Research interests

  • Interests
    Cancer Biomarkers, Cancer Cells

Publications

  • 9.87
    Impact points
    Accession-Specific Haplotypes of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Region in Arabidopsis thaliana - a Means for Barcoding Populations.

    Uwe K Simon, Slave Trajanoski, Thomas Kroneis, Peter Sedlmayr, Christian Guelly, Helmut Guttenberger

    Molecular biology and evolution. 03/2012;

    Eukaryote genomes contain multiple copies of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) harbouring both highly conserved and variable regions. This has made nrDNA the most popular genetic marker for phylogenetic studies and the region of choice for barcoding projects. Furthermore, many scientists believe that al... [more] Eukaryote genomes contain multiple copies of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) harbouring both highly conserved and variable regions. This has made nrDNA the most popular genetic marker for phylogenetic studies and the region of choice for barcoding projects. Furthermore, many scientists believe that all copies of nrDNA within one nucleus are practically identical due to concerted evolution. Here we investigate the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana for intragenomic variation of the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of nrDNA. Based on a modified deep sequencing approach we provide a comprehensive list of ITS polymorphisms present in the two most widely used accessions of A. thaliana - Col-0 and Ler. Interestingly, we found that some polymorphisms are shared between these genetically very distinct accessions. On the other hand, the high number of accession-specific polymorphisms shows that each accession can be clearly and easily characterized by its specific ITS polymorphism patterns and haplotypes. Network analysis based on the detected haplotypes demonstrates that the study of ITS polymorphism patterns and haplotypes is an extremely powerful tool for population genetics. Using the methods proposed here it will now also be possible to extend the traditionally species-bound barcoding concept to populations.
  • 4.15
    Impact points
    Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Show Angiogenic Properties but Resist Differentiation into Mature Endothelial Cells.

    Julia König, Berthold Huppertz, Gernot Desoye, Ornella Parolini, Julia D Fröhlich, Gregor Weiss, Gottfried Dohr, Peter Sedlmayr, Ingrid Lang

    Stem cells and development. 07/2011;

    Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the human amnion (hAMSC) currently play an important role in stem cell research, as they are multipotent cells that can be isolated using noninvasive methods and are immunologically tolerated in vivo. The objective of this study was to evaluate their endothelia... [more] Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from the human amnion (hAMSC) currently play an important role in stem cell research, as they are multipotent cells that can be isolated using noninvasive methods and are immunologically tolerated in vivo. The objective of this study was to evaluate their endothelial differentiation potential with regard to a possible therapeutic use in vascular diseases. hAMSC were isolated from human term placentas and cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) (non-induced hAMSC) or endothelial growth medium (EGM-2) (induced hAMSC). Induced hAMSC changed their fibroblast-like toward an endothelial-like morphology, and were able to take up acetylated low-density lipoprotein and form endothelial-like networks in the Matrigel assay. However, they did not express the mature endothelial cell markers von Willebrand factor and vascular endothelial-cadherin. Gene expression analysis revealed that induced hAMSC significantly downregulated pro-angiogenic genes such as tenascin C, Tie-2, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), CD146, and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), whereas they significantly upregulated anti-angiogenic genes such as serpinF1, sprouty1, and angioarrestin. Analysis of protein expression confirmed the downregulation of FGF-2 and Tie-2 (27%±8% and 13%±1% of non-induced cells, respectively) and upregulation of the anti-angiogenic protein endostatin (226%±4%). Conditioned media collected from hAMSC enhanced viability of endothelial cells and had a stabilizing effect on endothelial network formation as shown by lactate dehydrogenase and Matrigel assay, respectively. In summary, endothelial induced hAMSC acquired some angiogenic properties but resisted undergoing a complete differentiation into mature endothelial cells by upregulation of anti-angiogenic factors. Nevertheless, they had a survival-enhancing effect on endothelial cells that might be useful in a variety of cell therapy or tissue-engineering approaches.
  • 6.26
    Impact points
    Combined molecular genetic and cytogenetic analysis from single cells after isothermal whole-genome amplification.

