Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UNIPROT:P00790 (PGA)
 2,475 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Poly(glutamic acid) (PGA) is a water-soluble, biodegradable biopolymer that is produced by microbial fermentation. Recent research has shown that PGA can be used in drug delivery applications for the controlled release of paclitaxel (Taxol) in cancer treatment. A fundamental understanding of the key fermentation parameters is necessary to optimize the production and molecular weight characteristics of poly(glutamic acid) by Bacillus subtilis for paclitaxel and other applications of pharmaceuticals for controlled release. Because of its high molecular weight, PGA fermentation broths exhibit non-Newtonian rheology. In this article we present experimental results on the batch fermentation kinetics of PGA production, mass transfer of oxygen, specific oxygen uptake rate, broth rheology, and molecular weight characterization of the PGA biopolymer.
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PMID:Rheology, oxygen transfer, and molecular weight characteristics of poly(glutamic acid) fermentation by Bacillus subtilis. 1259 56

The effects of 20 microg/ml exogenous prostaglandin A(2) (PGA(2)) were evaluated on cell numbers in HeLa (human epithelial cervix carcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast carcinoma) cells. In HeLa cells, PGA(2) reduced cell numbers significantly to 75% after 24 h (P < 0.05) and exposure of 48 h decreased cell numbers to 61% (P < 0.05) of the control. In MCF-7 cells, PGA(2) significantly reduced cell numbers to 48% after 24 h and to 20% after 48 h, compared to vehicle-treated control cells (P < 0.05). The anti-mitogenic effects were confirmed by morphological studies conducted after 48 h of exposure to PGA(2), when optimal effects were observed. HeLa and MCF-7 cells exposed to PGA(2), showed chromatin aggregation, cell membrane blebbing and uneven distribution of chromosomes. Cell cycle progression analysis of HeLa and MCF-7 cells, showed an increase in DNA content preceding the G(0)/G(1) peak after 48 h of exposure, which is indicative of apoptotic body formation.
Cancer Lett 2003 Mar 10
PMID:The effects of prostaglandin A2 on cell growth, cell cycle status and apoptosis induction in HeLa and MCF-7 cells. 1261 34

Inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene usually involves somatic mutation or binding of viral oncoproteins to the p53 protein. However, several types of malignant and premalignant tissues harbor a genetically wild-type, but transcriptionally inactive, form of p53, often localized in the cytoplasm. Electrophilic prostaglandins (PGs) are known to sequester and inactivate p53 in the cytoplasm, an effect that is likely to occur when cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels become elevated during colon carcinogenesis. We determined the localization and expression of p53 in the presence of PGA(1) and celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor in human colon cell lines HCT-116 (wild-type p53) and HT-29 (mutant p53). In the absence of treatment, p53 protein accumulated preferentially in the nucleus in both cell lines. We observed that the total cellular levels of p53 protein increased with exposure time and concentration of PGA(1). By contrast, p21 protein levels remained unchanged as a function of time and concentration of PGA(1). In the presence of 20 micro M PGA(1), p53 accumulated preferentially in the cytosol. The nuclear:cytosol ratios of p53 were 31 and 2.1 in the controls and in the presence of PGA(1) in HCT-116 cells but were 22 and 4, respectively, in HT-29 cells. Treatment with 50 micro M celecoxib for 24 h did not significantly change p53 expression and localization. However, in the presence of 100 micro M celecoxib, p53 levels increased in the nucleus. The nuclear:cytosol ratios were then 31 (control) and 60 (100 micro M celecoxib) in HCT-116 cells and 22 (control) and 36 (100 micro M celecoxib) in HT-29 cells. These results indicate that electrophilic PGs cause wild-type p53 accumulation in the cytosol where it is inactive. Inhibition of COX-2 by celecoxib appears to alleviate this effect on p53 by reducing electrophilic PG synthesis. Thus, COX-2 inhibition of electrophilic PG formation appears to protect p53 tumor suppressor function.
Cancer Res 2003 Sep 01
PMID:Inhibition of COX-2 in colon cancer cell lines by celecoxib increases the nuclear localization of active p53. 1508 16

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins exhibit unique antineoplastic activity and are potent growth inhibitors in a variety of cultured cells. Recently the dienone prostaglandin, Delta(12)-PGJ(2), was shown to preferentially inhibit ubiquitin isopeptidase activity of the proteasome pathway. It is theorized that isopeptidase inhibition and general cytotoxicity of prostaglandins depend on olefin-ketone conjugation, electrophilic accessibility, and the nucleophilic reactivity of the endocyclic beta-carbon. Delta(12)-PGJ(2), which contains a cross-conjugated alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone, was a potent inhibitor of isopeptidase activity, whereas PGA(1) and PGA(2) with simple alpha,beta-unsaturated pentenones were significantly less potent and PGB(1) with a sterically hindered alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone was inactive. To further investigate the proposed mechanism, punaglandins, which are highly functional cyclopentadienone and cyclopentenone prostaglandins chlorinated at the endocyclic alpha-carbon position, were isolated from the soft coral Telesto riisei. They were then assayed for inhibition of ubiquitin isopeptidase activity and antineoplastic effects. The punaglandins were shown to inhibit isopeptidase activity and exhibit antiproliferative effects more potently than A and J series prostaglandins. Also, the cross-conjugated dienone punaglandin was more potent than the simple enone punaglandin. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is a vital component of cellular metabolism and may be a suitable target for antineoplastic agents. These newly characterized proteasome inhibitors may represent a new chemical class of cancer therapeutics.
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PMID:Punaglandins, chlorinated prostaglandins, function as potent Michael receptors to inhibit ubiquitin isopeptidase activity. 1505 3

