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Broussy S. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and VEGF Receptor Inhibitors in Health and Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:959. [PMID: 39065805 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In this Special Issue of Pharmaceuticals, we present four reviews and seven original articles addressing recent aspects of research on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors (VEGFs) and their receptors, from clinical practice to fundamental studies in new drug development [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Broussy
- CiTCoM, UMR CNRS 8038, U1268 INSERM, UFR de Pharmacie, Faculté de Santé, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
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Wang C, Lan X, Zhu L, Wang Y, Gao X, Li J, Tian H, Liang Z, Xu W. Construction Strategy of Functionalized Liposomes and Multidimensional Application. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309031. [PMID: 38258399 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Liposomes are widely used in the biological field due to their good biocompatibility and surface modification properties. With the development of biochemistry and material science, many liposome structures and their surface functional components have been modified and optimized one by one, pushing the liposome platform from traditional to functionalized and intelligent, which will better satisfy and expand the needs of scientific research. However, a main limiting factor effecting the efficiency of liposomes is the complicated environmental conditions in the living body. Currently, in order to overcome the above problem, functionalized liposomes have become a very promising strategy. In this paper, binding strategies of liposomes with four main functional elements, namely nucleic acids, antibodies, peptides, and stimuli-responsive motif have been summarized for the first time. In addition, based on the construction characteristics of functionalized liposomes, such as drug-carrying, targeting, long-circulating, and stimulus-responsive properties, a comprehensive overview of their features and respective research progress are presented. Finally, the paper critically presents the limitations of these functionalized liposomes in the current applications and also prospectively suggests the future development directions, aiming to accelerate realization of their industrialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyun Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17, Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinyue Lan
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanhui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinru Gao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17, Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17, Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hongtao Tian
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding, Hebei, 071000, China
| | - Zhihong Liang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17, Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, No. 17, Qinghua East Road, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
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Napolitano E, Criscuolo A, Riccardi C, Esposito CL, Catuogno S, Coppola G, Roviello GN, Montesarchio D, Musumeci D. Directing in Vitro Selection towards G-quadruplex-forming Aptamers to Inhibit HMGB1 Pathological Activity. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319828. [PMID: 38358301 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
In the search for novel, effective inhibitors of High-Mobility Group Box1 (HMGB1)-a protein involved in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases as well as in cancer-we herein discovered a set of anti-HMGB1 G-quadruplex(G4)-forming aptamers by using an in vitro selection procedure applied to a doped library of guanine-rich oligonucleotides. The selected DNA sequences were then studied in a pseudo-physiological buffer mimicking the extracellular medium, where HMGB1 exerts its pathological activity, using spectroscopic, electrophoretic, and chromatographic techniques. All the oligonucleotides proved to fold into monomeric G4s and in some cases also dimeric species, stable at physiological temperature. Remarkably, the protein preferentially recognized the sequences forming dimeric parallel G4 structures, as evidenced by a properly designed chemiluminescent binding assay which also highlighted a good selectivity of these aptamers for HMGB1. Moreover, all aptamers showed anti-HMGB1 activity, inhibiting protein-induced cell migration. The acquired data allowed identifying L12 as the best anti-HMGB1 aptamer, featured by high thermal and enzymatic stability, no toxicity at least up to 5 μM concentration on healthy cells, along with potent anti-HMGB1 activity (IC50 ca. 28 nM) and good binding affinity for the protein, thus indicating it as a very promising lead candidate for in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Criscuolo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carla L Esposito
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gabriele Coppola
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni N Roviello
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 80145, Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Napoli Federico II, via Cintia 21, 80126, Napoli, Italy
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 80145, Napoli, Italy
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Huang W, Wang C, Shen Y, Chen Q, Huang Z, Liu J, Lin X, Wang L, Wu F, Chen X, Li N, Hong Y, Chen M, Li J, Huang C. A real-world study of the effectiveness and safety of apatinib-based regimens in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:39. [PMID: 38182995 PMCID: PMC10768098 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This investigation sought to examine the efficacy and safety of low-dose apatinib used alongside chemotherapy in the clinical management of patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) within a real-world setting, whilst comparing the outcomes with those treated solely with chemotherapy. METHODS This case series study analyzed clinical data and treatment outcomes of 163 patients with metastatic TNBC who underwent rescue treatment at the Medical Oncology Department of Clinical Oncology, Fujian Cancer Hospital, School of Fujian Medical University, China, between October 2011 and January 2023. All the patients underwent rescue treatment with either chemotherapy alone or apatinib (250 mg/day) combined with chemotherapy. The study's primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS), whereas the secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and safety profiles. RESULTS The study was designed to compare two groups [1]. Out of the 163 TNBC patients who participated in the study, 107 individuals (65.6%) received treatment based on chemotherapy, whereas 56 patients (34.4%) were given treatment based on a combination of low-dose apatinib (250 mg/day) and other treatments, including chemotherapy. After propensity score matching (PSM), the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who received apatinib-based treatment were 50.0 and 90.0%, respectively, while they were 6.7 and 20.0%, respectively, for the chemotherapy-based group (P < 0.001). The group that received apatinib-based treatment showed superior results in both PFS and OS compared to the group that received chemotherapy. The median PFS and OS for the apatinib-based group were 7.8 and 20.3 months, respectively, while they were only 2.2 months and 9.0 months, respectively, for the chemotherapy-based group (P < 0.001) [2]. Patients who were administered combo therapies, including PD-1 inhibitors, were excluded. In total, 97 patients received chemotherapy alone, while 34 patients were treated with apatinib in combination with chemotherapy. After propensity score matching (PSM), the ORR and DCR for the total group who received combo therapies were 44.4 and 81.5%, respectively, while they were 11.1 and 22.2%, respectively, for the chemotherapy alone group (P < 0.001). The group receiving both apatinib and chemotherapy displayed notable advantages over the group solely receiving chemotherapy in regards to PFS and OS for the entirety of the population. The PFS was found to be 7.8 months in comparison to 2.1 months (P < 0.001) and the OS was 21.1 months in contrast to 9.0 months (P < 0.001). Apatinib combined with chemotherapy induced grade 3/4 hematological toxicities, including neutropenia (8.8%) and thrombocytopenia (2.9%). Additionally, non-hematological toxicities were commonly observed, such as Hand-foot syndrome (35.3%), proteinuria (26.5%), hypertension (61.8%), higher alanine aminotransferase levels (26.5%), and fatigue (35.3%). The most frequent non-hematological grade 3/4 toxicities were Hand-foot syndrome (2.9%) and hypertension (5.9%). The study did not report any fatal adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS The combination of low-dose apatinib with chemotherapy has proven to be more effective than chemotherapy alone in treating metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Additionally, the occurrence of grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities was significantly lower compared to the recommended dose of apatinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No.29, Xinquan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350001, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospotial, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Chenxi Wang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, PR China
| | - Yangkun Shen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350117, PR China
| | - Zhijian Huang
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No. 91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, No.29, Xinquan Road, Gulou District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350001, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Fujian Cancer Hospotial, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China.
