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Camorani S, Caliendo A, Morrone E, Agnello L, Martini M, Cantile M, Cerrone M, Zannetti A, La Deda M, Fedele M, Ricciardi L, Cerchia L. Bispecific aptamer-decorated and light-triggered nanoparticles targeting tumor and stromal cells in breast cancer derived organoids: implications for precision phototherapies. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:92. [PMID: 38532439 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03014-x] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on the established role of cancer-stroma cross-talk in tumor growth, progression and chemoresistance, targeting interactions between tumor cells and their stroma provides new therapeutic approaches. Dual-targeted nanotherapeutics selectively acting on both tumor and stromal cells may overcome the limits of tumor cell-targeting single-ligand nanomedicine due to the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. METHODS Gold-core/silica-shell nanoparticles embedding a water-soluble iridium(III) complex as photosensitizer and luminescent probe (Iren-AuSiO2_COOH) were efficiently decorated with amino-terminated EGFR (CL4) and PDGFRβ (Gint4.T) aptamers (Iren-AuSiO2_Aptamer). The targeting specificity, and the synergistic photodynamic and photothermal effects of either single- and dual-aptamer-decorated nanoparticles have been assessed by confocal microscopy and cell viability assays, respectively, on different human cell types including mesenchymal subtype triple-negative breast cancer (MES-TNBC) MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cell lines (both EGFR and PDGFRβ positive), luminal/HER2-positive breast cancer BT-474 and epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells (only EGFR positive) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) (only PDGFRβ positive). Cells lacking expression of both receptors were used as negative controls. To take into account the tumor-stroma interplay, fluorescence imaging and cytotoxicity were evaluated in preclinical three-dimensional (3D) stroma-rich breast cancer models. RESULTS We show efficient capability of Iren-AuSiO2_Aptamer nanoplatforms to selectively enter into target cells, and kill them, through EGFR and/or PDGFRβ recognition. Importantly, by targeting EGFR+ tumor/PDGFRβ+ stromal cells in the entire tumor bulk, the dual-aptamer-engineered nanoparticles resulted more effective than unconjugated or single-aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles in either 3D spheroids cocultures of tumor cells and MSCs, and in breast cancer organoids derived from pathologically and molecularly well-characterized tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our study proposes smart, novel and safe multifunctional nanoplatforms simultaneously addressing cancer-stroma within the tumor microenvironment, which are: (i) actively delivered to the targeted cells through highly specific aptamers; (ii) localized by means of their luminescence, and (iii) activated via minimally invasive light, launching efficient tumor death, thus providing innovative precision therapeutics. Given the unique features, the proposed dual targeted nanoformulations may open a new door to precision cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Caliendo
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Morrone
- CNR-NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council, Rende, CS, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Martini
- Institute of Light and Matter, UMR 5306, Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Monica Cantile
- Institutional Biobank-Scientific Directorate, National Cancer Institute INT-IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Cerrone
- Pathology Unit, National Cancer Institute INT-IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo La Deda
- CNR-NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council, Rende, CS, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Loredana Ricciardi
- CNR-NANOTEC Institute of Nanotechnology, National Research Council, Rende, CS, Italy.
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Li Y, Liu W, Xu H, Zhou Y, Xie W, Guo Y, Liao Z, Jiang X, Liu J, Ren C. Aptamers combined with immune checkpoints for cancer detection and targeted therapy: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 262:130032. [PMID: 38342267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130032] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy, which has emerged as a standard treatment for many cancers. As a kind of immunotherapy drug, monoclonal antibodies employed in immune checkpoint therapy have proven beneficial for patients with diverse cancer types. However, owing to the extensive heterogeneity of clinical responses and the complexity and variability of the immune system and tumor microenvironment (TME), accurately predicting its efficacy remains a challenge. Recent advances in aptamers provide a promising approach for monitoring alterations within the immune system and TME, thereby facilitating targeted immunotherapy, particularly focused on immune checkpoint blockade, with enhanced antitumor efficiency. Aptamers have been widely used in tumor cell detection, biosensors, drug discovery, and biomarker screening due to their high specificity and high affinity with their targets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the research status and progress of aptamers in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on those related to immune checkpoints. Additionally, we will discuss the future research directions and potential therapeutic targets for aptamer-based immune checkpoint therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for targeting immunotherapy molecules and blocking tumor immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Weidong Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Hongjuan Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biological Nanotechnology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wen Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Youwei Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Ziling Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Critical care medicine, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hosptial; project supported by Hainan Province Clinical Medical Center, China.
| | - Caiping Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China; The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
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Liu X, Zhang G, Yu T, Liu J, Chai X, Yin D, Zhang C. CL4-modified exosomes deliver lncRNA DARS-AS1 siRNA to suppress triple-negative breast cancer progression and attenuate doxorubicin resistance by inhibiting autophagy. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 250:126147. [PMID: 37544559 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a fatal disease. Drug resistance and the lack of effective drugs are the leading causes of death in patients with TNBC. Recently, long non-coding RNAs have been proven to be effective drug design targets owing to their high tissue specificity; however, an effective drug delivery system is necessary for their clinical application. In this study, we constructed a novel nanodrug delivery system based on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted aptamer CL4-modified exosomes (EXOs-CL4) for the targeted delivery of aspartyl-tRNA synthetase-antisense RNA 1 (DARS-AS1) small interfering RNA (siRNA) and doxorubicin (DOX) to TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. This delivery system exerted potent anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and pro-apoptotic effects on TNBC cells. Silencing DARS-AS1 increased the sensitivity of TNBC cells to DOX by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad3 signaling pathway-induced autophagy, thereby enhancing the synergetic antitumor effects. Collectively, our findings revealed that EXOs-CL4-mediated delivery of DARS-AS1 siRNA can be used as a new treatment strategy for DOX-resistant TNBC. Moreover, EXOs-CL4 can be used as effective drug delivery systems for targeted TNBC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Liu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Tongyao Yu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Jie Liu
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Chai
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China
| | - Dachuan Yin
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China.
| | - Chenyan Zhang
- Institute for Special Environmental Biophysics, Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, PR China.
