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Young O, Ngo N, Lin L, Stanbery L, Creeden JF, Hamouda D, Nemunaitis J. Folate Receptor as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Solid Tumors. Curr Probl Cancer 2023; 47:100917. [PMID: 36508886 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2022.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Folate is a B vitamin necessary for basic biological functions, including rapid cell turnover occurring in cancer cell proliferation. Though the role of folate as a causative versus protective agent in carcinogenesis is debated, several studies have indicated that the folate receptor (FR), notably subtype folate receptor alpha (FRα), could be a viable biomarker for diagnosis, progression, and prognosis. Several cancers, including gastrointestinal, gynecological, breast, lung, and squamous cell head and neck cancers overexpress FR and are currently under investigation to correlate receptor status to disease state. Traditional chemotherapies have included antifolate medications, such as methotrexate and pemetrexed, which generate anticancer activity during the synthesis phase of the cell cycle. Increasingly, the repertoire of pharmacotherapies is expanding to include FR as a target, with a heterogenous pool of directed therapies. Here we discuss the FR, expression and effect in cancer biology, and relevant pharmacologic inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Young
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Nealie Ngo
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Leslie Lin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | | | - Justin Fortune Creeden
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
| | - Danae Hamouda
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH
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Islam Y, Leach AG, Smith J, Pluchino S, Coxon CR, Sivakumaran M, Downing J, Fatokun AA, Teixidò M, Ehtezazi T. Physiological and Pathological Factors Affecting Drug Delivery to the Brain by Nanoparticles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2002085. [PMID: 34105297 PMCID: PMC8188209 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurological/neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease is known to be increasing due to an aging population and is anticipated to further grow in the decades ahead. The treatment of brain diseases is challenging partly due to the inaccessibility of therapeutic agents to the brain. An increasingly important observation is that the physiology of the brain alters during many brain diseases, and aging adds even more to the complexity of the disease. There is a notion that the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) increases with aging or disease, however, the body has a defense mechanism that still retains the separation of the brain from harmful chemicals in the blood. This makes drug delivery to the diseased brain, even more challenging and complex task. Here, the physiological changes to the diseased brain and aged brain are covered in the context of drug delivery to the brain using nanoparticles. Also, recent and novel approaches are discussed for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the diseased brain using nanoparticle based or magnetic resonance imaging guided systems. Furthermore, the complement activation, toxicity, and immunogenicity of brain targeting nanoparticles as well as novel in vitro BBB models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamir Islam
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Andrew G. Leach
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- Division of Pharmacy and OptometryThe University of ManchesterStopford Building, Oxford RoadManchesterM13 9PTUK
| | - Jayden Smith
- Cambridge Innovation Technologies Consulting (CITC) LimitedSt. John's Innovation CentreCowley RoadCambridgeCB4 0WSUK
| | - Stefano Pluchino
- Department of Clinical NeurosciencesClifford Allbutt Building – Cambridge Biosciences Campus and NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeHills RoadCambridgeCB2 0HAUK
| | - Christopher R. Coxon
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
- School of Engineering and Physical SciencesHeriot‐Watt UniversityWilliam Perkin BuildingEdinburghEH14 4ASUK
| | - Muttuswamy Sivakumaran
- Department of HaematologyPeterborough City HospitalEdith Cavell CampusBretton Gate PeterboroughPeterboroughPE3 9GZUK
| | - James Downing
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Amos A. Fatokun
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
| | - Meritxell Teixidò
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST)Baldiri Reixac 10Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Touraj Ehtezazi
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular SciencesLiverpool John Moores UniversityByrom StreetLiverpoolL3 3AFUK
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3
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Li H, Liu Y, Chen L, Liu Q, Qi S, Cheng X, Lee YB, Ahn CH, Kim DJ, Lee RJ. Folate receptor-targeted lipid-albumin nanoparticles (F-LAN) for therapeutic delivery of an Akt1 antisense oligonucleotide. J Drug Target 2018; 26:466-473. [PMID: 29376449 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1433678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RX-0201 is an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against Akt1 currently in clinical trial for metastatic renal cancer. PURPOSE To improve the delivery of RX-0201 using folate receptor-targeted lipid-albumin nanoparticles (F-LAN). METHODS F-LAN were synthesized with the composition of DOTAP/soyPC/TPGS/folate-PEG-DSPE (25:70:4:1 m/m), a cationic human serum albumin-pentaethylenehexamine (HSA-PEHA) conjugate and RX-0201. The nanoparticles were evaluated in KB human carcinoma cells in vitro and in a KB murine xenograft tumour model in vivo for pharmacokinetics and antitumor activities. RESULTS The F-LAN-RX-0201 had a mean particle size of 108.6 ± 5.8 nm, zeta potential of 10.5 ± 3.2 mV and ASO loading efficiency of 71.5 ± 4.5%. In KB cells, uptake and Akt1 inhibition by F-LAN-RX-0201 were greater than those of non-targeted LAN-RX-0201 and could be partially blocked by excess free folate. F-LAN-RX-0201 inhibited cell growth with an IC50 of 11.9 μM. In contrast, LAN-RX-0201 showed lower cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 32.0 μM. No significant cytotoxicity was observed with up to 250 µM of free RX-0201. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that F-LAN-RX-0201 had a longer terminal half-life than free RX-0201 (442 vs. 219 min). In a KB xenograft tumour model, F-LAN-RX-0201 exhibited greater tumour inhibition than LAN-RX-0201 at 16 mg/kg. Moreover, F-LAN-RX-0201 at 16 mg/kg showed comparable tumour inhibition compared to free RX-0201 at a much higher dose of 90 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS F-LAN-RX-0201 showed promise as a therapeutic agent for tumours with elevated folate-receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Yang Liu
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Lihua Chen
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Qibing Liu
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Shanshan Qi
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Xinwei Cheng
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Young B Lee
- b Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Chang-Ho Ahn
- b Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville , MD , USA
| | | | - Robert J Lee
- a Division of Pharmaceutics , College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA
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Kim SS, Rait A, Garrido-Sanabria ER, Pirollo KF, Harford JB, Chang EH. Nanotherapeutics for Gene Modulation that Prevents Apoptosis in the Brain and Fatal Neuroinflammation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:84-94. [PMID: 29103910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The failure of therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been a major impediment in the treatment of neurological disorders and brain tumors. We have addressed this issue using an immunoliposome nanocomplex (designated scL) that delivers therapeutic nucleic acids across the BBB into the deep brain via transcytosis mediated by transferrin receptors. We validated brain delivery of payloads after systemic administration by monitoring uptake of fluorescently labeled payloads and by confirming up- or down-modulation of specific target gene expression in the brain, mainly in neuronal cells. As proof of concept for the therapeutic potential of our delivery system, we employed scL delivering an siRNA targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha to suppress neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis and to protect mice in lethal endotoxemia triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Brain delivery of therapeutic payloads via scL has major implications for the development of treatments for neurological disorders and brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | | | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joe B Harford
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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5
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Pirollo KF, Nemunaitis J, Leung PK, Nunan R, Adams J, Chang EH. Safety and Efficacy in Advanced Solid Tumors of a Targeted Nanocomplex Carrying the p53 Gene Used in Combination with Docetaxel: A Phase 1b Study. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1697-706. [PMID: 27357628 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of p53 suppressor function, through mutations or inactivation of the p53 pathway, occurs in most human cancers. SGT-53 is a liposomal nanocomplex designed for systemic, tumor-targeting delivery of the wt p53 gene. In this nanodelivery system, an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment serves as the targeting moiety. In an initial phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, SGT-53 demonstrated tumor-specific targeting, was shown to be well tolerated, and was associated with an antitumor effect in several patients. Our preclinical studies have also demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity with the combination of SGT-53 and docetaxel. Thus, this dose-escalation trial was undertaken to assess the combination of SGT-53 and docetaxel for safety and potential efficacy in 14 advanced cancer patients. Results reveal that the combination of SGT-53 (maximum dose, 3.6 mg DNA/infusion) and docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)/infusion) was well tolerated. Moreover, clinical activity involving 12 evaluable patients was observed. Three of these patients achieved RECIST-verified partial responses with tumor reductions of -47%, -51%, and -79%. Two others had stable disease with significant shrinkage (-25% and -16%). These results support phase 2 testing of SGT-53 in combination with docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Therapeutics Division, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Gradalis, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Texas Oncology PA, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Medical City Dallas Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Po Ki Leung
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Potomac, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Nunan
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jana Adams
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Therapeutics Division, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,SynerGene Therapeutics, Potomac, Maryland, USA
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Li H, Quan J, Zhang M, Yung BC, Cheng X, Liu Y, Lee YB, Ahn CH, Kim DJ, Lee RJ. Lipid-Albumin Nanoparticles (LAN) for Therapeutic Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotide against HIF-1α. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:2555-62. [PMID: 27253378 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.6b00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-albumin nanoparticles (LAN) were synthesized for delivery of RX-0047, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against the hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) to solid tumor. These lipid nanoparticles (LNs) incorporated a human serum albumin-pentaethylenehexamine (HSA-PEHA) conjugate, which is cationic and can form electrostatic complexes with negatively charged oligonucleotides. The delivery efficiency of LAN-RX-0047 was investigated in KB cells and a KB murine xenograft model. When KB cells were treated with LAN-RX-0047, significant HIF-1α downregulation and enhanced cellular uptake were observed compared to LN-RX-0047. LN-RX-0047 and LAN-RX-0047 showed similar cytotoxicity against KB cells with IC50 values of 19.3 ± 3.8 and 20.1 ± 4.2 μM, respectively. LAN-RX-0047 was shown to be taken up by the cells via the macropinocytosis and caveolae-mediated endocytosis pathways while LN-RX-0047 was taken up by cells via caveolae-mediated endocytosis. In the KB xenograft tumor model, LAN-RX-0047 exhibited tumor suppressive activity and significantly reduced intratumoral HIF-1α expression compared to LN-RX-0047. Furthermore, LAN-RX-0047 greatly increased survival time of mice bearing KB-1 xenograft tumors at doses of either 3 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg. These results indicated that LAN-RX-0047 is a highly effective vehicle for therapeutic delivery of antisense agents to tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jishan Quan
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Mengzi Zhang
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Bryant C Yung
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xinwei Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yang Liu
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Young B Lee
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Chang-Ho Ahn
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Deog Joong Kim
- Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Robert J Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Kim SS, Rait A, Kim E, DeMarco J, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Encapsulation of temozolomide in a tumor-targeting nanocomplex enhances anti-cancer efficacy and reduces toxicity in a mouse model of glioblastoma. Cancer Lett 2015; 369:250-8. [PMID: 26325605 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although temozolomide (TMZ) is the current first-line chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), most patients either do not respond or ultimately fail TMZ treatment. Both intrinsic tumor resistance and limited access of TMZ to brain tumors as a result of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) contribute to poor response and ultimately to poor prognosis for GBM patients. We have developed a "dual-targeting" nanomedicine that both actively crosses the BBB and actively targets cancer cells once in the brain parenchyma. This nanomedicine (termed scL-TMZ) is sized ~40 nm and comprised of a cationic liposome (DOTAP:DOPE) encapsulating TMZ. The surface of liposome is decorated with anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragments to facilitate the crossing of the BBB by the scL-TMZ in addition to targeting GBM in the brain. This novel formulation was found to be markedly more effective than standard TMZ in both TMZ-resistant and TMZ-sensitive GBM. Encapsulation of TMZ also markedly enhanced its efficacy in killing a variety of non-GBM tumor cells. The scL-TMZ nanocomplex was shown to target cancer stem cells, which have been linked to both drug resistance and recurrence in GBM. Most significantly, systemically administered scL-TMZ significantly prolonged survival in mice bearing intracranial GBM tumors. The improved efficacy of scL-TMZ compared to standard TMZ was accompanied by reduced toxicity, so we conclude that the scL-TMZ nanomedicine holds great promise as a more effective therapy for GBM and other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Eric Kim
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - James DeMarco
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA.
