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Wu Y, Zhang J, Tian Y, Chi Shing Cho W, Xu HX, Lin ZX, Xian YF. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 overcomes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting LAMC2-Modulated ABC transporters. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00390-4. [PMID: 39270979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gemcitabine (GEM) is the first-line drug for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but drug resistance severely restricts its chemotherapeutic efficacy. Laminin subunit γ2 (LAMC2) plays a crucial role in extracellular matrix formation in the development of GEM-resistance. However, the biological function of LAMC2 in GEM resistance and its molecular mechanisms are still unclear. 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2), one of the principal active components isolated from Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, possesses strong anti-tumor effects. However, the effects of Rh2 on overcoming GEM resistance and its action mechanisms remain to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Rh2 on overcoming GEM resistance and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS Clinical study, Western blotting, publicly available databasesand bioinformatic analyses were performed to investigate the protein expression of LAMC2 in the GEM-resistant PDAC patients and the acquired GEM-resistant PDAC cells. Then, the effects of Rh2 on overcoming the GEM resistance in PDAC were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Stable silencing or overexpression of LAMC2 in the GEM-resistant PDAC cells were established for validating the role of LAMC2 on Rh2 overcoming the GEM resistance in PDAC. RESULTS The protein expression of LAMC2 was markedly increased in the GEM-resistant PDAC patient biopsies compared to the sensitive cases. The protein expression of LAMC2 was significantly higher in the acquired GEM-resistant PDAC cells than that in their parental cells. Rh2 enhanced the chemosensitivity of GEM in the GEM-resistant PDAC cells, and inhibited the tumor growth of Miapaca-2-GR cell-bearing mice and Krastm4TyjTrp53tm1BrnTg (Pdx1-cre/Esr1*) #Dam/J (KPC) mice. Rh2 effectively reversed the GEM resistance in Miapaca-2-GR and Capan-2-GR cells by inhibiting LAMC2 expression through regulating the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Knockdown of LAMC2 enhanced the chemosensitivity of GEM and the effects of Rh2 on overcoming the GEM resistance in PDAC cells and the orthotopic PDAC mouse model. Conversely, LAMC2 overexpression aggravated the chemoresistance of GEM and abolished the effects of Rh2 on overcoming GEM resistance via modulating ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters leading to the active GEM efflux. CONCLUSIONS LAMC2 plays an important role in the GEM resistance in PDAC, and Rh2 is a potential adjuvant for overcoming the chemoresistance of GEM in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanyang Tian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China
| | - William Chi Shing Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xiu Lin
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic cum Clinical Teaching and Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yan-Fang Xian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China; The Chinese University of Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Specialty Clinic cum Clinical Teaching and Research Centre, School of Chinese Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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2
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Gazieva GA, Chegaev K. Special Issue "Development and Synthesis of Biologically Active Compounds". Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4015. [PMID: 38612824 PMCID: PMC11012345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The intention of this Special Issue is to focus on new achievements in the design, preparation, and in vitro and in vivo biological evaluation of bioactive molecules that can result in the development of natural or artificial potent compounds looking for promising pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina A. Gazieva
- N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 47 Leninsky Prosp., 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Chegaev
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy;
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Bartkowski M, Bincoletto V, Salaroglio IC, Ceccone G, Arenal R, Nervo S, Rolando B, Riganti C, Arpicco S, Giordani S. Enhancing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) therapy with targeted carbon nano-onion (CNO)-mediated delivery of gemcitabine (GEM)-derived prodrugs. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 659:339-354. [PMID: 38176243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2023.12.166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology's potential in revolutionising cancer treatments is evident in targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) engineered to optimise therapeutic efficacy and minimise toxicity. This study examines a novel nanocarrier constructed with carbon nano-onions (CNOs), engineered and evaluated for its ability to selectively target cancer cells overexpressing the hyaluronic acid receptor; CD44. Our results highlighted that the CNO-based nanocarrier coupled with hyaluronic acid as the targeting agent demonstrated effective uptake by CD44+ PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cells, while avoiding CD44- Capan-1 cells. The CNO-based nanocarrier also exhibited excellent biocompatibility in all tested pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, as well as healthy cells. Notably, the CNO-based nanocarrier was successfully loaded with chemotherapeutic 4-(N)-acyl- sidechain-containing prodrugs derived from gemcitabine (GEM). These prodrugs alone exhibited remarkable efficacy in killing PDAC cells which are known to be GEM resistant, and their efficacy was amplified when combined with the CNO-based nanocarrier, particularly in targeting GEM-resistant CD44+ PDAC cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of CNOs as promising scaffolds in advancing targeted DDSs, signifying the translational potential of carbon nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Bartkowski
