Anti-MUC1 aptamer: A potential opportunity for cancer treatment

Peptide-modified nanoparticles for doxorubicin delivery: Strategies to overcome chemoresistance and perspectives on carbohydrate polymers

Chemotherapy serves as the primary treatment for cancers, facing challenges due to the emergence of drug resistance. Combination therapy has been developed to combat cancer drug resistance, yet it still suffers from lack of specific targeting of cancer cells and poor accumulation at the tumor site. Consequently, targeted administration of chemotherapy medications has been employed in cancer treatment. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most frequently used chemotherapeutics, functioning by inhibiting topoisomerase activity. Enhancing the anti-cancer effects of DOX and overcoming drug resistance can be accomplished via delivery by nanoparticles. This review will focus on the development of peptide-DOX conjugates, the functionalization of nanoparticles with peptides, the co-delivery of DOX and peptides, as well as the theranostic use of peptide-modified nanoparticles in cancer treatment. The peptide-DOX conjugates have been designed to enhance the targeted delivery to cancer cells by interacting with receptors that are overexpressed on tumor surfaces. Moreover, nanoparticles can be modified with peptides to improve their uptake in tumor cells via endocytosis. Nanoparticles have the ability to co-deliver DOX along with therapeutic peptides for enhanced cancer treatment. Finally, nanoparticles modified with peptides can offer theranostic capabilities by facilitating both imaging and the delivery of DOX (chemotherapy).

Molecular Programming Design of Glyconucleic Acid Aptamer with High Stability

Functional nucleic acids (FNAs), possessing specific biological functions beyond their informational roles, have gained widespread attention in disease therapeutics. However, their clinical application is severely limited by their low serum stability in complex physiological environments. In this work, a precise molecular programming strategy is explored to prepare glyconucleic acid aptamers (GNAAs) with high serum stability. Four glyconucleic acid modules compatible with commercial solid-phase synthesis are designed and synthesized. Through precise molecular design, the accurate modification of four different carbohydrate ligands at specific sites of DNA aptamers is achieved. It is demonstrated that glycosylation modification can significantly increase DNA aptamers' serum stability while maintaining their structures and high affinity. The stabilization effect is superior to that of currently commonly used commercial chemical modifications. Moreover, it is confirmed that this approach displays insignificant effects on the DNA aptamers' tumor-targeting ability and metabolism in vivo. This method offers a simple, economical, and efficient strategy for precise glycosylation modification of nucleic acids. This allows to prepare glycosyl functional nucleic acids with high serum stability, which can expand the application scope of functional nucleic acids and promote the practical transformation of functional nucleic acids.

Aptamer-guided graphene oxide quantum dots for targeted suicide gene therapy in an organoid model of luminal breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. One of the best therapeutic methods against breast cancer is gene therapy, while having an appropriate gene carrier is the biggest challenge of gene therapy. Hence, developing carriers with low cytotoxicity and high gene transfection efficiency, and preferentially with the selective function of gene delivery is a critical demand for this method. In the present study, we introduce a novel targeted carrier to deliver the inducible caspase-9 suicide gene (pLVSIN-iC9) into breast cancer cells. The carrier is composed of graphene oxide quantum dots decorated with polyethyleneimine, and S2.2; an aptamer with high affinity to MUC1 (GOQD-PEI/S2.2). Due to the overexpression of MUC1 in breast cancer cells, the designed GOQD-PEI/S2.2/pLVSIN-iC9 can selectively target cancer cells. Moreover, to better mimic solid tumor conditions, and to evaluate the selective effect of the GOQD-PEI/S2.2/pLVSIN-iC9, an organoid model derived from human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and MCF-7 cells (coculture organoid) was generated and characterized. The results demonstrate that the coculture organoid model adapts the tissue structure of luminal breast cancer, as well. Therefore, the organoids were subjected to treatment with targeted gene therapy using GOQD-PEI/S2.2/pLVSIN-iC9. Our evidence supports the targeted killing effect of iC9 on the breast cancer cells of the organoids and suggests the good potential of the newly introduced carriers in targeted gene delivery.

Advances in MUC1 resistance to chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer

The incidence of pancreatic cancer (PC), a highly fatal malignancy, is increasing every year. Chemotherapy is an important treatment for it in addition to surgery, yet most patients become resistant to chemotherapeutic agents within a few weeks of treatment initiation.​ MUC1 is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein, and studies have shown that aberrantly glycosylated overexpression of MUC1 is involved in regulating the biology of chemoresistance in cancer cells. This article summarizes the mechanism of MUC1 in PC chemoresistance and reviews MUC1-based targeted therapies.

Design of a Membrane-Anchored DNAzyme-Based Molecular Machine for Enhanced Cancer Therapy by Customized Cascade Regulation

Synthetic DNAzyme-based structures enable dynamic cell regulation. However, engineering an effective and targeted DNAzyme-based structure to perform customizable multistep regulation remains largely unexplored. Herein, we designed a membrane-anchored DNAzyme-based molecular machine to implement dynamic inter- and intracellular cascade regulation, which realizes efficient T-cell/cancer cell interactions and subsequent receptor mediated cancer cell uptake. Using CD8+ T-cells and HeLa cancer cells as a proof of concept, we demonstrate that the designed DNAzyme-based molecular machine enables customized cascade regulation including (1) specific recognition between T-cells and cancer cells, (2) specific response and fluorescence sensing upon extracellular stimuli, and (3) cascade regulation including intercellular distance shortening, cell-cell communication, and intracellular delivery of anticancer drugs. Together, this work provides a promising pathway for customized cascade cell regulation based on a DNAzyme-based molecular machine, which enables enhanced cancer therapy by combining T-cell immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Mucin 1 expression is regulated by hsa_circ_0055054/microRNA‑122‑5p and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development

The abnormal expression of mucin 1 (MUC1) is a major cause of poor prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Competitive endogenous RNA demonstrates a novel regulatory mechanism that can affect the biological behavior of tumors. In the present study, the regulatory functions of hsa_circ_0055054 as well as those of microRNA (miR/miRNA) 122-5p on MUC1 expression and its role in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, were evaluated. MUC1 expression was assessed using western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The phenotypic functions of the HCC cell lines were evaluated following MUC1 knockdown using Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing and Transwell assays. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify specific miRNAs and circular (circ)RNAs that interact with and can regulate MUC1. The stability of circRNAs was assessed using a Ribonuclease R assay. The binding of circRNA/miRNA/MUC1 was assessed using dual-luciferase reporter assays and cellular function tests. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed using animal models. The results demonstrated that in MHCC97L cells, MUC1 and hsa_circ_0055054 were expressed at high levels while miR-122-5p was downregulated. The proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97L cells were suppressed by low MUC1 expression. hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown or miR-122-5p overexpression both led to a decrease in MUC1 expression. In MHCC97L cells with a low MUC1 expression caused by hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown, miR-122-5p inhibition resulted in the increased proliferation, migration and invasion of MHCC97L cells. In combination, the results of the present study indicate that hsa_circ_0055054 knockdown in MHCC97L cells leads to an increased expression of miR-122-5p and decreased expression of MUC1, which results in the inhibition of MHCC97L cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Development, Optimization, and in vitro Evaluation of Silybin-loaded PLGA Nanoparticles and Decoration with 5TR1 Aptamer for Targeted Delivery to Colorectal Cancer Cells