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Agnello L, d’Argenio A, Caliendo A, Nilo R, Zannetti A, Fedele M, Camorani S, Cerchia L. Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 Overexpression Mediates Chemoresistance in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2023; 12:1809. [PMID: 37443843 PMCID: PMC10340747 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131809] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is among the most aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Despite being initially responsive to chemotherapy, patients develop drug-resistant and metastatic tumors. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) is a secreted protein with a tumor suppressor function due to its anti-proteolytic activity. Nevertheless, evidence indicates that TIMP-1 binds to the CD63 receptor and activates noncanonical oncogenic signaling in several cancers, but its role in mediating TNBC chemoresistance is still largely unexplored. Here, we show that mesenchymal-like TNBC cells express TIMP-1, whose levels are further increased in cells generated to be resistant to cisplatin (Cis-Pt-R) and doxorubicin (Dox-R). Moreover, public dataset analyses indicate that high TIMP-1 levels are associated with a worse prognosis in TNBC subjected to chemotherapy. Knock-down of TIMP-1 in both Cis-Pt-R and Dox-R cells reverses their resistance by inhibiting AKT activation. Consistently, TNBC cells exposed to recombinant TIMP-1 or TIMP-1-enriched media from chemoresistant cells, acquire resistance to both cisplatin and doxorubicin. Importantly, released TIMP-1 reassociates with plasma membrane by binding to CD63 and, in the absence of CD63 expression, TIMP-1-mediated chemoresistance is blocked. Thus, our results identify TIMP-1 as a new biomarker of TNBC chemoresistance and lay the groundwork for evaluating whether blockade of TIMP-1 signal is a viable treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Annachiara d’Argenio
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Alessandra Caliendo
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Nilo
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (A.d.); (A.C.); (R.N.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
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5
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Wei X, Ma P, Imran Mahmood K, Zhang Y, Wang Z. Screening of a High-Affinity Aptamer for Aflatoxin M 1 and Development of Its Colorimetric Aptasensor. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:7546-7556. [PMID: 37144950 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a secondary metabolite of Aspergillus spp., is highly toxic and widely present in food matrices. Therefore, the detection of AFM1 is of great importance for the protection of food safety. In this study, a five-segment sequence was designed as the initial library. Graphene oxide-SELEX (GO-SELEX) was applied to screen AFM1. After seven rounds of repeated screening, affinity and specificity assays showed that aptamer 9 was the best candidate for AFM1. The dissociation constant (Kd) of aptamer 9 was 109.10 ± 6.02 nM. To verify the efficiency and sensitivity aptamer for the detection of AFM1, a colorimetric sensor based on the aptamer was constructed. The biosensor showed good linearity in the range of AFM1 concentration of 0.5-500.0 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.50 ng/mL. This colorimetric method was successfully used for the detection of AFM1 in milk powder samples. Its detection recovery was 92.8-105.2%. This study was conducted to provide a reference for the detection of AFM1 in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunjiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Pengfei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Khan Imran Mahmood
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Meat Processing of Sichuan, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
| | - Zhouping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
- International Joint Laboratory on Food Safety, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control of Jiangsu Province, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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Zou Q, Du B, Zhang Q, Wang H, Zhang M, Yang X, Wang Q, Wang K. Investigation on protein dimerization and evaluation of medicine effects by single molecule force spectroscopy. Anal Chim Acta 2023; 1252:341043. [PMID: 36935149 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2023.341043] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the dimerization state of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (Met) was essential for in-depth understanding of the tumor signal transduction network. At present, the dimerization activation pathway of Met protein was mainly studied at the macro level, while the research at the single molecule level was far from comprehensive. Herein, the dimerization activation of Met protein's extracellular domain induced by ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was dynamically studied by single-molecule force spectroscopy. Met protein was immobilized on a biomimetic lipid membrane for ensuring its physiological environment, and then the Met dimers were recognized by bivalent probe which was formed by two Met-binding aptamers. Then the dimeric state of Met protein could be distinguished from monomeric state of Met protein through some parameters, (such as unimodal ratio, bimodal ratio and separation work). The unimodal indicates the occurrence of single molecule binding event, and the bimodal represents the occurrence of double binding event (also represents the presence of Met dimer). Before HGF treatment, most of the Met protein on the lipid membrane was still in the form of monomer, so the unimodal ratio in the force curve was larger (78.8 ± 5.2%), and the bimodal ratio was smaller (17.0 ± 4.1%). After HGF treatment, the unimodal ratio decreased to 54.0 ± 7.4%, and the bimodal ratio increased to 43.2 ± 7.3%. It was due to the formation of dimers after the binding of Met protein on the fluidity lipid