Modulation of the Expression of Interstitial and Type-Iv Collagenases in Coculture of Ht1080 Fibrosarcoma Cells and Fibroblasts

in Invasion & Metastasis (1995), 15(5-6), 169-78

Members of the metalloproteinase family (MMPs) are known to play a crucial role in the metastatic cascade. Here, we report some investigations about the synthesis of interstitial and type-IV collagenases ... [more ▼]

Members of the metalloproteinase family (MMPs) are known to play a crucial role in the metastatic cascade. Here, we report some investigations about the synthesis of interstitial and type-IV collagenases (gelatinases A and B) in a model of coculture of human fibroblasts and HT 1080 fibrosarcoma cells. The interstitial collagenase activity, mainly found in the conditioned medium of fibroblasts, and its mRNA level were increased in the in vitro coculture model. In contrast, gelatinase A was produced by both cell types. The HT 1080 cells additionally synthesised gelatinase B. In coculture, an enhancement of gelatinase A and the presence of its activated form were observed. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that this enzymatic enhancement occurred at a pretranslational level. The stimulation of the interstitial collagenase activity was partially mediated through soluble factor(s), whereas increased gelatinase A appeared to require direct cell-cell interactions. The extracellular matrix component, type-I collagen, stimulated the enzymatic activities released by the individual cells, but it did not modulate the synthesis of interstitial collagenase in coculture. Our results demonstrate that distinct MMPs are modulated by distinct mechanisms, all depending on specific interactions between tumour cells and host fibroblasts. [less ▲]

Role of Matrix, Fibroblasts and Type Iv Collagenases in Tumor Progression and Invasion

in Pathology - Research & Practice (1994), 190(9-10), 934-41

We have studied the role of the extracellular matrix and host cells in tumor progression and tumor invasion. Our results emphasize the importance of tumoral cell-host cell interactions during this process ... [more ▼]

We have studied the role of the extracellular matrix and host cells in tumor progression and tumor invasion. Our results emphasize the importance of tumoral cell-host cell interactions during this process. Addition of human fibroblasts and/or basement membrane components to human mammary adenocarcinoma cells, when injected into athymic nude mice, results in an increase of take and growth rate of the tumors. Peritumoral extracellular matrix is remodeled through multiple mechanisms: overproduction of matrix components by fibroblasts, enhanced fibroblasts proliferation, modulation of interstitial collagenase production by fibroblasts and retraction of the matrix by tumoral cells. The degradation of basement membranes during the metastatic process is often associated with the secretion of proteolytic enzymes. The 72 kDa type IV collagenase, a metalloproteinase, can be produced by some tumoral cells. However, it appears also to be secreted by peritumoral stromal fibroblasts under the influence of tumoral cells. We have demonstrated the existence of a binding site for this enzyme on the membrane of mammary tumoral cells. These results suggest a cooperation between tumor cells and fibroblasts during basement membrane destruction. [less ▲]

Coordinate Enhancement of Gelatinase a Mrna and Activity Levels in Human Fibroblasts in Response to Breast-Adenocarcinoma Cells

in International Journal of Cancer = Journal International du Cancer (1994), 56(3), 331-6

Gelatinases/type-IV collagenases are metalloproteinases involved in some carcinoma invasion and metastatic processes. The exact cellular source of the 72-kDa gelatinase A is controversial. We have ... [more ▼]

Gelatinases/type-IV collagenases are metalloproteinases involved in some carcinoma invasion and metastatic processes. The exact cellular source of the 72-kDa gelatinase A is controversial. We have analyzed the expression of mRNA coding for gelatinase A in vivo by in situ hybridization on breast-cancer tissues. The mRNA for gelatinase A was present in fibroblasts. We have therefore evaluated the gelatinase-A activity in vitro, in co-cultures of different breast adenocarcinoma cell lines and human fibroblasts. In monoculture, none of the tumor cells tested produced detectable amounts of gelatinase A. The gelatinase-A activity was enhanced in cultures of fibroblasts maintained in the presence of MDA-MB 231 or SKBR3 cells, or their conditioned medium. This increased enzymatic activity was evidenced both in the culture medium and in the membrane fraction and was paralleled by enhancement of the steady-state levels of mRNA. These results are an in vitro demonstration of a regulation of fibroblasts gelatinase-A production by soluble factors secreted by breast-tumor cells. [less ▲]

Enhancement of Tumorigenicity of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells in Nude Mice by Matrigel and Fibroblasts

in British Journal of Cancer (1993), 68(5), 909-15

The failure of MCF7 cells to induce the formation of tumours after sub-cutaneous inoculation into athymic nude mice can be obviated by the simultaneous injection of an extract of basement membrane ... [more ▼]