Chemotherapeutic agents often lack specificity, intratumoral accumulation, and face drug resistance. Targeted drug delivery systems based on nanoparticles (NPs) mitigate these issues. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a well-studied polymer, commonly modified with aptamers (Apts) for cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this study, silybin (SBN), a natural agent with established anticancer properties, was encapsulated into PLGA NPs to control delivery and improve its poor solubility. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) showed spherical and uniform morphology of optimum SBN-PLGA NPs with 138.57±1.30nm diameter, 0.202±0.004 polydispersity index (PDI), -16.93±0.45mV zeta potential (ZP), and 70.19±1.63% entrapment efficiency (EE). The results of attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) showed no chemical interaction between formulation components, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms confirmed efficient SBN entrapment in the carrier. Then, the optimum formulation was functionalized with 5TR1 Apt for active targeted delivery of SBN to colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex released SBN at a sustained and constant rate (zero-order kinetic), favoring passive delivery to acidic CRC environments. The MTT assay demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity of the SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex in C26 and HT29 cells and no significant cytotoxicity in normal cells. Apoptosis analysis supported these results, showing early apoptosis induction with SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex which indicated this agent could cause programmed death more than necrosis. This study presents the first targeted delivery of SBN to cancer cells using Apts. The SBN-PLGA-5TR1 nanocomplex effectively targeted and suppressed CRC cell proliferation, providing valuable insights into CRC treatment without harmful effects on healthy tissues.

Highly Sensitive Labeling, Clickable Functionalization, and Glycoengineering of the MUC1 Neighboring System

This study introduces a novel wash-type affinity-primed proximity labeling (WAPL) strategy for labeling and surface engineering of the MUC1 protein neighboring system. The strategy entails the utilization of peroxidase in conjunction with a MUC1-selective aptamer, facilitating targeted binding to MUC1 and inducing covalent labeling of the protein neighboring system. This study reveals a novel finding that the WAPL strategy demonstrates superior labeling efficiency in comparison to nonwash-type affinity-primed proximity labeling, marking the first instance of such observations. The WAPL strategy provides signal amplification by converting a single recognition event into multiple covalent labeling events, thereby improving the detection sensitivity for subtle changes in MUC1. The WAPL platform employs two levels of labeling upgrades, modifying the biotin handles of the conventional labeling substrate, biotin-phenol. The first level involves a range of clickable molecules, facilitating dibenzoazacyclooctynylation, alkynylation, and trans-cyclooctenylation of the protein neighboring system. The second level utilizes lactose as a post-translational modification model, enabling rapid and reliable glycoengineering of the MUC1 neighboring system while remaining compatible with cell-based assays. The implementation of the WAPL strategy in protein neighboring systems has resulted in the establishment of a versatile platform that can effectively facilitate diverse monitoring and regulation techniques. This platform offers valuable insights into the regulation of relevant signaling pathways and promotes the advancement of novel therapeutic approaches, thereby bringing substantial implications for human health.

Dual-targeting CD44 and mucin by hyaluronic acid and 5TR1 aptamer for epirubicin delivery into cancer cells: Synthesis, characterization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

One of the revolutionized cancer treatment is active targeting nanomedicines. This study aims to create a dual-targeted drug delivery system for Epirubicin (EPI) to cancer cells. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is the first targeting ligand, and 5TR1 aptamer (5TR1) is the second targeting ligand to guide the dual-targeted drug delivery system to the cancer cells. HA is bound to highly expressed receptors like CD44 on cancer cells. 5TR1, DNA aptamer, is capable of recognizing MUC1 glycoprotein, which is overexpressed in cancer cells. The process involved binding EPI and 5TR1 to HA using adipic acid dihydrazide (AA) as a linker. The bond between the components was confirmed using 1H NMR. The binding of 5TR1 to HA-AA-EPI was confirmed using gel electrophoresis. The particle size (132.6 ± 9 nm) and Zeta Potential (-29 ± 4.4 mV) were measured for the final nanoformulation (HA-AA-EPI-5TR1). The release of EPI from the HA-AA-EPI-5TR1 nanoformulation was also studied at different pH levels. In the acidic pH (5.4 and 6.5) release pattern of EPI from the HA-AA-EPI-5TR1 nanoformulation was higher than physiological pH (7.4). The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of the synthetic nanoformula were evaluated using MTT and flow cytometry analysis. Flow cytometry and cellular cytotoxicity studies were exhibited in a negative MUC1-cell line (CHO) and two positive MUC1+cell lines (MCF-7 and C26). Results confirmed that there is a notable contrast between the dual-targeted (HA-AA-EPI-5TR1) and single-targeted (HA-AA-EPI) nanoformulation in MCF-7 and C26 cell lines (MUC1+). In vivo studies showed that HA-AA-EPI-5TR1 nanoformulation has improved efficiency with limited side effect in C26 tumor-bearing mice. Also, Fluorescence imaging and pathological evaluation showed reduced side effects in the heart tissue of mice receiving HA-AA-EPI-5TR1 than free EPI. So, this targeted approach effectively delivers EPI to cancer cells with reduced side effects.

Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein in the Pathogenesis of Cancer

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) belongs to the albuminoid protein family and is considered as the fetal analog of serum albumin. This plasma protein is initially synthesized in the fetal liver and yolk sac and shows a maximum peak near the end of the first trimester. Later, concentrations begin to decline prenatally and drop precipitously after birth. This protein has three key ligand-binding pockets for interactions with various biomolecules. It contains multiple phosphorylation and acetylation sites for the regulation of physiological and pathophysiological states. High serum AFP titer is an established biomarker for yolk sac, embryonal and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review critically analyzes the chemical nature, receptors, clinical implications, and therapeutic aspects of AFP, underpinning the development of different types of cancer.

