1
|
Goh KW, Stephen A, Wu YS, Sim MS, Batumalaie K, Gopinath SC, Guad RM, Kumar A, Sekar M, Subramaniyan V, Fuloria NK, Fuloria S, Velaga A, Sarker MMR. Molecular Targets of Aptamers in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Cancer Detection, Therapeutic Applications, and Associated Mechanisms. J Cancer 2023; 14:2491-2516. [PMID: 37670975 PMCID: PMC10475355 DOI: 10.7150/jca.85260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common cancers that impact the global population, with high mortality and low survival rates after breast and lung cancers. Identifying useful molecular targets in GI cancers are crucial for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcomes, however, limited by poor targeting and drug delivery system. Aptamers are often utilized in the field of biomarkers identification, targeting, and as a drug/inhibitor delivery cargo. Their natural and chemically modifiable binding capability, high affinity, and specificity are favored over antibodies and potential early diagnostic imaging and drug delivery applications. Studies have demonstrated the use of different aptamers as drug delivery agents and early molecular diagnostic and detection probes for treating cancers. This review aims to first describe aptamers' generation, characteristics, and classifications, also providing insights into their recent applications in the diagnosis and medical imaging, prognosis, and anticancer drug delivery system of GI cancers. Besides, it mainly discussed the relevant molecular targets and associated molecular mechanisms involved, as well as their applications for potential treatments for GI cancers. In addition, the current applications of aptamers in a clinical setting to treat GI cancers are deciphered. In conclusion, aptamers are multifunctional molecules that could be effectively used as an anticancer agent or drug delivery system for treating GI cancers and deserve further investigations for clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, 71800 Nilai, Malaysia
| | - Annatasha Stephen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Yuan Seng Wu
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor 47500, Malaysia
| | - Maw Shin Sim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Kalaivani Batumalaie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, 81750 Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - Subash C.B. Gopinath
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering & Technology, Arau 02600, Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Kangar 01000, Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence, Arau 02600, Pauh Campus, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Perlis, Malaysia
- Institute of Nano Electronic Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), 01000 Kangar, Perlis, Malaysia
- Micro System Technology, Centre of Excellence (CoE), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Daffodil International University, Daffodil Smart City, Birulia, Savar, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh
| | - Rhanye Mac Guad
- Department of Biomedical Science and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Centre, Kansas City, Kansas 66103, United States
| | - Mahendran Sekar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, MONASH University, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience and Nursing, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
| | - Neeraj Kumar Fuloria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomaterials Engineering & Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Bedong 08100, Malaysia
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Shivkanya Fuloria
- Faculty of Pharmacy, AIMST University, Semeling, Bedong 08100, Malaysia
| | - Appalaraju Velaga
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Selangor 42610, Malaysia
| | - Md. Moklesur Rahman Sarker
- Department of Pharmacy, State University of Bangladesh, 77 Satmasjid Road, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
- Health Med Science Research Network, 3/1, Block F, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Aptamers against cancer drug resistance: Small fighters switching tactics in the face of defeat. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166720. [PMID: 37062453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Discovering novel cancer therapies has attracted extreme interest in the last decade. In this regard, multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapies is the primary challenge in cancer treatment. Cancerous cells are growingly become resistant to existing chemotherapeutics by employing diverse mechanisms, highlighting the significance of discovering approaches to overcome MDR. One promising strategy is utilizing aptamers as unique tools to target elements or signalings incorporated in resistance mechanisms or develop active targeted drug delivery systems or chimeras enabling the precise delivery of novel agents to inhibit the conventionally undruggable resistance elements. Further, due to their advantages over their proteinaceous counterparts, particularly antibodies, including improved targeting action, enhanced thermal stability, easier production, and superior tumor penetration, aptamers are emerging and have frequently been considered for developing cancer therapeutics. Here, we highlighted significant chemoresistance pathways and thoroughly discussed using aptamers as prospective tools to surmount cancer MDR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pegoraro S, Ros G, Sgubin M, Petrosino S, Zambelli A, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Targeting the intrinsically disordered architectural High Mobility Group A (HMGA) oncoproteins in breast cancer: learning from the past to design future strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:953-969. [PMID: 32970506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1814738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because of its heterogeneity and lack of specific therapeutic targets. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are chromatin architectural factors that have multiple oncogenic functions in breast cancer, and they represent promising molecular therapeutic targets for this disease. AREAS COVERED We offer an overview of the strategies that have been exploited to counteract HMGA oncoprotein activities at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We also present the possibility of targeting cancer-associated factors that lie downstream of HMGA proteins and discuss the contribution of HMGA proteins to chemoresistance. EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been exploited to counteract HMGA protein activities; these involve interfering with their nucleic acid binding properties and the blocking of HMGA expression. Some approaches have provided promising results. However, some unique characteristics of the HMGA proteins have not been exploited; these include their extensive protein-protein interaction network and their intrinsically disordered status that present the possibility that HMGA proteins could be involved in the formation of proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLO) by liquid-liquid phase separation. These unexplored characteristics could open new pharmacological avenues to counteract the oncogenic contributions of HMGA proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pegoraro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Sgubin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Petrosino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
De Martino M, Fusco A, Esposito F. HMGA and Cancer: A Review on Patent Literatures. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2020; 14:258-267. [PMID: 31538905 DOI: 10.2174/1574892814666190919152001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high mobility group A proteins modulate the transcription of numerous genes by interacting with transcription factors and/or altering the structure of chromatin. These proteins are involved in both benign and malignant neoplasias as a result of several pathways. A large amount of benign human mesenchymal tumors has rearrangements of HMGA genes. On the contrary, malignant tumors show unarranged HMGA overexpression that is frequently and causally related to neoplastic cell transformation. Here, we review the function of the HMGA proteins in human neoplastic disorders, the pathways by which they contribute to carcinogenesis and the new patents focused on targeting HMGA proteins. OBJECTIVE Current review was conducted to check the involvement of HMGA as a druggable target in cancer treatment. METHODS We reviewed the most recent patents focused on targeting HMGA in cancer treatment analyzing patent literature published during the last years, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO®), United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO®), Espacenet®, and Google Patents. RESULTS HMGA proteins are intriguing targets for cancer therapy and are objects of different patents based on the use of DNA aptamers, inhibitors, oncolytic viruses, antisense molecules able to block their oncogenic functions. CONCLUSION Powerful strategies able to selectively interfere with HMGA expression and function could represent a helpful approach in the development of new anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco De Martino
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Campania, Caserta 81100, Italy
| | - Alfredo Fusco
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Francesco Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale-CNR c/o Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Universita degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", via Pansini 5, Naples 80131, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao G, Liu C, Jain S, Li D, Wang H, Zhao Y, Liu J. Potential use of aptamers for diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. J Drug Target 2019; 27:853-865. [PMID: 30596288 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2018.1564924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly malignant with a low 5-year survival rate. PC currently does not have good early diagnostic markers and responses poorly to chemotherapeutic drugs. The search for better biomarkers and developing more effective chemotherapy are important ways to improve the healthcare of PC patients. Aptamers are single-stranded nucleic acids with high binding affinity and specificity to target molecules. Many aptamers against different forms of cancer including PC have been selected for both diagnostic and therapeutic use. Aptamers can work as ligands to distinguish tumour cells from normal cells. Using cells as selection targets, the obtained aptamers have been used to discover new cancer biomarkers after identification of the binding target. Aptamers have been shown to have antagonists effect on cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. In addition, aptamers have been used as carriers to deliver therapeutic agents to selectively kill PC cells. This review summarises the potential use of aptamers in the diagnosis and treatment of PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gao
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Can Liu
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Sona Jain
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| | - Dai Li
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada.,d Department of Pharmacology , Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Hai Wang
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Yongxin Zhao
- a Faculty of Laboratory Medicine , Xiangya Medical College, Central South University , Changsha , China.,b Department of Clinical Laboratory , Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , China
| | - Juewen Liu