Paclitaxel (Taxol) has demonstrated clinical activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its use has not led to marked improvements in survival. This ineffectiveness can in part be attributed to inadequate delivery of effective drug levels to the lung via systemic administration and to drug resistance mechanisms. Locoregional drug administration and the use of drug copolymers are possible approaches to address these issues. In this study, we evaluated the activity of a poly(L-glutamic acid)-paclitaxel (PGA-TXL) formulation administered by intratracheal injection to mice bearing orthotopic human NSCLC tumors (H460, H358). H460 cells were found to be sensitive to paclitaxel and PGA-TXL in vitro, in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In preliminary acute toxicity studies, PGA-TXL administered by intratracheal injection was found to be much less toxic than paclitaxel, as anticipated. Mice into which H460 cells had been implanted by intratracheal injection were given single-dose intratracheal treatments with paclitaxel (1.2 or 2.4 mg/kg) or with PGA-TXL (15 mg/kg, paclitaxel equivalents) 1 week later. When the mice were sacrificed at up to 65 days after tumor implantation, they were evaluated grossly for tumor at bronchial, neck, and lung sites. Control mice had tumors in 60% of all three sites, and all of the control mice had tumors in at least one site. The low- and high-dose Taxol groups had fewer incidences at these three sites (27-33%) and 60-80% of these mice had tumors in at least one site. The PGA-TXL mice displayed a low (13%) incidence at these sites, and only 40% had detectable tumors. In a subsequent survival study with the intratracheal H358 model, control mice had a mean life span of 95 days, whereas both the intratracheal Taxol (2.5 mg/kg, every 7th day for three doses) and the intratracheal PGA-TXL (20 mg/kg, paclitaxel equivalents, every 7th day for three doses) groups had improved survival (mean life spans: 133.5 and 136.5 days, respectively). In pilot studies intended to compare the feasibility of the development of paclitaxel aerosols suitable for clinical application, based either on Cremophor solutions or on PGA backbones, only the latter gave acceptable particle size distributions and flow rates. These results encourage the development and application of Cremophor-free copolymer formulations of paclitaxel for locoregional treatment (e.g., as aerosol) of endobronchial malignant diseases.
Clin Cancer Res 2004 Nov 01
PMID:Antitumor activity of hydrophilic Paclitaxel copolymer prodrug using locoregional delivery in human orthotopic non-small cell lung cancer xenograft models. 1553 15

Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) (PGE(2)) plays a predominant role in promoting colorectal carcinogenesis. The biosynthesis of PGE(2) is accomplished by conversion of the cyclooxygenase (COX) product PGH(2) by several terminal prostaglandin E synthases (PGES). Among the known PGES isoforms, microsomal PGES type 1 (mPGES-1) and type 2 (mPGES-2) were found to be overexpressed in colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the role and regulation of these enzymes in this malignancy are not yet fully understood. Here, we report that the cyclopentenone prostaglandins (CyPGs) 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ(2) and PGA(2) downregulate mPGES-2 expression in the colorectal carcinoma cell lines Caco-2 and HCT 116 without affecting the expression of any other PGES or COX. Inhibition of mPGES-2 was subsequently followed by decreased microsomal PGES activity. These effects were mediated via modulation of the cellular thiol-disulfide redox status but did not involve activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma or PGD(2) receptors. CyPGs had antiproliferative properties in vitro; however, this biological activity could not be directly attributed to decreased PGES activity because it could not be reversed by adding PGE(2). Our data suggest that there is a feedback mechanism between PGE(2) and CyPGs that implicates mPGES-2 as a new potential target for pharmacological intervention in CRC.
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PMID:15-deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 inhibits the expression of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase type 2 in colon cancer cells. 1649 11

The mounting of a specific immune response against the human papillomavirus type 16 E7 protein (HPV16 E7) is important for eradication of HPV16 E7-expressing cancer cells from the cervical mucosa. To induce a mucosal immune response by oral delivery of the E7 antigen, we expressed the HPV16 E7 antigen on the surface of Lactobacillus casei by employing a novel display system in which the poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA) synthetase complex A (PgsA) from Bacillus subtilis (chungkookjang) was used as an anchoring motif. After surface expression of the HPV16 E7 protein was confirmed by Western blot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy, mice were orally inoculated with L. casei-PgsA-E7. E7-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA productions were enhanced after oral administration and significantly enhanced after boosting. Systemic and local cellular immunities were significantly increased after boosting, as shown by increased counts of lymphocytes (SI = 9.7 +/- 1.8) and IFN-gamma secreting cells [510 +/- 86 spot-forming cells/10(6)cells] among splenocytes and increased IFN-gamma in supernatants of vaginal lymphocytes. Furthermore, in an E7-based mouse tumor model, animals receiving orally administered L. casei-PgsA-E7 showed reduced tumor size and increased survival rate versus mice receiving control (L. casei-PgsA) immunization. These results collectively indicate that the oral administration of E7 displayed on lactobacillus induces cellular immunity and antitumor effects in mice.
Int J Cancer 2006 Oct 01
PMID:Oral administration of human papillomavirus type 16 E7 displayed on Lactobacillus casei induces E7-specific antitumor effects in C57/BL6 mice. 1664 80

