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M J Kelner

Publications and source records attributed to M J Kelner.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Characterization of cellular accumulation and toxicity of illudin S in sensitive and nonsensitive tumor cells.

Illudins are novel low molecular weight natural products cytotoxic to human tumor cells in vitro. Illudin-derived analogs are effective against experimental human cancers nonresponsive to conventional anticancer agents. It is not known why some illudin analogs are more efficacious in vitro and in vivo than other analogs. Therefore, the in vitro cytotoxicity of the parent compound illudin S towards tumor cells was characterized using radiolabeled drug. Two cell lines sensitive at nanomolar concentrations using only a 15-min exposure period displayed a saturable, energy-dependent accumulation of illudins with relatively low K(m) and high Vmax values. A nonsensitive cell line, requiring millimolar concentrations to achieve in vitro toxicity, showed minimal illudin uptake with higher K(m) and lower Vmax values. No release of radioactivity could be demonstrated from tumor cells, indicating that there was no efflux of illudin S (or metabolites) from these cells. The number of intracellular illudin S molecules required to kill 50% of cells of different tumor cell lines varied from 78000 to 1114000 molecules per cell and was correlated with the 2-h IC50 value determined using a colony-forming assay. Illudin S was cytotoxic to a variety of multidrug-resistant tumor cell lines regardless of whether resistance was mediated by gp170/mdrl, gp180/MRP, GSHTR-pi, topoisomerase I, topoisomerase II, increased DNA repair capacity, or alterations in intracellular thiol content. Information obtained in this study could be used to design clinical phase I trials and to develop analogs with improved therapeutic indexes.

Antibiotics, Antineoplastic↗

Heterologous expression of carbonyl reductase: demonstration of prostaglandin 9-ketoreductase activity and paraquat resistance.

Transfection of murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts with a pSV2-derived eukaryotic expression vector for human cytosolic carbonyl reductase (E.C. 1.1.1.141) resulted in clones with increased carbonyl reductase activity as demonstrated by an elevation in cellular NADPH-dependent alcohol (menadione) reductase activity. Prostaglandin 9-ketoreductase (9KR) activity, previously noted only in purified enzyme preparations, was also elevated. Although the cellular molar capacity of 9KR activity was less than menadione reductase activity (picomoles versus nanomoles per mg of protein), when compared to endogenous activity there was a greater relative increase in 9KR activity as compared to menadione activity (10 fold increase versus 3 fold). Thus, the 9KR properties of carbonyl reductase may have a physiologic role in prostaglandin regulation. Most transgenic clones lost their enhanced carbonyl reductase activity despite continuous selection, but two clones retained enhanced enzyme activity. RNA analysis indicated that these two murine clones expressed human carbonyl reductase mRNA. These two clones overexpressing carbonyl reductase did not display resistance to menadione, in agreement with a previous report. There was, however, a demonstrable increase in resistance to paraquat of a magnitude similar to that previously noted with transgenic cell lines overexpressing manganese superoxide dismutase.

3T3 Cells↗

Structural organization of the human microsomal glutathione S-transferase gene (GST12).

The primary structure of the human microsomal glutathione S-transferase gene (GST12) was determined by genomic cloning. The gene structure of GST12 spans 12.8 kb and consists of four exons and three introns. The coding sequence resides on exons 2, 3, and 4. Sequencing of the exons revealed two nucleotide differences compared to a previous report of the cDNA sequence. The substitutions, however, were silent, as they did not alter amino acid composition or restriction enzyme sites. All introns commenced with nucleotides GTAA at the 5' boundary and ended with nucleotides AG at the 3' boundary, in agreement with the proposed consensus sequence for intron spliced donor and acceptance sites. The presence of an in-phase stop codon and an upstream false start codon in the 5'-untranslated region was confirmed. Although it was previously predicted that there existed another start codon in-phase and within 50 bp of this stop codon, coding for a second mini-cistron, we could not identify another start codon for greater than 200 bp prior to the stop codon. Thus, initiation is suppressed at the first or false start codon due to either the closeness of the stop codon or the suboptimal context of the codon.

Cloning, Molecular↗

The emerging role of the physician in genetic counselling and testing for heritable breast, ovarian and colon cancer.

As a genetic testing for susceptibility to breast, ovarian and colon cancer becomes more readily available, physicians are faced with an increasing demand for information about inherited cancer risk. Because advances in treatment have not kept pace with advances in predictive testing, the provision of genetic counselling and testing marks a departure from the traditional role of the physician. A systematic framework is needed within which the physician's emerging role in predictive testing for heritable cancer can be delineated. The development of such a framework will require collaboration among professionals in a range of scientific disciplines, as well as the suspension of traditional assumptions about the physicians role.

