1
|
Liu D, Yu L, Rong H, Liu L, Yin J. Engineering Microorganisms for Cancer Immunotherapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2304649. [PMID: 38598792 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304649] [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: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy presents a promising approach to fight against cancer by utilizing the immune system. Recently, engineered microorganisms have emerged as a potential strategy in cancer immunotherapy. These microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can be designed and modified using synthetic biology and genetic engineering techniques to target cancer cells and modulate the immune system. This review delves into various microorganism-based therapies for cancer immunotherapy, encompassing strategies for enhancing efficacy while ensuring safety and ethical considerations. The development of these therapies holds immense potential in offering innovative personalized treatments for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lichao Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lubin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 120 Longshan Road, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, 211198, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shuwen H, Yifei S, Xinyue W, Zhanbo Q, Xiang Y, Xi Y. Advances in bacteria-based drug delivery systems for anti-tumor therapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1518. [PMID: 38939727 PMCID: PMC11208082 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, bacteria have gained considerable attention as a promising drug carrier that is critical in improving the effectiveness and reducing the side effects of anti-tumor drugs. Drug carriers can be utilised in various forms, including magnetotactic bacteria, bacterial biohybrids, minicells, bacterial ghosts and bacterial spores. Additionally, functionalised and engineered bacteria obtained through gene engineering and surface modification could provide enhanced capabilities for drug delivery. This review summarises the current studies on bacteria-based drug delivery systems for anti-tumor therapy and discusses the prospects and challenges of bacteria as drug carriers. Furthermore, our findings aim to provide new directions and guidance for the research on bacteria-based drug systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Shuwen
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Huzhou Central HospitalFifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Key Laboratory of Multiomics Research and Clinical Transformation of Digestive Cancer of HuzhouHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Song Yifei
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Wu Xinyue
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Qu Zhanbo
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
- Huzhou Central HospitalFifth Affiliated Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yu Xiang
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| | - Yang Xi
- Huzhou Central HospitalAffiliated Central Hospital Huzhou UniversityyHuzhouZhejiang ProvinceChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu R, Zhu J, Chen A, Fan Y, Li L, Mei Y, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu B, Liu Q. Intra-bone marrow injection with engineered Lactococcus lactis for the treatment of metastatic tumors: Primary report. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116384. [PMID: 38471270 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116384] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow has the capacity to produce different types of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. Improving the activation of immune cells in the bone marrow can enhance the therapy of bone metastases. Previously, we designed an engineered probiotic Lactococcus lactis, capable of expressing a fusion protein of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand (FOLactis), and proved that it can induce the activation and differentiation of several immune cells. In this research, we successfully establish mouse models of bone metastasis, lung metastasis and intraperitoneal dissemination, and we are the first to directly inject the probiotics into the bone marrow to inhibit tumor growth. We observe that injecting FOLactis into the bone marrow of mice can better regulate the immune microenvironment of tumor-bearing mice, resulting in a tumor-suppressive effect. Compared to subcutaneous (s.c.) injection, intra-bone marrow (IBM) injection is more effective in increasing mature DCs and CD8+ T cells and prolonging the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our results confirm that IBM injection of FOLactis reprograms the immune microenvironment of bone marrow and has remarkable effectiveness in various metastatic tumor models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Junmeng Zhu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aoxing Chen
- The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yue Fan
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yi Mei
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing 210008, China; The Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Santos‐Beneit F. What is the role of microbial biotechnology and genetic engineering in medicine? Microbiologyopen 2024; 13:e1406. [PMID: 38556942 PMCID: PMC10982607 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1406] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbial products are essential for developing various therapeutic agents, including antibiotics, anticancer drugs, vaccines, and therapeutic enzymes. Genetic engineering techniques, functional genomics, and synthetic biology unlock previously uncharacterized natural products. This review highlights major advances in microbial biotechnology, focusing on gene-based technologies for medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Santos‐Beneit
- Institute of Sustainable ProcessesValladolidSpain
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology, School of Industrial EngineeringUniversity of ValladolidValladolidSpain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hahn J, Ding S, Im J, Harimoto T, Leong KW, Danino T. Bacterial therapies at the interface of synthetic biology and nanomedicine. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2024; 2:120-135. [PMID: 38962719 PMCID: PMC11218715 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00119-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria are emerging as living drugs to treat a broad range of disease indications. However, the inherent advantages of these replicating and immunostimulatory therapies also carry the potential for toxicity. Advances in synthetic biology and the integration of nanomedicine can address this challenge through the engineering of controllable systems that regulate spatial and temporal activation for improved safety and efficacy. Here, we review recent progress in nanobiotechnology-driven engineering of bacteria-based therapies, highlighting limitations and opportunities that will facilitate clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suwan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gurbatri CR, Radford GA, Vrbanac L, Im J, Thomas EM, Coker C, Taylor SR, Jang Y, Sivan A, Rhee K, Saleh AA, Chien T, Zandkarimi F, Lia I, Lannagan TRM, Wang T, Wright JA, Kobayashi H, Ng JQ, Lawrence M, Sammour T, Thomas M, Lewis M, Papanicolas L, Perry J, Fitzsimmons T, Kaazan P, Lim A, Stavropoulos AM, Gouskos DA, Marker J, Ostroff C, Rogers G, Arpaia N, Worthley DL, Woods SL, Danino T. Engineering tumor-colonizing E. coli Nissle 1917 for detection and treatment of colorectal neoplasia. Nat Commun 2024; 15:646. [PMID: 38245513 PMCID: PMC10799955 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44776-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioengineered probiotics enable new opportunities to improve colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, prevention and treatment. Here, first, we demonstrate selective colonization of colorectal adenomas after oral delivery of probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to a genetically-engineered murine model of CRC predisposition and orthotopic models of CRC. We next undertake an interventional, double-blind, dual-centre, prospective clinical trial, in which CRC patients take either placebo or EcN for two weeks prior to resection of neoplastic and adjacent normal colorectal tissue (ACTRN12619000210178). We detect enrichment of EcN in tumor samples over normal tissue from probiotic-treated patients (primary outcome of the trial). Next, we develop early CRC intervention strategies. To detect lesions, we engineer EcN to produce a small molecule, salicylate. Oral delivery of this strain results in increased levels of salicylate in the urine of adenoma-bearing mice, in comparison to healthy controls. To assess therapeutic potential, we engineer EcN to locally release a cytokine, GM-CSF, and blocking nanobodies against PD-L1 and CTLA-4 at the neoplastic site, and demonstrate that oral delivery of this strain reduces adenoma burden by ~50%. Together, these results support the use of EcN as an orally-deliverable platform to detect disease and treat CRC through the production of screening and therapeutic molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Candice R Gurbatri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Georgette A Radford
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Laura Vrbanac
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Elaine M Thomas
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Samuel R Taylor
- Weill Cornell-Rockefeller-Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD program, New York, NY, USA
| | - YoungUk Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Ayelet Sivan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Kyu Rhee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anas A Saleh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tiffany Chien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | | | - Ioana Lia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tamsin R M Lannagan
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Josephine A Wright
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Jia Q Ng
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Matt Lawrence
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tarik Sammour
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Michelle Thomas
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Mark Lewis
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Lito Papanicolas
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Joanne Perry
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Tracy Fitzsimmons
- Colorectal Unit, Department of Surgery, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Patricia Kaazan
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Amanda Lim
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | | | - Dion A Gouskos
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Julie Marker
- Cancer Voices SA, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Cheri Ostroff
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Geraint Rogers
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Daniel L Worthley
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
- Colonoscopy Clinic, Spring Hill, 4000, Queensland, Australia
| | - Susan L Woods
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Arboleda-García A, Alarcon-Ruiz I, Boada-Acosta L, Boada Y, Vignoni A, Jantus-Lewintre E. Advancements in synthetic biology-based bacterial cancer therapy: A modular design approach. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 190:104088. [PMID: 37541537 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104088] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to program living bacteria cells with artificial genetic circuits for user-defined functions, transforming them into powerful tools with numerous applications in various fields, including oncology. Cancer treatments have serious side effects on patients due to the systemic action of the drugs involved. To address this, new systems that provide localized antitumoral action while minimizing damage to healthy tissues are required. Bacteria, often considered pathogenic agents, have been used as cancer treatments since the early 20th century. Advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, microbiology, and oncology have improved bacterial therapies, making them safer and more effective. Here we propose six modules for a successful synthetic biology-based bacterial cancer therapy, the modules include Payload, Release, Tumor-targeting, Biocontainment, Memory, and Genetic Circuit Stability Module. These will ensure antitumor activity, safety for the environment and patient, prevent bacterial colonization, maintain cell stability, and prevent loss or defunctionalization of the genetic circuit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Arboleda-García
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
| | - Ivan Alarcon-Ruiz
- Gene Regulation in Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lissette Boada-Acosta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe-Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yadira Boada
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vignoni
- Systems Biology and Biosystems Control Lab, Instituto de Automática e Informática Industrial, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain.
