20 research outputs found

    Studies of transforming growth factor alpha in normal and abnormal growth

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    Regulation of growth is of fundamental importance for development of the organism and to maintain health. The induction of cell proliferation and matrix production are influenced by several different signaling systems, most importantly by growth factors. The human HER-family of growth factor ligands and receptors is one of the most studied and, at present, one of the most complex including 4 tyrosine kinase receptors and at least 11 different ligands cooperating in the transfer of signals. The HER-family growth responses are also influenced by other intercellular and extracellular signals, including matrix components, cytokines and hormones mediating e.g. inflammation. HER-1 (EGFR) is one of the best known and most extensively studied growth factor receptors. TGF-alpha is possibly the most potent HER-1 ligand and influences wound healing, epidermal maintenance, gastrointestinal function, lactation, pulmonary function and more. Several studies have shown important regulatory functions for some inflammatory cytokines on TGF-alpha production in white blood cells. HER-1 is widespread in epithelial cells but also in mesenchymal cells such as fibroblasts, osteogenic and chondrogenic cells. Consequently, many tumors arising from these cell types express HER family members and often show TGF-alpha and/or HER activation. Indeed, mammary cancer development has been shown when over expressing both TGF-alpha and HER-2 in mouse mammary cells in vivo. In recent years the first HER-1 and HER-2 inhibitors have come into clinical practice for treatment of breast cancer, lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancers, sometimes with great success. However, more knowledge is needed concerning the inflammatory regulation of HER-family expression including where and how the ligands and receptors cooperate. Therefore we were interested in studying the role of TGF-alpha in normal and abnormal growth. First we showed that the acute inflammatory cytokine IL-6 regulates TGF-alpha expression in U-937-1 monocytoid cells. Secondly, we detected a possible long-term enhancing influence of singledose UVR on HER-1 expression in normal human melanocytes. We continued thirdly by revealing TGF-alpha production concomitant with HER-2 in normal human synovia and release of soluble TGF-alpha into the synovial fluid. Both TGF-alpha and HER-2 production were significantly increased in inflammatory joint conditions, e.g. RA. Fourthly, we demonstrated expression of TGF-alpha, HER-1 and HER-2 in synovial sarcoma cells in culture; the observed HER-2 phosphorylation was dependent on ligand induced HER-1 activation. The presented results indicate that TGF-alpha expression can be enhanced by acute inflammatory cytokine IL-6, possibly contributing to growth stimulatory effects assigned to IL-6 itself. The acute effects of UVR on melanocytes mediate up-regulated steady-state expression of HER-1, constituting a potential target for locally produced TGF-alpha that may induce melanocyte proliferation. TGF-alpha and HER-2 seem to have a role in the maintenance of synovial joint tissues. Upregulation of TGF-alpha and HER-2 in inflammatory joint conditions, e.g. RA, represents a novel mechanism for synovial proliferation contributing to joint deterioration. TGF-alpha, HER1 and HER-2 may have a role in synovial sarcoma proliferation; further investigation is needed to evaluate HER-family inhibitors as a possible treatment alternative in this type of cancer

    Linköping University medical dissertations, No. 1025 Studies of Transforming Growth Factor Alpha in Normal and Abnormal Growth

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    This thesis is based on studies presented in the following four papers, referred to in the text by their roman numerals. I. Hallbeck, A-L., Walz, T.M. and Wasteson, Å. (2001). Interleukin-6 enhances transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA expression in macrophage-like human monocytoid (U-937-1) cells. Bioscience Reports; Vol. 21(3):325-339. II. Hallbeck, A-L., Lirvall, M., Briheim, K. and Wasteson, Å. Single physiologic dose UVB radiation increases EGFR expression in cultured normal melanocytes. Manuscript. III. Hallbeck, A-L., Walz, T.M., Briheim, K. and Wasteson, Å. (2005). TGF-alpha and ErbB2 production in synovial joint tissue: increased expression in arthritic joints. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology; 34(3):204-211. IV. Hallbeck, A-L., Walz, T.M., Wasteson, Å. and Lindström, A. Cooperation of endogenous HER-family members in synovial sarcoma cells: stimulation of HER-2/ErbB2 is dependent on EGF-R activation. Submitted

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    Canertinib-induced leukemia cell death signaling – effects of a pan-ERBB inhibito

    Wallenbergs jubileumsfond.

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    S6K1, S6K2 and 4EBP1 in breast cance

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    Cover picture: adopted from www.biooncology.com. Original picture copyright of Genentech, Inc

    High-Resolution Genomic Analysis of the 11q13 Amplicon in Breast Cancers Identifies Synergy with 8p12 Amplification, Involving the mTOR Targets S6K2 and 4EBP1

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    The chromosomal region 11q13 is amplified in 15-20% of breast cancers; an event not only associated with estrogen receptor (ER) expression but also implicated in resistance to endocrine therapy. Coamplifications of the 11q13 and 8p12 regions are common, suggesting synergy between the amplicons. The aim was to identify candidate oncogenes in the 11q13 region based on recurrent amplification patterns and correlations to mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, the 11q13/8p12 coamplification and its prognostic value, was evaluated at the DNA and the mRNA levels. Affymetrix 250K NspI arrays were used for whole-genome screening of DNA copy number changes in 29 breast tumors. To identify amplicon cores at 11q13 and 8p12, genomic identification of significant targets in cancer (GISTIC) was applied. The mRNA expression levels of candidate oncogenes in the amplicons [ RAD9A, RPS6KB2 (S6K2), CCND1, FGF19, FGF4, FGF3, PAK1, GAB2 (11q13); EIF4EBP1 (4EBP1), PPAPDC1B, and FGFR1 (8p12)] were evaluated using real-time PCR. Resulting data revealed three main amplification cores at 11q13. ER expression was associated with the central 11q13 amplification core, encompassing CCND1, whereas 8p12 amplification/gene expression correlated to S6K2 in a proximal 11q13 core. Amplification of 8p12 and high expression of 4EBP1 or FGFR1 was associated with a poor outcome in the group. In conclusion, single nucleotide polymorphism arrays have enabled mapping of the 11q13 amplicon in breast tumors with high resolution. A proximal 11q13 core including S6K2 was identified as involved in the coamplification/coexpression with 8p12, suggesting synergy between the mTOR targets S6K2 and 4EBP1 in breast cancer development and progression.Funding Agencies|Swedish Cancer Foundation||Swedish Research Council||</p
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