Breast Neoplasms↗

Acylfulvenes, a new class of potent antitumor agents.

Acylfulvene, derived from the sesquiterpene illudin S by treatment with acid (reverse Prins reaction), is far less reactive to thiols than illudin S. However, it is reduced readily to an aromatic product, in the same way as illudin S. This may explain its greatly improved therapeutic index compared to that of the parent compound.

Animals↗

Efficacy of HMAF (MGI-114) in the MV522 metastatic lung carcinoma xenograft model nonresponsive to traditional anticancer agents.

Illudin analogs are cytotoxic to a variety of multidrug resistant cell lines, and display an unusual toxicity towards DNA helicase-deficient cell lines. Earlier illudin analogs demonstrated efficacy in several xenograft models, including a metastatic MV522 lung cancer model, resistant to conventional anticancer agents. These illudin analogs prolonged life span as compared to conventional agents, but did not induce complete remission of primary tumors. In vitro screening studies identified a semisynthetic derivative, hydroxymethylacylfulvene (HMAF, MGI-114), with increased selective cytotoxicity towards carcinoma cells. The HMAF analog was markedly effective in the experimental MV 522 metastasizing lung carcinoma xenograft system, a model refractory to treatment with existing anticancer agents. Treatment with paclitaxel, doxorubicin, or cisplatin failed to significantly inhibit primary tumor growth or prolong life span of MV522 tumor-bearing animals. Treatment with mitomycin C at the LD20 increased life span in surviving animals up to 61% (p = 0.04). Treatment with HMAF induced primary tumor regression in all animals and increased life span greater than 150% (p < 0.001). Thus, administration of HMAF inhibited development of lung metastasis in a model refractory to treatment with conventional anticancer agents. These results support further evaluation of HMAF as a therapeutic agent for treatment of solid tumors such as adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Adenocarcinoma↗

(Hydroxymethyl)acylfulvene: an illudin derivative with superior antitumor properties.

Reaction of the fungal sesquiterpene illudin S with excess paraformaldehyde in dilute H2SO4 gives (hydroxymethyl)acylfulvene. The primary allylic hydroxyl thus formed can undergo very facile replacement by a variety of nucleophiles. (Hydroxymethyl)acylfulvene (MGI.114) was more toxic than a precursor, acylfulvene, but less toxic than the parent compound illudin S to HL 60 cells.

Animals↗

Elevation in the ratio of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase to glutathione peroxidase activity induces features of cellular senescence and this effect is mediated by hydrogen peroxide.

Although reactive oxygen species have been proposed to play a major role in the aging process, the exact molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study we investigate the effects of a perturbation in the ratio of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase activity (Sod1 dismutases .O2-to H2O2) to glutathione peroxidase activity (Gpx1 catalyses H2O2 conversion to H2O) on cell growth and development. Our data demonstrate that Sod1 transfected cell lines that have an elevation in the ratio of Sod1 activity to Gpx1 activity produce higher levels of H2O2 and exhibit well characterised markers of cellular senescence viz. slower proliferation and altered morphology. On the contrary, Sod1 transfected cell lines that have an unaltered ratio in the activity of these two enzymes, have unaltered levels of H2O2 and fail to show characteristics of senescence. Furthermore, fibroblasts established from individuals with Down syndrome have an increase in the ratio of Sod1 to Gpx1 activity compared with corresponding controls and senesce earlier. Interestingly, cells treated with H2O2 also show features of senescence and/or senesce earlier. We also show that Cip1 mRNA levels are elevated in Down syndrome cells, Sod1 transfectants with an altered Sod1 to Gpx1 activity ratio and those treated with H2O2, thus suggesting that the slow proliferation may be mediated by Cip1. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that Cip1 mRNA levels are induced by exposure of cells to H2O2. These data give valuable insight into possible molecular mechanisms that contribute tribute to cellular senescence and may be useful in the evolution of therapeutic strategies for aging.

Base Sequence↗

Efficacy of Acylfulvene Illudin analogues against a metastatic lung carcinoma MV522 xenograft nonresponsive to traditional anticancer agents: retention of activity against various mdr phenotypes and unusual cytotoxicity against ERCC2 and ERCC3 DNA helicase-deficient cells.

