1
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Li Y, Wang X, Zhao Y, Wang X, Xue K, Yang L, Deng J, Sun S, Qi Z. Designing NIR AIEgens for lysosomes targeting and efficient photodynamic therapy of tumors. Bioorg Chem 2024; 150:107551. [PMID: 38971094 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is the most severe health problem facing most people today. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for tumors has attracted attention because of its non-invasive nature, negligible adverse reactions, and high spatiotemporal selectivity. Developing biocompatible photosensitizers that can target, guide, and efficiently kill cancer cells is desirable in PDT. Here, two amphiphilic organic compounds, PS-I and PSS-II, were synthesized based on the D-π-A structure with a positive charge. The two AIEgens exhibited near-infrared emission, large Stokes shift, high 1O2 and O2-∙ generation efficiency, good biocompatibility, and photostability. They were co-incubated with cancer cells and eventually accumulated to lysosomes by cell imaging experiments. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that PS-I and PSS-II could effectively kill cancer cells and sufficiently inhibit tumor growth under light irradiation. PS-I had a higher fluorescence quantum yield in the aggregated state, which made it better for bio-imaging in imaging-guided photodynamic therapy. In contrast, PSS-II with a longer conjugated structure had more ROS generation to kill tumor cells under illumination, and the tumor growth inhibition of mice reached 71.95% during the treatment. No observable injury or undesirable outcomes were detected in the vital organs of the mice within the treatment group, suggesting that PSS-II/PS-I had a promising future in efficient imaging-guided PDT for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Li
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Yongfei Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Ke Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Jing Deng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Saidong Sun
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China
| | - Zhengjian Qi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211189, PR China.
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2
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Liu D, Liang M, Tao Y, Liu H, Liu Q, Bing W, Li W, Qi J. Hypoxia-accelerating pyroptosis nanoinducers for promoting image-guided cancer immunotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122610. [PMID: 38749307 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Precise image-guided cancer immunotherapy holds immense potential in revolutionizing cancer treatment. The strategies facilitating activatable imaging and controlled therapeutics are highly desired yet to be developed. Herein, we report a new pyroptosis nanoinducer that integrates aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor with hypoxia-responsive covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for advanced image-guided cancer immunotherapy. We first synthesize and compare three donor-acceptor type AIEgens featuring varying numbers of electron-withdrawing units, and find that the incorporation of two acceptors yields the longest response wavelength and most effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) property, surpassing the performance of analogs with one or three acceptor groups. A COF-based nanoplatform containing AIEgen and pyroptosis drug is successfully constructed via the one-pot method. The intra-COF energy transfer significantly quenches AIEgen, in which both fluorescence and PDT properties greatly enhance upon hypoxia-triggered COF degradation. Moreover, the photodynamic process exacerbates hypoxia, accelerating pyroptosis drug release. The nanoagent enables sensitive delineation of tumor site through in situ activatable fluorescence signature. Thanks to the exceptional ROS production capabilities and hypoxia-accelerating drug release, the nanoagent not only inhibits primary tumor growth but also impedes the progression of distant tumors in 4T1 tumor-bearing mice through potent pyroptosis-mediated immune response. This research introduces a novel strategy for achieving activatable phototheranostics and self-accelerating drug release for synergetic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China; School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Mengyun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yongyou Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Hanwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Wei Bing
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, China; School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, 130012, China.
