Nanotechnology-based delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer treatment

Nano-polymeric platinum activates PAR2 gene editing to suppress tumor metastasis

Metastasis as the hallmark of cancer preferentially contributes to tumor recurrence and therapy resistance, aggrandizing the lethality of patients with cancer. Despite their robust suppressions of tumor progression, chemotherapeutics failed to attenuate cancer cell migration and even triggered pro-metastatic effects. In parallel, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a member of the G protein-coupled receptor subfamily, actively participates in cancer metastasis via multiple signal transduction pathways. CRISPR/Cas9 that is a dominating genome editing tool can evoke PAR2 knockout to inhibit cancer metastasis. However, the absence of valid delivery systems largely limits its efficacy. Herein, we nanosized polymeric platinum (NanoPt) as therapeutical drug carries to deliver CRISPR/Cas9 to elicit genome editing of PAR2, which drastically augmented anti-metastatic effects and alleviated systematic toxicity of platinum-based treatment in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the NanoPt@Cas9-PAR2 initiated PAR2 deficiency to mechanistically attenuate EMT process and ferroptosis via RAGE/ERK signalling, consequently preventing cancer cell migration. Our findings indicate that NanoPt@Cas9-PAR2 that mitigated PAR2 signalling and cytotoxic effects of platinum could be a safe and powerful all-in-one combinatorial strategy for cancer treatment.

Artificial Intelligence and Computational Biology in Gene Therapy: A Review

One of the trending fields in almost all areas of science and technology is artificial intelligence. Computational biology and artificial intelligence can help gene therapy in many steps including: gene identification, gene editing, vector design, development of new macromolecules and modeling of gene delivery. There are various tools used by computational biology and artificial intelligence in this field, such as genomics, transcriptomic and proteomics data analysis, machine learning algorithms and molecular interaction studies. These tools can introduce new gene targets, novel vectors, optimized experiment conditions, predict the outcomes and suggest the best solutions to avoid undesired immune responses following gene therapy treatment.

In vitro activation of anti-cancer gene expression by delivery of CRISPR/dCas9 ribonucleoproteins to suppress glioblastoma

Cancer has been a leading cause of death for decades. While many anti-cancer drugs exist, precisely targeting malignant cells is crucial for successful tumor treatment. This targeting can be achieved by activating anti-cancer genes, which specifically destroy malignant cells. CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) therapeutics provide a promising approach for gene activation. The technology involves utilizing the denatured Cas9 (CRISPR-associated) protein conjugated with a protein activator to deliver a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex including guide RNA into cells for the overexpression of specific proteins. In this study, several guide RNAs targeting cancer suppressor genes were employed. These genes included tumor protein p53 (TP53), human alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells (HAMLET), melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (MDA7, IL24), phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced protein 1 (PMAIP1, NOXA), pro-apoptotic WT1 regulator (PAWR, PAR4), and TNF superfamily member 10 (TNFSF10, TRAIL). The dCas9/guide RNA complexes were then adsorbed onto magnetic epitope-imprinted nanoparticles. Uppsala 87 malignant glioma (U87MG) cells and induced astrocytes (noncancerous cells) were then treated with the RNP / nanoparticles. The overexpression of MDA7 and NOXA was monitored for at least 30 days using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Finally, the induced astrocytes, first activated with these anti-cancer genes, were co-cultured with U87MG cells. This resulted in a "bystander" effect: the malignant U87MG cells underwent apoptosis, while the astrocytes survived.

Translational Advances in Oncogene and Tumor-Suppressor Gene Research

Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, is one of the leading causes of death globally, with approximately one in five people developing the disease in their lifetime. While many driver genes were identified decades ago, and most cancers can be classified based on morphology and progression, there is still a significant gap in knowledge about genetic aberrations and nuclear DNA damage. The study of two critical groups of genes-tumor suppressors, which inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis, and oncogenes, which regulate proliferation and survival-can help to understand the genomic causes behind tumorigenesis, leading to more personalized approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Aberration of tumor suppressors, which undergo two-hit and loss-of-function mutations, and oncogenes, activated forms of proto-oncogenes that experience one-hit and gain-of-function mutations, are responsible for the dysregulation of key signaling pathways that regulate cell division, such as p53, Rb, Ras/Raf/ERK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and Wnt/β-catenin. Modern breakthroughs in genomics research, like next-generation sequencing, have provided efficient strategies for mapping unique genomic changes that contribute to tumor heterogeneity. Novel therapeutic approaches have enabled personalized medicine, helping address genetic variability in tumor suppressors and oncogenes. This comprehensive review examines the molecular mechanisms behind tumor-suppressor genes and oncogenes, the key signaling pathways they regulate, epigenetic modifications, tumor heterogeneity, and the drug resistance mechanisms that drive carcinogenesis. Moreover, the review explores the clinical application of sequencing techniques, multiomics, diagnostic procedures, pharmacogenomics, and personalized treatment and prevention options, discussing future directions for emerging technologies.

Nucleus pulposus cell-mimicking nanoparticles for cell-specific HIF1A editing to modulate SASP-mediated disc inflammation via autophagy activation

Traditional methods of plasmid delivery, including viral vectors, lipofection, and electroporation, are widely used for gene editing but have limitations, such as cellular toxicity, limited transfection efficiency in primary cells, and nonspecific side effects. Here, we report the development of nucleus pulposus cell (NPC)-mimicking nanoparticles (HIF1A@NNP) with an NPC membrane as the shell and pcDNA3.1+-rHIF1A encapsulated in the core via extrusion. HIF1A@NNP exhibited a protein expression pattern similar to that of the NPC membrane and displayed a typical vesicle profile. Compared to liposomes and lentiviruses, HIF1A@NNP overexpressed HIF1A in NPCs while improving cell viability. HIF1A@NNP was more readily internalized by NPCs than by other cell types, with fewer effects on vascularization, nerve growth, and macrophage polarization than HIF1A overexpression using lipo3000. HIF1A@NNP reduced the apoptotic rate and inhibited the senescent phenotype, as evidenced by reduced DNA damage, lower levels of senescence-related proteins, and fewer SA-β-Gal-positive cells. HIF1A@NNP induced a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), which enhanced macrophage migration and M1 polarization. Additionally, HIF1A@NNP activated autophagy in NPCs. In summary, HIF1A@NNP demonstrated satisfactory biocompatibility, alleviated the SASP, and inhibited SASP-mediated macrophage recruitment and inflammatory polarization, leading to reduced disc degeneration and providing a promising strategy for combating intervertebral disc degeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional plasmid delivery methods like viral vectors, lipofection, and electroporation struggle with cellular toxicity and inefficiency in primary cells. Non-cell-specific HIF1A activation via these methods may exacerbate inflammation and pain, as HIF1A drives angiogenesis and dendritic ingrowth into the disc. Thus, a cell-specific delivery strategy could circumvent such adverse effects. Our study introduces HIF1A@NNP, a nanoparticle mimicking nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs), with an NPC membrane shell encapsulating pcDNA3.1+-rHIF1A. It preferentially targets NPCs, achieving superior HIF1A overexpression and cell viability compared to liposomes and lentiviruses. This represents a highly promising and potentially transformative approach against intervertebral disc degeneration.