- c Department of Chemistry , Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo , Waterloo , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Balachandran A, Zambre A, Kainth JS, Nagarajha Selvan LD, Parameswaran S, Afrasiabi Z, Krishnakumar S, Kannan R, Upendran A. Targeting HMGA protein inhibits retinoblastoma cell proliferation. RSC Adv 2018; 8:31510-31514. [PMID: 35548247 PMCID: PMC9085636 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra06026f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe a novel synthetic strategy for conjugating HMGA2 siRNA and the HMGA aptamer to the nucleolin aptamer and nucleolin antibody, respectively. Our studies demonstrate that these conjugates inhibit cell proliferation in retinoblastoma cells. A novel approach to target HMGA proteins in retinoblastoma using HMGA2 siRNA–nucleolin aptamer and HMGA aptamer–nucleolin antibody conjugates was developed.![]()
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akilandeswari Balachandran
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India
| | - Ajit Zambre
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
| | - Jagjot Singh Kainth
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA .,Department of Life Sciences, Lincoln University Jefferson City MO USA
| | - Lakshmi Dhevi Nagarajha Selvan
- L&T Ocular Pathology Department, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India
| | - Sowmya Parameswaran
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India
| | - Zahra Afrasiabi
- Department of Life Sciences, Lincoln University Jefferson City MO USA
| | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India .,L&T Ocular Pathology Department, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India.,Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Vision Research Foundation, Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Chennai India
| | - Raghuraman Kannan
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA .,Department of Biological Engineering, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
| | - Anandhi Upendran
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA.,Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (MU-iCATS), School of Medicine, University of Missouri Columbia MO USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hassan F, Lossie SL, Kasik EP, Channon AM, Ni S, Kennedy MA. A mouse model study of toxicity and biodistribution of a replication defective adenovirus serotype 5 virus with its genome engineered to contain a decoy hyper binding site to sequester and suppress oncogenic HMGA1 as a new cancer treatment therapy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0192882. [PMID: 29462157 PMCID: PMC5819794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The HGMA1 architectural transcription factor is highly overexpressed in many human cancers. Because HMGA1 is a hub for regulation of many oncogenes, its overexpression in cancer plays a central role in cancer progression and therefore HMGA1 is gaining increasing attention as a target for development of therapeutic approaches to suppress either its expression or action in cancer cells. We have developed the strategy of introducing decoy hyper binding sites for HMGA1 into the nucleus of cancer cells with the goal of competetively sequestering overexpressed HMGA1 and thus suppressing its oncogenic action. Towards achieving this goal, we have introduced an HMGA1 decoy hyper binding site composed of six copies of a high affinity HMGA1 binding site into the genome of the replication defective adenovirus serotype 5 genome and shown that the engineered virus effectively reduces the viability of human pancreatic and cancer cells. Here we report the first pre-clinical measures of toxicity and biodistribution of the engineered virus in C57BL/6J Black 6 mice. The immune response to exposure of the engineered virus was determined by assaying the serum levels of key cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-α. Toxicity due to exposure to the virus was determined by measuring the serum levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Biodistribution was measured following direct injection into the pancreas or liver by quantifying viral loads in the pancreas, liver, spleen and brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faizule Hassan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| | - Sarah L. Lossie
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| | - Ellen P. Kasik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| | - Audrey M. Channon
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| | - Shuisong Ni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| | - Michael A. Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hassan F, Ni S, Arnett TC, McKell MC, Kennedy MA. Adenovirus-Mediated Delivery of Decoy Hyper Binding Sites Targeting Oncogenic HMGA1 Reduces Pancreatic and Liver Cancer Cell Viability. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2018; 8:52-61. [PMID: 29511732 PMCID: PMC5832671 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) protein is an oncogenic architectural transcription factor that plays an essential role in early development, but it is also implicated in many human cancers. Elevated levels of HMGA1 in cancer cells cause misregulation of gene expression and are associated with increased cancer cell proliferation and increased chemotherapy resistance. We have devised a strategy of using engineered viruses to deliver decoy hyper binding sites for HMGA1 to the nucleus of cancer cells with the goal of sequestering excess HMGA1 at the decoy hyper binding sites due to binding competition. Sequestration of excess HMGA1 at the decoy binding sites is intended to reduce HMGA1 binding at the naturally occurring genomic HMGA1 binding sites, which should result in normalized gene expression and restored sensitivity to chemotherapy. As proof of principle, we engineered the replication defective adenovirus serotype 5 genome to contain hyper binding sites for HMGA1 composed of six copies of an individual HMGA1 binding site, referred to as HMGA-6. A 70%–80% reduction in cell viability and increased sensitivity to gemcitabine was observed in five different pancreatic and liver cancer cell lines 72 hr after infection with replication defective engineered adenovirus serotype 5 virus containing the HMGA-6 decoy hyper binding sites. The decoy hyper binding site strategy should be general for targeting overexpression of any double-stranded DNA-binding oncogenic transcription factor responsible for cancer cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faizule Hassan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Shuisong Ni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Tyler C Arnett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Melanie C McKell