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Nani Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Yi Hong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Mulan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
| | - Chuanzhong Huang
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.91, Fuma Road, Jin'an District, Fuzhou, Fujian province, 350014, China
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Ji C, Wei J, Zhang L, Hou X, Tan J, Yuan Q, Tan W. Aptamer-Protein Interactions: From Regulation to Biomolecular Detection. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12471-12506. [PMID: 37931070 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Serving as the basis of cell life, interactions between nucleic acids and proteins play essential roles in fundamental cellular processes. Aptamers are unique single-stranded oligonucleotides generated by in vitro evolution methods, possessing the ability to interact with proteins specifically. Altering the structure of aptamers will largely modulate their interactions with proteins and further affect related cellular behaviors. Recently, with the in-depth research of aptamer-protein interactions, the analytical assays based on their interactions have been widely developed and become a powerful tool for biomolecular detection. There are some insightful reviews on aptamers applied in protein detection, while few systematic discussions are from the perspective of regulating aptamer-protein interactions. Herein, we comprehensively introduce the methods for regulating aptamer-protein interactions and elaborate on the detection techniques for analyzing aptamer-protein interactions. Additionally, this review provides a broad summary of analytical assays based on the regulation of aptamer-protein interactions for detecting biomolecules. Finally, we present our perspectives regarding the opportunities and challenges of analytical assays for biological analysis, aiming to provide guidance for disease mechanism research and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cailing Ji
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Junyuan Wei
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Xinru Hou
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
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Luo J, He MW, Luo T, Lv GQ. Identification of multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer relapse after laparoscopic radical resection. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:2211-2221. [PMID: 37969700 PMCID: PMC10642461 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i10.2211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common life-threatening disease that often requires surgical intervention, such as laparoscopic radical resection. However, despite successful surgeries, some patients experience disease relapse. Identifying the risk factors for CRC relapse can help guide clinical interventions and improve patient outcomes. AIM To determine the risk factors that may lead to CRC relapse after laparoscopic radical resection. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis using the baseline data of 140 patients with CRC admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and January 2020. All included participants were followed up until death or for 3 years. The baseline data and laboratory indicators were compared between the patients who experienced relapse and those who did not experienced relapse. RESULTS Among the 140 patients with CRC, 30 experienced relapse within 3 years after laparoscopic radical resection and 110 did not experience relapse. The relapse group had a higher frequency of rectal tumors with low differentiation and lymphatic vessel invasion than that of the non-relapse group. The expression of serum markers and the prognostic nutritional index were lower, whereas the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, expression of cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, and Chitinase-3-like protein 1 were significantly higher in the relapse group than those in the non-relapse group. The groups did not differ significantly based on other parameters. Logistic regression analysis revealed that all the above significantly altered factors were independent risk factors for CRC relapse. CONCLUSION We identified multiple risk factors for CRC relapse following surgery, which can be considered for the clinical monitoring of patients to reduce disease recurrence and improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Mei-Wen He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Department of Operating Room, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Guo-Qing Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
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Hao X, Zhu X, Tian H, Lai G, Zhang W, Zhou H, Liu S. Pharmacological effect and mechanism of orlistat in anti-tumor therapy: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34671. [PMID: 37682175 PMCID: PMC10489489 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Research has demonstrated that obesity is an important risk factor for cancer progression. Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor with promising therapeutic effects on obesity. In addition to being regarded as a slimming drug, a growing number of studies in recent years have suggested that orlistat has anti-tumor activities, while the underlying mechanism is still not well elucidated. This paper reviewed recent pharmacological effects and mechanisms of orlistat against tumors and found that orlistat can target cancer cells through activation or suppression of multiple signaling pathways. It can induce tumor cells apoptosis or death, interfere with tumor cells' cycles controlling, suppress fatty acid synthase activity, increase ferroptosis, inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and improve tumor cells glycolytic. Thus, this review may shed new light on anti-tumor mechanism and drug repurposing of orlistat, and anti-tumor drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Hao
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy & Clinical Pharmacy (School of Integrative Pharmacy), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaodi Zhu
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huiqun Tian
- The Second People’s Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guanxi Lai
- School of Pharmacy & Clinical Pharmacy (School of Integrative Pharmacy), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Honghao Zhou
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Liu
- Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- School of Pharmacy & Clinical Pharmacy (School of Integrative Pharmacy), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
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Mishra Y, Chattaraj A, Mishra V, Ranjan A, Tambuwala MM. Aptamers Versus Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): A New Battle against Ovarian Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:849. [PMID: 37375796 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the diseases that causes a high mortality as it involves unregulated and abnormal cell growth proliferation that can manifest in any body region. One of the typical ovarian cancer symptoms is damage to the female reproductive system. The death rate can be reduced through early detection of the ovarian cancer. Promising probes that can detect ovarian cancer are suitable aptamers. Aptamers, i.e., so-called chemical antibodies, have a strong affinity for the target biomarker and can typically be identified starting from a random library of oligonucleotides. Compared with other probes, ovarian cancer targeting using aptamers has demonstrated superior detection effectiveness. Various aptamers have been selected to detect the ovarian tumor biomarker, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The present review highlights the development of particular aptamers that target VEGF and detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages. The therapeutic efficacy of aptamers in ovarian cancer treatment is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Aditi Chattaraj
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Abhigyan Ranjan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
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Liu T, Pan W, Lai S, Luo J. Can angiogenesis inhibitor therapy cause changes in imaging features of hepatic hemangioma- Initial study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1134179. [PMID: 36969035 PMCID: PMC10036792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1134179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundTo observe whether anti-angiogenesis therapy can induce changes in size and enhancement characteristics of hepatic hemangioma.Method133 patients with hepatic hemangioma lesions were analyzed and classified into a Bevacizumab group (n=65) and the control group (n=68). The parameters (Volume, CT enhancement ratio, enhancement patterns) of pre-and post-treatment in the bevacizumab and control groups independently calculated and compared by two radiologists. Correlation among the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate with the hemangioma volume was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation analysis.ResultsThe hepatic hemangioma volume was significantly decreased after treatment in the Bevacizumab group (8.6 ± 18.7mL vs.7.3 ± 16.3mL, P<0.05), and there was no significant change in the control group (15.1 ± 19.8mL vs.15.4 ± 20.7mL, P = 0.504). A significant difference in enhancement patterns of hepatic hemangiomas was observed after treatment with Bevacizumab (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in arterial phase (AP)enhancement rate and arterial phase-portal venous phase (AP-PVP) enhancement ratios after treatment in the Bevacizumab and control groups (Ps>0.05).The Pearson correlation results showed that blood pressure, heart rate, and hemangioma volume were unrelated or weakly related before and after bevacizumab treatment under the control of factors including weight, contrast injection scheme and CT scanning scheme.ConclusionsAnti-angiogenesis therapy can cause changes in enhancement pattern and volume of hepatic hemangioma. Radiologists should pay more attention to the reexamination of tumor patients treated with anti-angiogenesis therapy.