Current views and trends of nanomaterials as vectors for gene delivery since the 21st century: a bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Gene therapy is garnering increasing support due to its potential for a "once-delivered, lifelong benefit." The limitations of traditional gene delivery methods have spurred the advancement of bionanomaterials. Despite this progress, a thorough analysis of the evolution, current state, key contributors, focal studies, and future directions of nanomaterials in gene delivery remains absent.

METHODS

This study scrutinizes articles from the Web of Science, spanning 1 January 2 000, to 31 December 2023, employing various online tools for analysis and visualization.

RESULTS

The 21st century has witnessed consistent growth in scholarly work in this domain globally, with notable contributions from China and the US. At the same time, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have emerged as the most productive institutions, with CAS's academician Weihong Tan becoming the field's leading author. While drug delivery and nanoparticles (NPs) have been central themes for two decades, the research focus has shifted from modifying NPs and ultrafine particles to exploring polymer-hybrid NPs, mRNA vaccines, immune responses, green synthesis, and CRISPR/Cas tools.

CONCLUSIONS

This shift marks the transition from nanomaterials to bionanomaterials. The insights provided by this research offer a comprehensive overview of the field and valuable guidance for future investigations.

Biomineralize Mitochondria in Metal-Organic Frameworks to Promote Mitochondria Transplantation From Non-Tumorigenic Cells Into Cancer Cells

Mitochondria are crucial to cellular physiology, and growing evidence highlights the significant impact of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes, aging, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers. Therefore, mitochondrial transplantation shows great potential for therapeutic use in treating these diseases. However, transplantation process is notably challenging due to very low efficiency and rapid loss of bioactivity post-isolation, leading to poor reproducibility and reliability. In this study, we develop a novel strategy to form a nanometer-thick protective shell around isolated mitochondria using Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) through biomineralization. Our findings demonstrate that this encapsulation method effectively maintains mitochondria bioactivity for at least 4 weeks at room temperature. Furthermore, the efficiency of intracellular delivery of mitochondria is significantly enhanced through the surface functionalization of MOFs with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and the cell-penetrating peptide Tat. The successful delivery of mitochondria isolated from non-tumorigenic cells into cancer cells results in notable tumor-suppressive effects. Taken together, our technology represents a significant advancement in mitochondria research, particularly on understanding their role in cancer. It also lays the groundwork for utilizing mitochondria as therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.

The role of tumor-derived exosomal LncRNA in tumor metastasis

Tumor metastasis regulated by multiple complicated pathways is closely related to variations in the tumor microenvironment. Exosomes can regulate the tumor microenvironment through various mechanisms. Exosomes derived from tumor cells carry a variety of substances, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play important roles in intercellular communication and act as critical determinants influencing tumor metastasis. In this review, we elaborate on several pivotal processes through which lncRNAs regulate tumor metastasis, including the regulation of epithelial‒mesenchymal transition, promotion of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, enhancement of the stemness of tumor cells, and evasion of immune clearance. Additionally, we comprehensively summarized a diverse array of potential tumor-derived exosomal lncRNA biomarkers to facilitate accurate diagnosis and prognosis in a clinical setting.

The Evolving Landscape of Cervical Cancer: Breakthroughs in Screening and Therapy Through Integrating Biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence

Cervical cancer (CC) continues to be a major worldwide health concern, profoundly impacting the lives of countless females worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where CC prevalence is high, innovative, and cost-effective approaches for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are vital. These approaches must ensure high response rates with minimal side effects to improve outcomes. The study aims to compile the latest developments in the field of CC, providing insights into the promising future of CC management along with the research gaps and challenges. Integrating biotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to revolutionize CC care, from MobileODT screening to precision medicine and innovative therapies. AI enhances healthcare accuracy and improves patient outcomes, especially in CC screening, where its use has increased over the years, showing promising results. Also, combining newly developed strategies with conventional treatment options presents an optimal approach to address the limitations associated with conventional methods. However, further clinical studies are essential for practically implementing these advancements in society. By leveraging these cutting-edge technologies and approaches, there is a substantial opportunity to reduce the global burden of this preventable malignancy, ultimately improving the lives of women in LMICs and beyond.

Unravelling the advances of CRISPR-Cas9 as a precise antimicrobial therapy: A systematic review

Antimicrobial resistance is a critical public health threat, compromising treatment effectiveness. The spread of resistant pathogens, facilitated by genetic variability and horizontal gene transfer, primarily through plasmids, poses significant challenges to health systems.

OBJECTIVE

This review explores the potential of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) technology and Cas9 nucleases in combating antimicrobial resistance.

METHODS

The literature review followed the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases until July 2023.

RESULTS

The Enterobacterales family, particularly Escherichia coli, was the main focus. The resistance genes targeted were mainly associated with β-lactam antibiotics, specifically bla genes, and colistin resistance linked to the mcr-1 gene. Plasmid vectors have been the primary delivery method for the CRISPR-Cas9 system, with conjugative plasmids resensitizing bacterial strains to various antimicrobials. Other delivery methods included electroporation, phage-mediated delivery, and nanoparticles. The efficacy of the CRISPR-Cas9 system in resensitizing bacterial strains ranged from 4.7% to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite challenges in delivery strategies and clinical application, studies integrating nanotechnology present promising approaches to overcome these limitations. This review highlights new perspectives for the clinical use of CRISPR-Cas9 as a specific and efficient antimicrobial agent, potentially replacing traditional broad-spectrum antimicrobials in the future.

Core-shell vector-mediated co-delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 system and hydrophobic drugs against triple-negative breast cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play an important role in the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), including metastasis, invasion, tumorigenicity, and drug resistance. Moreover, non-CSCs can spontaneously transform into CSCs in special tumor microenvironments, thereby leading to poor prognosis or even failed treatments. Therefore, reversing CSCs into normal tumor cells in a sustained-acting manner is a promising strategy. It has been reported that down-regulation of FBXO44 protein expression inhibits tumor cell stemness. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a well-known precise gene editing tool, was adopted to permanently block FBXO44 within the genome upon its successful implementation. Given this, a core-shell nanoparticle (NP) consisting of amphiphilic polymer core and crosslinked-hyaluronic acid shell (nDOX-PL/pFBXO44 NPs) is developed in this work to concurrently deliver FBXO44-targeted CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids (pFBXO44) and doxorubicin (DOX) for combinational CSC reprogramming and chemotherapy of TNBC, which exhibits tumor cell targeting, endosomal escape, and reduction responsiveness to release DOX and plasmids in the cytoplasma. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated downregulation of FBXO44 expression could convert CSC into normal tumor cells, and effectively inhibit tumor growth without obvious side effects in vivo after combining with chemotherapy. In summary, we developed an intelligent system to co-deliver genetic and hydrophobic drugs, achieving effective cancer stemness reversal and synergistic suppression of contractable TNBC.