Understanding the mechanistic pathways and clinical aspects associated with protein and gene based biomarkers in breast cancer

Cancer is one of the most widespread and severe diseases with a huge mortality rate. In recent years, the second-leading mortality rate of any cancer globally has been breast cancer, which is one of the most common and deadly cancers found in women. Detecting breast cancer in its initial stages simplifies treatment, decreases death risk, and recovers survival rates for patients. The death rate for breast cancer has risen to 0.024 % in some regions. Sensitive and accurate technologies are required for the preclinical detection of BC at an initial stage. Biomarkers play a very crucial role in the early identification as well as diagnosis of women with breast cancer. Currently, a wide variety of cancer biomarkers have been discovered for the diagnosis of cancer. For the identification of these biomarkers from serum or other body fluids at physiological amounts, many detection methods have been developed. In the case of breast cancer, biomarkers are especially helpful in discovering those who are more likely to develop the disease, determining prognosis at the time of initial diagnosis and choosing the best systemic therapy. In this study we have compiled various clinical aspects and signaling pathways associated with protein-based biomarkers and gene-based biomarkers.

Enhancing T Cell and Antibody Response in Mucin-1 Transgenic Mice through Co-Delivery of Tumor-Associated Mucin-1 Antigen and TLR Agonists in C3-Liposomes

Mucin-1 (MUC1) is a highly relevant antigen for cancer vaccination due to its overexpression and hypo-glycosylation in a high percentage of carcinomas. To enhance the immune response to MUC1, our group has developed C3-liposomes that encapsulate the MUC1 antigen along with immunostimulatory compounds for direct delivery to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). C3-liposomes bind complement C3, which interacts with C3-receptors on APCs, resulting in liposomal uptake and the delivery of tumor antigens to APCs in a manner that mimics pathogenic uptake. In this study, MUC1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists were encapsulated in C3-liposomes to provoke an immune response in transgenic mice tolerant to MUC1. The immune response to the C3-bound MUC1 liposomal vaccine was assessed by ELISA, ELISpot, and flow cytometry. Co-administering TLR 7/8 agonists with MUC1 encapsulated in C3-liposomes resulted in a significant antibody response compared to non-encapsulated MUC1. This antibody response was significantly higher in females than in males. The co-encapsulation of three TLR agonists with MUC1 in C3-liposomes significantly increased antibody responses and eliminated sex-based differences. Furthermore, this immunization strategy resulted in a significantly increased T cell-response compared to other treatment groups. In conclusion, the co-delivery of MUC1 and TLR agonists via C3-liposomes greatly enhances the immune response to MUC1, highlighting its potential for antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy.

Amplified Targeted Drug Delivery Independent of Target Number through Alternative Administration of Two Matched Nanoparticles

Targeting nanoparticles (NPs) based on the specific binding of ligands with molecular targets provides a promising tool for tissue-selective drug delivery. However, the number of molecular targets on the cell surface is limited, hindering the number of NPs that can bind and, thus, limiting the therapeutic outcome. Although several strategies have been developed to enhance drug delivery, such as enhancing drug loading and circulation time or increasing the enhanced permeability and retention effect of nanocarriers, none have resolved this issue. Herein, we designed a simple method for amplified and targeted drug delivery using two matched NPs. One NP was aptamer-functionalized to specifically bind to target cells, while the other was aptamer-complementary DNA-functionalized to specifically bind to aptamer-NPs. Alternate administration of the two matched NPs enables their continuous accumulation in the disease site despite their limited molecular targets. As a proof of concept, the method was tested in a breast cancer model and significantly enhanced chemotherapy of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. The potential applications of this method in a brain injury model were also demonstrated. Overall, the study describes a method for amplified targeted drug delivery independent of the target number.

Material and Design Toolkit for Drug Delivery: State of the Art, Trends, and Challenges

The nanomaterial and related toolkit have promising applications for improving human health and well-being. Nanobased drug delivery systems use nanoscale materials as carriers to deliver therapeutic agents in a targeted and controlled manner, and they have shown potential to address issues associated with conventional drug delivery systems. They offer benefits for treating various illnesses by encapsulating or conjugating biological agents, chemotherapeutic drugs, and immunotherapeutic agents. The potential applications of this technology are vast; however, significant challenges exist to overcome such as safety issues, toxicity, efficacy, and insufficient capacity. This article discusses the latest developments in drug delivery systems, including drug release mechanisms, material toolkits, related design molecules, and parameters. The concluding section examines the limitations and provides insights into future possibilities.

Aptamer-based targeted delivery systems for cancer treatment using DNA origami and DNA nanostructures

Due to the limitations of conventional cancer treatment methods, nanomedicine has appeared as a promising alternative, allowing improved drug targeting and decreased drug toxicity. In the development of cancer nanomedicines, among various nanoparticles (NPs), DNA nanostructures are more attractive because of their precisely controllable size, shape, excellent biocompatibility, programmability, biodegradability, and facile functionalization. Aptamers are introduced as single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules with recognize their corresponding targets. So, incorporating aptamers into DNA nanostructures led to influential vehicles for bioimaging and biosensing as well as targeted cancer therapy. In this review, the recent developments in the application of aptamer-based DNA origami and DNA nanostructures in advanced cancer treatment have been highlighted. Some of the main methods of cancer treatment are classified as chemo-, gene-, photodynamic- and combined therapy. Finally, the opportunities and problems for targeted DNA aptamer-based nanocarriers for medicinal applications have also been discussed.

Mucin Glycans: A Target for Cancer Therapy

Mucin glycans are an important component of the mucus barrier and a vital defence against physical and chemical damage as well as pathogens. There are 20 mucins in the human body, which can be classified into secreted mucins and transmembrane mucins according to their distributions. The major difference between them is that secreted mucins do not have transmembrane structural domains, and the expression of each mucin is organ and cell-specific. Under physiological conditions, mucin glycans are involved in the composition of the mucus barrier and thus protect the body from infection and injury. However, abnormal expression of mucin glycans can lead to the occurrence of diseases, especially cancer, through various mechanisms. Therefore, targeting mucin glycans for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has always been a promising research direction. Here, we first summarize the main types of glycosylation (O-GalNAc glycosylation and N-glycosylation) on mucins and the mechanisms by which abnormal mucin glycans occur. Next, how abnormal mucin glycans contribute to cancer development is described. Finally, we summarize MUC1-based antibodies, vaccines, radio-pharmaceuticals, and CAR-T therapies using the best characterized MUC1 as an example. In this section, we specifically elaborate on the recent new cancer therapy CAR-M, which may bring new hope to cancer patients.

Functionalized chitosan for cancer nano drug delivery

Chitosan is a biotechnological derivative of chitin receiving a widespread pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. It can be used to encapsulate and deliver cancer therapeutics with inherent pH-dependent solubility to confer drug targeting at tumour microenvironment and anti-cancer activity synergizing cancer cytotoxic drug actions. To further reduce the off-target and by-stander adverse effects of drugs, a high targeted drug delivery efficiency at the lowest possible drug doses is clinically required. The chitosan has been functionalized with covalent conjugates or complexes and processed into nanoparticles to encapsulate and control drug release, to avoid premature drug clearance, to deliver drugs passively and actively to cancer site at tissue, cell or subcellular levels, and to promote cancer cell uptake of nanoparticles through membrane permeabilization at higher specificity and scale. Nanomedicine developed using functionalized chitosan translates to significant preclinical improvements. Future challenges related to nanotoxicity, manufacturability, selection precision of conjugates and complexes as a function of cancer omics and their biological responses from administration site to cancer target need critical assessments.

