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Pancreatic cancer occurs in the setting of a profound fibrotic microenvironment that often dwarfs the actual tumor. Although pancreatic fibrosis has been well studied in chronic pancreatitis, its development in pancreatic cancer is much less well understood. This article describes the dynamic remodeling that occurs from pancreatic precursors (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs)) to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, highlighting similarities and differences between benign and malignant disease. Although collagen matrix is a commonality throughout this process, early stage PanINs are virtually free of periostin while late stage PanIN and pancreatic cancer are surrounded by an increasing abundance of this extracellular matrix protein. Myofibroblasts also become increasingly abundant during progression from PanIN to cancer. From the earliest stages of fibrogenesis, macrophages are associated with this ongoing process. In vitro co-culture indicates there is cross-regulation between macrophages and pancreatic stellate cells (PaSCs), precursors to at least some of the fibrotic cell populations. When quiescent PaSCs were co-cultured with macrophage cell lines, the stellate cells became activated and the macrophages increased cytokine production. In summary, fibrosis in pancreatic cancer involves a complex interplay of cells and matrices that regulate not only the tumor epithelium but the composition of the microenvironment itself.

Recent progress has been made in the identification of protein-coding genes and miRNAs that are expressed in and alter the behavior of colonic epithelia. However, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in colonic homeostasis is just beginning to be explored. By gene expression profiling of post-mitotic, differentiated tops and proliferative, progenitor-compartment bottoms of microdissected adult mouse colonic crypts, we identified several lncRNAs more highly expressed in crypt bottoms. One identified lncRNA, designated non-coding Nras functional RNA (ncNRFR), resides within the Nras locus but appears to be independent of the Nras coding transcript. Stable overexpression of ncNRFR in non-transformed, conditionally immortalized mouse colonocytes results in malignant transformation, as determined by growth in soft agar and formation of highly invasive tumors in nude mice. Moreover, ncNRFR appears to inhibit the function of the tumor suppressor let-7. These results suggest precise regulation of ncNRFR is necessary for proper cell growth in the colonic crypt, and its misregulation results in neoplastic transformation.

Entamoeba histolytica is the protozoan parasite that causes amebic colitis. The parasite triggers apoptosis on contact with host cells; however, the biological significance of this event during intestinal infection is unclear. We examined the role of apoptosis in a mouse model of intestinal amebiasis. Histopathology revealed that abundant epithelial cell apoptosis occurred in the vicinity of amoeba in histological specimens. Epithelial cell apoptosis occurred rapidly on co-culture with amoeba in vitro as measured by annexin positivity, DNA degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Administration of the pan caspase inhibitor ZVAD decreased the rate and severity of amebic infection in CBA mice by all measures (cecal culture positivity, parasite enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and histological scores). Similarly, caspase 3 knockout mice on the resistant C57BL/6 background exhibited even lower cecal parasite antigen burden and culture positive rates than wild type mice. The permissive effect of apoptosis on infection could be tracked to the epithelium, in that transgenic mice that overexpressed Bcl-2 in epithelial cells were more resistant to infection as measured by cecal parasite enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and histological scores. We concluded that epithelial cell apoptosis in the intestine facilitates amebic infection in this mouse model. The parasite's strategy for inducing apoptosis may point to key virulence factors, and therapeutic maneuvers to diminish epithelial apoptosis may be useful in amebic colitis.

Simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) contributes to cell transformation, in part, by targeting two well-characterized tumor suppressors, pRb and p53. TAg expression affects the transcriptional circuits controlled by Rb and by p53. We have performed a microarray analysis to examine the global change in gene expression induced by wild-type TAg (TAg wt ) and TAg mutants, in an effort to link changes in gene expression to specific transforming functions. For this analysis we have used enterocytes from the mouse small intestine expressing TAg. Expression of TAg wt in the mouse intestine results in hyperplasia and dysplasia. Our analysis indicates that practically all gene expression regulated by TAg in enterocytes is dependent upon its binding and inactivation of the Rb family proteins. To further dissect the role of the Rb family in the induction of intestinal hyperplasia, we have screened several lines of transgenic mice expressing a truncated TAg (TAg N136 ), which is able to interfere with the Rb pathway but lacks the functions associated with the carboxy terminus of the protein. This analysis confirmed the pivotal association between the Rb pathway and the induction of intestinal hyperplasia and revealed that upregulation of p53 target genes is not associated with the tumorigenic phenotype. Furthermore, we found that TAg N136 was sufficient to induce intestinal hyperplasia, although the appearance of dysplasia was significantly delayed.

Tumor-derived cell lines are indispensable tools for understanding the contribution of activated signaling pathways to the cancer phenotype and for the design and testing of targeted signal therapies. In our study, we characterize 10 colorectal carcinoma cell lines for the presence of mutations in the wnt, Ras/MAPK, PI3K and p53 pathways. The mutational spectrum found in this panel of cell lines is similar to that detected in primary CRC, albeit with higher frequency of mutation in the β-catenin and B-Raf genes. We have monitored activation of the wnt and Ras/MAPK pathways in these cells and analyzed their sensitivity to selective signaling inhibitors. Using β-catenin subcellular distribution as a marker, we show that cells harboring APC mutations have low-level activated wnt signaling, which can be blocked by the extracellular wnt inhibitor DKK-1, suggesting autocrine activation of this pathway; proliferation of these cells is also blocked by DKK-1. In contrast, cells with β-catenin mutations are unresponsive to extracellular wnt inhibition. Constitutive phosphorylation of MAPK is present in the majority of the cell lines and correlates with B-Raf but not K-Ras mutations; correspondingly, the proliferation of cells harboring mutations in B-Raf, but not K-Ras, is exquisitely sensitive inhibition of the MAPK pathway. We find no correlation between PI3K mutation or loss of PTEN expression and increased sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors. Our study discloses clear-cut differences in responsiveness to signaling inhibitors between individual mutations within an activated signaling pathway and suggests likely targets for signal-directed therapy of colorectal carcinomas. © 2009 UICC

Apoptosis is an important mechanism for maintaining tissue homeostasis and for preventing the proliferation of cells with mutations that could result in malignancy. Barrett's epithelium has been reported to be more resistant to apoptosis than normal esophageal squamous epithelium. We have explored the contribution of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway to apoptotic resistance in non-neoplastic, telomerase-immortalized esophageal squamous (NES) and Barrett's (BAR-T) epithelial cell lines. We exposed these cells to UV-B irradiation in doses known to cause DNA damage and to induce apoptosis in normal cells, and studied apoptosis as well as the expression of phospho-H2AX, NF-κB, Bcl-2, XIAP, cIAP-1, and survivin proteins. We also used Bay 11-7085 and siRNAs to NF-κB and Bcl-2 to assess the effects of NF-κB and Bcl2 inhibition on apoptosis. UV-B irradiation at low doses (50 and 100 J/m2) caused DNA damage in both NES and BAR-T cells but significantly increased apoptosis only in NES cells. UV-B irradiation caused a decrease in the levels of NF-κB, Bcl-2, cIAP-1, XIAP, and survivin in NES cells but increased the levels of those proteins in BAR-T cells. The resistance of BAR-T cells to apoptosis induced by low-dose UV-B irradiation was abolished by Bay 11-7085 and by siRNA for NF-κB and was decreased significantly by siRNA for Bcl-2. We conclude that the ability of Barrett's epithelial cells to activate the NF-κB pathway when they have sustained DNA damage allows them to resist apoptosis. This capacity to avoid apoptosis despite genotoxic damage may underlie the persistence and malignant predisposition of Barrett's metaplasia. [Cancer Res 2009;69(2):672–7]

