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Pharmacological and analytical aspects of alkannin/shikonin and their derivatives: An update from 2008 to 2022. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2022; 14:511-527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Matthaiou EI, Guo Y, Barar J, Sandaltzopoulos R, Kandalaft LE, Li C, Coukos G, Omidi Y. TEM1-targeting PEGylated PLGA shikonin nanoformulation for immunomodulation and eradication of ovarian cancer. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2022; 12:65-86. [PMID: 35087718 PMCID: PMC8783079 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.23511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1) is expressed by tumor vascular endothelial cells in various cancers. Methods: Here, we developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) PEGylated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and functionalized with anti-TEM1 antibody fragment (78Fc) and loaded them with necroptosis-inducing agent shikonin (SHK) (78Fc-PLGA-SHK NPs). Results: The nanoformulation showed a smooth spherical shape (~120 nm; the ζ potential of -30 mV) with high drug entrapment and bioconjugation efficiencies (~92% and ~90%, respectively) and a sustained-release profile in serum. Having significant toxicity in vitro (e.g., MS1 and TC1 cells), the nanoformulation dramatically increased the cytotoxicity in the TC1 murine lung carcinoma subcutaneous and intravenous/metastatic models as aggressive tumor models. The injection of the 78Fc-PLGA-SHK NPs to the MS1-xenograft mice resulted in significantly higher accumulation and effects in the TEM1-positive tumor targets, while they were excreted via urine track without retaining in the liver/spleen. In the TC1 subcutaneous model, C57/BL6 mice treated with the 78Fc-PLGA-SHK NPs revealed a significant therapeutic effect. The mice, which were tumor-free after receiving the nanoformulation, were re-challenged with the TC1 cells to investigate the immune response. These animals became tumor-free a week after the injection of TC1 cells. Conclusion: Based on these findings, we propose the 78Fc-PLGA-SHK NPs as a highly effective immunostimulating nanomedicine against the TEM1-expressing cells for targeted therapy of solid tumors including ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia-Iliana Matthaiou
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Yi Guo
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,University of Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raphael Sandaltzopoulos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Lana E. Kandalaft
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,Corresponding authors: Chunsheng Li, ; Yadollah Omidi,
| | - George Coukos
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
,Corresponding authors: Chunsheng Li, ; Yadollah Omidi,
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3
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Cruz AF, Caleiras MB, Fonseca NA, Gonçalves N, Mendes VM, Sampaio SF, Moura V, Melo JB, Almeida RD, Manadas B, Simões S, Moreira JN. The Enhanced Efficacy of Intracellular Delivery of Doxorubicin/C6-Ceramide Combination Mediated by the F3 Peptide/Nucleolin System Is Supported by the Downregulation of the PI3K/Akt Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123052. [PMID: 34207464 PMCID: PMC8235382 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Targeted nanomedicine-based approaches that aim at the simultaneous delivery of synergistic drug combinations to multiple cellular populations are of high relevance for tackling heterogeneity on solid tumors. Considering that cancer stem cells (CSC) may originate from non-stem cancer cells, single-drug regimens targeting only one of these cell populations could enable tumors to evade treatments. As such, the identification of a common marker, such as nucleolin, might result in a therapeutic advantage. The results herein generated suggested a transversal role of nucleolin in the internalization of F3 peptide-targeted pegylated pH-sensitive liposomes into bulk ovarian cancer cells, including putative CSC-enriched ovarian cells. The intracellular delivery of a drug combination such as the one tested herein was relevant in the context of cell lines with higher intrinsic resistances to doxorubicin. The enhanced efficacy of the F3 peptide-targeted liposomal combination of doxorubicin/C6-ceramide was supported by the downregulation of the Akt pathway, within a specific range of basal level of expression. Abstract Targeting multiple cellular populations is of high therapeutic relevance for the tackling of solid tumors heterogeneity. Herein, the ability of pegylated and pH-sensitive liposomes, functionalized with the nucleolin-binding F3 peptide and containing doxorubicin (DXR)/C6-ceramide