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Michael A Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Volk DE, Lokesh GLR. Development of Phosphorothioate DNA and DNA Thioaptamers. Biomedicines 2017; 5:E41. [PMID: 28703779 PMCID: PMC5618299 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines5030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are short RNA- or DNA-based affinity reagents typically selected from combinatorial libraries to bind to a specific target such as a protein, a small molecule, whole cells or even animals. Aptamers have utility in the development of diagnostic, imaging and therapeutic applications due to their size, physico-chemical nature and ease of synthesis and modification to suit the application. A variety of oligonucleotide modifications have been used to enhance the stability of aptamers from nuclease degradation in vivo. The non-bridging oxygen atoms of the phosphodiester backbones of RNA and DNA aptamers can be substituted with one or two sulfur atoms, resulting in thioaptamers with phosphorothioate or phosphorodithioate linkages, respectively. Such thioaptamers are known to have increased binding affinity towards their target, as well as enhanced resistance to nuclease degradation. In this review, we discuss the development of phosphorothioate chemistry and thioaptamers, with a brief review of selection methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Ganesh L R Lokesh
- McGovern Medical School, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Veite-Schmahl MJ, Joesten WC, Kennedy MA. HMGA1 expression levels are elevated in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia cells in the Ptf1a-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2017; 117:639-647. [PMID: 28697176 PMCID: PMC5572173 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is currently the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and it is predicted to become the second by the year 2030. High-mobility group A1 protein (HMGA1) is an oncogenic transcription factor, localised and active in cell nuclei, that is linked to tumour progression in many human cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Overexpression of HMGA1 renders cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. Although the Ptf1a-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D transgenic mouse is perhaps the most widely utilised animal model for human pancreatic cancer, expression levels of HMGA1 in pancreata from this mouse model have not been characterised. METHODS Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis was used to determine nuclear HMGA1 levels in pancreatic tissue sections from Ptf1a-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D mice aged 5, 11, and 15 months. The H Score method was used for quantitative analysis. RESULTS The HMGA1 levels were significantly elevated in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) epithelia compared with untransformed acinar tissues or fibroinflammatory stroma. CONCLUSIONS The PanINs have long been regarded as precancerous precursors to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Significantly elevated HMGA1 levels observed in the nuclei of PanINs in Ptf1a-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D mice validate this animal model for investigating the role that HMGA1 plays in cancer progression and testing therapeutic approaches targeting HMGA1 in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle J Veite-Schmahl
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - William C Joesten
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | - Michael A Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, 651 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
The Architectural Chromatin Factor High Mobility Group A1 Enhances DNA Ligase IV Activity Influencing DNA Repair. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164258. [PMID: 27723831 PMCID: PMC5056749 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The HMGA1 architectural transcription factor is an oncogene overexpressed in the vast majority of human cancers. HMGA1 is a highly connected node in the nuclear molecular network and the key aspect of HMGA1 involvement in cancer development is that HMGA1 simultaneously confers cells multiple oncogenic hits, ranging from global chromatin structural and gene expression modifications up to the direct functional alterations of key cellular proteins. Interestingly, HMGA1 also modulates DNA damage repair pathways. In this work, we provide evidences linking HMGA1 with Non-Homologous End Joining DNA repair. We show that HMGA1 is in complex with and is a substrate for DNA-PK. HMGA1 enhances Ligase IV activity and it counteracts the repressive histone H1 activity towards DNA ends ligation. Moreover, breast cancer cells overexpressing HMGA1 show a faster recovery upon induction of DNA double-strand breaks, which is associated with a higher survival. These data suggest that resistance to DNA-damaging agents in cancer cells could be partially attributed to HMGA1 overexpression thus highlighting the relevance of considering HMGA1 expression levels in the selection of valuable and effective pharmacological regimens.