membrane with HGF. In addition, the average separation work increased to about 2 times after HGF treatment. Given that studies of Met protein dimerization inhibitors have contributed to the development of more potent and safe inhibitors to significantly inhibit tumor metastasis, the effects of different medicines (including anticoagulant medicines, different antibiotics and anti-cancer medicines) on the dimerization activation of Met protein were then explored by the platform described above. The results showed that anticoagulant medicines heparin and its analogs can significantly inhibit HGF-mediated Met protein activation, while different antibiotics and anticancer medicines had no significant effect on the dimerization of Met protein. This work provided a platform for studying protein dimerization as well as for screening Met protein dimerization inhibitors at the single-molecule level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Bin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Hongqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Mingwan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaohai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Kemin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Bio-Nanotechnology and Molecular Engineering of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
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Agnello L, d’Argenio A, Nilo R, Fedele M, Camorani S, Cerchia L. Aptamer-Based Strategies to Boost Immunotherapy in TNBC. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072010. [PMID: 37046670 PMCID: PMC10093095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system (IS) may play a crucial role in preventing tumor development and progression, leading, over the last years, to the development of effective cancer immunotherapies. Nevertheless, immune evasion, the capability of tumors to circumvent destructive host immunity, remains one of the main obstacles to overcome for maximizing treatment success. In this context, promising strategies aimed at reshaping the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting antitumor immunity are rapidly emerging. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive breast cancer subtype with poor outcomes, is highly immunogenic, suggesting immunotherapy is a viable strategy. As evidence of this, already, two immunotherapies have recently become the standard of care for patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors, which, however, represent a low percentage of patients, making more active immunotherapeutic approaches necessary. Aptamers are short, highly structured, single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to their protein targets at high affinity and specificity. They are used for therapeutic purposes in the same way as monoclonal antibodies; thus, various aptamer-based strategies are being actively explored to stimulate the IS’s response against cancer cells. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of the recently reported aptamer-based approaches to boost the IS to fight TNBC.
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Yu L, Ma Z, He Q. Dynamic DNA Nanostructures for Cell Manipulation. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:562-576. [PMID: 36592368 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic DNA nanostructures are DNA nanostructures with reconfigurable elements that can undergo structural transformations in response to specific stimuli. Thus, anchoring dynamic DNA nanostructures on cell membranes is an attractive and promising strategy for well-controlled cell manipulation. Here, we review the latest progress in dynamic DNA nanostructures for cell manipulation. Commonly used mechanisms for dynamic DNA nanostructures are first introduced. Subsequently, we summarize the anchoring strategies for dynamic DNA nanostructures on cell membranes and list possible applications (including programming cell membrane receptors, controlling ligand activity and drug delivery, capturing and releasing cells, and assembling cells into clusters). Finally, insights into the remaining challenges are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Renmin Middle Road 818, Changde, Hunan 415000, P. R. China
| | - Zongrui Ma
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Renmin Middle Road 818, Changde, Hunan 415000, P. R. China
| | - Qunye He
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongchuan Road 800, Shanghai 200000, P. R. China
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9
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A review: Construction of aptamer screening methods based on improving the screening rate of key steps. Talanta 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Natural Blockers of PD-1/PD-L1 Interaction for the Immunotherapy of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-Brain Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246258. [PMID: 36551742 PMCID: PMC9777321 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer with brain metastasis (TNBC-BM) have left the door of further drug development for these patients wide open. Although immunotherapy via monoclonal antibodies has shown some promising results in several cancers including TNBC, it cannot be considered the most effective treatment for brain metastasis. This is due to the protective role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) which limits the entrance of most drugs, especially the bulky ones such as antibodies, to the brain. For a drug to traverse the BBB via passive diffusion, various physicochemical properties should be considered. Since natural medicine has been a key inspiration for the development of the majority of current medicines, in this paper, we review several naturally-derived molecules which have the potential for immunotherapy via blocking the interaction of programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligand, PD-L1. The mechanism of action, physicochemical properties and pharmacokinetics of these molecules and their theoretical potential to be used for the treatment of TNBC-BM are discussed.
