• Toxicological Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.251-258
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• 2016

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in multiple types of tissue and exhibit characteristic self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation abilities. However, the possibility of oncogenic transformation after transplantation is concerning. In this study, we investigated the tumorigenic potential of umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) relative to MRC-5 and HeLa cells (negative and positive controls, respectively) both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate tumorigenicity in vitro, anchorage-independent growth was assessed using the soft agar colony formation assay. hUCB-MSCs and MRC-5 cells formed few colonies, while HeLa cells formed a greater number of larger colonies, indicating that hUCB-MSCs and MRC-5 cells do not have anchorage-independent proliferation potential. To detect tumorigenicity in vivo, hUCB-MSCs were implanted as a single subcutaneous injection into BALB/c-nu mice. No tumor formation was observed in mice transplanted with hUCB-MSCs or MRC-5 cells based on macro- and microscopic examinations; however, all mice transplanted with HeLa cells developed tumors that stained positive for a human gene according to immunohistochemical analysis. In conclusion, hUCB-MSCs do not exhibit tumorigenic potential based on in vitro and in vivo assays under our experimental conditions, providing further evidence of their safety for clinical applications.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.93-101
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• 2007

Cell behavior of the transformed cells is known to affect by interaction with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and integrin. To investigate the alterations of both integrin expression and cell-matrix interaction during neoplastic conversion of human oral kerationcytes, we studied expression levels of integrin subunits by flow cytometry and cellular responses to the ECM proteins in normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs), HPV-immortalized HOK-16B line, and three oral cancer cell lines established from HOK-16B line, CTHOK-16B-BaP, CTHOK-16B-DMBA, and CTHOK-16B-Dexa lines. The expression levels of ${\alpha}\;and\;{\beta}$ integrin subunits were shown decreased tendency in human oral keratinocytes undergoing immortalization and tumorigenic transformation except CTHOK-16B-DMBA line tested. Although ${\alpha}v{\beta}6$ integrin is known to be highly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas, and the altered integrin expression is suspected to be associated with cellular carcinogenesis, ${\alpha}v$ integrin subunit and ${\alpha}v{\beta}6$ integrin did not express in oral cancer cell lines tested. Cell behavior to the ECM proteins in HOK-16B line was generally similar to that of exponentially proliferating NHOKs. The adhesion activity profiles of type I collagen were very similar to that of its laminin counterparts, but fibronectin showed minimal adhesion activity under our conditions compared to the BSA control. The ability of the CTHOK-16B-BaP line to spread upon type I collagen and laminin markedly decreased, but migration was notably increased on type I collagen. In contrast, CTHOK-16B-DMBA and CTHOK-16B-Dexa lines spread less but migrated more upon type I collagen than immortalized HOK-16B line. These data indicate that downregulation of integrin subunits causes the changes of cellular responses to the ECM proteins during neoplastic conversion of human oral keratinocytes, and that cellular responses to the ECM proteins in oral cancer cell lines established by exposing different carcinogens are variable according to chemical carcinogens treatment.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.171-174
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• 2010

The anti-tumorigenic effects of Toxoplasma gondii (RH) antigens were studied in a murine sarcoma-180 tumor model. To determine the anti-tumor effects, the reduction in tumor size and expression of CD31 (an angiogenesis marker in the tumor tissue) were examined after injection of BALB/c mice with T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA) or formalin-fixed, proliferation-inhibited, T. gondii tachyzoites. Tumors were successfully produced by an intradermal injection of sarcoma-180 cells with plain Matrigel in the mid-backs of mice. After injection with TLA or formalin-fixed T. gondii tachyzoites, the increase in tumor size and weight nearly stopped while tumor growth continued in control mice that were injected with PBS. CD31 expression in TLA-treated or formalin-fixed T. gondii-injected mice was lower than the control mice. Accordingly, the present study shows that the treatment of mice with formalin-fixed T. gondii or TLA in the murine sarcoma-180 tumor model results in a decrease of both tumor size and CD31 expression.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.358-363
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have indicated that when compared to young mice, old mice have lower global DNA methylation and higher p16 promoter methylation in colonic mucosa, which is a common finding in colon cancer. It is also known that a Western-style diet (WSD) high in fat and calories, and low in calcium, vitamin D, fiber, methionine and choline (based on the AIN 76A diet) is tumorigenic in colons of mice. Because DNA methylation is modifiable by diet, we investigate whether a WSD disrupts DNA methylation patterns, creating a tumorigenic environment. SUBJECTVIES/METHODS: We investigated the effects of a WSD and aging on global and p16 promoter DNA methylation in the colon. Two month old male C57BL/6 mice were fed either a WSD or a control diet (AIN76A) for 6, 12 or 17 months. Global DNA methylation, p16 promoter methylation and p16 expression were determined by LC/MS, methyl-specific PCR and real time RT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS: The WSD group demonstrated significantly decreased global DNA methylation compared with the control at 17 months (4.05 vs 4.31%, P = 0.019). While both diets did not change global DNA methylation over time, mice fed the WSD had lower global methylation relative to controls when comparing all animals (4.13 vs 4.30%, P = 0.0005). There was an increase in p16 promoter methylation from 6 to 17 months in both diet groups (P < 0.05) but no differences were observed between diet groups. Expression of p16 increased with age in both control and WSD groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this model a WSD reduces global DNA methylation, whereas aging itself has no affect. Although the epigenetic effect of aging was not strong enough to alter global DNA methylation, changes in promoter-specific methylation and gene expression occurred with aging regardless of diet, demonstrating the complexity of epigenetic patterns.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.60-67
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• 2000