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NOTCH Signaling in Osteosarcoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:2266-2283. [PMID: 36975516 PMCID: PMC10047431 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45030146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery has been promoted for the treatment of osteosarcoma; however, the local recurrence and lung metastasis rates remain high. Therefore, it is crucial to explore new therapeutic targets and strategies that are more effective. The NOTCH pathway is not only involved in normal embryonic development but also plays an important role in the development of cancers. The expression level and signaling functional status of the NOTCH pathway vary in different histological types of cancer as well as in the same type of cancer from different patients, reflecting the distinct roles of the Notch pathway in tumorigenesis. Studies have reported abnormal activation of the NOTCH signaling pathway in most clinical specimens of osteosarcoma, which is closely related to a poor prognosis. Similarly, studies have reported that NOTCH signaling affected the biological behavior of osteosarcoma through various molecular mechanisms. NOTCH-targeted therapy has shown potential for the treatment of osteosarcoma in clinical research. After the introduction of the composition and biological functions of the NOTCH signaling pathway, the review paper discussed the clinical significance of dysfunction in osteosarcoma. Then the paper reviewed the recent relevant research progress made both in the cell lines and in the animal models of osteosarcoma. Finally, the paper explored the potential of the clinical application of NOTCH-targeted therapy for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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bioTCIs: Middle-to-Macro Biomolecular Targeted Covalent Inhibitors Possessing Both Semi-Permanent Drug Action and Stringent Target Specificity as Potential Antibody Replacements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043525. [PMID: 36834935 PMCID: PMC9968108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting immuno-modulatory targets such as checkpoint proteins, chemokines, and cytokines have made significant impact in several areas, including cancer, inflammatory disease, and infection. However, antibodies are complex biologics with well-known limitations, including high cost for development and production, immunogenicity, a limited shelf-life because of aggregation, denaturation, and fragmentation of the large protein. Drug modalities such as peptides and nucleic acid aptamers showing high-affinity and highly selective interaction with the target protein have been proposed alternatives to therapeutic antibodies. The fundamental limitation of short in vivo half-life has prevented the wide acceptance of these alternatives. Covalent drugs, also known as targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), form permanent bonds to target proteins and, in theory, eternally exert the drug action, circumventing the pharmacokinetic limitation of other antibody alternatives. The TCI drug platform, too, has been slow in gaining acceptance because of its potential prolonged side-effect from off-target covalent binding. To avoid the potential risks of irreversible adverse drug effects from off-target conjugation, the TCI modality is broadening from the conventional small molecules to larger biomolecules possessing desirable properties (e.g., hydrolysis resistance, drug-action reversal, unique pharmacokinetics, stringent target specificity, and inhibition of protein-protein interactions). Here, we review the historical development of the TCI made of bio-oligomers/polymers (i.e., peptide-, protein-, or nucleic-acid-type) obtained by rational design and combinatorial screening. The structural optimization of the reactive warheads and incorporation into the targeted biomolecules enabling a highly selective covalent interaction between the TCI and the target protein is discussed. Through this review, we hope to highlight the middle to macro-molecular TCI platform as a realistic replacement for the antibody.
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Zong Y, Kamoi K, Kurozumi-Karube H, Zhang J, Yang M, Ohno-Matsui K. Safety of intraocular anti-VEGF antibody treatment under in vitro HTLV-1 infection. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1089286. [PMID: 36761168 PMCID: PMC9905742 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1089286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction HTLV-1 (human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1) is a retrovirus that infects approximately 20 million people worldwide. Many diseases are caused by this virus, including HTLV-1-associated myelopathy, adult T-cell leukemia, and HTLV-1 uveitis. Intraocular anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody injection has been widely used in ophthalmology, and it is reportedly effective against age-related macular degeneration, complications of diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusions. HTLV-1 mimics VEGF165, the predominant isoform of VEGF, to recruit neuropilin-1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. VEGF165 is also a selective competitor of HTLV-1 entry. Here, we investigated the effects of an anti-VEGF antibody on ocular status under conditions of HTLV-1 infection in vitro. Methods We used MT2 and TL-Om1 cells as HTLV-1-infected cells and Jurkat cells as controls. Primary human retinal pigment epithelial cells (HRPEpiCs) and ARPE19 HRPEpiCs were used as ocular cells; MT2/TL-Om1/Jurkat cells and HRPEpiCs/ARPE19 cells were co-cultured to simulate the intraocular environment of HTLV-1-infected patients. Aflibercept was administered as an anti-VEGF antibody. To avoid possible T-cell adhesion, we lethally irradiated MT2/TL-Om1/Jurkat cells prior to the experiments. Results Anti-VEGF antibody treatment had no effect on activated NF-κB production, inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, HTLV-1 proviral load (PVL), or cell counts in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under MT2 co-culture conditions. Under TL-Om1 co-culture conditions, anti-VEGF antibody treatment did not affect the production of activated NF-κB, chemokines, PVL, or cell counts, but production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 was increased. In addition, anti-VEGF treatment did not affect PVL in HTLV-1-infected T cells. Conclusion This preliminary in vitro assessment indicates that intraocular anti-VEGF antibody treatment for HTLV-1 infection does not exacerbate HTLV-1-related inflammation and thus may be safe for use.
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Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Fasano D, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Truncated Analogues of a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Targeting Mutant Huntingtin: Shorter Is Better! Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012412. [PMID: 36293267 PMCID: PMC9604342 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two analogues of the MS3 aptamer, which was previously shown to have an exquisite capability to selectively bind and modulate the activity of mutant huntingtin (mHTT), have been here designed and evaluated in their physicochemical and biological properties. Featured by a distinctive propensity to form complex G-quadruplex structures, including large multimeric aggregates, the original 36-mer MS3 has been truncated to give a 33-mer (here named MS3-33) and a 17-mer (here named MS3-17). A combined use of different techniques (UV, CD, DSC, gel electrophoresis) allowed a detailed physicochemical characterization of these novel G-quadruplex-forming aptamers, tested in vitro on SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo on a Drosophila Huntington’s disease model, in which these shorter MS3-derived oligonucleotides proved to have improved bioactivity in comparison with the parent aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.); (C.G.)