Nanomedicine in cancer therapy

Cancer remains a highly lethal disease in the world. Currently, either conventional cancer therapies or modern immunotherapies are non-tumor-targeted therapeutic approaches that cannot accurately distinguish malignant cells from healthy ones, giving rise to multiple undesired side effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology, accompanied by our growing understanding of cancer biology and nano-bio interactions, have led to the development of a series of nanocarriers, which aim to improve the therapeutic efficacy while reducing off-target toxicity of the encapsulated anticancer agents through tumor tissue-, cell-, or organelle-specific targeting. However, the vast majority of nanocarriers do not possess hierarchical targeting capability, and their therapeutic indices are often compromised by either poor tumor accumulation, inefficient cellular internalization, or inaccurate subcellular localization. This Review outlines current and prospective strategies in the design of tumor tissue-, cell-, and organelle-targeted cancer nanomedicines, and highlights the latest progress in hierarchical targeting technologies that can dynamically integrate these three different stages of static tumor targeting to maximize therapeutic outcomes. Finally, we briefly discuss the current challenges and future opportunities for the clinical translation of cancer nanomedicines.

piRNA-1742 promotes renal cell carcinoma malignancy by regulating USP8 stability through binding to hnRNPU and thereby inhibiting MUC12 ubiquitination

Accumulating studies have confirmed that PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are considered epigenetic effectors in cancer. We performed piRNA microarray expression analysis on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tumor tissues and paired normal tissues and performed a series of in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore piRNAs associated with RCC progression and investigate their functional mechanisms. We found that piR-1742 was highly expressed in RCC tumors and that patients with high piR-1742 expression had a poor prognosis. Inhibition of piR-1742 significantly reduced tumor growth in RCC xenograft and organoid models. Mechanistically, piRNA-1742 regulates the stability of USP8 mRNA by binding directly to hnRNPU, which acts as a deubiquitinating enzyme that inhibits the ubiquitination of MUC12 and promotes the development of malignant RCC. Subsequently, nanotherapeutic systems loaded with piRNA-1742 inhibitors were found to effectively inhibit the metastasis and growth of RCC in vivo. Therefore, this study highlights the functional importance of piRNA-related ubiquitination in RCC and demonstrates the development of a related nanotherapeutic system, possibly contributing to the development of therapeutic approaches for RCC.

A magnetic DNAzyme walker for both in-situ imaging and sensitive detection of MUC1 on living cells

Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein commonly expressed in epithelial cells with stable levels and polarized distribution. Their expression levels and spatial distribution abnormally altered during oncogenesis and play tumor-promoting roles synergistically. We herein propose a magnetic DNAzyme walker (MDW) for both in-situ imaging and sensitive detection of MUC1. This MDW was constructed by modifying specially designed track strands (TSs) and walking strands (WSs) on a streptavidin magnetic bead (SA-MB). The TSs contained cleavage sites for DNAzymes and were labeled with Cy3 at free ends. The WSs contained DNAzyme sequences and were firstly blocked by hybridizing with Cy5-labeled aptamers of MUC1. The DNAzymes were unlocked upon aptamers binding to MUC1 on cells. MDWs were then transferred to a buffer suitable for DNAzyme action, where the unlocked DNAzymes cleaved multiple TSs, releasing amplified Cy3-fragments, which were separated from the uncleaved ones by magnetic separation. In-situ imaging of MUC1 were achieved by the fluorescence of Cy5 on aptamers bound to MUC1. Sensitive detection of MUC1 were achieved by the amplified fluorescence of released Cy3. In-situ imaging and walker operation for detection were triggered by the same targets at the same time, ensuring the signals are real-time correlative. Moreover, MDWs' operation was separated from cells, reducing interference between imaging and detection. The proposed MDW offers a potential approach for comprehensive analysis of MUC1 in early diagnosis and progression assessment of tumor.

DNA-Based Nanomaterials as Drug Delivery Platforms for Increasing the Effect of Drugs in Tumors

DNA nanotechnology has significantly advanced and might be used in biomedical applications, drug delivery, and cancer treatment during the past few decades. DNA nanomaterials are widely used in biomedical research involving biosensing, bioimaging, and drug delivery since they are remarkably addressable and biocompatible. Gradually, modified nucleic acids have begun to be employed to construct multifunctional DNA nanostructures with a variety of architectural designs. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids (both DNAs and RNAs) capable of self-pairing to acquire secondary structure and of specifically binding with the target. Diagnosis and tumor therapy are prospective fields in which aptamers can be applied. Many DNA nanomaterials with three-dimensional structures have been studied as drug delivery systems for different anticancer medications or gene therapy agents. Different chemical alterations can be employed to construct a wide range of modified DNA nanostructures. Chemically altered DNA-based nanomaterials are useful for drug delivery because of their improved stability and inclusion of functional groups. In this work, the most common oligonucleotide nanomaterials were reviewed as modern drug delivery systems in tumor cells.

Detection of rare CTCs by electrochemical biosensor built on quaternary PdPtCuRu nanospheres with mesoporous architectures

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are promising liquid biopsy biomarkers for early cancer detection and anti-cancer therapy evaluation. The ultra-low abundance of CTCs in blood samples requires highly sensitive and accurate detection ways. In this study, we propose the design of a dual-recognition electrochemical biosensor to improve both the specificity and signal response. PdPtCuRu mesoporous nanospheres (PdPtCuRu MNSs) with excellent three dimensions (3D) nanopore structures were synthesized by one-pot method and connected to mucin 1 (MUC1) aptamer to serve as signal amplification probe. Besides, superconductive carbon black, Ketjen Black (KB), and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified organometallic frame (CeMOF-Au) were combined to work as signal transducer. The characteristic branching structure of KB provides abundant contact points to load CeMOF-Au to heighten the interface electron transfer rate. In addition, AuNPs were reduced on the surface of CeMOF, which could effectively bind the capture antibody and further enhance the conductivity. Under the optimized condition, the limit of detection (LOD) of the as-constructed biosensor was less than 10 cells mL^-1 for model A549 cells, and showed good specificity and accuracy in spiked serum samples. We envision the as-proposed electrochemical biosensor would alternate as a useful tool for the clinical detection of CTCs for cancer diagnosis.