The simian virus 40 large T antigen contributes to neoplastic transformation, in part, by targeting the Rb family of tumor suppressors. There are three known Rb proteins, pRb, p130, and p107, all of which block the cell cycle by preventing the transcription of genes regulated by the E2F family of transcription factors. T antigen interacts directly with Rb proteins and disrupts Rb-E2F complexes both in vitro and in cultured cells. Consequently, T antigen is thought to inhibit transcriptional repression by the Rb family proteins by disrupting their interaction with E2F proteins, thus allowing E2F-dependent transcription and the expression of cellular genes needed for entry into S phase. This model predicts that active E2F-dependent transcription is required for T-antigen-induced transformation. To test this hypothesis, we have examined the status of Rb-E2F complexes in murine enterocytes. Previous studies have shown that T antigen drives enterocytes into S phase, resulting in intestinal hyperplasia, and that the induction of enterocyte proliferation requires T-antigen binding to Rb proteins. In this paper, we show that normal growth-arrested enterocytes contain p130-E2F4 complexes and that T-antigen expression destroys these complexes, most likely by stimulating p130 degradation. Furthermore, unlike their normal counterparts, enterocytes expressing T antigen contain abundant levels of E2F2 and E2F3a. Concomitantly, T-antigen-induced intestinal proliferation is reduced in mice lacking either E2F2 alone or both E2F2 and E2F3a, but not in mice lacking E2F1. These studies support a model in which T antigen eliminates Rb-E2F repressive complexes so that specific activator E2Fs can drive S-phase entry.

Background & Aims: Increased inflammatory cytokine levels and intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis leading to disruption of epithelial integrity are major pathologic factors in inflammatory bowel diseases. The probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) and factors recovered from LGG broth culture supernatant (LGG-s) prevent cytokine-induced apoptosis in human and mouse intestinal epithelial cells by regulating signaling pathways. Here, we purify and characterize 2 secreted LGG proteins that regulate intestinal epithelial cell antiapoptotic and proliferation responses. Methods: LGG proteins were purified from LGG-s, analyzed, and used to generate polyclonal antibodies for immunodepletion of respective proteins from LGG-conditioned cell culture media (CM). Mouse colon epithelial cells and cultured colon explants were treated with purified proteins in the absence or presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Akt activation, proliferation, tissue injury, apoptosis, and caspase-3 activation were determined. Results: We purified 2 novel proteins, p75 (75 kilodaltons) and p40 (40 kilodaltons), from LGG-s. Each of these purified protein preparations activated Akt, inhibited cytokine-induced epithelial cell apoptosis, and promoted cell growth in human and mouse colon epithelial cells and cultured mouse colon explants. TNF-induced colon epithelial damage was significantly reduced by p75 and p40. Immunodepletion of p75 and p40 from LGG-CM reversed LGG-CM activation of Akt and its inhibitory effects on cytokine-induced apoptosis and loss of intestinal epithelial cells. Conclusions: p75 and p40 are the first probiotic bacterial proteins demonstrated to promote intestinal epithelial homeostasis through specific signaling pathways. These findings suggest that probiotic bacterial components may be useful for preventing cytokine-mediated gastrointestinal diseases.

Two members of the MTG/ETO family of transcriptional corepressors, MTG8 and MTG16, are disrupted by chromosomal translocations in up to 15% of acute myeloid leukemia cases. The third family member, MTGR1, was identified as a factor that associates with the t(8;21) fusion protein RUNX1-MTG8. We demonstrate that Mtgr1 associates with mSin3A, N-CoR, and histone deacetylase 3 and that when tethered to DNA, Mtgr1 represses transcription, suggesting that Mtgr1 also acts as a transcriptional corepressor. To define the biological function of Mtgr1, we created Mtgr1-null mice. These mice are proportionally smaller than their littermates during embryogenesis and throughout their life span but otherwise develop normally. However, these mice display a progressive reduction in the secretory epithelial cell lineage in the small intestine. This is not due to the loss of small intestinal progenitor cells expressing Gfi1, which is required for the formation of goblet and Paneth cells, implying that loss of Mtgr1 impairs the maturation of secretory cells in the small intestine.

Persistent gastritis induced by Helicobacter pylori is the strongest known risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the distal stomach, yet only a fraction of colonized persons ever develop gastric cancer. The H. pylori cytotoxin-associated gene ( cag ) pathogenicity island encodes a type IV secretion system that delivers the bacterial effector CagA into host cells after bacterial attachment, and cag + strains augment gastric cancer risk. A host effector that is aberrantly activated in gastric cancer precursor lesions is β-catenin, and activation of β-catenin leads to targeted transcriptional up-regulation of genes implicated in carcinogenesis. We report that in vivo adaptation endowed an H. pylori strain with the ability to rapidly and reproducibly induce gastric dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in a rodent model of gastritis. Compared with its parental noncarcinogenic isolate, the oncogenic H. pylori strain selectively activates β-catenin in model gastric epithelia, which is dependent on translocation of CagA into host epithelial cells. β-Catenin nuclear accumulation is increased in gastric epithelium harvested from gerbils infected with the H. pylori carcinogenic strain as well as from persons carrying cag + vs. cag - strains or uninfected persons. These results indicate that H. pylori -induced dysregulation of β-catenin-dependent pathways may explain in part the augmentation in the risk of gastric cancer conferred by this pathogen.

The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway, which is activated by the TGF-beta receptor complex consisting of type I and type II TGF-beta receptors (TGFBR1 and TGFBR2), regulates cell growth and death. TGF-beta and components of its signaling pathway, particularly TGFBR2, have been implicated as tumor suppressor genes and important antimitogenic factors in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. An in vivo approach to study these effects has been hindered by the embryonic lethality of Tgfbr2(-/-) mice and poor viability of the Tgfb1(-/-) mice. Consequently, we have developed a hepatocyte-specific Tgfbr2 knockout mouse, the Alb-cre Tgfbr2(flx/flx) mouse, to study the physiologically relevant effects of TGF-beta signaling on epithelial cell proliferation in vivo. After 70% hepatectomy, we observed increased proliferation and an increased liver mass : body weight ratio in the Alb-cre Tgfbr2(flx/flx) mice compared to Tgfbr2(flx/flx) mice. We also observed decreased expression and increased phosphorylation of p130 in the livers from the Alb-cre Tgfbr2(flx/flx) mice as well as increased expression of cyclin E, which is transcriptionally regulated, in part, by p130:E2F4. Consistent with these results, in a hepatocyte cell line derived from the Tgfbr2(flx/flx) mice, we found that TGF-beta increases the nuclear localization of E2F4, and presumably the transcriptional repression of the p130:E2F4 complex. Thus, we have demonstrated that TGF-beta signaling in vivo regulates the mitogenic response in the regenerating liver, affecting the liver mass : body weight ratio after partial hepatectomy, and that these mitogenic responses are accompanied by alterations in p130 expression and phosphorylation, implicating p130 as one of the proteins regulated in vivo by TGF-beta during liver regeneration.

