1
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Pak VN, Sherman IA. Comprehensive approach to cancer immunotherapy - Simultaneous targeting of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and cancer cells with AFP conjugates. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 200:104407. [PMID: 38834093 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104407] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a pivotal role in combating diseases, including cancer, with monocytes emerging as key regulators of immune response dynamics. This article describes a novel strategy for cancer treatment centered on depleting myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), to enhance the overall immune response while simultaneously targeting cancer cells directly. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is an oncofetal protein that plays an important role in delivering nutrients to immature monocytes, embryonic, and cancer cells in a targeted manner. AFP can be repurposed, making it a vehicle for delivering toxins, rather than nutrients to kill cancer cells and deplete MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Depleting monocytes not only stimulates the immune system but also improves the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), often low in cancer patients. AFP combined with cytotoxic drugs, offers dual benefit-immune stimulation and targeted chemotherapy. Studies in xenograft models demonstrated high efficacy and safety of AFP-toxin conjugates, surpassing conventional targeted chemotherapy. Such conjugates have also been reported to provide superior efficacy and safety in cancer patients compared to chemotherapy. This approach, using AFP conjugated with toxins, either covalently or non-covalently, presents a safe and highly effective option for cancer immuno/chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Pak
- Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals Inc., 795 Pharmacy Avenue, Toronto, On, M1L 3K2 Canada
| | - Igor A Sherman
- Alpha Cancer Technologies Inc., MaRS Discovery District, South Tower 200 - 101 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.
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2
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Lin B, Dong X, Wang Q, Li W, Zhu M, Li M. AFP-Inhibiting Fragments for Drug Delivery: The Promise and Challenges of Targeting Therapeutics to Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:635476. [PMID: 33898423 PMCID: PMC8061420 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.635476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) plays a key role in stimulating the growth, metastasis and drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AFP is an important target molecule in the treatment of HCC. The application of AFP-derived peptides, AFP fragments and recombinant AFP (AFP-inhibiting fragments, AIFs) to inhibit the binding of AFP to intracellular proteins or its receptors is the basis of a new strategy for the treatment of HCC and other cancers. In addition, AIFs can be combined with drugs and delivery agents to target treatments to cancer. AIFs conjugated to anticancer drugs not only destroy cancer cells with these drugs but also activate immune cells to kill cancer cells. Furthermore, AIF delivery of drugs relieves immunosuppression and enhances chemotherapy effects. The synergism of immunotherapy and targeted chemotherapy is expected to play an important role in enhancing the treatment effect of patients with cancer. AIF delivery of drugs will be an available strategy for the targeted treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Lin
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Xu Dong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Qiujiao Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mingyue Zhu
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Mengsen Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Intervention, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China.,Institution of Tumor, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
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3
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Fattahi N, Shahbazi MA, Maleki A, Hamidi M, Ramazani A, Santos HA. Emerging insights on drug delivery by fatty acid mediated synthesis of lipophilic prodrugs as novel nanomedicines. J Control Release 2020; 326:556-598. [PMID: 32726650 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many drug molecules that are currently in the market suffer from short half-life, poor absorption, low specificity, rapid degradation, and resistance development. The design and development of lipophilic prodrugs can provide numerous benefits to overcome these challenges. Fatty acids (FAs), which are lipophilic biomolecules constituted of essential components of the living cells, carry out many necessary functions required for the development of efficient prodrugs. Chemical conjugation of FAs to drug molecules may change their pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics in vivo and even their toxicity profile. Well-designed FA-based prodrugs can also present other benefits, such as improved oral bioavailability, promoted tumor targeting efficiency, controlled drug release, and enhanced cellular penetration, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss diverse drug molecules conjugated to various unsaturated FAs. Furthermore, various drug-FA conjugates loaded into various nanostructure delivery systems, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, emulsions, nano-assemblies, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, are reviewed. The present review aims to inspire readers to explore new avenues in prodrug design based on the various FAs with or without nanostructured delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Fattahi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, P.O. Box 45195-313, Zanjan, Iran; Trita Nanomedicine Research Center (TNRC), Trita Third Millennium Pharmaceuticals, 45331-55681 Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center (ZPNRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Aziz Maleki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center (ZPNRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hamidi
- Trita Nanomedicine Research Center (TNRC), Trita Third Millennium Pharmaceuticals, 45331-55681 Zanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Zanjan Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology Research Center (ZPNRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Ali Ramazani
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, P.O. Box 45195-313, Zanjan, Iran; Research Institute of Modern Biological Techniques (RIMBT), University of Zanjan, P.O. Box 45195-313, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Hélder A Santos
- Drug Research Program, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Helsinki FI-00014, Finland.