synergistic combination, to target, in vitro, ovarian cancer, including ovarian cancer stem cells (CSC), was assessed. The underlying molecular mechanism of action of the nucleolin-mediated intracellular delivery of C6-ceramide to cancer cells was also explored. The assessment of overexpression of surface nucleolin expression by flow cytometry was critical to dissipate differences identified by Western blot in membrane/cytoplasm of SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and TOV-112D ovarian cancer cell lines. The former was in line with the significant extent of uptake into (bulk) ovarian cancer cells, relative to non-targeted and non-specific counterparts. This pattern of uptake was recapitulated with putative CSC-enriched ovarian SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 sub-population (EpCAMhigh/CD44high). Co-encapsulation of DXR:C6-ceramide into F3 peptide-targeted liposomes improved cytotoxic activity relative to liposomes containing DXR alone, in an extent that depended on the intrinsic resistance to DXR and on the incubation time. The enhanced cytotoxicity of the targeted combination was mechanistically supported by the downregulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by C6-ceramide, only among the nucleolin-overexpressing cancer cells presenting a basal p-Akt/total Akt ratio lower than 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Cruz
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana B. Caleiras
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. Fonseca
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- TREAT U, SA—Parque Industrial de Taveiro, Lote 44, 3045-508 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nélio Gonçalves
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Vera M. Mendes
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Susana F. Sampaio
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Moura
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- TREAT U, SA—Parque Industrial de Taveiro, Lote 44, 3045-508 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana B. Melo
- iCBR—Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, CIBB, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ramiro D. Almeida
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sérgio Simões
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João N. Moreira
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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O’Dwyer J, O’Cearbhaill RE, Wylie R, O’Mahony S, O’Dwyer M, Duffy GP, Dolan EB. Enhancing delivery of small molecule and cell-based therapies for ovarian cancer using advanced delivery strategies. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020; 3:2000144. [PMID: 33709016 PMCID: PMC7942751 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy with a global five-year survival rate of 30-50%. First-line treatment involves cytoreductive surgery and administration of platinum-based small molecules and paclitaxel. These therapies were traditionally administered via intravenous infusion, although intraperitoneal delivery has also been investigated. Initial clinical trials of intraperitoneal administration for ovarian cancer indicated significant improvements in overall survival compared to intravenous delivery, but this result is not consistent across all studies performed. Recently cell-based immunotherapy has been of interest for ovarian cancer. Direct intraperitoneal delivery of cell-based immunotherapies might prompt local immunoregulatory mechanisms to act synergistically with the delivered immunotherapy. Based on this theory, pre-clinical in vivo studies have delivered these cell-based immunotherapies via the intraperitoneal route, with promising results. However, successful intraperitoneal delivery of cell-based immunotherapy and clinical adoption of this technique will depend on overcoming challenges of intraperitoneal delivery and finding the optimal combinations of dose, therapeutic and delivery route. We review the potential advantages and disadvantages of intraperitoneal delivery of cell-based immunotherapy for ovarian cancer and the pre-clinical and clinical work performed so far. Potential advanced delivery strategies, which might improve the efficacy and adoption of intraperitoneal delivery of therapy for ovarian cancer, are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne O’Dwyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Roisin E. O’Cearbhaill
- Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland; Department of Medical Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Robert Wylie
- Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Saoirse O’Mahony
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael O’Dwyer
- Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Garry P. Duffy
- Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, College of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
| | - Eimear B. Dolan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland
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Escalona RM, Bilandzic M, Western P, Kadife E, Kannourakis G, Findlay JK, Ahmed N. TIMP-2 regulates proliferation, invasion and STAT3-mediated cancer stem cell-dependent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:960. [PMID: 33023532 PMCID: PMC7542139 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metzincin family of metalloproteinases and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are essential proteins required for biological processes during cancer progression. This study aimed to determine the role of TIMP-2 in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance by reducing TIMP-2 expression in vitro in Fallopian tube secretory epithelial (FT282) and ovarian cancer (JHOS2 and OVCAR4) cell lines. METHODS FT282, JHOS2 and OVCAR4 cells were transiently transfected with either single or pooled TIMP-2 siRNAs. The expression of different genes after TIMP-2 knock down (T2-KD) or in response to chemotherapy was determined at the mRNA level by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) and at the protein level by immunofluorescence. Sensitivity of the cell lines in response to chemotherapy after TIMP-2 knock down was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Cell invasion in response to TIMP-2 knockdown was determined by xCELLigence. RESULTS Sixty to 90 % knock down of TIMP-2 expression was confirmed in FT282, OVCAR4 and JHOS2 cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. TIMP-2 knock down did not change the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 or TIMP-3. However, a significant downregulation of MMP-2 in T2-KD cells occurred at both the protein and activation levels, compared to Control (Cont; scrambled siRNA) and Parental cells (P, transfection reagent only). In contrast, membrane bound MT1-MMP protein levels were significantly upregulated in T2-KD compared to Cont and P cells. T2-KD cells exhibited enhanced proliferation and increased sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel treatments. Enhanced invasion was observed in the T2-KD-JOSH2 and OVCAR4 cells but not in T2-KD-FT282 cells. Treatment with cisplatin or paclitaxel significantly elevated the expression of TIMP-2 in Cont cells but not in T2-KD cells, consistent with significantly elevated expression of chemoresistance and CSC markers and activation of STAT3. Furthermore, a potent inhibitor of STAT3 activation, Momelotinib, suppressed chemotherapy-induced activation of P-STAT3 in OVCAR4 cells with concomitant reductions in the expression of chemoresistance genes and CSC markers. CONCLUSIONS The above results suggest that TIMP-2 may have a novel role in ovarian cancer proliferation, invasion and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth M Escalona
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia.,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia
| | - Maree Bilandzic
- Centre for Cancer Research, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Patrick Western
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Elif Kadife
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia.,Federation University Australia, Vic, Ballarat, 3010, Australia
| | - Jock K Findlay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3050, Australia. .,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and the Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3168, Australia. .,Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, 3353, Australia. .,Federation University Australia, Vic, Ballarat, 3010, Australia.
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Abstract
Resistance to chemotherapy and cancer relapse are major clinical challenges attributed to a sub population of cancer stem cells (CSCs). The concept of CSCs has been the subject of intense research by the oncology community since evidence for their existence was first published over twenty years ago. Emerging data indicates that they are also able to evade novel therapies such as targeted agents, immunotherapies and anti-angiogenics. The inability to appropriately identify and isolate CSCs is a major hindrance to the field and novel technologies are now being utilized. Agents that target CSC-associated cell surface receptors and signaling pathways have generated promising pre-clinical results and are now entering clinical trial. Here we discuss and evaluate current therapeutic strategies to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Annett
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Ireland
| | - Tracy Robson
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Ireland.