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14
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Zhang H, Zhang X, Huang G, Li F, Wu F, Xie C, Liu D, Yao D. Screening ssDNA Aptamers Against Human Vascular Endothelial Factor 165 via Semirational Design. J Chem Inf Model 2022; 62:4983-4991. [PMID: 36215718 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.2c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a valid tumor marker, vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) is an effective therapeutic target for anticancer treatments. Aptamers hold great promise for the development of anti-VEGF strategies. In this study, anti-VEGF165 ssDNA aptamers were screened using a semirational design and a multilevel screening strategy. Recombinant human VEGF165 protein was used as a target for the construction of an ssDNA virtual aptamer library with ssDNA that had one sole secondary structure. After silicon-assisted prescreening, circular dichroism and isothermal titration calorimetry were used to further screen for candidates. Three aptamers (nos. 524, 529, and 64) with one sole secondary and tertiary structure, showing a high affinity for VEGF165, were identified. The KD values obtained using surface plasmon resonance analysis were 36.3, 288, and 79.3 nM for aptamers 524, 529, and 64, respectively. Cytological tests revealed that the three aptamers inhibit rhVEGF165-induced proliferation of HUVECs. Specifically, aptamer 529 had the strongest inhibitory effect (nearly 100% inhibition). The screening strategy used in our study showed improved screening efficiency relative to other methods and resulted in aptamers with one sole conformation. The aptamers had an advantage in ensuring the uniqueness of aptamer targeting. This semirational design and multilevel screening strategy provide a reference for the screening of other aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyi Zhang
- Biotechnology Department, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiyao Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Guanhong Huang
- Institute of Biomedicine Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Biotechnology Department, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fengmei Wu
- Institute of Biomedicine Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chunfang Xie
- Biotechnology Department, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Daling Liu
- Biotechnology Department, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dongsheng Yao
- Institute of Biomedicine Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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BATMAN A, CİFTCİLER R, ATEŞOĞLU EB, HACIHANEFİOĞLU A. Prognostic importance of thrombospondin-1, VEGF, PDGFR- β in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.1146953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the staining rates of thrombospondin-1, VEGF, and PDGFR-in tissue preparations in patients diagnosed with DLBCL and their clinical features at the time of diagnosis, and response to treatment and prognosis.
Material and Method: A total of 44 patients with a diagnosis of DLBCL and 13 patients diagnosed with control reactive lymphadenopathy were included in this study. After immunohistochemical staining of the pathology preparations of the patient and control groups with VEGF, PDGFR-β and thrombospondin-1 stains, the clinical characteristics of the patients and the relationship between survival analysis and staining rates were statistically analyzed.
Results: When the patients were compared with the control group in terms of VEGF, PDGFR-β, and thrombospondin-1 staining rates, we found that staining with PDGFR-β was lower in patients (p=0.009). Although it was not statistically significant for PDGFR-β, it was observed that 5-year OS and PFS values were low in patients with high levels of expression, on the contrary, 5-year OS was low in patients with high thrombospondin staining rate. A negative correlation was observed between thrombospondin-1 and PDGFR-β (p=0.003, r=-0.440).
Conclusion: As a result, although no relationship was found between VEGF and survival in our study, it was observed that PDGFR-β and thrombospondin-1 were effective in prognosis. A negative correlation was observed between thrombospondin-1 and PDGFR-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan BATMAN
- Koc University, School of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism
| | - Rafiye CİFTCİLER
- Aksaray Training and Research Hospital, Department of Hematology,
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Luo Z, Chen S, Zhou J, Wang C, Li K, Liu J, Tang Y, Wang L. Application of aptamers in regenerative medicine. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:976960. [PMID: 36105606 PMCID: PMC9465253 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.976960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine is a discipline that studies how to use biological and engineering principles and operation methods to repair and regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Until now, regenerative medicine has focused mainly on the in-depth study of the pathological mechanism of diseases, the further development and application of new drugs, and tissue engineering technology strategies. The emergence of aptamers has supplemented the development methods and types of new drugs and enriched the application elements of tissue engineering technology, injecting new vitality into regenerative medicine. The role and application status of aptamers screened in recent years in various tissue regeneration and repair are reviewed, and the prospects and challenges of aptamer technology are discussed, providing a basis for the design and application of aptamers in long-term transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Luo
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of basic and translational research of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangxi Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center for Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Shimin Chen
- Guangxi Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, Nanning, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
| | - Chong Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Kai Li
- Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Li, ; Jia Liu, ; Yujin Tang,
| | - Jia Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of basic and translational research of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangxi Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center for Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Li, ; Jia Liu, ; Yujin Tang,
| | - Yujin Tang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of basic and translational research of Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Guangxi Biomedical Materials Engineering Research Center for Bone and Joint Degenerative Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, China
- *Correspondence: Kai Li, ; Jia Liu, ; Yujin Tang,
| | - Liqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Shen Z, Zheng R, Yang H, Xing S, Jin X, Yan H, Zhu J, Mei Y, Lin F, Zheng X. G-quadruplex stabilizer Tetra-Pt(bpy) disrupts telomere maintenance and impairs FAK-mediated migration of telomerase-positive cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 213:858-870. [PMID: 35697164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex regulates a wide spectrum of biological processes, including telomere maintenance, DNA replication and transcription. The development of small molecules to selectively target G-quadruplex and their application remain hotspots in cancer therapy. Here, we explored the biological effect of G-quadruplexes stabilizer Tetra-Pt(bpy) in telomerase-positive cancer cells. Telomere maintenance was evaluated by telomerase repeat amplification protocol, chromosome orientation fluorescence in situ hybridization and telomere restriction fragment assays. We found that Tetra-Pt(bpy) accelerates telomere shortening through dual inhibition of telomerase activity and telomere sister chromatin exchanges mediated by telomeric G-quadruplexes. Consequently, Tetra-Pt(bpy)-treated cancer cells became enriched with extremely short telomeres and produced a strong telomeric DNA damage response following long-term treatment, leading to cell proliferation inhibition and senescence. Experimental evidence from RNA seq and cell migration-related assays showed that Tetra-Pt(bpy) decreased cell-matrix adhesion and inhibited the migration of non-senescent tumor cells. Mechanistically, Tetra-Pt(bpy) induced the formation of G-quadruplexes in focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-encoding gene PTK2, resulting in FAK transcription inhibition. Tetra-Pt(bpy) reduced xenograft tumor formation and inhibited tumor cell growth and migration in mice. This study further elucidates the function of G-quadruplexes in the human genome and reveals the potential of Tetra-Pt(bpy) as a novel chemotherapeutic agent for targeting telomerase-positive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Shen
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruiling Zheng
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huamao Yang
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sunhui Xing
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangxiang Jin
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hao Yan
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jufan Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanan Mei
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China; Department of Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- Chemical Biology Research Center at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, 1210 University Town, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang, China.