| | - Wen Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Ji Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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3
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Wang X, Peng J, Meng C, Feng F. Recent advances for enhanced photodynamic therapy: from new mechanisms to innovative strategies. Chem Sci 2024; 15:12234-12257. [PMID: 39118629 PMCID: PMC11304552 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc07006a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed as a potential cancer treatment approach owing to its non-invasiveness, spatiotemporal control and limited side effects. Currently, great efforts have been made to improve the PDT effect in terms of safety and efficiency. In this review, we highlight recent advances in innovative strategies for enhanced PDT, including (1) the development of novel radicals, (2) design of activatable photosensitizers based on the TME and light, and (3) photocatalytic NADH oxidation to damage the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Additionally, the new mechanisms for PDT are also presented as an inspiration for the design of novel PSs. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects in the clinical practice of these innovative strategies. It is hoped that this review will provide a new angle for understanding the relationship between the intratumoural redox environment and PDT mechanisms, and new ideas for the future development of smart PDT systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Jinlei Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Chi Meng
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Fude Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Materials and Technology, Department of Polymer Science & Engineering, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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4
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Quan YY, Pan T, Zhang Z, Wang S, Wang G, Yu L, Wang Y, Zang XF, Zhang F, Ye X, Pan X, Huang ZS. Three-in-One: Molecular Engineering of D-A-π-A Featured Type I and Type II Near-Infrared AIE Photosensitizers for Efficient Photodynamic Cancer Therapy and Bacteria Killing. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402854. [PMID: 39087384 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infections are closely correlated with the genesis and progression of cancer, and the elimination of cancer-related bacteria may improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. However, the combinatorial therapy that utilizes two or more chemodrugs will increase potential adverse effects. Image-guided photodynamic therapy is a highly precise and potential therapy to treat tumor and microbial infections. Herein, four donor-acceptor-π-bridge-acceptor (D-A-π-A) featured near-infrared (NIR) aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) (TQTPy, TPQTPy, TQTC, and TPQTC) with type I and type II reaction oxygen species (ROS) generation capabilities are synthesized. Notably, TQTPy shows mitochondria targeted capacity, the best ROS production efficiency, long-term tumor retention capacity, and more importantly, the three-in-one fluorescence imaging guided therapy against both tumor and microbial infections. Both in vitro and in vivo results validate that TQTPy performs well in practical biomedical application in terms of NIR-fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic cancer diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the amphiphilic and positively charged TQTPy is able to specific and ultrafast discrimination and elimination of Gram-positive (G+) Staphylococcus aureus from Gram-negative (G-) Escherichia coli and normal cells. This investigation provides an instructive way for the construction of three-in-one treatment for image-guided photodynamic cancer therapy and bacteria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Yun Quan
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Tingting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- Taizhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Taizhou, 318001, China
| | - Zhongda Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Shihua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Guiyun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Lichao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xu-Feng Zang
- College of Science, Huzhou University, Huzhou, 313000, China
| | - Fangjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xiaoxia Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Xuebo Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Zu-Sheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Drugs and Large-scale Manufacturing, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
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5
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Li L, Liao Y, Fu S, Chen Z, Zhao T, Fang L, Li X. Efficient hydroxyl radical generation of an activatable phthalocyanine photosensitizer: oligomer higher than monomer and nanoaggregate. Chem Sci 2024; 15:10980-10988. [PMID: 39027302 PMCID: PMC11253117 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02179g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
It remains a challenge to develop a single-component organic photosensitizer that efficiently produces hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) without oxygen involvement, especially while maintaining tumor-targeting capability. Herein, we propose an intelligent molecular design strategy whereby a tumor-targeted phthalocyanine is initially ˙OH-free and can be activated by overexpressed β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide sodium salt hydrate (NAD(P)H) in hypoxic tumors to efficiently produce ˙OH under light irradiation. Furthermore, the oligomer models based on the phthalocyanine molecules were constructed by a supramolecular regulation strategy, which were in an intermediate state between monomer and nanoaggregate, to achieve enhanced ˙OH generation. The level of NAD(P)H in cancer cells can be exhausted through two pathways, including spontaneous redox and the photocatalytic redox of phthalocyanines. As a result, the in vivo and in vitro assays illustrated that the oligomeric phthalocyanine containing N-O units (OligPcNOB) can specifically target cancer cells and tumor tissue with overexpressing biotin receptors. OligPcNOB exhibited significant photocytotoxicity even in an extremely low oxygen environment and successfully inhibited tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Yalan Liao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Shuwen Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Zixuan Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Tinghe Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Luyue Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