Small Extracellular Vesicles Engineered Using Click Chemistry to Express Chimeric Antigen Receptors Show Enhanced Efficacy in Acute Liver Failure

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause severe liver injury and life-threatening conditions that may lead to multiple organ failure without proper treatment. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the accepted and prescribed treatment for detoxification in cases of APAP overdose. Nonetheless, in acute liver failure (ALF), particularly when the ingestion is substantial, NAC may not fully restore liver function. NAC administration in ALF has limitations and potential adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, flatus, gastroesophageal reflux, and anaphylactoid reactions. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based therapies using paracrine activity show promise for treating ALF, with preclinical studies demonstrating improvement. Recently, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as a new therapeutic option for liver injury. MSC-derived EVs can contain various therapeutic cargos depending on the cell of origin, participate in physiological processes, and respond to abnormalities. However, most therapeutic EVs lack a distinct orientation upon entering the body, resulting in a lack of targeting specificity. Therefore, enhancing the precision of natural EV delivery systems is urgently needed. Thus, we developed an advanced targeting technique to deliver modified EVs within the body. Our strategy aims to employ bioorthogonal click chemistry to attach a targeting molecule to the surface of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), creating exogenous chimeric antigen receptor-modified sEVs (CAR-sEVs) for the treatment. First, we engineered azido-modified sEVs (N3-sEVs) through metabolic glycoengineering by treating MSCs with the azide-containing monosaccharide N-azidoacetyl-mannosamine (Ac4ManNAz). Next, we conjugated N3-sEVs with a dibenzocyclooctyne (DBCO)-tagged single-chain variable fragment (DBCO-scFv) that targets the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR1), thus producing CAR-sEVs for precise liver targeting. The efficacy of CAR-sEV therapy in ALF models by targeting ASGR1 was validated. MSC-derived CAR-sEVs reduced serum liver enzymes, mitigated liver damage, and promoted hepatocyte proliferation in APAP-induced injury. Overall, CAR-sEVs exhibited enhanced hepatocyte specificity and efficacy in ameliorating liver injury, highlighting the significant advancements achievable with cell-free targeted therapy.

The application of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-wide screening to disease research

High-throughput genetic screening serves as an indispensable approach for deciphering gene functions and the intricate relationships between phenotypes and genotypes. The CRISPR/Cas9 system, with its ability to precisely edit genomes on a large scale, has revolutionized the field by enabling the construction of comprehensive genomic libraries. This technology has become a cornerstone for genome-wide screenings in disease research. This review offers a comprehensive examination of how CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic screening has been leveraged to uncover genes that play a role in disease mechanisms, focusing on areas such as cancer development and viral replication processes. The insights presented in this review hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and precision medicine approaches.

Developing a Versatile Arsenal: Novel Antimicrobials as Offensive Tools Against Pathogenic Bacteria

The pervasive and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of drug-resistant bacterial strains, thus presenting an acute threat to global public health. Despite a growing acknowledgment of the severity of this crisis, the current suite of strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance remains markedly inadequate. This paper asserts the paramount need for the swift development of groundbreaking antimicrobial strategies and provides a comprehensive review of an array of innovative techniques currently under scrutiny. Among these, nano-antimicrobials, antimicrobials derived from ribosomal proteins, CRISPR/Cas-based systems, agents that undermine bacterial bioenergetics, and antimicrobial polysaccharides hold particular promise. This analysis gives special attention to CRISPR/Cas-based antimicrobials, scrutinizing their underlying mechanisms, exploring their potential applications, delineating their distinct advantages, and noting their likely limitations. Furthermore, we extend our exploration by proposing theoretical advancements in antimicrobial technology and evaluating feasible methods for the effective delivery of these agents. This includes leveraging these advances for broader biomedical applications, potentially revolutionizing how we confront bacterial pathogens in the future, and laying a foundation for extended research in multimodal therapeutic strategies.

Improving the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing machinery as a cancer therapeutic tool with the help of nanomedicine

CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein 9) has revolutionized gene editing tools and paved the way for innovations in medical research for disease diagnosis and treatment. However, better specificity and efficient delivery of this gene machinery make it challenging to successfully edit genes for treating various diseases. This is mainly due to cellular barriers, instability in biological environments, and various off-target effects that prohibit safe and efficient delivery under in vivo conditions. This review examines several delivery modes [plasmid, mRNA, RNP (ribonucleoprotein)] and methods for the CRISPR-Cas9 system delivery, focusing on its potential applications in cancer therapy. Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity are crucial factors determining their safe and effective use. Various nanomaterials have been reviewed for their biocompatibility, limitations, and challenges in treating cancer. Among the reviewed nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) stand out for their biocompatibility due to their biomimetic lipid bilayer that effectively delivers CRISPR/Cas9 cargoes while reducing toxicity. We discuss challenges in in vivo delivery and associated findings such as encapsulation, target delivery, controlled release, and endosomal escape. Future directions involve addressing limitations and adapting CRISPR-Cas9 for clinical trials, ensuring its safe and effective use.

The niosomal nelarabine as a promising nano combination for retinoblastoma treatment: an in vitro study-experimental research

Introduction

Retinoblastoma (RB), the most commonly occurring intraocular malignancy among children globally, represents 3% of childhood cancers. In the current study, the authors aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a new formulation of nelarabine (niosomal nelarabine) on RB cancer cells.

Methods

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterized the physical properties of nelarabine nanoparticles. After cultivation of the Y79 cell line, the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was performed to determine IC50 of niosomal nelarabine (Nio-Nelarobine) and also the cytotoxicity of Nio-Nelarobine and doxorubicin against Y79 cell line was investigated. The level of apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry in selected groups. Also, the PTEN/AKT/FOXO1 gene expression level was measured using qRT-PCR.

Results

Y79 cell lines were treated with Nio-Nelarobine and doxorubicin. The treatment resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of Y79 cell viability. However, Nio-Nelarobine showed a higher inhibitory activity with a diameter of about 167 nm. Both Nio-Nelarobine and doxorubicin induced apoptosis in cells, but Nio-Nelarobine treatment resulted in a higher number of apoptotic cells than doxorubicin treatment. The qRT-PCR results showed that the treatment with Nio-Nelarobine and doxorubicin led to an increase in the expression of PTEN and FOXO1 genes, while decreasing the expression of the AKT gene. Furthermore, the statistical significance of these results was higher in the Nio-Nelarobine group than in the doxorubicin group.

Conclusions

Nio-Nelarobine may be a functional therapeutic combination for RB treatment. Further experimental and preclinical investigations are necessary to verify this impact in greater detail.

Innovative Biotherapies and Nanotechnology in Osteoarthritis: Advancements in Inflammation Control and Cartilage Regeneration

Osteoarthritis (OA) is among the most prevalent degenerative joint disorders worldwide, particularly affecting the aging population and imposing significant disability and economic burdens. The disease is characterized by progressive degradation of articular cartilage and chronic inflammation, with no effective long-term treatments currently available to address the underlying causes of its progression. Conventional therapies primarily manage symptoms such as pain and inflammation but fail to repair damaged tissues. Emerging biotherapies and regenerative medicine approaches offer promising alternatives by addressing cartilage repair and inflammation control at the molecular level. This review explores the recent advancements in biotherapeutic strategies, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, growth factors, and tissue engineering, which hold the potential for promoting cartilage regeneration and modulating the inflammatory microenvironment. Additionally, the integration of nanotechnology has opened new avenues for targeted drug delivery systems and the development of innovative nanomaterials that can further enhance the efficacy of biotherapies by precisely targeting inflammation and cartilage damage. This article concludes by discussing the current clinical applications, the ongoing clinical trials, and the future research directions necessary to confirm the safety and efficacy of these advanced therapies for OA management. With these advancements, biotherapies combined with nanotechnology may revolutionize the future of OA treatment by offering precise and effective solutions for long-term disease management and improved patient outcomes.