| | - Eloisa Jantus-Lewintre
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain; TRIAL Mixed Unit, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe-Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Fundación Investigación del Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain; Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tumas S, Meldgaard TS, Vaaben TH, Suarez Hernandez S, Rasmussen AT, Vazquez-Uribe R, Hadrup SR, Sommer MOA. Engineered E. coli Nissle 1917 for delivery of bioactive IL-2 for cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12506. [PMID: 37532747 PMCID: PMC10397246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39365-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study we performed a step-wise optimization of biologically active IL-2 for delivery using E. coli Nissle 1917. Engineering of the strain was coupled with an in vitro cell assay to measure the biological activity of microbially produced IL-2 (mi-IL2). Next, we assessed the immune modulatory potential of mi-IL2 using a 3D tumor spheroid model demonstrating a strong effect on immune cell activation. Finally, we evaluated the anticancer properties of the engineered strain in a murine CT26 tumor model. The engineered strain was injected intravenously and selectively colonized tumors. The treatment was well-tolerated, and tumors of treated mice showed a modest reduction in tumor growth rate, as well as significantly elevated levels of IL-2 in the tumor. This work demonstrates a workflow for researchers interested in engineering E. coli Nissle for a new class of microbial therapy against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarunas Tumas
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Troels Holger Vaaben
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | - Ruben Vazquez-Uribe
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Morten O A Sommer
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ikryannikova LN, Gorokhovets NV, Belykh DA, Kurbatov LK, Zamyatnin AA. Bacterial Therapy of Cancer: A Way to the Dustbin of History or to the Medicine of the Future? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119726. [PMID: 37298677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119726] [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: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteria are the constant companions of the human body throughout its life and even after its death. The history of a human disease such as cancer and the history of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, are believed to closely intertwined. This review was conceived to highlight the attempts of scientists from ancient times to the present day to discover the relationship between bacteria and the emergence or development of tumors in the human body. Challenges and achievements of 21st century science in forcing bacteria to serve for cancer treatment are considered. The future possibilities of bacterial cancer therapy, including the creation of bacterial microrobots, or "bacteriobots", are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larisa N Ikryannikova
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Neonila V Gorokhovets
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Darya A Belykh
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Leonid K Kurbatov
- Orekhovich Research Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Pogodinskaya 10/8, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya 8/2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/73, 119234 Moscow, Russia
- Belozersky Research Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/40, 119992 Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Center for Translation Medicine, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Synthetic biology-inspired cell engineering in diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 36906608 PMCID: PMC10007681 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast-developing synthetic biology (SB) has provided many genetic tools to reprogram and engineer cells for improved performance, novel functions, and diverse applications. Such cell engineering resources can play a critical role in the research and development of novel therapeutics. However, there are certain limitations and challenges in applying genetically engineered cells in clinical practice. This literature review updates the recent advances in biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, of SB-inspired cell engineering. It describes technologies and relevant examples in a clinical and experimental setup that may significantly impact the biomedicine field. At last, this review concludes the results with future directions to optimize the performances of synthetic gene circuits to regulate the therapeutic activities of cell-based tools in specific diseases.
Collapse
|
11
|
Savage TM, Vincent RL, Rae SS, Huang LH, Ahn A, Pu K, Li F, de los Santos-Alexis K, Coker C, Danino T, Arpaia N. Chemokines expressed by engineered bacteria recruit and orchestrate antitumor immunity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadc9436. [PMID: 36888717 PMCID: PMC9995032 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adc9436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumors use multiple mechanisms to actively exclude immune cells involved in antitumor immunity. Strategies to overcome these exclusion signals remain limited due to an inability to target therapeutics specifically to the tumor. Synthetic biology enables engineering of cells and microbes for tumor-localized delivery of therapeutic candidates previously unavailable using conventional systemic administration techniques. Here, we engineer bacteria to intratumorally release chemokines to attract adaptive immune cells into the tumor environment. Bacteria expressing an activating mutant of the human chemokine CXCL16 (hCXCL16K42A) offer therapeutic benefit in multiple mouse tumor models, an effect mediated via recruitment of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, we target the presentation of tumor-derived antigens by dendritic cells, using a second engineered bacterial strain expressing CCL20. This led to type 1 conventional dendritic cell recruitment and synergized with hCXCL16K42A-induced T cell recruitment to provide additional therapeutic benefit. In summary, we engineer bacteria to recruit and activate innate and adaptive antitumor immune responses, offering a new cancer immunotherapy strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M. Savage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosa L. Vincent
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah S. Rae
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lei Haley Huang
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexander Ahn
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly Pu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Genomically mined acoustic reporter genes for real-time in vivo monitoring of tumors and tumor-homing bacteria. Nat Biotechnol 2023:10.1038/s41587-022-01581-y. [PMID: 36593411 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01581-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Ultrasound allows imaging at a much greater depth than optical methods, but existing genetically encoded acoustic reporters for in vivo cellular imaging have been limited by poor sensitivity, specificity and in vivo expression. Here we describe two acoustic reporter genes (ARGs)-one for use in bacteria and one for use in mammalian cells-identified through a phylogenetic screen of candidate gas vesicle gene clusters from diverse bacteria and archaea that provide stronger ultrasound contrast, produce non-linear signals distinguishable from background tissue and have stable long-term expression. Compared to their first-generation counterparts, these improved bacterial and mammalian ARGs produce 9-fold and 38-fold stronger non-linear contrast, respectively. Using these new ARGs, we non-invasively imaged in situ tumor colonization and gene expression in tumor-homing therapeutic bacteria, tracked the progression of tumor gene expression and growth in a mouse model of breast cancer, and performed gene-expression-guided needle biopsies of a genetically mosaic tumor, demonstrating non-invasive access to dynamic biological processes at centimeter depth.
Collapse
|
13
|
Deb D, Wu Y, Coker C, Harimoto T, Huang R, Danino T. Design of combination therapy for engineered bacterial therapeutics in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21551. [PMID: 36513723 PMCID: PMC9748036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology enables the engineering of bacteria to safely deliver potent payloads to tumors for effective anti-cancer therapies. However, a central challenge for translation is determining ideal bacterial therapy candidates for specific cancers and integrating them with other drug treatment strategies to maximize efficacy. To address this, we designed a screening and evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. We screened 10 engineered bacterial toxins across 6 non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived cell lines and identified theta toxin as a promising therapeutic candidate. Using a bacteria-spheroid co-culture system (BSCC), analysis of differentially expressed transcripts and gene set enrichment revealed significant changes in at least 10 signaling pathways with bacteria-producing theta toxin. We assessed combinatorial treatment of small molecule pharmaceutical inhibitors targeting 5 signaling molecules and of 2 chemotherapy drugs along with bacterially-produced theta toxin and showed improved dose-dependent response. This combination strategy was further tested and confirmed, with AKT signaling as an example, in a mouse model of lung cancer. In summary, we developed a pipeline to rapidly characterize bacterial therapies and integrate them with current targeted therapies for lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhruba Deb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Yangfan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Ruoqi Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Engineered Lactococcus lactis secreting Flt3L and OX40 ligand for in situ vaccination-based cancer immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7466. [PMID: 36463242 PMCID: PMC9719518 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
In situ vaccination is a promising strategy to convert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immunostimulatory one with limited systemic exposure and side effect. However, sustained clinical benefits require long-term and multidimensional immune activation including innate and adaptive immunity. Here, we develop a probiotic food-grade Lactococcus lactis-based in situ vaccination (FOLactis) expressing a fusion protein of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand and co-stimulator OX40 ligand. Intratumoural delivery of FOLactis contributes to local retention and sustained release of therapeutics to thoroughly modulate key components of the antitumour immune response, such as activation of natural killer cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and conventional-type-1-dendritic cells in the tumors and tumor-draining lymph nodes. In addition, intratumoural administration of FOLactis induces a more robust tumor antigen-specific immune response and superior systemic antitumour efficacy in multiple poorly immune cell-infiltrated and anti-PD1-resistant tumors. Specific depletion of different immune cells reveals that CD8+ T and natural killer cells are crucial to the in situ vaccine-elicited tumor regression. Our results confirm that FOLactis displays an enhanced antitumour immunity and successfully converts the 'cold' tumors to 'hot' tumors.