    Thomas Kroneis, Jochen B Geigl, Amin El-Heliebi, Martina Auer, Peter Ulz, Thomas Schwarzbraun, Gottfried Dohr, Peter Sedlmayr

    Clinical chemistry. 05/2011; 57(7):1032-41.

    Analysis of chromosomal aberrations or single-gene disorders from rare fetal cells circulating in the blood of pregnant women requires verification of the cells' genomic identity. We have developed a method enabling multiple analyses at the single-cell level that combines verification of the gen... [more] Analysis of chromosomal aberrations or single-gene disorders from rare fetal cells circulating in the blood of pregnant women requires verification of the cells' genomic identity. We have developed a method enabling multiple analyses at the single-cell level that combines verification of the genomic identity of microchimeric cells with molecular genetic and cytogenetic diagnosis. We used a model system of peripheral blood mononuclear cells spiked with a colon adenocarcinoma cell line and immunofluorescence staining for cytokeratin in combination with DNA staining with the nuclear dye TO-PRO-3 in a preliminary study to define candidate microchimeric (tumor) cells in Cytospin preparations. After laser microdissection, we performed low-volume on-chip isothermal whole-genome amplification (iWGA) of single and pooled cells. DNA fingerprint analysis of iWGA aliquots permitted successful identification of all analyzed candidate microchimeric cell preparations (6 samples of pooled cells, 7 samples of single cells). Sequencing of 3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms was successful at the single-cell level for 20 of 32 allelic loci. Metaphase comparative genomic hybridization (mCGH) with iWGA products of single cells showed the gains and losses known to be present in the genomic DNA of the target cells. This method may be instrumental in cell-based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. Furthermore, the possibility to perform mCGH with amplified DNA from single cells offers a perspective for the analysis of nonmicrochimeric rare cells exhibiting genomic alterations, such as circulating tumor cells.
  • Verification of the genomic identity of candidate microchimeric cells.

    Peter Sedlmayr, Thomas Kroneis

    Chimerism (Print). 01/2011; 2(3):63-64.

    Microchimerism has been studied in the context of a variety of diseases which include autoimmune diseases (such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid diseases), cancer (e.g., of the cervix, thyroid gland, lung, breast), tissue repair, transp... [more] Microchimerism has been studied in the context of a variety of diseases which include autoimmune diseases (such as systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and autoimmune thyroid diseases), cancer (e.g., of the cervix, thyroid gland, lung, breast), tissue repair, transplantation and transfusion. It may become relevant in the context of cell-based non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. But how to safely identify individual microchimeric cells? This is a nontrivial question, for which a solution has recently been suggested.
  • 4.41
    Impact points
    A new method for morphometric analysis of tissue distribution of mobile cells in relation to immobile tissue structures.

    Liudmila Nikitina, Helmut Ahammer, Astrid Blaschitz, Angela Gismondi, Andreas Glasner, Michael G Schimek, Gottfried Dohr, Peter Sedlmayr

    PloS one. 01/2011; 6(3):e15086.

    The distribution of cells in stained tissue sections provides information that may be analyzed by means of morphometric computation. We developed an algorithm for automated analysis for the purpose of answering questions pertaining to the relative densities of wandering cells in the vicinity of comp... [more] The distribution of cells in stained tissue sections provides information that may be analyzed by means of morphometric computation. We developed an algorithm for automated analysis for the purpose of answering questions pertaining to the relative densities of wandering cells in the vicinity of comparatively immobile tissue structures such as vessels or tumors. As an example, we present the analysis of distribution of CD56-positive cells and of CXCR3-positive cells (relative densities of peri-vascular versus non-vascular cell populations) in relation to the endothelium of capillaries and venules of human parietal decidua tissue of first trimester pregnancy. In addition, the distribution of CD56-positive cells (mostly uterine NK cells) in relation to spiral arteries is analyzed. The image analysis is based on microphotographs of two-color immunohistological stainings. Discrete distances (10-50 µm) from the fixed structures were chosen for the purpose of defining the extent of neighborhood areas. For the sake of better comparison of cell distributions at different overall cell densities a model of random distribution of "cells" in relation to neighborhood areas and rest decidua of a specific sample was built. In the chosen instances, we found increased perivascular density of CD56-positive cells and of CXCR3-positive cells. In contrast, no accumulation of CD56-positive cells was found in the neighborhood of spiral arteries.
  • 4.41
    Impact points
    Vascular endothelial expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 forms a positive gradient towards the feto-maternal interface.

