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Belhouala K, Pandiella A, Benarba B. Synergistic effects of medicinal plants in combination with spices from algeria: Anticancer, antiangiogenic activities, and embrytoxicity studies. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118187. [PMID: 38615699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bryonia dioica Jacq., Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Telephium imperati L., and Aristolochia longa L. are species widely used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases including cancer. Conjugation of two or more extracts is an approach to improve the effectiveness of their pharmacological activities. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the synergistic anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of medicinal plants and edible species combinations. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this work, B. dioica, E. prunastri, Telephium imperati, and Aristolochia longa extracts were conjugated to form four mixtures. The antiproliferative effect of mixtures on several carcinoma cells was examined by MTT assay, and the antiangiogenic activity was estimated through Hen's egg test in vivo. Moreover, in an Ovo model, 35 fertilized Ross eggs were used to test the embryotoxicity of mixtures. RESULTS At the highest concentration of 200 μg/mL, both mixtures exerted an important cytotoxic effect against human carcinoma cells. The mixture BETE (Bryonia Evernia Telephium Extract) significantly reduced HT-29, PC-3, and A-549 cell viability. Likewise, this mixture strongly suppressed vascularization in vivo at 200 μg/mL. Interestingly, no signs of toxicity on Perdix embryos were recorded within 21 days of treatment. More importantly, the mixture did not have any cytotoxic effect on non cancerous cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results suggest that the synergy between B. dioica, E. prunastri and T. imperati may be promising for developing new anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadidja Belhouala
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Mustapha Stambouli University of Mascara, Algeria
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular Del Cáncer and CIBERONC, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Bachir Benarba
- Laboratory Research on Biological Systems and Geomatics, Mustapha Stambouli University of Mascara, Algeria.
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Ingelshed K, Melssen MM, Kannan P, Chandramohan A, Partridge AW, Jiang L, Wermeling F, Lane DP, Nestor M, Spiegelberg D. MDM2/MDMX inhibition by Sulanemadlin synergizes with anti-Programmed Death 1 immunotherapy in wild-type p53 tumors. iScience 2024; 27:109862. [PMID: 38784022 PMCID: PMC11112618 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment but its efficacy depends on a robust immune response in the tumor. Silencing of the tumor suppressor p53 is common in tumors and can affect the recruitment and activation of different immune cells, leading to immune evasion and poor therapy response. We found that the p53 activating stapled peptide MDM2/MDMX inhibitor Sulanemadlin (ALRN-6924) inhibited p53 wild-type cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In mice carrying p53 wild-type CT26.WT tumors, monotherapy with the PD-1 inhibitor DX400 or Sulanemadlin delayed tumor doubling time by 50% and 37%, respectively, while combination therapy decreased tumor doubling time by 93% leading to an increased median survival time. Sulanemadlin treatment led to increased immunogenicity and combination treatment with PD-1 inhibition resulted in an increased tumor infiltration of lymphocytes. This combination treatment strategy could potentially turn partial responders into responders of immunotherapy, expanding the patient target group for PD-1-targeting immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Ingelshed
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marit M. Melssen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pavitra Kannan
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Long Jiang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Wermeling
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David P. Lane
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marika Nestor
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Diana Spiegelberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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Kucinska M, Pospieszna J, Tang J, Lisiak N, Toton E, Rubis B, Murias M. The combination therapy using tyrosine kinase receptors inhibitors and repurposed drugs to target patient-derived glioblastoma stem cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116892. [PMID: 38876048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116892] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The lesson from many studies investigating the efficacy of targeted therapy in glioblastoma (GBM) showed that a future perspective should be focused on combining multiple target treatments. Our research aimed to assess the efficacy of drug combinations against glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Patient-derived cells U3042, U3009, and U3039 were obtained from the Human Glioblastoma Cell Culture resource. Additionally, the study was conducted on a GBM commercial U251 cell line. Gene expression analysis related to receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), stem cell markers and genes associated with significant molecular targets was performed, and selected proteins encoded by these genes were assessed using the immunofluorescence and flow cytometry methods. The cytotoxicity studies were preceded by analyzing the expression of specific proteins that serve as targets for selected drugs. The cytotoxicity study using the MTS assay was conducted to evaluate the effects of selected drugs/candidates in monotherapy and combinations. The most cytotoxic compounds for U3042 cells were Disulfiram combined with Copper gluconate (DSF/Cu), Dacomitinib, and Foretinib with IC50 values of 52.37 nM, 4.38 µM, and 4.54 µM after 24 h incubation, respectively. Interactions were assessed using SynergyFinder Plus software. The analysis enabled the identification of the most effective drug combinations against patient-derived GSCs. Our findings indicate that the most promising drug combinations are Dacomitinib and Foretinib, Dacomitinib and DSF/Cu, and Foretinib and AZD3759. Since most tested combinations have not been previously examined against glioblastoma stem-like cells, these results can shed new light on designing the therapeutic approach to target the GSC population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Kucinska
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
| | - Julia Pospieszna
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
| | - Jing Tang
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland.
| | - Natalia Lisiak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
| | - Ewa Toton
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
| | - Blazej Rubis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences 3 Rokietnicka Street, Poznan 60-806, Poland.
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Rachamala HK, Madamsetty VS, Angom RS, Nakka NM, Dutta SK, Wang E, Mukhopadhyay D, Pal K. Targeting mTOR and survivin concurrently potentiates radiation therapy in renal cell carcinoma by suppressing DNA damage repair and amplifying mitotic catastrophe. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:159. [PMID: 38840237 PMCID: PMC11155143 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03079-8] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was historically considered to be less responsive to radiation therapy (RT) compared to other cancer indications. However, advancements in precision high-dose radiation delivery through single-fraction and multi-fraction stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) have led to better outcomes and reduced treatment-related toxicities, sparking renewed interest in using RT to treat RCC. Moreover, numerous studies have revealed that certain therapeutic agents including chemotherapies can increase the sensitivity of tumors to RT, leading to a growing interest in combining these treatments. Here, we developed a rational combination of two radiosensitizers in a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation for augmenting RT in RCC. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation combining the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (E) with the survivin inhibitor YM155 (Y) in enhancing the sensitivity of RCC tumors to radiation. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We slightly modified our previously published tumor-targeted liposomal formulation to develop a rational combination of E and Y in a single liposomal formulation (EY-L) and assessed its efficacy in RCC cell lines in vitro and in RCC tumors in vivo. We further investigated how well EY-L sensitizes RCC cell lines and tumors toward radiation and explored the underlying mechanism of radiosensitization. RESULTS EY-L outperformed the corresponding single drug-loaded formulations E-L and Y-L in terms of containing primary tumor growth and improving survival in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model of RCC. EY-L also exhibited significantly higher sensitization of RCC cells towards radiation in vitro than E-L and Y-L. Additionally, EY-L sensitized RCC tumors towards radiation therapy in xenograft and murine RCC models. EY-L mediated induction of mitotic catastrophe via downregulation of multiple cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair pathways could be responsible for the augmentation of radiation therapy. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study demonstrated the efficacy of a strategic combination therapy in sensitizing RCC to radiation therapy via inhibition of DNA damage repair and a substantial increase in mitotic catastrophe. This combination therapy may find its use in the augmentation of radiation therapy during the treatment of RCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari K Rachamala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Vijay S Madamsetty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- PolyARNA Therapeutics, One Kendal Square, Cambridge, MA, 01329, USA
| | - Ramcharan S Angom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Naga M Nakka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Shamit Kumar Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Enfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| | - Krishnendu Pal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic Florida, 4500 San Pablo Road S, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
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Lu W, Cui J, Wang W, Hu Q, Xue Y, Liu X, Gong T, Lu Y, Ma H, Yang X, Feng B, Wang Q, Zhang N, Xu Y, Liu M, Nussinov R, Cheng F, Ji H, Huang J. PPIA dictates NRF2 stability to promote lung cancer progression. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4703. [PMID: 38830868 PMCID: PMC11148020 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48364-4] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) hyperactivation has been established as an oncogenic driver in a variety of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, despite massive efforts, no specific therapy is currently available to target NRF2 hyperactivation. Here, we identify peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) is required for NRF2 protein stability. Ablation of PPIA promotes NRF2 protein degradation and blocks NRF2-driven growth in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, PPIA physically binds to NRF2 and blocks the access of ubiquitin/Kelch Like ECH Associated Protein 1 (KEAP1) to NRF2, thus preventing ubiquitin-mediated degradation. Our X-ray co-crystal structure reveals that PPIA directly interacts with a NRF2 interdomain linker via a trans-proline 174-harboring hydrophobic sequence. We further demonstrate that an FDA-approved drug, cyclosporin A (CsA), impairs the interaction of NRF2 with PPIA, inducing NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation. Interestingly, CsA interrupts glutamine metabolism mediated by the NRF2/KLF5/SLC1A5 pathway, consequently suppressing the growth of NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC cells. CsA and a glutaminase inhibitor combination therapy significantly retard tumor progression in NSCLC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models with NRF2 hyperactivation. Our study demonstrates that targeting NRF2 protein stability is an actionable therapeutic approach to treat NRF2-hyperactivated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiayan Cui
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanyan Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Gong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiping Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Naixia Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yechun Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
| | - Hongbin Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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Mathes D, Macedo LB, Pieta TB, Maia BC, Rodrigues OED, Leal JG, Wendt M, Rolim CMB, Mitjans M, Nogueira-Librelotto DR. Co-Delivery of an Innovative Organoselenium Compound and Paclitaxel by pH-Responsive PCL Nanoparticles to Synergistically Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:590. [PMID: 38794252 PMCID: PMC11124783 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050590] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we designed the association of the organoselenium compound 5'-Seleno-(phenyl)-3'-(ferulic-amido)-thymidine (AFAT-Se), a promising innovative nucleoside analogue, with the antitumor drug paclitaxel, in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based nanoparticles (NPs). The nanoprecipitation method was used, adding the lysine-based surfactant, 77KS, as a pH-responsive adjuvant. The physicochemical properties presented by the proposed NPs were consistent with expectations. The co-nanoencapsulation of the bioactive compounds maintained the antioxidant activity of the association and evidenced greater antiproliferative activity in the resistant/MDR tumor cell line NCI/ADR-RES, both in the monolayer/two-dimensional (2D) and in the spheroid/three-dimensional (3D) assays. Hemocompatibility studies indicated the safety of the nanoformulation, corroborating the ability to spare non-tumor 3T3 cells and human mononuclear cells of peripheral blood (PBMCs) from cytotoxic effects, indicating its selectivity for the cancerous cells. Furthermore, the synergistic antiproliferative effect was found for both the association of free compounds and the co-encapsulated formulation. These findings highlight the antitumor potential of combining these bioactives, and the proposed nanoformulation as a potentially safe and effective strategy to overcome multidrug resistance in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Mathes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (D.M.); (L.B.M.); (B.C.M.); (C.M.B.R.)
- Laboratório de Testes e Ensaios Farmacêuticos In Vitro, Departamento de Farmácia Industrial, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Letícia Bueno Macedo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (D.M.); (L.B.M.); (B.C.M.); (C.M.B.R.)