Preparation of targeted theranostic red blood cell membranes-based nanobubbles for treatment of colon adenocarcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Designing and fabrication of theranostic systems based on nanoscale gaseous vesicular systems, named nanobubbles (NBs), attracted enormous interest in recent years. Biomimetic vesicular platform (V-RBC-M) can improve the pharmacokinetics of the prepared platform due to augmented circulation half-life, desirable biodegradability and biocompatibility and reduced immunogenicity.

METHODS

V-RBC-M were used for the encapsulation of lipophilic camptothecin (CPT) in the bilayer of vesicles through top-down method, followed by filling the core of V-RBC-M with inert SF6 gas to fabricate NBs with ultrasonic contrast enhancement capability (SF6-NB-CPT). In the next step, targeted NBs were formed via decoration of MUC1 aptamer on the surface of NBs (Apt-SF6-NB-CPT).

RESULTS

The designed bio-NBs indicated high encapsulation efficiency and the sustained release of CPT at pH 7.4. In vitro study demonstrated higher cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of Apt-SF6-NB-CPT compared to SF6-NB-CPT in MUC1-overexpressing cells (C26). In vivo antitumor efficacy of the prepared NBs on C26 bearing BALB/c mice showed greater therapeutic efficacy and survival rate for Apt-SF6-NB-CPT. In this regard, SF6-NB-CPT showed 58% tumor growth suppression while Apt-SF6-NB-CPT system provided 95% tumor growth suppression. Furthermore, echogenic capability of SF6-NB-CPT was demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo ultrasonic imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding demonstrated that the prepared targeted NBs are a promising theranostic platform with effective therapeutic and diagnotic potentials.

Carbon dot incorporated mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy and fluorescence imaging†

A new and efficient theranostic nanoplatform was developed via a green approach for targeted cancer therapy and fluorescence imaging, without the use of any anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs. Toward this aim, monodisperse and spherical mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) of approximately 50 nm diameter were first synthesized using the sol–gel method and loaded with hydrothermally synthesized anticancer carbon dots (CDs). The resulting MSNs-CDs were then functionalized with chitosan and targeted by an anti-MUC1 aptamer, using the glutaraldehyde cross-linker, and fully characterized by TEM, FE-SEM, EDS, FTIR, TGA, XRD, and BET analysis. Potent and selective anticancer activity was obtained against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells with the maximum cell mortalities of 66.2 ± 1.97 and 71.8 ± 3%, respectively, after 48 h exposure with 100 μg mL⁻¹ of the functionalized MSNs-CDs. The maximum mortality of 40.66 ± 1.3% of normal HUVEC cells was obtained under the same conditions. Based on the results of flowcytometry analysis, the apoptotic mediated cell death was recognized as the main anticancer mechanism of the MSNs-CDs. The fluorescence imaging of MCF-7 cancer cells was also studied after exposure with MSNs-CDs. The overall results indicated the high potential of the developed nanoplatform for targeted cancer theranostics.

Efficient cancer therapy and fluorescence imaging was obtained by aptamer targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles incorporating carbon dots.

Combination Cancer Treatment: Using Engineered DNAzyme Molecular Machines for Dynamic Inter- and Intracellular Regulation

Despite the promise of combination cancer therapy, it remains challenging to develop targeted strategies that are nontoxic to normal cells. Here we report a combination therapeutic strategy based on engineered DNAzyme molecular machines that can promote cancer apoptosis via dynamic inter- and intracellular regulation. To achieve external regulation of T-cell/cancer cell interactions, we designed a DNAzyme-based molecular machine with an aptamer and an i-motif, as the MUC-1-selective aptamer allows the specific recognition of cancer cells. The i-motif is folded under the tumor acidic microenvironment, shortening the intercellular distance. As a result, T-cells are released by metal ion activated DNAzyme cleavage. To achieve internal regulation of mitochondria, we delivered another DNAzyme-based molecular machine with mitochondria-targeted peptides into cancer cells to induce mitochondria aggregation. Our strategy achieved an enhanced killing effect in zinc deficient cancer cells.

Aptamer-Based Probes for Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment

Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligomers that have the ability to generate unique and diverse tertiary structures that bind to cognate molecules with high specificity. In recent years, aptamer researches have witnessed a huge surge, owing to its unique properties, such as high specificity and binding affinity, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and simplicity of synthesis with negligible batch-to-batch variation. Aptamers may bind to targets, such as various cancer biomarkers, making them applicable for a wide range of cancer diagnosis and treatment. In cancer diagnostic applications, aptamers are used as molecular probes instead of antibodies. They have the potential to detect various cancer-associated biomarkers. For cancer therapeutic purposes, aptamers can serve as therapeutic or delivery agents. The chemical stabilization and modification strategies for aptamers may expand their serum half-life and shelf life. However, aptamer-based probes for cancer diagnosis and therapy still face several challenges for successful clinical translation. A deeper understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetics is required in the development of aptamer-based probes. This review summarizes their application in cancer diagnostics and treatments based on different localization of target biomarkers, as well as current challenges and future prospects.

Facile, rapid and efficient isolation of circulating tumor cells using aptamer-targeted magnetic nanoparticles integrated with a microfluidic device

Facile and sensitive detection and isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) was achieved using the aptamer-targeted magnetic nanoparticles (Apt-MNPs) in conjugation with a microfluidic device. Apt-MNPs were developed by the covalent attachment of anti-MUC1 aptamer to the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles via the glutaraldehyde linkers. Apt-MNPs displayed high stability and functionality after 6 months of storage at 4 °C. The specific microfluidic device consisting of mixing, sorting and separation modules was fabricated through conventional photo- and soft-lithography by using polydimethylsiloxane. The capture efficiency of Apt-MNPs was first studied in vitro on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines in the bulk and microfluidic platforms. The cell capture yields of more than 91% were obtained at the optimum condition after 60 minutes of exposure to 50 μg mL-1 Apt-MNPs with 10 to 106 cancer cells in different media. CTCs were also isolated efficiently from the blood samples of breast cancer patients and successfully propagated in vitro. The isolated CTCs were further characterized using immunofluorescence staining. The overall results indicated the high potential of the present method for the detection and capture of CTCs.

Tumor buster - where will the CAR-T cell therapy 'missile' go?

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (CAR-T cell) therapy based on gene editing technology represents a significant breakthrough in personalized immunotherapy for human cancer. This strategy uses genetic modification to enable T cells to target tumor-specific antigens, attack specific cancer cells, and bypass tumor cell apoptosis avoidance mechanisms to some extent. This method has been extensively used to treat hematologic diseases, but the therapeutic effect in solid tumors is not ideal. Tumor antigen escape, treatment-related toxicity, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) limit their use of it. Target selection is the most critical aspect in determining the prognosis of patients receiving this treatment. This review provides a comprehensive summary of all therapeutic targets used in the clinic or shown promising potential. We summarize CAR-T cell therapies' clinical trials, applications, research frontiers, and limitations in treating different cancers. We also explore coping strategies when encountering sub-optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAA) or TAA loss. Moreover, the importance of CAR-T cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy is emphasized.