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Crow J, Atay S, Banskota S, Artale B, Schmitt S, Godwin AK. Exosomes as mediators of platinum resistance in ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:11917-11936. [PMID: 28060758 PMCID: PMC5355315 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes have been implicated in the cell-cell transfer of oncogenic proteins and genetic material. We speculated this may be one mechanism by which an intrinsically platinum-resistant population of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells imparts its influence on surrounding tumor cells. To explore this possibility we utilized a platinum-sensitive cell line, A2780 and exosomes derived from its resistant subclones, and an unselected, platinum-resistant EOC line, OVCAR10. A2780 cells demonstrate a ~2-fold increase in viability upon treatment with carboplatin when pre-exposed to exosomes from platinum-resistant cells as compared to controls. This coincided with increased epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). DNA sequencing of EOC cell lines revealed previously unreported somatic mutations in the Mothers Against Decapentaplegic Homolog 4 (SMAD4) within platinum-resistant cells. A2780 cells engineered to exogenously express these SMAD4 mutations demonstrate up-regulation of EMT markers following carboplatin treatment, are more resistant to carboplatin, and release exosomes which impart a ~1.7-fold increase in resistance in naive A2780 recipient cells as compared to controls. These studies provide the first evidence that acquired SMAD4 mutations enhance the chemo-resistance profile of EOC and present a novel mechanism in which exchange of tumor-derived exosomes perpetuates an EMT phenotype, leading to the development of subpopulations of platinum-refractory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Crow
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Safinur Atay
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Samagya Banskota
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, NC, USA
| | - Brittany Artale
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sarah Schmitt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Andrew K Godwin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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van Haaften C, Boot A, Corver WE, van Eendenburg JDH, Trimbos BJMZ, van Wezel T. Synergistic effects of the sesquiterpene lactone, EPD, with cisplatin and paclitaxel in ovarian cancer cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015; 34:38. [PMID: 25907439 PMCID: PMC4472250 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer remains still the leading cause of death of gynecological malignancy, in spite of first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin and paclitaxel. Although initial response is favorably, relapses are common and prognosis for women with advanced disease stays poor. Therefore efficacious approaches are needed. METHODS Previously, an anti-cancer agent, EPD exhibited potent cytotoxic effects towards ovarian cancer and not towards normal cells. Cell viability and cell cycle analysis studies were performed with EPD, in combination with cisplatin and/or paclitaxel, using the ovarian carcinoma cell lines: SK-OV-3, OVCAR-3, JC, JC-pl and normal fibroblasts. Cell viability was measured using Presto Blue and cell cycle analysis using a flow cytometer. Apoptosis was measured in JC and JC-pl , using the caspase 3 assay kit. RESULTS In JC-pl, SK-OV-3 and JC, synergistic interactions between either EPD and cisplatin or EPD and paclitaxel were observed. For the first time the effects of EPD on the cell cycle of ovarian cancer cells and normal cells was studied. EPD and combinations of EPD with cisplatin and/ or paclitaxel showed cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The combination of EPD and cisplatin showed a significant synergistic effect in cell line JC-pl, while EPD with paclitaxel showed synergistic interaction in JC. Additionally, synergistic drug combinations showed increased apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed a synergistic effect of EPD and cisplatin in an ovarian drug resistant cell line as well as a synergistic effect of EPD and paclitaxel in two other ovarian cell lines. These results might enhance clinical efficacy, compared to the existing regimen of paclitaxel and cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline van Haaften
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Arnoud Boot
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Willem E Corver
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Jaap D H van Eendenburg
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Baptist J M Z Trimbos
- Department of Gynecology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Tom van Wezel
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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9