- Laboratório de Engenharia e Processos Químicos, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Taís Baldissera Pieta
- Laboratório de Testes e Ensaios Farmacêuticos In Vitro, Departamento de Farmácia Industrial, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Bianca Costa Maia
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (D.M.); (L.B.M.); (B.C.M.); (C.M.B.R.)
- Laboratório de Testes e Ensaios Farmacêuticos In Vitro, Departamento de Farmácia Industrial, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Oscar Endrigo Dorneles Rodrigues
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (O.E.D.R.); (J.G.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Julliano Guerin Leal
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (O.E.D.R.); (J.G.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Marcelo Wendt
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (O.E.D.R.); (J.G.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Clarice Madalena Bueno Rolim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (D.M.); (L.B.M.); (B.C.M.); (C.M.B.R.)
- Laboratório de Testes e Ensaios Farmacêuticos In Vitro, Departamento de Farmácia Industrial, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
| | - Montserrat Mitjans
- Departament de Bioquimica i Fisiologia, Facultat de Farmacia i Ciències de l’Alimentaciò, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniele Rubert Nogueira-Librelotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil; (D.M.); (L.B.M.); (B.C.M.); (C.M.B.R.)
- Laboratório de Testes e Ensaios Farmacêuticos In Vitro, Departamento de Farmácia Industrial, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roraima 1000, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil;
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Hernández-Galdámez HV, Fattel-Fazenda S, Flores-Téllez TNJ, Aguilar-Chaparro MA, Mendoza-García J, Díaz-Fernández LC, Romo-Medina E, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Arellanes-Robledo J, De la Garza M, Villa-Treviño S, Piña-Vázquez C. Iron-saturated bovine lactoferrin: a promising chemopreventive agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. Food Funct 2024; 15:4586-4602. [PMID: 38590223 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo05184f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a tumor with minimal chance of cure due to underlying liver diseases, late diagnosis, and inefficient treatments. Thus, HCC treatment warrants the development of additional strategies. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a mammalian multifunctional iron-binding glycoprotein of the innate immune response and can be found as either a native low iron form (native-Lf) or a high iron form (holo-Lf). Bovine Lf (bLf), which shares many functions with human Lf (hLf), is safe for humans and has several anticancer activities, including chemotherapy boost in cancer. We found endogenous hLf is downregulated in HCC tumors compared with normal liver, and decreased hLf levels in HCC tumors are associated with shorter survival of HCC patients. However, the chemoprotective effect of 100% iron saturated holo-bLf on experimental hepatocarcinogenesis has not yet been determined. We aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of holo-bLf in different HCC models. Remarkably, a single dose (200 mg kg-1) of holo-bLf was effective in preventing early carcinogenic events in a diethylnitrosamine induced HCC in vivo model, such as necrosis, ROS production, and the surge of facultative liver stem cells, and eventually, holo-bLf reduced the number of preneoplastic lesions. For an established HCC model, holo-bLf treatment significantly reduced HepG2 tumor burden in xenotransplanted mice. Finally, holo-bLf in combination with sorafenib, the advanced HCC first-line treatment, synergistically decreased HepG2 viability by arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Our findings provide the first evidence suggesting that holo-bLf has the potential to prevent HCC or to be used in combination with treatments for established HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samia Fattel-Fazenda
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Teresita N J Flores-Téllez
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, SK10 4TG Macclesfield, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Mendoza-García
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Lidia C Díaz-Fernández
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Eunice Romo-Medina
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Yesennia Sánchez-Pérez
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Subdirección de Investigación Básica, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Jaime Arellanes-Robledo
- Laboratorio de Enfermedades Hepáticas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Ciudad de México, México. Dirección de Cátedras, Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mireya De la Garza
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Saúl Villa-Treviño
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Carolina Piña-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (CINVESTAV-IPN), CDMX, Mexico.
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8
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Adhikarla V, Awuah D, Caserta E, Minnix M, Kuznetsov M, Krishnan A, Wong JYC, Shively JE, Wang X, Pichiorri F, Rockne RC. Designing combination therapies for cancer treatment: application of a mathematical framework combining CAR T-cell immunotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358478. [PMID: 38698840 PMCID: PMC11063284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer combination treatments involving immunotherapies with targeted radiation therapy are at the forefront of treating cancers. However, dosing and scheduling of these therapies pose a challenge. Mathematical models provide a unique way of optimizing these therapies. Methods Using a preclinical model of multiple myeloma as an example, we demonstrate the capability of a mathematical model to combine these therapies to achieve maximum response, defined as delay in tumor growth. Data from mice studies with targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell monotherapies and combinations with different intervals between them was used to calibrate mathematical model parameters. The dependence of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the time to minimum tumor burden on dosing and scheduling was evaluated. Different dosing and scheduling schemes were evaluated to maximize the PFS and optimize timings of TRT and CAR-T cell therapies. Results Therapy intervals that were too close or too far apart are shown to be detrimental to the therapeutic efficacy, as TRT too close to CAR-T cell therapy results in radiation related CAR-T cell killing while the therapies being too far apart result in tumor regrowth, negatively impacting tumor control and survival. We show that splitting a dose of TRT or CAR-T cells when administered in combination is advantageous only if the first therapy delivered can produce a significant benefit as a monotherapy. Discussion Mathematical models are crucial tools for optimizing the delivery of cancer combination therapy regimens with application along the lines of achieving cure, maximizing survival or minimizing toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Adhikarla
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Dennis Awuah
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Enrico Caserta
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Megan Minnix
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Maxim Kuznetsov
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Amrita Krishnan
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Jefferey Y. C. Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - John E. Shively
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Flavia Pichiorri
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Russell C. Rockne
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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Wang Z, Li W, Jiang Y, Tran TB, Chung J, Kim M, Scott AJ, Lu J. Camptothesome-based combination nanotherapeutic regimen for improved colorectal cancer immunochemotherapy. Biomaterials 2024; 306:122477. [PMID: 38309054 PMCID: PMC10922823 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122477] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Camptothesome is a sphingomyelin-conjugated camptothecin (SM-CSS-CPT) nanovesicle that fortified the therapeutic delivery of CPT in diverse cancer types. To mitigate the Camptothesome-induced IDO1 negative feedback mechanism, we had co-encapsulated, indoximod (IND, IDO1 inhibitor) into Camptothesome using doxorubicin-derived IND (DOX-IND). To maximize the therapeutic potential of DOX-IND/Camptothesome, herein, we first dissected the synergistic drug ratio (DOX-IND/SM-CSS-CPT) via systematical in vitro screening. DOX-IND/Camptothesome with optimal drug ratio synchronized in vivo drug delivery with significantly higher tumor uptake compared to free drugs. This optimum DOX-IND/Camptothesome outperformed the combination of Camptothesome, Doxil and IND or other IDO1 inhibitors (BMS-986205 or epacadostat) in treating mice bearing late-stage MC38 tumors, and combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) enabled it to eradicate 60 % of large tumors. Further, this optimized co-delivery Camptothesome beat Folfox and Folfiri, two first-line combination chemotherapies for colorectal cancer in antitumor efficacy and exhibited no side effects as compared to the severe systemic toxicities associated with Folfox and Folfiri. Finally, we demonstrated that the synergistic DOX-IND/Camptothesome was superior to the combined use of Onivyde + Doxil + IND in curbing the advanced orthotopic CT26-Luc tumors and eliminated 40 % tumors with complete metastasis remission when cooperated with ICB, eliciting stronger anti-CRC immune responses and greater reversal of immunosuppression. These results corroborated that with precise optimal synergistic drug ratio, the therapeutic potential of DOX-IND/Camptothesome can be fully unleased, which warrants further clinical investigation to benefit the cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiren Wang
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Wenpan Li
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Yanhao Jiang
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Tuyen Ba Tran
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Jinha Chung
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Minhyeok Kim
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Aaron James Scott
- Clinical and Translational Oncology Program, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States; BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Jianqin Lu
- Skaggs Pharmaceutical Sciences Center, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States; BIO5 Institute, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States; Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, 85721, United States.
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Sancha SAR, Dobiasová S, Nejedlý T, Strnad O, Viktorová J, Ferreira MJU. Lycorine and homolycorine derivatives for chemo-sensitizing resistant human ovarian adenocarcinoma cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155460. [PMID: 38394731 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multidrug resistance is the major obstacle to cancer chemotherapy. Modulation of P-glycoprotein and drug combination approaches have been considered important strategies to overcome drug resistance. PURPOSE Aiming at generating a small library of Amaryllidaceae-type alkaloids to overcome drug resistance, two major alkaloids, isolated from Pancratium maritimum, lycorine (1), and 2α-10bα-dihydroxy-9-O-demethylhomolycorine (2), were derivatized, giving rise to nineteen derivatives (3 - 21). METHODS The main chemical transformation of lycorine resulted from the cleavage of ring E of the diacetylated lycorine derivative (3) to obtain compounds that have carbamate and amine functions (5 - 16), while acylation of compound 2 provided derivatives 17 - 21. Compounds 1 - 21 were evaluated for their effects on cytotoxicity, and drug resistance reversal, using resistant human ovarian carcinoma cells (HOC/ADR), overexpressing P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1), as model. RESULTS Excluding lycorine (1) (IC50 values of 1.2- 2.5 µM), the compounds were not cytotoxic or showed moderate/weak cytotoxicity. Chemo-sensitization assays were performed by studying the in vitro interaction between the compounds and the anticancer drug doxorubicin. Most of the compounds have shown synergistic interactions with doxorubicin. Compounds 5, 6, 9 - 14, bearing both carbamate and aromatic amine moieties, were found to have the highest sensitization rate, reducing the dose of doxorubicin 5-35 times, highlighting their potential to reverse drug resistance in combination chemotherapy. Selected compounds (4 - 6, 9 - 14, and 21), able of re-sensitizing resistant cancer cells, were further evaluated as P-gp inhibitors. Compound 11, which has a para‑methoxy-N-methylbenzylamine moiety, was the strongest inhibitor. In the ATPase assay, compounds 9-11 and 13 behaved as verapamil, suggesting competitive inhibition of P-gp. At the same time, none of these compounds affected P-gp expression at the mRNA or protein level. CONCLUSIONS This study provided evidence of the potential of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids as lead candidates for the development of MDR reversal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley A R Sancha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simona Dobiasová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Nejedlý
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Strnad
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Viktorová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Technická 5, CZ 166 28 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
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11
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Kishk A, Pires Pacheco M, Heurtaux T, Sauter T. Metabolic models predict fotemustine and the combination of eflornithine/rifamycin and adapalene/cannabidiol for the treatment of gliomas. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae199. [PMID: 38701414 PMCID: PMC11066901 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae199] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common type of malignant brain tumors, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) having a median survival of 15 months due to drug resistance and relapse. The treatment of gliomas relies on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Only 12 anti-brain tumor chemotherapies (AntiBCs), mostly alkylating agents, have been approved so far. Glioma subtype-specific metabolic models were reconstructed to simulate metabolite exchanges, in silico knockouts and the prediction of drug and drug combinations for all three subtypes. The simulations were confronted with literature, high-throughput screenings (HTSs), xenograft and clinical trial data to validate the workflow and further prioritize the drug candidates. The three subtype models accurately displayed different degrees of dependencies toward glutamine and glutamate. Furthermore, 33 single drugs, mainly antimetabolites and TXNRD1-inhibitors, as well as 17 drug combinations were predicted as potential candidates for gliomas. Half of these drug candidates have been previously tested in HTSs. Half of the tested drug candidates reduce proliferation in cell lines and two-thirds in xenografts. Most combinations were predicted to be efficient for all three glioma types. However, eflornithine/rifamycin and cannabidiol/adapalene were predicted specifically for GBM and low-grade glioma, respectively. Most drug candidates had comparable efficiency in preclinical tests, cerebrospinal fluid bioavailability and mode-of-action to AntiBCs. However, fotemustine and valganciclovir alone and eflornithine and celecoxib in combination with AntiBCs improved the survival compared to AntiBCs in two-arms, phase I/II and higher glioma clinical trials. Our work highlights the potential of metabolic modeling in advancing glioma drug discovery, which accurately predicted metabolic vulnerabilities, repurposable drugs and combinations for the glioma subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kishk
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Maria Pires Pacheco
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Tony Heurtaux
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology, L-3555 Dudelange, Luxembourg
| | - Thomas Sauter
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, L-4367 Belvaux, Luxembourg
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12
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Wang S, Oliveira-Silveira J, Fang G, Kang J. High-content analysis identified synergistic drug interactions between INK128, an mTOR inhibitor, and HDAC inhibitors in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:335. [PMID: 38475728 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12057-4] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of drug resistance is a major cause of cancer therapy failures. To inhibit drug resistance, multiple drugs are often treated together as a combinatorial therapy. In particular, synergistic drug combinations, which kill cancer cells at a lower concentration, guarantee a better prognosis and fewer side effects in cancer patients. Many studies have sought out synergistic combinations by small-scale function-based targeted growth assays or large-scale nontargeted growth assays, but their discoveries are always challenging due to technical problems such as a large number of possible test combinations. METHODS To address this issue, we carried out a medium-scale optical drug synergy screening in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line and further investigated individual drug interactions in combination drug responses by high-content image analysis. Optical high-content analysis of cellular responses has recently attracted much interest in the field of drug discovery, functional genomics, and toxicology. Here, we adopted a similar approach to study combinatorial drug responses. RESULTS By examining all possible combinations of 12 drug compounds in 6 different drug classes, such as mTOR inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors, MT inhibitors, DNA inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors, we successfully identified synergism between INK128, an mTOR inhibitor, and HDAC inhibitors, which has also been reported elsewhere. Our high-content analysis further showed that HDAC inhibitors, HSP90 inhibitors, and proteasome inhibitors played a dominant role in combinatorial drug responses when they were mixed with MT inhibitors, DNA inhibitors, or mTOR inhibitors, suggesting that recessive drugs could be less prioritized as components of multidrug cocktails. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our optical drug screening platform efficiently identified synergistic drug combinations in a non-small cell lung cancer cell line, and our high-content analysis further revealed how individual drugs in the drug mix interact with each other to generate combinatorial drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijiao Wang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering at East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Juliano Oliveira-Silveira
- Center of Biotechnology, PPGBCM, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, 91501970, Brazil
| | - Gang Fang
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Arts and Science, New York University at Shanghai, Shanghai, 200122, China
| | - Jungseog Kang
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, 200062, China.