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4
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Zhou R, Kuang Y, Zhou J, Du X, Li J, Shi J, Haburcak R, Xu B. Nanonets Collect Cancer Secretome from Pericellular Space. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154126. [PMID: 27100780 PMCID: PMC4839576 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel cancer biomarkers is important for early cancer detection as it can reduce mortality rates. The cancer secretome, the collection of all macromolecules secreted by a tumor cell, alters its composition compared to normal tissue, and this change plays an important role in the observation of cancer progression. The collection and accurate analysis of cancer secretomes could lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers, thus improving outcomes of cancer treatment. We unexpectedly discovered that enzyme-instructed self-assembly (EISA) of a D-peptide hydrogelator results in nanonets/hydrogel around cancer cells that overexpress ectophosphatases. Here we show that these nanonets are able to rapidly collect proteins in the pericellular space (i.e., near the surface) of cancer cells. Because the secretory substances are at their highest concentration near the cell surface, the use of pericellular nanonets to collect the cancer secretome maximizes the yield and quality of samples, reduces pre-analytical variations, and allows the dynamic profiling of secretome samples. Thus, this new approach has great potential in identifying the heterotypic signaling in tumor microenvironments thereby improving the understanding of tumor microenvironments and accelerating the discovery of potential biomarkers in cancer biology. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD003924.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yi Kuang
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Xuewen Du
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Richard Haburcak
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Bing Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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5
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Severin ES. New approaches to targeted drug delivery to tumour cells. RUSSIAN CHEMICAL REVIEWS 2015. [DOI: 10.1070/rcr4468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Godovikova TS, Lisitskiy VA, Antonova NM, Popova TV, Zakharova OD, Chubarov AS, Koptyug IV, Sagdeev RZ, Kaptein R, Akulov AE, Kaledin VI, Nikolin VP, Baiborodin SI, Koroleva LS, Silnikov VN. Ligand-Directed Acid-Sensitive Amidophosphate 5-Trifluoromethyl-2′-Deoxyuridine Conjugate as a Potential Theranostic Agent. Bioconjug Chem 2013; 24:780-95. [DOI: 10.1021/bc3006072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana S. Godovikova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Lisitskiy
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalya M. Antonova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Tatyana V. Popova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Olga D. Zakharova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
| | - Alexey S. Chubarov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Igor V. Koptyug
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- International Tomography Center, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Renad Z. Sagdeev
- International Tomography Center, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Robert Kaptein
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Bijvoet Center, University of Utrecht, 3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andrey E. Akulov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | | | | | - Ludmila S. Koroleva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir N. Silnikov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk,
Russia
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7
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Wang X, Wang Q, Lin H, Li S, Sun L, Yang Y. HSP72 and gp96 in gastroenterological cancers. Clin Chim Acta 2012; 417:73-9. [PMID: 23266770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2012] [Revised: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and glycoprotein 96 (gp96) are highly expressed in cancer tissues. Recent studies indicate the possible roles of HSP72 and gp96 in the development and progression of gastrointestinal carcinomas but detailed mechanisms are still ambiguous. Human esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer and liver cancer are common gastrointestinal malignant carcinomas in the world. The studies indicated that there existed a significant correlation between the expression of HSP72, gp96 and the development and progression of digestive carcinomas. HSP72 and gp96 expression were significantly associated with the presence of tumor infiltration, lymph node and remote metastasis. Interestingly, studies have found that HSP72 chaperoned alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), HBx in hepatocellular carcinoma, and CD44 in colonic carcinomas. The further researches demonstrated that HSP72-AFP or gp96-AFP recombined vaccine could elicit specific anti-tumor immunity. The high-level expression of HSP72 and gp96 may be not only used as diagnostic or prognostic markers for gastrointestinal carcinomas but also as better immunotherapeutic vaccines in the cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712046, PR China.