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Matthaiou EI, Barar J, Sandaltzopoulos R, Li C, Coukos G, Omidi Y. Shikonin-loaded antibody-armed nanoparticles for targeted therapy of ovarian cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:1855-70. [PMID: 24790428 PMCID: PMC3998853 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s51880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy of ovarian cancer often fails because of initiation of drug resistance and/or side effects and trace of untouched remaining cancerous cells. This highlights an urgent need for advanced targeted therapies for effective remediation of the disease using a cytotoxic agent with immunomodulatory effects, such as shikonin (SHK). Based on preliminary experiments, we found SHK to be profoundly toxic in ovarian epithelial cancer cells (OVCAR-5 and ID8 cells) as well as in normal ovarian IOSE-398 cells, endothelial MS1 cells, and lymphocytes. To limit its cytotoxic impact solely to tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), we aimed to engineer SHK as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with targeting moiety toward tumor microvasculature. To this end, using single/double emulsion solvent evaporation/diffusion technique with sonication, we formulated biodegradable NPs of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with SHK. The surface of NPs was further decorated with solubilizing agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1)/endosialin-targeting antibody (Ab) through carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. Having characterized the physicochemical and morphological properties of NPs, we studied their drug-release profiles using various kinetic models. The biological impact of NPs was also evaluated in tumor-associated endothelial MS1 cells, primary lymphocytes, and epithelial ovarian cancer OVCAR-5 cells. Based on particle size analysis and electron microscopy, the engineered NPs showed a smooth spherical shape with size range of 120 to 250 nm and zeta potential value of -30 to -40 mV. Drug entrapment efficiency was ~80%-90%, which was reduced to ~50%-60% upon surface decoration with PEG and Ab. The liberation of SHK from NPs showed a sustained-release profile that was best fitted with Wagner log-probability model. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed active interaction of Ab-armed NPs with TEM1-positive MS1 cells, but not with TEM1-negative MS1 cells. While exposure of the PEGylated NPs for 2 hours was not toxic to lymphocytes, long-term exposure of the Ab-armed and PEGylated NPs was significantly toxic to TEM1-positive MS1 cells and OVCAR-5 cells. Based on these findings, we propose SHK-loaded Ab-armed PEGylated PLGA NPs as a novel nanomedicine for targeted therapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia-Iliana Matthaiou
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raphael Sandaltzopoulos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George Coukos
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Verschoor ML, Singh G. Ets-1 regulates intracellular glutathione levels: key target for resistant ovarian cancer. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:138. [PMID: 24238102 PMCID: PMC3842663 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer is characterized by high rates of metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Many chemotherapeutic agents rely on the induction of oxidative stress to cause cancer cell death, thus targeting redox regulation is a promising strategy to overcome drug resistance. Methods We have used a tetracycline-inducible Ets-1 overexpression model derived from 2008 ovarian cancer cells in the present study. To examine the role of Ets-1 in glutathione regulation we have measured intracellular reactive oxygen species and glutathione levels, as well as glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity. Glutathione synthesis was limited using transsulfuration or Sxc- pathway blocking agents, and glutamate release was measured to confirm Sxc- blockade. Cell viability following drug treatment was assessed via crystal violet assay. Oxidative stress was induced through glucose oxidase treatment, which produces hydrogen peroxide by glucose oxidation. The protein expressions of redox-related factors were measured through western blotting. Results Overexpression of Ets-1 was associated with decreased intracellular ROS, concomitantly with increased intracellular GSH, GPX antioxidant activity, and Sxc- transporter activity. Under basal conditions, inhibition of the transsulfuration pathway resulted in decreased GSH levels and GPX activity in all cell lines, whereas inhibition of Sxc- by sulfasalazine decreased GPX activity in Ets-1-expressing cells only. However, under oxidative stress the intracellular GSH levels decreased significantly in correlation with increased Ets-1 expression following sulfasalazine treatment. Conclusions In this study we have identified a role for proto-oncogene Ets-1 in the regulation of intracellular glutathione levels, and examined the effects of the anti-inflammatory drug sulfasalazine on glutathione depletion using an ovarian cancer cell model. The findings from this study show that Ets-1 mediates enhanced Sxc- activity to increase glutathione levels under oxidative stress, suggesting that Ets-1 could be a promising putative target to enhance conventional therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gurmit Singh
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street W, Hamilton, Ontario 12943, Canada.
