Altered of apoptotic markers of both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways induced by hepatitis C virus infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Background: Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has emerged as a leading cause of cirrhosis in the U. S. and across the world. To understand the role of apoptotic pathways in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we studied the mRNA and protein expression patterns of apoptosis-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients with HCV infection.Methods: the present study included 50 subjects which plasma samples were positive for HCV, but negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV). These cases were divided into four groups according to METAVIR, a score-based analysis which helps to interpret a liver biopsy according to the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. mRNA expression of the studied genes were analyzed by reverse transcription of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and protein levels, analyzed by ELISA, was also conducted. HCV genotyping was also determined.Results: HCV infection increased mRNA expression and protein synthesis of caspase 8 in group 1 by 3 fold and 4 fold, respectively (p < 0.05). in group 4 HCV infection increased mRNA expression and protein synthesis of caspase 9 by 2 fold and 1,5 fold, respectively (p < 0.05). Also, caspase 3 mRNA expression and protein synthesis had level augumented by HCV infection in group 1 by 4 fold and 5 fold, respectively, and in group 4 by 6 fold and 7 fold, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusions: HCV induces alteration at both genomic and protein levels of apoptosis markers involved with extrinsic and intrinsic pathways.Associacao Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Colsan Assoc Beneficente Coleta Sangue, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Gynecol, São Paulo, BrazilURDIP, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Gynecol, São Paulo, BrazilFed Univ São Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Nephrol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

The homeostasis of normal breast depends on interactions...

A homeostase da mama normal depende das interações entre células epiteliais e o estroma a elas associado. Estudos anteriores mostraram que no carcinoma mamário o estroma é constituído por células com diferentes funções. Estes elementos do estroma incluem fibroblastos, os quais modulam o comportamento tumoral, fornecendo fatores de crescimento e componentes de matriz extracelular. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a expressão gênica diferencial entre fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico ou não neoplásico e analisar a influência de células epiteliais normais (MCF10A) no perfil de expressão gênica de fibroblastos obtidos de tecido mamário neoplásico. Culturas primárias de fibroblastos foram estabelecidas e a expressão de vimentina e actina de músculo liso foi positiva. Foi realizada a co-cultura destas células com separação por insertos, o que permite a passagem de fatores solúveis, e o RNA foi extraído. Após a amplificação do RNAm foram sintetizadas sondas de cDNA, as quais foram marcadas com fluorocromos conjugados a deoxinucleotídeo, hibridizadas competitivamente sobre lâminas de vidro contendo 4.608 ORESTES criadas no Instituto Ludwig de Pesquisa sobre o Câncer/FAPESP e os sinais fluorescente gerados foram quantificados. Após a normalização destes dados, os genes diferencialmente expressos, com False Discovery Ratio (FDR) menor que 0,05, foram selecionados para análises posteriores. Encontramos 283 genes diferencialmente expressos em fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico quando comparados àqueles derivados de tecido mamário não-neoplásico. Dentre estes genes, 187 foram quantitativamente regulados negativamente (com variação de expressão de 1,05 a 4,14) contra 96 regulados positivamente (variação de expressão de 1,17 a 7,73). A maioria destas alterações foram relacionadas ao transporte entre membranas, transdução de sinal e biosíntese. Estes resultados podem sugerir uma redução na expressão gênica durante o processo de transformação. Após a co-cultura com células MCF10A, encontramos 566 genes diferencialmente expressos nos fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico, 323 foram regulados negativamente (expressão variando de 1,09 a 10,62) e 243 regulados positivamente (variação de expressão de 1,03 a 16,62). A influência das células MCF10A na expressão gênica destes fibroblastos pôde ser vista através da desregulação da expressão de genes relacionados com a proliferação celular, adesão, apoptose e sobrevivência.The homeostasis of normal breast depends on interactions between epithelial cells and their associated stroma. Previous studies indicated that in breast cancer carcinoma, tumor associated stromal cells with different functions appear to be emerged. These stromal elements include fibroblasts which modulate tumor behavior providing various growth factors and extracellular matrix components. Our aim was to evaluate the differential gene expression between fibroblasts derived from mammary tissue neoplasic or not and to analyze the influence of normal epithelial cells (MCF10A) on gene expression profile of fibroblasts obtained from neoplasic mammary tissue. Fibroblast primary cultures were established and expression of vimentin and smooth cell actin was positive. Co-culture of these cell types separated by inserts, which allow the passage of soluble factors, was done and total RNA was extracted. After mRNA amplification using a template-switching prime, cDNA probes were synthesized, labeled with fluorochrome conjugated deoxynucleotide, a competitive hybridization was undertaken onto cDNA microarray glass slides in which 4,608 ORESTES (open reading frame expressed sequence tags) from Instituto Ludwig de Pesquisa sobre o Câncer/FAPESP bank were spotted and fluorescent signals were quantified. After normalization, the differentially expressed genes, at a False Discovery Ratio (FDR) less then 0.05, were selected for further analysis. We found 283 differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts obtained from neoplasic mammary tissue when compared with non neoplasic derived fibroblasts. Among these genes, 187 were quantitatively down regulated (fold ranging from 1.05 to 4.14) against 96 up regulated (fold ranging from 1.17 to 7.73). The majority of alterations were related to membrane transport, signaling transduction and biosynthesis. Overall these results could suggest a reduced gene expression along transformation process After coculture with MCF10A cells, we found 566 differentially expressed genes in neoplasic mammary tissue derived fibroblasts, 323 were down regulated (fold ranging from 1.09 to 10.62) and 243 up regulated (fold ranging from 1.03 to 16.62). MCF10A influence in mammary tissue neoplasic derived fibroblasts gene expression could be seen trough the deregulation of expression of some genes possibly related cell proliferation, adhesion, apoptosis and survival