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8
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Wang XP, Lin HP, Wang QX, Gu Y. Specific Antitumor Immunity Induced by Cross-linking Complex Heat Shock Protein 72 and Alpha-fetoprotein. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2012; 27:189-97. [DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2011.1135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
| | - Huan-Ping Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Qiao-Xia Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
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9
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Lee YJ, Lee SW. Regression of hepatocarcinoma cells using RNA aptamer specific to alpha-fetoprotein. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 417:521-7. [PMID: 22166203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.11.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a cancer-associated fetal protein and has long been utilized as a serum fetal defect/tumor marker to monitor distress/disease progression. In addition, AFP is closely associated with the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, direct targeting of AFP has been recommended for a therapeutic strategy against hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we developed and characterized an RNA aptamer that specifically bound to the alpha-fetoprotein using SELEX technology. The aptamer interacted with the AFP with a K(D) of ∼33 nM. Importantly, the identified aptamer specifically and efficiently inhibited the AFP-mediated proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the aptamer efficiently down-regulated AFP-induced expression of oncogenes in the cells. These results indicate that an AFP-specific RNA aptamer could be a useful therapeutic and diagnostic agent against AFP-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Ju Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Nanosensor and Biotechnology, Dankook University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
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10
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Mizejewski GJ. Review of the putative cell-surface receptors for alpha-fetoprotein: identification of a candidate receptor protein family. Tumour Biol 2010; 32:241-58. [PMID: 21120646 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-010-0134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Accepted: 11/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of a receptor for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has long been sought in the field of medicine. The uptake and endocytosis of AFP by rat tumor cells in 1984 sparked a series of confirmatory reports and the original studies were then extended to include multiple tumor types in rats, mice, and humans. The following year, French investigators partially characterized the binding properties of the AFP receptor, but they were not able to purify the receptor. It was not until 1991-1992 that an AFP receptor was partially purified and characterized from both human monocytes and breast cancer cells. By 1993, a monoclonal antibody had been raised against the AFP receptor produced from a breast cancer extract with claims that the receptor was a widespread (universal) oncofetal biomarker for cancer. However, that receptor has yet to be cloned and/or purified due to its complex multimeric binding interactions and associations. The present report will review the literature of the multiple putative AFP receptors described to date, the cellular uptake and endocytosis of AFP, and the biochemical characterization of these putative cell-surface proteins. In addition, evidence derived from computer modeling, proteolytic degradation patterns, and amino acid sequence analysis will be presented in a proposed identification of a family of multi-ligand binding receptors; this family fits many, if not most, of the criteria required for an AFP receptor. The purposed receptor protein family is tentatively identified as the Scavenger receptors which comprise several classes of single- and double-pass integral transmembrane proteins. Present data do not support the concept that the AFP receptor is a "universal" tumor receptor and/or biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald J Mizejewski
- Wadsworth Center, Division of Translational Medicine, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12201, USA.