Smart and Multi-Functional Magnetic Nanoparticles for Cancer Treatment Applications: Clinical Challenges and Future Prospects

Iron oxide nanoparticle (IONPs) have become a subject of interest in various biomedical fields due to their magnetism and biocompatibility. They can be utilized as heat mediators in magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) or as contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound (US). In addition, their high drug-loading capacity enabled them to be therapeutic agent transporters for malignancy treatment. Hence, smartening them allows for an intelligent controlled drug release (CDR) and targeted drug delivery (TDD). Smart magnetic nanoparticles (SMNPs) can overcome the impediments faced by classical chemo-treatment strategies, since they can be navigated and release drug via external or internal stimuli. Recently, they have been synchronized with other modalities, e.g., MRI, MHT, US, and for dual/multimodal theranostic applications in a single platform. Herein, we provide an overview of the attributes of MNPs for cancer theranostic application, fabrication procedures, surface coatings, targeting approaches, and recent advancement of SMNPs. Even though MNPs feature numerous privileges over chemotherapy agents, obstacles remain in clinical usage. This review in particular covers the clinical predicaments faced by SMNPs and future research scopes in the field of SMNPs for cancer theranostics.

DNA micelle-templated copper nanoclusters for fluorescent imaging of MUC1-positive cancer cells

DNA micelles formed by hydrophobic, self-assembly of amphiphilic DNA monomers have enormous potential in biological imaging owing to its unique and programmable, three-dimensional nanostructure. Herein, we rationally design double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides with two cholesterols that can spontaneously form the lipid-mediated DNA micelles and generate the high fluorescence signal after the formation of DNA-templated copper nanoclusters (CuNCs). Furthermore, the DNA aptamer specific to MUC1 protein, aberrantly overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells, is attached to lipid-mediated DNA micelles to confer the selectivity towards the target cancer cells. With the well-defined DNA nanostructures, the cell membrane of MUC1-positive cancer cells are stained by CuNCs exhibiting an intense, red fluorescence signal, which are clearly distinguished from MUC1-negative cancer cells. This approach may not only expand the application scope of both DNA micells and CuNCs, especially in the area of cellular imaging, but also provides a basis for developing other types of DNA nanostructures to detect target biomarkers.

Bidirectional effects of intestinal microbiota and antibiotics: a new strategy for colorectal cancer treatment and prevention

PURPOSE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, and its incidence and mortality rates are increasing every year. The intestinal microbiota has been called the "neglected organ" and there is growing evidence that the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites can be used in combination with immunotherapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to greatly enhance the treatment of colorectal cancer and to address some of the side effects and adverse effects of these therapies. Antibiotics have great potential to eliminate harmful microbiota, control infection, and reduce colorectal cancer side effects. However, the use of antibiotics has been a highly controversial issue, and numerous retrospective studies have shown that the use of antibiotics affects the effectiveness of treatment (especially immunotherapy). Understanding the bi-directional role of the gut microbiota and antibiotics will further enhance our research into the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

METHODS

We searched the "PubMed" database and selected the following keywords "intestinal microbiota, antibiotics, treatment, prevention, colorectal cancer". In this review, we discuss the role of the intestinal microbiota in immunotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, diagnosis, and prevention of CRC. We also conclude that the intestinal microbiota and antibiotics work together to promote the treatment of CRC through a bidirectional effect.

RESULTS

We found that the intestinal microbiota plays a key role in promoting immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnosis and prevention of CRC. In addition, gut microbiota and antibiotic interactions could be a new strategy for CRC treatment.

CONCLUSION

The bi-directional role of the intestinal microbiota and antibiotics plays a key role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer.

Glycosylated modification of MUC1 maybe a new target to promote drug sensitivity and efficacy for breast cancer chemotherapy

Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, usually exhibits intrinsic insensitivity to drugs, even without drug resistance. MUC1 is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein, overexpressed in breast cancer, contributing to tumorigenesis and worse prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism between MUC1 and drug sensitivity still remains unclear. Here, natural flavonoid apigenin was used as objective due to the antitumor activity and wide availability. MUC1 knockout (KO) markedly sensitized breast cancer cells to apigenin cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Both genetical and pharmacological inhibition significantly enhanced the chemosensitivity to apigenin and clinical drugs whereas MUC1 overexpression conversely aggravated such drug resistance. Constitutively re-expressing wild type MUC1 in KO cells restored the drug resistance; however, the transmembrane domain deletant could not rescue the phenotype. Notably, further investigation discovered that membrane-dependent drug resistance relied on the extracellular glycosylated modification since removing O-glycosylation via inhibitor, enzyme digestion, or GCNT3 (MUC1 related O-glycosyltransferase) knockout markedly reinvigorated the chemosensitivity in WT cells, but had no effect on KO cells. Conversely, inserting O-glycosylated sites to MUC1-N increased the drug tolerance whereas the O-glycosylated deletant (Ser/Thr to Ala) maintained high susceptibility to drugs. Importantly, the intracellular concentration of apigenin measured by UPLC and fluorescence distribution firmly revealed the increased drug permeation in MUC1 KO and BAG-pretreated cells. Multiple clinical chemotherapeutics with small molecular were tested and obtained the similar conclusion. Our findings uncover a critical role of the extracellular O-glycosylation of MUC1-N in weakening drug sensitivity through acting as a barrier, highlighting a new perspective that targeting MUC1 O-glycosylation has great potential to promote drug sensitivity and efficacy.

Sensitive CTC analysis and dual-mode MRI/FL diagnosis based on a magnetic core-shell aptasensor

Synergizing the sensitive circulating tumor cell (CTC) capture, detection, release and the specific magnetic resonance/fluorescence (MR/FL) imaging for accurate cancer diagnosis is of great importance for cancer treatment. Herein, EcoR1-responsive complementary pairing of two ssDNA with a fluorescent P₀ aptamer, which can specifically bind with the overexpressed MUC1 protein on cancer cells, was covalently modified to SiO₂@C-coated magnetic nanoparticles for preparing a special nanoparticle-mediated FL turn-on aptasensor (FSC-D-P₀). This aptasensor can selectively capture/enrich CTC and thus achieve sensitive CTC detection/imaging in even the blood due to its stable targeting, unique magnetic properties and the regulated interactions between the quencher and the fluorescent groups. Meanwhile, FSC-D-P₀ can release the captured CTC for further downstream analysis upon the EcoR1 enzyme-triggered cleavage of the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). Most importantly, this aptasensor can distinctly avoid false positivity of MRI via multiple targeting mechanisms. Thus, the sensitive CTC capture, detection, release and accurate MR/FL imaging were synergistically combined into a single platform with good biocompatibility, promising a robust pattern for clinical tumor diagnosis in vitro and in vivo.