- Arts and Science, New York University at Shanghai, Shanghai, 200122, China.
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13
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Wang P, Leong QY, Lau NY, Ng WY, Kwek SP, Tan L, Song SW, You K, Chong LM, Zhuang I, Ong YH, Foo N, Tadeo X, Kumar KS, Vijayakumar S, Sapanel Y, Raczkowska MN, Remus A, Blasiak A, Ho D. N-of-1 medicine. Singapore Med J 2024; 65:167-175. [PMID: 38527301 PMCID: PMC11060644 DOI: 10.4103/singaporemedj.smj-2023-243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The fields of precision and personalised medicine have led to promising advances in tailoring treatment to individual patients. Examples include genome/molecular alteration-guided drug selection, single-patient gene therapy design and synergy-based drug combination development, and these approaches can yield substantially diverse recommendations. Therefore, it is important to define each domain and delineate their commonalities and differences in an effort to develop novel clinical trial designs, streamline workflow development, rethink regulatory considerations, create value in healthcare and economics assessments, and other factors. These and other segments are essential to recognise the diversity within these domains to accelerate their respective workflows towards practice-changing healthcare. To emphasise these points, this article elaborates on the concept of digital health and digital medicine-enabled N-of-1 medicine, which individualises combination regimen and dosing using a patient's own data. We will conclude with recommendations for consideration when developing novel workflows based on emerging digital-based platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Wang
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiao Ying Leong
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ni Yin Lau
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Ying Ng
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Siong Peng Kwek
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lester Tan
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shang-Wei Song
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kui You
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Ming Chong
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Isaiah Zhuang
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yoong Hun Ong
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nigel Foo
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xavier Tadeo
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kirthika Senthil Kumar
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Smrithi Vijayakumar
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yoann Sapanel
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore’s Health District @ Queenstown, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marlena Natalia Raczkowska
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alexandria Remus
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Heat Resilience Performance Centre (HRPC), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Agata Blasiak
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Dean Ho
- Institute for Digital Medicine (WisDM), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The N.1 Institute for Health (N.1), National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore’s Health District @ Queenstown, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- The Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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Anestopoulos I, Paraskevaidis I, Kyriakou S, Giova LE, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Isothiocyanates Potentiate Tazemetostat-Induced Apoptosis by Modulating the Expression of Apoptotic Genes, Members of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2, and Levels of Tri-Methylating Lysine 27 at Histone 3 in Human Malignant Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2745. [PMID: 38473991 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we utilized an in vitro model consisting of human malignant melanoma as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte cells with the aim of characterizing the therapeutic effectiveness of the clinical epigenetic drug Tazemetostat alone or in combination with various isothiocyanates. In doing so, we assessed markers of cell viability, apoptotic induction, and expression levels of key proteins capable of mediating the therapeutic response. Our data indicated, for the first time, that Tazemetostat caused a significant decrease in viability levels of malignant melanoma cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner via the induction of apoptosis, while non-malignant keratinocytes were more resistant. Moreover, combinatorial treatment protocols caused a further decrease in cell viability, together with higher apoptotic rates. In addition, a significant reduction in the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) members [e.g., Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED), and suppressor of zeste 12 (SUZ12)] and tri-methylating lysine 27 at Histone 3 (H3K27me3) protein expression levels was observed, at least partially, under specific combinatorial exposure conditions. Reactivation of major apoptotic gene targets was determined at much higher levels in combinatorial treatment protocols than Tazemetostat alone, known to be involved in the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis. Overall, we developed an optimized experimental therapeutic platform aiming to ensure the therapeutic effectiveness of Tazemetostat in malignant melanoma while at the same time minimizing toxicity against neighboring non-tumorigenic keratinocyte cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Sotiris Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Lambrini E Giova
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Dimitrios T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiris Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Rodrigo Franco
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
| | - Aglaia Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Mihalis I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, 6 Iroon Avenue, Ayios Dometios, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
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15
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Yang J, Friedman R. Synergy and antagonism between azacitidine and FLT3 inhibitors. Comput Biol Med 2024; 169:107889. [PMID: 38199214 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107889] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Synergetic interactions between drugs can make a drug combination more effective. Alternatively, they may allow to use lower concentrations and thus avoid toxicities or side effects that not only cause discomfort but might also reduce the overall survival. Here, we studied whether synergy exists between agents that are used for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Azacitidine is a demethylation agent that is used in the treatment of AML patients that are unfit for aggressive chemotherapy. An activating mutation in the FLT3 gene is common in AML patients and in the absence of specific treatment makes prognosis worse. FLT3 inhibitors may be used in such cases. We sought to determine whether combination of azacitidine with a FLT3 inhibitor (gilteritinib, quizartinib, LT-850-166, FN-1501 or FF-10101) displayed synergy or antagonism. To this end, we calculated dose-response matrices of these drug combinations from experiments in human AML cells and subsequently analysed the data using a novel consensus scoring algorithm. The results show that combinations that involved non-covalent FLT3 inhibitors, including the two clinically approved drugs gilteritinib and quizartinib were antagonistic. On the other hand combinations with the covalent inhibitor FF-10101 had some range of concentrations where synergy was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingmei Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, SE-39231, Sweden
| | - Ran Friedman
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedical Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, SE-39231, Sweden.
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16
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Hussain Y, Singh J, Meena A, Sinha RA, Luqman S. Escin-sorafenib synergy up-regulates LC3-II and p62 to induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:840-856. [PMID: 37853854 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common solid cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Sorafenib is the first drug used to treat HCC but its effectiveness needs to be improved, and it is important to find ways to treat cancer that combine sorafenib with other drugs. Synergistic therapies lower effective drug doses and side effects while enhancing the anticancer effect. PURPOSE In the present study, the therapeutic potential of sorafenib in combination with escin and its underlying mechanism in targeting liver cancer has been established. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS The IC50 of sorafenib and escin against HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines were determined using MTT assay. The combination index, dose reduction index, isobologram and concentrations producing synergy were evaluated using the Chou-Talaly algorithm. The sub-effective concentration of sorafenib and escin was selected to analyze cytotoxic synergistic potential. Cellular ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V and cell cycle were evaluated using a flow-cytometer, and autophagy biomarkers were determined using western blotting. Moreover, autophagy was knocked down using ATG5 siRNA to confirm its role. A DEN-induced liver cancer rat model was developed to check the synergy of sorafenib and escin. RESULTS Different concentrations of escin reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in HepG2, PLC/PRF5 and Huh7 cell lines. Chou-Talaly algorithm determined cytotoxic synergistic concentrations of sorafenib and escin in these cell lines. Mechanistically, this combination over-expressed p62 and LC-II, reflecting autophagy block and induced late apoptosis, further reconfirmed by ATG5 knockdown. Sorafenib and escin combination reduced HCC serum biomarker α-feto protein (α-FP) by 1.5 folds. This combination restricted liver weight, tumor number and size, also, conserved morphological features of liver cells. The combination selectively targeted the G0 /G1 phase of cancer cells. CONCLUSION Escin and sorafenib combination potentially up-regulates p62 to block autophagy to induce late apoptosis in liver cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Hussain
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jyoti Singh
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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17
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Garza-Cervantes JA, León-Buitimea A. Editorial: Synergistic combinatorial treatments to overcome antibiotic resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1369264. [PMID: 38343889 PMCID: PMC10853682 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1369264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Javier A. Garza-Cervantes
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología y Nanotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Parque de Investigación e Innovación Tecnológica, Apodaca, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Angel León-Buitimea
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), San Nicolás de los Garza, NL, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
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18
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Ahmed F, Samantasinghar A, Ali W, Choi KH. Network-based drug repurposing identifies small molecule drugs as immune checkpoint inhibitors for endometrial cancer. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-023-10784-7. [PMID: 38227161 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10784-7] [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: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the 6th most common cancer in women around the world. Alone in the United States (US), 66,200 new cases and 13,030 deaths are expected to occur in 2023 which needs the rapid development of potential therapies against EC. Here, a network-based drug-repurposing strategy is developed which led to the identification of 16 FDA-approved drugs potentially repurposable for EC as potential immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). A network of EC-associated immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs)-induced protein interactions (P-ICP) was constructed. As a result of network analysis of P-ICP, top key target genes closely interacting with ICPs were shortlisted followed by network proximity analysis in drug-target interaction (DTI) network and pathway cross-examination which identified 115 distinct pathways of approved drugs as potential immune checkpoint inhibitors. The presented approach predicted 16 drugs to target EC-associated ICPs-induced pathways, three of which have already been used for EC and six of them possess immunomodulatory properties providing evidence of the validity of the strategy. Classification of the predicted pathways indicated that 15 drugs can be divided into two distinct pathway groups, containing 17 immune pathways and 98 metabolic pathways. In addition, drug-drug correlation analysis provided insight into finding useful drug combinations. This fair and verified analysis creates new opportunities for the quick repurposing of FDA-approved medications in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Ahmed
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Anupama Samantasinghar
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Wajid Ali
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hyun Choi
- Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Li X, Peng X, Zoulikha M, Boafo GF, Magar KT, Ju Y, He W. Multifunctional nanoparticle-mediated combining therapy for human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:1. [PMID: 38161204 PMCID: PMC10758001 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01668-1] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining existing drug therapy is essential in developing new therapeutic agents in disease prevention and treatment. In preclinical investigations, combined effect of certain known drugs has been well established in treating extensive human diseases. Attributed to synergistic effects by targeting various disease pathways and advantages, such as reduced administration dose, decreased toxicity, and alleviated drug resistance, combinatorial treatment is now being pursued by delivering therapeutic agents to combat major clinical illnesses, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, pulmonary hypertension, myocarditis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Combinatorial therapy involves combining or co-delivering two or more drugs for treating a specific disease. Nanoparticle (NP)-mediated drug delivery systems, i.e., liposomal NPs, polymeric NPs and nanocrystals, are of great interest in combinatorial therapy for a wide range of disorders due to targeted drug delivery, extended drug release, and higher drug stability to avoid rapid clearance at infected areas. This review summarizes various targets of diseases, preclinical or clinically approved drug combinations and the development of multifunctional NPs for combining therapy and emphasizes combinatorial therapeutic strategies based on drug delivery for treating severe clinical diseases. Ultimately, we discuss the challenging of developing NP-codelivery and translation and provide potential approaches to address the limitations. This review offers a comprehensive overview for recent cutting-edge and challenging in developing NP-mediated combination therapy for human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Li
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Xiuju Peng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Makhloufi Zoulikha
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - George Frimpong Boafo
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, PR China
| | - Kosheli Thapa Magar
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China
| | - Yanmin Ju
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 2111198, PR China.