    Astrid Blaschitz, Martin Gauster, Dietmar Fuchs, Ingrid Lang, Petra Maschke, Daniela Ulrich, Eva Karpf, Osamu Takikawa, Michael G Schimek, Gottfried Dohr, Peter Sedlmayr

    PloS one. 01/2011; 6(7):e21774.

    We describe the distribution of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in vascular endothelium of human first-trimester and term placenta. Expression of IDO1 protein on the fetal side of the interface extended from almost exclusively sub-trophoblastic capillaries in first-trimester placenta to a nearl... [more] We describe the distribution of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in vascular endothelium of human first-trimester and term placenta. Expression of IDO1 protein on the fetal side of the interface extended from almost exclusively sub-trophoblastic capillaries in first-trimester placenta to a nearly general presence on villous vascular endothelia at term, including also most bigger vessels such as villous arteries and veins of stem villi and vessels of the chorionic plate. Umbilical cord vessels were generally negative for IDO1 protein. In the fetal part of the placenta positivity for IDO1 was restricted to vascular endothelium, which did not co-express HLA-DR. This finding paralleled detectability of IDO1 mRNA in first trimester and term tissue and a high increase in the kynurenine to tryptophan ratio in chorionic villous tissue from first trimester to term placenta. Endothelial cells isolated from the chorionic plate of term placenta expressed IDO1 mRNA in contrast to endothelial cells originating from human umbilical vein, iliac vein or aorta. In first trimester decidua we found endothelium of arteries rather than veins expressing IDO1, which was complementory to expression of HLA-DR. An estimation of IDO activity on the basis of the ratio of kynurenine and tryptophan in blood taken from vessels of the chorionic plate of term placenta indicated far higher values than those found in the peripheral blood of adults. Thus, a gradient of vascular endothelial IDO1 expression is present at both sides of the feto-maternal interface.
  • 2.52
    Impact points
    Measurement of cell death by oxidative stress in three-dimensional spheroids from trophoblast and in fragments of decidua tissue.

    Regine-Susanne Theuerkauf, Helmut Ahammer, Monika Siwetz, Christine Helige, Gottfried Dohr, Wolfgang Walcher, José Ramón Palacio, Paz Martinez, Peter Sedlmayr

    Journal of reproductive immunology. 03/2010; 85(1):63-70.

    We report a new morphometric method for measurement of the amount of cell death in three-dimensional multicellular spheroids of the trophoblast-like cell line AC1-M59 and of cultured pieces of decidua tissue (decidua spheroids) in response to a cytotoxic agent. The viability of the spheroids was ass... [more] We report a new morphometric method for measurement of the amount of cell death in three-dimensional multicellular spheroids of the trophoblast-like cell line AC1-M59 and of cultured pieces of decidua tissue (decidua spheroids) in response to a cytotoxic agent. The viability of the spheroids was assessed by adding propidium iodide to the culture medium at the end of the toxic treatment. On fluorescence and brightfield images of serial cryosections the areas of propidium iodide fluorescence and the entire corresponding spheroids were measured by applying digital image processing and ratiometrical quantification. As an example, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide on both types of spheroids. The relative potency of hydrogen peroxide to induce tissue damage was assessed quantitatively for determination of the minimal concentration that leads to an increase in cytotoxicity. The method presented suggests general applicability for in vitro determination of toxicity against tissues.
  • 5.00
    Impact points
    Neuroendocrine circuitry and endometriosis: progesterone derivative dampens corticotropin-releasing hormone-induced inflammation by peritoneal cells in vitro.