Background Recent studies have demonstrated that transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression is markedly enhanced in invasive ductal pancreatic adenocarcinomas, although the precise role of TGF-β1 in pancreatic carcinogenesis remains unclear. We analyzed TGF-β1 expression in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) and the effects of chronic TGF-β1 exposure on conditionally immortalized pancreatic epithelial (IMPE) cells. Methods Sixty-one PanIN lesions were immunohistochemically stained with a polyclonal rabbit antibody against human TGF-β1. Growth-inhibitory effects of short-term exposure to TGF-β1 were examined in IMPE cells. IMPE cells resistant to TGF-β1 (IMPE-Tr cells) were generated by continuous exposure to 1 ng/mL of TGF-β1 for more than 50 days. Phenotypic alterations of IMPE-Tr cells were examined by soft agar and Matrigel assay and Western blot analysis. IMPE and IMPE-Tr cells were injected subcutaneously into nude mice for an in vivo tumorigenicity assay. Results Forty-six percent of PanINs (28/61) were positive for TGF-β1 expression, whereas all the epithelia of normal pancreatic ducts were negative. TGF-β1 treatment showed the marked growth-inhibitory effects (>75%) in IMPE cells, whereas its effects were not observed in IMPE-Tr cells. IMPE-Tr cells were more spindle shaped compared with IMPE cells. In soft agar and Matrigel, formations of many colonies were observed in IMPE-Tr cells, but not in IMPE cells. Interestingly, the expression of p21WAF1/CIP1 was induced by short-term exposure to TGF-β1 in IMPE cells, whereas the induction was decreased in IMPE-Tr cells. All of the IMPE-Tr cell-injected mice (5/5) had subcutaneous tumors, although no tumor was found in the IMPE cell-injected mice. Conclusions TGF-β1 expression in PanINs and neoplastic transformation of IMPE cells by long-term exposure to TGF-β1 suggest that TGF-β1 may act as a tumor promoter in the early stage of pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas arise through the accumulation of certain genetic alterations including ras, p16, p53, and DPC4. We found that activation of ras and inactivation of p53 could cooperatively induce in vitro tumorigenicity in conditionally immortalized pancreatic epithelial (IMPE) cells. IMPE cells were established from transgenic mice bearing a temperature-sensitive mutant SV40 Large T (LT) antigen. IMPE cells grew continuously under permissive conditions (33 degrees C with interferon-gamma), but rapidly suffered growth arrest under non-permissive conditions (39 degrees C without interferon-gamma). The cells showed strong expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin as epithelial markers, and cytokeratin 19, a specific ductal cell marker. Cell proliferation under permissive conditions was associated with down-regulation of p21 expression through inactivation of p53 after overexpression of LT antigen. Intriguingly, the shift from the permissive to non-permissive culture conditions caused G2/M arrest of IMPE cells. Although the cells did not form colonies when cultured in soft agar without activation of ras, cells with ras activation via an adenovirus vector formed colonies under permissive conditions. These findings suggest that activation of ras and inactivation of p53 can cooperatively induce anchorage-independent growth of IMPE cells. This cell line might be useful for studying the processes involved in pancreatocarcinogenesis.

Increased Cdk4 expression occurs coincident with over-expression of cyclin D1 in many human tumours and tumourigenic mouse models. Here, we investigate both in vivo and in vitro the mechanism by which Cdk4 expression is regulated in the context of cyclin D1 over-expression. Cdk4 mRNA levels in cyclin D1-over-expressing tissue and cultured cells were unchanged compared with controls. In contrast, Cdk4 protein levels were increased in cyclin D1-over-expressing tissue and cells versus their respective controls. This increase was not due to altered protein stability, but appeared to be due to an increase in Cdk4 protein synthesis. We also performed immunoprecipitation and in vitro kinase assays to demonstrate an increase in cyclin D1-Cdk4 complex formation and associated kinase activity. Blocking cyclin D1 expression resulted in diminished Cdk4 protein but not mRNA levels. These findings suggest a mechanism by which Cdk4 expression is increased in the context of cyclin D1 over-expression during tumourigenesis.

A variety of cell surface adhesion molecules can exist as both transmembrane proteins and soluble circulating forms. Increases in the levels of soluble adhesion molecules have been correlated with a variety of inflammatory diseases, suggesting a pathological role. Although soluble forms are thought to result from proteolytic cleavage from the cell surface, relatively little is known about the proteases responsible for their release. In this report we demonstrate that under normal culture conditions, cells expressing vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) release a soluble form of the extracellular domain that is generated by metalloproteinase-mediated cleavage. VCAM-1 release can be rapidly simulated by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and this induced VCAM-1 shedding is mediated by metalloproteinase cleavage of VCAM-1 near the transmembrane domain. PMA-induced VCAM-1 shedding occurs as the result of activation of a specific pathway, as the generation of soluble forms of three other adhesion molecules, E-selectin, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1, are not altered by PMA stimulation. Using cells derived from genetically deficient mice, we identify tumor necrosis factor-alpha-converting enzyme (TACE or ADAM 17) as the protease responsible for PMA-induced VCAM-1 release, including shedding of endogenously expressed VCAM-1 by murine endothelial cells. Therefore, TACE-mediated shedding of VCAM-1 may be important for the regulation of VCAM-1 function at the cell surface.

Background & Aims: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is expressed in both normal pancreatic islets and in pancreatic cancers, but its role in pancreatic physiology and disease is not known. This report examines the effects of HB-EGF overexpression in mouse pancreas. Methods: Transgenic mice were established using a tissue-specific promoter to express an HB-EGF complementary DNA in pancreatic β cells, effectively elevating HB-EGF protein 3-fold over endogenous levels. Results: Mice overexpressing HB-EGF in pancreatic islets showed both endocrine and exocrine pancreatic defects. Initially, islets from transgenic mice failed to segregate α, β, δ, and PP cells appropriately within islets, and had impaired separation from ducts and acini. Increased stroma was detected within transgenic islets, expanding with age to cause fibrosis of both endocrine and exocrine compartments. In addition to these structural abnormalities, subsets of transgenic mice developed profound hyperglycemia and/or proliferation of metaplastic ductal epithelium. Both conditions were associated with severe stromal expansion, suggesting a role for islet/stromal interaction in the onset of the pancreatic disease initiated by HB-EGF. Supporting this conclusion, primary mouse fibroblasts adhered to transgenic islets when the 2 tissues were cocultured in vitro, but did not interact with nontransgenic islets. Conclusions: An elevation in HB-EGF protein in pancreatic islets led to altered interactions among islet cells and among islets, stromal tissues, and ductal epithelium. Many of the observed phenotypes appeared to involve altered cell adhesion. These data support a role for islet factors in the development of both endocrine and exocrine disease.