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Valeria Bincoletto
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Raul Arenal
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragon (INMA), CSIC-U. de Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; Laboratorio de Microscopias Avanzadas (LMA), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; ARAID Foundation, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sara Nervo
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Nizza 44, Torino, Italy; Molecular Biotechnology Center "Guido Tarone", University of Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Arpicco
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, Via P. Giuria 9, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Giordani
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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4
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Kopecka J, Barbanente A, Vitone D, Arnesano F, Margiotta N, Berchialla P, Niso M, Riganti C, Abate C. Cytotoxic pathways activated by multifunctional thiosemicarbazones targeting sigma-2 receptors in breast and lung carcinoma cells. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1588-1596. [PMID: 37796435 PMCID: PMC10661773 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00531-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multifunctional thiosemicarbazones (TSCs) able to bind sigma receptors and chelate metals are considered as a promising avenue for the treatment of pancreatic cancer due to the encouraging results obtained on in vitro and in vivo models. Here, we assessed the biochemical mechanism of these TSCs also on lung (A549) and breast (MCF7) cancer cells. METHODS The density of sigma-2 receptors in normal (BEAS-2B and MCF10A) and in lung and breast (A549 and MCF7) cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. In these cells, cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and activation of ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways (by spectrofluorimetric assays to measure Caspases 3/7/9; qRT-PCR detection of GRP78, ATF6, IRE1, PERK; MitoSOX, DCFDA-AM and JC-1 staining), induced by the TSCs FA4, MLP44, PS3 and ACThio1, were evaluated. RESULTS FA4 and PS3 exerted more potent cytotoxicity than MLP44 and ACThio1 in all cancer cell lines, where the density of sigma-2 receptors was higher than in normal cells. Remarkably, FA4 promoted ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways in both cell models, whereas the other TSCs had variable, cell-dependent effects on the activation of the two proapoptotic pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that FA4 is a promising compound that deserves to be further studied for lung and breast cancer treatment. However, the other multifunctional TSCs also hold promise for the development of therapies towards a personalized medicine approach. Indeed, the presence of the sigma-2 receptor-targeting moiety would lead to a more specific tumor delivery embracing the characteristics of individual tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barbanente
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Daniele Vitone
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Arnesano
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Margiotta
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Berchialla
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, via Santena5/bis, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Nizza 44, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Istituto di Cristallografia, Via Amendola, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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Vahabi M, Comandatore A, Franczak MA, Smolenski RT, Peters GJ, Morelli L, Giovannetti E. Role of exosomes in transferring chemoresistance through modulation of cancer glycolytic cell metabolism. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 73:163-172. [PMID: 37541790 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Chemoresistance constitute a major obstacle in cancer treatment, leading to limited options and decreased patient survival. Recent studies have revealed a novel mechanism of chemoresistance acquisition: the transfer of information via exosomes, small vesicles secreted by various cells. Exosomes play a crucial role in intercellular communication by carrying proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, influencing cancer cell behavior and response to treatment. One crucial mechanism of resistance is cancer metabolic reprogramming, which involves alterations in the cellular metabolic pathways to support the survival and proliferation of drug-resistant cancer cells. This metabolic reprogramming often includes increased glycolysis, providing cancer cells with the necessary energy and building blocks to evade the effects of chemotherapy. Notably, exosomes have been found to transport glycolytic enzymes, as identified in proteomic profiling, leading to the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, facilitating altered glucose metabolism and increased lactate production. As a result, they profoundly impact the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression, survival, immune evasion, and drug resistance.Understanding the complexities of such exosome-mediated cell-to-cell communication might open new therapeutic avenues and facilitate biomarker development in managing cancers characterized by aggressive glycolytic features. Moreover, given the intricate nature of metabolic abnormalities combining future exosome-based-targeted therapies with existing treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies holds promise for achieving synergistic effects to overcome resistance and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahrou Vahabi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marika A Franczak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ryszard T Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam U.M.C., VU. University Medical Center (VUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, Pisa, Italy.