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Li H, Xu S, Quan J, Yung BC, Pang J, Zhou C, Cho YA, Zhang M, Liu S, Muthusamy N, Chan KK, Byrd JC, Lee LJ, Marcucci G, Lee RJ. CD33-Targeted Lipid Nanoparticles (aCD33LNs) for Therapeutic Delivery of GTI-2040 to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:2010-8. [PMID: 25871632 DOI: 10.1021/mp5008212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CD33-targeted lipid nanoparticles (aCD33LNs) were synthesized for delivery of GTI-2040, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) against the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase, to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). These LNs incorporated a deoxycholate-polyethylenimine (DOC-PEI) conjugate, which has shown significant activity to facilitate oligonucleotide delivery. Anti-CD33 scFv (aCD33) was added as a targeting ligand. The delivery efficiency of this system was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. When cells were treated with aCD33LN/GTI-2040, significant uptake was observed in CD33 positive Kasumi-1 cells. aCD33LNs loaded with GTI-2040 induced significant down-regulation of R2 mRNA and protein levels in AML cells. Moreover, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 showed a 15-fold reduction in the IC50 of antileukemic drug Ara-C in Kasumi-1 cells. In Kasumi-1 xenograft model, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 showed significant R2 downregulation compared to LN/GTI-2040. Furthermore, aCD33LN/GTI-2040 coadministered with Ara-C was shown to be highly effective in tumor growth inhibition and to greatly increase survival time of mice bearing Kasumi-1 xenograft tumors. The conjugate DOC-PEI has shown an ability to include calcein release from lipid nanoparticles, suggesting a potential mechanism contributing to efficient endosome release by DOC-PEI2K. These results indicate that aCD33LNs are a highly effective vehicle for the therapeutic delivery of antisense agents to AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Songlin Xu
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jishan Quan
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,⊥Pharmacy College, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133002, China
| | - Bryant C Yung
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | - Chenguang Zhou
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Young-Ah Cho
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | | | | | - Kenneth K Chan
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | | | | | - Robert J Lee
- †Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, ‡Division of Hematology-Oncology, §Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Program, and ∥Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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9
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The clinical potential of targeted nanomedicine: delivering to cancer stem-like cells. Mol Ther 2013; 22:278-291. [PMID: 24113515 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) have been implicated in recurrence and treatment resistance in many human cancers. Thus, a CSC-targeted drug delivery strategy to eliminate CSCs is a desirable approach for developing a more effective anticancer therapy. We have developed a tumor-targeting nanodelivery platform (scL) for systemic administration of molecular medicines. Following treatment with the scL nanocomplex carrying various payloads, we have observed exquisite tumor-targeting specificity and significant antitumor response with long-term survival benefit in numerous animal models. We hypothesized that this observed efficacy might be attributed, at least in part, to elimination of CSCs. Here, we demonstrate the ability of scL to target both CSCs and differentiated nonstem cancer cells (non-CSCs) in various mouse models including subcutaneous and intracranial xenografts, syngeneic, and chemically induced tumors. We also show that systemic administration of scL carrying the wtp53 gene was able to induce tumor growth inhibition and the death of both CSCs and non-CSCs in subcutaneous colorectal cancer xenografts suggesting that this could be an effective method to reduce cancer recurrence and treatment resistance. This scL nanocomplex is being evaluated in a number of clinical trials where it has been shown to be well tolerated with indications of anticancer activity.
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Cho SH, Oh B, Kim HA, Park JH, Lee M. Post-translational regulation of gene expression using the ATF4 oxygen-dependent degradation domain for hypoxia-specific gene therapy. J Drug Target 2013; 21:830-6. [PMID: 23952904 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2013.829073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Solid tumors have hypoxic regions in their cores, due to low blood supply levels. Therefore, hypoxia-specific gene regulation systems have been developed for tumor-specific gene therapy. In this study, the oxygen-dependent degradation (ODD) domain on activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4) was evaluated for post-translational regulation of proteins. The ATF4 ODD cDNA was amplified by RT-PCR, and a luciferase plasmid containing the ATF4 ODD domain, pSV-Luc-ATF4-ODD, was constructed. Luciferase expression was induced under hypoxia by the ATF4 ODD domain in transfection assays into N2A neuroblastoma cells, C6 glioblastoma cells, and U87 glioblastoma cells. In the transfection assay with pSV-Luc-ATF4-ODD, RT-PCR results showed that the mRNA level did not change under hypoxia. This suggests that the induction of luciferase under hypoxia was mediated by post-translational regulation. A plasmid expressing thymidine kinase from herpes simplex virus (HSV-tk), pSV-HSVtk-ATF4-ODD, was constructed with the ATF4 ODD cDNA. The transfection assay with pSV-TK-ATF4-ODD showed that the ATF4 ODD domain induced HSV-tk expression under hypoxia and facilitated the death of C6 cells in the presence of ganciclovir (GCV). Furthermore, pSV-HSVtk-ATF4-ODD induced caspase-3 activity in the hypoxic cells. In conclusion, the ATF4 ODD may be useful for hypoxia-specific gene therapy by post-translational regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hee Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University , Seoul , Korea and
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11
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Camp ER, Wang C, Little EC, Watson PM, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Cole DJ, Chang EH, Watson DK. Transferrin receptor targeting nanomedicine delivering wild-type p53 gene sensitizes pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:222-8. [PMID: 23470564 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To overcome gene therapy barriers such as low transfection efficiency and nonspecific delivery, liposomal nanoparticles targeted by a single-chain antibody fragment to the transferrin receptor (TfRscFv) delivering wild-type (wt) human p53 (SGT-53) were developed for tumor-specific targeting. We hypothesize that SGT-53 in combination with gemcitabine will demonstrate enhanced therapeutic benefit in an in vivo metastatic pancreatic cancer model. Intrasplenic injection of 1 × 10(6) Panc02 murine pancreatic cancer cells was used to generate in vivo hepatic metastatic tumors. Nanoparticle localization was assessed by tail vein injection of TfRscFv with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides (6-carboxyfluorescein phosphoramidite (6FAM) ODN) imaged by Xenogen IVIS 200 scan. SGT-53 (equivalent to 30 μg of p53 intravenously) and gemcitabine (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) alone and in combination were administered biweekly and compared with untreated mice. Survival was determined by blinded daily assessment of morbidity. Human wtp53 expression and transferrin levels in the tumors were assessed by western blot analysis. Tumor burden was quantified by liver weight. Xenogen imaging demonstrated tumor-specific uptake of TfRscFv-6FAM ODN. Exogenous human wtp53 protein was detected in the SGT-53-treated tumors compared with control. Compared with untreated mice with metastatic tumors demonstrating median survival of 20 days, SGT-53, gemcitabine and the combination demonstrated improved median survival of 29, 30 and 37 days, respectively. The combination treatment prolonged median survival when compared with single drug treatment and decreased tumor burden. The tumor targeting liposomal-based SGT-53 nanoparticle is capable of sensitizing pancreatic cancer to conventional chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer models. This approach has the potential to be translated into a new, more effective therapy for pancreatic cancer. Further optimization is ongoing, moving towards a Phase 1B/2 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Camp