Collapse
|
15
|
Willman J, Willman M, Reddy R, Fusco A, Sriram S, Mehkri Y, Charles J, Goeckeritz J, Lucke-Wold B. Gut microbiome and neurosurgery: Implications for treatment. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL DISCOVERY 2022; 2:e139. [PMID: 36268259 PMCID: PMC9577538 DOI: 10.1002/ctd2.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the gut-brain axis (GBA), its impact on neurosurgery, and its implications for future treatment. Background An abundance of research has established the existence of a collection of pathways between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), commonly known as the GBA. Complicating this relationship, the gut microbiome bacterial diversity appears to change with age, antibiotic exposure and a number of external and internal factors. Methods In this paper, we present the current understanding of the key protective and deleterious roles the gut microbiome plays in the pathogenesis of several common neurosurgical concerns. Results Specifically, we examine how spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury and stroke may cause gut microbial dysbiosis. Furthermore, this link appears to be bidirectional as gut dysbiosis contributes to secondary CNS injury in each of these ailment settings. This toxic cycle may be broken, and the future secondary damage rescued by timely, therapeutic, gut microbiome modification. In addition, a robust gut microbiome appears to improve outcomes in brain tumour treatment. There are several primary routes by which microbiome dysbiosis may be ameliorated, including faecal microbiota transplant, oral probiotics, bacteriophages, genetic modification of gut microbiota and vagus nerve stimulation. Conclusion The GBA represents an important component of patient care in the field of neurosurgery. Future research may illuminate ideal methods of therapeutic microbiome modulation in distinct pathogenic settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Matthew Willman
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ramya Reddy
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Anna Fusco
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Sai Sriram
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Yusuf Mehkri
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Jude Charles
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Joel Goeckeritz
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Diwan D, Cheng L, Usmani Z, Sharma M, Holden N, Willoughby N, Sangwan N, Baadhe RR, Liu C, Gupta VK. Microbial cancer therapeutics: A promising approach. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:931-950. [PMID: 33979677 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The success of conventional cancer therapeutics is hindered by associated dreadful side-effects of antibiotic resistance and the dearth of antitumor drugs' selectivity and specificity. Hence, the conceptual evolution of anti-cancerous therapeutic agents that selectively target cancer cells without impacting the healthy cells or tissues, has led to a new wave of scientific interest in microbial-derived bioactive molecules. Such strategic solutions may pave the way to surmount the shortcomings of conventional therapies and raise the potential and hope for the cure of wide range of cancer in a selective manner. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of anti-carcinogenic properties and underlying mechanisms of bioactive molecules of microbial origin, and discuss the current challenges and effective therapeutic application of combinatorial strategies to attain minimal systemic side-effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepti Diwan
- Washington University, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 230032, China
| | - Zeba Usmani
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, 12618, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Minaxi Sharma
- Department of Food Technology, Akal College of Agriculture, Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh, 173101, India
| | - Nicola Holden
- Centre for Safe and Improved Food, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK
| | - Nicholas Willoughby
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Neelam Sangwan
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, Haryana, 123031, India
| | - Rama Raju Baadhe
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Telangana, 506004, India
| | - Chenchen Liu
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Vijai Kumar Gupta
- Centre for Safe and Improved Food, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK; Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ding M, Lin J, Qin C, Wei P, Tian J, Lin T, Xu T. Application of synthetic biology in bladder cancer. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2178-2187. [PMID: 36209735 PMCID: PMC9771244 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system. The age of individuals diagnosed with BC tends to decrease in recent years. A variety of standard therapeutic options are available for the clinical management of BC, but limitations exist. It is difficult to surgically eliminate small lesions, while radiation and chemotherapy damage normal tissues, leading to severe side effects. Therefore, new approaches are required to improve the efficacy and specificity of BC treatment. Synthetic biology is a field emerging in the last decade that refers to biological elements, devices, and materials that are artificially synthesized according to users' needs. In this review, we discuss how to utilize genetic elements to regulate BC-related gene expression periodically and quantitatively to inhibit the initiation and progression of BC. In addition, the design and construction of gene circuits to distinguish cancer cells from normal cells to kill the former but spare the latter are elaborated. Then, we introduce the development of genetically modified T cells for targeted attacks on BC. Finally, synthetic nanomaterials specializing in detecting and killing BC cells are detailed. This review aims to describe the innovative details of the clinical diagnosis and treatment of BC from the perspective of synthetic biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Ding
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Jiaxing Lin
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Caipeng Qin
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ping Wei
- Center for Cell and Gene Circuit Design, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Jiahe Tian
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Tianxin Lin
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 528403, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang H, Dong M, Yuan S, Jin W. Oral glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue ameliorates glucose intolerance in db/db mice. Biotechnol Lett 2022; 44:1149-1162. [PMID: 36006576 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-022-03288-1] [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: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We constructed a recombinant oral GLP-1 analogue in Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) and evaluated its physiological functions. RESULTS In silico docking suggested the alanine at position 8 substituted with serine (A8SGLP-1) reduced binding of DPP4, which translated to reduced cleavage by DPP4 with minimal changes in stability. This was further confirmed by an in vitro enzymatic assay which showed that A8SGLP-1 significantly increased half-life upon DPP4 treatment. In addition, recombinant L. lactis (LL-A8SGLP-1) demonstrated reduced fat mass with no changes in body weight, significant improvement of random glycemic control and reduced systemic inflammation compared with WT GLP-1 in db/db mice. CONCLUSION LL-A8SGLP-1 adopted in live biotherapeutic products reduce blood glucose in db/db mice without affecting its function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanlin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 West Beichen Rd. No. 5, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 West Beichen Rd. No. 5, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shouli Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 West Beichen Rd. No. 5, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wanzhu Jin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 West Beichen Rd. No. 5, Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A rapid screening platform to coculture bacteria within tumor spheroids. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2216-2239. [PMID: 35906291 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of tumor-colonizing bacteria along with advances in synthetic biology are leading to a new generation of living microbial cancer therapies. Because many bacterial systems can be engineered to recombinantly produce therapeutics within tumors, simple and high-throughput experimental platforms are needed to screen the large collections of bacteria candidates and characterize their interactions with cancer cells. Here, we describe a protocol to selectively grow bacteria within the core of tumor spheroids, allowing for their continuous and parallel profiling in physiologically relevant conditions. Specifically, tumor spheroids are incubated with bacteria in a 96-well low-adhesion plate followed by a series of washing steps and an antibiotic selection protocol to confine bacterial growth within the hypoxic and necrotic core of tumor spheroids. This bacteria spheroid coculture (BSCC) system is stable for over 2 weeks, does not require specialized equipment and is compatible with time-lapse microscopy, commercial staining assays and histology that uniquely enable analysis of growth kinetics, viability and spatial distribution of both cellular populations, respectively. We show that the procedure is applicable to multiple tumor cell types and bacterial species by varying protocol parameters and is validated by using animal models. The BSCC platform will allow the study of bacteria-tumor interactions in a continuous manner and facilitate the rapid development of engineered microbial therapies.