Altered mucosal integrity and increased cytokine production, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are the hallmarks of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we addressed the role of TNF receptors (TNFR) on intestinal epithelial cell migration in an in vitro wound closure model. With mouse TNFR1 or TNFR2 knockout intestinal epithelial cells, gene transfection, and pharmacological inhibitors, we show a concentration-dependent receptor-mediated regulation of intestinal cell migration by TNF. A physiological TNF level (1 ng/ml) enhances migration through TNFR2, whereas a pathological level (100 ng/ml) inhibits wound closure through TNFR1. Increased rate of wound closure by TNFR2 or inhibition by TNFR1 cannot be explained by either increased proliferation or apoptosis, respectively. Furthermore, inhibiting Src tyrosine kinase decreases TNF-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation and cellular migration. We therefore conclude that TNFR2 activates a novel Src-regulated pathway involving FAK tyrosine phosphorylation that enhances migration of intestinal epithelial cells.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression appears to be important in colorectal carcinogenesis. Elevated COX-2 expression and activity have been observed in several different transformed cell types. Prior studies implicating involvement of the Ras oncogene and growth factors on COX-2 expression were largely derived from rat small intestinal cell lines. We have investigated whether mouse colonocyte COX-2 levels are regulated by oncogenic Ras or transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)), and whether these factors also serve to regulate cellular invasiveness. Young adult mouse colonocyte cells are colonocytes derived from the "Immortomouse" and immortalized by the SV40 large T antigen. Young adult mouse colonocyte Ras cells were derived by transfection of young adult mouse colonocyte cells with oncogenic Ha-Ras and are known to be tumorigenic. We found that the induction of COX-2 and eicosanoid release were augmented in the presence of activated Ras and that TGF-beta(1) caused a further increase in COX-2 in the Ras-transformed mouse colonocytes. Increased COX-2 expression was correlated with increased release of prostaglandins E(2) and I(2). Activated Ras and TGF-beta increased the invasiveness of the young adult mouse colonocyte cells, but treatment with a COX-2 inhibitor did not inhibit invasiveness. Thus we found that transforming growth factor-beta collaborates to increase COX-2 expression, protaglandin release, and invasiveness in mouse colonocytes, but the increased COX-2 activity does not appear to contribute to the invasive response.

Oxyntic atrophy in the stomach leads to chief cell transdifferentiation into spasmolytic polypeptide expressing metaplasia (SPEM). Investigations of preneoplastic metaplasias in the stomach are limited by the sole reliance on in vivo mouse models, owing to the lack of in vitro models for distinct normal mucosal lineages and metaplasias. Utilizing the Immortomouse, in vitro cell models of chief cells and SPEM were developed to study the characteristics of normal chief cells and metaplasia. Chief cells and SPEM cells isolated from Immortomice were cultured and characterized at both the permissive (33°C) and the nonpermissive temperature (39°C). Clones were selected on the basis of their transcriptional expression of specific stomach lineage markers (named ImChief and ImSPEM) and protein expression and growth were analyzed. The transcriptional expression profiles of ImChief and ImSPEM cells were compared further by using gene microarrays. ImChief cells transcriptionally express most chief cell markers and contain pepsinogen C and RAB3D-immunostaining vesicles. ImSPEM cells express the SPEM markers TFF2 and HE4 and constitutively secrete HE4. Whereas ImChief cells cease proliferation at the nonpermissive temperature, ImSPEM cells continue to proliferate at 39°C. Gene expression profiling of ImChief and ImSPEM revealed myelin and lymphocyte protein 2 (MAL2) as a novel marker of SPEM lineages. Our results indicate that the expression and proliferation profiles of the novel ImChief and ImSPEM cell lines resemble in vivo chief and SPEM cell lineages. These cell culture lines provide the first in vitro systems for studying the molecular mechanisms of the metaplastic transition in the stomach.

Runt domain transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) is widely regarded as a tumour-suppressor gene inactivated by DNA hypermethylation of its canonical CpG (cytidine-phosphate-guanidine) island (CGI) promoter in gastric cancer (GC). Absence of RUNX3 expression from normal gastric epithelial cells (GECs), the progenitors to GC, coupled with frequent RUNX3 overexpression in GC progression, challenge this longstanding paradigm. However, epigenetic models to better describe RUNX3 deregulation in GC have not emerged. Here, we identify lineage-specific DNA methylation at an alternate, non-CGI promoter (P1) as a new mechanism of RUNX3 epigenetic control. In normal GECs, P1 was hypermethylated and repressed, whereas in immune lineages P1 was hypomethylated and widely expressed. In human GC development, we detected aberrant P1 hypomethylation signatures associated with the early inflammatory, preneoplastic and tumour stages. Aberrant P1 hypomethylation was fully recapitulated in mouse models of gastric inflammation and tumorigenesis. Cell sorting showed that P1 hypomethylation reflects altered cell-type composition of the gastric epithelium/tumour microenvironment caused by immune cell recruitment, not methylation loss. Finally, via long-term culture of gastric tumour epithelium, we revealed that de novo methylation of the RUNX3 canonical CGI promoter is a bystander effect of oncogenic immortalization and not likely causal in GC pathogenesis as previously argued. We propose a new model of RUNX3 epigenetic control in cancer, based on immune-specific, non-CGI promoter hypomethylation. This novel epigenetic signature may have utility in early detection of GC and possibly other epithelial cancers with premalignant immune involvement.

Background and Aim: The cellular configuration of the human colon suggests a predetermined organization that creates specific microenvironments. The role of pericryptal fibroblasts in this microenvironment has been the subject of considerable speculation. This study examined the expression of growth factors and their receptors by colonic crypt epithelium and pericryptal fibroblasts. Methods and Results: Pericryptal fibroblast cells were isolated and cultured from decrypted human colonic mucosa. The pericryptal fibroblast cells expressed messenger RNA (mRNA) for interleukin-6 (IL-6), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), LIF receptor α, and the common coreceptor glycoprotein 130 (GP130), but not the IL-6 receptor α. Interleukin-6 protein expression was confirmed by the analysis of conditioned medium and immunohistochemistry. In comparison, normal colonic epithelial cells express mRNA for LIF but not IL-6 as well as the receptors for GP-130, IL-6 receptor α but not LIF receptor α. As cultures of normal human colonic epithelial cells were not available, the conditioned medium was assayed from established colon carcinoma cell lines and demonstrated a secretion of LIF but not IL-6 protein. Conclusion: The expression of reciprocal cytokine and receptor expression suggest that there is a paracrine relationship between pericryptal fibroblasts and colonic epithelium.

The regulation of intercellular adhesion by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was examined on a novel nontumorigenic gastric epithelial cell line (IMGE-5) derived from H-2Kb-tsA58 transgenic mice. IMGE-5 cells constitutively expressed cytokeratin 18 and HGF receptors. Under permissive conditions (33°C + interferon-γ), IMGE-5 cells proliferated rapidly but did not display membrane expression of adherens and tight junction proteins. Under nonpermissive conditions, their proliferation was decreased and they displayed a strong, localized membrane expression of E-cadherin/β-catenin and occludin/ZO-1. HGF treatment largely prevented the targeting of ZO-1 to the tight junction and induced a significant decrease of the transepithelial resistance measured across a confluent IMGE-5 cell monolayer. HGF rapidly increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of ZO-1 and decreased its association with occludin in a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)-dependent manner. PI 3-kinase was also involved in HGF-induced migration of IMGE-5 cells. Our results demonstrate that 1) HGF prevents the appearance of ZO-1 in the membrane during epithelial cell differentiation; 2) HGF causes partial relocalization of ZO-1 to the cytoplasm and nucleus and concomitantly stimulates cell dissociation and migration; and 3) IMGE-5 cells offer a useful model for the study of gastric epithelial cell differentiation.