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6
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Kumar K, Rawat SG, Manjit, Mishra M, Priya, Kumar A, Chawla R. Dual targeting pH responsive chitosan nanoparticles for enhanced active cellular internalization of gemcitabine in non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 249:126057. [PMID: 37524283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC), related with the enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and sialic acid binding receptors (glycan) brought about the development of EGFR and glycan receptor specific anticancer therapeutics. The current study assessed the formulation, physiochemical characterization, in vitro and in vivo effects of sialic acid (SA) and cetuximab (Cxmab) decorated chitosan nanoparticles (CSN-NPs) loaded with gemcitabine (GMC) targeted to glycan and EGFR over-expressing non-small-cell lung-cancer (NSCLC) A-549 cells. Chitosan (CSN) was conjugated with sialic acid via EDC/NHS chemistry followed by gemcitabine loaded sialic acid conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (GMC-CSN-SA-NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation method decorated with Cxmab by electrostatic interaction. In vitro cytotoxicity of NPs quantified using cell based MTT, DAPI and Annexing-V/PI apoptosis assays showed superior antiproliferative activity of targeted nanoformulations (GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs ≫ GMC-CSN-SA-NPs, GMC-CSN-Cxmab-NPs) over non-targeted nanoformulation (GMC-CSN-NPs) against A-549 cells. In vivopharmacokinetic study showed superior bioavailability and in vivo therapeutic efficacy investigation exhibited strongest anticancer activity of glycan and EGFR targeted NPs (GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs). GMC-CSN-SA-Cxmab-NPs demonstrated enhanced cellular internalization and better therapeutic potential, by specifically targeting glycan and EGFR on NSCLC A-549 cells and B[a]P induced lung cancer mice model, hence it might be a good substitute for non-targeted, conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Shiv Govind Rawat
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Manjit
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Mohini Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Priya
- Department of Pharmacy, Barkatullah University, Bhopal 462026, M.P., India
| | - Ajay Kumar
- Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, U.P., India
| | - Ruchi Chawla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi 221005, U.P., India.
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Sodano F, Rolando B, Lazzarato L, Costamagna C, Failla M, Riganti C, Chegaev K. Use of Enzymatically Activated Carbon Monoxide Donors for Sensitizing Drug-Resistant Tumor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11258. [PMID: 37511019 PMCID: PMC10379931 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of gaseous signaling molecules like NO, H2S or CO to overcome the multidrug resistance in cancer treatment has proven to be a viable therapeutic strategy. The development of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) in a controlled manner and in targeted tissues remains a challenge in medicinal chemistry. In this paper, we describe the design, synthesis and chemical and enzymatic stability of a novel non-metal CORM (1) able to release intracellularly CO and, simultaneously, facilitate fluorescent degradation of products under the action of esterase. The toxicity of 1 against different human cancer cell lines and their drug-resistant counterparts, as well as the putative mechanism of toxicity were investigated. The drug-resistant cancer cell lines efficiently absorbed 1 and 1 was able to restore their sensitivity vs. chemotherapeutic drugs by causing a CO-dependent mitochondrial oxidative stress that culminated in mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. These results demonstrate the importance of CORMs in cases where conventional chemotherapy fails and thus open the horizons towards new combinatorial strategies to overcome multidrug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Sodano
- Department of Pharmacy, "Federico II" University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Rolando
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Loretta Lazzarato
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Mariacristina Failla
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | - Konstantin Chegaev
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Nanoparticle-based delivery of nitric oxide for therapeutic applications. Ther Deliv 2022; 13:403-427. [DOI: 10.4155/tde-2022-0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), a low molecular weight signaling molecule, plays critical roles in both cellular health and disease. There is continued interest in new modalities for the controlled therapeutic delivery of NO to cells and tissues. The physicochemical properties of NO (including its short half-life and on-demand synthesis at the point of function), however, pose considerable challenges for its specific and efficient delivery. Recently, a number of nanoparticle (NP)-based systems are described that address some of these issues by taking advantage of the unique attributes of the NP carrier to effect efficient NO delivery. This review highlights the progress that has been made over the past 5 years in the use of various constructs for the therapeutic delivery of NO.