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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12
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Paliwal SR, Paliwal R, Agrawal GP, Vyas SP. Liposomal nanomedicine for breast cancer therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2011; 6:1085-100. [PMID: 21955078 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.11.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Liposomes are well-established nanocarriers for improving the therapeutic index of anticancer agents. A remarkable understanding in the pathophysiology of breast cancer progression has emerged with information on the involved specific biomolecules, which may serve as molecular targets for its therapy. Hormonal and nonhormonal receptors can both be exploited for targeting to breast cancer cells. Targeted delivery of cytotoxic drugs using liposomes is a novel approach for breast cancer therapy. In the present article, we summarize molecular targets present on the breast cancer cells. Recent developments in liposome-based delivery of bioactives for selective treatments of breast cancer are discussed. In addition, utilization of bioenvironmental conditions of tumor for liposome-based targeted delivery is also summed up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Rai Paliwal
- Drug Delivery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. H. S. Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, M.P., India
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13
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Zhang T, Zhao PS, Zhang W, Liang M, Gao YW, Yang ST, Wang TC, Qin C, Wang CY, Xia XZ. Antisense oligonucleotide inhibits avian influenza virus H5N1 replication by single chain antibody delivery system. Vaccine 2011; 29:1558-64. [PMID: 21215341 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.12.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) causes widespread infections in poultry and wild birds, and has the potential to emerge as a pandemic threat to human. Antisense oligonucleotides (AS ODNs) are highly effective at inhibiting gene replication. Antibody-mediated delivery is a novel approach to target specific cells and tissues. In this study, we designed and synthesized three AS ODNs (PA4, PA492 and PA1203) specific for conserved region of AIV PA protein, and all the three AS ODNs could inhibit viral replication. The PA492 ODN showed the best antiviral effect by viral titers and quantitative RT-PCR in MDCK cells. The fusion protein scFv-tP was constructed as a single chain variable fragment (scFv) against AIV hemaglutinin antigen with a truncated protamine (tP). The results showed that scFv-tP fusion improved the antiviral effectiveness of PA492 in MDCK cells as measured by viral titers, quantitative RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) assays. In addition, scFv-tP-delivered PA492 was also found to partially protect mice from lethal H5N1 influenza virus challenge. Using scFv-tP delivery, fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled-PA492 was found to be significantly localized in the lungs, compared to liposome-delivered PA492. Moreover, the fusion protein mediated PA492 had a lower lung index and viral titers in the infected mice as compared with the liposome method. These results provided a potential method for using anti-HA fusion protein for the targeted delivery of AS ODNs against AIV H5N1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA
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15
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Jin Y, Liu S, Yu B, Golan S, Koh CG, Yang J, Huynh L, Yang X, Pang J, Muthusamy N, Chan KK, Byrd JC, Talmon Y, Lee LJ, Lee RJ, Marcucci G. Targeted delivery of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide by transferrin conjugated pH-sensitive lipopolyplex nanoparticles: a novel oligonucleotide-based therapeutic strategy in acute myeloid leukemia. Mol Pharm 2010; 7:196-206. [PMID: 19852511 DOI: 10.1021/mp900205r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic use of oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) that hybridize to and downregulate target mRNAs encoding proteins that contribute to malignant transformation has a sound rationale, but has had an overall limited clinical success in cancer due to insufficient intracellular delivery. Here we report a development of formulations capable of promoting targeted delivery and enhanced pharmacologic activity of ODNs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines and patient primary cells. In this study, transferrin (Tf) conjugated pH-sensitive lipopolyplex nanoparticles (LPs) were prepared to deliver GTI-2040, an antisense ODN against the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase that has been shown to contribute to chemoresistance in AML. LPs had an average particle size around 110 nm and a moderately positive zeta potential at approximately 10 mV. The ODN encapsulation efficiency of LPs was >90%. These nanoparticles could release ODNs at acidic endosomal pH and facilitate the cytoplasmic delivery of ODNs after endocytosis. In addition, Tf-mediated targeted delivery of GTI-2040 was achieved. R2 downregulation at both mRNA and protein levels was improved by 8-fold in Kasumi-1 cells and 2- to 20-fold in AML patient primary cells treated with GTI-2040-Tf-LPs, compared to free GTI-2040 treatment. Moreover, Tf-LPs were more effective than nontargeted LPs, with 10 to 100% improvement at various concentrations in Kasumi-1 cells and an average of 45% improvement at 3 microM concentration in AML patient primary cells. Treatment with 1 microM GTI-2040-Tf-LPs sensitized AML cells to the chemotherapy agent cytarabine, by decreasing its IC(50) value from 47.69 nM to 9.05 nM. This study suggests that the combination of pH sensitive LP formulation and Tf mediated targeting is a promising strategy for antisense ODN delivery in leukemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jin
- NSF Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center, Division of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Nanodelivery of MRI contrast agent enhances sensitivity of detection of lung cancer metastases. Acad Radiol 2009; 16:627-37. [PMID: 19345904 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2007] [Revised: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Early detection of lung cancer can be problematic. Although current imaging methods can identify lung cancers, they are limited in the size of detectable nodules. There is also lack of evidence that these methods can correctly classify nodules <7 mm as malignant because lung cancer can be mimicked in appearance by benign lesions that lower specificity. Therefore, there is a need for enhanced sensitivity/specificity of detection for small lung cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS We have developed a nanosized ( approximately 100 nm) immunoliposome complex for delivery of molecular medicines to tumors. In this complex, an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv) decorates the surface of a cationic liposome encapsulating the payload. We have previously shown that this systemically administered complex (scL) selectively targets, and efficiently delivers its payload into, tumor cells. We have also encapsulated the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent gadopentetate dimeglumine ("gad-d") within this complex, resulting in increased resolution and image intensity in a mouse model of primary cancer. Here we examine the ability of the scL-gad-d complex to increase the sensitivity of detection of lung metastases. RESULTS These MRI studies show that the scL-gad-d nanocomplex is able to improve detection, and increase enhancement of, small lung cancers (400 microm and as small as 100 microm) compared to that of uncomplexed gad-d. CONCLUSIONS Because of its tumor targeting specificity, deliver of an MRI contrast agent via this nanocomplex has potential for use as an agent that can identify small lung cancers, thus improving early detection and possibly increasing survival.