Four second-generation Illudin analogues were synthesized and tested for antitumor activity using a metastatic lung carcinoma xenograft model resistant to conventional antitumor agents. One analogue, the parent illudofulvene-derivative called Acylfulvene, inhibited xenograft primary tumor growth and prolonged life span of tumor-bearing animals when administered i.p. or i.v. The efficacy of Acylfulvene exceeded that of mitomycin C, cisplatin, paclitaxol, the parent compound Illudin S, and an earlier analogue, dehydroilludin M. Promising features of this new analogue are: (a) the retention of in vitro activity against a variety of mdr tumor phenotypes including gp170+, gp150+, GSHTR-Pi, topoisomerase I, and topoisomerase II mutants; and (b) an apparent selective cytotoxicity toward cells deficient in either ERCC2 or ERCC3 DNA helicase activity.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Heterologous expression of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase affords cellular resistance to paraquat.

Transfection of murine NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human MCF7 breast carcinoma cells with a pSV2-derived eukaryotic expression vector for human cytosolic glutathione peroxidase resulted in clones with increased glutathione peroxidase activity. This heterologous expression indicates that murine cells recognize the human "selenocysteine insertion sequence" in the 3' untranslated region of the mRNA which facilitates insertion of selenocysteine directed by the opal codon. Though most clones from both cell lines eventually lost their enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity despite continuous selection on G418, some NIH3T3 clones retained enhanced enzyme activity without continuous G418 exposure. Transfection of MCF7 cells with an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-derived episomally replicating expression vector carrying the glutathione peroxidase gene also revealed increased glutathione peroxidase activity. These MCF7 cells, however, all required exposure to G418 to maintain enhanced glutathione peroxidase activity. Detailed biochemical analysis of a stably expressing NIH3T3 clone and MCF7 expressing cells revealed no alterations in activities of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, manganese superoxide dismutase, catalase, phospholipid-glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione transferase, or NADPH-P450 reductase. Both pSV2- and EBV-derived glutathione peroxidase-expressing clones exhibited enhanced resistance to paraquat as well as to peroxides.

3T3 Cells↗

Superoxide dismutase abolishes the platelet-derived growth factor-induced release of prostaglandin E2 by blocking induction of nitric oxide synthase: role of superoxide.

The ability of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) to induce prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release in fibroblasts is abolished when copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity is increased by transfection of an expression vector. The effect is specific to copper-zinc superoxide dismutase as glutathione peroxidase-overexpressing NIH3T3 cells, again produced by transfection of an expression vector, retain the ability to release PGE2 in response to growth factor stimulation. The defect in PDGF-induced PGE2 release occurs prior to action of prostaglandin H synthase/cyclooxygenase as release of arachadonic acid (in response to PDGF) does not occur in the superoxide dismutase-overexpressing clones. The defect in PDGF-induced release of PGE2 in superoxide dismutase-overexpressing clones differs from the defect found in pEJ-ras-transformed clones. The parent cells, the glutathione peroxidase-expressing cells, and the superoxide dismutase-overexpressing cells all release PGE2 in response to exogenous nitric oxide, whereas the pEJ-ras-transformed cells do not. The glutathione peroxidase-expressing cells also retained the ability to release nitrite in response to PDGF, whereas the superoxide dismutase-expressing clones do not. PDGF stimulates nitric oxide synthase activity in NIH3T3 cells, but not in the superoxide dismutase-expressing clones. These results indicate that superoxide dismutase overexpression blocks the PDGF-induced release of PGE2 by blocking induction of nitric oxide synthase. This indicates that the increase of nitric oxide synthase induced by PDGF is mediated in part by production of superoxide. These findings link cellular oxygen radical homeostasis to three different classes of messenger molecules (growth factors, nitric oxide, and prostaglandins).

3T3 Cells↗

Transfection with human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase induces bidirectional alterations in other antioxidant enzymes, proteins, growth factor response, and paraquat resistance.

Transfection of a pSV2 human copper-zinc superoxide dismutase expression vector into murine fibroblasts resulted in stable transgenic clones producing increased amounts of copper-zinc superoxide dismutase. Two classes of transfectants were observed and were characterized by the presence or absence of an increase in endogenous glutathione peroxidase activity. In addition, increases and decreases in individual clones in the activities of manganese superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and NADPH-reductase were detected. In general, these alterations in enzyme activity correlated to the cellular glutathione peroxidase/copper-zinc superoxide dismutase ratio. Parameters of cellular physiological functions were also altered, including cell division time, FGF and EGF response, fibronectin content, paraquat resistance, hydrogen peroxide release into media, and sensitivity to radiation. Some of these cellular parameters were also bidirectional and reflected the cellular glutathione peroxidase/copper-zinc superoxide dismutase ratio. Our results indicate that small deviations from the normal physiological copper-zinc superoxide dismutase/seleno-glutathione peroxidase ratios can have pronounced effects on other antioxidant enzymes, growth rate, growth factor response, and expression of proteins normally not associated with oxygen metabolism.