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Yuan G, Xia X, Zhang J, Huang J, Xie F, Li X, Chen D, Peng C. A novel "signal on-off-super on" sandwich-type aptamer sensor of CRISPR-Cas12a coupled voltage enrichment assay for VEGF detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 221:114424. [PMID: 35691789 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in atherosclerosis, and the detection of VEGF is critical for the prevention, monitoring, and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. Here, a novel "signal on-off-super on" sandwich-type aptamer sensor with a triple signal amplification strategy was developed for the first time. Based on the capture aptamer was labeled with methylene blue (MB) on the internal bases, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas12a-coupled voltage enrichment was used to amplify the electrochemical signal. To improve the analytical performance of the aptamer sensor, gold nanoparticles@Ti3C2Tx-Mxene (AuNPs@Ti3C2Tx-Mxene) were synthesized through the electrodeposition of AuNPs on the Ti3C2Tx-Mxene surface, providing active sites for the immobilization of the aptamer and amplifying the electrochemical signals. The excellent trans-cleavage activity of the CRISPR-Cas12a system was harnessed to cleave signal probes. The cleaved signal probes were enriched using an electrochemical signal instead of complicated target amplification steps before detection. Hence, we report a simplified detection process for amplifying electrochemical signals. Under optimal conditions, the aptamer sensor exhibited high sensitivity, acceptable stability, and reproducibility with a wide linear range from 1 pM to 10 μM (R2 = 0.9917) and an ultralow detection limit of 0.33 pM (S/N = 3). Therefore, we propose a novel strategy of CRISPR-Cas12a-based protein detection that opens a new window for the diagnostic applications of various biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolin Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xianru Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jicai Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, PR China
| | - Fei Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Xiandong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Dongliang Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Chunyan Peng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, PR China.
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Riccardi C, D’Aria F, Digilio FA, Carillo MR, Amato J, Fasano D, De Rosa L, Paladino S, Melone MAB, Montesarchio D, Giancola C. Fighting the Huntington's Disease with a G-Quadruplex-Forming Aptamer Specifically Binding to Mutant Huntingtin Protein: Biophysical Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4804. [PMID: 35563194 PMCID: PMC9101412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A set of guanine-rich aptamers able to preferentially recognize full-length huntingtin with an expanded polyglutamine tract has been recently identified, showing high efficacy in modulating the functions of the mutated protein in a variety of cell experiments. We here report a detailed biophysical characterization of the best aptamer in the series, named MS3, proved to adopt a stable, parallel G-quadruplex structure and show high nuclease resistance in serum. Confocal microscopy experiments on HeLa and SH-SY5Y cells, as models of non-neuronal and neuronal cells, respectively, showed a rapid, dose-dependent uptake of fluorescein-labelled MS3, demonstrating its effective internalization, even in the absence of transfecting agents, with no general cytotoxicity. Then, using a well-established Drosophila melanogaster model for Huntington's disease, which expresses the mutated form of human huntingtin, a significant improvement in the motor neuronal function in flies fed with MS3 was observed, proving the in vivo efficacy of this aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Federica D’Aria
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Filomena Anna Digilio
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Carillo
- Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems (IRET), UOS Naples-CNR, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.A.D.); (M.R.C.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Jussara Amato
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
| | - Dominga Fasano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Laura De Rosa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Simona Paladino
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (D.F.); (L.D.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Center for Rare Diseases and Inter University Center for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
- Center for Biotechnology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Concetta Giancola
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (F.D.); (J.A.)
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Abd-Alhaseeb MM, Massoud SM, Elsayed F, Omran GA, Salahuddin A. Evening Primrose Oil Enhances Tamoxifen's Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells by Inducing Apoptosis, Inhibiting Angiogenesis, and Arresting the Cell Cycle. Molecules 2022; 27:2391. [PMID: 35458590 PMCID: PMC9031472 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27082391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite advancements in cancer treatment, breast cancer (BC) is still one of the leading causes of death among women. The majority of anti-breast-cancer medications induce serious side effects and multidrug resistance. Although several natural compounds, such as evening primrose oil (EPO), have been shown to have anticancer properties when used alone, their combination with the anticancer medicine tamoxifen (TAM) has yet to be investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer efficacy of EPO, alone or in combination with TAM, in the BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, as well as to elucidate the mechanism of action. METHODS The MTT assay was used to investigate the cytotoxic effect of EPO on the two cell lines, and we discovered an acceptable IC50 that was comparable to TAM. The ELISA, qRT-PCR, flow cytometry and colorimetric techniques were used. RESULTS The combination of EPO and TAM suppressed the VEGF level, VEGF gene expression and Cyclin D1 signaling pathways, arrested the cell cycle, and induced the apoptotic signaling pathways by increasing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase 3 activity; this revealed significant anti-tumor activity. CONCLUSIONS The most significant finding of this study was the confirmation of the anticancer activity of the natural product EPO, which potentiated the activity of the anticancer drug TAM against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 BC cell lines through the induction of apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis and halting cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad M. Abd-Alhaseeb
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt;
| | - Sarah M. Massoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
| | - Fatma Elsayed
- Cell Culture Unit, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21648, Egypt;
| | - Gamal A. Omran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
| | - Ahmad Salahuddin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; (S.M.M.); (G.A.O.)