IGF-II is an autocrine growth factor for many colon cancer cells. This study aimed to determine the role of IGF-II in proliferation and adhesion of LIM 1215 colon cancer cells. RT-PCR demonstrated expression of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA. Addition of IGF-I or -II increased monolayer proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Although addition of IGFBP-6 had no effect on basal proliferation, coincubation of IGFBP-6 decreased IGF-II but not IGF-I-induced proliferation. Colony formation in agar was increased by IGF-II, an effect inhibited by coincubation with IGFBP-6. IGFBP-6 alone significantly decreased colony formation. Preincubation of cells with IGF-II increased adhesion to type IV collagen, fibronectin and laminin. IGFBP-6 had no effect on basal cell adhesion but completely inhibited the effects of IGF-II. LIM 1215 colon cancer cells are therefore IGF-responsive but IGF-II is not a major autocrine factor for these cells in monolayer, suggesting heterogeneity between colon carcinoma cell lines with respect to the role of the IGF system.

The murine A33 antigen is emerging as a definitive marker of intestinal epithelial cells. Cloning and sequence determination of cDNAs encoding mA33 antigen predict a novel type 1 transmembrane protein of 298 amino acids, comprising an extracellular domain with two immunoglobulin-like domains, a single-span transmembrane domain, and a highly acidic cytoplasmic domain. On the basis of conservation of amino acid sequence and genomic structure, the mA33 antigen is a member of a growing subfamily within the immunoglobulin superfamily, which includes transmembrane proteins CTX/ChT1, CTM/CTH, and CAR. During embryonic development, mA33 antigen expression is first observed in the inner cell mass of blastocysts before implantation. Intestinal expression of mA33 antigen is initiated in the hindgut at E14.5 and increases steadily throughout late embryonic and postnatal life into adulthood. The protein is specifically expressed on the basolateral surfaces of intestinal epithelial cells of all lineages, independent of their position along the rostrocaudal and crypt-villus axes. Thus the mA33 antigen appears to be a novel marker for both proliferating and differentiating intestinal epithelial cells.

Background & Aims: The factors controlling the proliferation and differentiation of the colonic mucosa are unknown and have proved difficult to identify mainly because of a lack of in vitro methods for studying the proliferative cells of the mucosa. Methods: We have developed a novel method of preparing a viable single-cell suspension from isolated crypts and cloning these single cells. Results: We have obtained clonogenic growth from this single-cell suspension with an average of 1 colony per 10 5 cells in control cultures. Addition of conditioned medium from the LIM1863 colon carcinoma cell line increased the mean colony number to 11 ± 3 per 10 5 cells. The cells forming the colonies are still viable after 4 weeks in culture. The epithelial nature of the cells was confirmed by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methods with staining for keratin 8 and 18 and anti-human epithelial membrane–specific antigen and a positive result on polymerase chain reaction for keratin 19. Conclusions: We have successfully cloned single cells from disaggregated colonic crypts from both human and murine colonic mucosa. We have also demonstrated the presence of an active clonogenic factor in the conditioned medium of a colon carcinoma cell line. Assays show that the clonogenic activity in the conditioned medium is not caused by the presence of any of the epidermal growth factor family of growth factors. This is the first report of a clonogenic assay for epithelial cells of normal colonic mucosa. GASTROENTEROLOGY 1999;117:858-865

The mAb A33 detects a membrane antigen that is expressed in normal human colonic and small bowel epithelium and >95% of human colon cancers. It is absent from most other human tissues and tumor types. The murine A33 mAb has been shown to target colon cancer in clinical trials, and the therapeutic potential of a humanized antibody is currently being evaluated. Using detergent extracts of the human colon carcinoma cell lines LIM1215 and SW1222, in which the antigen is highly expressed, the molecule was purified, yielding a 43-kDa protein. The N-terminal sequence was determined and further internal peptide sequence obtained following enzymatic cleavage. Degenerate primers were used in PCRs to produce a probe to screen a LIM1215 cDNA library, yielding clones that enabled us to deduce the complete amino acid sequence of the A33 antigen and express the protein. The available data bases have been searched and reveal no overall sequence similarities with known proteins. Based on a hydrophilicity plot, the A33 protein has three distinct structural domains: an extracellular region of 213 amino acids (which, by sequence alignment of conserved residues, contains two putative immunoglobulin-like domains), a single hydrophobic transmembrane domain, and a highly polar intracellular tail containing four consecutive cysteine residues. These data indicate that the A33 antigen is a novel cell surface receptor or cell adhesion molecule in the immunoglobulin superfamily.

Colon carcinomas appear to arise from the cumulative effect of mutations to several genes (APC, DCC, p53, ras, hMLH1, and hMSH2). By using novel colonic epithelial cell lines derived from the Immorto mouse, named the YAMC (young adult mouse colon) cell line, and an Immorto-Min mouse hybrid, named the IMCE (Immorto-Min colonic epithelial) cell line, carrying the Apc min mutation, we investigated the effect of an activated v-Ha-ras gene on tumor progression. The YAMC and IMCE cell lines are normal colonic epithelial cell lines which are conditionally immortalized by virtue of expression of a temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. Under conditions which permit expression of a functional SV40 large T antigen (33 degrees C plus gamma interferon), neither the YAMC nor the IMCE cell line grows in soft agar or is tumorigenic in nude mice. In vitro, when the SV40 large T antigen is inactivated (39 degrees C without gamma interferon), the cells stop proliferating and die. By infecting the YAMC and IMCE cell lines with a replication-defective psi2-v-Ha-ras virus, we derived cell lines which overexpress the v-Ha-ras gene (YAMC-Ras and IMCE-Ras). In contrast to the parental cell lines, under conditions in which the SV40 large T antigen is inactive, both the YAMC-Ras and IMCE-Ras cell lines continue to proliferate. Initally YAMC-Ras cells do not form tumors; however, tumors are visible after 90 days of incubation. IMCE-Ras cells form colonies in soft agar under both permissive and nonpermissive culture conditions. Furthermore, IMCE-Ras cells form tumors in nude mice within 3 weeks. The phenotype of the IMCE-Ras cell line thus clearly demonstrates that a defective Apc allele and an activated ras gene are sufficient to transform normal colonic epithelial cells and render them tumorigenic.

The effects of diverting the urinary stream into a defunctioned segment of the distal colon has been studied in a rat model. Distal rat colon was defunctioned using the Hartmann's procedure and a vesicocolic anastomosis was performed 14 days later. The distal colon was harvested after 10 days following the administration of a vinblastine mitotic block either 1 or 3 h before death. Both the mean crypt cell proliferation and the crypt length were increased significantly in the colonic mucosa exposed to urine when compared with the control defunctioned colon or to the functional unexposed proximal colon. An active fraction was obtained from human urine by elution from a diethylaminoethyl sepharose column using 1 mol/L NaCl. This fraction was administered intraluminally to defunctioned rat colons using Alzet miniosmotic pumps. In these animals the crypt cell production rate was significantly increased compared with the control animals. Although the crypt length did not increase significantly in these animals the atrophy normally seen in defunctioned colonic mucosa did not occur. The identity of the active molecule in this urine fraction is still being determined.