Advances in lysosomal escape mechanisms for gynecological cancer nano-therapeutics

Gynecological cancers present significant treatment challenges due to drug resistance and adverse side effects. This review explores advancements in lysosomal escape mechanisms, essential for enhancing nano-therapeutic efficacy. Strategies such as pH-sensitive linkers and membrane fusion are examined, showcasing their potential to improve therapeutic outcomes in ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers. We delve into novel materials and strategies developed to bypass the lysosomal barrier, including pH-sensitive linkers, fusogenic lipids, and nanoparticles (NPs) engineered for endosomal disruption. Mechanisms such as the proton sponge effect, where NPs induce osmotic swelling and rupture of the lysosomal membrane, and membrane fusion, which facilitates the release of therapeutic agents directly into the cytoplasm, are explored in detail. These innovations not only promise to improve therapeutic outcomes but also minimize side effects, marking a significant step forward in the treatment of ovarian, cervical, and uterine cancers. By providing a comprehensive analysis of current advancements and their implications for clinical applications, this review sheds light on the potential of lysosomal escape strategies to revolutionize gynecological cancer treatment, setting the stage for future research and development in this vital area.

Emerging Gene-editing nano-therapeutics for Cancer

Remarkable progress has been made in the field of genome engineering after the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 in 2012 by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier. Compared to any other gene-editing tools, CRISPR/Cas9 attracted the attention of the scientific community because of its simplicity, specificity, and multiplex editing possibilities for which the inventors were awarded the Nobel prize for chemistry in 2020. CRISPR/Cas9 allows targeted alteration of the genomic sequence, gene regulation, and epigenetic modifications using an RNA-guided site-specific endonuclease. Though the impact of CRISPR/Cas9 was undisputed, some of its limitations led to key modifications including the use of miniature-Cas proteins, Cas9 Retron precise Parallel Editing via homologY (CRISPEY), Cas-Clover, or development of alternative methods including retron-recombineering, Obligate Mobile Element Guided Activity(OMEGA), Fanzor, and Argonaute proteins. As cancer is caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations, gene-editing was found to be highly useful for knocking out oncogenes, editing mutations to regain the normal functioning of tumor suppressor genes, knock-out immune checkpoint blockade in CAR-T cells, producing 'off-the-shelf' CAR-T cells, identify novel tumorigenic genes and functional analysis of multiple pathways in cancer, etc. Advancements in nanoparticle-based delivery of guide-RNA and Cas9 complex to the human body further enhanced the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 for clinical translation. Several studies are reported for developing novel delivery methods to enhance the tumor-specific application of CRISPR/Cas9 for anticancer therapy. In this review, we discuss new developments in novel gene editing techniques and recent progress in nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery specific to cancer applications.

Role of oxidative stress in mitochondrial dysfunction and their implications in intervertebral disc degeneration: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of low back pain. Intervertebral disc cells are the main components of the intervertebral disc (IVD), and their functions include synthesizing and secreting collagen and proteoglycans to maintain the structural and functional stability of the IVD. In addition, IVD cells are involved in several physiological processes. They help maintain nutrient metabolism balance in the IVD. They also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Because of these roles, IVD cells are crucial in IVDD. When IVD cells are subjected to oxidative stress, mitochondria may become damaged, affecting normal cell function and accelerating degenerative changes. Mitochondria are the energy source of the cell and regulate important intracellular processes. As a key site for redox reactions, excessive oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species can damage mitochondria, leading to inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis, thus accelerating disc degeneration.

Aim of review

Describes the core knowledge of IVDD and oxidative stress. Comprehensively examines the complex relationship and potential mechanistic pathways between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and IVDD. Highlights potential therapeutic targets and frontier therapeutic concepts. Draws researchers' attention and discussion on the future research of all three.

Key scientific concepts of review

Origin, development and consequences of IVDD, molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress acting on mitochondria, mechanisms of oxidative stress damage to IVD cells, therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondria to alleviate oxidative stress in IVDD.

The translational potential of this article

Targeted therapeutic strategies for oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are particularly critical in the treatment of IVDD. Using antioxidants and specific mitochondrial therapeutic agents can help reduce symptoms and pain. This approach is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Individualized therapeutic approaches, on the other hand, are based on an in-depth assessment of the patient's degree of oxidative stress and mitochondrial functional status to develop a targeted treatment plan for more precise and effective IVDD management. Additionally, we suggest preventive measures like customized lifestyle changes and medications. These are based on understanding how IVDD develops. The aim is to slow down the disease and reduce the chances of it coming back. Actively promoting clinical trials and evaluating the safety and efficacy of new therapies helps translate cutting-edge treatment concepts into clinical practice. These measures not only improve patient outcomes and quality of life but also reduce the consumption of healthcare resources and the socio-economic burden, thus having a positive impact on the advancement of the IVDD treatment field.

Unlocking the potential of RGD-conjugated gold nanoparticles: a new frontier in targeted cancer therapy, imaging, and metastasis inhibition

In the rapidly evolving field of cancer therapeutics, the potential of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated with RGD peptides has emerged as a promising avenue for targeted therapy and imaging. Despite numerous studies demonstrating the effectiveness of RGD-conjugated AuNPs in specifically targeting tumor cells and enhancing radiation therapy (RT), a comprehensive review of these advancements is currently lacking. This review aims to fill this critical gap in the literature. Our analysis reveals that RGD-conjugated AuNPs have shown significant promise in improving the diagnosis and treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. However, the full potential of this technology is yet to be realized. The development of multifunctional nanoplatforms incorporating AuNPs has opened new horizons for targeted therapy, dual-mode imaging, and inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. This review is of paramount importance as it provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area, and highlights the areas where further research is needed. It is hoped that this review will inspire further investigations into this promising nanotechnology, ultimately leading to improved cancer diagnosis and therapy. Therefore, the findings presented in this review underscore the potential of AuNPs conjugated with RGD peptides as a revolutionary approach in cancer therapeutics. It is our fervent hope that this review will serve as a catalyst for further research in this exciting field.

CRISPR/Cas9 technology for advancements in cancer immunotherapy: from uncovering regulatory mechanisms to therapeutic applications

In recent years, immunotherapy has developed rapidly as a new field of tumour therapy. However, the efficacy of tumour immunotherapy is not satisfactory due to the immune evasion mechanism of tumour cells, induction of immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), and reduction of antigen delivery, etc. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology can accurately modify immune and tumour cells in tumours, and improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by targeting immune checkpoint molecules and immune regulatory genes, which has led to the great development and application. In current clinical trials, there are still many obstacles to the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in tumour immunotherapy, such as ensuring the accuracy and safety of gene editing, overcoming overreactive immune responses, and solving the challenges of in vivo drug delivery. Here we provide a systematic review on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in tumour therapy to address the above existing problems. We focus on CRISPR/Cas9 screening and identification of immunomodulatory genes, targeting of immune checkpoint molecules, manipulation of immunomodulators, enhancement of tumour-specific antigen presentation and modulation of immune cell function. Second, we also highlight preclinical studies of CRISPR/Cas9 in animal models and various delivery systems, and evaluate the efficacy and safety of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in tumour immunotherapy. Finally, potential synergistic approaches for combining CRISPR/Cas9 knockdown with other immunotherapies are presented. This study underscores the transformative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to reshape the landscape of tumour immunotherapy and provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.