3T3 Cells↗

Microalbuminuria.

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Albuminuria↗

Characterization of illudin S sensitivity in DNA repair-deficient Chinese hamster cells. Unusually high sensitivity of ERCC2 and ERCC3 DNA helicase-deficient mutants in comparison to other chemotherapeutic agents.

Illudins, novel natural products with a structure unrelated to any other known chemical, display potent in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer activity against even multi-drug resistant tumors, and are metabolically activated to an unstable intermediate that binds to DNA. The DNA damage produced by illudins, however, appears to differ from that of other known DNA damaging toxins. The sensitivity pattern of the various UV-sensitive cell lines differs from previously studied DNA cross-linking agents. Normally, the ERCC1- (excision repair cross complementing) and ERCC4-deficient cell lines are most sensitive to DNA cross-linking agents, with ERCC2-, ERCC3- and ERCC5-deficient cell lines having minimal sensitivity. With illudins the pattern is reversed, with ERCC2 and ERCC3 being the most sensitive. The sensitivity to illudins in complementation groups 1 through 3 is due to a deficiency of the ERCC1-3 gene products, as cellular drug accumulation studies revealed no differences in transport capacity or total drug accumulation. Also, a transgenic cell line in which ERCC2 activity was expressed through an expression vector regained its relative resistance to the illudins. The EM9 cell line, which displays sensitivity to monoadduct producing chemicals, was not sensitive. Thus, excision repair is involved in repair of illudin-induced damage and, unlike other anti-cancer agents, the involvement of ERCC2 and ERCC3 helicases is critical for repair to occur. The requirement for ERCC2 and ERCC3, combined with the finding that ERCC1 but not ERCC2 is upregulated in drug-resistant tumors, may explain the efficacy of illudins against drug-resistant tumors. The inhibition of DNA synthesis in cells within minutes after exposure to illudins at nanomolar concentrations may be related to the finding that the ERCC3 gene product is actually the p89 helicase component of the BTF2 (TFII) basic transcription factor and the high sensitivity of ERCC3-deficient cells to illudins.

Animals↗

PDGF-induces the glutathione-dependent enzyme PGH2/PGE2 isomerase in NIH3T3 and pEJ transformed fibroblasts.

Exposure of NIH3T3 and pEJ serum-starved cells to platelet derived growth factor results in a 16 fold increase in the glutathione-dependent enzyme prostaglandin H2/prostaglandin E2 isomerase activity (EC 5.3.99.3). The response is rapid as a detectable increase in NIH3T3 cells occurs after only 7 minutes of exposure to the growth factor. Only a mild increase in another microsomal glutathione-dependent enzyme, microsomal glutathione transferase (EC 2.5.1.18), was detected after a 2 hour exposure to the growth factor.

3T3 Cells↗

Mechanism of prostaglandin E2 release and increase in PGH2/PGE2 isomerase activity by PDGF: involvement of nitric oxide.

We examined the possibility that the platelet-derived growth factor-induced release of prostaglandin E2 and increase in prostaglandin H2 (PGH2)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) isomerase activity (EC 5.3.99.3) in NIH3T3 cells was mediated by nitric oxide. Addition of L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester or diphenyleneiodonium chloride, potent nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, blocks platelet derived growth factor-induced release of prostaglandin E2, lowers basal prostaglandin E2 release, and also blocks the growth factor-induced increase in PGH2/PGE2 isomerase activity. Exogenous nitric oxide stimulates prostaglandin E2 release in NIH3T3 cells and this stimulation is blocked by hemoglobin. In contrast, exogenous nitric oxide failed to induce prostaglandin E2 release from pEJ/ras-transformed cells. The nitric oxide induction of PGH2/PGE2 isomerase activity and prostaglandin E2 release occurred within minutes in contrast to alterations in prostaglandin H synthase/cyclooxygenase. These findings link three different classes of messenger molecules (growth factors, nitric oxide, prostaglandins).

3T3 Cells↗