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200443, China.
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20
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Reiners JJ, Mathieu PA, Gargano M, George I, Shen Y, Callaghan JF, Borch RF, Mattingly RR. Synergistic Suppression of NF1 Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cell Growth in Culture and Orthotopic Xenografts by Combinational Treatment with Statin and Prodrug Farnesyltransferase Inhibitor PAMAM G4 Dendrimers. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:89. [PMID: 38201517 PMCID: PMC10778372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010089] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a disorder in which RAS is constitutively activated due to the loss of the Ras-GTPase-activating activity of neurofibromin. RAS must be prenylated (i.e., farnesylated or geranylgeranylated) to traffic and function properly. Previous studies showed that the anti-growth properties of farnesyl monophosphate prodrug farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) on human NF1 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) cells are potentiated by co-treatment with lovastatin. Unfortunately, such prodrug FTIs have poor aqueous solubility. In this study, we synthesized a series of prodrug FTI polyamidoamine generation 4 (PAMAM G4) dendrimers that compete with farnesyl pyrophosphate for farnesyltransferase (Ftase) and assessed their effects on human NF1 MPNST S462TY cells. The prodrug 3-tert-butylfarnesyl monophosphate FTI-dendrimer (i.e., IG 2) exhibited improved aqueous solubility. Concentrations of IG 2 and lovastatin (as low as 0.1 μM) having little to no effect when used singularly synergistically suppressed cell proliferation, colony formation, and induced N-RAS, RAP1A, and RAB5A deprenylation when used in combination. Combinational treatment had no additive or synergistic effects on the proliferation/viability of immortalized normal rat Schwann cells, primary rat hepatocytes, or normal human mammary epithelial MCF10A cells. Combinational, but not singular, in vivo treatment markedly suppressed the growth of S462TY xenografts established in the sciatic nerves of immune-deficient mice. Hence, prodrug farnesyl monophosphate FTIs can be rendered water-soluble by conjugation to PAMAM G4 dendrimers and exhibit potent anti-tumor activity when combined with clinically achievable statin concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J. Reiners
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.J.R.J.); (P.A.M.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Patricia A. Mathieu
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.J.R.J.); (P.A.M.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Mary Gargano
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; (J.J.R.J.); (P.A.M.); (M.G.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Irene George
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (I.G.); (R.F.B.)
- Currently College of Arts and Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yimin Shen
- Department of Radiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
| | - John F. Callaghan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Richard F. Borch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; (I.G.); (R.F.B.)
| | - Raymond R. Mattingly
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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Mitra D, Saha D, Das G, Mukherjee R, Banerjee S, Alam N, Mustafi SM, Nath P, Majumder A, Majumder B, Murmu N. Lupeol synergizes with 5-fluorouracil to combat c-MET/EphA2 mediated chemoresistance in triple negative breast cancer. iScience 2023; 26:108395. [PMID: 38047085 PMCID: PMC10692664 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108395] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most elusive subtype of breast cancer that encounters treatment dilemmas owing to the paucity of druggable targets. We found hyperactivation of c-MET and ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) in patients treated with 5FU driven chemotherapy which correlated with lower disease-free survival. However, silencing of both these genes resulted in a marked decrease in the invasive, migratory, and tumorigenic potential of TNBC cells, indicating that a dual target strategy is actionable. Lupeol is a phytochemical, with potent anticancer efficacy and minimal side effects in preclinical studies. A synergistic strategy with 5FU and Lupeol elicited promising anticancer responses in vitro, in vivo, and in patient-derived ex vivo tumor culture models. This synergistic regimen is effective, even in the presence of HGF, which mechanistically orchestrates the activation of c-MET and EphA2. These data lay the foundation for the clinical validation of this combination therapy for TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Mitra
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Depanwita Saha
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Gaurav Das
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Rimi Mukherjee
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Samir Banerjee
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Neyaz Alam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Saunak Mitra Mustafi
- Department of Pathology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Partha Nath
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
| | - Anuj Majumder
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 65 Lansdowne Street, Suite #317, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Brookline High School, 115 Greenough Street, Brookline, MA 02445, USA
| | - Biswanath Majumder
- Departments of Molecular Profiling, Cancer Biology and Molecular Pathology, Mitra Biotech, Bangalore, India
| | - Nabendu Murmu
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata 700026, India
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Wohlfromm F, Seyrek K, Ivanisenko N, Troitskaya O, Kulms D, Richter V, Koval O, Lavrik IN. RL2 Enhances the Elimination of Breast Cancer Cells by Doxorubicin. Cells 2023; 12:2779. [PMID: 38132099 PMCID: PMC10741759 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242779] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
RL2 (recombinant lactaptin 2), a recombinant analogon of the human milk protein Κ-Casein, induces mitophagy and cell death in breast carcinoma cells. Furthermore, RL2 was shown to enhance extrinsic apoptosis upon long-term treatment while inhibiting it upon short-term stimulation. However, the effects of RL2 on the action of chemotherapeutic drugs that induce the intrinsic apoptotic pathway have not been investigated to date. Here, we examined the effects of RL2 on the doxorubicin (DXR)-induced cell death in breast cancer cells with three different backgrounds. In particular, we used BT549 and MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, T47D estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive cells, and SKBR3 human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive cells. BT549, MDA-MB-231, and T47D cells showed a severe loss of cell viability upon RL2 treatment, accompanied by the induction of mitophagy. Furthermore, BT549, MDA-MB-231, and T47D cells could be sensitized towards DXR treatment with RL2, as evidenced by loss of cell viability. In contrast, SKBR3 cells showed almost no RL2-induced loss of cell viability when treated with RL2 alone, and RL2 did not sensitize SKBR3 cells towards DXR-mediated loss of cell viability. Bioinformatic analysis of gene expression showed an enrichment of genes controlling metabolism in SKBR3 cells compared to the other cell lines. This suggests that the metabolic status of the cells is important for their sensitivity to RL2. Taken together, we have shown that RL2 can enhance the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in TNBC and ERα-positive breast cancer cells, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Wohlfromm
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems (CDS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.W.); (K.S.); (N.I.); or (O.T.)
| | - Kamil Seyrek
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems (CDS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.W.); (K.S.); (N.I.); or (O.T.)
| | - Nikita Ivanisenko
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems (CDS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.W.); (K.S.); (N.I.); or (O.T.)
| | - Olga Troitskaya
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems (CDS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.W.); (K.S.); (N.I.); or (O.T.)
| | - Dagmar Kulms
- Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, TU-Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, TU-Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Vladimir Richter
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Olga Koval
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.R.); (O.K.)
| | - Inna N. Lavrik
- Translational Inflammation Research, Medical Faculty, Center of Dynamic Systems (CDS), Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (F.W.); (K.S.); (N.I.); or (O.T.)