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Gao D, Asghar S, Hu R, Chen S, Niu R, Liu J, Chen Z, Xiao Y. Recent advances in diverse nanosystems for nitric oxide delivery in cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1498-1521. [PMID: 37139410 PMCID: PMC10149905 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas therapy has been proven to be a promising and advantageous treatment option for cancers. Studies have shown that nitric oxide (NO) is one of the smallest structurally significant gas molecules with great potential to suppress cancer. However, there is controversy and concern about its use as it exhibits the opposite physiological effects based on its levels in the tumor. Therefore, the anti-cancer mechanism of NO is the key to cancer treatment, and rationally designed NO delivery systems are crucial to the success of NO biomedical applications. This review summarizes the endogenous production of NO, its physiological mechanisms of action, the application of NO in cancer treatment, and nano-delivery systems for delivering NO donors. Moreover, it briefly reviews challenges in delivering NO from different nanoparticles and the issues associated with its combination treatment strategies. The advantages and challenges of various NO delivery platforms are recapitulated for possible transformation into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Sajid Asghar
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Rongfeng Hu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Preparation Technology and Application, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Su Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruixin Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Jiangyin Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangyin 214499, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 510 86700000 (Jia Liu); +86 25 85811050 (Zhipeng Chen); +86 25 83271079 (Yanyu Xiao).
| | - Zhipeng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 510 86700000 (Jia Liu); +86 25 85811050 (Zhipeng Chen); +86 25 83271079 (Yanyu Xiao).
| | - Yanyu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 510 86700000 (Jia Liu); +86 25 85811050 (Zhipeng Chen); +86 25 83271079 (Yanyu Xiao).
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Anobile DP, Niso M, Puerta A, Fraga Rodrigues SM, Abatematteo FS, Avan A, Abate C, Riganti C, Giovannetti E. New Pharmacological Strategies against Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Multifunctional Thiosemicarbazone FA4. Molecules 2022; 27:1682. [PMID: 35268783 PMCID: PMC8911630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A new sigma-2 (σ2) receptor ligand (FA4) was efficiently synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and antimigratory activity on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) primary cell cultures, which restrained the aggressive and chemoresistant behavior of PDAC. This compound showed relevant antiproliferative activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.701 to 0.825 μM. The cytotoxic activity was associated with induction of apoptosis, resulting in apoptotic indexes higher than those observed after exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of the gemcitabine, the first-line drug used against PDAC. Interestingly, FA4 was also able to significantly inhibit the migration rate of both PDAC-1 and PDAC-2 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results support further studies to improve the library of thiosemicarbazones targeting the σ-2 receptor for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the biological activity of these compounds and the development of more efficient anticancer compounds against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario P. Anobile
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5/bis, 10026 Torino, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Adrian Puerta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica “Antonio González” (IUBO-AG), Universidad de La Laguna, c/Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stephanie M. Fraga Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Francesca S. Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Amir Avan
- Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran;
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
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Comandatore A, Immordino B, Balsano R, Capula M, Garajovà I, Ciccolini J, Giovannetti E, Morelli L. Potential Role of Exosomes in the Chemoresistance to Gemcitabine and Nab-Paclitaxel in Pancreatic Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:286. [PMID: 35204377 PMCID: PMC8871170 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, a growing number of studies have evaluated the role of exosomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cancer (PDAC) demonstrating their involvement in a multitude of pathways, including the induction of chemoresistance. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the current knowledge on the role of exosomes in the resistance to gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, which are two of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of PDAC patients. Exosomes are vesicular cargos that transport multiple miRNAs, mRNAs and proteins from one cell to another cell and some of these factors can influence specific determinants of gemcitabine activity, such as the nucleoside transporter hENT1, or multidrug resistance proteins involved in the resistance to paclitaxel. Additional mechanisms underlying exosome-mediated resistance include the modulation of apoptotic pathways, cellular metabolism, or the modulation of oncogenic miRNA, such as miR-21 and miR-155. The current status of studies on circulating exosomal miRNA and their possible role as biomarkers are also discussed. Finally, we integrated the preclinical data with emerging clinical evidence, showing how the study of exosomes could help to predict the resistance of individual tumors, and guide the clinicians in the selection of innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Comandatore
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Benoit Immordino
- Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (B.I.); (M.C.)