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Shraim AS, Abdel Majeed BA, Al-Binni M, Hunaiti A. Therapeutic Potential of Aptamer-Protein Interactions. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:1211-1227. [PMID: 36524009 PMCID: PMC9745894 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00156] [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: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (RNA or DNA) with a typical length between 25 and 100 nucleotides which fold into three-dimensional structures capable of binding to target molecules. Specific aptamers can be isolated against a large variety of targets through efficient and relatively cheap methods, and they demonstrate target-binding affinities that sometimes surpass those of antibodies. Consequently, interest in aptamers has surged over the past three decades, and their application has shown promise in advancing knowledge in target analysis, designing therapeutic interventions, and bioengineering. With emphasis on their therapeutic applications, aptamers are emerging as a new innovative class of therapeutic agents with promising biochemical and biological properties. Aptamers have the potential of providing a feasible alternative to antibody- and small-molecule-based therapeutics given their binding specificity, stability, low toxicity, and apparent non-immunogenicity. This Review examines the general properties of aptamers and aptamer-protein interactions that help to understand their binding characteristics and make them important therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala’a S. Shraim
- Department
of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
- Pharmacological
and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya
Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
| | - Bayan A. Abdel Majeed
- Department
of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
- Pharmacological
and Diagnostic Research Center (PDRC), Al-Ahliyya
Amman University, 19328 Amman, Jordan
| | - Maysaa’
Adnan Al-Binni
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, 11942 Amman, Jordan
| | - Abdelrahim Hunaiti
- Department
of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, 11942 Amman, Jordan
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12
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Ibarra LE, Camorani S, Agnello L, Pedone E, Pirone L, Chesta CA, Palacios RE, Fedele M, Cerchia L. Selective Photo-Assisted Eradication of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells through Aptamer Decoration of Doped Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030626. [PMID: 35336001 PMCID: PMC8955042 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be an excellent alternative in the treatment of breast cancer, mainly for the most aggressive type with limited targeted therapies such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We recently generated conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs) as efficient photosensitizers for the photo-eradication of different cancer cells. With the aim of improving the selectivity of PDT with CPNs, the nanoparticle surface conjugation with unique 2’-Fluoropyrimidines-RNA-aptamers that act as effective recognition elements for functional surface signatures of TNBC cells was proposed and designed. A coupling reaction with carbodiimide was used to covalently bind NH2-modified aptamers with CPNs synthetized with two polystyrene-based polymer donors of COOH groups for the amide reaction. The selectivity of recognition for TNBC membrane receptors and PDT efficacy were assayed in TNBC cells and compared with non-TNBC cells by flow cytometry and cell viability assays. Furthermore, in vitro PDT efficacy was assayed in different TNBC cells with significant improvement results using CL4, sTN29 and sTN58 aptamers compared to unconjugated CPNs and SCR non-specific aptamer. In a chemoresistance TNBC cell model, sTN58 was the candidate for improving labelling and PDT efficacy with CPNs. We proposed sTN58, sTN29 and CL4 aptamers as valuable tools for selective TNBC targeting, cell internalization and therapeutic improvements for CPNs in PDT protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Exequiel Ibarra
- Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud (INBIAS), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto y CONICET, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (L.A.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (L.E.I.); (L.C.)
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (L.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (L.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Emilia Pedone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Luciano Pirone
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy; (E.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Carlos Alberto Chesta
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto y CONICET, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina; (C.A.C.); (R.E.P.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo Emiliano Palacios
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Rio Cuarto y CONICET, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina; (C.A.C.); (R.E.P.)
- Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Fisicoquímicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto X5800BIA, Argentina
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (L.A.); (M.F.)
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “G. Salvatore” (IEOS), National Research Council (CNR), 80131 Naples, Italy; (S.C.); (L.A.); (M.F.)
- Correspondence: (L.E.I.); (L.C.)
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13
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Spanu C, Camorani S, Tortorella S, Agnello L, Maturi M, Comes Franchini M, Cerchia L, Locatelli E. Synthesis and functionalization of casein nanoparticles with aptamers for triple-negative breast cancer targeting. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d2nj03367d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This work shows the synthesis of a drug delivery system made of casein nanoparticles able to host hydrophobic molecules and be functionalized with aptamers targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Spanu
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Tortorella
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mirko Maturi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Comes Franchini
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Erica Locatelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry “Toso Montanari”, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
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14
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Shigdar S, Agnello L, Fedele M, Camorani S, Cerchia L. Profiling Cancer Cells by Cell-SELEX: Use of Aptamers for Discovery of Actionable Biomarkers and Therapeutic Applications Thereof. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:28. [PMID: 35056924 PMCID: PMC8781458 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of tumor cell-specific surface markers is a key step towards personalized cancer medicine, allowing early assessment and accurate diagnosis, and development of efficacious targeted therapies. Despite significant efforts, currently the spectrum of cell membrane targets associated with approved treatments is still limited, causing an inability to treat a large number of cancers. What mainly limits the number of ideal clinical biomarkers is the high complexity and heterogeneity of several human cancers and still-limited methods for molecular profiling of specific cancer types. Thanks to the simplicity, versatility and effectiveness of its application, cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) technology is a valid complement to the present strategies for biomarkers' discovery. We and other researchers worldwide are attempting to apply cell-SELEX to the generation of oligonucleotide aptamers as tools for both identifying new cancer biomarkers and targeting them by innovative therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss the potential of cell-SELEX for increasing the currently limited repertoire of actionable cancer cell-surface biomarkers and focus on the use of the selected aptamers as components of innovative conjugates and nano-formulations for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia;
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong 3220, Australia
| | - Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, S. Andrea Delle Dame-Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.A.); (M.F.); (S.C.)
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15
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He Q, Liu Y, Li K, Wu Y, Wang T, Tan Y, Jiang T, Liu X, Liu Z. Deoxyribonucleic acid anchored on cell membranes for biomedical application. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6691-6717. [PMID: 34494042 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01057c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Engineering cellular membranes with functional molecules provides an attractive strategy to manipulate cellular behaviors and functionalities. Currently, synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has emerged as a promising molecular tool to engineer cellular membranes for biomedical applications due to its molecular recognition and programmable properties. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in anchoring DNA on the cellular membranes and their applications. The strategies for anchoring DNA on cell membranes were summarized. Then their applications, such as immune response activation, receptor oligomerization regulation, membrane structure mimicking, cell-surface biosensing, and construction of cell clusters, were listed. The DNA-enabled intelligent systems which were able to sense stimuli such as DNA strands, light, and metal ions were highlighted. Finally, insights regarding the remaining challenges and possible future directions were provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunye He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yanfei Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yuwei Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China.