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Hussain Y, Meena A, Sinha RA. Gossypol synergises antiproliferative effect of sorafenib in metastatic lung cancer cells following Chou-Talalay algorithm. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 93:105666. [PMID: 37611852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105666] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Combination therapy has been proposed as a promising approach for lung cancer treatment, as it can enhance anticancer efficacy, and reduce dosages and adverse effects. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound with sorafenib for treating lung cancer cells and elucidating its mechanism of action. The MTT assay was utilized to determine the IC50 of sorafenib and gossypol against A549 and NCI H460 cell lines. The Chou-Talaly algorithm was employed to determine the combination index (CI). A sub-effective concentration of sorafenib and gossypol was chosen to investigate the possibility of cytotoxic synergy. Autophagy biomarkers were identified using Western blotting, and the function of autophagy was determined using ATG5 siRNA. Results show that IC50 of sorafenib significantly reduced in A549 and NCI H460 cells when co-treated with gossypol. The combination treatment showed a synergistic cytotoxic effect against tested cell lines. The Chou-Talaly algorithm confirmed sorafenib's dose reduction index (DRI) up to 3.86. In A549 cells, combination treatment down-regulated p62 and up-regulated LC3-II, indicating the initiation of autophagy-dependent cytotoxicity. This was further confirmed by siRNA ATG5 knockdown. Additionally, the combination treatment exclusively targeted G0/G1 phase cancer cells. In conclusion, the combination of gossypol and sorafenib shows a synergistic increase in the cytotoxic effect by promoting autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Hussain
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow 226015, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow 226014, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Bedke J, Black PC, Szabados B, Guerrero-Ramos F, Shariat SF, Xylinas E, Brinkmann J, Blake-Haskins JA, Cesari R, Redorta JP. Optimizing outcomes for high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: The evolving role of PD-(L)1 inhibition. Urol Oncol 2023; 41:461-475. [PMID: 37968169 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor followed by intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the standard of care in high-risk, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Although many patients respond, recurrence and progression are common. In addition, patients may be unable to receive induction + maintenance due to intolerance or supply issues. Therefore, alternative treatment options are urgently required. Programmed cell death (ligand) 1 (PD-[L]1) inhibitors show clinical benefit in phase 1/2 trials in BCG-unresponsive NMIBC patients. This review presents the status of PD-(L)1 inhibition in high-risk NMIBC and discusses future directions. PubMed and Google scholar were searched for articles relating to NMIBC immunotherapy and ClinicalTrials.gov for planned and ongoing clinical trials. Preclinical and early clinical studies show that BCG upregulates PD-L1 expression in bladder cancer cells and, when combined with a PD-(L)1 inhibitor, a potent antitumor response is activated. Based on this mechanism, several PD-(L)1 inhibitors are in phase 3 trials in BCG-naïve, high-risk NMIBC in combination with BCG. Whereas PD-(L)1 inhibitors are well characterized in patients with advanced malignancies, the impact of immune-related adverse events (irAE) on the benefit/risk ratio in NMIBC should be determined. Alternative routes to intravenous administration, like subcutaneous and intravesical administration, may facilitate adherence and access. The outcomes of combination of PD-(L)1 inhibitors and BCG in NMIBC are highly anticipated. There will be a need to address treatment resources, optimal management of irAEs and education and training related to use of this therapy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bedke
- Department of Urology and Transplantation Surgery, Kilinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Peter C Black
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bernadett Szabados
- University College London Hospital, London, UK; Bart's Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Evanguelos Xylinas
- Department of Urology, Hôpital Bichat - Claude-Bernard, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Li ZQ, Zhang GS, Liu RQ, Shuai SY, Hu PY, Zheng Q, Xiao SH. Anti-Glioma Effects of Ligustilide or n-Butylphthalide on Their Own and the Synergistic Effects with Temozolomide via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:983-994. [PMID: 38021448 PMCID: PMC10676728 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s432901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ligustilide (LIG) and n-butylphthalide (NBP) have neuroprotective effects in cerebral ischemia; however, their roles in gliomas are not well-known.This study aimed to explore the anti-glioma effects of LIG and NBP individually and the synergistic effects of temozolomide (TMZ) via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Materials and Methods Cytotoxicity of LIG and NBP alone and in combination with TMZ in U251 cells was determined using the CCk-8. The effect of compounds alone or in combination on cell migration was detected using the wound healing assay, and the invasion was evaluated by transwell assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry and the changed expressions of proteins were detected by Western blotting. Results The results showed that LIG and NBP significantly inhibited the growth of U251 cells at concentrations of 4-10 µg/mL and 1.5-6 µg/mL in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05, p<0.01). The combination of 20 µg/mL TMZ with LIG in the concentration range of 4-10 µg/mL or with NBP of 0.5-6 µg/mlachieved synergistic effect towardsU251 cells. LIG and NBP, alone or in combination with TMZ, markedly inhibited cell invasion (p< 0.001) and enhanced apoptosis (p< 0.05). The combination of TMZ with LIG or NBP markedly inhibited cell migration (p< 0.001). Western blot analysis showed that LIG, NBP, and TMZ, alone and in combination, significantly decreased the expression of Bcl-2, p-PI3K, and p-Akt, and increased the expression of Bax. Conclusion Both LIG and NBP exert anti-glioma effects on their own through the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhance TMZ-mediated anti-glioma efficiency via the same pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Song Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ri-Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Yuan Shuai
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peng-Yi Hu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Hua Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, People’s Republic of China
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Leylek O, Honeywell ME, Lee MJ, Hemann MT, Ozcan G. Functional genomics reveals an off-target dependency of drug synergy in gastric cancer therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.07.561351. [PMID: 37873383 PMCID: PMC10592690 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.07.561351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
The rational combination of anticancer agents is critical to improving patient outcomes in cancer. Nonetheless, most combination regimens in the clinic result from empirical methodologies disregarding insight into the mechanism of action and missing the opportunity to improve therapy outcomes incrementally. Deciphering the genetic dependencies and vulnerabilities responsible for synergistic interactions is crucial for rationally developing effective anticancer drug combinations. Hence, we screened pairwise pharmacological interactions between molecular-targeted agents and conventional chemotherapeutics and examined the genome-scale genetic dependencies in gastric adenocarcinoma cell models. Since this type of cancer is mainly chemoresistant and incurable, clinical situations demand effective combination strategies. Our pairwise combination screen revealed SN38/erlotinib as the drug pair with the most robust synergism. Genome-wide CRISPR screening and a shRNA-based signature assay indicated that the genetic dependency/vulnerability signature of SN38/erlotinib is the same as SN38 alone. Additional investigation revealed that the enhanced cell death with improved death kinetics caused by the SN38/erlotinib combination is surprisingly due to erlotinib's off-target effect that inhibits ABCG2 but not its on-target effect on EGFR. Our results confirm that a genetic dependency signature different from the single-drug application may not be necessary for the synergistic interaction of molecular-targeted agents with conventional chemotherapeutics in gastric adenocarcinoma. The findings also demonstrated the efficacy of functional genomics approaches in unveiling biologically validated mechanisms of pharmacological interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozen Leylek
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, 34450 Turkiye
| | - Megan E Honeywell
- Department of Systems Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605 USA
| | - Michael J Lee
- Department of Systems Biology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605 USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605 USA
| | - Michael T Hemann
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
- MIT Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02139 USA
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Istanbul, 34450 Turkiye
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, 34450 Turkiye
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Kim Y, Lee HM. CRISPR-Cas System Is an Effective Tool for Identifying Drug Combinations That Provide Synergistic Therapeutic Potential in Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:2593. [PMID: 37998328 PMCID: PMC10670858 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222593] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous efforts, the therapeutic advancement for neuroblastoma and other cancer treatments is still ongoing due to multiple challenges, such as the increasing prevalence of cancers and therapy resistance development in tumors. To overcome such obstacles, drug combinations are one of the promising applications. However, identifying and implementing effective drug combinations are critical for achieving favorable treatment outcomes. Given the enormous possibilities of combinations, a rational approach is required to predict the impact of drug combinations. Thus, CRISPR-Cas-based and other approaches, such as high-throughput pharmacological and genetic screening approaches, have been used to identify possible drug combinations. In particular, the CRISPR-Cas system (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a powerful tool that enables us to efficiently identify possible drug combinations that can improve treatment outcomes by reducing the total search space. In this review, we discuss the rational approaches to identifying, examining, and predicting drug combinations and their impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyeong-Min Lee
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
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28
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Gevertz JL, Kareva I. Guiding model-driven combination dose selection using multi-objective synergy optimization. CPT Pharmacometrics Syst Pharmacol 2023; 12:1698-1713. [PMID: 37415306 PMCID: PMC10681518 DOI: 10.1002/psp4.12997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the growing appreciation that the future of cancer treatment lies in combination therapies, finding the right drugs to combine and the optimal way to combine them remains a nontrivial task. Herein, we introduce the Multi-Objective Optimization of Combination Synergy - Dose Selection (MOOCS-DS) method for using drug synergy as a tool for guiding dose selection for a combination of preselected compounds. This method decouples synergy of potency (SoP) and synergy of efficacy (SoE) and identifies Pareto optimal solutions in a multi-objective synergy space. Using a toy combination therapy model, we explore properties of the MOOCS-DS algorithm, including how optimal dose selection can be influenced by the metric used to define SoP and SoE. We also demonstrate the potential of our approach to guide dose and schedule selection using a model fit to preclinical data of the combination of the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and the anti-angiogenic drug bevacizumab on two lung cancer cell lines. The identification of optimally synergistic combination doses has the potential to inform preclinical experimental design and improve the success rates of combination therapies. Jel classificationDose Finding in Oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana L. Gevertz
- Department of Mathematics and StatisticsThe College of New JerseyEwingNew JerseyUSA
| | - Irina Kareva
- Quantitative Pharmacology Department, EMD SeronoMerck KGaABillericaMassachusettsUSA
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29
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Kim Y, Anburajan P, Kim H, Oh HS. Inhibiting Biofilm Formation via Simultaneous Application of Nitric Oxide and Quorum Quenching Bacteria. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:836. [PMID: 37888008 PMCID: PMC10608578 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Membrane biofouling is an inevitable challenge in membrane-based water treatment systems such as membrane bioreactors. Recent studies have shown that biological approaches based on bacterial signaling can effectively control biofilm formation. Quorum quenching (QQ) is known to inhibit biofilm growth by disrupting quorum sensing (QS) signaling, while nitric oxide (NO) signaling helps to disperse biofilms. In this study, batch biofilm experiments were conducted to investigate the impact of simultaneously applying NO signaling and QQ for biofilm control using Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 as a model microorganism. The NO treatment involved the injection of NONOates (NO donor compounds) into mature biofilms, while QQ was implemented by immobilizing QQ bacteria (Escherichia coli TOP10-AiiO or Rhodococcus sp. BH4) in alginate or polyvinyl alcohol/alginate beads to preserve the QQ activity. When QQ beads were applied together with (Z)-1-[N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-(n-propyl) amino]diazen-1-ium-1,2-diolate (PAPA NONOate), they achieved a 39.0% to 71.3% reduction in biofilm formation, which was substantially higher compared to their individual applications (16.0% to 54.4%). These findings highlight the significant potential of combining QQ and NO technologies for effective biofilm control across a variety of processes that require enhanced biofilm inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youkyoung Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Parthiban Anburajan
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Kim
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
| | - Hyun-Suk Oh
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea; (Y.K.); (P.A.); (H.K.)
- Institute of Environmental Technology, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea
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30
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Mortensen ACL, Berglund H, Hariri M, Papalanis E, Malmberg C, Spiegelberg D. Combination therapy of tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib with the HSP90 inhibitor onalespib as a novel treatment regimen for thyroid cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16844. [PMID: 37803074 PMCID: PMC10558458 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43486-z] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, affecting nearly 600,000 new patients worldwide. Treatment with the BRAF inhibitor sorafenib partially prolongs progression-free survival in thyroid cancer patients, but fails to improve overall survival. This study examines enhancing sorafenib efficacy by combination therapy with the novel HSP90 inhibitor onalespib. In vitro efficacy of sorafenib and onalespib monotherapy as well as in combination was assessed in papillary (PTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid cancer cells using cell viability and colony formation assays. Migration potential was studied in wound healing assays. The in vivo efficacy of sorafenib and onalespib therapy was evaluated in mice bearing BHT-101 xenografts. Sorafenib in combination with onalespib significantly inhibited PTC and ATC cell proliferation, decreased metabolic activity and cancer cell migration. In addition, the drug combination approach significantly inhibited tumor growth in the xenograft model and prolonged the median survival. Our results suggest that combination therapy with sorafenib and onalespib could be used as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of thyroid cancer, significantly improving the results obtained with sorafenib as monotherapy. This approach has the potential to reduce treatment adaptation while at the same time providing therapeutic anti-cancer benefits such as reducing tumor growth and metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Charlotte Lundgren Mortensen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Berglund
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mehran Hariri
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eleftherios Papalanis
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Diana Spiegelberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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31
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Pai FT, Lin WJ. Synergistic cytotoxicity of irinotecan combined with polysaccharide-based nanoparticles for colorectal carcinoma. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 153:213577. [PMID: 37572599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Functional polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with antitumor potential were combined with the topoisomerase I inhibitor, irinotecan (IRT), to enhance cytotoxicity against colorectal cancers. The negatively charged γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) or fucoidan (FCD) was complexed with the positively charged chitosan (CS) to encapsulate IRT. The size of the γ-PGA/CS/IRT NPs and FCD/CS/IRT NPs were 146.0 ± 8.0 nm and 230.8 ± 2.5 nm, respectively, with polydispersity index ≤0.3. The cellular uptake ability of FCD/CS-FITC NPs was better than that of γ-PGA/CS-FITC NPs, especially in p-selectin positive HCT116 colorectal cancer cells (4.8 ± 0.8 μg/mL vs 11.4 ± 2.2 μg/mL). The IC50 of FCD/CS/IRT NPs was 2.4 times lower than that of γ-PGA/CS/IRT NPs in HCT116 cells (4.8 ± 0.8 μg/mL vs 11.4 ± 2.2 μg/mL), indicating its superior antitumor potential. The combination of irinotecan and fucoidan-based NPs exhibited a synergistic effect (CI <1), resulting in better anticancer activity of FCD/CS/IRT NPs than irinotecan alone. The apoptosis-related proteins, caspase 3, caspase 9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), were prominently increased in FCD/CS/IRT NPs-treated HCT116 cells by 2.3 folds, 3.5 folds, and 6.3 folds, respectively. All results support that fucoidan-based irinotecan-loaded nanoparticles possess the ability to effectively enhance cellular uptake and induce synergistic apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Ting Pai
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan
| | - Wen Jen Lin
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan; Drug Research Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan.