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11
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Evdokimova VN, Butterfield LH. Alpha-fetoprotein and other tumour-associated antigens for immunotherapy of hepatocellular cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:325-36. [PMID: 18294103 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.3.325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death, with few treatment options for advanced disease. OBJECTIVES Here, we review the aetiology of HCC and focus on recent data on tumour-associated antigens (TAA) for HCC, their functions and potential use as immunological targets for immune-based therapy for HCC. In addition, we examine some aspects of antigen presentation within the liver. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) has been investigated for many years as a TAA, and has been tested in recent clinical trials. More recently, additional TAA have been identified and new therapeutic approaches have been investigated which may be testable clinically in this difficult disease setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria N Evdokimova
- University of Pittsburgh, Hillman Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Research Pavilion, Room 1.32, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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12
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Terentiev AA, Moldogazieva NT. Cell adhesion proteins and α-fetoprotein. Similar structural motifs as prerequisites for common functions. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2007; 72:920-35. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297907090027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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13
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Wang X, Zhou Y, Ying X, Guo L, Zhao Y, Fang Y. Interaction between heat shock protein 72 and alpha-fetoprotein in human hepatocellular carcinomas. Clin Chim Acta 2006; 379:158-62. [PMID: 17250819 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2006.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2006] [Revised: 12/12/2006] [Accepted: 12/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AFP in adult serum often signals pathological conditions, particularly the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and germ cell tumors containing yolk sac cell elements. Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) as a molecular chaperone has been confirmed to overexpress in epithelial carcinoma cells. There may be a possible correlation between the expression of HSP72 and AFP during the growth and differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. We investigated the interaction between heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in human hepatocellular carcinomas. METHODS The expression and localization of HSP72 and AFP in human hepatocellular carcinomas were determined by immunohistochemistry and confocal laser microscopy. The interaction between HSP72 and AFP in hepatocellular carcinoma cells was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western immunoblots. RESULTS Hepatocellular carcinoma synchronously co-expressed higher level of HSP72 and AFP than in adjacent normal liver tissues. HSP72 were stained in cell nuclei and cytoplasm respectively, while AFP stained in cell plasma. Based on Western blotting methods, AFP was detected in the immunoprecipitate of anti-HSP72 monoclonal antibody (mAb), while HSP72 existed in the immunoprecipitate of anti-AFP mAb. CONCLUSIONS HSP72 and AFP expression are higher in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. HSP72 was associated with alpha-fetoprotein in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The interaction between HSP72 and AFP in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells can be a new route for studying the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
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Wang XP, Wang QX, Li HY, Chen RF. Heat shock protein 70 chaperoned alpha-fetoprotein in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7402. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:5561-4. [PMID: 16222756 PMCID: PMC4320373 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i35.5561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the interaction between heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line BEL-7402.
METHODS: The expression and localization of HSP70 and AFP in human HCC cell line BEL-7402 were determined by immunocytochemistry and indirect immunofluorescence cytochemical staining. The interaction between HSP70 and AFP in HCC cells was analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot.
RESULTS: Immunocytochemical staining detection showed that HCC cell BEL-7402 expressed a high level of HSP70 and AFP synchronously. Both were stained in cell plasma. AFP existed in the immunoprecipitate of anti-HSP70 mAb, while there was HSP70 in the immunoprecipitate of anti-AFP mAb.
CONCLUSION: HSP70 chaperones AFP in human HCC cell BEL-7402. The interaction between HSP70 and AFP in human HCC cell can be a new route to study the pathogenesis and immunotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ping Wang
- Department of Pathology, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China.
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15
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Li MS, Li PF, Chen Q, Du GG, Li G. Alpha-fetoprotein stimulated the expression of some oncogenes in human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel 7402 cells. World J Gastroenterol 2004; 10:819-24. [PMID: 15040024 PMCID: PMC4726995 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v10.i6.819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) on regulating the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
METHODS: Alpha-fetoprotein purified from human umbilical blood was added to cultured human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel 7402 cells in vitro for various treatment periods. The expression of c-fos, c-jun, and N-ras mRNA involved in proliferation and differentiation of cells was analyzed by Northern blot, and the expression of mutative p53 and p21ras proteins was determined by Western blot.