Background: Microsatellites are short-tandem repeated uncleotide sequences present throughout the human genome. Alterations of microsatellites have been termed microsatellite instability(MI). It has been generally known that microsatellite instability detected in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) reflects genetic instability that is caused by impairments of DNA mismatch repair system regarding as a novel tumorigenic mechanism. A number of studies reported that MI occurred at varying frequencies in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However It has been unproven whether MI could be a useful market of genetic instability and have a clinical significance in NSCLC. Material and Method : We have examined whether MI can be observed in thirty NCSLC using polymerase chain reaction whether such alterations are associated with other molecular changes such as p53, K-ras and c-myc oncoproteins expression detected by immunohistochemical stain,. Result: MI(+) was observed in 16.6%(5/30) and MI(-) was 83.3% (25/30) Average age was 50$\pm$7.5 year-old in MI(+) group and 57$\pm$6.6 year-old in MI(-) group. Two year survival rate in MI(=) group (20% 1/5) was worse than MI(-) group (64% 16/25) with a statistic difference. (P=0.04) The positive rate of K-ras oncoprotein expression and simultaneous expression of 2 or 3 oncoproteins expression were higher in MI(+) group than MI(-) group with a statistic difference(P=0.05, P=0.01) Conclusion: From, these results the authors can conclude that MI is found in some NSCLC and it may be a novel tumorigenic mechanism in some NSCLC. We also conclude that MI could be used as another poor prognostic factor in NSCLS.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.605-612
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• 2014

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that causes a Th1 cellular immunity. Our previous study showed that T. gondii lysate antigen (TLA) treatment in S180 tumor-bearing mice resulted in tumor reduction by suppressing CD31 expression, a marker of angiogenesis. In the present study, to investigate tumor suppressive effect of TLA under the absence of T lymphocytes, athymic nude mice were compared with euthymic mice in the anti-tumorigenic effect triggered by TLA in CT26 tumors. According to the results, intratumorally injected TLA reduced tumor growth and TIMP-1 level, a metastatic marker, in both euthymic and athymic mice. TLA treatment led to a sharp increase in IL-12 expression in serum cytokine profiling of athymic mice, and increased MyD88 signals in macrophages derived from the bone marrow, implying the activation of innate immunity. The selective induction of IL-12 by TLA treatment had an anti-tumorigenic effect.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5579-5587
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• 2013

Research indicates that a small population of cancer cells is highly tumorigenic, endowed with the capacity for self-renewal, and has the ability to differentiate into cells that constitute the bulk of tumors. These cells are considered the "drivers" of the tumorigenic process in some tumor types, and have been named cancer stem cells (CSC). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) appears to be involved in the process leading to the acquisition of stemness by epithelial tumor cells. Through this process, cells acquire an invasive phenotype that may contribute to tumor recurrence and metastasis. CSC have been identified in human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) using markers such as CD133 and CD44 expression, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity. Head and neck cancer stem cells reside primarily in perivascular niches in the invasive fronts where endothelial-cell initiated events contribute to their survival and function. Clinically, CSC enrichment has been shown to be enhanced in recurrent disease, treatment failure and metastasis. CSC represent a novel target of study given their slow growth and innate mechanisms conferring treatment resistance. Further understanding of their unique phenotype may reveal potential molecular targets to improve therapeutic and survival outcomes in patients with HNSCC. Here, we discuss the state-of-the-knowledge on the pathobiology of cancer stem cells, with a focus on the impact of these cells on head and neck tumor progression, metastasis and recurrence due to treatment failure.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.761-766
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• 2012