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32
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Hussain Y, Singh J, Meena A, Sinha RA, Luqman S. Escin enhanced the efficacy of sorafenib by autophagy-mediated apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4819-4837. [PMID: 37468281 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Combining anti-cancer drugs has been exploited as promising treatment strategy to target lung cancer. Synergistic chemotherapies increase anti-cancer effect and reduce effective drug doses and side effects. In this study, therapeutic potential of escin in combination with sorafenib has been explored. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to calculate IC50 values. The synergy was evaluated using Chou-Talaly algorithm. Cellular reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, annexin V, and cell-cycle studies were done by flow-cytometer, and autophagy biomarkers expression were determined using western blotting. Moreover, autophagy was knocked down using ATG5 siRNA to confirm its role, diethylnitrosamine-induced lung cancer model was used to check the synergy of sorafenib/escin. Escin significantly reduced the IC50 of sorafenib in A549 and NCIH460 cells. The combination of sorafenib/escin produced a 2.95 and 5.45 dose reduction index for sorafenib in A549 and NCI-H460 cells. The combination of over-expressed p62 and LC3-II reflects autophagy block-mediated late apoptosis. This phenomenon was reconfirmed by ATG5 knockdown. This combination also selectively targeted G0/G1 phase of cancer cells. In in vivo study, the combination reduced tumour load and lower elevated serum biochemical parameters. The combination of sorafenib/escin synergistically inhibits autophagy to induce late apoptosis in lung cancer cells' G0/G1 phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Hussain
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Jyoti Singh
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abha Meena
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rohit Anthony Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Suaib Luqman
- Bioprospection and Product Development Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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33
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Miyagi MYS, de Oliveira Faria R, de Souza GB, Lameu C, Tagami T, Ozeki T, Bezzon VDN, Yukuyama MN, Bou-Chacra NA, de Araujo GLB. Optimizing adjuvant inhaled chemotherapy: Synergistic enhancement in paclitaxel cytotoxicity by flubendazole nanocrystals in a cycle model approach. Int J Pharm 2023; 644:123324. [PMID: 37591475 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. In addition to new innovative approaches, practical strategies that improve the efficacy of already available drugs are urgently needed. In this study, an inhalable dry powder formulation is used to repurpose flubendazole, a poorly soluble anthelmintic drug with potential against a variety of cancer lineages. Flubendazole nanocrystals were obtained through nanoprecipitation, and dry powder was produced by spray drying. Through fractional factorial design, the spray drying parameters were optimized and the impact of formulation on aerolization properties was clarified. The loading limitations were clarified through response surface methodology, and a 15% flubendazole loading was feasible through the addition of 20% L-leucine, leading to a flubendazole particle size of 388.6 nm, median mass aerodynamic diameter of 2.9 μm, 50.3% FPF, emitted dose of 83.2% and triple the initial solubility. Although the cytotoxicity of this formulation in A549 cells was limited, the formulation showed a synergistic effect when associated with paclitaxel, leading to a surprising 1000-fold reduction in the IC50. Compared to 3 cycles of paclitaxel alone, a 3-cycle model combined treatment increased the threshold of cytotoxicity by 25% for the same dose. Our study suggests, for the first time, that orally inhaled flubendazole nanocrystals show high potential as adjuvants to increase cytotoxic agents' potency and reduce adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Yasue Saito Miyagi
- Departamento de Farmácia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, 580, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Oliveira Faria
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 748, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Batista de Souza
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 748, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Claudiana Lameu
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, 748, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Tatsuaki Tagami
- Drug Delivery and Nano Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Ozeki
- Drug Delivery and Nano Pharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Vinícius Danilo Nonato Bezzon
- Departamento de Física, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, 786, Quatro Road, 35402-136 Ouro Preto, MG, Brazil
| | - Megumi Nishitani Yukuyama
- Departamento de Farmácia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, 580, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Nadia Araci Bou-Chacra
- Departamento de Farmácia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, 580, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Barros de Araujo
- Departamento de Farmácia, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, 580, Prof. Lineu Prestes Avenue, 05508-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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U Ferreira MJ. Natural Product-Derived Compounds for Targeting Multidrug Resistance in Cancer and Microorganisms. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14321. [PMID: 37762623 PMCID: PMC10531746 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products, characterized by huge scaffold diversity, complexity, and bioactivity, have long played a crucial role in drug discovery and development, particularly as anticancer and anti-infective agents [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-José U Ferreira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Stieglitz E, Gu CJ, Richardson M, Kita R, Santaguida MT, Ali KA, Strachan DC, Dhar A, Yam G, Anderson W, Anderson E, Hübner J, Tasian SK, Loh ML, Lacher MD. Tretinoin Enhances the Effects of Chemotherapy in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia Using an Ex Vivo Drug Sensitivity Assay. JCO Precis Oncol 2023; 7:e2300302. [PMID: 37944074 PMCID: PMC10645413 DOI: 10.1200/po.23.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy with myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative features. Curative treatment is restricted to hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. Fludarabine combined with cytarabine (FLA) and 5-azacitidine (AZA) monotherapy are commonly used pre-transplant therapies. Here, we present a drug screening strategy using a flow cytometry-based precision medicine platform to identify potential additional therapeutic vulnerabilities. METHODS We screened 120 dual- and 10 triple-drug combinations (DCs) on peripheral blood (n = 21) or bone marrow (n = 6) samples from 27 children with JMML to identify DCs more effectively reducing leukemic cells than the DCs' components on their own. If fewer leukemic cells survived a DC ex vivo treatment compared with that DC's most effective component alone, the drug effect was referred to as cooperative. The difference between the two resistant fractions is the effect size. RESULTS We identified 26 dual- and one triple-DC more effective than their components. The differentiation agent tretinoin (TRET; all-trans retinoic acid) reduced the resistant fraction of FLA in 19/21 (90%) samples (decrease from 15% [2%-61%] to 11% [2%-50%] with a mean effect size of 3.8% [0.5%-11%]), and of AZA in 19/25 (76%) samples (decrease from 69% [34%-100+%] to 47% [17%-83%] with a mean effect size of 16% [0.3%-40%]). Among the resistant fractions, the mean proportion of CD38+ cells increased from 7% (0.03%-25%; FLA) to 17% (0.3%-38%; FLA + TRET) or from 10% (0.2%-31%; AZA) to 51% (0.8%-88%; AZA + TRET). CONCLUSION TRET enhanced the effects of FLA and AZA in ex vivo assays with primary JMML samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Stieglitz
- University of California San Francisco, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juwita Hübner
- University of California San Francisco, Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sarah K. Tasian
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Oncology and Center for Childhood Cancer Research and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Mignon L. Loh
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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36
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Li Z, Bu D, Wang X, Zhu L, Lei D, Tang F, Sun X, Chen C, Ji X, Bai S. Chidamide and Oxaliplatin Synergistically Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Growth by Regulating the RPS27A-MDM2-P53 Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2023; 16:703-721. [PMID: 37667747 PMCID: PMC10475304 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s416824] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The present study explored the anti-tumor effects of chidamide plus oxaliplatin on colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined its underlying mechanism. Material and Methods First, the Combination Index (CI) of chidamide and oxaliplatin was evaluated via CCK-8 assay. Second, the effects of chidamide and oxaliplatin monotherapy and the combined treatment on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were detected. Third, whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to seek the potential targeted gene by which chidamide plus oxaliplatin exerted anti-tumor effects. Fourth, the validation of the targeted gene and the signal pathway it regulated were performed. Finally, the anti-tumor effect of chidamide plus oxaliplatin on mice xenograft was examined. Results Chidamide and oxaliplatin acted synergistically to inhibit CRC growth in vitro and in vivo (CI<1). Besides, compared with oxaliplatin monotherapy, chidamide could significantly enhance oxaliplatin-induced inhibition in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and promotion in HCT-116 and RKO cell apoptosis (P<0.05). The RNA-seq displayed that, compared to oxaliplatin monotherapy, RPS27A mRNA was evidently decreased in HCT-116 cells treated with chidamide plus oxaliplatin (P<0.001). Then, we found RPS27A was highly expressed in CRC tissues and CRC cell lines (P<0.001). Silence of RPS27A attenuated proliferation and induced apoptosis in HCT-116 and RKO cells via downregulation of MDM2 expression and upregulation of P53. Next, RPS27A overexpression could partially reverse chidamide plus oxaliplatin induced growth inhibition and apoptosis in HCT-116 and RKO cells (P<0.01). RPS27A overexpression could promote the upregulation of MDM2 and downregulation of P53 after the combined treatment of chidamide with oxaliplatin. Conclusion Chidamide and oxaliplatin acted synergistically to suppress CRC growth by the inhibition of the RPS27A-MDM2-p53 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaopeng Li
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deyong Bu
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Ultrasound, the Affiliated Nanchong Central Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daoyan Lei
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangchuan District People’s Hospital, Yuxi, Yunnan, 652600, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengling Tang
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianghua Sun
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiang Ji
- Department of Day Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Song Bai
- Department of Geriatric General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People’s Republic of China
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Zhou JB, Tang D, He L, Lin S, Lei JH, Sun H, Xu X, Deng CX. Machine learning model for anti-cancer drug combinations: Analysis, prediction, and validation. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106830. [PMID: 37343647 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug combination therapy is a highly effective approach for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer drugs and overcoming drug resistance. However, the innumerable possible drug combinations make it impractical to screen all synergistic drug pairs. Moreover, biological insights into synergistic drug pairs are still lacking. To address this challenge, we systematically analyzed drug combination datasets curated from multiple databases to identify drug pairs more likely to show synergy. We classified drug pairs based on their MoA and discovered that 110 MoA pairs were significantly enriched in synergy in at least one type of cancer. To improve the accuracy of predicting synergistic effects of drug pairs, we developed a suite of machine learning models that achieve better predictive performance. Unlike most previous methods that were rarely validated by wet-lab experiments, our models were validated using two-dimensional cell lines and three-dimensional tumor slice culture (3D-TSC) models, implying their practical utility. Our prediction and validation results indicated that the combination of the RTK inhibitors Lapatinib and Pazopanib exhibited a strong therapeutic effect in breast cancer by blocking the downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, we incorporated molecular features to identify potential biomarkers for synergistic drug pairs, and almost all potential biomarkers found connections between drug targets and corresponding molecular features using protein-protein interaction network. Overall, this study provides valuable insights to complement and guide rational efforts to develop drug combination treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Bo Zhou
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Dongyang Tang
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Lin He
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shiqi Lin
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Josh Haipeng Lei
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; MOE Frontier Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; Centre for Precision Medicine Research and Training, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China; MOE Frontier Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
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Mahmoud M, Richter P, Lebert M, Burkovski A. Photodynamic Activity of Chlorophyllin and Polyethylenimine on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Planktonic, Biofilm and Persister Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12098. [PMID: 37569471 PMCID: PMC10419130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation is considered a promising antimicrobial approach that may not develop resistance in the near future. Here, we investigate the influence of the photosensitizer chlorophyllin (CHL) and the cationic permeabilizer polyethylenimine (PEI), exposed to a red light-emitting diode, on the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa free-living planktonic cells, the sessile biofilm and persister cells. The broth microdilution checkerboard method was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility. As a substrate for biofilms, the Calgary biofilm device was used, and the quantification of the biofilm biomass was carried out using a crystal violet assay. Serine hydroxamate was used for the induction of persisters. Our findings reveal that PEI ameliorates the antimicrobial activity of CHL against P. aeruginosa planktonic and biofilm states, and the concentration required to eradicate the bacteria in the biofilm is more than fourfold that is required to eradicate planktonic cells. Interestingly, the persister cells are more susceptible to CHL/PEI (31.25/100 µg mL-1) than the growing cells by 1.7 ± 0.12 and 0.4 ± 0.1 log10 reduction, respectively, after 15 min of illumination. These data demonstrate that CHL excited with red light together with PEI is promising for the eradication of P. aeruginosa, and the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to CHL/PEI is influenced by the concentrations and the exposure time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Mahmoud
- Department of Biology, Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (M.M.); (A.B.)