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21
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Serin I, Oyaci Y, Pehlivan M, Pehlivan S. Role of cytokines in multiple myeloma: IL-1RN and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms. Cytokine 2022; 153:155851. [PMID: 35272075 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra or IL-1RN) is a member of the IL-1 superfamily that functions as a competitive antagonist of the cell surface IL-1 receptor, thereby regulating various immune and inflammatory responses related to IL-1. IL-1 induces tumor growth and metastasis, while IL-1RN inhibits the secretion of IL-1α and IL-6 in cancer cells. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine, can be secreted by many types of immune cells. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of IL-1RN and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms on disease development and survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, 244 patients diagnosed with MM in hematology clinic between January 2010 and January 2021, and 179 healthy individuals were included. The genotypes of the IL-1RN VNTR polymorphism were statistically compared before treatment between patients having undergone stem cell transplantation and healthy controls, as were the genotypes of IL-4 VNTR polymorphism. Additionally, the statistically significant effects of these genotypes on survival were examined. RESULTS In the statistical analysis of the distribution of IL-1RN VNTR gene variants, 1/3 and 1/4 genotypes were found to be significantly higher in patients with MM compared to the healthy controls (p = 0.035). There was no significant difference between the MM patient group and the healthy controls in terms of IL-4 VNTR genotype distribution. PFS of patients with IL-1RN VNTR non-2-allele carrier genotypes was significantly shorter, but no significant effect was found on OS (p = 0.03, p = 0.786, respectively). Patients with IL-1RN VNTR non-2-allele carrier genotypes had 1.718-fold increased risk of shorter PFS. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, with this study, the effects of IL-1RN VNTR and IL-4 VNTR polymorphisms on MM were evaluated for the first time in the literature. This study will shed light on ones on cytokine-MM relationship and epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istemi Serin
- Department of Hematology, Istanbul Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Yasemin Oyaci
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Pehlivan
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Sacide Pehlivan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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22
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Noh B, Blasco-Conesa MP, Lai YJ, Ganesh BP, Urayama A, Moreno-Gonzalez I, Marrelli SP, McCullough LD, Moruno-Manchon JF. G-quadruplexes Stabilization Upregulates CCN1 and Accelerates Aging in Cultured Cerebral Endothelial Cells. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 2:797562. [PMID: 35822045 PMCID: PMC9261356 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2021.797562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Senescence in the cerebral endothelium has been proposed as a mechanism that can drive dysfunction of the cerebral vasculature, which precedes vascular dementia. Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61/CCN1) is a matricellular protein secreted by cerebral endothelial cells (CEC). CCN1 induces senescence in fibroblasts. However, whether CCN1 contributes to senescence in CEC and how this is regulated requires further study. Aging has been associated with the formation of four-stranded Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) in G-rich motifs of DNA and RNA. Stabilization of the G4 structures regulates transcription and translation either by upregulation or downregulation depending on the gene target. Previously, we showed that aged mice treated with a G4-stabilizing compound had enhanced senescence-associated (SA) phenotypes in their brains, and these mice exhibited enhanced cognitive deficits. A sequence in the 3'-UTR of the human CCN1 mRNA has the ability to fold into G4s in vitro. We hypothesize that G4 stabilization regulates CCN1 in cultured primary CEC and induces endothelial senescence. We used cerebral microvessel fractions and cultured primary CEC from young (4-months old, m/o) and aged (18-m/o) mice to determine CCN1 levels. SA phenotypes were determined by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy in cultured primary CEC, and we used Thioflavin T to recognize RNA-G4s for fluorescence spectra. We found that cultured CEC from aged mice exhibited enhanced levels of SA phenotypes, and higher levels of CCN1 and G4 stabilization. In cultured CEC, CCN1 induced SA phenotypes, such as SA β-galactosidase activity, and double-strand DNA damage. Furthermore, CCN1 levels were upregulated by a G4 ligand, and a G-rich motif in the 3'-UTR of the Ccn1 mRNA was folded into a G4. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CCN1 can induce senescence in cultured primary CEC, and we provide evidence that G4 stabilization is a novel mechanism regulating the SASP component CCN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Noh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Maria P. Blasco-Conesa
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yun-Ju Lai
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, United States
| | - Bhanu Priya Ganesh
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ines Moreno-Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de Malaga-IBIMA, Malaga University, Malaga, Spain
- Networking Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sean P. Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jose Felix Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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23
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Ye X, Gaucher JF, Vidal M, Broussy S. A Structural Overview of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors Pharmacological Ligands: From Macromolecules to Designed Peptidomimetics. Molecules 2021; 26:6759. [PMID: 34833851 PMCID: PMC8625919 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26226759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of cytokines plays a key role in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-A is the main member of this family, alongside placental growth factor (PlGF), VEGF-B/C/D in mammals, and VEGF-E/F in other organisms. To study the activities of these growth factors under physiological and pathological conditions, resulting in therapeutic applications in cancer and age-related macular degeneration, blocking ligands have been developed. These have mostly been large biomolecules like antibodies. Ligands with high affinities, at least in the nanomolar range, and accurate structural data from X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy have been described. They constitute the main focus of this overview, which evidences similarities and differences in their binding modes. For VEGF-A ligands, and to a limited extent also for PlGF, a transition is now observed towards developing smaller ligands like nanobodies and peptides. These include unnatural amino acids and chemical modifications for designed and improved properties, such as serum stability and greater affinity. However, this review also highlights the scarcity of such small molecular entities and the striking lack of small organic molecule ligands. It also shows the gap between the rather large array of ligands targeting VEGF-A and the general absence of ligands binding other VEGF members, besides some antibodies. Future developments in these directions are expected in the upcoming years, and the study of these growth factors and their promising therapeutic applications will be welcomed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Ye
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
| | - Jean-François Gaucher
- Laboratoire de Cristallographie et RMN Biologiques, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Michel Vidal
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
- Service Biologie du Médicament, Toxicologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Broussy
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université de Paris, CiTCoM, 8038 CNRS, U 1268 INSERM, 75006 Paris, France; (X.Y.); (M.V.)
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24
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Riccardi C, Napolitano F, Montesarchio D, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Nanoparticle-Guided Brain Drug Delivery: Expanding the Therapeutic Approach to Neurodegenerative Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1897. [PMID: 34834311 PMCID: PMC8623286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) represent a heterogeneous group of aging-related disorders featured by progressive impairment of motor and/or cognitive functions, often accompanied by psychiatric disorders. NDs are denoted as 'protein misfolding' diseases or proteinopathies, and are classified according to their known genetic mechanisms and/or the main protein involved in disease onset and progression. Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntington's disease (HD) are included under this nosographic umbrella, sharing histopathologically salient features, including deposition of insoluble proteins, activation of glial cells, loss of neuronal cells and synaptic connectivity. To date, there are no effective cures or disease-modifying therapies for these NDs. Several compounds have not shown efficacy in clinical trials, since they generally fail to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), a tightly packed layer of endothelial cells that greatly limits the brain internalization of endogenous substances. By engineering materials of a size usually within 1-100 nm, nanotechnology offers an alternative approach for promising and innovative therapeutic solutions in NDs. Nanoparticles can cross the BBB and release active molecules at target sites in the brain, minimizing side effects. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art of nanoengineered delivery systems for brain targeting in the treatment of AD, PD and HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.M.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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25
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Pérez de Carvasal K, Riccardi C, Russo Krauss I, Cavasso D, Vasseur JJ, Smietana M, Morvan F, Montesarchio D. Charge-Transfer Interactions Stabilize G-Quadruplex-Forming Thrombin Binding Aptamers and Can Improve Their Anticoagulant Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9510. [PMID: 34502432 PMCID: PMC8430690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the search for optimized thrombin binding aptamers (TBAs), we herein describe the synthesis of a library of TBA analogues obtained by end-functionalization with the electron-rich 1,5-dialkoxy naphthalene (DAN) and the electron-deficient 1,8,4,5-naphthalenetetra-carboxylic diimide (NDI) moieties. Indeed, when these G-rich oligonucleotides were folded into the peculiar TBA G-quadruplex (G4) structure, effective donor-acceptor charge transfer interactions between the DAN and NDI residues attached to the extremities of the sequence were induced, providing pseudo-cyclic structures. Alternatively, insertion of NDI groups at both extremities produced TBA analogues stabilized by π-π stacking interactions. All the doubly-modified TBAs were characterized by different biophysical techniques and compared with the analogues carrying only the DAN or NDI residue and unmodified TBA. These modified TBAs exhibited higher nuclease resistance, and their G4 structures were markedly stabilized, as evidenced by increased Tm values compared to TBA. These favorable properties were also associated with improved anticoagulant activity for one DAN/NDI-modified TBA, and for one NDI/NDI-modified TBA. Our results indicated that TBA pseudo-cyclic structuring by ad hoc designed end-functionalization represents an efficient approach to improve the aptamer features, while pre-organizing and stabilizing the G4 structure but allowing sufficient flexibility to the aptamer folding, which is necessary for optimal thrombin recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kévan Pérez de Carvasal
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.P.d.C.); (J.-J.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (I.R.K.); (D.C.)