RESULTS: The results showed that AFP (20 mg/L) stimulated mRNA expression of these oncogenes in Bel 7402 cells. The expression of c-fos mRNA increased by 51.1%, 60.9%, 96.0%, and 25.5% at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively. The expression of c-jun and N-ras mRNA reached to the maximum which increased by 81.3% and 59.9% as compared with the control after 6 h and 24 h incubation with AFP, respectively. Western blot assay also demonstrated that AFP promoted the expression of mutative p53 and p21ras proteins, and the increased rate of those proteins was 13.0%, 39.9%, and 70.9%, as well as 35.2%, 102.6%, and 46.8% at 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively, as compared with the control. Both human serum albumin (the same dosage as AFP) and monoclonal anti-AFP antibody failed to stimulate the expression of these oncogenes, but anti-AFP antibody could block the functions of AFP.
CONCLUSION: The data indicate that AFP can stimulate the expression of some oncogenes to enhance the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma Bel 7402 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Sen Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Hainan Medical College, Haikou 571101, China.
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16
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Seregni E, Ferrari L, Martinetti A, Bombardieri E. Diagnostic and prognostic tumor markers in the gastrointestinal tract. SEMINARS IN SURGICAL ONCOLOGY 2001; 20:147-66. [PMID: 11398208 DOI: 10.1002/ssu.1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is the most common site of malignancies of any anatomic system in the body. An early detection of primary tumors of the bowel, pancreas, liver, stomach, and esophagus is often difficult in asymptomatic patients and for this reason these tumors are often detected at a relatively advanced stage, when symptoms lead to a diagnostic evaluation. Furthermore, gastrointestinal tract tumors have an extremely variable prognosis; thus, the identification of new prognostic parameters may be useful for selecting patients to more tailored therapies. In this work, the main molecular, genetic, tissular, and circulating tumor markers proposed for diagnosis and prognosis of gastrointestinal malignancies are reviewed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Seregni
- Nuclear Medicine Division, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal glycoprotein. It has been ascribed a regulatory function of growth factor responses and immune functions. The concentrations of AFP and albumin (ALB) are highly variable in fetal serum and CSF and change with gestational age. The AFP index=[AFP(CSF)/AFP(SERUM)]/[ALB(CSF)/ALB(SERUM)] was determined in six normal fetuses at gestational age 17-23 weeks and found to be independent of gestational age and close to unity, mean 0.90+/-0.11 (S.D.). The ratio of CSF-serum concentrations of AFP and ALB both decreased significantly (p<0.05) with gestational age. The mean fraction of AFP being non-reactive with concanavalin A was 1.7% in serum and 1.9% in CSF, suggesting a common hepatic origin of AFP in both compartments. In conclusion, the concentration of AFP in CSF seems to be determined largely by the serum-CSF concentration gradient in normal fetuses. This finding, combined with the remarkable constancy of the AFP index compared to the highly variable absolute concentrations of AFP in both serum and CSF should make the AFP index the marker of choice when analyzing for intrathecal AFP synthesis during development and in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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18
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Abstract
Although the biological functions of alpha-fetoprotein ( AFP ) have been extensively studied, little is known about its effect on tumor cell growth. Our previous work has found that human AFP significantly stimulates the growth of mouse hepatoma cells in vitro. The purpose of the present study is to observe the effect of AFP on the proliferation of human hepatoma cells in vitro. Using a MTT- microculture tetrazolium assay, we found that the proliferation of human hepatoma cells was enhanced by in vitro treatment of AFP. However, the same concentrations of AFP had no effect on HL - 60 human leukemia cell proliferation, indicating that the human hepatoma cell proliferation - promoting role of AFP was not simply due to non-specific addition of exogenous protein and the proliferation enhancement of AFP showed certain tumor cell specificity. On the other hand, the growth stimulation of AFP could be diminished by rabbit anti - human AFP antibody. The anti- AFP antibody alone suppressed the growth of BEL - 7404 human hepatoma cells, not affecting HL - 60 cell proliferation. BEL - 7404 cell proliferation was not inhibited by normal rabbit immunoglobulins to demonstrate the specificity of anti-AFP effect. Taken together, it is concluded that AFP enhances the proliferation of human hepatoma cells in vitro, and this effect is seemingly mediated by an AFP/receptor autocrine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- X W Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, People's Republic of China