| | - Yifu Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, Hunan Province, P. R. China
| | - Zhenbao Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan Province, P. R. China. .,Molecular Imaging Research Center of Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P. R. China
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16
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Agnello L, Tortorella S, d'Argenio A, Carbone C, Camorani S, Locatelli E, Auletta L, Sorrentino D, Fedele M, Zannetti A, Franchini MC, Cerchia L. Optimizing cisplatin delivery to triple-negative breast cancer through novel EGFR aptamer-conjugated polymeric nanovectors. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:239. [PMID: 34294133 PMCID: PMC8299618 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02039-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still challenging because of its aggressive clinical behavior and limited targeted treatment options. Cisplatin represents a promising chemotherapeutic compound in neoadjuvant approaches and in the metastatic setting, but its use is limited by scarce bioavailability, severe systemic side effects and drug resistance. Novel site-directed aptamer-based nanotherapeutics have the potential to overcome obstacles of chemotherapy. In this study we investigated the tumor targeting and the anti-tumorigenic effectiveness of novel cisplatin-loaded and aptamer-decorated nanosystems in TNBC. METHODS Nanotechnological procedures were applied to entrap cisplatin at high efficacy into polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) that were conjugated on their surface with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) selective and cell-internalizing CL4 aptamer to improve targeted therapy. Internalization into TNBC MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cells of aptamer-decorated PNPs, loaded with BODIPY505-515, was monitored by confocal microscopy using EGFR-depleted cells as negative control. Tumor targeting and biodistribution was evaluated by fluorescence reflectance imaging upon intravenously injection of Cyanine7-labeled nanovectors in nude mice bearing subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 tumors. Cytotoxicity of cisplatin-loaded PNPs toward TNBC cells was evaluated by MTT assay and the antitumor effect was assessed by tumor growth experiments in vivo and ex vivo analyses. RESULTS We demonstrate specific, high and rapid uptake into EGFR-positive TNBC cells of CL4-conjugated fluorescent PNPs which, when loaded with cisplatin, resulted considerably more cytotoxic than the free drug and nanovectors either unconjugated or conjugated with a scrambled aptamer. Importantly, animal studies showed that the CL4-equipped PNPs achieve significantly higher tumor targeting efficiency and enhanced therapeutic effects, without any signs of systemic toxicity, compared with free cisplatin and untargeted PNPs. CONCLUSIONS Our study proposes novel and safe drug-loaded targeted nanosystems for EGFR-positive TNBC with excellent potential for the application in cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- University of Campania "L.Vanvitelli" Department of Precision Medicine, S. Andrea delle Dame - Via L. De Crecchio, 7 - 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Tortorella
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Department of Industrial Chemistry Toso Montanari, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annachiara d'Argenio
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Clarissa Carbone
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Erica Locatelli
- Department of Industrial Chemistry Toso Montanari, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Auletta
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Via T. De Amicis 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Sorrentino
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l, via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Via T. De Amicis 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Comes Franchini
- Department of Industrial Chemistry Toso Montanari, University of Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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17
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You KS, Yi YW, Cho J, Park JS, Seong YS. Potentiating Therapeutic Effects of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:589. [PMID: 34207383 PMCID: PMC8233743 DOI: 10.3390/ph14060589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subset of breast cancer with aggressive characteristics and few therapeutic options. The lack of an appropriate therapeutic target is a challenging issue in treating TNBC. Although a high level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been associated with a poor prognosis among patients with TNBC, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy for TNBC treatment in both clinical and preclinical settings. However, with the advantage of a number of clinically approved EGFR inhibitors (EGFRis), combination strategies have been explored as a promising approach to overcome the intrinsic resistance of TNBC to EGFRis. In this review, we analyzed the literature on the combination of EGFRis with other molecularly targeted therapeutics or conventional chemotherapeutics to understand the current knowledge and to provide potential therapeutic options for TNBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeonghee Cho
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 3116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (J.C.)
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18
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Emrani S, Lamar M, Price CC, Baliga S, Wasserman V, Matusz E, Swenson R, Baliga G, Libon DJ. Assessing the capacity for mental manipulation in patients with statically-determined mild cognitive impairment using digital technology. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2021.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Prior research employing a standard backward digit span test has been successful in operationally defining neurocognitive constructs associated with the Fuster’s model of executive attention. The current research sought to test if similar behavior could be obtained using a cross-modal mental manipulation test.
Methods: Memory clinic patients were studied. Using Jak-Bondi criteria, 24 patients were classified with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 33 memory clinic patients did not meet criteria for MCI (i.e. non-MCI). All patients were assessed with the digital version of the WRAML-2 Symbolic Working Memory Test-Part 1, a cross-modal mental manipulation task where patients hear digits, but respond by touching digits from lowest to highest on an answer key. Only 4 and 5-span trials were analyzed. Using an iPad, all test stimuli were played; and, all responses were obtained with a touch key. Only correct trials were analyzed. Average time to complete trials and latency for each digit was recorded.
Results: Groups did not differ when average time to complete 4-span trials was calculated. MCI patients displayed slower latency, or required more time to re-order the 1st and 3rd digits. Regression analyses, primarily involving initial and latter response latencies, were associated with better, but different underlying neuropsychological abilities. Almost no 5-span analyses were significant.