Collapse
|
20
|
Pierrat X, Pham A, Wong JPH, Al-Mayyah Z, Persat A. Engineering Agrobacterium tumefaciens Adhesion to Target Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:2662-2671. [PMID: 35881049 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Agrobacterium tumefaciens is a plant pathogen commonly repurposed for genetic modification of crops. Despite its versatility, it remains inefficient at transferring DNA to many hosts, including to animal cells. Like many pathogens, physical contact between A. tumefaciens and host cells promotes infection efficacy. Thus, improving the strength and specificity of A. tumefaciens to target cells has the potential for enhancing DNA transfer for biotechnological and therapeutic purposes. Here, we demonstrate a methodology for engineering genetically encoded exogeneous adhesins at the surface of A. tumefaciens. We identified an autotransporter gene we named Aat that is predicted to show canonical β-barrel and passenger domains. We engineered the β-barrel scaffold and linker (Aatβ) to display synthetic adhesins susceptible to rewire A. tumefaciens to alternative host targets. As a proof of concept, we leveraged the versatility of a VHH domain to rewire A. tumefaciens adhesion to yeast and mammalian hosts displaying a GFP target receptor. Finally, to demonstrate how synthetic A. tumefaciens adhesion can improve transfer to host cells, we showed improved protein translocation into HeLa cells using a sensitive split luciferase reporter system. Engineering A. tumefaciens adhesion has therefore a strong potential in generating complex heterogeneous cellular assemblies and in improving DNA transfer efficiency against non-natural hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Pierrat
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alix Pham
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jeremy P H Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Zainebe Al-Mayyah
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Persat
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Bioengineering and Global Health Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Antigen-bearing outer membrane vesicles as tumour vaccines produced in situ by ingested genetically engineered bacteria. Nat Biomed Eng 2022; 6:898-909. [PMID: 35501399 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-022-00886-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The complex gastrointestinal environment and the intestinal epithelial barrier constrain the design and effectiveness of orally administered tumour vaccines. Here we show that outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) fused to a tumour antigen and produced in the intestine by ingested genetically engineered bacteria function as effective tumour vaccines in mice. We modified Escherichia coli to express, under the control of a promoter induced by the monosaccharide arabinose, a specific tumour antigen fused with the protein cytolysin A on the surface of OMVs released by the commensal bacteria. In mice, oral administration of arabinose and the genetically engineered E. coli led to the production of OMVs that crossed the intestinal epithelium into the lamina propria, where they stimulated dendritic cell maturation. In a mouse model of pulmonary metastatic melanoma and in mice bearing subcutaneous colon tumours, the antigen-bearing OMVs inhibited tumour growth and protected the animals against tumour re-challenge. The in situ production of OMVs by genetically modified commensal bacteria for the delivery of stimulatory molecules could be leveraged for the development of other oral vaccines and therapeutics.
Collapse
|
22
|
Rakotonirina A, Galperine T, Allémann E. Fecal microbiota transplantation: a review on current formulations in Clostridioides difficile infection and future outlooks. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:929-944. [PMID: 35763604 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2095901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The role of the gut microbiota in health and the pathogenesis of several diseases has been highlighted in recent years. Even though the precise mechanisms involving the microbiome in these ailments are still unclear, microbiota-modulating therapies have been developed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has shown significant results against Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), and its potential has been investigated for other diseases. Unfortunately, the technical aspects of the treatment make it difficult to implement. Pharmaceutical technology approaches to encapsulate microorganisms could play an important role in providing this treatment and render the treatment modalities easier to handle. AREAS COVERED After an overview of CDI, this narrative review aims to discuss the current formulations for FMT and specifically addresses the technical aspects of the treatment. This review also distinguishes itself by focusing on the hurdles and emphasizing the possible improvements using pharmaceutical technologies. EXPERT OPINION FMT is an efficient treatment for recurrent CDI. However, its standardization is overlooked. The approach of industrial and hospital preparations of FMT are different, but both show promise in their respective methodologies. Novel FMT formulations could enable further research on dysbiotic diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Rakotonirina
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tatiana Galperine
- Infectious Diseases Service, Department of Medicine, University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,French Group of Faecal Microbiota Transplantation
| | - Eric Allémann
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen W, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Sun X. Advances in Salmonella Typhimurium-based drug delivery system for cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114295. [PMID: 35429576 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The clinical application of bacteria-mediated immune therapy dates back over a century ago. In recent years, these strategies have advanced greatly with the rapid development of synthetic biology and nanotechnology. Several bacterial therapies have been developed allowing for more effective treatments for cancers, and Salmonella is one of the most studied bacterial species. Here, we review the advances in the bioengineered and functionalized Salmonella Typhimurium strains as drug delivery carries, including the various genetic circuits for programing these bacteria, the surface modification strategies using nanoparticles or other therapeutic agents for richer and broader features, and the bacterial component-based vehicles for cancer immunotherapy. This review will include the promises and challenges of these optimized Salmonella-based delivery systems and their related clinical trials. Ultimately, we hope to provide a spark of thought in the field of drug delivery and find important crosstalk between bacteria-mediated therapy and other different forms of treatments.
Collapse
|
24
|
Omer R, Mohsin MZ, Mohsin A, Mushtaq BS, Huang X, Guo M, Zhuang Y, Huang J. Engineered Bacteria-Based Living Materials for Biotherapeutic Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:870675. [PMID: 35573236 PMCID: PMC9096031 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.870675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Future advances in therapeutics demand the development of dynamic and intelligent living materials. The past static monofunctional materials shall be unable to meet the requirements of future medical development. Also, the demand for precision medicine has increased with the progressively developing human society. Therefore, engineered living materials (ELMs) are vitally important for biotherapeutic applications. These ELMs can be cells, microbes, biofilms, and spores, representing a new platform for treating intractable diseases. Synthetic biology plays a crucial role in the engineering of these living entities. Hence, in this review, the role of synthetic biology in designing and creating genetically engineered novel living materials, particularly bacteria, has been briefly summarized for diagnostic and targeted delivery. The main focus is to provide knowledge about the recent advances in engineered bacterial-based therapies, especially in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and infection. Microorganisms, particularly probiotics, have been engineered for synthetic living therapies. Furthermore, these programmable bacteria are designed to sense input signals and respond to disease-changing environments with multipronged therapeutic outputs. These ELMs will open a new path for the synthesis of regenerative medicines as they release therapeutics that provide in situ drug delivery with lower systemic effects. In last, the challenges being faced in this field and the future directions requiring breakthroughs have been discussed. Conclusively, the intent is to present the recent advances in research and biomedical applications of engineered bacteria-based therapies during the last 5 years, as a novel treatment for uncontrollable diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Omer
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bilal Sajid Mushtaq
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xumeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaofang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jiaofang Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hu CW, Chang YC, Liu CH, Yu YA, Mou KY. Development of a TNF-α-mediated Trojan Horse for Bacteria-based Cancer Therapy. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2522-2536. [PMID: 35440418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