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17
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Yu B, Zhao X, Lee LJ, Lee RJ. Targeted delivery systems for oligonucleotide therapeutics. AAPS JOURNAL 2009; 11:195-203. [PMID: 19296227 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-009-9096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Oligonucleotides including antisense oligonucleotides and siRNA are emerging as promising therapeutic agents against a variety of diseases. Effective delivery of these molecules is critical to their successful clinical application. Targeted systems can greatly improve the efficiency and specificity of oligonucleotides delivery. Meanwhile, an effective delivery system must successfully overcome a multitude of biological barriers to enable the oligonucleotides to reach the site of action and access their biological targets. Several delivery strategies based on different platform technologies and different targeting ligands have been developed to achieve these objectives. This review aims at providing a summary and perspective on recent progress in this very active area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Ohguchi Y, Kawano K, Hattori Y, Maitani Y. Selective delivery of folate-PEG-linked, nanoemulsion-loaded aclacinomycin A to KB nasopharyngeal cells and xenograft: effect of chain length and amount of folate-PEG linker. J Drug Target 2009; 16:660-7. [PMID: 18982514 DOI: 10.1080/10611860802201464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the use of folate-targeted nanoemulsion-loaded aclacinomycin A (ACM) to folate receptor (FR)-positive cells, we attempted to optimize the targeting ability of nanoemulsions by modifying the chain length and amount of the folate-PEG linker. Folate-linked, nanoemulsion-loaded ACM were formulated with 0.24 mol% of folate-poly (ethylene glycol)(3400)- (folate-PEG(3400)-) and folate-PEG(5000)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE), and 0.03 mol% of folate-PEG(5000)-DSPE in nanoemulsions. Selective FR-mediated uptake was achieved in a human nasopharyngeal tumor cell line, KB, which overexpresses FR, but not in a human hepatoblastoma cell line, (FR(-)) HepG2. At the same amount of folate modification, the association with KB cells was increased with increasing the PEG-chain length. The association of 0.03 and 0.24 mol% folate-PEG(5000)-linked nanoemulsions with cells was 5- and 3.3-fold higher than that of non-folate nanoemulsion, respectively, while their cytotoxicity was similar. Both 0.03 and 0.24 mol% folate-PEG(5000)-linked nanoemulsions and non-folate nanoemulsion following intravenous injection inhibited tumor growth more significantly than ACM solution on day 24 following tumor inoculation (p < 0.01). This study demonstrates that a folate-linked nanoemulsion is feasible for tumor-targeted ACM delivery, and that folate modification with a sufficiently long PEG-chain and a small amount of nanoemulsion is an effective way of targeting nanoemulsion to tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukino Ohguchi
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
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19
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Yamada A, Taniguchi Y, Kawano K, Honda T, Hattori Y, Maitani Y. Design of Folate-Linked Liposomal Doxorubicin to its Antitumor Effect in Mice. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:8161-8. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-08-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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20
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Nanoimmunoliposome delivery of superparamagnetic iron oxide markedly enhances targeting and uptake in human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2008; 4:318-29. [PMID: 18676207 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2008.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To circumvent the problem of reduction of the supermagnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles after chemical modification to conjugate targeting molecules, we have adapted a tumor-targeting nanoimmunoliposome platform technology (scL) to encapsulate and deliver SPIO (scL-SPIO) in vitro and in vivo without chemical modification. Scanning probe microscopy, confocal microscopy, and Prussian blue staining were used to analyze the scL-SPIO and assess intracellular uptake and distribution of SPIO in vitro. In vivo targeting and tumor-specific uptake of scL-SPIO was examined using fluorescent-labeled SPIO. We demonstrated that SPIO encapsulation in the scL complex results in an approximately 11-fold increase in SPIO uptake in human cancer cells in vitro, with distribution to cytoplasm and nucleus. Moreover, the scL nanocomplex specifically and efficiently delivered SPIO into tumor cells after systemic administration, demonstrating the potential of this approach to enhance local tumor concentration and the utility of SPIO for clinical applications.