| | - Xingshu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University Fuzhou 350108 China
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6
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Chen S, Li B, Yue Y, Li Z, Qiao L, Qi G, Ping Y, Liu B. Smart Nanoassembly Enabling Activatable NIR Fluorescence and ROS Generation with Enhanced Tumor Penetration for Imaging-Guided Photodynamic Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2404296. [PMID: 38685574 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (FIG-PDT) holds promise for cancer treatment, yet challenges persist in poor imaging quality, phototoxicity, and insufficient anti-tumor effect. Herein, a novel nanoplatform, LipoHPM, designed to address these challenges, is reported. This approach employs an acid-sensitive amine linker to connect a biotin-modified hydrophilic polymer (BiotinPEG) with a new hydrophobic photosensitizer (MBA), forming OFF-state BiotinPEG-MBA (PM) micelles via an aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect. These micelles are then co-loaded with the tumor penetration enhancer hydralazine (HDZ) into pH-sensitive liposomes (LipoHPM). Leveraging the ACQ effect, LipoHPM is silent in both fluorescence and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation during blood circulation but restores both properties upon disassembly. Following intravenous injection in tumor-bearing mice, LipoHPM actively targets tumor cells overexpressing biotin-receptors, contributing to enhanced tumor accumulation. Upon cellular internalization, LipoHPM disassembles within lysosomes, releasing HDZ to enhance tumor penetration and inhibit tumor metastasis. Concurrently, the micelles activate fluorescence for tumor imaging and boost the production of both type-I and type-II ROS for tumor eradication. Therefore, the smart LipoHPM synergistically integrates near-infrared emission, activatable tumor imaging, robust ROS generation, efficient anti-tumor and anti-metastasis activity, successfully overcoming limitations of conventional photosensitizers and establishing itself as a promising nanoplatform for potent FIG-PDT applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqin Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yifan Yue
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Zhiyao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Li Qiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Guobin Qi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 4, Singapore, 117585, Singapore
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7
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Ju M, Yang L, Wang G, Zong F, Shen Y, Wu S, Tang X, Yu D. A type I and type II chemical biology toolbox to overcome the hypoxic tumour microenvironment for photodynamic therapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2831-2840. [PMID: 38683541 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00319e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive therapeutic modality employed for the treatment of various types of cancers, localized infections, and other diseases. Upon illumination, the photo-excited photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen and other reactive species, thereby inducing cytotoxicity in the target cells. The hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME), however, poses a limitation on the supply of oxygen in tumour tissues. Moreover, under such conditions, tumour metastasis and drug resistance frequently occur, further compromising the efficacy of PDT in combating tumours. Traditionally, type I photosensitizers with lower oxygen consumption demonstrate significant potential in overcoming hypoxic environments and play a crucial role in determining the therapeutic efficacy of PDT because type I photosensitizers can generate highly cytotoxic free radicals. In comparison, type II photosensitizers exhibit high oxygen dependence. The rate of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the type II process is significantly higher than that in the type I process. Thus, the efficiency and selectivity of PDT depend on the properties of the photosensitizer. Here, the recent development and application of type I and type II photosensitizers, mainly in the past year, are summarized. The design methods, electronic structures, photophysical properties, lipophilic properties, electric charge, and other molecular characteristics of these photosensitizers are discussed in detail. These modifications alter the microstructure of photosensitizers and directly impact the results of PDT. The main content of this paper will have a positive promoting and inspiring effect on the future development of PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minzi Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Department of Specialist Clinic, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Research Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Zong
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shuangshuang Wu
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xuna Tang
- Department of Specialist Clinic, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Research Institute of Stomatology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Decai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Tian J, Li B, Wu C, Li Z, Tang H, Song W, Qi GB, Tang Y, Ping Y, Liu B. Programmable Singlet Oxygen Battery for Automated Photodynamic Therapy Enabled by Pyridone-Pyridine Tautomer Engineering. J Am Chem Soc 2024. [PMID: 38753624 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of photodynamic therapy is hindered by the hypoxic environment in tumors and limited light penetration depth. The singlet oxygen battery (SOB) has emerged as a promising solution, enabling oxygen- and light-independent 1O2 release. However, conventional SOB systems typically exhibit an "always-ON" 1O2 release, leading to potential 1O2 leakage before and after treatment. This not only compromises therapeutic outcomes but also raises substantial biosafety concerns. In this work, we introduce a programmable singlet oxygen battery, engineered to address all the issues discussed above. The concept is illustrated through the development of a tumor-microenvironment-responsive pyridone-pyridine switch, PyAce, which exists in two tautomeric forms: PyAce-0 (pyridine) and PyAce (pyridone) with different 1O2 storage half-lives. In its native state, PyAce remains in the pyridone form, capable of storing 1O2 (t1/2 = 18.5 h). Upon reaching the tumor microenvironment, PyAce is switched to the pyridine form, facilitating rapid and thorough 1O2 release (t1/2 = 16 min), followed by quenched 1O2 release post-therapy. This mechanism ensures suppressed 1O2 production pre- and post-therapy with selective and rapid 1O2 release at the tumor site, maximizing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The achieved "OFF-ON-OFF" 1O2 therapy showed high spatiotemporal selectivity and was independent of the oxygen supply and light illumination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianwu Tian