    Nadja Tariverdian, Mirjam Rücke, Julia Szekeres-Bartho, Sandra Blois, Eva Karpf, Peter Sedlmayr, Burghard Klapp, Heribert Kentenich, Friederike Siedentopf, Petra Arck

    Journal of molecular medicine (Berlin, Germany). 11/2009;

    Clinical symptoms of endometriosis, such as pain and infertility, can be described as persistent stressors. Such continuous exposure to stress may severely affect the equilibrium and bidirectional communication of the endocrine and immune system, hereby further aggravating the progression of endomet... [more] Clinical symptoms of endometriosis, such as pain and infertility, can be described as persistent stressors. Such continuous exposure to stress may severely affect the equilibrium and bidirectional communication of the endocrine and immune system, hereby further aggravating the progression of endometriosis. In the present study, we aimed to tease apart mediators that are involved in the stress response as well as in the progression of endometriosis. Women undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy due to infertility were recruited (n = 69). Within this cohort, early stage of endometriosis were diagnosed in n = 30 and advanced stage of endometriosis in n = 8. Levels of progesterone in serum were determined. Frequency of progesterone receptor (PR) expression on CD56(+) and CD8(+) peritoneal lymphocytes was analysed by flow cytometry. The production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-10 by peritoneal leukocytes upon stimulation with the potent stress mediator corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and the progesterone derivative dydrogesterone, or both, were evaluated. Furthermore, the production of progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) by peritoneal leukocytes and the expression of PR in endometriotic tissue were investigated. Levels of progesterone in serum were decreased in women with endometriosis and inversely correlated to pain scores. Furthermore, an increased frequency of CD56(+)PR(+) and CD8(+)PR(+) peritoneal lymphocytes was present in advanced endometriosis. The TNF/IL-10 ratio, reflecting cytokine secretion by peritoneal cells, was higher in cells derived from endometriosis patients and could be further heightened by CRH stimulation, whereas stimulation with dydrogesterone abrogated the CRH-mediated inflammation. Finally, the expression of PIBF by peritoneal leukocytes was increased in endometriosis. Low levels of progesterone in the follicular phase could be responsible for the progression of endometriosis and related pain. Peripheral CRH, increasing upon high psychological stress, might contribute to the peritoneal inflammation present in endometriosis. The therapeutic application of progesterone derivatives, CRH blocking agents as well as improvement of stress coping may disrupt the vicious circle between the chronic peritoneal inflammation and high perception of psychological stress in endometriosis.
  • 5.23
    Impact points
    Automatic retrieval of single microchimeric cells and verification of identity by on-chip multiplex PCR.

    Thomas Kroneis, Liat Gutstein-Abo, Kristina Kofler, Michaele Hartmann, Petra Hartmann, Marianna Alunni-Fabbroni, Wolfgang Walcher, Gottfried Dohr, Erwin Petek, Esther Guetta, Peter Sedlmayr

    Journal of cellular and molecular medicine. 06/2009;

    ABSTRACT The analysis of rare cells is not an easy task. This is especially true when cells representing a fetal microchimerism are to be utilized for the purpose of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis since it is both imperative and difficult to avoid contaminating the minority of fetal cells with mate... [more] ABSTRACT The analysis of rare cells is not an easy task. This is especially true when cells representing a fetal microchimerism are to be utilized for the purpose of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis since it is both imperative and difficult to avoid contaminating the minority of fetal cells with maternal ones. Under these conditions, even highly specific biochemical markers are not perfectly reliable. We have developed a method to verify the genomic identity of rare cells that combines automatic screening for enriched target cells (based on immunofluorescence labelling) with isolation of single candidate microchimeric cells (by laser microdissection and subsequent laser-catapulting) and low-volume on-chip multiplex PCR for DNA fingerprint analysis. The power of the method was tested by using samples containing mixed cells of related and non-related individuals. Single cell DNA fingerprinting was successful in 74% of the cells analyzed (55/74) with a PCR efficiency of 59.2% (860/1452) for heterozygous loci. The identification of cells by means of DNA profiling was achieved in 100% (12/12) of non-related cells in artificial mixtures and in 86% (37/43) of cells sharing a haploid set of chromosomes and was performed on cells enriched from blood and cells isolated from tissue. We suggest DNA profiling as a standard for the identification of microchimerism on a single cell basis.
  • 2.52
    Impact points
    Human trophoblast cells express the immunomodulator progesterone-induced blocking factor.