| | - Irene Russo Krauss
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (I.R.K.); (D.C.)
- CSGI—Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Domenico Cavasso
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (I.R.K.); (D.C.)
- CSGI—Consorzio Interuniversitario per lo Sviluppo dei Sistemi a Grande Interfase, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Jean-Jacques Vasseur
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.P.d.C.); (J.-J.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Smietana
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.P.d.C.); (J.-J.V.); (M.S.)
| | - François Morvan
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (K.P.d.C.); (J.-J.V.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (I.R.K.); (D.C.)
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26
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Zhao D, Liu M, Li J, Xiao D, Peng S, He Q, Sun Y, Li Q, Lin Y. Angiogenic Aptamer-Modified Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acid Promotes Angiogenesis In Vitro and In Vivo. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:29439-29449. [PMID: 34137587 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In a search for a solution to large-area soft and hard tissue defects, whether or not tissue regeneration or tissue-substitutes transplantation is used, the problems with angiogenesis need to be solved urgently. Thus, a new and efficient proangiogenic approach is needed. Nanoengineering systems have been considered one of the most promising approaches. In this study, we modify the tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA) for the first time with two different angiogenic DNA aptamers to form aptamer-tFNA nanostructures, tFNA-Apt02 and tFNA-AptVEGF, and the effects of them on angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo are investigated. We develop new nanomaterials for enhancing angiogenesis to solve the problem of tissue engineering vascularization and ischemic diseases. The results of our study confirm that tFNA-Apt02 and tFNA-AptVEGF has a stronger ability to accelerate endothelial cell proliferation and migration, tubule formation, spheroid sprouting, and angiogenesis in vivo. We first demonstrate that the engineered novel tFNA-Apt02 and tFNA-AptVEGF have promoting effects on angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo and provide a theoretical basis and opportunity for their application in tissues engineering vascularization and ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Mengting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jiajie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Dexuan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Shuanglin Peng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, P.R. China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qirong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yunfeng Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China
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Scognamiglio PL, Platella C, Napolitano E, Musumeci D, Roviello GN. From Prebiotic Chemistry to Supramolecular Biomedical Materials: Exploring the Properties of Self-Assembling Nucleobase-Containing Peptides. Molecules 2021; 26:3558. [PMID: 34200901 PMCID: PMC8230524 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides and their synthetic analogs are a class of molecules with enormous relevance as therapeutics for their ability to interact with biomacromolecules like nucleic acids and proteins, potentially interfering with biological pathways often involved in the onset and progression of pathologies of high social impact. Nucleobase-bearing peptides (nucleopeptides) and pseudopeptides (PNAs) offer further interesting possibilities related to their nucleobase-decorated nature for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, thanks to their reported ability to target complementary DNA and RNA strands. In addition, these chimeric compounds are endowed with intriguing self-assembling properties, which are at the heart of their investigation as self-replicating materials in prebiotic chemistry, as well as their application as constituents of innovative drug delivery systems and, more generally, as novel nanomaterials to be employed in biomedicine. Herein we describe the properties of nucleopeptides, PNAs and related supramolecular systems, and summarize some of the most relevant applications of these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Platella
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (E.N.); (D.M.)
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini IBB-CNR, via Tommaso De Amicis 95, I-80145 Naples, Italy
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28
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Gatina DZ, Garanina EE, Zhuravleva MN, Synbulatova GE, Mullakhmetova AF, Solovyeva VV, Kiyasov AP, Rutland CS, Rizvanov AA, Salafutdinov II. Proangiogenic Effect of 2A-Peptide Based Multicistronic Recombinant Constructs Encoding VEGF and FGF2 Growth Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115922. [PMID: 34072943 PMCID: PMC8198600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease remains one of the primary healthcare problems due to the high cost of treatment, increased number of patients, poor clinical outcomes, and lack of effective therapy. Though pharmacological and surgical treatments positively affect symptoms and arrest the disease progression, they generally exhibit a limited effect on the disease outcome. The development of alternative therapeutic approaches towards ischemic disease treatment, especially of decompensated forms, is therefore relevant. Therapeutic angiogenesis, stimulated by various cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, provides the possibility of restoring functional blood flow in ischemic tissues, thereby ensuring the regeneration of the damaged area. In the current study, based on the clinically approved plasmid vector pVax1, multigenic constructs were developed encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factors (FGF2), and the DsRed fluorescent protein, integrated via picornaviruses' furin-2A peptide sequences. In vitro experiments demonstrated that genetically modified cells with engineered plasmid constructs expressed the target proteins. Overexpression of VEGF and FGF2 resulted in increased levels of the recombinant proteins. Concomitantly, these did not lead to a significant shift in the general secretory profile of modified HEK293T cells. Simultaneously, the secretome of genetically modified cells showed significant stimulating effects on the formation of capillary-like structures by HUVEC (endothelial cells) in vitro. Our results revealed that when the multicistronic multigene vectors encoding 2A peptide sequences are created, transient transgene co-expression is ensured. The results obtained indicated the mutual synergistic effects of the growth factors VEGF and FGF2 on the proliferation of endothelial cells in vitro. Thus, recombinant multicistronic multigenic constructs might serve as a promising approach for establishing safe and effective systems to treat ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilara Z. Gatina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Ekaterina E. Garanina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Margarita N. Zhuravleva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Gulnaz E. Synbulatova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Adelya F. Mullakhmetova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Valeriya V. Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Andrey P. Kiyasov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Catrin S. Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham LE12 5RD, UK;
| | - Albert A. Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.R.); (I.I.S.)
| | - Ilnur I. Salafutdinov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (D.Z.G.); (E.E.G.); (M.N.Z.); (G.E.S.); (A.F.M.); (V.V.S.); (A.P.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.A.R.); (I.I.S.)