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Chongzhi Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhiyao Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Honglin Tang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wentao Song
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Guo-Bin Qi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Yufu Tang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
| | - Yuan Ping
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117585, Singapore
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9
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Li Z, Xie Y, Liu H, Wang J, Wang G, Wang H, Su X, Lei M, Wan Q, Zhou Y, Teng M. Molecular engineering to design a bright near-infrared red photosensitizer: cellular bioimaging and phototherapy. RSC Adv 2024; 14:13801-13807. [PMID: 38681838 PMCID: PMC11046288 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra00928b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Near-infrared red (NIR) fluorescence imaging guide phototherapeutic therapy (PDT) has the advantages of deep tissue penetration, real-time monitoring of drug treatment and disease, little damage to normal tissue, low cytotoxicity and almost no side effects, and thus, it is attracting increasing research attention and is expected to show promising potential for clinical tumor treatment. The photosensitizer (PS), light source and oxygen are the three basic and important factors to construct PDT technology, and highly efficient PSs are still being passionately pursued because they determine the PDT efficiency. Ideal PSs should have properties such as good biocompatibility, deep tissue penetration, and highly efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation despite the hypoxic environment. Therefore, pure organic type I PSs with NIR fluorescence have been receiving increasing attention due to their deep penetration and hypoxia resistance. However, reported NIR-active type I PSs usually require complex synthetic procedures, which presents a challenge for mass production. In this research work, based on the molecular design ideas of introducing the heavy atom effect and intramolecular charge transfer, we prepared three NIR-active type I PSs (TNZ, TNZBr, and TNZCHO) using a very simple method with one or two synthetic steps. Clear characterizations of photophysical properties, ROS performance tests, and fluorescent imaging of human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells and PDT treatment of HepG2 cells were carried out. The results revealed that the heavy atom and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) effects could obviously enhance the ROS efficiency, and both PSs produce only type I ROS without any type II ROS (1O2) generation. The good NIR fluorescence brightness and type I ROS efficiency ensure satisfactory bioimaging and PDT outcomes. This research provides the possibility of preparing NIR-active type I PSs via mass production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Li
- Vascular Surgery Department, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Yili Xie
- College of Ecology and Environment, Yuzhang Normal University Nanchang 330103 China
| | - Heng Liu
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Jing Wang
- Healthy Examination & Management Center, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Gang Wang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Hengxin Wang
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Xuejie Su
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Meixu Lei
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Qing Wan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanchang Hangkong University Nanchang 330063 China
| | - Yali Zhou
- Cuiying Biomedical Research Center, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
| | - Muzhou Teng
- The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University Lanzhou 730000 China
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10
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Yi Z, Qin X, Zhang L, Chen H, Song T, Luo Z, Wang T, Lau J, Wu Y, Toh TB, Lee CS, Bu W, Liu X. Mitochondria-Targeting Type-I Photodrug: Harnessing Caspase-3 Activity for Pyroptotic Oncotherapy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:9413-9421. [PMID: 38506128 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c01929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Precise control of cellular signaling events during programmed cell death is crucial yet challenging for cancer therapy. The modulation of signal transduction in cancer cells holds promise but is limited by the lack of efficient, biocompatible, and spatiotemporally controllable approaches. Here we report a photodynamic strategy that modulates both apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death by altering caspase-3 protein activity and the associated signaling crosstalk. This strategy employs a mitochondria-targeting, near-infrared activatable probe (termed M-TOP) that functions via a type-I photochemical mechanism. M-TOP is less dependent on oxygen and more effective in treating drug-resistant cancer cells, even under hypoxic conditions. Our study shows that higher doses of M-TOP induce pyroptotic cell death via the caspase-3/gasdermin-E pathway, whereas lower doses lead to apoptosis. This photodynamic method is effective across diverse gasdermin-E-expressing cancer cells. Moreover, the M-TOP mediated shift from apoptotic to pyroptotic modulation can evoke a controlled inflammatory response, leading to a robust yet balanced immune reaction. This effectively inhibits both distal tumor growth and postsurgical tumor recurrence. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating intracellular signaling through the rational design of photodynamic anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigao Yi
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- The N1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Xujuan Qin
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu 322000, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Huan Chen
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Tianlin Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zichao Luo
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- The N1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Junwei Lau
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- The N1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Yelin Wu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Tan Boon Toh
- The N1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Chun-Sing Lee
- Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF), Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Bu
- Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, P. R. China
- Center for Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering, Yiwu Research Institute of Fudan University, Yiwu 322000, P. R. China
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, P. R. China
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- The N1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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11
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Wang Y, Shen H, Li Z, Liao S, Yin B, Yue R, Guan G, Chen B, Song G. Enhancing Fractionated Cancer Therapy: A Triple-Anthracene Photosensitizer Unleashes Long-Persistent Photodynamic and Luminous Efficacy. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6252-6265. [PMID: 38377559 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c14387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is often limited in treating solid tumors due to hypoxic conditions that impede the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are critical for therapeutic efficacy. To address this issue, a fractionated PDT protocol has been suggested, wherein light irradiation is administered in stages separated by dark intervals to permit oxygen recovery during these breaks. However, the current photosensitizers used in fractionated PDT are incapable of sustaining ROS production during the dark intervals, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes (Table S1). To circumvent this drawback, we have synthesized a novel photosensitizer based on a triple-anthracene derivative that is designed for prolonged ROS generation, even after the cessation of light exposure. Our study reveals a unique photodynamic action of these derivatives, facilitating the direct and effective disruption of biomolecules and significantly improving the efficacy of fractionated PDT (Table S2). Moreover, the existing photosensitizers lack imaging capabilities for monitoring, which constraints the fine-tuning of irradiation parameters (Table S1). Our triple-anthracene derivative also serves as an afterglow imaging agent, emitting sustained luminescence postirradiation. This imaging function allows for the precise optimization of intervals between PDT sessions and aids in determining the timing for subsequent irradiation, thus enabling meticulous control over therapy parameters. Utilizing our novel triple-anthracene photosensitizer, we have formulated a fractionated PDT regimen that effectively eliminates orthotopic pancreatic tumors. This investigation highlights the promise of employing long-persistent photodynamic activity in advanced fractionated PDT approaches to overcome the current limitations of PDT in solid tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Hengxin Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Zhe Li
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Shiyi Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Baoli Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Renye Yue
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Guoqiang Guan
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Baode Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Guosheng Song
- State Key Laboratory for Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
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12
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Yuan X, Xie Z, Zou T. Recent advances in hypoxia-activated compounds for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Bioorg Chem 2024; 144:107161. [PMID: 38306826 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Hypoxia, as a prevalent feature of solid tumors, is correlated with tumorigenesis, proliferation, and invasion, playing an important role in mediating the drug resistance and affecting the cancer treatment outcomes. Due to the distinct oxygen levels between tumor and normal tissues, hypoxia-targeted therapy has attracted significant attention. The hypoxia-activated compounds mainly depend on reducible organic groups including azo, nitro, N-oxides, quinones and azide as well as some redox-active metal complex that are selectively converted into active species by the increased reduction potential under tumor hypoxia. In this review, we briefly summarized our current understanding on hypoxia-activated compounds with a particular highlight on the recently developed prodrugs and fluorescent probes for tumor treatment and diagnosis. We have also discussed the challenges and perspectives of small molecule-based hypoxia-activatable prodrug for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiying Xie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Taotao Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecule and Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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Liu D, Liang M, Fan A, Bing W, Qi J. Hypoxia-responsive AIEgens for precise disease theranostics. LUMINESCENCE 2024; 39:e4659. [PMID: 38286609 DOI: 10.1002/bio.4659] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Specific biomarker-activatable probes have revolutionized theranostics, being beneficial for precision medicine. Hypoxia is a critical pathological characteristic prevalent in numerous major diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory diseases, and acute ischemia. Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have emerged as a promising tool to tackle the biomedical issues. Of particular significance are the hypoxia-responsive AIEgens, representing a kind of crucial probe capable of delicately sensing and responding to the hypoxic microenvironment, thereby enhancing the precision of disease diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we summarize the recent advances of hypoxia-responsive AIEgens for varied biomedical applications. The hypoxia-responsive structures based on AIEgens, such as azobenzene, nitrobenzene, and N-oxide are presented, which are in response to the reduction property to bring about significant alternations in response spectra and/or fluorescence intensity. The bioapplications including imaging and therapy of tumor and ischemia diseases are discussed. Moreover, the review sheds light on the future challenges and prospects in this field. This review aims to provide comprehensive guidance and understanding into the development of activatable bioprobes, especially the hypoxia-responsive AIEgens for improving the diagnosis and therapy outcome of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Mengyun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Aohua Fan
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Bing
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Ji Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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