    C Anderle, A Hammer, B Polgár, M Hartmann, R Wintersteiger, A Blaschitz, G Dohr, G Desoye, J Szekeres-Barthó, P Sedlmayr

    Journal of reproductive immunology. 10/2008;

    Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) is an immunomoduatory factor with anti-abortive properties. In this study, we present evidence that PIBF is synthesized in the human placenta and determine its cellular source. Expression of PIBF was analysed with polyclonal rabbit anti-human PIBF antibodi... [more] Progesterone-induced blocking factor (PIBF) is an immunomoduatory factor with anti-abortive properties. In this study, we present evidence that PIBF is synthesized in the human placenta and determine its cellular source. Expression of PIBF was analysed with polyclonal rabbit anti-human PIBF antibodies against recombinant N-terminal 48kDa PIBF in first trimester and term placental tissues and in the choriocarcinoma cell line JAR by means of immunohistochemistry, confocal laser scanning microscopy of double immunofluorescence labelling, and Western blotting; RT-PCR was performed for analysis of PIBF mRNA in isolated trophoblast cells. PIBF protein is present in human first trimester and term placenta. Double immunofluorescence labelling localised PIBF to the extravillous cytotrophoblast. PIBF is also expressed heterogeneously by syncytiotrophoblast and part of the villous cytotrophoblast. Full-length PIBF mRNA encoded by exons 1-18 is present in isolated first trimester and term villous trophoblast and in the choriocarcinoma cell line JAR. The corresponding 90kDa protein is expressed by JAR cells, first trimester and term villous trophoblast cells. In addition, these cells express PIBF proteins of 50 and 34kDa. Trophoblast is a source of PIBF; its tissue distribution suggests a role both in systemic and local (decidual) immunoregulation.
  • 5.65
    Impact points
    Alternatively activated macrophages regulate extracellular levels of the hormone placental lactogen via receptor-mediated uptake and transcytosis.

    Julia Kzhyshkowska, Alexei Gratchev, Christina Schmuttermaier, Heike Brundiers, Liis Krusell, Srinivas Mamidi, Jingjing Zhang, Gail Workman, E Helene Sage, Christine Anderle, Peter Sedlmayr, Sergij Goerdt

    Journal of immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950). 04/2008; 180(5):3028-37.

    Alternatively activated (M2) macrophages regulate immune responses and tissue remodelling. In many tissues including placenta, M2 express stabilin-1, a multidomain protein that exerts a dual role as a scavenger receptor for acetylated low density lipoprotein (acLDL) and SPARC (secreted protein acidi... [more] Alternatively activated (M2) macrophages regulate immune responses and tissue remodelling. In many tissues including placenta, M2 express stabilin-1, a multidomain protein that exerts a dual role as a scavenger receptor for acetylated low density lipoprotein (acLDL) and SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) and as an intracellular cargo carrier for SI-CLP. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified the developmental hormone placental lactogen (PL) as a novel ligand of stabilin-1. In Chinese hamster ovary-stabilin-1 cells and M2, FACS and confocal microscopy demonstrated that stabilin-1 mediates internalization and endosomal sorting of PL. In M2 macrophages, PL was partially degraded in lysosomes; part of PL escaped degradation and was delivered to novel PL+ storage vesicles lacking endosomal/lysosomal markers. During formation, PL+ vesicles underwent transient interaction with the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Upon placement of PL-loaded M2 into PL-free medium, PL was secreted into the supernatant. Leupeptin, an inhibitor of lysosomal hydrolases, reduced PL degradation, enhanced sorting of PL into the TGN/storage vesicle pathway and increased PL secretion. Thus, processing of PL in M2 macrophages occurs either by the classical lysosomal pathway or by a novel TGN-associated trans-secretory pathway. Macrophages isolated from human placental villi efficiently endocytosed PL-FITC and transported it to the storage vesicles. Our data show that extracellular PL levels are determined by uptake, degradation, storage, and release in M2. During pregnancy PL concentration reaches 10 microg/ml in maternal circulation and stays below 0.5 microg/ml in fetal circulation. We propose that stabilin-1-positive macrophages determine the difference in PL levels between maternal and fetal circulation.
  • 1.02
    Impact points
    High availability of intravascular tissue factor in neonates.