Collapse
|
12
|
Nalini V, Deepa PR, Raguraman R, Khetan V, Reddy MA, Krishnakumar S. Targeting HMGA2 in Retinoblastoma Cells in vitro Using the Aptamer Strategy. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2016; 2:262-269. [PMID: 27843907 DOI: 10.1159/000447300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A2 (HMGA2) protein regulates retinoblastoma (RB) cancer cell proliferation. Here, a stable phosphorothioate-modified HMGA2 aptamer was used to block HMGA2 protein function in RB cells. HMGA2-aptamer internalisation in RB cells (Y79, Weri Rb1) and non-neoplastic human retinal cells (MIO-M1) were optimised. Aptamer induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in RB cancer cells (0.25-1.5 µM). Increased expression of TGFβ, SMAD4, CDH1, BAX, CASP 3, PARP mRNA and decreased SNAI1, Bcl2 mRNA levels in aptamer-treated RB cells suggests the activation of TGFβ-SMAD4-mediated apoptotic pathway. Synergistic effect with etoposide was observed in aptamer treated RB cells (p value ≤0.05). No significant toxicity was observed in non-neoplastic retinal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkatesan Nalini
- Department of Larsen & Toubro Ocular Pathology, The Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India; Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India
| | - Perinkulam Ravi Deepa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India
| | - Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Larsen & Toubro Ocular Pathology, The Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| | - Vikas Khetan
- Department of Vitreoretina and Oncology, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | | | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Department of Larsen & Toubro Ocular Pathology, The Kamalnayan Bajaj Institute for Research in Vision & Ophthalmology, Vision Research Foundation, Chennai, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
The high mobility group protein A1 (HMGA1) is a master regulator of chromatin structure mediating its major gene regulatory activity by direct interactions with A/T-rich DNA sequences located in the promoter and enhancer regions of a large variety of genes. HMGA1 DNA-binding through three AT-hook motifs results in an open chromatin structure and subsequently leads to changes in gene expression. Apart from its significant expression during development, HMGA1 is over-expressed in virtually every cancer, where HMGA1 expression levels correlate with tumor malignancy. The exogenous overexpression of HMGA1 can lead to malignant cell transformation, assigning the protein a key role during cancerogenesis. Recent studies have unveiled highly specific competitive interactions of HMGA1 with cellular and viral RNAs also through an AT-hook domain of the protein, significantly impacting the HMGA1-dependent gene expression. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of HMGA1-RNA complexes during transcription and epigenomic regulation and their implications in HMGA1-related diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Energy metabolism during anchorage-independence. Induction by osteopontin-c. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105675. [PMID: 25157961 PMCID: PMC4144875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The detachment of epithelial cells, but not cancer cells, causes anoikis due to reduced energy production. Invasive tumor cells generate three splice variants of the metastasis gene osteopontin, the shortest of which (osteopontin-c) supports anchorage-independence. Osteopontin-c signaling upregulates three interdependent pathways of the energy metabolism. Glutathione, glutamine and glutamate support the hexose monophosphate shunt and glycolysis and can feed into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, leading to mitochondrial ATP production. Activation of the glycerol phosphate shuttle also supports the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Drawing substrates from glutamine and glycolysis, the elevated creatine may be synthesized from serine via glycine and supports the energy metabolism by increasing the formation of ATP. Metabolic probing with N-acetyl-L-cysteine, L-glutamate, or glycerol identified differential regulation of the pathway components, with mitochondrial activity being redox dependent and the creatine pathway depending on glutamine. The multiple skewed components in the cellular metabolism synergize in a flow toward two mechanisms of ATP generation, via creatine and the respiratory chain. It is consistent with a stimulation of the energy metabolism that supports anti-anoikis. Our findings imply a coalescence in cancer cells between osteopontin-a, which increases the cellular glucose levels, and osteopontin-c, which utilizes this glucose to generate energy.