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Citartan M. Aptamers as the powerhouse of dot blot assays. Talanta 2021; 232:122436. [PMID: 34074421 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Dot blot assays have always been associated with antibodies as the main molecular recognition element, which are widely employed in a myriad of diagnostic applications. With the rising of aptamers as the equivalent molecular recognition elements of antibodies, dot blot assays are also one of the diagnostic avenues that should be scrutinized for their amenability with aptamers as the potential surrogates of antibodies. In this review, the stepwise procedures of an aptamer-based dot blot assays are underscored before reviewing the existing aptamer-based dot blot assays developed so far. Most of the applications center on monitoring the progress of SELEX and as the validatory assays to assess the potency of aptamer candidates. For the purpose of diagnostics, the current effort is still languid and as such possible suggestions to galvanize the move to spur the aptamer-based dot blot assays to a point-of-care arena are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marimuthu Citartan
- Advanced Medical & Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, 13200, Kepala Batas, Penang, Malaysia.
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Oligonucleotide-Based Therapies for Renal Diseases. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9030303. [PMID: 33809425 PMCID: PMC8001091 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9030303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing every year and represents a great cost for public healthcare systems, as the majority of these diseases are progressive. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies. Oligonucleotide-based drugs are emerging as novel and promising alternatives to traditional drugs. Their expansion corresponds with new knowledge regarding the molecular basis underlying CKD, and they are already showing encouraging preclinical results, with two candidates being evaluated in clinical trials. However, despite recent technological advances, efficient kidney delivery remains challenging, and the presence of off-targets and side-effects precludes development and translation to the clinic. In this review, we provide an overview of the various oligotherapeutic strategies used preclinically, emphasizing the most recent findings in the field, together with the different strategies employed to achieve proper kidney delivery. The use of different nanotechnological platforms, including nanocarriers, nanoparticles, viral vectors or aptamers, and their potential for the development of more specific and effective treatments is also outlined.
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Bartas M, Červeň J, Guziurová S, Slychko K, Pečinka P. Amino Acid Composition in Various Types of Nucleic Acid-Binding Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020922. [PMID: 33477647 PMCID: PMC7831508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-binding proteins are traditionally divided into two categories: With the ability to bind DNA or RNA. In the light of new knowledge, such categorizing should be overcome because a large proportion of proteins can bind both DNA and RNA. Another even more important features of nucleic acid-binding proteins are so-called sequence or structure specificities. Proteins able to bind nucleic acids in a sequence-specific manner usually contain one or more of the well-defined structural motifs (zinc-fingers, leucine zipper, helix-turn-helix, or helix-loop-helix). In contrast, many proteins do not recognize nucleic acid sequence but rather local DNA or RNA structures (G-quadruplexes, i-motifs, triplexes, cruciforms, left-handed DNA/RNA form, and others). Finally, there are also proteins recognizing both sequence and local structural properties of nucleic acids (e.g., famous tumor suppressor p53). In this mini-review, we aim to summarize current knowledge about the amino acid composition of various types of nucleic acid-binding proteins with a special focus on significant enrichment and/or depletion in each category.
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Riccardi C, Napolitano E, Musumeci D, Montesarchio D. Dimeric and Multimeric DNA Aptamers for Highly Effective Protein Recognition. Molecules 2020; 25:E5227. [PMID: 33182593 PMCID: PMC7698228 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25225227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multivalent interactions frequently occur in biological systems and typically provide higher binding affinity and selectivity in target recognition than when only monovalent interactions are operative. Thus, taking inspiration by nature, bivalent or multivalent nucleic acid aptamers recognizing a specific biological target have been extensively studied in the last decades. Indeed, oligonucleotide-based aptamers are suitable building blocks for the development of highly efficient multivalent systems since they can be easily modified and assembled exploiting proper connecting linkers of different nature. Thus, substantial research efforts have been put in the construction of dimeric/multimeric versions of effective aptamers with various degrees of success in target binding affinity or therapeutic activity enhancement. The present review summarizes recent advances in the design and development of dimeric and multimeric DNA-based aptamers, including those forming G-quadruplex (G4) structures, recognizing different key proteins in relevant pathological processes. Most of the designed constructs have shown improved performance in terms of binding affinity or therapeutic activity as anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticoagulant, and anticancer agents and their number is certainly bound to grow in the next future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini, 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ettore Napolitano
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Domenica Musumeci
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimages, CNR, via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Montesarchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy; (E.N.); (D.M.); (D.M.)
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Riccardi C, Perrone L, Napolitano F, Sampaolo S, Melone MAB. Understanding the Biological Activities of Vitamin D in Type 1 Neurofibromatosis: New Insights into Disease Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Design. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2965. [PMID: 33066259 PMCID: PMC7602022 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble steroid hormone playing a pivotal role in calcium and phosphate homeostasis as well as in bone health. Vitamin D levels are not exclusively dependent on food intake. Indeed, the endogenous production-occurring in the skin and dependent on sun exposure-contributes to the majority amount of vitamin D present in the body. Since vitamin D receptors (VDRs) are ubiquitous and drive the expression of hundreds of genes, the interest in vitamin D has tremendously grown and its role in different diseases has been extensively studied. Several investigations indicated that vitamin D action extends far beyond bone health and calcium metabolism, showing broad effects on a variety of critical illnesses, including cancer, infections, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases. Epidemiological studies indicated that low circulating vitamin D levels inversely correlate with cutaneous manifestations and bone abnormalities, clinical hallmarks of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). NF1 is an autosomal dominant tumour predisposition syndrome causing significant pain and morbidity, for which limited treatment options are available. In this context, vitamin D or its analogues have been used to treat both skin and bone lesions in NF1 patients, alone or combined with other therapeutic agents. Here we provide an overview of vitamin D, its characteristic nutritional properties relevant for health benefits and its role in NF1 disorder. We focus on preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrated the clinical correlation between vitamin D status and NF1 disease, thus providing important insights into disease pathogenesis and new opportunities for targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Riccardi
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia 21, I-80126 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Lorena Perrone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Filomena Napolitano
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Simone Sampaolo
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
| | - Mariarosa Anna Beatrice Melone
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, 2nd Division of Neurology, Center for Rare Diseases and InterUniversity Center for Research in Neurosciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, via Sergio Pansini 5, I-80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.N.); (S.S.)
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Department of Biology, Temple University, BioLife Building (015-00), 1900 North 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122-6078, USA
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