Classical growth factors for colon cancer cells have been extensively described including agonists of tyrosine kinase receptors such as epidermal growth factor and related proteins (1) or insulin-like growth factors (2). More recently, some G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) 1 agonists such as peptide hormones (3-5), prostaglandins (6), or serine proteases (7, 8) have been shown also to promote colon cancer cell proliferation often through transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (6, 8). These GPCRs are expressed in both normal colonic epithelium and colon tumors (9) or even ectopically expressed by cancer cells such as in the case of the neurotensin receptor NT1 (10) or the thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor 1 (7). Whatever their expression pattern, they probably all contribute to the growth of colon tumors because of the presence of abundant ligands in the neuroendocrine environment of colonic tumors and/or to the production of receptor ligands by the tumor itself (11, 12).Our knowledge of receptor agonist suppressing colon cancer cell growth is much more limited apart from a few observations regarding transforming growth factor-␤ (13) or Fas ligand (14). We reasoned that among the very rich environment of peptide hormones and neuropeptides in the gut, we should be able to find natural agonists behaving as suppressors of colon cancer growth. In order to test this hypothesis, we developed a very simple assay by using human colon adenocarcinoma cells HT29-D4 grown in 10% FCS and screened for various peptides by their ability to inhibit cell growth. We made two dramatic hits with orexin-A and orexin-B, which appear to be robust growth inhibitors as shown here.Orexin-A and orexin-B (15), also named hypocretin-1 and hypocretin-2 (16), were discovered in 1998 by orphan receptor technologies (15) or subtractive cDNA cloning (16). They are encoded by a single gene that drives the synthesis of preproorexin that is subsequently matured into the 33-amino acid orexin-A and the 28-amino acid orexin-B, sharing 46% amino acid identity in humans (reviewed in Ref. 17). Two orexin receptor subtypes OX 1 R and OX 2 R have been cloned (15). They are serpentine GPCRs that bind both orexins with poor selectivity and are coupled to Ca 2ϩ mobilization (15). Orexins were initially characterized as neuropeptides restricted to hypothalamic neurons that project in the brain to nuclei involved in the

Background and aims-The Tage4 gene (tumour associated glycoprotein E4) is overexpressed in rat colon tumours and Min mouse intestinal adenomas. The rat Tage4 protein has approximately 40% identity with human CD155, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily coding for a transmembrane protein capable of serving as an entry receptor for poliovirus, porcine pseudorabies virus, and bovine herpesvirus 1. Analysis of the rat Tage4 gene has revealed structural and functional similarities with the human CD155 gene. We therefore investigated expression of the CD155 gene in human colorectal carcinomas. Methods-Overall CD155 expression was assessed by semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemical analysis using tissue specimens from patients with colorectal adenomas and adenocarcinomas. We also used a qualitative RT-PCR assay to determine relative expression of diVerent splicing variants in each sample. Results-mRNA levels of CD155 were increased in six of six colorectal cancer tissues compared with the tumour free colon mucosa. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed an increased level of CD155 protein in 12 of 12 samples. The qualitative RT-PCR assay revealed that relative expression of the diVerent CD155 variant transcripts was similar in the diVerent normal and cancer samples tested, indicating that this overexpression is not associated with a particular mRNA variant generated by alternative splicing of the CD155 gene. Conclusion-We have shown for the first time that the CD155 gene is overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma and that this overexpression begins at an early stage in tumorigenesis and continues to late stages. (Gut 2001;49:236-240) Keywords: CD155; colorectal cancer; immunoglobulin superfamily; poliovirus receptor As our understanding of the biology of colorectal cancer progresses, new knowledge about tumorigenesis and tumour biology can be used to diagnose, treat, and prevent this type of cancer. In an initial study of an animal model for immunotherapy of colon tumours, monoclonal antibodies directed against rat colon carcinoma cells were raised.

The mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal mucosa is considered the first line of defense against aggressions arising from the luminal content. It is mainly composed of high molecular weight glycoproteins called mucins. Butyrate, a shortchain fatty acid produced during carbohydrate fermentation, has been shown to increase mucin secretion. The aim of this study was to test 1) whether butyrate regulates the expression of various MUC genes, which are coding for protein backbones of mucins, and 2) whether this effect depends on butyrate status as the major energy source of colonocytes. Butyrate was provided at the apical side of human polarized colonic goblet cell line HT29-Cl.16E in glucose-rich or glucose-deprived medium. In glucose-rich medium, butyrate significantly increased MUC3 and MUC5B expression (1.6-fold basal level for both genes), tended to decrease MUC5AC expression, and had no effect on MUC2 expression. In glucose-deprived medium, i.e., when butyrate was the only energy source available, MUC3 and MUC5B increase persisted, whereas MUC5AC expression was significantly enhanced (3.7-fold basal level) and MUC2 expression was strikingly increased (23-fold basal level). Together, our findings show that butyrate is able to upregulate colonic mucins at the transcriptional level and even better when it is the major energy source of the cells. Thus the metabolism of butyrate in colonocytes is closely linked to some of its gene-regulating effects. The distinct effects of butyrate according to the different MUC genes could influence the composition and properties of the mucus gel and thus its protective function. mucin; short-chain fatty acids; energy source; human colonic cell line THE MUCUS LAYER, COVERING the gastrointestinal mucosa, is considered the first line of defense against mechanical, chemical, or microbiological aggressions arising from the luminal contents (14). Mucus is mostly composed of mucins, i.e., glycoproteins of high molecular weight, whose protein backbones are encoded by MUC genes. So far, at least 15 different MUC genes have been identified in humans (15,32). In the large intestinal mucosa, the main MUC genes are MUC2, and to a lesser extent MUC1, MUC3, and MUC4. MUC2 codes for the main secreted mucin in the colon, whereas MUC1, MUC3, and MUC4 mainly code for membrane-located mucins but also present splicing variants coding for secreted mucins (50). Apart from their gel-forming protective function, some membrane-linked mucins, such as MUC1 (22) and MUC4 (12), exhibit specific functions in adhesion and cell signaling.MUC gene expression is altered in many colonic diseases. MUC2 is overexpressed in mucinous colorectal carcinoma, whereas its expression is particularly low in nonmucinous carcinoma (17, 43). MUC5AC and MUC6 expressions are abnormally induced in colon adenoma (6, 9). Aberrant expression of MUC genes (8) as well as modifications of their transcription (34, 45) have also been observed in inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, the thickness of the mucus layer is reduced in ulce...

Although the enteric nervous system (ENS) has been shown to regulate various mucosal functions, its role in the physiological control of the human intestinal epithelial barrier is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the ENS is able to modulate epithelial barrier permeability and a key tight junction-associated protein, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Therefore, we developed a co-culture model, consisting of human submucosa containing the submucosal neuronal network and human polarized colonic epithelial monolayers (HT29-Cl.16E or Caco-2). Submucosal neurons were activated by electrical field stimulation (EFS). Permeability was assessed by measuring the flux of paracellular permeability markers (FITC-dextran or FITC-inulin) across epithelial monolayers. Expression of ZO-1 was determined by immunofluorescence, quantitative immunoblot analysis, and real time RT-PCR. Using the coculture model, we showed that EFS of submucosal neurons resulted in a reduction in FITC-dextran or FITC-inulin fluxes, which was blocked by TTX. In HT29-Cl.16E, the effect of submucosal neuron activation was blocked by a VIP receptor antagonist (VIPra) and reproduced by VIP. Furthermore, ZO-1 expression (mRNA, protein) assessed in HT29-Cl.16E, was significantly increased after submucosal neuron activation by EFS. These effects on ZO-1 expression were blocked by TTX and VIPra and reproduced by VIP. In conclusion, our results strongly suggest a modulatory role of VIPergic submucosal neuronal pathways on intestinal epithelial barrier permeability and ZO-1 expression.

Congenital poikiloderma is characterized by a combination of mottled pigmentation, telangiectasia, and epidermal atrophy in the first few months of life. We have previously described a South African European-descent family affected by a rare autosomal-dominant form of hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma accompanied by tendon contracture, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we report the identification of causative mutations in FAM111B by whole-exome sequencing. In total, three FAM111B missense mutations were identified in five kindreds of different ethnic backgrounds. The mutation segregated with the disease in one large pedigree, and mutations were de novo in two other pedigrees. All three mutations were absent from public databases and were not observed on Sanger sequencing of 388 ethnically matched control subjects. The three single-nucleotide mutations code for amino acid changes that are clustered within a putative trypsin-like cysteine/serine peptidase domain of FAM111B. These findings provide evidence of the involvement of FAM111B in congenital poikiloderma and multisystem fibrosis.