Orthopedic revolution: The emerging role of nanotechnology

This review summarizes the latest progress in orthopedic nanotechnology, explores innovative applications of nanofibers in tendon repair, and evaluates the potential of selenium and cerium oxide nanoparticles in osteoarthritis and osteoblast differentiation. This review also describes the emerging applications of injectable hydrogels in cartilage engineering, emphasizing the critical role of interdisciplinary research and highlighting the challenges and future prospects of integrating nanotechnology into orthopedic clinical practice. This comprehensive approach provides a holistic perspective on the transformative impact of nanotechnology in orthopedics, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical applications.

Recent advances in DNAzymes for bioimaging, biosensing and cancer therapy

DNAzymes, a class of single-stranded catalytic DNA with good stability, high catalytic activity, and easy synthesis, functionalization and modification properties, have garnered significant interest in the realm of biosensing and bioimaging. Their integration with fluorescent dyes or chemiluminescent moieties has led to remarkable bioimaging outcomes, while DNAzyme-based biosensors have demonstrated robust sensitivity and selectivity in detecting metal ions, nucleic acids, proteins, enzyme activities, exosomes, bacteria and microorganisms. In addition, by delivering DNAzymes into tumor cells, the mRNA therein can be cleaved to regulate the expression of corresponding proteins, which has further propelled the application of DNAzymes in cancer gene therapy and synergistic therapy. This paper reviews the strategies for screening attractive DNAzymes such as SELEX and high-throughput sequencing, and briefly describes the amplification strategies of DNAzymes, which mainly include catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), DNA walker, hybridization chain reaction (HCR), DNA origami, CRISPR-Cas12a, rolling circle amplification (RCA), and aptamers. In addition, applications of DNAzymes in bioimaging, biosensing, and cancer therapy are also highlighted. Subsequently, the possible challenges of these DNAzymes in practical applications are further pointed out, and future research directions are suggested.

Nanomedicine Therapies for Pediatric Diseases

In 2020, the top 10 causes of death among children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 19 years old included cancer, congenital anomalies, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease; all these conditions are potentially treatable with medical intervention. However, children exhibit specific physiological and developmental characteristics that can significantly impact drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety profile. These factors illustrate the importance of a heightened focus on pediatric drug development. Traditional drugs lack proper circulation, permeability, targeting, accumulation, and release, and they often require dose adjustments or modifications, which can result in suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased risks of adverse effects in pediatric patients. Nanomedicines have emerged as efficient drug delivery systems because of their unique properties, which can improve the solubility and stability of drugs by encapsulating them in different forms of nanoparticles. This review discusses the challenges of pediatric therapy, and the current state of nanomedicines for pediatric diseases in terms of Food and Drug Administration-approved nanomedicines, the types of diseases treated or diagnosed, and preclinical studies that have the potential to be translated to the clinic. In summary, nanomedicine holds significant potential for addressing the unique and pressing challenges associated with diagnosing and treating pediatric diseases.

Cell death pathways: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets for cancer

Cell death regulation is essential for tissue homeostasis and its dysregulation often underlies cancer development. Understanding the different pathways of cell death can provide novel therapeutic strategies for battling cancer. This review explores several key cell death mechanisms of apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagic cell death, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis. The research gap addressed involves a thorough analysis of how these cell death pathways can be precisely targeted for cancer therapy, considering tumor heterogeneity and adaptation. It delves into genetic and epigenetic factors and signaling cascades like the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathways, which are critical for the regulation of cell death. Additionally, the interaction of the microenvironment with tumor cells, and particularly the influence of hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and immune cellular interactions, are explored. Emphasizing therapeutic strategies, this review highlights emerging modulators and inducers such as B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) homology domain 3 (BH3) mimetics, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), chloroquine, and innovative approaches to induce ferroptosis and pyroptosis. This review provides insights into cancer therapy's future direction, focusing on multifaceted approaches to influence cell death pathways and circumvent drug resistance. This examination of evolving strategies underlines the considerable clinical potential and the continuous necessity for in-depth exploration within this scientific domain.

Glutathione hybrid poly (beta-amino ester)-plasmid nanoparticles for enhancing gene delivery and biosafety

INTRODUCTION

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology has significantly advanced gene therapy, with gene vectors being one of the key factors for its success. Poly (beta-amino ester) (PBAE), a distinguished non-viral cationic gene vector, is known to elevate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, which may cause cytotoxicity and, consequently, impact gene transfection efficacy (T.E.).

OBJECTIVES

To develop a simple but efficient strategy to improve the gene delivery ability and biosafety of PBAE both in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

We used glutathione (GSH), a clinically utilized drug with capability to modulating intracellular ROS level, to prepare a hybrid system with PBAE-plasmid nanoparticles (NPs). This system was characterized by flow cytometry, RNA-seq, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing in vitro, and its safety and efficacy in vivo was evaluated by imaging, PCR, Sanger sequencing and histology analysis.

RESULTS

The particle size of GSH-PBAE-plasmid NPs were 168.31 nm with a ζ-potential of 15.21 mV. An enhancement in T.E. and gene editing efficiency, ranging from 10 % to 100 %, was observed compared to GSH-free PBAE-plasmid NPs in various cell lines. In vitro results proved that GSH-PBAE-plasmid NPs reduced intracellular ROS levels by 25 %-40 %, decreased the total number of upregulated/downregulated genes from 4,952 to 789, and significantly avoided the disturbance in gene expression related to cellular oxidative stress-response and cell growth regulation signaling pathway compared to PBAE-plasmid NPs. They also demonstrated lower impact on the cell cycle, slighter hemolysis, and higher cell viability after gene transfection. Furthermore, GSH hybrid PBAE-plasmid NPs exhibited superior safety and improved tumor suppression ability in an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected murine tumor model, via targeting cleavage the EBV related oncogene by delivering CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system and down-regulating the expression levels. This simple but effective strategy is expected to promote clinical applications of non-viral vector gene delivery.

Lipid-Polymer Nanoparticles Mediate Compartmentalized Delivery of Cas9 and sgRNA for Glioblastoma Vasculature and Immune Reprogramming

Hypervascularized glioblastoma is naturally sensitive to anti-angiogenesis but suffers from low efficacy of transient vasculature normalization. In this study, a lipid-polymer nanoparticle is synthesized to execute compartmentalized Cas9 and sgRNA delivery for a permanent vasculature editing strategy by knocking out the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). The phenylboronic acid branched cationic polymer is designed to condense sgRNA electrostatically (inner compartment) and patch Cas9 coordinatively (outer compartment), followed by liposomal hybridization with angiopep-2 decoration for blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The lipid-polymer nanoparticles can reach glioblastoma within 2 h post intravenous administration, and hypoxia in tumor cells triggers charge-elimination and degradation of the cationic polymer for burst release of Cas9 and sgRNA, accompanied by instant Cas9 RNP assembly, yielding ≈50% STAT3 knockout. The downregulation of downstream vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reprograms vasculature normalization to improve immune infiltration, collaborating with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) reduction to develop anti-glioblastoma responses. Collectively, the combinational assembly for compartmentalized Cas9/sgRNA delivery provides a potential solution in glioblastoma therapy.