PNA-Modified Liposomes Improve the Delivery Efficacy of CAPIRI for the Synergistic Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

Tumor-associated antigen mucin 1 (MUC1) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and is positively correlated with advanced stage at diagnosis and poor patient outcomes. The combination of irinotecan and capecitabine is standard chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer and is known as XELIRI or CAPIRI, which significantly prolongs the progression-free survival and overall survival of colorectal cancer patients compared to a single drug alone. We previously reported that peanut agglutinin (PNA)-conjugated liposomes showed enhanced drug delivery efficiency to MUC1-positive liver cancer cells. In this study, we prepared irinotecan hydrochloride (IRI) and capecitabine (CAP)-coloaded liposomes modified by peanut agglutinin (IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips) to target MUC1-positive colorectal cancer. The results showed that IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips showed an enhanced ability to target MUC1-positive colorectal cancer cells compared to unmodified liposomes. Treatment with IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips also increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. The targeting specificity for tumor cells and the antitumor effects of PNA-modified liposomes were significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice with no severe cytotoxicity to normal tissues. These results suggest that PNA-modified liposomes could provide a new delivery strategy for the synergistic treatment of colorectal cancer with clinical chemotherapeutic agents.

Targeting lung cancer cells with MUC1 aptamer-functionalized PLA-PEG nanocarriers

MUC1 aptamer-functionalized PLA-PEG nanocarriers at various w/w ratios (polymer to doxorubicin weight ratio) were prepared by a double emulsion method. Physiochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading content (LC) and in vitro release kinetics of DOX were assessed. Furthermore, cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of prepared PLA-PEG-Apt/DOX NPs at w/w ratio 10:1 were evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry against MUC1-overexpressing A-549 cell line. Targeted nanocarriers (PLA-PEG-Apt/DOX NPs at w/w ratio 10:1) induced higher apoptosis rate (36.3 ± 3.44%) for 24 h in MUC1 positive A-549 cancer cells in compare to non-targeted form (PLA-PEG/DOX NPs at w/w ratio 10:1, 11.37 ± 1.65%) and free DOX (4.35 ± 0.81%). In other word, the percentage of cell death in A-549 lung cancer cells treated with PLA-PEG-Apt/DOX NPs at w/w ratio 10:1 is 3.19 and 8.34 fold higher than in non-targeted form and Free DOX treated cancer cells, respectively. Therefore, PLA-PEG-Apt/DOX NPs might be considered a promising drug delivery system for targeted drug delivery towards MUC1-overexpressing tumors cells.

Anti-cancer effects of pyrazole-platinum(II) complexes combined with anti-MUC1 monoclonal antibody versus monotherapy in DLD-1 and HT-29 colon cancer cells

The membrane-bound MUC1 mucin is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in many epithelium origin cancers. One of the promising strategies in cancer therapy is combining monoclonal antibodies against cancer related antigens, like MUC1, with chemotherapeutics. In the study we evaluated the potency of cisplatin (cisPt), two pyrazole-platinum(II) complexes PtPz4, PtPz6, and anti-MUC1 mAb applied as monotherapy, as well as the chemotherapeutics administrated with antibody, towards apoptotic response and cancer-related carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) in DLD-1 and HT-29 colon cancer cells. To assess the impact of the tested compounds on the examined factors flow cytometry, RT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were utilized. The combined therapy was more potent than monotherapy towards Bcl-2, Bid, caspases and TACAs of both cell lines. Combined therapy applied in DLD-1 cells induced apoptosis, was more effective than monotherapy in relation to p53, Bcl-xL, Bax, and Bim. In HT-29 cells, anti-MUC1 administrated with the drugs was more potent than monotherapy towards Bad. The proposed anti-MUC1/cisPt and pyrazole-platinum(II) complexes PtPz4, PtPz6 combined therapy may be promising anti-colon cancer therapy.

Smart delivery of epirubicin to cancer cells using aptamer-modified ferritin nanoparticles

Epirubicin is a chemotherapy agent which is commonly used in treatment of cancers. However, despite being efficient, the tendency to use this drug is declining mostly due to its myocardiopathy and drug-resistance of tumor cells. Such side effects could be prevented using targeted nanocarriers. This study aims to evaluate targeted delivery of epirubicin (Epi) to colon cancer cells using ferritin nanoparticles (Ft NPs) and MUC1 aptamer (Apt) and formation of Apt-Epi Ft NPs. In the current study, Apt-Epi Ft NPs were prepared. Then, physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, including size and zeta potential, morphology, drug loading, drug release from nanoparticles, drug uptake of cancer cells, cytotoxicity and in vivo results were collected. The results showed that the nanoparticles were synthesized with a mean size of 37.9 nm and encapsulation efficiency of 67%. The drug release from these nanoparticles was about 90% within 4 h in acidic medium. Also, targeted delivery of Epi enhanced its anticancer effects in both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, targeted delivery of Epi using aptamer-modified ferritin nanoparticles improved in vitro and in vivo results which indicates that it could be useful as a successful drug delivery system against cancer cells.

YBX1 Enhances Metastasis and Stemness by Transcriptionally Regulating MUC1 in Lung Adenocarcinoma

Abnormal expression of the transcription factor Y-box-binding protein-1 (YBX1) is associated with the proliferation, migration, aggressiveness, and stem-like properties of various cancers. These characteristics contribute to the tumorigenesis and metastasis of cancer. We found that the expression levels of Mucin-1 (MUC1) and YBX1 were positively correlated in lung adenocarcinoma cells and lung adenocarcinoma tissue. Our retrospective cohort study of 176 lung adenocarcinoma patients after surgery showed that low expression of both YBX1 and MUC1 was an independent predictor of the prognosis and recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. In lung adenocarcinoma cells, the silencing/overexpression of YBX1 caused a simultaneous change in MUC1, and MUC1 overexpression partially reversed the decreased tumor cell migration, aggressiveness, and stemness caused by YBX1 silencing. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays proved that MUC1 was the downstream target of YBX1 and that YBX1 bound to the -1480~-1476 position in the promoter region of MUC1 to regulate its transcription. Furthermore, in mouse xenograft models and a lung cancer metastasis model, MUC1, which is downstream of YBX1, partially reversed the decreased number and size of tumors caused by YBX1 silencing. In conclusion, our findings indicated a novel mechanism by which YBX1 promotes the stemness and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma by targeting MUC1 and provided a combination approach for diagnosis different from traditional single tumor biomarkers to predict patient prognosis and provide clinical treatment targets.