TNF-α is up-regulated in a chronic inflammatory environment, including tumors, and has been recognized as a pro-tumor factor in many cancers. Applying the traditional TNF-α antibodies that neutralize the TNF-α activity, however, only exerts modest anti-tumor efficacy in the clinical studies. Here, we develop an innovative approach to target TNF-α that is distinct from the neutralization mechanism. We employed phage display and yeast display to select non-neutralizing antibodies that can piggyback on TNF-α and co-internalize into cells through the receptor ligation. When conjugating with toxins, the antibody exhibited cytotoxicity to cancer cells in a TNF-α-dependent manner. We further implemented the immunotoxin to an E. coli vehicle specially engineered for a high secretion level. In a syngeneic murine melanoma model, the bacteria stimulated the TNF-α expression that synergized with the secreted immunotoxin and greatly inhibited the tumor growth. The treatment also dramatically remodeled the tumor microenvironment in favor of several anti-tumor immune cells, including the N1 neutrophils, the M1 macrophages, and the activated CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes. We anticipate that our new piggyback strategy is generalizable to target other soluble ligands and/or conjugate with different drugs for managing a diverse set of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Che-Wei Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - You-Chiun Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program in Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, National Taiwan University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hao Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yao-An Yu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Doctoral Degree Program of Translational Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Kurt Yun Mou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pandey M, Choudhury H, Vijayagomaran PA, Lian PNP, Ning TJ, Wai NZ, Xian-Zhuang N, Le Er C, Rahmah NSN, Kamaruzzaman NDB, Mayuren J, Candasamy M, Gorain B, Chawla PA, Amin MCIM. Recent Update on Bacteria as a Delivery Carrier in Cancer Therapy: From Evil to Allies. Pharm Res 2022; 39:1115-1134. [PMID: 35386012 PMCID: PMC8985562 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03240-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is associated with a comprehensive burden that significantly affects patient’s quality of life. Even though patients’ disease condition is improving following conventional therapies, researchers are studying alternative tools that can penetrate solid tumours to deliver the therapeutics due to issues of developing resistance by the cancer cells. Treating cancer is not the only the goal in cancer therapy; it also includes protecting non-cancerous cells from the toxic effects of anti-cancer agents. Thus, various advanced techniques, such as cell-based drug delivery, bacteria-mediated therapy, and nanoparticles, are devised for site-specific delivery of drugs. One of the novel methods that can be targeted to deliver anti-cancer agents is by utilising genetically modified non-pathogenic bacterial species. This is due to the ability of bacterial species to multiply selectively or non-selectively on tumour cells, resulting in biofilms that leads to disruption of metastasis process. In preclinical studies, this technology has shown significant results in terms of efficacy, and some are currently under investigation. Therefore, researchers have conducted studies on bacteria transporting the anti-cancer drug to targeted tumours. Alternatively, bacterial ghosts and bacterial spores are utilised to deliver anti-cancer drugs. Although in vivo studies of bacteria-mediated cancer therapy have shown successful outcome, further research on bacteria, specifically their targeting mechanism, is required to establish a complete clinical approach in cancer treatment. This review has focused on the up-to-date understanding of bacteria as a therapeutic carrier in the treatment of cancer as an emerging field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Hira Choudhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Pauline Ng Poh Lian
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Tan Jing Ning
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ng Zing Wai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ng Xian-Zhuang
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chong Le Er
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Jayashree Mayuren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mayuren Candasamy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, 57000 Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Bapi Gorain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, 835215, India
| | - Pooja A Chawla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Analysis, ISF College of Pharmacy Moga, Ghall Kalan, Punjab, India
| | - Mohd Cairul Iqbal Mohd Amin
- Centre for Drug Delivery Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abedi MH, Yao MS, Mittelstein DR, Bar-Zion A, Swift MB, Lee-Gosselin A, Barturen-Larrea P, Buss MT, Shapiro MG. Ultrasound-controllable engineered bacteria for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1585. [PMID: 35332124 PMCID: PMC8948203 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid advances in synthetic biology are driving the development of genetically engineered microbes as therapeutic agents for a multitude of human diseases, including cancer. The immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors, in particular, creates a favorable niche for systemically administered bacteria to engraft and release therapeutic payloads. However, such payloads can be harmful if released outside the tumor in healthy tissues where the bacteria also engraft in smaller numbers. To address this limitation, we engineer therapeutic bacteria to be controlled by focused ultrasound, a form of energy that can be applied noninvasively to specific anatomical sites such as solid tumors. This control is provided by a temperature-actuated genetic state switch that produces lasting therapeutic output in response to briefly applied focused ultrasound hyperthermia. Using a combination of rational design and high-throughput screening we optimize the switching circuits of engineered cells and connect their activity to the release of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In a clinically relevant cancer model, ultrasound-activated therapeutic microbes successfully turn on in situ and induce a marked suppression of tumor growth. This technology provides a critical tool for the spatiotemporal targeting of potent bacterial therapeutics in a variety of biological and clinical scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad H Abedi
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Protein Design and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Michael S Yao
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - David R Mittelstein
- Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Avinoam Bar-Zion
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Margaret B Swift
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Audrey Lee-Gosselin
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Pierina Barturen-Larrea
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Marjorie T Buss
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Mikhail G Shapiro
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lim B, Yin Y, Ye H, Cui Z, Papachristodoulou A, Huang WE. Reprogramming Synthetic Cells for Targeted Cancer Therapy. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:1349-1360. [PMID: 35255684 PMCID: PMC9084601 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Advances
in synthetic biology enable the reprogramming of bacteria
as smart agents to specifically target tumors and locally release
anticancer drugs in a highly controlled manner. However, the bench-to-bedside
translation of engineered bacteria is often impeded by genetic instability
and the potential risk of uncontrollable replication of engineered
bacteria inside the patient. SimCells (simple cells) are chromosome-free
bacteria controlled by designed gene circuits, which can bypass the
interference of the native gene network in bacteria and eliminate
the risk of bacterial uncontrolled growth. Here, we describe the reprogramming
of SimCells and mini-SimCells to serve as “safe and live drugs”
for targeted cancer therapy. We engineer SimCells to display nanobodies
on the surface for the binding of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA),
which is an important biomarker found commonly in colorectal cancer
cells. We show that SimCells and mini-SimCells with surface display
of anti-CEA nanobody can specifically bind CEA-expressing Caco2 cancer
cells in vitro while leaving the non-CEA-expressing
SW80 cancer cells untouched. These cancer-targeting SimCells and mini-SimCells
induced cancer cell death in vitro by compromising
the plasma membrane of cancer cells. The cancer-killing effect can
be further enhanced by an aspirin/salicylate inducible gene circuit
that converts salicylate into catechol, a potent anticancer. This
work highlights the potential of SimCells and mini-SimCells for targeted
cancer therapy and lays the foundation for the application of synthetic
biology to medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boon Lim
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PJ Oxford, U.K
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ Oxford, U.K
| | - Yutong Yin
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PJ Oxford, U.K
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PJ Oxford, U.K
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ Oxford, U.K
| | - Zhanfeng Cui
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PJ Oxford, U.K
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ Oxford, U.K
| | | | - Wei E. Huang
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, OX1 3PJ Oxford, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Background-suppressed tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging using bacterial carriers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2121982119. [PMID: 35193966 PMCID: PMC8872805 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2121982119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoacoustic (PA) imaging offers promise for biomedical applications due to its ability to image deep within biological tissues while providing detailed molecular information; however, its detection sensitivity is limited by high background signals that arise from endogenous chromophores. Genetic reporter proteins with photoswitchable properties enable the removal of background signals through the subtraction of PA images for each light-absorbing form. Unfortunately, the application of photoswitchable chromoproteins for tumor-targeted imaging has been hampered by the lack of an effective targeted delivery scheme; that is, photoswitchable probes must be delivered in vivo with high targeting efficiency and specificity. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a tumor-targeting delivery system in which tumor-homing bacteria (Escherichia coli) are exploited as carriers to affect the point-specific delivery of genetically encoded photochromic probes to the tumor area. To improve the efficiency of the desired background suppression, we engineered a phytochrome-based reporter protein (mDrBphP-PCMm/F469W) that displays higher photoswitching contrast than those in the current state of the art. Photoacoustic computed tomography was applied to achieve good depth and resolution in the context of in vivo (mice) imaging. The present system effectively integrates a genetically encoded phytochrome-based reporter protein, PA imaging, and synthetic biology (GPS), to achieve essentially background-suppressed tumor-targeted PA monitoring in deep-seated tissues. The ability to image tumors at substantial depths may enable target-specific cancer diagnoses to be made with greater sensitivity, fidelity, and specificity.
Collapse
|
30
|
Brennan AM. Development of Synthetic Biotics as Treatments for Human Diseases. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2022; 7:ysac001. [PMID: 35350191 PMCID: PMC8944296 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in synthetic biology have allowed the generation of strains of bacteria that are genetically altered to have specific therapeutic benefits. These synthetic biotics, also widely referred to as engineered living therapeutics, have tremendous potential as a new therapeutic modality, and several have advanced into the clinic and human testing. This review outlines some of the unique attributes of synthetic biotics as well as some of the challenges in their development as prescription products. Regulatory considerations are discussed, and a case study of a program that has advanced into Phase 2 testing is provided: SYNB1618 for the treatment of PKU.