- Dairy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Cell Biology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Cell Biology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany;
- Space Biology Unlimited S.A.S., 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Andreas Burkovski
- Department of Biology, Microbiology Division, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (M.M.); (A.B.)
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Harrison F, Blower A, de Wolf C, Connelly E. Sweet and sour synergy: exploring the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of acetic acid and vinegar combined with medical-grade honeys. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001351. [PMID: 37435775 PMCID: PMC10433418 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Oxymel, a combination of honey and vinegar, has been used as a remedy for wounds and infections in historical and traditional medical settings. While honey is now clinically used to treat infected wounds, this use of a complex, raw natural product (NP) mixture is unusual in modern western medicine. Research into the antimicrobial activity of NPs more usually focuses on finding a single active compound. The acetic acid in vinegar is known to have antibacterial activity at low concentrations and is in clinical use to treat burn wound infections. Here, we investigated the potential for synergistic activity of different compounds present in a complex ingredient used in historical medicine (vinegar) and in an ingredient mixture (oxymel). We conducted a systematic review to investigate published evidence for antimicrobial effects of vinegars against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. No published studies have explicitly compared the activity of vinegar with that of a comparable concentration of acetic acid. We then characterized selected vinegars by HPLC and assessed the antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of the vinegars and acetic acid, alone and in combination with medical-grade honeys, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. We found that some vinegars have antibacterial activity that exceeds that predicted by their acetic acid content alone, but that this depends on the bacterial species being investigated and the growth conditions (media type, planktonic vs. biofilm). Pomegranate vinegars may be particularly interesting candidates for further study. We also conclude that there is potential for acetic acid, and some vinegars, to show synergistic antibiofilm activity with manuka honey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Anisa Blower
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Christopher de Wolf
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Warwick Integrative Synthetic Biology Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Erin Connelly
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
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Nishikubo K, Ohgaki R, Liu X, Okanishi H, Xu M, Endou H, Kanai Y. Combination effects of amino acid transporter LAT1 inhibitor nanvuranlat and cytotoxic anticancer drug gemcitabine on pancreatic and biliary tract cancer cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:116. [PMID: 37322479 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02957-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cytotoxic anticancer drugs widely used in cancer chemotherapy have some limitations, such as the development of side effects and drug resistance. Furthermore, monotherapy is often less effective against heterogeneous cancer tissues. Combination therapies of cytotoxic anticancer drugs with molecularly targeted drugs have been pursued to solve such fundamental problems. Nanvuranlat (JPH203 or KYT-0353), an inhibitor for L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1; SLC7A5), has novel mechanisms of action to suppress the cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth by inhibiting the transport of large neutral amino acids into cancer cells. This study investigated the potential of the combined use of nanvuranlat and cytotoxic anticancer drugs. METHODS The combination effects of cytotoxic anticancer drugs and nanvuranlat on cell growth were examined by a water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay in two-dimensional cultures of pancreatic and biliary tract cancer cell lines. To elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the combination of gemcitabine and nanvuranlat, we investigated apoptotic cell death and cell cycle by flow cytometry. The phosphorylation levels of amino acid-related signaling pathways were analyzed by Western blot. Furthermore, growth inhibition was examined in cancer cell spheroids. RESULTS All the tested seven types of cytotoxic anticancer drugs combined with nanvuranlat significantly inhibited the cell growth of pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells compared to their single treatment. Among them, the combined effects of gemcitabine and nanvuranlat were relatively high and confirmed in multiple pancreatic and biliary tract cell lines in two-dimensional cultures. The growth inhibitory effects were suggested to be additive but not synergistic under the tested conditions. Gemcitabine generally induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptotic cell death, while nanvuranlat induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and affected amino acid-related mTORC1 and GAAC signaling pathways. In combination, each anticancer drug basically exerted its own pharmacological activities, although gemcitabine more strongly influenced the cell cycle than nanvuranlat. The combination effects of growth inhibition were also verified in cancer cell spheroids. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the potential of first-in-class LAT1 inhibitor nanvuranlat as a concomitant drug with cytotoxic anticancer drugs, especially gemcitabine, on pancreatic and biliary tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kou Nishikubo
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Ohgaki
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Xingming Liu
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroki Okanishi
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Minhui Xu
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.
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Maset RG, Hapeshi A, Lapage J, Harrington N, Littler J, Perrier S, Harrison F. Combining SNAPs with antibiotics shows enhanced synergistic efficacy against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2023; 9:36. [PMID: 37291132 PMCID: PMC10250483 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-023-00401-8] [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: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm infections are associated with a high mortality risk for patients. Antibiotics perform poorly against biofilm communities, so high doses and prolonged treatments are often used in clinical settings. We investigated the pairwise interactions of two synthetic nano-engineered antimicrobial polymers (SNAPs). The g-D50 copolymer was synergistic with penicillin and silver sulfadiazine against planktonic Staphylococcus aureus USA300 in synthetic wound fluid. Furthermore, the combination of g-D50 and silver sulfadiazine showed a potent synergistic antibiofilm activity against S. aureus USA300 using in vitro and ex vivo wound biofilm models. The a-T50 copolymer was synergistic with colistin against planktonic Pseudomonas aeruginosa in synthetic cystic fibrosis medium, and this pair showed a potent synergistic antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa in an ex vivo cystic fibrosis lung model. SNAPs thus have the potential for increased antibiofilm performance in combination with certain antibiotics to shorten prolonged treatments and reduce dosages against biofilm infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexia Hapeshi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - John Lapage
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Niamh Harrington
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZV, UK
| | - Jenny Littler
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Sébastien Perrier
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Freya Harrison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
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Fuentealba-Manosalva O, Mansilla M, Buelvas N, Martin-Martin A, Torres CG, López-Muñoz RA. Mind the Curve: Dose-Response Fitting Biases the Synergy Scores across Software Used for Chemotherapy Combination Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119705. [PMID: 37298656 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119705] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug combinations are increasingly studied in the field of anticancer agents. Mathematical models, such as Loewe, Bliss, and HSA, are used to interpret drug combinations, while informatics tools help cancer researchers identify the most effective combinations. However, the different algorithms each software uses lead to results that do not always correlate. This study compared the performance of Combenefit (Ver. 2.021) and SynergyFinder (Ver. 3.6) in analyzing drug synergy by studying combinations involving non-steroidal analgesics (celecoxib and indomethacin) and antitumor drugs (carboplatin, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine) on two canine mammary tumor cell lines. The drugs were characterized, their optimal concentration-response ranges were determined, and nine concentrations of each drug were used to make combination matrices. Viability data were analyzed under the HSA, Loewe, and Bliss models. Celecoxib-based combinations showed the most consistent synergistic effect among software and reference models. Combination heatmaps revealed that Combenefit gave stronger synergy signals, while SynergyFinder produced better concentration-response fitting. When the average values of the combination matrices were compared, some combinations shifted from synergistic to antagonistic due to differences in the curve fitting. We also used a simulated dataset to normalize each software's synergy scores, finding that Combenefit tends to increase the distance between synergistic and antagonistic combinations. We conclude that concentration-response data fitting biases the direction of the combination (synergistic or antagonistic). In contrast, the scoring from each software increases the differences among synergistic or antagonistic combinations in Combenefit when compared to SynergyFinder. We strongly recommend using multiple reference models and reporting complete data analysis for synergy claiming in combination studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Fuentealba-Manosalva
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - Matías Mansilla
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - Neudo Buelvas
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - Antonia Martin-Martin
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
| | - Cristian G Torres
- Departamento de Ciencias Clínicas, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
- Laboratorio Centralizado de Investigación Veterinaria (LaCIV), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8820808, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A López-Muñoz
- Instituto de Farmacología y Morfofisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia 5110566, Chile
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Liu H, Fan Z, Lin J, Yang Y, Ran T, Chen H. The recent progress of deep-learning-based in silico prediction of drug combination. Drug Discov Today 2023:103625. [PMID: 37236526 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2023.103625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Drug combination therapy has become a common strategy for the treatment of complex diseases. There is an urgent need for computational methods to efficiently identify appropriate drug combinations owing to the high cost of experimental screening. In recent years, deep learning has been widely used in the field of drug discovery. Here, we provide a comprehensive review on deep-learning-based drug combination prediction algorithms from multiple aspects. Current studies highlight the flexibility of this technology in integrating multimodal data and the ability to achieve state-of-art performance; it is expected that deep-learning-based prediction of drug combinations should play an important part in future drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Liu
- Department of Drug and Vaccine Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 513000, China; College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Zhiguang Fan
- Department of Drug and Vaccine Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 513000, China; School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Drug and Vaccine Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 513000, China
| | - Yuedong Yang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China.
| | - Ting Ran
- Department of Drug and Vaccine Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 513000, China.
| | - Hongming Chen
- Department of Drug and Vaccine Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou 513000, China.