The failure of MCF7 cells to induce the formation of tumours after sub-cutaneous inoculation into athymic nude mice can be obviated by the simultaneous injection of an extract of basement membrane proteins (matrigel). Tumour growth is promoted and the latency period is low (2 to 4 weeks). In the absence of matrigel, the simultaneous inoculation of fibroblasts and MCF7 cells also resulted in the development of tumours, but with a longer latency period (about 2 months). The tumorigenic synergy between matrigel and fibroblasts was evidenced by co-inoculating MCF7 cells MDA-MB 231 cells with fibroblasts and matrigel. This co-inoculation decreased the delay of appearance of the tumours and/or accelerated the tumour growth, depending upon the number of fibroblasts injected. Repeated injections of fibroblasts conditioned medium, at the site of inoculum of tumour cells also enhanced tumour growth, suggesting the involvement of soluble factors secreted by fibroblasts. Histologically, tumours induced by co-inoculation of tumour cells and fibroblasts contained more stromal structures including vimentin-positive cells, fibronectin and interstitial collagens. These data suggest that human tumours may be reconstituted and grown in athymic nude mice using basement membrane components and fibroblasts as inductors. [less ▲]

Interactions between Tumoral Mcf7 Cells and Fibroblasts on Matrigel and Purified Laminin

in Matrix (Stuttgart, Germany) (1993), 13(4), 267-73

A reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) and/or fibroblasts promote the growth of human breast tumors in athymic nude mice. We have investigated in vitro the effect of matrigel or purified ... [more ▼]

A reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) and/or fibroblasts promote the growth of human breast tumors in athymic nude mice. We have investigated in vitro the effect of matrigel or purified glycoproteins (laminin and fibronectin) on tumoral MCF7 cells-fibroblasts interactions. In coculture on matrigel, MCF7 cells organized into clusters attached on top of fibroblasts aggregates. During the process resulting in tumor cells-fibroblasts aggregation, fibroblasts actively migrated while MCF7 cells were passively transported. Using purified proteins, specific antibodies and synthetic peptides, we show that cell aggregation induced by immobilized and soluble laminin is antagonized by exogenous fibronectin or fibronectin synthesized by fibroblasts. [less ▲]

A Molecular Biologic Study of Extracellular Matrix Components During the Development of Glomerulosclerosis in Murine Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease

in Laboratory Investigation : Journal of Technical Methods & Pathology (1992), 67(5), 580-7

BACKGROUND: We studied the development of glomerulosclerosis in murine chronic graft-versus-host disease, a model for human systemic lupus erythematosus. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The disease was induced in ... [more ▼]

BACKGROUND: We studied the development of glomerulosclerosis in murine chronic graft-versus-host disease, a model for human systemic lupus erythematosus. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The disease was induced in (C57BL10 x DBA/2)F1 hybrids by injection of DBA/2 lymphocytes leading to deposition of auto-antibodies in the glomeruli, and a lupus type of nephritis morphologically. We have determined the levels of mRNA coding for laminin (B1 and B2), a 67 kilodalton laminin binding protein, and types I and IV collagen, in control and graft-versus host disease mice at various times after disease induction. RESULTS: Laminin and collagen mRNAs were increased in whole kidneys 4 weeks after induction of the disease. At week 10, all animals displayed dramatic stimulation of alpha 1(I), alpha 1(IV), laminin B1, and B2 mRNAs. The 67 kilodalton laminin binding protein mRNA was also doubled from week 4 to 16. In isolated glomeruli, the mRNA level coding for laminin B2 was already significantly increased from week 8. This enhancement of laminin synthesis corresponds to the mesangial expansion and to the development of laminin-containing spike formations of the glomerular basement membrane at week 8. CONCLUSIONS: The expansion of the mesangial matrix in murine chronic graft-versus-host disease is caused at least in part, by an increased production of extracellular matrix components by glomerular cells. These results demonstrate that the increase of specific extracellular matrix components mRNAs precedes light microscopic changes. Quantitative evaluation of the mRNA levels coding for extracellular matrix proteins may reveal a useful method for the early detection of the development of glomerular sclerosis at the stage preceding the onset of anatomo-clinical changes. [less ▲]

The Stimulation of Fibroblasts' Collagen Synthesis by Neoplastic Cells Is Modulated by the Extracellular Matrix

in Matrix (Stuttgart, Germany) (1992), 12(3), 213-20

Human fibroblasts cocultured with neoplastic MCF7 cells produce increased amounts of collagen. A maximal stimulation requires direct cell-cell contacts between tumor cells and fibroblasts. However, this ... [more ▼]