Collapse
|
31
|
Chee WKD, Yeoh JW, Dao VL, Poh CL. Thermogenetics: Applications come of age. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 55:107907. [PMID: 35041863 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Temperature is a ubiquitous physical cue that is non-invasive, penetrative and easy to apply. In the growing field of thermogenetics, through beneficial repurposing of natural thermosensing mechanisms, synthetic biology is bringing new opportunities to design and build robust temperature-sensitive (TS) sensors which forms a thermogenetic toolbox of well characterised biological parts. Recent advancements in technological platforms available have expedited the discovery of novel or de novo thermosensors which are increasingly deployed in many practical temperature-dependent biomedical, industrial and biosafety applications. In all, the review aims to convey both the exhilarating recent technological developments underlying the advancement of thermosensors and the exciting opportunities the nascent thermogenetic field holds for biomedical and biotechnology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kit David Chee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Jing Wui Yeoh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Viet Linh Dao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Chueh Loo Poh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wang J, Childers WS. The Future Potential of Biosensors to Investigate the Gut-Brain Axis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:826479. [PMID: 35096802 PMCID: PMC8795891 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.826479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted and heterogeneous nature of depression presents challenges in pinpointing treatments. Among these contributions are the interconnections between the gut microbiome and neurological function termed the gut-brain axis. A diverse range of microbiome-produced metabolites interact with host signaling and metabolic pathways through this gut-brain axis relationship. Therefore, biosensor detection of gut metabolites offers the potential to quantify the microbiome's contributions to depression. Herein we review synthetic biology strategies to detect signals that indicate gut-brain axis dysregulation that may contribute to depression. We also highlight future challenges in developing living diagnostics of microbiome conditions influencing depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - W. Seth Childers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
McNerney MP, Doiron KE, Ng TL, Chang TZ, Silver PA. Theranostic cells: emerging clinical applications of synthetic biology. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:730-746. [PMID: 34234299 PMCID: PMC8261392 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology seeks to redesign biological systems to perform novel functions in a predictable manner. Recent advances in bacterial and mammalian cell engineering include the development of cells that function in biological samples or within the body as minimally invasive diagnostics or theranostics for the real-time regulation of complex diseased states. Ex vivo and in vivo cell-based biosensors and therapeutics have been developed to target a wide range of diseases including cancer, microbiome dysbiosis and autoimmune and metabolic diseases. While probiotic therapies have advanced to clinical trials, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have received regulatory approval, exemplifying the clinical potential of cellular therapies. This Review discusses preclinical and clinical applications of bacterial and mammalian sensing and drug delivery platforms as well as the underlying biological designs that could enable new classes of cell diagnostics and therapeutics. Additionally, we describe challenges that must be overcome for more rapid and safer clinical use of engineered systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica P McNerney
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kailyn E Doiron
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tai L Ng
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Z Chang
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pamela A Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Mackie GM, Copland A, Takahashi M, Nakanishi Y, Everard I, Kato T, Oda H, Kanaya T, Ohno H, Maslowski KM. Bacterial cancer therapy in autochthonous colorectal cancer affects tumor growth and metabolic landscape. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e139900. [PMID: 34710062 PMCID: PMC8675204 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.139900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial cancer therapy (BCT) shows great promise for treatment of solid tumors, yet basic mechanisms of bacterial-induced tumor suppression remain undefined. Attenuated strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (STm) have commonly been used in mouse models of BCT in xenograft and orthotopic transplant cancer models. We aimed to better understand the tumor epithelium-targeted mechanisms of BCT by using autochthonous mouse models of intestinal cancer and tumor organoid cultures to assess the effectiveness and consequences of oral treatment with aromatase A-deficient STm (STmΔaroA). STmΔaroA delivered by oral gavage significantly reduced tumor burden and tumor load in both a colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) model and in a spontaneous Apcmin/+ intestinal cancer model. STmΔaroA colonization of tumors caused alterations in transcription of mRNAs associated with tumor stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cell cycle. Metabolomic analysis of tumors demonstrated alteration in the metabolic environment of STmΔaroA-treated tumors, suggesting that STmΔaroA imposes metabolic competition on the tumor. Use of tumor organoid cultures in vitro recapitulated effects seen on tumor stemness, mesenchymal markers, and altered metabolome. Furthermore, live STmΔaroA was required, demonstrating active mechanisms including metabolite usage. We have demonstrated that oral BCT is efficacious in autochthonous intestinal cancer models, that BCT imposes metabolic competition, and that BCT has direct effects on the tumor epithelium affecting tumor stem cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian M. Mackie
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Copland
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Masumi Takahashi
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yumiko Nakanishi
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Isabel Everard
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Tamotsu Kato
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hirotsugu Oda
- Laboratory for Integrative Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Inflammatory Disease Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Takashi Kanaya
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ohno
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki, Japan
- Immunobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kendle M. Maslowski
- University of Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy and Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Laboratory for Intestinal Ecosystem, RIKEN Institute for Integrative Medical Science, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
An Y, Zhang W, Liu T, Wang B, Cao H. The intratumoural microbiota in cancer: new insights from inside. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188626. [PMID: 34520804 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human body harbors a vast array of microbiota that modulates host pathophysiological processes and modifies the risk of diseases including cancer. With the advent of metagenomic sequencing studies, the intratumoural microbiota has been found as a component of the tumor microenvironment, imperceptibly affecting the tumor progression and response to current antitumor treatments. The underlying carcinogenic mechanisms of intratumoural microbiota, mainly including inducing DNA damages, activating oncogenic signaling pathways and suppressing the immune response, differ significantly in varied organs and are not fully understood. Some native or genetically engineered microbial species can specifically accumulate and replicate within tumors to initiate antitumor immunity, which will be conducive to pursue precise cancer therapies. In this review, we summarized the community characteristics and therapeutic potential of intratumoural microbiota across diverse tumor types. It may provide new insights for a better understanding of tumor biology and hint at the significance of manipulating intratumoural microbiota.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping An
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanru Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Bangmao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Xavierselvan M, Divecha HR, Hajra M, Silwal S, Macwan I. Towards Tumor Targeting via Invasive Assay Using Magnetospirillum magneticum. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:697132. [PMID: 34367097 PMCID: PMC8341810 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.697132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetospirillum magneticum (AMB-1) are a species of magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) that are capable of orienting along the earth's magnetic field lines through their organelles called magnetosomes. Many studies have shown that certain engineered bacteria can infect the tumor cells, resulting in a controlled death of a tumor. This work deals with a technique utilizing AMB-1 along a predefined path through magnetotaxis, which can pave a way for selective doping as well as isolation of the tumor cells from a group of healthy cells through a magnetic invasive assay. For such a control, a tiny mesh of vertical electrical coils each having a diameter of ∼3 mm is fabricated, which establishes the path for the bacteria to move along the magnetic field lines. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at the interface of the bacterial cell surface proteins (MSP-1 and flagellin) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell surface containing cytoplasmic and extracellular proteins (BSG, B2M, SDC1, AIMP1, and FOS) are shown to establish an association between the AMB-1 and the host CHO cells. It is found that the CHO protein structure is compromised, which disables the activation of its defense function, allowing the bacteria to interact and survive. The experimental demonstration involves the CHO cells' interaction with the AMB-1 and isolation of selected CHO cells. It is found that AMB-1-integrated CHO cells successfully moved along the magnetic field lines generated by the coils. Statistical analysis performed for the assay showed that AMB-1 cells were found to be viable after co-incubating with CHO cells, and the number of viable cells post co-incubation over a period of 24 h showed a slight decrease in both cell population. Overall, 51% of AMB-1 cells and 67% of CHO cells were found viable 24 h post co-incubation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis revealed AMB-1/CHO cell morphology, the potential interaction between them, and the presence of magnetosomes with trace amounts of iron in the AMB-1-interacted CHO cells, confirming the successful AMB-1 integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marvin Xavierselvan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Heena R. Divecha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, United States
| | - Mamta Hajra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, United States
| | - Sushila Silwal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, United States
| | - Isaac Macwan