IL-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine that plays an obligate role in preventing spontaneous enterocolitis in mice. However, little is known about IL-10 function in the human intestinal mucosa. We showed here that IL-10 was constitutively expressed and secreted by the human normal colonic mucosa, including epithelial cells. Depletion of IL-10 in mucosal explants induced both downregulation of the IL-10-inducible, immunosuppressive gene BCL3 and upregulation of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17. Interestingly, TGF-β blockade also strongly induced IFN-γ production. In addition, the high levels of IFN-γ produced upon IL-10 depletion were responsible for surface epithelium damage and crypt loss, mainly by apoptosis. Polymyxin B, used as a scavenger of endogenous LPS, abolished both IFN-γ production and epithelial barrier disruption. Finally, adding a commensal bacteria strain to mucosa explant cultures depleted of both IL-10 and LPS reproduced the ability of endogenous LPS to induce IFN-γ secretion. These findings demonstrate that IL-10 ablation leads to an endogenous IFN-γ-mediated inflammatory response via LPS from commensal bacteria in the human colonic mucosa. We also found that both IL-10 and TGF-β play crucial roles in maintaining human colonic mucosa homeostasis.

To assess an unequivocal diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), we have developed a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay, enabling the demonstration of t(11;14)(q13;q32) directly on pathological samples. We have first selected CCND1 and IGH probes encompassing the breakpoint regions on both chromosomes. Then, we have defined experimental conditions enabling us to obtain bright clear-cut signals in all of the samples, independently of the initial fixation conditions. We have analyzed single-cell suspensions from 26 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded MCL samples with this set of probes. In all cases, we have found a fusion signal (ie, a t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation) in 14% to 99% of cells (median, 87%). So far, IGH-CCND1 fusions have been detected in all of the 51 MCL patients that we have analyzed by FISH (either on paraffin-embedded tumor samples or on peripheral blood samples). Regarding the low sensitivity of other techniques used to diagnose t(11;14)(q13;q32) (ie, 70% to 75% for cytogenetics and 50% to 60% for polymerase chain reaction), our FISH assay is by far the most sensitive technique. Moreover, because of the quality of the fluorescent signals and the rapidity of the experiment, this technique is widely applicable, even in routine cytogenetics or pathology laboratories. As MCL patients are usually refractory to standard therapy, an unambiguous diagnosis is needed to propose adapted therapeutic strategies, and this highly sensitive assay may be of great value for accurate diagnosis in difficult cases.

The ADAM17 metalloproteinase (a disintegrin and metalloprotease 17) controls epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation through regulated shedding of EGFR ligands. With the advent of new therapeutic options targeting EGFR signalling in colon carcinoma, it was decided to determine ADAM17 status in relation to clinico-pathological parameters and EGFR status. To this end, a series of 39 colon carcinomas were analysed. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to localize ADAM17, EGFR, and the activated forms of EGFR. The activated form of ADAM17 was assessed in primary cancers and colon cell lines by immunoblotting. ADAM17 and EGFR mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) was used to quantify the HER1 gene. ADAM17 was strongly expressed in all tumours, by both neoplastic and endothelial cells. It was expressed both as a pro- and as an active form in tumours and colonic cancer cell lines. ADAM17 mRNA was up-regulated in 90% of colon carcinomas relative to the paired normal mucosa, whatever the tumour grade or stage. When present, activated EGFR was co-expressed with ADAM17 by colon carcinomas, although at a variable level among tumour cells, and by endothelial cells. EGFR mRNA was overexpressed in 77% of colon carcinomas compared with the paired normal mucosa. One case showed high-level amplification of HER1. In conclusion, this study is the first demonstration that ADAM17 is overexpressed in human primary colon carcinoma, whatever the tumour stage and differentiation and whatever the level of EGFR expression. Its co-expression with EGFR, in both neoplastic and endothelial cells, suggests a role for ADAM17 in tumour growth and angiogenesis.