Perspectives on CRISPR Genome Editing to Prevent Prion Diseases in High-Risk Individuals

Prion diseases are neurodegenerative disorders caused by misfolded prion proteins. Although rare, the said diseases are always fatal; they commonly cause death within months of developing clinical symptoms, and their diagnosis is exceptionally difficult pre-mortem. There are no known cures or treatments other than symptomatic care. Given the aggressiveness of prion diseases on onset, therapies after disease onset could be challenging. Prevention to reduce the incidence or to delay the disease onset has been suggested to be a more feasible approach. In this perspective article, we summarize our current understandings of the origin, risk factors, and clinical manifestations of prion diseases. We propose a PCR testing of the blood to identify PRNP gene polymorphisms at codons 129 and 127 in individuals with familial PRNP mutations to assess the risk. We further present the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing strategy as a perspective preventative approach for these high-risk individuals to induce a polymorphic change at codon 127 of the PRNP gene, granting immunity to prion diseases in selected high-risk individuals, in particular, in individuals with familial PRNP mutations.

Exploring non-viral methods for the delivery of CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein to hematopoietic stem cells

Gene manipulation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) using the CRISPR/Cas system as a potent genome editing tool holds immense promise for addressing hematologic disorders. An essential hurdle in advancing this treatment lies in effectively delivering CRISPR/Cas to HSCs. While various delivery formats exist, Ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) emerges as a particularly efficient option. RNP complexes offer enhanced gene editing capabilities, devoid of viral vectors, with rapid activity and minimized off-target effects. Nevertheless, novel delivery methods such as microfluidic-based techniques, filtroporation, nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides are continually evolving. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of these methods and the recent research on delivery approaches of RNP complexes to HSCs.

Emerging mRNA Technology for Liver Disease Therapy

Liver diseases have consistently posed substantial challenges to global health. It is crucial to find innovative methods to effectively prevent and treat these diseases. In recent times, there has been an increasing interest in the use of mRNA formulations that accumulate in liver tissue for the treatment of hepatic diseases. In this review, we start by providing a detailed introduction to the mRNA technology. Afterward, we highlight types of liver diseases, discussing their causes, risks, and common therapeutic strategies. Additionally, we summarize the latest advancements in mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases. This includes systems based on hepatocyte growth factor, hepatitis B virus antibody, left-right determination factor 1, human hepatocyte nuclear factor α, interleukin-12, methylmalonyl-coenzyme A mutase, etc. Lastly, we provide an outlook on the potential of mRNA technology for the treatment of liver diseases, while also highlighting the various technical challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these difficulties, mRNA-based therapeutic strategies may change traditional treatment methods, bringing hope to patients with liver diseases.

Nanomaterials-assisted gene editing and synthetic biology for optimizing the treatment of pulmonary diseases

The use of nanomaterials in gene editing and synthetic biology has emerged as a pivotal strategy in the pursuit of refined treatment methodologies for pulmonary disorders. This review discusses the utilization of nanomaterial-assisted gene editing tools and synthetic biology techniques to promote the development of more precise and efficient treatments for pulmonary diseases. First, we briefly outline the characterization of the respiratory system and succinctly describe the principal applications of diverse nanomaterials in lung ailment treatment. Second, we elaborate on gene-editing tools, their configurations, and assorted delivery methods, while delving into the present state of nanomaterial-facilitated gene-editing interventions for a spectrum of pulmonary diseases. Subsequently, we briefly expound on synthetic biology and its deployment in biomedicine, focusing on research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary conditions against the backdrop of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Finally, we summarize the extant lacunae in current research and delineate prospects for advancement in this domain. This holistic approach augments the development of pioneering solutions in lung disease treatment, thereby endowing patients with more efficacious and personalized therapeutic alternatives.

Recent Progress in Implantable Drug Delivery Systems

In recent years, tremendous effort is devoted to developing platforms, such as implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs), with temporally and spatially controlled drug release capabilities and improved adherence. IDDSs have multiple advantages: i) the timing and location of drug delivery can be controlled by patients using specific stimuli (light, sound, electricity, magnetism, etc.). Some intelligent "closed-loop" IDDS can even realize self-management without human participation. ii) IDDSs enable continuous and stable delivery of drugs over a long period (months to years) and iii) to administer drugs directly to the lesion, thereby helping reduce dosage and side effects. iv) IDDSs enable personalized drug delivery according to patient needs. The high demand for such systems has prompted scientists to make efforts to develop intelligent IDDS. In this review, several common stimulus-responsive mechanisms including endogenous (e.g., pH, reactive oxygen species, proteins, etc.) and exogenous stimuli (e.g., light, sound, electricity, magnetism, etc.), are given in detail. Besides, several types of IDDS reported in recent years are reviewed, including various stimulus-responsive systems based on the above mechanisms, radio frequency-controlled IDDS, "closed-loop" IDDS, self-powered IDDS, etc. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of various IDDS, bottleneck problems, and possible solutions are analyzed to provide directions for subsequent research.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of cancer nanomedicine from 2013 to 2023

Cancer nanomedicine has been an emerging field for drug development against malignant tumors during the past three decades. A bibliometric analysis was performed to characterize the current international trends and present visual representations of the evolution and emerging trends in the research and development of nanocarriers for cancer treatment. This study employed bibliometric analysis and visualization techniques to analyze the literature on antitumor nanocarriers published between 2013 and 2023. A total of 98,980 articles on antitumor nanocarriers were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database and analyzed using the Citespace software for specific characteristics such as publication year, countries/regions, organizations, keywords, and references. Network visualization was constructed by VOSviewer and Citespace. From 2013 to 2023, the annual global publications increased 7.39 times, from 1851 to 13,683. People's Republic of China (2588 publications) was the most productive country. Chinese Academy of Sciences (298 publications) was the most productive organization. The top 5 high-frequency keywords were "nanoparticles," "drug delivery," "nanomedicine," "cancer," and "nanocarriers." The keywords with the strongest citation bursts recently were "cancer immunotherapy," "microenvironment," "antitumor immunity," etc., which indicated the emerging frontiers of antitumor nanomedicine. The co-occurrence cluster analysis of the keywords formed 6 clusters, and most of the top 10 publications by citation counts focused on cluster #1 (nanocarriers) and cluster #2 (cancer immunotherapy). We further provided insightful discussions into the identified subtopics to help researchers gain more details of current trends and hotspots in this field. The present study processes a macro-level literature analysis of antitumor nanocarriers and provides new perspectives and research directions for future development in cancer nanomedicine.

Hydrogels in Gene Delivery Techniques for Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering

Hydrogels are 3D networks swollen with water. They are biocompatible, strong, and moldable and are emerging as a promising biomedical material for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering to deliver therapeutic genes. The excellent natural extracellular matrix simulation properties of hydrogels enable them to be co-cultured with cells or enhance the expression of viral or non-viral vectors. Its biocompatibility, high strength, and degradation performance also make the action process of carriers in tissues more ideal, making it an ideal biomedical material. It has been shown that hydrogel-based gene delivery technologies have the potential to play therapy-relevant roles in organs such as bone, cartilage, nerve, skin, reproductive organs, and liver in animal experiments and preclinical trials. This paper reviews recent articles on hydrogels in gene delivery and explains the manufacture, applications, developmental timeline, limitations, and future directions of hydrogel-based gene delivery techniques.

CRISPR in Targeted Therapy and Adoptive T Cell Immunotherapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Despite recent therapeutic advancements, outcomes for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatments. The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene-editing technology offers innovative treatment approaches, involving genetic manipulation of either cancer cells or adoptive T cells to combat HCC. This review comprehensively assesses the applications of CRISPR systems in HCC treatment, focusing on in vivo targeting of cancer cells and the development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells. We explore potential synergies between CRISPR-based cancer therapeutics and existing treatment options, discussing ongoing clinical trials and the role of CRISPR technology in improving HCC treatment outcomes with advanced safety measures. In summary, this review provides insights into the promising prospects and current challenges of using CRISPR technology in HCC treatment, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the landscape of HCC therapeutics.

Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs) for therapeutic management of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the deadliest cancers globally, making the search for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches particularly crucial. Aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials (AFNs), an innovative nanotechnology, have paved new pathways for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of HCC. Initially, we outline the epidemiological background of HCC and the current therapeutic challenges. Subsequently, we explore in detail how AFNs enhance diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency and reduce side effects through the specific targeting of HCC cells and the optimization of drug delivery. Furthermore, we address the challenges faced by AFNs in clinical applications and future research directions, with a particular focus on enhancing their biocompatibility and assessing long-term effects. In summary, AFNs represent an avant-garde therapeutic approach, opening new avenues and possibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Blood-Brain Barrier-Targeting Nanoparticles: Biomaterial Properties and Biomedical Applications in Translational Neuroscience

Overcoming the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains a significant hurdle in effective drug delivery to the brain. While the BBB serves as a crucial protective barrier, it poses challenges in delivering therapeutic agents to their intended targets within the brain parenchyma. To enhance drug delivery for the treatment of neurological diseases, several delivery technologies to circumvent the BBB have been developed in the last few years. Among them, nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the most versatile and promising tools. Here, we summarize the characteristics of NPs that facilitate BBB penetration, including their size, shape, chemical composition, surface charge, and importantly, their conjugation with various biological or synthetic molecules such as glucose, transferrin, insulin, polyethylene glycol, peptides, and aptamers. Additionally, we discuss the coating of NPs with surfactants. A comprehensive overview of the common in vitro and in vivo models of the BBB for NP penetration studies is also provided. The discussion extends to discussing BBB impairment under pathological conditions and leveraging BBB alterations under pathological conditions to enhance drug delivery. Emphasizing the need for future studies to uncover the inherent therapeutic properties of NPs, the review advocates for their role beyond delivery systems and calls for efforts translating NPs to the clinic as therapeutics. Overall, NPs stand out as a highly promising therapeutic strategy for precise BBB targeting and drug delivery in neurological disorders.

Revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment: the synergy of next-generation sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9

In the context of cancer heterogeneity, the synergistic action of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and CRISPR/Cas9 plays a promising role in the personalized treatment of cancer. NGS enables high-throughput genomic profiling of tumors and pinpoints specific mutations that primarily lead to cancer. Oncologists use this information obtained from NGS in the form of DNA profiling or RNA analysis to tailor precision strategies based on an individual's unique molecular signature. Furthermore, the CRISPR technique enables precise editing of cancer-specific mutations, allowing targeted gene modifications. Harnessing the potential insights of NGS and CRISPR/Cas9 heralds a remarkable frontier in cancer therapeutics with unprecedented precision, effectiveness and minimal off-target effects.

Hippo pathway in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanisms, potential targets, and biomarkers

Lung cancer is the primary contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes around 85% of all lung cancer cases. Recently, the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of NSCLC and greatly improved patients' survival. However, drug resistance is inevitable, and extensive research has demonstrated that the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in the development of drug resistance in NSCLC. The Hippo pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that is essential for various biological processes, including organ development, maintenance of epithelial balance, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and immune regulation. This pathway exerts its effects through two key transcription factors, namely Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). They regulate gene expression by interacting with the transcriptional-enhanced associate domain (TEAD) family. In recent years, this pathway has been extensively studied in NSCLC. The review summarizes a comprehensive overview of the involvement of this pathway in NSCLC, and discusses the mechanisms of drug resistance, potential targets, and biomarkers associated with this pathway in NSCLC.

Therapeutic Applications of Nanomedicine: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives

The concept of nanomedicine has evolved significantly in recent decades, leveraging the unique phenomenon known as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. This has facilitated major advancements in targeted drug delivery, imaging, and individualized therapy through the integration of nanotechnology principles into medicine. Numerous nanomedicines have been developed and applied for disease treatment, with a particular focus on cancer therapy. Recently, nanomedicine has been utilized in various advanced fields, including diagnosis, vaccines, immunotherapy, gene delivery, and tissue engineering. Multifunctional nanomedicines facilitate concurrent medication delivery, therapeutic monitoring, and imaging, allowing for immediate responses and personalized treatment plans. This review concerns the major advancement of nanomaterials and their potential applications in the biological and medical fields. Along with this, we also mention the various clinical translations of nanomedicine and the major challenges that nanomedicine is currently facing to overcome the clinical translation barrier.

Targeted disruption of the BCR-ABL fusion gene by Cas9/dual-sgRNA inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in chronic myeloid leukemia cells

The BCR-ABL fusion gene, formed by the fusion of the breakpoint cluster region protein ( BCR) and the Abl Oncogene 1, Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ( ABL) genes, encodes the BCR-ABL oncoprotein, which plays a crucial role in leukemogenesis. Current therapies have limited efficacy in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) because of drug resistance or disease relapse. Identification of novel strategies to treat CML is essential. This study aims to explore the efficiency of novel CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)/dual-single guide RNA (sgRNA)-mediated disruption of the BCR-ABL fusion gene by targeting BCR and cABL introns. A co-expression vector for Cas9 green fluorescent protein (GFP)/dual-BA-sgRNA targeting BCR and cABL introns is constructed to produce lentivirus to affect BCR-ABL expression in CML cells. The effects of dual-sgRNA virus-mediated disruption of BCR-ABL are analyzed via the use of a genomic sequence and at the protein expression level. Cell proliferation, cell clonogenic ability, and cell apoptosis are assessed after dual sgRNA virus infection, and phosphorylated BCR-ABL and its downstream signaling molecules are detected. These effects are further confirmed in a CML mouse model via tail vein injection of Cas9-GFP/dual-BA-sgRNA virus-infected cells and in primary cells isolated from patients with CML. Cas9-GFP/dual-BA-sgRNA efficiently disrupts BCR-ABL at the genomic sequence and gene expression levels in leukemia cells, leading to blockade of the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase signaling pathway and disruption of its downstream molecules, followed by cell proliferation inhibition and cell apoptosis induction. This method prolongs the lifespan of CML model mice. Furthermore, the effect is confirmed in primary cells derived from patients with CML.

Application and perspective of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology in human diseases modeling and gene therapy

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR) mediated Cas9 nuclease system has been extensively used for genome editing and gene modification in eukaryotic cells. CRISPR/Cas9 technology holds great potential for various applications, including the correction of genetic defects or mutations within the human genome. The application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in human disease research is anticipated to solve a multitude of intricate molecular biology challenges encountered in life science research. Here, we review the fundamental principles underlying CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its recent application in neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune related diseases, and cancer, focusing on the disease modeling and gene therapy potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in these diseases. Finally, we provide an overview of the limitations and future prospects associated with employing CRISPR/Cas9 technology for diseases study and treatment.