Human fibroblasts cocultured with neoplastic MCF7 cells produce increased amounts of collagen. A maximal stimulation requires direct cell-cell contacts between tumor cells and fibroblasts. However, this effect could be reproduced, although to a lesser extent, by medium conditioned by MCF7 cells, suggesting that it is mediated by a factor produced by MCF7 cells and secreted, at least partly, under a soluble form (Noel et al., 1992). This Collagen Stimulating Factor ("COSF") present in the culture medium displayed a molecular mass between 3,500 to 10,000 daltons, bound to heparin and appeared to be different from the growth factors described until now. The "COSF" can be released from the surface of MCF7 cells by treatment with heparin. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of various extracellular matrix components on the production and the release of "COSF". A 3- to 4-fold enhancement of collagen synthesis was observed in coculture on plastic and collagen type I substrates without significant modification of the non-collagen proteins. The increased collagen synthesis was paralleled by an elevation of specific collagen mRNAs level suggesting a regulation at a pretranslational level. On the opposite, in the presence of soluble or insoluble laminin, this stimulation was abolished. Similarly, coculture on "reconstituted basement membrane matrix", matrigel, did not increase collagen production. The "COSF" was found to bind to matrigel and could be released from the basement membrane matrix by treatment with heparin. [less ▲]

Modulation of Collagen and Fibronectin Synthesis in Fibroblasts by Normal and Malignant Cells

in Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (1992), 48(2), 150-61

The influence of various normal and malignant human cells on the level of collagen synthesis by human fibroblasts was tested in coculture. As revealed by immunoperoxidase staining, in cocultures with ... [more ▼]

The influence of various normal and malignant human cells on the level of collagen synthesis by human fibroblasts was tested in coculture. As revealed by immunoperoxidase staining, in cocultures with breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7, SA52, T47D) fibroblasts synthesized collagen while tumor cells did not. Fibroblasts displayed increased collagen production without change in the overall protein synthesis. Several other types of cells derived from normal human tissues (keratinocytes, normal mammary cells) or from fibrosarcoma, melanoma, cervical carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, or other breast adenocarcinoma (SW613, MDA, BT20) did not affect collagen synthesis of fibroblasts. Although to a lesser extent, this stimulating effect was reproduced by using the conditioned medium (CM) of the active cells but not with CM of the other cell types. A slight stimulation was also obtained when tumoral MCF7 cells and fibroblasts shared the same medium but were physically separated, suggesting that close contact was required for optimal stimulation of collagen synthesis. The collagen synthesis stimulating activity was not related to a modification of fibroblast proliferation rate. The production of collagen types I, III, and VI and fibronectin were increased in cocultures of fibroblasts with MCF7 cells. The increased synthesis of collagen types I and III and fibronectin was paralleled by similar changes in the steady-state level of their mRNAs. On the contrary, the increased production of collagen type VI appeared regulated at a post-transcriptional level. [less ▲]

Influence of laminin or fibroblasts upon colony formation in the mouse by B16 melanoma cell spheroids: a morphometric analysis.

in In Vivo (Athens, Greece) (1992), 6(2), 119-24

By microscopical observation and using an original morphometric method, we analyzed on histological sections the rate of lung colony formation after the intravenous injection into the mouse of B16 ... [more ▼]

By microscopical observation and using an original morphometric method, we analyzed on histological sections the rate of lung colony formation after the intravenous injection into the mouse of B16 melanoma cells previously cultivated in vitro as aggregates. After the injection of B16 pure spheroids, superficial lung colonies were more numerous than internal lung colonies. After the injection of mixed spheroids (B16 + 3T3 fibroblasts), the size of colony sections was increased. Addition of laminin to pure or mixed spheroids decreased the size of colony sections but increased the number of internal lung colonies. [less ▲]

Evaluation of in Vitro Reconstituted Basement Membrane Assay to Assess the Invasiveness of Tumor Cells

in Invasion & Metastasis (1992), 12(3-4), 156-67

The crossing of tumor cells through basement membranes represents a critical step in the metastatic process. We have used a reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) coated on filter in a Boyden chamber ... [more ▼]

The crossing of tumor cells through basement membranes represents a critical step in the metastatic process. We have used a reconstituted basement membrane (matrigel) coated on filter in a Boyden chamber to assess the invasive potential of tumor and normal cells. No correlation was found between chemoinvasion in vitro and the metastatic potential in vivo. Normal human fibroblasts and murine 3T3 fibroblasts penetrated filters coated with matrigel. On the other hand, the tumoral cells (MCF7, MCF7 gpt, MCF7 ras, BeWo, JAR, NUC-1 cells) were unable to cross the matrix. Our results suggest that in our conditions, this widely used model to assess tumoral invasion does not provide a universal assay to test the invasiveness of tumor cells. Penetration of the matrigel appears to be related to chemotactic or haptotactic responses depending upon cell types. Our data emphasize the variability of molecular events associated with basement membrane invasion. [less ▲]