Collapse
|
15
|
de Sousa Cavalcante L, Monteiro G. Gemcitabine: metabolism and molecular mechanisms of action, sensitivity and chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 741:8-16. [PMID: 25084222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is the first-line treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but is increasingly used to treat breast, bladder, and non-small cell lung cancers. Despite such broad use, intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance is common. In general, the underlying mechanisms of chemoresistance are poorly understood. Here, current knowledge of gemcitabine metabolism, mechanisms of action, sensitivity and chemoresistance reported over the past two decades are reviewed; and we also offer new perspectives to improve gemcitabine efficacy with particular reference to the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas de Sousa Cavalcante
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Monteiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia Bioquímico-Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu X, Tian X, Wang F, Ma Y, Kornmann M, Yang Y. BRG1 promotes chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells through crosstalking with Akt signalling. Eur J Cancer 2014; 50:2251-62. [PMID: 24953335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2014.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is a standard chemotherapeutic agent for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, the chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer is the major barrier to efficient chemotherapy. Here, we reported that BRG1, a chromatin modulator, was exclusively overexpressed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma tissues. BRG1 knockdown inhibited PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 cell growth in vitro and in vivo, reduced the phosphorylation/activation of Akt and p21(cip/waf), enhanced intrinsic and gemcitabine induced apoptosis and attenuated gemcitabine-induced downregulation of E-cadherin. Moreover, by establishing acquired chemoresistance of MIA PaCa-2 cells in vitro, we found that BRG1 knockdown effectively reversed the chemoresistance to gemcitabine. Surprisingly, inhibiting Akt phosphorylation resulted in BRG1 suppression in pancreatic cancer cells, indicating BRG1 as a new downstream target of Akt signalling. Taken together, our findings suggest that BRG1 promotes both intrinsic and acquired chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells, and BRG1 crosstalks with Akt signalling to form a positive feedback loop to promote pancreatic cancer development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, 8th Xishiku Street, Xicheng, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, 8th Xishiku Street, Xicheng, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China.
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, 8th Xishiku Street, Xicheng, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongsu Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, 8th Xishiku Street, Xicheng, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China
| | - Marko Kornmann
- Clinic of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, 8th Xishiku Street, Xicheng, Beijing 100034, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huso TH, Resar LMS. The high mobility group A1 molecular switch: turning on cancer - can we turn it off? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:541-53. [PMID: 24684280 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.900045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence demonstrates that the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) chromatin remodeling protein is a key molecular switch required by cancer cells for tumor progression and a poorly differentiated, stem-like state. Because the HMGA1 gene and proteins are expressed at high levels in all aggressive tumors studied to date, research is needed to determine how to 'turn off' this master regulatory switch in cancer. AREAS COVERED In this review, we describe prior studies that underscore the central role of HMGA1 in refractory cancers and we discuss approaches to target HMGA1 in cancer therapy. EXPERT OPINION Given the widespread overexpression of HMGA1 in diverse, aggressive tumors, further research to develop technology to target HMGA1 holds immense promise as potent anticancer therapy. Previous work in preclinical models indicates that delivery of short hairpin RNA or interfering RNA molecules to 'switch off' HMGA1 expression dramatically impairs cancer cell growth and tumor progression. The advent of nanoparticle technology to systemically deliver DNA or RNA molecules to tumors brings this approach even closer to clinical applications, although further efforts are needed to translate these advances into therapies for cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tait H Huso
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Hematology Division , Ross Research Building, Room 1015, 720 Rutland Avenue, Baltimore MD 21205 , USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Patel K, Kollory A, Takashima A, Sarkar S, Faller DV, Ghosh SK. MicroRNA let-7 downregulates STAT3 phosphorylation in pancreatic cancer cells by increasing SOCS3 expression. Cancer Lett 2014; 347:54-64. [PMID: 24491408 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 12/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although dispensable for normal pancreatic function, STAT3 signaling is frequently activated in pancreatic cancers. Consistent downregulation of expression of microRNA let-7 is also characteristic of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) biopsy specimens. We demonstrate in this study that re-expression of let-7 in poorly-differentiated PDAC cell lines reduced phosphorylation/activation of STAT3 and its downstream signaling events and reduced the growth and migration of PDAC cells. Let-7 re-expression did not repress expression of STAT3 protein or its activator cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). However, let-7 re-expression enhanced cytoplasmic expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), which blocks STAT3 activation by JAK2. Our study thus identified a mechanism by which STAT3 signaling can be inhibited in pancreatic cancer cells by modifying let-7 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kripa Patel