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19
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Geuskens M, Torres JM, Esteban C, Uriel J. Endocytosis of three serum proteins of a multigene family and of arachidonic acid in human lectin-stimulated T lymphocytes. Microsc Res Tech 1994; 28:297-307. [PMID: 7522654 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.1070280406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), serum albumin (SA), and vitamin D binding protein (DBP) are members of a multigene family of proteins showing high structural homology. AFP and SA exhibit a reciprocal relation during development and carry mostly fatty acids, while DBP carries vitamin D and its metabolites in the plasma. Covalent conjugates of these proteins with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were used to follow by cytochemistry, at the electron microscope level, the protein uptake and intracellular pathways in peripheral blood human lymphocytes stimulated to blast formation by phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Transferrin (Tf), an iron-binding plasma protein, was used as a control. Combined with the results of competition and saturability experiments reported elsewhere, the ultrastructural observations are in favour of a specific endocytosis of the four proteins through cell surface receptors. Tf and AFP enter the cells via small vesicles and endosomes and move to multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and tubular vesicular elements located in the Golgi-centrosphere region to be finally recycled back into the medium. A noncovalent conjugate of AFP-HRP with 3H arachidonic acid [3H-(20:4)] is strongly internalized at 37 degrees C in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes; the autoradiographic labelling, localized in cellular membranes and mostly in lipid droplets, was only occasionally associated with organelles where the presence of AFP-HRP was cytochemically detected. SA, which competes with AFP for a common binding site on the surface of activated T cells, is endocytosed through small vesicles, endosomes, and MVBs before being released in a degraded form from the cells, in agreement with the localization of SA-HRP in lysosome-like organelles. DBP-HRP is poorly internalized through noncoated vesicles, endosomes, and MVBs and is finally routed to lysosomes. The physiological role of AFP and SA would be to mediate the transfer of fatty acids into cells, while that of DBP would be to facilitate the intracellular delivery of vitamin D.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Geuskens
- Institut de Recherches Scientifiques sur le Cancer, Villejuif, France
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20
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Halmos T, Moroni P, Antonakis K, Uriel J. Fatty acid conjugates of 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine as prodrugs for the selective delivery of 5-fluorouracil to tumor cells. Biochem Pharmacol 1992; 44:149-55. [PMID: 1385951 DOI: 10.1016/0006-2952(92)90048-n] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We have prepared a novel class of prodrugs by coupling 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5dFU) to oleic (18:1) and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acids, respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the drug and its conjugates (5dFU-18:1 and 5dFU-22:6) has been assayed in vitro upon HT-29, a colon carcinoma cell line of human origin. After short term (2-hr) treatments with the drugs, both fatty acid conjugates of 5dFU showed cytotoxic activity in a dose-dependent way, while 5dFU alone was devoid of toxic effects within the whole range of concentrations (10-200 microM) tested. Following long term (24- or 48-hr) incubations only a fraction of the HT-29 cell population was sensitive to 5dFU, the rest of the population being resistant even at the highest concentration tested (200 microM). In contrast, 5dFU-oleic acid and, particularly, 5dFU-docosahexaenoic acids appeared toxic for the whole population of HT-29 cells under the same experimental conditions. The considerable gain in cell toxicity and, to a lesser extent, in selectivity resulted from the conjugation since the toxic effect of the drug alone was not modified when equimolar mixtures of 5dFU and fatty acids were assayed. These results confirm a previous study on the cytotoxicity of fatty acid derivatives of chlorambucil toward malignant lymphoblastoid cells and reinforce the potential use of fatty acid conjugates as efficient anti-tumor prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Halmos
- Laboratoires de Chimie Organique et de Chimie des Protéines, Institut de Recherches Scientifiques sur le Cancer, Villejuif, France
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21
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Esteban C, Geuskens M, Ena J, Mishal Z, Macho A, Torres J, Uriel J. Receptor-mediated uptake and processing of vitamin D-binding protein in human B-lymphoid cells. J Biol Chem 1992. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(19)50216-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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