The LIM 1863 colon carcinoma cell line grows in suspension as morphologically and functionally organized organoids in serum-containing medium. Addition of TGF-beta caused the organoids to adhere and inhibited DNA synthesis. A 20 min incubation with TGF-beta was sufficient to induce adherence and this could be inhibited by cycloheximide. The adhesion and DNA synthesis inhibition were demonstrated to be separate events. We were not able to detect any changes in matrix or cell membrane antigens. Similarly there were no changes in synthesized proteins (by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis), and no upregulation of proteoglycan. When adhered organoids were lysed from the tissue culture plastic surface, untreated organoids adhered to this surface. This 'conditioned' surface was destroyed by trypsin but not collagenase or medium from normal LIM 1863 cultures. However, the adherent phenotype was prevented when organoids were treated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) in the presence of medium conditioned by normal LIM 1863 cultures rather than in fresh medium. The adhesion process was inhibited by an antibody (QE2E5) against beta 1 integrin although no quantitative changes in integrins were observed (by immunoprecipitation or RNA analysis). A second anti-beta 1 integrin antibody (61.2C4) inhibited LIM 1863 adhesion to collagen but not TGF-beta induced adhesion, implying that TGF-beta induced a specific conformational change or interaction of a beta 1 integrin. In this morphologically structured system TGF-beta induced a number of subtle effects including formation of new extracellular matrix and conformational change of a beta 1 integrin, rather than the major quantitative changes in cell/matrix molecules reported previously.

The colonic epithelium is composed of a polarized monolayer sheathed by a layer of pericryptal myofibroblasts (PCMFs). We mimicked these cellular compartments in vitro to assess the effects of paracrine-acting PCMF-derived factors on tight junction (TJ) integrity, as measured by transepithelial electrical resistance (TER). Co-culture with 18Co PCMFs, or basolateral administration of 18Co conditioned medium (CM), significantly reduced TER of polarized Caco-2 cells. Amongst candidate paracrine factors, only keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) reduced Caco-2 TER; basolateral KGF treatment led to time- and concentration-dependent increases in claudin-2 levels. We also demonstrate amphiregulin (AREG), produced largely by Caco-2 cells, increased claudin-2 levels, leading to epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated TER reduction. We propose that colonic epithelial TJ integrity can be modulated by paracrine KGF and autocrine AREG through increased claudin-2 levels. KGF-regulated claudin-2 induction may have implications for inflammatory bowel disease, where both KGF and claudin-2 are upregulated.

There is now clear-cut evidence that polypeptide growth factors control the proliferation of the normal gastrointestinal mucosa. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates normal growth throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and accelerates the healing of ulcerated epithelium. While the effects of gastrin were at first thought to be similarly widespread, the gastrin target now appears to be restricted to the enterochromaffin-like cells in the stomach. Isolated reports suggest that several other hormones, including fibroblast growth factor and the insulin-like growth factors, have similar proliferative effects. In contrast, indirect evidence suggests that somatostatin and transforming growth factor-beta inhibit the growth of the gastrointestinal mucosa. The same growth factors profoundly affect the growth of some gastrointestinal carcinomas. Prolonged hypergastrinaemia increases the risk of development of gastric endocrine tumours, but has no effect on the incidence of gastric adenocarcinoma. Gastrin also stimulates the in vivo growth of 50% of gastric and colorectal carcinoma xenografts, but has no consistent effect on the growth of carcinoma cell lines in vitro. EGF, on the other hand, significantly stimulates proliferation of many gastrointestinal cell lines in culture. Interest has recently focused on autocrine stimulation of gastrointestinal carcinoma growth. Elevated levels of EGF receptor, and of EGF or related mRNAs, have been demonstrated in gastric carcinomas, and the growth of some gastrointestinal cell lines is inhibited by antibodies against EGF, and by antisense oligonucleotides based on EGF mRNA. Similarly gastrin/cholecystokinin antagonists inhibit the growth of several colon carcinoma cell lines, although the spectrum of antagonist potencies suggests that classical gastrin and cholecystokinin receptors are not necessarily involved. Continued research on antagonists may therefore lead to novel therapies for gastrointestinal cancers.

Protein patterns of normal human colonic crypts, isolated from different regions of the large intestine, and several colorectal cancer cell lines were compared using two-dimensional electrophoresis gels (2-DE). As detected by intrinsic radiolabeling and Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining, the protein patterns for normal crypts isolated from the ascending, and descending, regions of the colon and the rectum, were almost (> 95%) identical. While 75-80% of the protein spots from normal crypts and the colorectal cancer cell line (LIM 1863), a cell line that grows as organoids and differentiates spontaneously into crypt-like structures in vitro, can be matched, the relative expression levels of a large number of proteins differ. At least two protein spots (undetectable in the protein pattern from normal cells), proteins a (M(r) approximately 18,000, pI 6.7-6.9) and b (M(r) approximately 24,000, pI 5.9-6.0), were detected in the 2-DE gel protein pattern in the three cell lines LIM 1863, LIM 1215 and LIM 1899. The identity of these proteins is not yet known and further studies are required before they can be considered as potential colon tumor markers. Approximately 60% of the cellular proteins from LIM 1215 cells, a colon carcinoma cell line that exhibits many properties associated with columnar cells, can be matched with LIM 1863 cells. The results presented here represent an initial phase in our efforts to develop a comprehensive protein database for normal human colon cells and several colorectal cancer cell lines. While our initial protein identification relied on microsequencing methodologies, we are presently evaluating peptide-mass fingerprinting, utilizing capillary reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and electrospray mass spectrometry, as a means for rapid identification of proteins at subpicomole levels. Using this approach, protein #3 (M(r) approximately 66,000, pI 6.2) was identified as heat shock protein 60 from as few as seven tryptic peptide masses when they were screened against the molecular weight search (MOWSE) peptide-mass database.

Intestinal mucosal cells have proved difficult to culture in vitro. Many attempts have been made to develop long-term cultures of these cells either by direct culturing or by attempting to immortalize these cells by using a range of transforming viral genes, but with little success. The recent development of a transgenic mouse bearing a temperature-sensitive mutation of the simian virus 40 large tumor antigen gene (tsA58) has enabled us to initiate conditionally immortalized cultures of epithelial cells from both small intestinal and colonic mucosa of adult mice. Crypts were isolated from either the small intestines or colons of young adult mice and cultured at the permissive temperature (33 degrees C) in medium containing conditioned medium from a human colon carcinoma cell line, LIM1863. Crypts from both tissues yielded cultures of epithelial cells that have now been in culture for more than 12 months with regular passaging. The epithelial nature of the cells has been confirmed by staining with anti-keratin antibodies. The intestinal origin of the cells was demonstrated by the ability of the cells to synthesize low levels of both brush border peptidases and a disaccharidase. The levels of expression of these enzymes were modulated by the addition of sodium butyrate or phorbol myristate acetate to the medium, which resulted in an increase in the synthesis of the peptidases and a decrease in the synthesis of the disaccharidase. The cells proliferate continuously at the permissive temperature (33 degrees C), but proliferation ceases at the nonpermissive temperature (39.5 degrees C). To our knowledge, this is the first description of the establishment of epithelial cell lines from both small intestine and colon of the same mouse strain. The success reported here indicates that this transgenic mouse will be a useful source of tissue for the study of the mechanisms that control the proliferation and eventual differentiation and senescence of the cells of the intestinal mucosa. These mice will also be a useful source of cells for attempts to culture cells from other tissues that have proved difficult to culture in vitro.