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anita Kollory
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Asami Takashima
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sibaji Sarkar
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Douglas V Faller
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sajal K Ghosh
- Cancer Center, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shi Z, Mirza M, Wang B, Kennedy MA, Weber GF. Osteopontin-a alters glucose homeostasis in anchorage-independent breast cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2013; 344:47-53. [PMID: 24157812 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Invasive breast tumor cells generate three splice variants of the metastasis gene osteopontin, while non-invasive breast cells express only the unspliced form or no osteopontin at all. One role for osteopontin in tumor progression is the support of anchorage-independence. Here we show that the full-length gene product, osteopontin-a, induces a gene expression profile that is associated with tissue remodeling and directed movement/sprouting. This occurs via signals through STAT1 and STAT3 to sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. Osteopontin-a upregulates the levels of glucose in breast cancer cells, likely through STAT3 and its transcriptional targets apolipoprotein D and IGFBP5. The splice variants osteopontin-a and osteopontin-c may synergize, with each form activating signal transduction pathways that are distinct from the other. The elevated glucose is used by osteopontin-c dependent signals to generate chemical energy (Shi et al. submitted for publication). The splice variant-specific metabolic effects of osteopontin add a novel aspect to the pro-metastatic functions of this molecule.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhanquan Shi
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mana Mirza
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Michael A Kennedy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Georg F Weber
- University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Watanabe M, Ni S, Lindenberger AL, Cho J, Tinch SL, Kennedy MA. Characterization of the Stoichiometry of HMGA1/DNA Complexes. Open Biochem J 2013; 7:73-81. [PMID: 24062859 PMCID: PMC3778555 DOI: 10.2174/1874091x01307010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (HMGA1) non-histone chromatin architectural transcription factors regulate gene expression, embryogenesis, cell differentiation, and adaptive immune responses by binding DNA and other transcription factors. HMGA1 has also been shown to be highly over-expressed in many human cancers and is considered to be a valuable cancer biomarker. Elevated HMGA1 expression levels also make cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. Here, HMGA1/DNA complex formation was investigated using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA). Collectively, the EMSA results indicated that full length HMGA1 mixed with DNA containing three AT-hook binding sites formed four distinct HMGA1/DNA complexes ranging in stoichiometry from 1:2 to 3:1 in HMGA1:DNA ratio. The data indicated that the distribution of complexes with different HMGA1 to DNA stoichiometries depended on the molar ratio of HMGA1 to DNA in solution, which could have significant biological implications given that HMGA1 is highly over-expressed in human cancer cells. The two naturally occurring isoforms of HMGA1, HMGA1a and HMGA1b, the latter containing an 11 amino acid deletion between the first and second AT-hooks, were observed to have slightly different DNA binding profiles. Finally, HMGA1 binding affinity to DNA was found to be influenced by the DNA A:T segment sequence context, with higher specificity be observed in HMGA1 binding to TnAn segments, which have two local minor groove minima on either side of the TpA step, compared to An:Tn segments, which have a single minor groove minimum at the 3' end of the An run, implying AT-hook binding favors narrow minor groove structure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miki Watanabe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Venkatesan N, Krishnakumar S, Deepa PR, Deepa M, Khetan V, Reddy MA. Molecular deregulation induced by silencing of the high mobility group protein A2 gene in retinoblastoma cells. Mol Vis 2012; 18:2420-37. [PMID: 23077401 PMCID: PMC3472926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To explore the molecular mechanisms deregulated by high mobility group protein A2 (HMGA2) gene silencing in retinoblastoma (RB) cells. METHODS Synthetic anti-HMGA2 short interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to silence the HMGA2 gene in cultured Y79 RB cells that were subjected to whole genome microarray analysis. The expression of differentially regulated key genes was confirmed with quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in post-silenced RB cell lines (Y79 and WERI