Aptasensors for Cancerous Exosome Detection

Cancerous exosomes that carry multiple biomarkers are attractive targets for the early diagnosis and therapy of cancer. As one of the powerful molecular recognition tools, aptamers with excellent binding affinity and specificity toward biomarkers have been exploited to construct various aptamer-based biosensors (aptasensors) for exosome detection. Here, we review recent advances in aptasensors for the detection of cancerous exosomes. We first discuss the importance and potential of cancerous exosomes in cancer diagnosis and then summarize some conventional aptasensors from the perspective of biomarker recognition and signal collection strategies. Finally, we comment on the outlook for aptasensor research and new directions for cancerous exosome detection.

Recent progress in synthetic self-adjuvanting vaccine development

Vaccination is a proven way to protect individuals against many infectious diseases, as currently highlighted in the global COVID-19 pandemic. Peptides- or small molecule antigen-based vaccination offer advantages over the...

Aptamer grafted nanoparticle as targeted therapeutic tool for the treatment of breast cancer

Breast carcinomas repeat their number and grow exponentially making it extremely frequent malignancy among women. Approximately, 70-80% of early diagnosed or non-metastatic conditions are treatable while the metastatic cases are considered ineffective to treat with current ample amount of therapy. Target based anti-cancer treatment has been in the limelight for decades and is perceived significant consideration of scientists. Aptamers are the 'coming of age' therapeutic approach, selected using an appropriate tool from the library of sequences. Aptamers are non-immunogenic, stable, and high-affinity ligand which are poised to reach the clinical benchmark. With the heed in nanoparticle application, the delivery of aptamer to the specific site could be enhanced which also protects them from nuclease degradation. Moreover, nanoparticles due to robust structure, high drug entrapment, and modifiable release of cargo could serve as a successful candidate in the treatment of breast carcinoma. This review would showcase the method and modified method of selection of aptamers, aptamers that were able to make its way towards clinical trial and their targetability and selectivity towards breast cancers. The appropriate usage of aptamer-based biosensor in breast cancer diagnosis have also been discussed.

MUC1 detection and in situ imaging method based on aptamer conformational switch and hybridization chain reaction

Mucin 1 (MUC1) overexpression in tumor cells is related to various cancers, including breast, stomach, and lung cancer. MUC1 detection and imaging are important for cancer localization in tissue sections to support histopathological diagnosis. In this study, we developed a simple, enzyme-free MUC1 detection and in situ imaging method. Three hairpin probes, Apt-trigger, HP1-FAM, and HP2, were designed for MUC1 recognition and hybridization chain reaction (HCR). The Apt-trigger probe was composed of two sequences: the MUC1 aptamer and HCR trigger sequence. The 5' end of the HP1-FAM probe was modified with a FAM signal molecule. In the presence of MUC1, the aptamer sequence is activated and bound to MUC1, which opens the hairpin structure. Then, the trigger sequence gets exposed and, complementary to HP1-FAM, triggers a continuous HCR process. This method was successfully used to detect MUC1 of 200 pM-25 nM and MUC1 in situ imaging in specific cells, such as human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human colon cancer (HT-29) cells.

Cell Therapy for Colorectal Cancer: The Promise of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a global public health problem as it is the third most prevalent and the second most lethal cancer worldwide. Major efforts are underway to understand its molecular pathways as well as to define the tumour-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumour-specific antigens (TSAs) or neoantigens, in order to develop an effective treatment. Cell therapies are currently gaining importance, and more specifically chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, in which genetically modified T cells are redirected against the tumour antigen of interest. This immunotherapy has emerged as one of the most promising advances in cancer treatment, having successfully demonstrated its efficacy in haematological malignancies. However, in solid tumours, such as colon cancer, it is proving difficult to achieve the same results due to the shortage of TSAs, on-target off-tumour effects, low CAR-T cell infiltration and the immunosuppressive microenvironment. To address these challenges in CRC, new approaches are proposed, including combined therapies, the regional administration of CAR-T cells and more complex CAR structures, among others. This review comprehensively summarises the current landscape of CAR-T cell therapy in CRC from the potential tumour targets to the preclinical studies and clinical trials, as well as the limitations and future perspectives of this novel antitumour strategy.

In vivo dual fluorescence imaging of mucin 1 and its glycoform in tumor cells

The most efficient approach for cancer identification and monitoring is the detection of cancer-associated protein biomarkers but an accurate diagnosis requires multiple analyses. Glycosylation profiling can provide important biological information since different glycoforms are involved in malignant transformation. Here, a near-infrared (NIR) light activated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) strategy for the efficient and reliable simultaneous dual imaging of the mucin 1 (MUC1) protein backbone and MUC1-specific sialic acid (Sia) is reported. MUC1, an important tumor biomarker, is overexpressed and under-glycosylated in most tumor cells. Two aptamer-functionalized nanoprobes, Cy5-labeled Sia aptamer-functionalized gold nanostars (Sia-GNSs) and MUC1 aptamer-functionalized quantum dots (MUC1-QDs), were successfully constructed with high specificity and biocompatibility. Upon excitation with NIR light, Sia-GNSs endothermically released the Cy5-labeled Sia aptamer that specifically binds to Sia. The Cy5 fluorescence can be observed due to the FRET effect when the Cy5-labeled Sia aptamer and MUC1-QDs bind to the same MUC1 molecule. Dual imaging and relative quantification of MUC1 and its sialylation were achieved in vitro, in vivo and in clinical tissue samples. This efficient platform allows for the simultaneous detection of protein biomarkers and their glycosylation pattern, with significant potential for clinical cancer diagnostics.

Ferroptosis-related gene signature associates with immunity and predicts prognosis accurately in patients with osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma has been the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents, while the 5‐y survival of osteosarcoma patients gained no significant improvement over the past decades. This study aimed to explore the role of ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) in the development and prognosis of osteosarcoma. The datasets of osteosarcoma patients including RNA sequencing data and clinical information were acquired from the TRGET and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. The identification of molecular subgroups with different FRG expression patterns was achieved through nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering. The prognostic model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The ESTIMATE algorithm was applied for determining the stromal score, immune score, ESTIMA score, and tumor purity of osteosarcoma patients. Functional analyses including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were conducted to explore the underlying mechanisms in the development and prognosis of osteosarcoma. Two molecular subgroups with different FRGs expression patterns were identified. The molecular subgroups with higher immune score and more active immune status showed better prognostic survival. On the basis of FRGs, a prognostic model and a nomogram integrating clinical characteristics were constructed and their prediction efficiency for osteosarcoma prognosis were well validated. Gene functional enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed FRGs were mainly enriched in immunity‐related signaling pathways, indicating that FRGs may affect the development and prognosis of osteosarcoma by regulating the immune microenvironment. The expression profiles of FRGs were closely related to the immunity status and prognostic survival of osteosarcoma patients. The interaction between ferroptosis and immunity in the development of osteosarcoma could provide a new insight into the exploration of molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies of osteosarcoma patients.