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11
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Ahmed N, Abubaker K, Findlay J, Quinn M. Cancerous ovarian stem cells: obscure targets for therapy but relevant to chemoresistance. J Cell Biochem 2013; 114:21-34. [PMID: 22887554 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy with platinum and taxanes is the first line of treatment for all epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients after debulking surgery. Even though the treatment is initially effective in 80% of patients, recurrent cancer is inevitable in the vast majority of cases. Emerging evidence suggests that some tumor cells can survive chemotherapy by activating the self-renewal pathways resulting in tumor progression and clinical recurrence. These defined population of cells commonly termed as "cancer stem cells" (CSC) may generate the bulk of the tumor by using differentiating pathways. These cells have been shown to be resistant to chemotherapy and, to have enhanced tumor initiating abilities, suggesting CSCs as potential targets for treatment. Recent studies have introduced a new paradigm in ovarian carcinogenesis which proposes in situ carcinoma at the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube to generate high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas, in contrast to ovarian cortical inclusion cysts (CIC) which produce borderline and low grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid, and clear cell carcinomas. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of the cellular origin of EOC and the molecular mechanisms defining the basis of CSC in EOC progression and chemoresistance. Using a model ovarian cancer cell line, we highlight the role of CSC in response to chemotherapy, and relate how CSCs may impact on chemoresistance and ultimately recurrence. We also propose the molecular targeting of CSCs and suggest ways that may improve the efficacy of current chemotherapeutic regimens needed for the management of this disease.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/metabolism
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/therapy
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/metabolism
- Carcinoma in Situ/pathology
- Carcinoma in Situ/therapy
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/metabolism
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/pathology
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/therapy
- Fallopian Tubes/drug effects
- Fallopian Tubes/metabolism
- Fallopian Tubes/pathology
- Female
- Humans
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/therapy
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/drug effects
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/therapy
- Ovary/drug effects
- Ovary/metabolism
- Ovary/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuzhat Ahmed
- Women's Cancer Research Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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12
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Sun M, Zhou W, Zhang YY, Wang DL, Wu XL. CD44 + gastric cancer cells with stemness properties are chemoradioresistant and highly invasive. Oncol Lett 2013; 5:1793-1798. [PMID: 23833643 PMCID: PMC3701064 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CD44 has been confirmed as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of human cancer cell lines and primary tumours, but whether this marker is applicable to gastric cancer (GC) remains unknown. The responses of CD44+ GC stem-like cells to chemoradiation and the roles they play in cancer invasion are not well understood. In the present study, cell sorting was applied to the poorly differentiated human GC cells to isolate a pure concentration of the CD44+ cell populations (<1% CD44− cells). The stemness properties of the CD44+ cell population were confirmed by two ‘gold standard’ methods; an in vivo tumourigenicity assay and an in vitro spheroid colony formation assay. In addition, the treatment response was evaluated in CD44+ and CD44− cell fractions that underwent chemoradiation. In general, CD44+ stem-like cells tended to respond more poorly to chemoradiation than their non-stem-like counterparts. Further experimentation revealed that the CD44+ stem-like cells that recorded positive scores in the migration and invasion assay in vitro formed invasive tumours in vivo. Therefore, we hypothesized that CD44+ stem-like cells may significantly express invasion-associated genes. Consistent with this prediction, increased expression of the cancer invasion-related genes matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) were detected in the CD44+ stem-like cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that reveals the correlation between CD44+ GC cells and cancer invasion. By selectively eliminating CD44+ stem-like cells, it may be possible to treat patients with aggressive, non-resectable GCs, as well as preventing the tumours from metastasizing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010
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13
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Ovarian cancer stem cells: a new target for cancer therapy. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:916819. [PMID: 23509802 PMCID: PMC3581273 DOI: 10.1155/2013/916819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Revised: 01/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a highly lethal disease among all gynecologic malignancies and is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Although the standard combination of surgery and chemotherapy was initially effective in patients with ovarian cancer, disease relapse commonly occurred due to the generation of chemoresistance. It has been reported that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in drug resistance and cancer recurrence. Over the past decades, increasing studies have been done to identify CSCs from human ovarian cancer cells. The present paper will summarize different investigations on ovarian CSCs, including isolation, mechanisms of chemoresistance, and therapeutic approaches. Although there are still numerous challenges to translate basic research to clinical applications, understanding the molecular details of CSCs is essential for developing effective strategies to prevent ovarian cancer and its recurrence.
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