Rb1). These deregulated genes were compared for their constitutive expression in primary RB tumors (n=10). Zymographic determination of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity was performed in RB cells. A cell cycle assay and a proliferation assay were performed in post-transfected RB cells. RESULTS HMGA2 gene silencing in cultured RB cells results in reduced cell proliferation and transition in the G1/S phase. The whole genome microarray analysis of HMGA2 silenced Y79 cells revealed overall upregulation of 1,132 genes (≥ 1.0 fold) and downregulation of 1,562 genes (≤ -1.0 fold). Specific quantitative pathway analysis of the deregulated genes (using Biointerpreter) revealed 150 upregulated genes and 77 downregulated genes (≥ 1.0 fold) involved in vital pathways, namely, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, Ras pathway, Ras-induced extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2, and tumor protein p53. The differential expression of genes obtained from microarray analysis (Homo sapiens ELK1, member of ETS oncogene family [ELK1], Homo sapiens cyclin-dependent kinase 6 [CDK6], Homo sapiens E2F transcription factor 4, p107/p130-binding [E2F4], Homo sapiens G-2 and S-phase expressed 1 [GTSE1], Damage-regulated autophagy modulator [DRAM], Homo sapiens cadherin 1, type 1,E-cadherin (epithelial) [CDH1], Homo sapiens snail homolog 1 (Drosophila) [SNAI1], Homo sapiens matrix metallopeptidase 2 [MMP2], and Homo sapiens matrix metallopeptidase 9 [MMP9]) was confirmed with quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction in post-silenced RB cells. Zymographic analysis revealed that the increase in MMP mRNA expression in the post-silenced RB cells did not correlate with corresponding enzyme activity. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed molecular regulatory changes induced by HMGA2 silencing in RB cancer cells, offering mechanistic insights into the anticancer potential. HMGA2 may be considered a promising candidate for gene silencing therapy in RB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Venkatesan
- Department of Ocular pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | | | - Perinkulam Ravi Deepa
- Department of Biological Sciences, PhD student, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, India
| | - Murali Deepa
- Department of Ocular pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Vikas Khetan
- Department of Vitreoretinal and Ocular Oncology, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - M. Ashwin Reddy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Barts Health, London, England,Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, England
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Graham JC, Zarbl H. Use of cell-SELEX to generate DNA aptamers as molecular probes of HPV-associated cervical cancer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36103. [PMID: 22536456 PMCID: PMC3335032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disease-specific biomarkers are an important tool for the timely and effective management of pathological conditions, including determination of susceptibility, diagnosis, and monitoring efficacy of preventive or therapeutic strategies. Aptamers, comprising single-stranded or double-stranded DNA or RNA, can serve as biomarkers of disease or biological states. Aptamers can bind to specific epitopes on macromolecules by virtue of their three dimensional structures and, much like antibodies, aptamers can be used to target specific epitopes on the basis of their molecular shape. The Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX) is the approach used to select high affinity aptamers for specific macromolecular targets from among the >1013 oligomers comprising typical random oligomer libraries. In the present study, we used live cell-based SELEX to identify DNA aptamers which recognize cell surface differences between HPV-transformed cervical carcinoma cancer cells and isogenic, nontumorigenic, revertant cell lines. Methodology/Principal Findings Whole-cell SELEX methodology was adapted for use with adherent cell lines (which we termed Adherent Cell-SELEX (AC-SELEX)). Using this approach, we identified high affinity aptamers (nanomolar range Kd) to epitopes specific to the cell surface of two nontumorigenic, nontumorigenic revertants derived from the human cervical cancer HeLa cell line, and demonstrated the loss of these epitopes in another human papillomavirus transformed cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). We also performed preliminary investigation of the aptamer epitopes and their binding characteristics. Conclusions/Significance Using AC-SELEX we have generated several aptamers that have high affinity and specificity to the nontumorigenic, revertant of HPV-transformed cervical cancer cells. These aptamers can be used to identify new biomarkers that are related to carcinogenesis. Panels of aptamers, such as these may be useful in predicting the tumorigenic potential and properties of cancer biopsies and aid in the effective management of pathological conditions (diagnosis, predicted outcome, and treatment options).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Graham
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson, Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Helmut Zarbl
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson, Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Program in Carcinogenesis and Chemoprevention, Division of Public Health Sciences, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- NIEHS Center for Environmental Exposures and Disease, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|