    Gerhard Cvirn, Hans-Juergen Gruber, Martin Koestenberger, Joerg Kutschera, Thomas Wagner, Ulrika Ferstl, Peter Sedlmayr, Guenther Juergens, Siegfried Gallistl

    Journal of pediatric hematology/oncology : official journal of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. 06/2007; 29(5):279-83.

    In the present study, we compared the levels of intravascular tissue factor (TF) present in cord versus adult whole blood (WB) prior and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. High levels of intravascular TF might help to explain the clinically observed efficient clotting of cord blood despite ... [more] In the present study, we compared the levels of intravascular tissue factor (TF) present in cord versus adult whole blood (WB) prior and after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. High levels of intravascular TF might help to explain the clinically observed efficient clotting of cord blood despite low levels of procoagulatory factors. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed same (basal) TF mRNA expression levels in both native cord and adult WB, and approximately same increase in TF mRNA expression owing to LPS incubation in both cord and adult WB (normalized to the housekeeping gene beta-actin). Flow-cytometric (fluorescence activated cell sorting) analysis revealed significantly higher surface TF antigen exposure on the neonatal monocyte membrane in native WB samples, and approximately same ability of neonatal and adult monocytes to express TF upon LPS-stimulation. Thrombelastography revealed significantly shorter clotting times of native cord versus adult WB (527+/-41 vs. 592+/-23 s, P<0.05). Moreover, shortening of clotting times owing to LPS-stimulation was significantly more pronounced in cord versus adult WB (29.65+/-3.35% vs. 12.03+/-6.23%, P<0.05). Because both quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis revealed same capability of both neonatal and adult monocytes to express TF upon LPS-stimulation, this efficient shortening effect in cord WB might be explained by the constitutively high number of monocytes present in neonates. We suggest that the high levels of intravascular TF present in neonates (prior and after LPS-stimulation) might help to explain the clinically observed efficient clotting of cord blood despite low levels of procoagulatory factors.
  • Towards economically feasible cell-based non-invasive prenatal diagnosis

    P Sedlmayr, T Kroneis, K Kofler

    2nd Yazd International Student Award and Congress in Reproductive Medicine; 05/2007

  • 3.99
    Impact points
    Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in materno-fetal interaction.

    Peter Sedlmayr

    Current drug metabolism. 05/2007; 8(3):205-8.

    The mechanism of maternal immunotolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus has been a matter of intense investigation. The tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is reported to be critically implicated. This article discusses findings pertaining to the role of IDO in pregnancy, its... [more] The mechanism of maternal immunotolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus has been a matter of intense investigation. The tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is reported to be critically implicated. This article discusses findings pertaining to the role of IDO in pregnancy, its location at the feto-maternal interface, systemic induction of IDO in pregnancy and the association of IDO to spontaneous abortion and preeclampsia. Whereas there is a large body of evidence supporting the relevance of IDO as a key immunoregulatory factor in feto-maternal tolerance, open questions remain concerning as to its role.
  • 10.56
    Impact points
    Monocyte-mediated T-cell suppression and augmented monocyte tryptophan catabolism after human hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

    Ursula Hainz, Petra Obexer, Christiana Winkler, Peter Sedlmayr, Osamu Takikawa, Hildegard Greinix, Anita Lawitschka, Ulrike Pötschger, Dietmar Fuchs, Stephan Ladisch, Andreas Heitger

    Blood. 06/2005; 105(10):4127-34.