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Caraglia M, Marra M, Budillon A. Highlights of the Annual Meeting of the Italian Association for Cell Cultures (AICC): new drug delivery strategies and technological platforms for diagnosis and therapy of tumors (Part II). Expert Opin Biol Ther 2008; 8:1031-5. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.8.7.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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22
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Abstract
Targeted delivery via selective cellular markers can potentially increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of therapeutic agents. The folate receptor (FR) has two glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored isoforms, alpha and beta. FR-alpha expression is frequently amplified in epithelial cancers, whereas FR-beta expression is found in myeloid leukemia and activated macrophages associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. Conjugates of folic acid and anti-FR antibodies can be taken up by cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, thus providing a mechanism for targeted delivery to FR+ cells. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of applications of FR targeting in drug delivery, with an emphasis on the strategy of using folate as a targeting ligand. In order to do this, recent literature is surveyed on targeted delivery via both FR sub-types, as well as new findings on selective receptor upregulation in the targeted cells. A wide variety of molecules and drug carriers, including imaging agents, chemotherapeutic agents, oligonucleotides, proteins, haptens, liposomes, nanoparticles and gene transfer vectors have been conjugated to folate and evaluated for FR-targeted delivery. Substantial targeting efficacy has been found both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, mechanisms and methods for selective FR upregulation have been uncovered, which might enhance the effectiveness of the FR-targeted delivery strategy. FR-alpha serves as a useful marker for cancer, whereas FR-beta serves as a marker for myeloid leukemia and chronic inflammatory diseases. FR-targeted agents have shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and significant potential for future clinical application in a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Zhao
- Abbott Laboratories, Global Pharmaceutics and Life Cycle Technology, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA
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23
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Park NK, Woo HD, Sohn DM, Kim SY, Lim CW, Choi TY, Kim JJ, Lee MH. The Correlation of Serum HER-2/neu and CA15-3 in Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer. J Breast Cancer 2008. [DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2008.11.1.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nae-Kyeong Park
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee-Doo Woo
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Doo-Min Sohn
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Yong Kim
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheol-Wan Lim
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae-Youn Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Hyuk Lee
- Department of Surgery, Soonchunhyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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24
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Russ V, Wagner E. Cell and tissue targeting of nucleic acids for cancer gene therapy. Pharm Res 2007; 24:1047-57. [PMID: 17387604 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-006-9233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2006] [Accepted: 12/26/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumor targeting--per definition--includes any strategy to improve the specificity of the therapeutic nucleic acid towards the tumor site, while highest biological activity should be maintained. Targeting has been successfully achieved at the transcriptional, transductional or delivery level. For tumor-specific delivery, physical targeting methods like electroporation, hyperthermia, magnetofection, photochemical internalization or ultrasound, and biological targeting systems, including active and passive tumor targeting, have been developed. Therapeutic effects could be demonstrated with various targeted nucleic acid formulations, such as tumor-targeted DNA plasmids expressing p53 or tumor necrosis factor alpha, small interfering RNAs knocking down gene expression from tumor specific chromosomal translocations or gene expression of tumor neoangiogenic processes, as well as double stranded RNA poly inosine-cytosine which triggers apoptosis in targeted tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Russ
- Pharmaceutical Biology-Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, Munich, Germany
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25
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Meyer M, Wagner E. Recent developments in the application of plasmid DNA-based vectors and small interfering RNA therapeutics for cancer. Hum Gene Ther 2007; 17:1062-76. [PMID: 17032153 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.1062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased understanding of the molecular pathological mechanisms of cancer, the advent of novel molecular tools such as synthetic small interfering RNA (siRNA) or plasmid DNA-based vectors (pDNA), and technology for the in vivo delivery of such biomolecular therapeutics have provided an encouraging perspective for cancer therapy. Numerous pDNAs and siRNAs have been tested in preclinical cancer models, and these first approaches have reached clinical evaluation. The therapeutic effector mechanisms include interference with neoangiogenesis, blockage of cell division, promotion of apoptosis and sensitization to chemotherapy, delivery of cytotoxic genes, and activation of anticancer immune responses. Physical methods have been developed for highly effective regional delivery. A series of innovative "smart" formulations directs the current development toward safe and effective systemic tumor-targeted delivery of pDNA and siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Meyer
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biology-Biotechnology, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich 81377, Germany
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26
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Molecular Mechanisms of ErbB2-Mediated Breast Cancer Chemoresistance. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2007; 608:119-29. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-74039-3_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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27
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Hogrefe RI, Lebedev AV, Zon G, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Zhou Q, Yu W, Chang EH. Chemically modified short interfering hybrids (siHYBRIDS): nanoimmunoliposome delivery in vitro and in vivo for RNAi of HER-2. NUCLEOSIDES NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2006; 25:889-907. [PMID: 16901821 DOI: 10.1080/15257770600793885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A blunt-ended 19-mer short interfering hybrid (siHybrid) (H) comprised of sense-DNA/antisense-RNA targeting HER-2 mRNA was encapsulated in a liposomal nanoplex with anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv) as the targeting moiety for clinically relevant tumor-specific delivery. In vitro delivery to a human pancreatic cell line (PANC-1) was shown to exhibit sequence-specific inhibition of 48-h cell growth with an IC50 value of 37 nM. The inhibitory potency of this siHybrid was increased (IC50 value of 7.8 nM) using a homologous chemically modified siHybrid (mH) in which the 19-mer sense strand had the following pattern of 2 '-deoxyinosine (dI) and 2 '-O-methylribonucleotide (2 '-OMe) residues: 5'-d(TITIT)-2'OMe(GCGGUGGUU)-d(GICIT). These modifications were intended to favor antisense strand-mediated RNAi while mitigating possible sense strand-mediated off-target effects and RNase H-mediated cleavage of the antisense RNA strand. The presently reported immunoliposomal delivery system was successfully used in vivo to inhibit HER-2 expression, and thus induce apoptosis in human breast carcinoma tumors (MDA-MB-435) in mice upon repeated i.v. treatment at a dose of 3 mg/kg of H or mH. The in vivo potency of modified siHybrid mH appeared to be qualitatively greater than that of H, as was the case in vitro.