The homeostasis of normal breast depends on interactions...

A homeostase da mama normal depende das interações entre células epiteliais e o estroma a elas associado. Estudos anteriores mostraram que no carcinoma mamário o estroma é constituído por células com diferentes funções. Estes elementos do estroma incluem fibroblastos, os quais modulam o comportamento tumoral, fornecendo fatores de crescimento e componentes de matriz extracelular. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a expressão gênica diferencial entre fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico ou não neoplásico e analisar a influência de células epiteliais normais (MCF10A) no perfil de expressão gênica de fibroblastos obtidos de tecido mamário neoplásico. Culturas primárias de fibroblastos foram estabelecidas e a expressão de vimentina e actina de músculo liso foi positiva. Foi realizada a co-cultura destas células com separação por insertos, o que permite a passagem de fatores solúveis, e o RNA foi extraído. Após a amplificação do RNAm foram sintetizadas sondas de cDNA, as quais foram marcadas com fluorocromos conjugados a deoxinucleotídeo, hibridizadas competitivamente sobre lâminas de vidro contendo 4.608 ORESTES criadas no Instituto Ludwig de Pesquisa sobre o Câncer/FAPESP e os sinais fluorescente gerados foram quantificados. Após a normalização destes dados, os genes diferencialmente expressos, com False Discovery Ratio (FDR) menor que 0,05, foram selecionados para análises posteriores. Encontramos 283 genes diferencialmente expressos em fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico quando comparados àqueles derivados de tecido mamário não-neoplásico. Dentre estes genes, 187 foram quantitativamente regulados negativamente (com variação de expressão de 1,05 a 4,14) contra 96 regulados positivamente (variação de expressão de 1,17 a 7,73). A maioria destas alterações foram relacionadas ao transporte entre membranas, transdução de sinal e biosíntese. Estes resultados podem sugerir uma redução na expressão gênica durante o processo de transformação. Após a co-cultura com células MCF10A, encontramos 566 genes diferencialmente expressos nos fibroblastos derivados de tecido mamário neoplásico, 323 foram regulados negativamente (expressão variando de 1,09 a 10,62) e 243 regulados positivamente (variação de expressão de 1,03 a 16,62). A influência das células MCF10A na expressão gênica destes fibroblastos pôde ser vista através da desregulação da expressão de genes relacionados com a proliferação celular, adesão, apoptose e sobrevivência.The homeostasis of normal breast depends on interactions between epithelial cells and their associated stroma. Previous studies indicated that in breast cancer carcinoma, tumor associated stromal cells with different functions appear to be emerged. These stromal elements include fibroblasts which modulate tumor behavior providing various growth factors and extracellular matrix components. Our aim was to evaluate the differential gene expression between fibroblasts derived from mammary tissue neoplasic or not and to analyze the influence of normal epithelial cells (MCF10A) on gene expression profile of fibroblasts obtained from neoplasic mammary tissue. Fibroblast primary cultures were established and expression of vimentin and smooth cell actin was positive. Co-culture of these cell types separated by inserts, which allow the passage of soluble factors, was done and total RNA was extracted. After mRNA amplification using a template-switching prime, cDNA probes were synthesized, labeled with fluorochrome conjugated deoxynucleotide, a competitive hybridization was undertaken onto cDNA microarray glass slides in which 4,608 ORESTES (open reading frame expressed sequence tags) from Instituto Ludwig de Pesquisa sobre o Câncer/FAPESP bank were spotted and fluorescent signals were quantified. After normalization, the differentially expressed genes, at a False Discovery Ratio (FDR) less then 0.05, were selected for further analysis. We found 283 differentially expressed genes in fibroblasts obtained from neoplasic mammary tissue when compared with non neoplasic derived fibroblasts. Among these genes, 187 were quantitatively down regulated (fold ranging from 1.05 to 4.14) against 96 up regulated (fold ranging from 1.17 to 7.73). The majority of alterations were related to membrane transport, signaling transduction and biosynthesis. Overall these results could suggest a reduced gene expression along transformation process After coculture with MCF10A cells, we found 566 differentially expressed genes in neoplasic mammary tissue derived fibroblasts, 323 were down regulated (fold ranging from 1.09 to 10.62) and 243 up regulated (fold ranging from 1.03 to 16.62). MCF10A influence in mammary tissue neoplasic derived fibroblasts gene expression could be seen trough the deregulation of expression of some genes possibly related cell proliferation, adhesion, apoptosis and survival