A panel of eight cell lines has been derived from colon carcinomas. These cell lines have both been characterized according to standard criteria of growth rate, response to mitogens (epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor), xenograft growth and growth in soft agar, and according to the ability of the cells to express epitopes known to be expressed by cells in the normal intestinal mucosa. The expression of epitopes present in columnar (absorptive) cells has been assessed using a panel of monoclonal antibodies to brush border peptidases and disaccharidases, villin and brush border-specific peptides. Goblet cell epitopes have been determined by monoclonal antibodies to mucin and carcinoembryonic antigen. An antibody to chromogranin was used to identify endocrine cells. Using these antibodies we found that all the cell lines reacted with at least one of the antibodies to columnar cells. Similarly, varying proportions of cells in six of the eight cell lines stained with antibodies to mucin. None of the cells expressed chromogranin. Expression of a differentiated colonic phenotype, as measured from antibody staining, did not correlate with measurements of malignancy, such as the ability of the cells to grow in soft agar or as xenografts. Similarly, there was no correlation between retention of a colonic phenotype and the initial pathological stage of the tumour from which the cell lines were derived.

The secretion and nature of mucins produced from a panel of recently available new gastric and colon carcinoma cell lines (LIM1839, LIM1215, LIM1863, LIM1899, LIM2099, LIM2405, LIM2408, LIM2412, LIM2463), as well as other colon (LS174T, HT29, HT29-SB, COLO533, COLO206), breast (T47D, MCF-7, BT20, ZR75-1) and ovarian (COLO316) tumor cell lines, was investigated. ELISA and Western blotting of the culture supernatants with novel anti-MUC1 and anti-MUC2 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for mucin core proteins showed their secretion by most of these cell lines. In addition, mucins produced by these cell lines expressed the tumor-associated carbohydrate detected by MAb 3E1.2 (glycolylsialyl-Tn, mammary serum antigen or MSA) and the Tn or T antigens reactive with lectin SSA-M. SSA-M detected MUC1 or MUC2 captured by MAbs BC2 or CCP58, while 3E1.2 only detected MUC1-associated carbohydrate, indicating that the MAb may react with a conformationally dependent epitope, or that the sialyl/glycolyl-transferases involved in MSA production may be sequence specific. In addition, the BC2/SSA-M and CCP58/SSA-M assays detected mucins in some samples which were not detected by BC2/BC2 or CCP58/CCP58 dual determinant assays, indicating that this format may be more appropriate for the detection of tumor-associated mucins in body fluids. These new cell lines and assays should be of use in the investigation of mucin core proteins, particularly LIM2463 and LIM1839 which express significant quantities of both MUC1 and MUC2.

The development of pancreatic fibrosis has been shown to be a major component in several diseases of the pancreas including pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus, but its actual role in the progression of these disorders is still unknown. This fibrosis is characterized by stromal expansion and the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that replaces pancreatic tissue. This eventually leads to dysregulation of ECM turnover, production of cytokines, restriction of blood flow, and often exocrine and endocrine insufficiencies. Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) have been identified as key mediators in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis, serving as the predominant source of excess ECM proteins. Previously, we found that overexpression of the growth factor heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in pancreatic islets led to intraislet fibrosis. HB-EGF binds to and activates two receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ErbB4, as well as heparin moieties and CD9/DRAP27. To understand the mechanism underlying the induction of fibrogenesis by HB-EGF, we utilized a hypomorphic allele of Egfr, the Waved-2 allele, to demonstrate that EGFR signaling regulates fibrogenesis in vivo. Using an in vitro cell migration assay, we show that HB-EGF regulates both chemoattraction and stimulation of proliferation of PSCs via EGFR activation.

SV40 transforms cells through the action of two oncoproteins, large T antigen and small t antigen. Small t antigen targets phosphatase PP2A, while large T antigen stimulates cell proliferation and survival by action on multiple proteins, including the tumor suppressors Rb and p53. Large T antigen also binds components of the transcription initiation complex and several transcription factors. We examined global gene expression in SV40-transformed mouse embryo fibroblasts, and in enterocytes obtained from transgenic mice. SV40 transformation alters the expression of approximately 800 cellular genes in both systems. Much of this regulation is observed in both MEFs and enterocytes and is consistent with T antigen action on the Rb-E2F pathway. However, the regulation of many genes is cell-type specific, suggesting that unique signaling pathways are activated in different cell types upon transformation, and that the consequences of SV40 transformation depends on the type of cell targeted.

Obtaining protein profiles from a homogeneous cell population in tissues can significantly improve our capability in protein biomarker discovery. In this study, unique protein profiles from the top and bottom sections of mouse crypts and Apc(Min+/-) adenomas were obtained using laser capture microdissection (LCM) combined with MALDI MS. Statistically significant protein peaks with differential expression were selected, and a set of novel protein biomarkers were identified. Immunohistochemistry was performed to confirm the differentially expressed protein biomarkers found by LCM combined with MALDI MS. To validate the relevance of the findings in human colorectal cancer (CRC), S100A8 was further confirmed in human CRC using immunohistochemistry. In addition, S100A8 was found to have an increased expression at different human CRC stages (Duke's A-D) compared with controls at both protein (n = 168 cases) and RNA (n = 215 cases) levels. Overall LCM combined with MALDI MS is a promising method to identify intestinal protein biomarkers from minute amounts of tissue. The novel protein biomarkers identified from the top and bottom crypts will increase our knowledge of the specific protein changes taking place during cell migration from the crypt bottom to top. In addition, the identified cancer protein biomarkers will aid in the exploration of colorectal tumorigenesis mechanisms as well as in the advancement of molecularly based diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Colonic growth factors (CGFs) were extracted from porcine intestinal epithelium and mucosa. Under acidic conditions, very little mitogenic activity (as assayed using murine 3T3 fibroblasts and a human colonic cell line) was extractable. However, by extracting at neutral or slightly alkaline pH, significant mitogenic activity for both the murine fibroblasts and human colonic carcinoma cell line could be detected. CGFs are present throughout the intestine and cecum. The epithelial mucosa of the distal colorectal region appeared to contain mitogens which were more potent for the colonic cells than the 3T3 fibroblasts. Purification of CGFs from the colonic mucosa required removal of associated mucin by pH precipitation prior to chromatographic fractionation. It was then possible to develop a complete purification (390,000-fold) scheme for the major CGF, an 18-kDa protein which bound to heparin-Sepharose. N-terminal sequence analysis yielded a single sequence (Q)SPGGAMAAGSITTLPALP, i.e. an N-terminally extended form of basic fibroblast growth factor. Apart from the substitution of Gly in bovine basic fibroblast growth factor by a Ser in porcine CGF, the proteins are identical. A similar extraction procedure using purified human colonic crypt epithelial cells yielded a mitogen for the human colonic cell line with similar chromatographic properties.

Many attempts have been made to culture the stem cells that are known to reside at the base of the intestinal crypt. However, no successful method for the long-term culture of these cells has yet been published. We wish to describe a method that maintains human colonic crypt cells in a viable, slowly proliferative state for more than 3 mo. The method involves the use of a viable bovine aortic endothelial cell feeder layer that limits its potential for the study of potential growth factors for the colonic cells.