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28
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Meyer M, Wagner E. Recent Developments in the Application of Plasmid DNA-Based Vectors and Small Interfering RNA Therapeutics for Cancer. Hum Gene Ther 2006. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.ft-251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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29
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Heidel J, Mishra S, Davis ME. Molecular conjugates. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2006; 99:7-39. [PMID: 16568887 DOI: 10.1007/10_002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Molecular conjugates are nanometer-sized entities consisting of synthetic materials (lipids, polycations, targeting agents, and so on) and nucleic acids. These composites are delivery vehicles that function to provide the transport of nucleic acids to sites of action. Recently, great progress has been made in the construction of these nonviral delivery vehicles and the understanding of how they function in cells and animals. Here, we review some of the important issues in assembling molecular conjugates and understanding their behavior in biological fluids, cells, and animals. One of the largest challenges in the field of molecular conjugates is how to integrate the components into a workable system that exploits the combined attributes of the components without suffering losses due to the assembly of the system. We discuss some of the difficulties involved in the assembly of a functioning delivery system for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Heidel
- Chemical Engineering, 210-41, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena 91125, USA
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30
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Rayburn E, Wang W, Zhang R, Wang H. Antisense approaches in drug discovery and development. PROGRESS IN DRUG RESEARCH. FORTSCHRITTE DER ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG. PROGRES DES RECHERCHES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2006; 63:227-74. [PMID: 16265883 DOI: 10.1007/3-7643-7414-4_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Rayburn
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, VH 112, Box 600, 1670 University Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35294-0019, USA
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31
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Pirollo KF, Dagata J, Wang P, Freedman M, Vladar A, Fricke S, Ileva L, Zhou Q, Chang EH. A Tumor-Targeted Nanodelivery System to Improve Early MRI Detection of Cancer. Mol Imaging 2006. [DOI: 10.2310/7290.2006.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - John Dagata
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qi Zhou
- Georgetown University Medical Center
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32
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Pirollo KF, Zon G, Rait A, Zhou Q, Yu W, Hogrefe R, Chang EH. Tumor-Targeting Nanoimmunoliposome Complex for Short Interfering RNA Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2006; 17:117-24. [PMID: 16409130 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to be developed for therapeutic use against cancer depends on the availability of an efficient tumor-specific delivery vehicle. We have previously shown that a nanoscale nonviral liposome-based complex that includes an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment as the targeting moiety can, when systemically administered, specifically and efficiently target primary and metastatic tumors and deliver molecules useful in gene medicine, including plasmid DNA and antisense oligonucleotides. Here we explore the ability of this complex to deliver a fluorescein-labeled siRNA to tumor cells in vivo and examine the intracellular localization in vitro by confocal microscopy. We show that the immunoliposome--siRNA complex maintains its nanoscale size and, using three separate tumor models, can efficiently and specifically deliver siRNA to both primary and metastatic disease after systemic delivery, thus increasing the possibility for translating the potent effects of siRNA observed in vitro into clinically useful therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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33
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Pirollo KF, Zon G, Rait A, Zhou Q, Yu W, Hogrefe R, Chang EH. Tumor-Targeting Nanoimmunoliposome Complex for Short Interfering RNA Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2005. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2005.17.ft-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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34
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Askoxylakis V, Zitzmann S, Mier W, Graham K, Krämer S, von Wegner F, Fink RHA, Schwab M, Eisenhut M, Haberkorn U. Preclinical Evaluation of the Breast Cancer Cell-Binding Peptide, p160. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:6705-12. [PMID: 16166451 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-05-0432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Selective delivery of drugs into the target tissue is expected to result in high drug concentrations in the tissue of interest and therefore enhanced drug efficacy. To develop a peptide-based radiopharmaceutical, we investigated the properties of a peptide with affinity for human breast cancer, which has been selected through phage display. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The bioactivity of the p160 peptide (VPWMEPAYQRFL) was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The specific binding to human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cells was confirmed in competition experiments. Internalization of the peptide was investigated with confocal microscopy. Furthermore, the biodistribution of (131)I-labeled p160 was studied in tumor-bearing mice. In vivo stability was evaluated at different periods after tracer administration using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. RESULTS The binding of (125)I-labeled p160 was inhibited up to 95% by the unlabeled peptide with an IC(50) value of 0.6 micromol/L. In addition, 40% of the total bound activity was found to be internalized into the human breast cancer cells. Although a rapid degradation was seen, biodistribution studies in nude mice showed a higher uptake in tumor than in most of the organs. Perfusion of the animals caused a reduction of the radioligand accumulation in the healthy tissues, whereas the tumor uptake remained constant. A comparison of [(131)I]p160 with a (131)I-labeled Arg-Gly-Asp peptide revealed a higher tumor-to-organ ratio for [(131)I]p160. CONCLUSIONS p160 has properties that make it an attractive carrier for tumor imaging and the intracellular delivery of isotopes or chemotherapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Askoxylakis
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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Shiokawa T, Hattori Y, Kawano K, Ohguchi Y, Kawakami H, Toma K, Maitani Y. Effect of polyethylene glycol linker chain length of folate-linked microemulsions loading aclacinomycin A on targeting ability and antitumor effect in vitro and in vivo. Clin Cancer Res 2005; 11:2018-25. [PMID: 15756028 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-04-1129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To establish a novel formulation tumor-targeted drug carrier of lipophilic antitumor antibiotics, aclacinomycin A (ACM), folate-linked microemulsions were prepared and investigated both in vitro and in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Three kinds of folate-linked microemulsions with different polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain lengths loading ACM were formulated with 0.24 mol% folate-PEG(2000)-distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DSPE), folate-PEG(5000)-DSPE, and folate-lipid (without PEG linker) in microemulsions. In vitro studies were done in a human nasopharyngeal cell line, KB, which overexpresses the folate receptor (FR), and a human hepatoblastoma cell line, [FR(-)] HepG2. In vivo experiments were done in a KB xenograft by systemic administration of folate-linked microemulsions loading ACM. RESULTS The association of folate-linked microemulsions to KB cells could be blocked by 2 mmol/L free folic acid. Selective FR-mediated cytotoxicity of folate-linked microemulsions loading ACM was obtained in KB but not in HepG2 cells. The association of the folate-PEG(5000)-linked microemulsion and folate-PEG(2000)-linked microemulsion with the cells was 200- and 4-fold higher, whereas their cytotoxicity was 90- and 3.5-fold higher than those of nonfolate microemulsion, respectively. The folate-PEG(5000)-linked microemulsions showed 2.6-fold higher accumulation in solid tumors 24 hours after i.v. injection and greater tumor growth inhibition than free ACM. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that a folate-linked microemulsion is feasible for tumor-targeted ACM delivery. This study shows that folate modification with a sufficiently long PEG chain on emulsions is an effective way of targeting emulsion to tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Shiokawa
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, Hoshi University, Ebara 2-4-41, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
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Waterhouse DN, Gelmon KA, Masin D, Bally MB. Combining doxorubicin and liposomal anti-HER-2/NEU antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to treat HER-2/NEU-expressing MDA-MB-435 breast tumor model. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS AND ONCOLOGY 2004; 3:261-71. [PMID: 14696623 DOI: 10.1111/j.1533-869x.2003.01099.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study assessed the in vivo therapeutic activity of an antisense molecule targeted against HER-2/neu expressing mRNA. Antisense activity was evaluated in female SCID/Rag2m mice bearing subcutaneous tumors derived from HER-2/neu-transfected MDA-MB-435 (MDA-MB-435(HER2)) cells, a transfected line derived from the human breast cancer MDA-MB-435 cell line. Animals were treated with free or liposome-encapsulated antisense. The area under the curve (AUC(0-24h)) of the liposomal formulated antisense was demonstrated to be more than 30-fold greater than that of free antisense following intravenous administration. Efficacy was determined by assessing changes in tumor growth rate as well as by an immunohistological end-point evaluating HER-2/neu expression. HER-2/neu protein expression was reduced in mice bearing HER-2/neu-transfected MDA-MB-435 tumors when treated with liposomal antisense. However, tumors in these mice grew at a faster rate than the control, a result that was interpreted to be a consequence of selection of a more rapidly proliferating HER-2/neu-negative subpopulation of cells. Effective control of the MDA-MB-435(HER2) tumors was achieved when antisense treatment was combined with doxorubicin. Tumors derived from animals treated with the combination of doxorubicin and the liposomal antisense against HER-2/neu exhibited no detectable levels of HER-2/neu expression. Antisense targeted against HER-2/neu mRNA was effective in reducing or eliminating HER-2/neu protein expression, and when combined wtih doxorubicin treatment was efficacious in the treatment of mice bearing HER-2/neu-overexpressing human xenograft tumors.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use
- Area Under Curve
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Down-Regulation
- Doxorubicin/therapeutic use
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Liposomes
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, SCID
- Nuclear Proteins
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn N Waterhouse
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Department of Advanced Therapeutics, Vancouver, Canada.