Engineered mRNA Delivery Systems for Biomedical Applications

Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapeutic strategies have shown remarkable promise in preventing and treating a staggering range of diseases. Optimizing the structure and delivery system of engineered mRNA has greatly improved its stability, immunogenicity, and protein expression levels, which has led to a wider range of uses for mRNA therapeutics. Herein, a thorough analysis of the optimization strategies used in the structure of mRNA is first provided and delivery systems are described in great detail. Furthermore, the latest advancements in biomedical engineering for mRNA technology, including its applications in combatting infectious diseases, treating cancer, providing protein replacement therapy, conducting gene editing, and more, are summarized. Lastly, a perspective on forthcoming challenges and prospects concerning the advancement of mRNA therapeutics is offered. Despite these challenges, mRNA-based therapeutics remain promising, with the potential to revolutionize disease treatment and contribute to significant advancements in the biomedical field.

Context-Responsive Nanoparticle Derived from Synthetic Zwitterionic Ionizable Phospholipids in Targeted CRISPR/Cas9 Therapy for Basal-like Breast Cancer

The majority of triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are basal-like breast cancers (BLBCs), which tend to be more aggressive, proliferate rapidly, and have poor clinical outcomes. A key prognostic biomarker and regulator of BLBC is the Forkhead box C1 (FOXC1) transcription factor. However, because of its functional placement inside the cell nucleus and its structural similarity with other related proteins, targeting FOXC1 for therapeutic benefit, particularly for BLBC, continues to be difficult. We envision targeted nonviral delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid toward the efficacious knockdown of FOXC1. Keeping in mind the challenges associated with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo, including off-targeting modifications, and effective release of the cargo, a nanoparticle with context responsive properties can be designed for efficient targeted delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid. Consequently, we have designed, synthesized, and characterized a zwitterionic amino phospholipid-derived transfecting nanoparticle for delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. The construct becomes positively charged only at low pH, which encourages membrane instability and makes it easier for nanoparticles to exit endosomes. This has enabled effective in vitro and in vivo downregulation of protein expression and genome editing. Following this, we have used EpCAM aptamer to make the system targeted toward BLBC cell lines and to reduce its off-target toxicity. The in vivo efficacy, biodistribution, preliminary pharmacokinetics, and biosafety of the optimized targeted CRISPR nanoplatform is then validated in a rodent xenograft model. Overall, we have attempted to knockout the proto-oncogenic FOXC1 expression in BLBC cases by efficient delivery of CRISPR effectors via a context-responsive nanoparticle delivery system derived from a designer lipid derivative. We believe that the nonviral approach for in vitro and in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 targeted toward FOXC1, studied herein, will greatly emphasize the therapeutic regimen for BLBC.

Development of ionizable lipid nanoparticles and a lyophilized formulation for potent CRISPR-Cas9 delivery and genome editing

CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology holds great promise for wide-ranging biomedical applications. However, the development of efficient delivery system for CRISPR-Cas components remains challenging. Herein, we synthesized a series of ionizable lipids by conjugation of alkyl-acrylate to different amine molecules and further assembled ionizable lipid nanoparticles (iLNPs) for co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA. Among all the iLNP candidates, 1A14-iLNP with lipids containing spermine as amine head, demonstrated the highest cellular uptake, endosomal escape and mRNA expression in vitro. Co-delivery of Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting EGFP by 1A14-iLNP achieved the highest EGFP knockout efficiency up to 70% in HeLa-EGFP cells. In addition, 1A14-iLNP displayed passive liver-targeting delivery of Cas9 mRNA in vivo with good biocompatibility. Moreover, we developed a simple method of lyophilization-mediated reverse transfection of CRISPR-Cas9 components for efficient genome editing. Therefore, the developed 1A14-iLNP and the lyophilization formulation, represent a potent solution for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, which might broaden the future of biomedical applications of both mRNA and CRISPR-based therapies.

Light-Enhanced Hypoxia-Responsive Gene Editing for Hypoxia-Resistant Photodynamic and Immunotherapy

Hypoxia is a key hallmark of solid tumors and can cause resistance to various treatments such as photodynamics and immunotherapy. Microenvironment-responsive gene editing provides a powerful tool to overcome hypoxia resistance and remodel hypoxic microenvironments for enhanced tumor therapy. Here, a light-enhanced hypoxia-responsive multifunctional nanocarrier is developed to perform spatiotemporal specific dual gene editing for enhanced photodynamic and immunotherapy in breast cancer. As a gated molecule of nanocarrier, the degradation of azobenzene moieties under hypoxic conditions triggers controllable release of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein in hypoxic site of the tumor. Hyaluronic acid is conjugated with chloramine e6 to coat mesoporous silica nanoparticles for targeted delivery in tumors and generation of high levels of reactive oxygen species, which can result in increased hypoxia levels for effective cleavage of azobenzene bonds to improve gene editing efficiency and reduce toxic side effects with light irradiation. Moreover, dual targeting HIF-1α and PD-L1 in the anoxic microenvironments can overcome hypoxia resistance and remodel immune microenvironments, which reduces tumor plasticity and resistance to photodynamic and immunotherapy. In summary, a light-enhanced hypoxia responsive nanocomposite is developed for controllable gene editing which holds great promise for synergistic hypoxia-resistant photodynamic and immunotherapy.

A quaternary ammonium-based nanosystem enables delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 for cancer therapy

Genome editing mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 is an attractive weapon for cancer therapy. However, in vivo delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 components to achieve therapeutic efficiency is still challenging. Herein, a quaternary ammonium-functionalized poly(L-lysine) and a cholesterol-modified PEG (QNP) were self-assembled with a negatively charged CRISPR Cas9/sgRNA ribonucleoprotein (RNP) to form a ternary complex (QNP/RNP). Such a delivery system of QNP exhibited multiplex genome editing capabilities in vitro (e.g., the GFP gene and the PLK1 gene). In addition, QNP/RNPPLK1 containing PLK1 sgRNA led to 30.99% of genome editing efficiency in MCF-7 cells with negligible cytotoxicity of the carrier. QNP/RNPPLK1, which was capable of simultaneously inhibiting cell proliferation, mediating cell cycle arrest and downregulating expression of PLK1, held great in vitro therapeutic efficiency. Moreover, QNP/RNPPLK1 exhibited outstanding accumulation in tumors and high biocompatibility in vivo. In an MCF-7 xenograft animal model, QNP/RNPPLK1 showed excellent anti-tumor efficacy and achieved 17.75% indels ratio. This work showcases the successful delivery of CRISPR Cas9/sgRNA RNP with enhanced genome editing efficiency and provides a potential on-demand strategy for cancer therapy.

Advanced strategies for CRISPR/Cas9 delivery and applications in gene editing, therapy, and cancer detection using nanoparticles and nanocarriers

Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases, and is characterised by the uncontrolled growth of modified human cells. Unlike infectious diseases, cancer does not originate from foreign agents. Though a variety of diagnostic procedures are available; their cost-effectiveness and accessibility create significant hurdles. Non-specific cancer symptoms further complicate early detection, leading to belated recognition of certain cancer. The lack of reliable biomarkers hampers effective treatment, as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery often result in poor outcomes and high recurrence rates. Genetic and epigenetic mutations play a crucial role in cancer pathogenesis, necessitating the development of alternate treatment methods. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 technology has transformed molecular biology and exhibits potential for gene modification and therapy in various cancer types. Nonetheless, obstacles such as safe transport, off-target consequences, and potency must be overcome before widespread clinical use. Notably, this review delves into the multifaceted landscape of cancer research, highlighting the pivotal role of nanoparticles in advancing CRISPR/Cas9-based cancer interventions. By addressing the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, this integrated approach paves the way for innovative solutions and improved patient outcomes.