold) and an overall 3-fold increase in DNA-PK enzyme activity. The other components of the DNA-PK Ku autoantigen complex, Ku70 and Ku80, were 3-fold increased and unchanged, respectively. Time dependent repair of ADR-induced DNA damage was measured by the neutral comet assay and found to be more efficient in the drug resistant cell line (HL60/ADR). Antisense RNA transfection reduced the protein expression of DNA-PKcs to 50% in HL60/ADR and partially reversed drug resistance. A fibroblast cell line from a severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse was deficient in functional DNA-PKcs and showed increased sensitivity to ADR and other DNA damaging agents compared to wild type. These studies demonstrate that alteration in DNA-PK can contribute to chronic stress response leading to acquired drug resistance. The overexpression of DNA-PK is thus shown to be a novel cellular adaptation mechanistically contributing to the resistance of cancer cells to the anthracycline drug adriamycin, and as such, may have implications for its therapeutic use.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1998

Tumor efficacy and bone marrow-sparing properties of TER286, a cytotoxin activated by glutathione S-transferase.

TER286 is a latent drug activated by human glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoforms P1-1 and A1-1 to produce a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent. M7609 human colon carcinoma, selected for resistance to doxorubicin, and MCF-7 human breast carcinoma, selected for resistance to cyclophosphamide, both showed increased sensitivity to TER286 over their parental lines in parallel with increased expression of GST P1-1. In primary human tumor clonogenic assays, the spectrum of cytotoxic activity observed for TER286 was both broad and unusual when compared to a variety of current drugs. In murine xenografts of M7609 engineered to have high, medium, or low GST P1-1, responses to TER286 were positively correlated with the level of P1-1. Cytotoxicity was also observed in several other cell culture and xenograft models. In xenografts of the MX-1 human breast carcinoma, tumor growth inhibition or regression was observed in nearly all of the animals treated with an aggressive regimen of five daily doses. This schedule resulted in a 24-h posttreatment decline in bone marrow progenitors to 60% of control and was no worse than for a single dose of TER286. These studies have motivated election of TER286 as a clinical candidate.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Coordinate changes in expression of protective genes in drug-resistant cells.

Maintenance of cellular homeostasis is a critical survival trait when cells are exposed to electrophilic chemicals. Because conjugation and elimination of these toxins is dependent upon sequential and coordinated metabolic pathways, acquired resistance through a gradual adaptive response would rarely be expected to be the consequence of changes in one gene product. Human HT29 colon cancer cells chronically exposed to EA have acquired resistance to the drug. Commensurate with resistance, EA is more effectively conjugated to GSH and effluxed from the resistant cells. Using directed and random (differential display) approaches, a number of detoxification and/or protective gene products have been shown to be expressed at elevated levels. These include gamma-GCS (approximately 3-fold), GST-pi (approximately 3-fold), MRP (approximately 3-fold), NQO1 (approximately 3-fold), DDH (20-fold), and SSP 3521, a transcriptional regulator (approximately 3-fold). Multiple mechanisms contribute to these increases, including enhanced transcriptional rate and prolonged mRNA and protein half lives. Further indications for the involvement of transcriptional regulators is found in HL60 adriamycin-resistant cells which overexpress MRP, GST-pi and gamma-GCS and also have 15-20-fold more DNA-dependent protein kinase. It is possible that this enzyme serves as an early stress response gene which may activate downstream transcription factors. Intriguingly, the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase has a high avidity for [35S]azidophenacyl-GSH. High levels of GSH conjugates indicate cell stress and it would seem reasonable to speculate that DNA-dependent protein kinase may serve as a receiver and transmitter of signals which contribute to drug resistance and maintain cell viability.

Alcohol Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1998

Amplification of the ATP-binding cassette 2 transporter gene is functionally linked with enhanced efflux of estramustine in ovarian carcinoma cells.

An estramustine-resistant human ovarian carcinoma cell line, SKEM, was generated to explore resistance mechanisms associated with this agent. Cytogenetic analysis revealed that SKEM cells have a homogeneously staining region (hsr) at chromosome 9q34. Microdissection of the hsr, followed by fluorescence in situ hybridization to SKEM and normal metaphase spreads, confirmed that the amplified region was derived from sequences from 9q34. In situ hybridization with a probe specific for ABC2, a gene located at 9q34 that encodes an ATP-binding cassette 2 (ABC2) transporter, indicated that this gene is amplified approximately 6-fold in the estramustine-resistant cells. Southern analysis confirmed that ABC2 was amplified in SKEM, and Northern analysis indicated that the ABC2 transcript was overexpressed approximately 5-fold. The ABC1 gene located at 9q22-31 was not amplified in the resistant cells, and mRNA levels of several other ABC transporter genes were unaltered. Consistent with the concept that increased ABC2 expression contributes to the resistant phenotype, we observed that the rate of efflux of dansylated estramustine was increased in SKEM compared with control cells. In addition, antisense treatment directed toward ABC2 mRNA sensitized the resistant cells to estramustine. Together, these results suggest that amplification and overexpression of ABC2 contributes to estramustine resistance and provides the first indication of a potential cellular function for this product.

ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters↗
PubMed1998

Association of estramustine resistance in human prostatic carcinoma cells with modified patterns of tubulin expression.

Estramustine (EM) is an antimicrotubule drug used in the treatment of hormone refractory advanced prostate cancer. To investigate the mechanism of resistance to EM, we compared its effects on human prostate cancer cells (DU145) and an estramustine-resistant derived cell line (E4). Immunofluorescence demonstrated that EM caused depolymerization of microtubules and blocked cells in mitosis in DU145 cells, with less effect in E4 cells. Using tubulin isotype-specific antibodies, a threefold increase in betaIII and approximately twofold increase in betaI + II isotype in E4 cells compared to DU145 cells were observed. A most interesting observation concerned an increase in the posttranslational modification of alpha-tubulin of both polyglutamylation and acetylation in the E4 cells. Significant to this observation, using direct EM photoaffinity labeling of tubulin, drug binding to the most acidic posttranslationally modified forms of alpha-tubulin was shown to be minimal. Taken together, these results indicate that the modification of the tubulin expression pattern may be responsible for estramustine resistance by both lowering the amount of drug bound to microtubules and inducing more stable microtubules.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Interaction of estramustine with tubulin isotypes.

The interaction of the antimitotic agent estramustine with bovine microtubule proteins and purified tubulin was investigated. Direct photoaffinity labeling of microtubule protein with [14C]estramustine resulted in the labeling of both alpha- and beta-tubulin, and this was inhibited with unlabeled estramustine in a dose-dependent manner. [14C]Estramustine was incorporated into both the soluble and polymerized forms of tubulin. The affinity constant for estramustine binding to tubulin was determined by equilibrium dialysis to be 23 +/- 5 mM. Estramustine did not affect [3H]vinblastine binding, and vinblastine had no effect on direct labeling with [14C]estramustine. Both rhizoxin and paclitaxel decreased the covalent labeling of tubulin with [14C]estramustine in a dose-dependent fashion and were noncompetitive inhibitors of the binding of estramustine to tubulin. The binding of colchicine to tubulin was not inhibited by estramustine as detected by fluorescence and DEAE filter assays. The estramustine binding site on tubulin is therefore distinct from that of colchicine and vinblastine and may at least partially overlap with the binding site for paclitaxel. In both bovine brain microtubules and cytoskeletal proteins from human prostatic carcinoma cells, the incorporation of [14C]estramustine into the beta III isotype of tubulin was found to occur with a reduced efficiency compared to that of the other beta-tubulin isotypes and alpha-tubulin. Since this isotype is overexpressed in estramustine resistant human prostate carcinoma cells, these results indicate that beta III-tubulin may play a role in the response to the effects of estramustine.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Importance of glutathione and associated enzymes in drug response.

Maintenance of cellular homeostasis is a critical survival trait in tumors when exposed to anticancer drugs. Because conjugation and elimination of drugs and their metabolites is dependent upon sequential and coordinated pathways, acquired drug resistance through a gradual adaptive response would rarely be expected to be the consequence of changes in the expression of one gene product. We have used a number of drug-resistant human cell lines to characterize those genes that are implicated in maintaining a resistant phenotype. Human HT29 colon cancer cells chronically exposed to ethacrynic acid (EA) [a glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) modulator] have acquired resistance to the drug. Commensurate with resistance, EA is more effectively conjugated to GSH and effluxed from the resistant cells. Using directed and random (differential display) approaches, a number of detoxification and/or protective gene products have been shown to be expressed at elevated levels. These include: gamma-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (gamma-GCS, the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis); GST pi (the enzyme catalyzing the conjugation reaction); multidrug resistance associated protein (MRP) (the membrane pump responsible for effluxing the conjugate from the cell interior). In addition, other gene products not directly linked with EA metabolism were induced, including dihydrodiol dehydrogenase (an alpha-ketoreductase) (30-fold), DT-diaphorase (threefold), and a transcriptional regulator SSP 3521 (threefold). HL60 cells resistant to a GSH paralog Ter199 also show increased expression of some of these gene products. Furthermore, an adriamycin-resistant human HL60 cell line also shows overexpression of GST pi, gamma-GCS, and MRP, but in addition has approximately 20-fold more DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). This enzyme is an early stress response gene that can phosphorylate and activate downstream transcription factors. Such overexpression could impact on the transcriptional control of the other detoxification gene products. Both adriamycin and a typical drug-GSH conjugate (APA-SG) are inhibitors of DNA-PK. Because cellular levels of these conjugates would presumably be a good indicator of stress, it would seem reasonable to speculate that DNA-PK may act as a receiver and transmitter of signals that are crucial to the drug-resistant phenotype. Additionally, this enzyme may prove to be a potentially important target for drug design based upon the inhibitory activity of GSH conjugates.

Drug Resistance, Neoplasm↗