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Li S, Fan R, Wang Y, He K, Xu J, Li H. Application of calcium overload-based ion interference therapy in tumor treatment: strategies, outcomes, and prospects. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352377. [PMID: 38425645 PMCID: PMC10902152 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Low selectivity and tumor drug resistance are the main hinderances to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy against tumor. Ion interference therapy is an innovative anti-tumor strategy that has been recently reported to induce metabolic disorders and inhibit proliferation of tumor cells by reordering bioactive ions within the tumor cells. Calcium cation (Ca2+) are indispensable for all physiological activities of cells. In particular, calcium overload, characterized by the abnormal intracellular Ca2+ accumulation, causes irreversible cell death. Consequently, calcium overload-based ion interference therapy has the potential to overcome resistance to traditional tumor treatment strategies and holds promise for clinical application. In this review, we 1) Summed up the current strategies employed in this therapy; 2) Described the outcome of tumor cell death resulting from this therapy; 3) Discussed its potential application in synergistic therapy with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjiang Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Battalion, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruicheng Fan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuekai Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Battalion, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kunqian He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Battalion, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinhe Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongli Li
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Teaching Experiment Center, College of Basic Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Teng F, Cui T, Zhou L, Gao Q, Zhou Q, Li W. Programmable synthetic receptors: the next-generation of cell and gene therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:7. [PMID: 38167329 PMCID: PMC10761793 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell and gene therapies hold tremendous promise for treating a range of difficult-to-treat diseases. However, concerns over the safety and efficacy require to be further addressed in order to realize their full potential. Synthetic receptors, a synthetic biology tool that can precisely control the function of therapeutic cells and genetic modules, have been rapidly developed and applied as a powerful solution. Delicately designed and engineered, they can be applied to finetune the therapeutic activities, i.e., to regulate production of dosed, bioactive payloads by sensing and processing user-defined signals or biomarkers. This review provides an overview of diverse synthetic receptor systems being used to reprogram therapeutic cells and their wide applications in biomedical research. With a special focus on four synthetic receptor systems at the forefront, including chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors, we address the generalized strategies to design, construct and improve synthetic receptors. Meanwhile, we also highlight the expanding landscape of therapeutic applications of the synthetic receptor systems as well as current challenges in their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Teng
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Tongtong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Li Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qingqin Gao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Wei Li
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Sirajudeen F, Malhab LJB, Bustanji Y, Shahwan M, Alzoubi KH, Semreen MH, Taneera J, El-Huneidi W, Abu-Gharbieh E. Exploring the Potential of Rosemary Derived Compounds (Rosmarinic and Carnosic Acids) as Cancer Therapeutics: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:38-55. [PMID: 38148552 PMCID: PMC10762267 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a global health challenge with high morbidity and mortality rates. However, conventional cancer treatment methods often have severe side effects and limited success rates. In the last decade, extensive research has been conducted to develop safe, and efficient alternative treatments that do not have the limitations of existing anticancer medicines. Plant-derived compounds have shown promise in cancer treatment for their anti-carcinogenic and anti-proliferative properties. Rosmarinic acid (RA) and carnosic acid (CA) are potent polyphenolic compounds found in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract. They have been extensively studied for their biological properties, which include anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In addition, RA and CA have demonstrated effective anti-proliferative properties against various cancers, making them promising targets for extensive research to develop candidate or leading compounds for cancer treatment. This review discusses and summarizes the anti-tumor effect of RA and CA against various cancers and highlights the involved biochemical and mechanistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fazila Sirajudeen
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lara J. Bou Malhab
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Moyad Shahwan
- Centre of Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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Shui S, Buckley S, Scheller L, Correia BE. Rational design of small-molecule responsive protein switches. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4774. [PMID: 37656809 PMCID: PMC10510469 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule responsive protein switches are powerful tools for controlling cellular processes. These switches are designed to respond rapidly and specifically to their inducer. They have been used in numerous applications, including the regulation of gene expression, post-translational protein modification, and signal transduction. Typically, small-molecule responsive protein switches consist of two proteins that interact with each other in the presence or absence of a small molecule. Recent advances in computational protein design already contributed to the development of protein switches with an expanded range of small-molecule inducers and increasingly sophisticated switch mechanisms. Further progress in the engineering of small-molecule responsive switches is fueled by cutting-edge computational design approaches, which will enable more complex and precise control over cellular processes and advance synthetic biology applications in biotechnology and medicine. Here, we discuss recent milestones and how technological advances are impacting the development of chemical switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailan Shui
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Stephen Buckley
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Leo Scheller
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
| | - Bruno E. Correia
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering (LPDI)STI, EPFLLausanneSwitzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB)LausanneSwitzerland
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Sun X, Zhou C, Xia S, Chen X. Small molecule-nanobody conjugate induced proximity controls intracellular processes and modulates endogenous unligandable targets. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1635. [PMID: 36964170 PMCID: PMC10039045 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemically induced proximity (CIP) is a powerful tool to study cellular functions. However with current CIP inducers it is difficult to directly modulate unligandable and endogenous targets, and therapeutic translational potential is also restricted. Herein, we combine CIP and chemical nanobody engineering and create cell-permeable small molecule-nanobody conjugate inducers of proximity (SNACIPs). The SNACIP inducer cRGT carrying a cyclic cell-penetrating peptide rapidly enters live cells and dimerizes eDHFR and GFP-variants. cRGT enables minute-scale, reversible, no-wash and dose-dependent control of cellular processes including signaling cascade, cargo transport and ferroptosis. Small-molecule motifs can also be installed via post-translational modifications. Therefore, latent-type SNACIPs including cRTC are designed that are functionally assembled inside living cells. cRTC contains a nanobody against an intrinsically disordered protein TPX2, a microtubule nucleation factor overexpressed in various cancers. Cancer cell proliferation is inhibited and tumor growth is suppressed in vivo. Hence, SNACIPs are valuable proximity inducers for regulating cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Sun
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Chengjian Zhou
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Simin Xia
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China
| | - Xi Chen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology & Frontier Biotechnologies, The HIT Center for Life Sciences (HCLS), Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), Harbin, 150001, PR China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, HIT, Harbin, 150001, PR China.
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