- SMARTc Unit, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068 Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Rita Balsano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy;
| | - Mjriam Capula
- Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (B.I.); (M.C.)
| | - Ingrid Garajovà
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43100 Parma, Italy;
| | - Joseph Ciccolini
- SMARTc Unit, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm U1068 Aix Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (B.I.); (M.C.)
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
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Niso M, Kopecka J, Abatematteo FS, Berardi F, Riganti C, Abate C. Multifunctional thiosemicarbazones targeting sigma receptors: in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities in pancreatic cancer models. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:1307-1323. [PMID: 34586588 PMCID: PMC8648660 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00638-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Association of the metal chelating portion of thiosemicarbazone with the cytotoxic activity of sigma-2 receptors appears a promising strategy for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. Here, we developed a novel sigma-2 receptor targeting thiosemicarbazone (FA4) that incorporates a moiety associated with lysosome destabilization and ROS increase in order to design more efficient antitumor agents. METHODS The density of sigma receptors in pancreatic cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. In these cells, cytotoxicity (MTT assay) and activation of ER- and mitochondria-dependent cell death pathways (mRNA expression of GRP78, ATF6, IRE1, PERK; ROS levels by MitoSOX and DCFDA-AM; JC-1 staining) induced by the thiosemicarbazones FA4, MLP44, PS3 and ACthio-1, were evaluated. The expression of autophagic proteins (ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, beclin, p62 and LC3-I) was also studied. In addition, the in vivo effect of FA4 in xenograft models with and without gemcitabine challenge was investigated. RESULTS We found that FA4 exerted a more potent cytotoxicity than previously studied thiosemicarbazones (MLP44, PS3 and ACthio-1), which were found to display variable effects on the ER or the mitochondria-dependent pro-apoptotic axis. By contrast, FA4 activated pro-apoptotic pathways and decreased autophagy, except in MiaPaCa2 cells, in which autophagic proteins were expressed at lower levels and remained unmodified by FA4. FA4 treatment of PANC-1 xenografted mouse models, poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapy, significantly reduced tumor volumes and increased intratumor apoptosis compared to gemcitabine, with no signs of toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that FA4 exhibits encouraging activity in pancreatic cancer cells unresponsive to gemcitabine. These results warrant further investigation in patient-derived pancreatic cancers, and hold promise for the development of therapies that can more efficiently target the specific characteristics of individual tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Santena 5/bis, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Serena Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Berardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, via Santena 5/bis, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari, Italy.
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Wang JQ, Yang Y, Cai CY, Teng QX, Cui Q, Lin J, Assaraf YG, Chen ZS. Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs): Structure, function and the overcoming of cancer multidrug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2021; 54:100743. [PMID: 33513557 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2021.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters mediate the ATP-driven translocation of structurally and mechanistically distinct substrates against steep concentration gradients. Among the seven human ABC subfamilies namely ABCA-ABCG, ABCC is the largest subfamily with 13 members. In this respect, 9 of the ABCC members are termed "multidrug resistance proteins" (MRPs1-9) due to their ability to mediate cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) by extruding various chemotherapeutic agents or their metabolites from tumor cells. Furthermore, MRPs are also responsible for the ATP-driven efflux of physiologically important organic anions such as leukotriene C4, folic acid, bile acids and cAMP. Thus, MRPs are involved in important regulatory pathways. Blocking the anticancer drug efflux function of MRPs has shown promising results in overcoming cancer MDR. As a result, many novel MRP modulators have been developed in the past decade. In the current review, we summarize the structure, tissue distribution, biological and pharmacological functions as well as clinical insights of MRPs. Furthermore, recent updates in MRP modulators and their therapeutic applications in clinical trials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Quan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Chao-Yun Cai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Qiu-Xu Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Qingbin Cui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA; School of Public Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511436, China; Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Jun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 3200003, Israel
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY 11439, USA.
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