Overhauling CAR T Cells to Improve Efficacy, Safety and Cost

Gene therapy is now surpassing 30 years of clinical experience and in that time a variety of approaches has been applied for the treatment of a wide range of pathologies. While the promise of gene therapy was over-stated in the 1990&rsquo;s, the following decades were met with polar extremes between demonstrable success and devastating setbacks. Currently, the field of gene therapy is enjoying the rewards of overcoming the hurdles that come with turning new ideas into safe and reliable treatments, including for cancer. Among these modalities, the modification of T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) has met with clear success and holds great promise for the future treatment of cancer. We detail a series of considerations for the improvement of the CAR-T cell approach, including the design of the CAR, routes of gene transfer, introduction of CARs in natural killer and other cell types, combining the CAR approach with checkpoint blockade or oncolytic viruses, improving pre-clinical models as well as means for reducing cost and, thus, making this technology more widely available. While CAR-T cells serve as a prime example of translating novel ideas into effective treatments, certainly the lessons learned will serve to accelerate the current and future development of gene therapy drugs

RHOA, RAC1 and PAK1 evaluation in paired stromal fibroblasts of breast cancer primary and of lymph node metastasis: Importance of these biomarkers in lymph node invasion

Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Vale Sapucai, Pouso Alegre, MG, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Fac Med, São Paulo, BrazilInst Brasileiro Controle Canc, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Transcriptional profile of fibroblasts obtained from the primary site, lymph node and bone marrow of breast cancer patients

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) influence tumor development at primary as well as in metastatic sites, but there have been no direct comparisons of the transcriptional profiles of stromal cells from different tumor sites. In this study, we used customized cDNA microarrays to compare the gene expression profile of stromal cells from primary tumor (CAF, n = 4), lymph node metastasis (N+, n = 3) and bone marrow (BM, n = 4) obtained from breast cancer patients. Biological validation was done in another 16 samples by RT-qPCR. Differences between CAF vs N+, CAF vs BM and N+ vs BM were represented by 20, 235 and 245 genes, respectively (SAM test, FDR < 0.01). Functional analysis revealed that genes related to development and morphogenesis were overrepresented. In a biological validation set, NOTCH2 was confirmed to be more expressed in N+ (vs CAF) and ADCY2, HECTD1, HNMT, LOX, MACF1, SLC1A3 and USP16 more expressed in BM (vs CAF). Only small differences were observed in the transcriptional profiles of fibroblasts from the primary tumor and lymph node of breast cancer patients, whereas greater differences were observed between bone marrow stromal cells and the other two sites. These differences may reflect the activities of distinct differentiation programs

Reciprocal changes in gene expression profiles of cocultured breast epithelial cells and primary fibroblasts

The importance of epithelial-stroma interaction in normal breast development and tumor progression has been recognized. To identify genes that were regulated by these reciprocal interactions, we cocultured a nonmalignant (MCF10A) and a breast cancer derived (MDA-MB231) basal cell lines, with fibroblasts isolated from breast benign-disease adjacent tissues (NAF) or with carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF), in a transwell system. Gene expression profiles of each coculture pair were compared with the correspondent monocultures, using a customized microarray. Contrariwise to large alterations in epithelial cells genomic profiles, fibroblasts were less affected. In MDA-MB231 highly represented genes downregulated by CAF derived factors coded for proteins important for the specificity of vectorial transport between ER and golgi, possibly affecting cell polarity whereas the response of MCF10A comprised an induction of genes coding for stress responsive proteins, representing a prosurvival effect. While NAF downregulated genes encoding proteins associated to glycolipid and fatty acid biosynthesis in MDA-MB231, potentially affecting membrane biogenesis, in MCF10A, genes critical for growth control and adhesion were altered. NAFs responded to coculture with MDA-MB231 by a decrease in the expression of genes induced by TGF beta 1 and associated to motility. However, there was little change in NAFs gene expression profile influenced by MCF10A. CAFs responded to the presence of both epithelial cells inducing genes implicated in cell proliferation. Our data indicate that interactions between breast fibroblasts and basal epithelial cells resulted in alterations in the genomic profiles of both cell types which may help to clarify some aspects of this heterotypic signaling. (C) 2009 UICCFAPESP[01/13515-1]FAPESP[05/51593-5]FAPESP[04/04607-8]CNPQ[47.7538/2003-7