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, Fairfield University, Fairfield, CT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dailey KM, Jacobson RI, Johnson PR, Woolery TJ, Kim J, Jansen RJ, Mallik S, Brooks AE. Methods and Techniques to Facilitate the Development of Clostridium novyi NT as an Effective, Therapeutic Oncolytic Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:624618. [PMID: 33854487 PMCID: PMC8039391 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.624618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is characterized by anomalous vascularization, hypoxia, and acidity at the core of solid tumors that culminates in concentrated necrosis and immune system dysregulation among other effects. While this environment presents several challenges for the development of oncotherapeutics that deliver their activity via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of the leaky blood vessels around a tumor, oncolytic bacteria, or a class of bacteria with a noted capacity to lyse solid tumors, are attracted to the very environment found at the center of solid tumors that confounds other therapeutics. It is this capacity that allows for a potent, active penetration from the tumor margins into the core, and subsequent colonization to facilitate lysis and immune reactivation. Clostridium novyi in particular has recently shown great promise in preclinical and clinical trials when administered directly to the tumor. These studies indicate that C. novyi is uniquely poised to effectively accomplish the long sought after "holy grail" of oncotherapeutics: selective tumor localization via intravenous delivery. This study reports the development of efficient methods that facilitate experimental work and therapeutic translation of C. novyi including the ability to work with this obligate micro-anaerobe on the benchtop. Additionally, this study seeks to utilize this newfound experimental flexibility to address several gaps in the current knowledge regarding the efficacy of CRIPSR/Cas9-mediated gene insertion in this species to further develop this oncolytic bacteria and the genetic customization of bacteria in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin M Dailey
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Reed I Jacobson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Paige R Johnson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Taylor J Woolery
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Jiha Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Rick J Jansen
- Department of Public Health, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.,Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Sanku Mallik
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Amanda E Brooks
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States.,Office of Research and Scholarly Activity, Rocky Vista University, Ivins, UT, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ho JML, Miller CA, Parks SE, Mattia JR, Bennett M. A suppressor tRNA-mediated feedforward loop eliminates leaky gene expression in bacteria. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e25. [PMID: 33290521 PMCID: PMC7969014 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligand-inducible genetic systems are the mainstay of synthetic biology, allowing gene expression to be controlled by the presence of a small molecule. However, 'leaky' gene expression in the absence of inducer remains a persistent problem. We developed a leak dampener tool that drastically reduces the leak of inducible genetic systems while retaining signal in Escherichia coli. Our system relies on a coherent feedforward loop featuring a suppressor tRNA that enables conditional readthrough of silent non-sense mutations in a regulated gene, and this approach can be applied to any ligand-inducible transcription factor. We demonstrate proof-of-principle of our system with the lactate biosensor LldR and the arabinose biosensor AraC, which displayed a 70-fold and 630-fold change in output after induction of a fluorescence reporter, respectively, without any background subtraction. Application of the tool to an arabinose-inducible mutagenesis plasmid led to a 540-fold change in its output after induction, with leak decreasing to the level of background mutagenesis. This study provides a modular tool for reducing leak and improving the fold-induction within genetic circuits, demonstrated here using two types of biosensors relevant to cancer detection and genetic engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne M L Ho
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Corwin A Miller
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Jacob R Mattia
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Matthew R Bennett
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St., Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University MS-140, 6100 Main St. Houston, TX 77005, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Rivera-Tarazona LK, Campbell ZT, Ware TH. Stimuli-responsive engineered living materials. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:785-809. [PMID: 33410841 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01905d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials are able to undergo controllable changes in materials properties in response to external cues. Increasing efforts have been directed towards building materials that mimic the responsive nature of biological systems. Nevertheless, limitations remain surrounding the way these synthetic materials interact and respond to their environment. In particular, it is difficult to synthesize synthetic materials that respond with specificity to poorly differentiated (bio)chemical and weak physical stimuli. The emerging area of engineered living materials (ELMs) includes composites that combine living cells and synthetic materials. ELMs have yielded promising advances in the creation of stimuli-responsive materials that respond with diverse outputs in response to a broad array of biochemical and physical stimuli. This review describes advances made in the genetic engineering of the living component and the processing-property relationships of stimuli-responsive ELMs. Finally, the implementation of stimuli-responsive ELMs as environmental sensors, biomedical sensors, drug delivery vehicles, and soft robots is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Rivera-Tarazona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, 101 Bizzell Street, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Chien T, Jones DR, Danino T. Engineered Bacterial Production of Volatile Methyl Salicylate. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:204-208. [PMID: 33331760 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The engineering of microbial metabolic pathways over the last two decades has led to numerous examples of cell factories used for the production of small molecules. These molecules have an array of utility in commercial industries and as in situ expressed biomarkers or therapeutics in microbial applications. While most efforts have focused on the production of molecules in the liquid phase, there has been increasing interest in harnessing microbes' inherent ability to generate volatile compounds. Here, we optimized and characterized the production of methyl salicylate, an aromatic compound found mainly in plants, using a common lab strain of E. coli. We utilized genetic components from both microbes and plants to construct the volatile metabolite circuit cassette. In order to maximize production, we explored expression of methyl salicylate precursors, upregulation of expression by increasing ribosomal binding strength and codon optimization of the methyl transferase gene obtained from plant Petunia x hybrida. Last, we validated and quantified the production of methyl salicylate with liquid chromatography or gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS or GC-MS) and found that the codon optimized strain with precursor supplementation yielded the highest production compared to the other strains. This work characterizes an optimized metabolite producing genetic circuit and sets the stage for creation of an engineered bacteria diagnostic to be used in volatile assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Chien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Drew R. Jones
- NYU School of Medicine, Metabolomics Core Resource Laboratory at NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Min JJ, Thi-Quynh Duong M, Ramar T, You SH, Kang SR. Theranostic Approaches Using Live Bacteria. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
|
42
|
Sieow BFL, Wun KS, Yong WP, Hwang IY, Chang MW. Tweak to Treat: Reprograming Bacteria for Cancer Treatment. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:447-464. [PMID: 33303401 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advancements in cancer biology, microbiology, and bioengineering have spurred the development of engineered live biotherapeutics for targeted cancer therapy. In particular, natural tumor-targeting and probiotic bacteria have been engineered for controlled and sustained delivery of anticancer agents into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the latest advancements in the development of engineered bacteria for cancer therapy and additional engineering strategies to potentiate the delivery of therapeutic payloads. We also explore the use of combination therapies comprising both engineered bacteria and conventional anticancer therapies for addressing intratumor heterogeneity. Finally, we discuss prospects for the development and clinical translation of engineered bacteria for cancer prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Fu-Long Sieow
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences and Engineering (NGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kwok Soon Wun
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Peng Yong
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore; Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - In Young Hwang
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Matthew Wook Chang
- Synthetic Biology Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; NUS Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Schmidt CK, Medina-Sánchez M, Edmondson RJ, Schmidt OG. Engineering microrobots for targeted cancer therapies from a medical perspective. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5618. [PMID: 33154372 PMCID: PMC7645678 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic chemotherapy remains the backbone of many cancer treatments. Due to its untargeted nature and the severe side effects it can cause, numerous nanomedicine approaches have been developed to overcome these issues. However, targeted delivery of therapeutics remains challenging. Engineering microrobots is increasingly receiving attention in this regard. Their functionalities, particularly their motility, allow microrobots to penetrate tissues and reach cancers more efficiently. Here, we highlight how different microrobots, ranging from tailor-made motile bacteria and tiny bubble-propelled microengines to hybrid spermbots, can be engineered to integrate sophisticated features optimised for precision-targeting of a wide range of cancers. Towards this, we highlight the importance of integrating clinicians, the public and cancer patients early on in the development of these novel technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine K Schmidt
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK.
| | - Mariana Medina-Sánchez
- Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Richard J Edmondson
- Gynaecological Oncology, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Level 5, Research Floor, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Oliver G Schmidt
- Institute for Integrative Nanosciences, Leibniz IFW Dresden, Helmholtzstraße 20, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Krishnaswamy B, McClean MN. Shining light on molecular communication. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 7TH ACM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NANOSCALE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATION : VIRTUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 23-25, 2020 : NANOCOM 2020. ACM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NANOSCALE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATION (7TH : 2020 :... 2020; 2020:11. [PMID: 35425948 PMCID: PMC9006593 DOI: 10.1145/3411295.3411307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecules and combinations of molecules are the natural communication currency of microbes; microbes have evolved and been engineered to sense a variety of compounds, often with exquisite sensitivity. The availability of microbial biosensors, combined with the ability to genetically engineer biological circuits to process information, make microbes attractive bionanomachines for propagating information through molecular communication (MC) networks. However, MC networks built entirely of biological components suffer a number of limitations. They are extremely slow due to processing and propagation delays and must employ simple algorithms due to the still limited computational capabilities of biological circuits. In this work, we propose a hybrid bio-electronic framework which utilizes biological components for sensing but offloads processing and computation to traditional electronic systems and communication infrastructure. This is achieved by using tools from the burgeoning field of optogenetics to trigger biosensing through an optoelectronic interface, alleviating the need for computation and communication in the biological domain.