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Wagner E, Kircheis R, Walker GF. Targeted nucleic acid delivery into tumors: new avenues for cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2004; 58:152-61. [PMID: 15082337 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2004.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2003] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Unique properties of tumors, such as abnormalities in the cell cycle and apoptosis, migration and metastasis, neoangiogenesis or unique antigen profiles are targets for therapeutic anti-cancer strategies. Beyond the selection of such strategies, additional specificity for the targeted tumor tissue can be accomplished in cancer gene therapy in several ways. Upon systemic administration, appropriately packaged therapeutic nucleic acid may be preferentially transported into the tumor tissue (targeted delivery); formulation can mediate the intracellular uptake of the nucleic acid into the nucleus of target cells only (transductional targeting); and/or the use of specific promotor/enhancer elements can restrict transcription of therapeutic genes to the target cells only (transcriptional targeting). Options for physical and biological targeting of nucleic acid formulations into tumors and therapeutic approaches are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biology-Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Rait AS, Pirollo KF, Ulick D, Cullen K, Chang EH. HER-2-targeted antisense oligonucleotide results in sensitization of head and neck cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1002:78-89. [PMID: 14751825 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1281.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Existing HER-2 targeted therapies for human head and neck cancers, usually administered in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs or irradiation, include monoclonal antibodies to HER-2, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and HER-2 specific immunotoxins. Instead of targeting the existing protein, interference with HER-2 mRNA translation by antisense oligonucleotides may be a more efficient method to downregulate levels of HER-2 protein for combination therapy. To test this hypothesis we have used a phosphorothioate pentadecamer, complementary to the HER-2 mRNA initiation codon region (AS HER-2 ODN), to increase sensitivity to four chemotherapeutic agents in human head and neck cancer cell lines, all of which express low levels of the HER-2 protein. To improve delivery into tumor cells, the AS HER-2 ODN was complexed with our previously established folate-liposome delivery system. Cell survival assays and Western blot analysis data demonstrated that folate-liposome mediated AS HER-2 oligonucleotide treatment inhibited cell growth and HER-2 expression, and induced apoptosis in SCC-25CP cells. Moreover, there was a synergistic effect on the percent of apoptotic cells. Additionally, the combination of folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and CDDP had a synergistic effect on the induction of apoptosis. Using confocal microscopy, FITC labeled ODN (FITC-ODN) in complex with folate-liganded, rhodamine (Rh) labeled, cationic liposomes was observed to enter SCC-25CP head and neck tumor cells within 3 to 6 h. Intracellularly, the FITC-ODN separated from the Rh-folate-liposomes, and FITC-ODN accumulated in the nucleus while Rh-liposomes remained in punctate cytoplasmic structures. Thus, folate-liposome-mediated delivery of AS HER-2 ODN has potential as a new means of increasing the responsiveness of head and neck cancer to conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina S Rait
- Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Abstract
The use of antisense (AS) oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents was proposed as far back as the 1960s/1970s when the AS strategy was initially developed. However, it has taken almost a quarter of a century for this potential to be realized. The last few years has seen a rapid increase in the number of AS molecules progressing past Phase I in clinical trials, due in part to our increased knowledge of their structure and chemistry. Here, we describe the most prominent of these modifications with respect to clinical applicability. However, the main focus of this review is clinical application, with a focus on cancer. We will discuss in detail both the status of the current AS clinical trials and the molecules that are likely to be the targets of the next group of AS molecules entering the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Abstract
Amplification or overexpression of the HER2/neu (also known as erbB-2) gene has been noted in various types of human cancers. In addition to malignant transformation, the activation of signaling pathways of HER2/neu enhances various metastasis-associated properties and may render cancer cells resistant to conventional therapies. This, at least partially, contributes to the poor prognosis and lower survival rate of patients. Many studies have demonstrated that repression of HER2/neu overexpression suppresses the malignant phenotypes of cancer cells. Therefore, various novel HER2/neu-blocking agents have been developed, several of which have been tested in clinical trials with satisfactory results, including trastuzumab, a HER2/neu monoclonal antibody that has been approved by the FDA in the treatment of HER2/neu-overexpressing breast cancer patients. In this article, we intend to discuss the biological relevance and significance of HER2/neu overexpression in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and resistance to conventional therapy. We also summarize the currently available strategies and combination therapies targeting HER2/neu-overexpressing cancer cells. Although the optimal treatment for HER2/neu-overexpressing cancer patients remains elusive, the initial success of trastuzumab indicates that HER2/neu is a good target for cancer therapy. Further elucidation of HER2/neu-mediated pathways and downstream molecules is critical to provide alternative therapies, overcome drug resistance, and improve the therapeutic outcome for HER2/neu-overexpressing cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Shing Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd. Unit 79, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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