Conclusions: This cross-modal test paradigm found no difference for total average time. MCI patients generated slower 1st and 3rd response latency, suggesting differences in time allocation to achieve correct serial order recall. Moreover, different neuropsychological abilities were associated with different time-based test components. These data extend prior findings using a standard backward digit span test. Differences in time epochs are consistent with constructs underlying the model of executive attention and help explain mental manipulation deficits in MCI. These latency measures could constitute neurocognitive biomarkers that track emergent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheina Emrani
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Catherine C. Price
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Satya Baliga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Victor Wasserman
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - Emily Matusz
- 5New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Rod Swenson
- Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Fork, Fargo, ND 58103, USA
| | - Ganesh Baliga
- Department of Computer Science, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| | - David J. Libon
- Department of Psychology, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA 5New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
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Agnello L, Camorani S, Fedele M, Cerchia L. Aptamers and antibodies: rivals or allies in cancer targeted therapy? EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2021; 2:107-121. [PMID: 36046085 PMCID: PMC9400792 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2021.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of an efficacious cancer therapy is to specifically target diseased cells at high accuracy while sparing normal, healthy cells. Over the past three decades, immunotherapy, based on the use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed against tumor-associated antigens, to inhibit their oncogenic function, or against immune checkpoints, to modulate specific T cell responses against cancer, has proven to be an important strategy for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the number of mAbs approved for clinical use is still limited because of significant drawbacks to their applicability. Oligonucleotide aptamers, similarly to antibodies, form high-affinity bonds with their specific protein targets, thus representing an effective tool for active cancer targeting. Compared to antibodies, aptamers’ use as therapeutic agents benefits from their low size, low/no immunogenicity, simple synthesis and design flexibility for improving efficacy and stability. This review intends to highlight recently emerged applications of aptamers as recognition elements, from biomarker discovery to targeted drug delivery and targeted treatment, showing aptamers’ potential to work in conjunction with antibodies for attacking cancer from multiple flanks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore”, National Research Council (CNR), Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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20
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Camorani S, Passariello M, Agnello L, Esposito S, Collina F, Cantile M, Di Bonito M, Ulasov IV, Fedele M, Zannetti A, De Lorenzo C, Cerchia L. Aptamer targeted therapy potentiates immune checkpoint blockade in triple-negative breast cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:180. [PMID: 32892748 PMCID: PMC7487859 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01694-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a uniquely aggressive cancer with high rates of relapse due to resistance to chemotherapy. TNBC expresses higher levels of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) compared to other breast cancers, providing the rationale for the recently approved immunotherapy with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A huge effort is dedicated to identify actionable biomarkers allowing for combination therapies with immune-checkpoint blockade. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is highly expressed in invasive TNBC, both on tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. We recently proved that tumor growth and lung metastases are impaired in mouse models of human TNBC by a high efficacious PDGFRβ aptamer. Hence, we aimed at investigating the effectiveness of a novel combination treatment with the PDGFRβ aptamer and anti-PD-L1 mAbs in TNBC. METHODS The targeting ability of the anti-human PDGFRβ aptamer toward the murine receptor was verified by streptavidin-biotin assays and confocal microscopy, and its inhibitory function by transwell migration assays. The anti-proliferative effects of the PDGFRβ aptamer/anti-PD-L1 mAbs combination was assessed in human MDA-MB-231 and murine 4 T1 TNBC cells, both grown as monolayer or co-cultured with lymphocytes. Tumor cell lysis and cytokines secretion by lymphocytes were analyzed by LDH quantification and ELISA, respectively. Orthotopic 4 T1 xenografts in syngeneic mice were used for dissecting the effect of aptamer/mAb combination on tumor growth, metastasis and lymphocytes infiltration. Ex vivo analyses through immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and immunoblotting were performed. RESULTS We show that the PDGFRβ aptamer potentiates the anti-proliferative activity of anti-PD-L1 mAbs on both human and murine TNBC cells, according to its human/mouse cross-reactivity. Further, by binding to activated human and mouse lymphocytes, the aptamer enhances the anti-PD-L1 mAb-induced cytotoxicity of lymphocytes against tumor cells. Importantly, the aptamer heightens the antibody efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and lung metastases in mice. It acts on both tumor cells, inhibiting Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, and immune populations, increasing intratumoral CD8 + T cells and reducing FOXP3 + Treg cells. CONCLUSION Co-treatment of PDGFRβ aptamer with anti-PD-L1 mAbs is a viable strategy, thus providing for the first time an evidence of the efficacy of PDGFRβ/PD-L1 co-targeting combination therapy in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Passariello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Lisa Agnello
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Esposito
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Collina
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Cantile
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Di Bonito
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilya V Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Monica Fedele
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonella Zannetti
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, CNR, Via T. De Amicis 95, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c.a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Aptamers Against Live Targets: Is In Vivo SELEX Finally Coming to the Edge? MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 21:192-204. [PMID: 32585627 PMCID: PMC7321788 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapeutics underwent a revolution with the entry of monoclonal antibodies in the medical toolkit. Oligonucleotide aptamers form another family of target agents that have been lagging behind in reaching the clinical arena in spite of their potential clinical translation. Some of the reasons for this might be related to the challenge in identifying aptamers with optimal in vivo specificity, and the nature of their pharmacokinetics. Aptamers usually show exquisite specificity, but they are also molecules that display dynamic structures subject to changing environments. Temperature, ion atmosphere, pH, and other variables are factors that could determine the affinity and specificity of aptamers. Thus, it is important to tune the aptamer selection process to the conditions in which you want your final aptamer to function; ideally, for in vivo applications, aptamers should be selected in an in vivo-like system or, ultimately, in a whole in vivo organism. In this review we recapitulate the implementations in systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) to obtain aptamers with the best in vivo activity.