Collapse
|
45
|
Bacteria-cancer interactions: bacteria-based cancer therapy. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-15. [PMID: 31827064 PMCID: PMC6906302 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in cancer therapeutics, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have raised the hope for cures for many cancer types. However, there are still ongoing challenges to the pursuit of novel therapeutic approaches, including high toxicity to normal tissue and cells, difficulties in treating deep tumor tissue, and the possibility of drug resistance in tumor cells. The use of live tumor-targeting bacteria provides a unique therapeutic option that meets these challenges. Compared with most other therapeutics, tumor-targeting bacteria have versatile capabilities for suppressing cancer. Bacteria preferentially accumulate and proliferate within tumors, where they can initiate antitumor immune responses. Bacteria can be further programmed via simple genetic manipulation or sophisticated synthetic bioengineering to produce and deliver anticancer agents based on clinical needs. Therapeutic approaches using live tumor-targeting bacteria can be applied either as a monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer therapies to achieve better clinical outcomes. In this review, we introduce and summarize the potential benefits and challenges of this anticancer approach. We further discuss how live bacteria interact with tumor microenvironments to induce tumor regression. We also provide examples of different methods for engineering bacteria to improve efficacy and safety. Finally, we introduce past and ongoing clinical trials involving tumor-targeting bacteria. Live tumor-targeting bacteria can selectively induce cancer regression and, with the help of genetic engineering, be made safe and effective vehicles for delivering drugs to tumor cells. In a review article, Jung-Joon Min and colleagues from Chonnam National University Medical School in Hwasun, South Korea, discuss the clinical history of using natural or engineered bacterial strains to suppress cancer growth. Because bacteria such as Salmonella and Listeria preferentially home in on tumors or their surrounding microenvironments, researchers have harnessed these microbial agents to attack cancer cells without causing collateral damage to normal tissues. Bioengineers have also armed bacteria with stronger tumor-sensing and more targeted drug delivery capabilities, and improved control of off-target toxicities. An increasing number of therapeutic bacterial strains are now entering clinical testing, promising to enhance the efficacy of more conventional anticancer treatments.
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The engineering of living cells and microbes is ushering in a new era of cancer therapy. Due to recent microbiome studies indicating the prevalence of bacteria within the human body and specifically in tumor tissue, bacteria have generated significant interest as potential targets for cancer therapy. Notably, a multitude of empirical studies over the past decades have demonstrated that administered bacteria home and grow in tumors due to reduced immune surveillance of tumor necrotic cores. Given their specificity for tumors, bacteria present a unique opportunity to be engineered as intelligent delivery vehicles for cancer therapy with synthetic biology techniques. In this review, we discuss the history, current state, and future challenges associated with using bacteria as a cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
47
|
Targeting Programmed Fusobacterium nucleatum Fap2 for Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101592. [PMID: 31635333 PMCID: PMC6827134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal patients generally have the maximum counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in tumors and elevate colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, which show the lowest rate of human survival. Hence, F. nucleatum is a diagnostic marker of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies demonstrated that targeting fusobacterial Fap2 or polysaccharide of the host epithelium may decrease fusobacteria count in the CRC. Attenuated F. nucleatum-Fap2 prevents transmembrane signals and inhibits tumorigenesis inducing mechanisms. Hence, in this review, we hypothesized that application of genetically programmed fusobacterium can be skillful and thus reduce fusobacterium in the CRC. Genetically programmed F. nucleatum is a promising antitumor strategy.
Collapse
|
48
|
Chowdhury S, Castro S, Coker C, Hinchliffe TE, Arpaia N, Danino T. Programmable bacteria induce durable tumor regression and systemic antitumor immunity. Nat Med 2019; 25:1057-1063. [PMID: 31270504 PMCID: PMC6688650 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-019-0498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 324] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic biology is driving a new era of medicine through the genetic programming of living cells1,2. This transformative approach allows for the creation of engineered systems that intelligently sense and respond to diverse environments, ultimately adding specificity and efficacy that extends beyond the capabilities of molecular-based therapeutics3–6. One particular focus area has been the engineering of bacteria as therapeutic delivery systems to selectively release therapeutic payloads in vivo7–11. Here, we engineered a non-pathogenic E. coli to specifically lyse within the tumor microenvironment and release an encoded nanobody antagonist of CD47 (CD47nb)12, an anti-phagocytic receptor commonly overexpressed in several human cancers13,14. We show that delivery of CD47nb by tumor-colonizing bacteria increases activation of tumor-infiltrating T cells, stimulates rapid tumor regression, prevents metastasis, and leads to long-term survival in a syngeneic tumor model. Moreover, we report that local injection of CD47nb bacteria stimulates systemic tumor antigen–specific immune responses that reduce the growth of untreated tumors – providing, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of an abscopal effect induced by an engineered bacterial immunotherapy. Thus, engineered bacteria may be used for safe and local delivery of immunotherapeutic payloads leading to systemic antitumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreyan Chowdhury
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Taylor E Hinchliffe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
King D, Başağaoğlu H, Nguyen H, Healy F, Whitman M, Succi S. Effects of Advective-Diffusive Transport of Multiple Chemoattractants on Motility of Engineered Chemosensory Particles in Fluidic Environments. ENTROPY 2019; 21:e21050465. [PMID: 33267179 PMCID: PMC7514954 DOI: 10.3390/e21050465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Motility behavior of an engineered chemosensory particle (ECP) in fluidic environments is driven by its responses to chemical stimuli. One of the challenges to understanding such behaviors lies in tracking changes in chemical signal gradients of chemoattractants and ECP-fluid dynamics as the fluid is continuously disturbed by ECP motion. To address this challenge, we introduce a new multiscale numerical model to simulate chemotactic swimming of an ECP in confined fluidic environments by accounting for motility-induced disturbances in spatiotemporal chemoattractant distributions. The model accommodates advective-diffusive transport of unmixed chemoattractants, ECP-fluid hydrodynamics at the ECP-fluid interface, and spatiotemporal disturbances in the chemoattractant concentrations due to particle motion. Demonstrative simulations are presented with an ECP, mimicking Escherichia coli (E. coli) chemotaxis, released into initially quiescent fluids with different source configurations of the chemoattractants N-methyl-L-aspartate and L-serine. Simulations demonstrate that initial distributions and temporal evolution of chemoattractants and their release modes (instantaneous vs. continuous, point source vs. distributed) dictate time histories of chemotactic motility of an ECP. Chemotactic motility is shown to be largely determined by spatiotemporal variation in chemoattractant concentration gradients due to transient disturbances imposed by ECP-fluid hydrodynamics, an observation not captured in previous numerical studies that relied on static chemoattractant concentration fields.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle King
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1202, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Hakan Başağaoğlu
- Mechanical Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78238-5166, USA
| | - Hoa Nguyen
- Department of Mathematics, Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200, USA
| | - Frank Healy
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200, USA
| | - Melissa Whitman
- Department of Biology, Trinity University, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200, USA
| | - Sauro Succi
- Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Center for Life Nanoscience at la Sapienza, vle Regina Margherita, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Applicazioni del Calcolo, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Harimoto T, Singer ZS, Velazquez OS, Zhang J, Castro S, Hinchliffe TE, Mather W, Danino T. Rapid screening of engineered microbial therapies in a 3D multicellular model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:9002-9007. [PMID: 30996123 PMCID: PMC6500119 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820824116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology is transforming therapeutic paradigms by engineering living cells and microbes to intelligently sense and respond to diseases including inflammation, infections, metabolic disorders, and cancer. However, the ability to rapidly engineer new therapies far outpaces the throughput of animal-based testing regimes, creating a major bottleneck for clinical translation. In vitro approaches to address this challenge have been limited in scalability and broad applicability. Here, we present a bacteria-in-spheroid coculture (BSCC) platform that simultaneously tests host species, therapeutic payloads, and synthetic gene circuits of engineered bacteria within multicellular spheroids over a timescale of weeks. Long-term monitoring of bacterial dynamics and disease progression enables quantitative comparison of critical therapeutic parameters such as efficacy and biocontainment. Specifically, we screen Salmonella typhimurium strains expressing and delivering a library of antitumor therapeutic molecules via several synthetic gene circuits. We identify candidates exhibiting significant tumor reduction and demonstrate high similarity in their efficacies, using a syngeneic mouse model. Last, we show that our platform can be expanded to dynamically profile diverse microbial species including Listeria monocytogenes, Proteus mirabilis, and Escherichia coli in various host cell types. This high-throughput framework may serve to accelerate synthetic biology for clinical applications and for understanding the host-microbe interactions in disease sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Zakary S Singer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Oscar S Velazquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Joanna Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Samuel Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - Taylor E Hinchliffe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| | - William Mather
- BioCircuits Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027;
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027
| |
Collapse
|