Objective: Although various human cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been defined, their applications are restricted to immunocompromised models. Developing a novel CSC model which could be used in immunocompetent or transgenic mice is essential for further understanding of the biomolecular characteristics of tumor stem cells. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed murine lung cancer cells for the presence of CSCs. Methods: Side population (SP) cells were isolated by fluorescence activated cell sorting, followed by serum-free medium (SFM) culture, using Lewis lung carcinoma cell (LLC) line. The self-renewal, differentiated progeny, chemosensitivity, and tumorigenic properties in SP and non-SP cells were investigated through in vitro culture and in vivo serial transplantation. Differential expression profiles of stem cell markers were examined by RT-PCR. Results: The SP cell fraction comprised 1.1% of the total LLC population. SP cells were available to grow in SFM, and had significantly enhanced capacity for cell proliferation and colony formation. They were also more resistant to cisplatin in comparison to non-SP cells, and displayed increased tumorigenic ability. Moreover, SP cells showed higher mRNA expression of Oct-4, ABCG2, and CD44. Conclusion: We identified SP cells from a murine lung carcinoma, which possess well-known characteristics of CSCs. Our study established a useful model that should allow investigation of the biological features and pharmacosensitivity of lung CSCs, both in vitro and in syngeneic immunocompetent or transgenic/knockout mice.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.191-198
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• 1998

Objectives: We performed an immunohistochemical study to examine the place of neovascularization in the tumorigenic process of follicular thyroid carcinoma and to determine whether tumor angiogenic activity in follicular carcinoma plays a role in tumor aggression. Materials & Methods: We studied 63 follicular thyroid carcinomas and compared with 22 follicular adenomas. The areas of capsular invasion, vascular invasion and cellular atypism of the tumor were confimed on H & E stains. The paraffin embedded tissues were stained by the use of monoclonal antibodies against Ag CD34. Microvesseles were counted in the area of highest vascular density at 200 times magnification. The microvessel densities(MVD) were analized in relation to histologic type and location of the tumors. Results: There were 59 minimal invasive types and 4 widely invasive types of carcinoma. In the histologic specimens of carcinomas, capsular invasion was identified in all the cases, vascular invasion in 46 and cellular atypism in 24. Mean values of the MVDs of the minimal invasive carcinomas, the widely invasive carcinomas and the adenomas were $263.8{\pm}69.2,\;256.l{\pm}49.3\;and\;241.5{\pm}159.4$, respectively and there was no significant difference between each group. In follicular carcinomas, there was a regional difference of the MVDs. The areas of tumor showing cellular atypism and adjacent to or penetrating the capsule, in which represents the tumorigenic process of carcinoma, had a higher rate of vascularization, than other areas of the tumor(p<0.05). However, these features were not noted in the follicular adenomas. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference of the MVD between follicular carcinomas and adenomas, there was a regional difference of the MVD within the carcinomas and the values were significantly higher in the more malignant areas, as indicated by cellular atypism and capsular invasion. Therefore, tumor angiogenic activity measured by MVD may play a role in tumor aggression in follicular thyroid carcinoma.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.229-241
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• 2016

We have previously reported the role of miR-326-HDAC3 loop in anti-cancer drug-resistance. CAGE, a cancer/testis antigen, regulates the response to anti-cancer drug-resistance by forming a negative feedback loop with miR-200b. Studies investigating the relationship between CAGE and HDAC3 revealed that HDAC3 negatively regulated the expression of CAGE. ChIP assays demonstrated the binding of HDAC3 to the promoter sequences of CAGE. However, CAGE did not affect the expression of HDAC3. We also found that EGFR signaling regulated the expressions of HDAC3 and CAGE. Anti-cancer drug-resistant cancer cell lines show an increased expression of $pEGFR^{Y845}$. HDAC3 was found to negatively regulate the expression of $pEGFR^{Y845}$. CAGE showed an interaction and co-localization with EGFR. It was seen that miR-326, a negative regulator of HDAC3, regulated the expression of CAGE, $pEGFR^{Y845}$, and the interaction between CAGE and EGFR. miR-326 inhibitor induced the binding of HDAC3 to the promoter sequences in anti-cancer drug-resistant $Malme3M^R$ cells, decreasing the tumorigenic potential of $Malme3M^R$ cells in a manner associated with its effect on the expression of HDAC3, CAGE and $pEGFR^{Y845}$. The down-regulation of HDAC3 enhanced the tumorigenic, angiogenic and invasion potential of the anti-cancer drug-sensitive Malme3M cells in CAGE-dependent manner. Studies revealed that $PKC{\delta}$ was responsible for the increased expression of $pEGFR^{Y845}$ and CAGE in $Malme3M^R$ cells. CAGE showed an interaction with $PKC{\delta}$ in $Malme3M^R$ cells. Our results show that HDAC3-CAGE axis can be employed as a target for overcoming resistance to EGFR inhibitors.