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Fu Z, Xiang J. Aptamers, the Nucleic Acid Antibodies, in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082793. [PMID: 32316469 PMCID: PMC7215806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology in the 1970s brought with it the hope of conquering cancers to the medical community. However, mAbs, on the whole, did not achieve the expected wonder in cancer therapy although they do have demonstrated successfulness in the treatment of a few types of cancers. In 1990, another technology of making biomolecules capable of specific binding appeared. This technique, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), can make aptamers, single-stranded DNAs or RNAs that bind targets with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers have some advantages over mAbs in therapeutic uses particularly because they have little or no immunogenicity, which means the feasibility of repeated use and fewer side effects. In this review, the general properties of the aptamer, the advantages and limitations of aptamers, the principle and procedure of aptamer production with SELEX, particularly the undergoing studies in aptamers for cancer therapy, and selected anticancer aptamers that have entered clinical trials or are under active investigations are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
| | - Jim Xiang
- Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SA S7N 4H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
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Novel Aptamers Selected on Living Cells for Specific Recognition of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. iScience 2020; 23:100979. [PMID: 32222697 PMCID: PMC7103779 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a high heterogeneous group of tumors with a distinctly aggressive nature and high rates of relapse. So far, the lack of any known targetable proteins has not allowed a specific anti-tumor treatment. Therefore, the identification of novel agents for specific TNBC targeting and treatment is desperately needed. Here, by integrating cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) for the specific recognition of TNBC cells with high-throughput sequencing technology, we identified a panel of 2′-fluoropyrimidine-RNA aptamers binding to TNBC cells and their cisplatin- and doxorubicin-resistant derivatives at low nanomolar affinity. These aptamers distinguish TNBC cells from both non-malignant and non-TNBC breast cancer cells and are able to differentiate TNBC histological specimens. Importantly, they inhibit TNBC cell capacity of growing in vitro as mammospheres, indicating they could also act as anti-tumor agents. Therefore, our newly identified aptamers are a valuable tool for selectively dealing with TNBC. Six 2′FPy-RNA aptamers were obtained by TNBC Cell-SELEX/NGS They distinguish TNBC cells from non-malignant and non-TNBC breast cancer cells They differentiate TNBC histological specimens by aptamer-based staining They inhibit TNBC cell lines capacity of growing in vitro as mammospheres
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Passariello M, Camorani S, Vetrei C, Ricci S, Cerchia L, De Lorenzo C. Ipilimumab and Its Derived EGFR Aptamer-Based Conjugate Induce Efficient NK Cell Activation against Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E331. [PMID: 32024070 PMCID: PMC7072174 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune checkpoint CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-antigen 4), which inhibits the co-stimulatory CD28 signal on T cells, has been recently found expressed on other cell populations, such as tumor and natural killer (NK) cells. We tested for the first time the effects of ipilimumab, the human anti-CTLA4 mAb in clinical use, on these cells and found that it inhibits the growth of tumor cells expressing CTLA-4 also in the absence of lymphocytes, and efficiently activates NK cells, thus suggesting an important unexplored role of NK cells in ipilimumab-modulated immune responses. Interestingly, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been shown to play a key role in tumor cell escape from immune surveillance, and in cytotoxic T lymphocyte inhibition. Thus, we tested combinatorial treatments of ipilimumab with an anti-EGFR aptamer endowed with anti-tumor activity, and constructed for the first time a novel bispecific immunoconjugate, made up of these two compounds. The novel immunoconjugate binds to the target cells, induces the activation of lymphocytes, including NK cells, and inhibits the growth of tumor target cells more efficiently than the parental compounds, by strongly enhancing the cytotoxic activity of both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and NK cells against tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Passariello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (C.V.); (S.R.)
- Ceinge – Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Vetrei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (C.V.); (S.R.)
- Ceinge – Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Ricci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (C.V.); (S.R.)
- Ceinge – Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS), CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.P.); (C.V.); (S.R.)
- Ceinge – Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
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Passariello M, Camorani S, Vetrei C, Cerchia L, De Lorenzo C. Novel Human Bispecific Aptamer-Antibody Conjugates for Efficient Cancer Cell Killing. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1268. [PMID: 31470510 PMCID: PMC6770524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of various human cancers. More recently, oligonucleotide aptamers have risen increasing attention for cancer therapy thanks to their low size (efficient tumor penetration) and lack of immunogenicity, even though the short half-life and lack of effector functions still hinder their clinical applications. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that two novel bispecific conjugates, consisting of an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) aptamer linked either with an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2) compact antibody or with an immunomodulatory (anti-PD-L1) antibody, were easily and rapidly obtained. These novel aptamer-antibody conjugates retain the targeting ability of both the parental moieties and acquire a more potent cancer cell killing activity by combining their inhibitory properties. Furthermore, the conjugation of the anti-EGFR aptamer with the immunomodulatory antibody allowed for the efficient redirection and activation of T cells against cancer cells, thus dramatically enhancing the cytotoxicity of the two conjugated partners. We think that these bispecific antibody-aptamer conjugates could have optimal biological features for therapeutic applications, such as increased specificity for tumor cells expressing both targets and improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties due to the combined advantages of the aptamer and antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Passariello
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Camorani
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Cinzia Vetrei
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Laura Cerchia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore" (IEOS), CNR, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Claudia De Lorenzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate s.c. a.r.l., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy.