Summary Explants of rabbit renal parenchyma have been grown in primary tissue culture suspended within hydrated collagen gels. Light and phase contrast microscopic analysis of the first 17 days in culture is described. Pieces of NZW rabbit renal parenchyma were suspended in collagen gels and bathed in supplemented RPMI 1640 medium and incubated at 37°C in 5% CO 2 in air. Tubules demonstrated a fine granularity by phase contrast microscopy and glomeruli appeared as red spheres. Blebs formed at the sides and ends of the explant and a monolayer outgrowth of tightly packed polygonal cells occurred from day 4. Histologically an immediate phase of necrosis was followed by regeneration whereby tubules became lined with a confluent epithelium composed of a single layer of flat to cuboidal-shaped cells sitting on an intact tubular basement membrane (TBM). Intraluminal casts of organized cellular debris as well as material presumed to be Tamm Horsfall protein were present. Glomeruli demonstrated collapsed capillary loops. The interstitium became widened by eosinophilic material. The tissue surface contained epithelial cells arranged in places into sac-like structures enclosing a space.

It has proved to be impossible to culture epithelial cells from the gastrointestinal tract of adult animals. Researchers have had to use either cell lines derived from newborn rat small intestine or colon carcinoma cell lines that have retained some of the properties of the gastrointestinal mucosa. We have described a method for establishing conditionally immortalized cell lines from the stomach, small intestine, colon, pancreas, and liver from tissue obtained from a transgenic mouse strain carrying a temperature-sensitive mutant of the SV40 large T gene (the “Immortomouse”). This immortalizing gene has proved to be useful for establishing cell lines from a number of transgenic mice following crossbreeding of the Immortomouse with the transgenic mouse of interest. These cell lines are being used in numerous studies. In this review we describe the methods for developing such lines and list the range of cell lines that have been developed from colon, small intestine, stomach, liver, and pancreas of a number of transgenic mice.

Cells in tissues do not exist as isolated entities but are part of the three-dimensional tissue architecture. Consequently, some aspects of cell behaviour cannot be mimicked by simple in vitro monolayer culture systems. Moreover, cell shape and behaviour is not rigid but is dynamic and can be regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. For example, tumour cells in epithelium-derived cancer such as colorectal cancer often retain significant features of the colonic mucosa. However, as the tumour progresses, the morphology of the tumour cells often undergoes a transition from an epithelial morphology to a mesenchymal morphology. This transition is important as it signifies a change in the tumour phenotype to a more aggressive, invasive, and eventually metastatic phenotype. In vitro models that allow the study of this transition are needed. One such model is the LIM1863 colon carcinoma cells that normally grow as organoids but can be adapted to efficiently undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition that can be reversed. This system has allowed the study of the genes such as Frizzled 7 that are involved in this dynamic and reversible epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

Background and Aims: PTK6 is an intracellular src-related tyrosine kinase that regulates differentiation in the intestine, where knockout animals have increased proliferative activity and growth characteristics. To explore the phenotype further we attempted to establish epithelial cell lines from the intestinal mucosa. Method: We mated Ptk6 null mice with a tsSV40 large T transgenic mouse (Immortomouse) to obtain null mice carrying the SV40 gene. Intestinal tissues from these mice were cultured. Results: We established a Ptk6 null epithelial cell line from the colonic mucosa. Consistent with a role of Ptk6 in cell differentiation, these cells have the characteristics of a stable progenitor cell. In monolayer culture, the cells form domes in the monolayer when confluent. When cultured on Transwell filters, the cells polarize and form an electrically resistant barrier. Formation of tight junctions was confirmed by demonstrating expression of ZO1 and occludin at the apical junctions, whereas E-cadherin localized to the basolateral membrane. When cultured in collagen gel, the Ptk6 null cells form complex organoids, some of which resemble cups of cells. These organoids contain cells with differentiated phenotypes. Using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy we have been able to identify villin-positive (absorptive cells) and a small percentage of mucin-containing cells (goblet cells) and chromogranin A-positive cells (endocrine cells). Conclusion: This conditionally immortalized cell line represents an excellent cell culture model system for exploring the mechanisms of cell function and epithelial differentiation in the colonic mucosa.

Cells in tissues do not exist as isolated entities but are part of the three-dimensional tissue architecture. Consequently, some aspects of cell behaviour cannot be mimicked by simple in vitro monolayer culture systems. Moreover, cell shape and behaviour is not rigid but is dynamic and can be regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. For example, tumour cells in epithelium-derived cancer such as colorectal cancer often retain significant features of the colonic mucosa. However, as the tumour progresses, the morphology of the tumour cells often undergoes a transition from an epithelial morphology to a mesenchymal morphology. This transition is important as it signifies a change in the tumour phenotype to a more aggressive, invasive, and eventually metastatic phenotype. In vitro models that allow the study of this transition are needed. One such model is the LIM1863 colon carcinoma cells that normally grow as organoids but can be adapted to efficiently undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition that can be reversed. This system has allowed the study of the genes such as Frizzled 7 that are involved in this dynamic and reversible epithelial to mesenchymal transition.

The role of epidermal growth factor in the proliferation of normal and premalignant colonocytes in vivo is not fully understood. In particular, the relative importance of its possible systemic and intraluminal routes of action has not been fully clarified. Rats with surgically defunctioned distal colorectums were used, and mini osmotic pumps were implanted to study the effects of intraluminal and IV administration of epidermal growth factor on colonocyte proliferation. Within 2 weeks of bypass, colonocyte proliferation in defunctioned colorectum has decreased to about one third the rate in normal colorectum or in colorectum proximal to the defunctioning colostomy. Intraluminal epidermal growth factor, infused from the time of operation did not reverse this hypoplasia, whereas IV epidermal growth factor maintained colonocyte proliferation at approximately the normal rate in bypassed colorectum. This model is suitable for testing other putative colonic mitogens for possible intraluminal and systemic effects.

The tandem use of preparative two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and electroblotting onto polyvinylidene difluoride membranes has been employed to rapidly isolate a number of proteins from a crude cell extract of a human colon carcinoma cell line (LIM 1863). The immobilized proteins were located by staining with Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250, and selected protein spots were excised and subjected to Edman degradation. Our results demonstrate that overall sequence yields in the 3-20 pmol range can be achieved on protein spots from four identical 2-DE gels; approximately 150-200 micrograms of total protein was applied to a single 2-DE gel. An approximate two-fold increase in sensitivity of phenylthiohydantoin-amino acid detection (subpicomole range) was achieved by fitting our commercial sequencers with a simple sample transfer device which permitted the analysis of the total phenylthiohydantoin-amino acid derivative. N-Terminal amino acid sequence data was obtained for thirteen electroblotted proteins. All of these sequences positively matched those of proteins of known structure listed in the available protein sequence databases. Approximately 40% of the electroblotted proteins did not yield N-terminal sequence information, presumably because they had blocked N-termini (either naturally or artifactually). Internal amino acid sequence information was obtained from three proteins isolated by preparative 2-DE. This was achieved by in situ digestion of the proteins in the gel matrix with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, electrophoresis of the generated peptides in a one-dimensional gel, electrotransfer of the peptides to a polyvinylidene difluoride membrane and microsequence analysis of the electroblotted peptides.