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive and effective approach for cancer treatment. It is potentially useful for treating tumors that are not accessible to surgery, radiation, or destructive ablations, and are resistant to chemotherapy. Efficacious treatment of interstitial tumors with PDT requires efficient delivery of photosensitizers and accurate location of tumor tissues for effective light irradiations. In this study we performed contrast-enhanced (CE) MRI-guided PDT with a bifunctional polymer conjugate containing both a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent and a photosensitizer, poly(L-glutamic acid) (PGA)-(Gd-DO3A)-mesochlorin e(6) (Mce(6)). The efficacy of the bifunctional conjugate in cancer CE-MRI and cancer treatment was evaluated in athymic nude mice bearing MDA-MB-231 human breast carcinoma xenografts, with PGA-(Gd-DO3A) used as a control. The polymer conjugates preferentially accumulated in the solid tumor due to the hyperpermeability of the tumor vasculature, resulting in significant tumor enhancement for accurate tumor detection and localization by MRI. Significant therapeutic response was observed for PDT with the bifunctional conjugate as compared to the control. CE-MRI-guided PDT with the bifunctional conjugate is effective for tumor detection and minimally invasive cancer treatment.
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PMID:Contrast enhanced MRI-guided photodynamic therapy for site-specific cancer treatment. 1690 81

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays a key role in the metastasis of colorectal cancer and its growth at metastatic sites. Here, we have investigated the mechanisms by which CXCR4 on cancer cells might be regulated by eicosanoids present within the colorectal tumor microenvironment. We show that prostaglandins PGE(2), PGA(2), PGD(2), PGJ(2) and 15dPGJ(2) each down-regulates CXCR4 receptor expression on human colorectal carcinoma cells to differing degrees. The most potent of these were PGD(2) and its metabolites PGJ(2) and 15dPGJ(2). Down-regulation was most rapid with the end-product 15dPGJ(2) and was accompanied by a marked reduction in CXCR4 mRNA. 15dPGJ(2) is known to be a ligand for the nuclear receptor PPARgamma. Down-regulation of CXCR4 was also observed with the PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone, while 15dPGJ(2)-induced CXCR4 down-regulation was substantially diminished by the PPARgamma antagonists GW9662 and T0070907. These data support the involvement of PPARgamma. However, the 15dPGJ(2) analogue CAY10410, which can act on PPARgamma but which lacks the intrinsic cyclopentenone structure found in 15dPGJ(2), down-regulated CXCR4 substantially less potently than 15dPGJ(2). The cyclopentenone grouping is known to inhibit the activity of NFkappaB. Consistent with an additional role for NFkappaB, we found that the cyclopentenone prostaglandin PGA(2) and cyclopentenone itself could also down-regulate CXCR4. Immunolocalization studies showed that the cellular context was sufficient to trigger a focal nuclear pattern of NFkappaB p50 and that 15dPGJ(2) interfered with this p50 nuclear localization. These data suggest that 15dPGJ(2) can down-regulate CXCR4 on cancer cells through both PPARgamma and NFkappaB. 15dPGJ(2), present within the tumor microenvironment, may act to down-regulate CXCR4 and impact upon the overall process of tumor expansion.
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PMID:15-Deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) down-regulates CXCR4 on carcinoma cells through PPARgamma- and NFkappaB-mediated pathways. 1770 68

Because antigen-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) are major effector cells in tumor immunity, more efficient delivery of tumor-associated antigens to the major histocompatibility complex class I-presentation pathway in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) will substantially contribute to establish more effective cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we demonstrated that a combinational approach based on the antigen-delivery system using poly(gamma-glutamic acid) nanoparticles (gamma-PGA NPs) and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-transport system containing an ER-insertion signal sequence (Eriss) significantly enhanced the ability of a peptide vaccine to induce cellular immune responses, including CTL activity. Immunization with gamma-PGA NPs entrapping Eriss-conjugated antigenic peptides markedly amplified and activated CTLs and interferon-gamma-secreting cells specific for the antigen, whereas no cellular immune responses were detected following vaccination with only one of the systems alone. Our data provide evidence that efficient delivery of antigenic peptides into APCs, as well as active ER-translocation of antigenic peptides in APCs should be considered in the development of peptide-based cancer immunotherapy.
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PMID:Efficient generation of antigen-specific cellular immunity by vaccination with poly(gamma-glutamic acid) nanoparticles entrapping endoplasmic reticulum-targeted peptides. 1782 76


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