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Fan J, Wang HH, Xie S, Wang M, Nie Z. Engineering Cell-Surface Receptors with DNA Nanotechnology for Cell Manipulation. Chembiochem 2019; 21:282-293. [PMID: 31364788 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.201900315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell-surface receptors play pivotal roles in the regulation of cell fate. Molecular engineering of cell-surface receptors enables control of cell signaling and manipulation of cell behavior in a user-defined way. Currently, the development of chemical-biological approaches for non-genetic engineering and regulation of membrane receptors is attracting significant interest. Recent research advances in functional nucleic acids and DNA nanotechnology have made it possible to use DNA as a new and promising molecular toolkit for controlling receptor-mediated signaling and cell fates. In this minireview we summarize the advances in the use of DNA nanotechnology for the spatiotemporal regulation of cell receptors and highlight practical applications in manipulating cell functions including cell adhesion, cell-cell contact, cell migration, and cellular immunity. We also provide a perspective on the potential of and challenges facing DNA-based receptor engineering in future applications of cell manipulation and cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Hong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Shiyi Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Miao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
| | - Zhou Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomacromolecular Chemical Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China
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Camorani S, Fedele M, Zannetti A, Cerchia L. TNBC Challenge: Oligonucleotide Aptamers for New Imaging and Therapy Modalities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11040123. [PMID: 30428522 PMCID: PMC6316260 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared to other breast cancers, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) usually affects younger patients, is larger in size, of higher grade and is biologically more aggressive. To date, conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the only available treatment for TNBC because it lacks expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and no alternative targetable molecules have been identified so far. The high biological and clinical heterogeneity adds a further challenge to TNBC management and requires the identification of new biomarkers to improve detection by imaging, thus allowing the specific treatment of each individual TNBC subtype. The Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) technique holds great promise to the search for novel targetable biomarkers, and aptamer-based molecular approaches have the potential to overcome obstacles of current imaging and therapy modalities. In this review, we highlight recent advances in oligonucleotide aptamers used as imaging and/or therapeutic agents in TNBC, discussing the potential options to discover, image and hit new actionable targets in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Camorani
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale G. Salvatore (IEOS), CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy.
| | - Monica Fedele
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale G. Salvatore (IEOS), CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Laura Cerchia
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale G. Salvatore (IEOS), CNR, 80145 Naples, Italy.
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Camorani S, Hill BS, Collina F, Gargiulo S, Napolitano M, Cantile M, Di Bonito M, Botti G, Fedele M, Zannetti A, Cerchia L. Targeted imaging and inhibition of triple-negative breast cancer metastases by a PDGFRβ aptamer. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:5178-5199. [PMID: 30429893 PMCID: PMC6217067 DOI: 10.7150/thno.27798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
While the overall mortality for breast cancer has recently declined, management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still challenging because of its aggressive clinical behavior and the lack of targeted therapies. Genomic profiling studies highlighted the high level of heterogeneity of this cancer, which comprises different subtypes with unique phenotypes and response to treatment. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) is an established mesenchymal/stem cell-specific marker in human glioblastoma and, as recently suggested, it may uniquely mark breast cancer cells with stem-like characteristics and/or that have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis for PDGFRβ expression was performed on a human TNBC tissue microarray. Functional assays were conducted on mesenchymal-like TNBC cells to investigate the effect of a previously validated PDGFRβ aptamer on invasive cell growth in three-dimensional culture conditions, migration, invasion and tube formation. The aptamer was labeled with a near-infrared (NIR) dye and its binding specificity to PDGFRβ was assessed both in vitro (confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analyses) and in vivo (fluorescence molecular tomography in mice bearing TNBC xenografts). A mouse model of TNBC lung metastases formation was established and NIR-labeled PDGFRβ aptamer was used to detect lung metastases in mice untreated or intravenously injected with unlabeled aptamer. Results: Here, we present novel data showing that tumor cell expression of PDGFRβ identifies a subgroup of mesenchymal tumors with invasive and stem-like phenotype, and propose a previously unappreciated role for PDGFRβ in driving TNBC cell invasiveness and metastases formation. We show that the PDGFRβ aptamer blocked invasive growth and migration/invasion of mesenchymal TNBC cell lines and prevented TNBC lung metastases formation. Further, upon NIR-labeling, the aptamer specifically bound to TNBC xenografts and detected lung metastases. Conclusions: We propose PDGFRβ as a reliable biomarker of a subgroup of mesenchymal TNBCs with invasive and stem-like phenotype as well as the use of the PDGFRβ aptamer as a high efficacious tool for imaging and suppression of TNBC lung metastases. This study will allow for the significant expansion of the current repertoire of strategies for managing patients with more aggressive TNBC.
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Aptamers: Promising Tools for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10050132. [PMID: 29751571 PMCID: PMC5977105 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10050132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
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