    T-cell dysfunction after human hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is generally attributed to intrinsic T-cell defects. Here we show that the characteristic impaired proliferative responses to polyclonal stimulation of post-HSCT peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MCs) were markedly (4... [more] T-cell dysfunction after human hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is generally attributed to intrinsic T-cell defects. Here we show that the characteristic impaired proliferative responses to polyclonal stimulation of post-HSCT peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MCs) were markedly (4-fold) improved by T-cell enrichment. Conversely, addback of post-HSCT monocytes to these enriched T cells dampened their proliferative responses, suggesting that post-HSCT monocytes effectively mediate T-cell suppression. As a mechanism possibly contributing to monocyte-mediated T-cell suppression, we investigated monocyte tryptophan catabolism by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase into kynurenine, which has been implicated in regulating T-cell responses. Compared with controls, all post-HSCT monocyte-containing cell cultures (total PBMCs, monocytes, and monocyte/T-cell cocultures), but not monocyte-depleted populations, secreted elevated amounts of kynurenine. Blockade of tryptophan catabolism improved the proliferative responses. The slightly increased kynurenine release and substantial release of neopterin by unstimulated post-HSCT monocytes suggests that they were in a state of continuous activation. Superimposed on this state, stimulation of these cells caused a striking, additional increase (10-fold) in kynurenine release, and they triggered marked apoptosis of autologous post-HSCT T cells. We conclude that the amplified kynurenine release by post-HSCT monocytes, particularly induced upon stimulation, may underlie their suppressor activity, which in turn may contribute to the depressed T-cell immune responses after HSCT.
  • 6.09
    Impact points
    Inhibition of lung carcinoma cell growth by high density lipoprotein-associated alpha-tocopheryl-succinate.

    A Hrzenjak, H Reicher, A Wintersperger, B Steinecker-Frohnwieser, P Sedlmayr, H Schmidt, T Nakamura, E Malle, W Sattler

    Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. 07/2004; 61(12):1520-31.

    Alpha-tocopheryl-succinate (alphaTS) is a synthetic, anti-neoplastic derivative of alpha-tocopherol. Here we studied the effects of free and high-density lipoprotein subclass 3 (HDL3)-associated alphaTS on the growth of human (A549) and mouse Lewis (LL2) lung carcinoma cells. Both free and HDL3-asso... [more] Alpha-tocopheryl-succinate (alphaTS) is a synthetic, anti-neoplastic derivative of alpha-tocopherol. Here we studied the effects of free and high-density lipoprotein subclass 3 (HDL3)-associated alphaTS on the growth of human (A549) and mouse Lewis (LL2) lung carcinoma cells. Both free and HDL3-associated alphaTS inhibited A549 growth in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Treatment of A549 cells with alphaTS-enriched HDL3 led to DNA fragmentation and a time-dependent decrease in immunoreactivity of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase. Uptake experiments revealed a high capacity for selective alphaTS uptake in excess of holoparticle endocytosis. Overexpression of scavenger receptor class B, type I (SR-BI), the prime receptor mediating selective lipid uptake, in A549 cells resulted in significantly increased selective alphaTS uptake, a finding associated with complete cellular growth arrest. The present in vitro findings were verified in an in vivo model: tumor inoculation in C57BL6 was performed with either wild-type, beta-galactosidase- or SR-BI-overexpressing LL2 cells. After tumor inoculation, the animals received six consecutive intravenous injections of alphaTS. This experimental setup resulted in significantly reduced tumor burden in animals that were inoculated with SR-BI-overexpressing LL2 cells but not in animals inoculated with wild-type or beta-galactocidase-transfected cells. Based on our in vitro and in vivo findings, we propose that SR-BI could provide a novel route for HDL3-mediated drug delivery of anti-neoplastic drugs.
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