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Henderson CJ, McLaren AW, Kapelyukh Y, Wolf CR. Improving the predictive power of xenograft and syngeneic anti-tumour studies using mice humanised for pathways of drug metabolism. F1000Res 2023; 11:1081. [PMID: 37065929 PMCID: PMC10090862 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.122987.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug development is an expensive and time-consuming process, with only a small fraction of drugs gaining regulatory approval from the often many thousands of candidates identified during target validation. Once a lead compound has been identified and optimised, they are subject to intensive pre-clinical research to determine their pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties, procedures which inevitably involve significant numbers of animals - mainly mice and rats, but also dogs and monkeys in much smaller numbers and for specific types of drug candidates. Many compounds that emerge from this process, having been shown to be safe and efficacious in pre-clinical studies, subsequently fail to replicate this outcome in clinical trials, therefore wasting time, money and, most importantly, animals. Due to high rates of metabolism and a differing spectrum of metabolites (some pharmacologically active) in rodents, species differences in drug metabolism can be a major impediment to drug discovery programmes and confound the extrapolation of animal data to humans. To circumvent this, we have developed a complex transgenic mouse model – 8HUM - which faithfully replicates human Phase I drug metabolism (and its regulation), and which will generate more human-relevant data from fewer animals in a pre-clinical setting and reduce attrition in the clinic. One key area for the pre-clinical application of animals in an oncology setting – almost exclusively mice - is their use in anti-tumour studies. We now further demonstrate the utility of the 8HUM mouse using a murine melanoma cell line as a syngeneic tumour and also present an immunodeficient version 8HUM_Rag2 -/- - for use in xenograft studies. These models will be of significant benefit not only to Pharma for pre-clinical drug development work, but also throughout the drug efficacy, toxicology, pharmacology, and drug metabolism communities, where fewer animals will be needed to generate more human-relevant data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. Henderson
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Aileen W. McLaren
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Yury Kapelyukh
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - C. Roland Wolf
- Division of Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Tayside, DD1 9SY, UK
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Atorvastatin and Nitrofurantoin Repurposed in the Context of Breast Cancer and Neuroblastoma Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11030903. [PMID: 36979882 PMCID: PMC10046192 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy still plays a central role in the treatment of cancer. However, it is often accompanied by off-target effects that result in severe side-effects and development of drug resistance. The aim of this work was to study the efficacy of different repurposed drugs on the viability of MCF-7 and SH-SY5Y breast cancer and neuroblastoma cells, respectively. In addition, combinations of these repurposed drugs with a classical chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin) were also carried out. The cytotoxic effects of the repurposed drugs were evaluated individually and in combination in both cancer cell lines, assessed by MTT assays and morphological evaluation of the cells. The results demonstrated that atorvastatin reduced the viability of both cell lines. However, nitrofurantoin was able to induce cytotoxic effects in MCF-7 cells, but not in SH-SY5Y cells. The combinations of the repurposed drugs with doxorubicin induced a higher inhibition on cell viability than the repurposed drugs individually. The combination of the two repurposed drugs demonstrated that they potentiate each other. Synergism studies revealed that the combination of doxorubicin with the two repurposed drugs was more effective in SH-SY5Y cells, compared to MCF-7 cells. Taken together, our preliminary study highlights the potential use of atorvastatin and nitrofurantoin in the context of breast cancer and neuroblastoma.
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Thanh Nguyen TD, Wang Y, Bui TN, Lazcano R, Ingram DR, Yi M, Vakulabharanam V, Luo L, Pina MA, Karakas C, Li M, Kettner NM, Somaiah N, Hougton PJ, Mawlawi O, Lazar AJ, Hunt KK, Keyomarsi K. Sequential Targeting of Retinoblastoma and DNA Synthesis Pathways Is a Therapeutic Strategy for Sarcomas That Can Be Monitored in Real Time. Cancer Res 2023; 83:939-955. [PMID: 36603130 PMCID: PMC10023441 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-2258] [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: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Treatment strategies with a strong scientific rationale based on specific biomarkers are needed to improve outcomes in patients with advanced sarcomas. Suppression of cell-cycle progression through reactivation of the tumor suppressor retinoblastoma (Rb) using CDK4/6 inhibitors is a potential avenue for novel targeted therapies in sarcomas that harbor intact Rb signaling. Here, we evaluated combination treatment strategies (sequential and concomitant) with the CDK4/6 inhibitor abemacicib to identify optimal combination strategies. Expression of Rb was examined in 1,043 sarcoma tumor specimens, and 50% were found to be Rb-positive. Using in vitro and in vivo models, an effective two-step sequential combination strategy was developed. Abemaciclib was used first to prime Rb-positive sarcoma cells to reversibly arrest in G1 phase. Upon drug removal, cells synchronously traversed to S phase, where a second treatment with S-phase targeted agents (gemcitabine or Wee1 kinase inhibitor) mediated a synergistic response by inducing DNA damage. The response to treatment could be noninvasively monitored using real-time positron emission tomography imaging and serum thymidine kinase activity. Collectively, these results show that a novel, sequential treatment strategy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor followed by a DNA-damaging agent was effective, resulting in synergistic tumor cell killing. This approach can be readily translated into a clinical trial with noninvasive functional imaging and serum biomarkers as indicators of response and cell cycling. SIGNIFICANCE An innovative sequential therapeutic strategy targeting Rb, followed by treatment with agents that perturb DNA synthesis pathways, results in synergistic killing of Rb-positive sarcomas that can be noninvasively monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyen Duong Thanh Nguyen
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Tuyen N. Bui
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rossana Lazcano
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Davis R. Ingram
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Min Yi
- Departments of Breast Surgical Oncology and Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | | | - Linjie Luo
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Marc A. Pina
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cansu Karakas
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mi Li
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Nicole M. Kettner
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Neeta Somaiah
- Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Peter J. Hougton
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute and Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Heath Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Osama Mawlawi
- Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alexander J. Lazar
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kelly K. Hunt
- Departments of Breast Surgical Oncology and Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Pogorzelska A, Mazur M, Świtalska M, Wietrzyk J, Sigorski D, Fronczyk K, Wiktorska K. Anticancer effect and safety of doxorubicin and nutraceutical sulforaphane liposomal formulation in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) animal model. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114490. [PMID: 36931031 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer is the most deadly cancer in women worldwide. The triple-negative breast cancer subtype therapies, due to the lack of specific drug targets, are still based on systemic chemotherapy with doxorubicin, which is burdened with severe adverse effects. To enhance therapeutic success and protect against systemic toxicity, drug carriers or combination therapy are being developed. Thus, an innovative liposomal formulation containing doxorubicin and the main nutraceutical, sulforaphane, has been developed. The anticancer efficacy and safety of the proposed liposomal formulation was evaluated in vivo, in a 4T1 mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer, and the mechanism of action was determined in vitro, using triple-negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 and non-tumorigenic breast MCF-10A cell line. The elaborated drug carriers were shown to efficiently deliver both compounds into the cancer cell and direct doxorubicin to the cell nucleus. Incorporation of sulforaphane resulted in a twofold inhibition of tumor growth and the potential of up to a fourfold reduction in doxorubicin concentration due to the synergistic interaction between the two compounds. Sulforaphane was shown to increase the accumulation of doxorubicin in the nuclei of cancer cells, accompanied by inhibition of mitosis, without affecting the reactive oxygen species status of the cell. In normal cells, an antagonistic effect resulting in less cytotoxicity was observed. In vivo results showed that sulforaphane incorporation yielded not only cardioprotective, but also nephro- and hepatoprotective effects. The results of the research revealed the prospects of applying sulforaphane as a component of liposomal doxorubicin in triple-negative breast cancer chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pogorzelska
- Laboratory of Translation Research, Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland
| | - Maciej Mazur
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Ludwika Pasteura 1, Warsaw 02-093, Poland
| | - Marta Świtalska
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, Wrocław 53-114, Poland
| | - Joanna Wietrzyk
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, Wrocław 53-114, Poland
| | - Dawid Sigorski
- Department of Oncology, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury, Al. Wojska Polskiego 37, Olsztyn 10-228, Poland; Department of Oncology and Immuno-Oncology, Warmian-Masurian Cancer Center of The Ministry of The Interior and Administration's Hospital, Al. Wojska Polskiego 37, Olsztyn 10-228, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fronczyk
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Stawki 5/7, Warsaw 00-183, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Wiktorska
- Laboratory of Translation Research, Department of Biomedical Research, National Medicines Institute, Chełmska 30/34, Warsaw 00-725, Poland.
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Hu X, Shui Y, Hirano H, Kusano K, Guo WZ, Fujino M, Li XK. PD-L1 antibody enhanced β-glucan antitumor effects via blockade of the immune checkpoints in a melanoma model. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:719-731. [PMID: 36053290 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03276-4] [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: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment (TME), one of the major functions of tumor-recruited CD11b+ cells are the suppression of the T-cell-mediated anti-tumor immune response. β-glucan could convert the phenotype of tumor-recruited CD11b+ cells from the suppressive to the promotive, and enhanced their anti-tumor effects. However, β-glucan could enhance the PD-1/PD-L1 expression on CD11b+ cells, while PD-1 could inhibit macrophage phagocytosis and PD-L1 could induce a co-inhibitory signal in T-cells and lead to T-cell apoptosis and anergy. These protumor effects may be reversed by PD-1/PD-L1 block therapy. In the present study, we focused on the efficacy of β-glucan anti-tumor therapy combined with anti-PD-L1 mAb treatment, and the mechanism of their synergistic effects could be fully verified. We verified the effect of β-glucan (i.e., inflammatory cytokine secretion of TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6, IL-1β and the expression of immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1) in naïve mouse peritoneal exudate CD11b+ cells. In our mouse melanoma model, treatment with a PD-L1 blocking antibody with β-glucan synergized tumor regression. After treatment with β-glucan and anti-PD-L1 mAb antibody, tumor infiltrating leukocyte (TILs) not only showed a competent T-cell function (CD107a, perforin, IL-2, IFN-γ and Ki67) and CTL population, but also showed enhanced tumor-recruited CD11b+ cell activity (IL-12, IL-6, IL-1β and PD-1). This effect was also verified in the peritoneal exudate CD11b+ cells of tumor-bearing mice. PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy enhanced the β-glucan antitumor effects via the blockade of tumor-recruited CD11b+ cell immune checkpoints in the melanoma model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Yifang Shui
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan.,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hiroshi Hirano
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | | | - Wen-Zhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Masayuki Fujino
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan. .,Laboratory Animal, and Pathogen Bank, Management Department of Biosafety, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23-1, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8640, Japan.
| | - Xiao-Kang Li
- Division of Transplantation Immunology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan. .,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Genetic mutations affecting mitochondrial function in cancer drug resistance. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:261-270. [PMID: 36609747 PMCID: PMC9947062 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01359-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles that serve as a central hub for physiological processes in eukaryotes, including production of ATP, regulation of calcium dependent signaling, generation of ROS, and regulation of apoptosis. Cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming in an effort to support their increasing requirements for cell survival, growth, and proliferation, and mitochondria have primary roles in these processes. Because of their central function in survival of cancer cells and drug resistance, mitochondria are an important target in cancer therapy and many drugs targeting mitochondria that target the TCA cycle, apoptosis, metabolic pathway, and generation of ROS have been developed. Continued use of mitochondrial-targeting drugs can lead to resistance due to development of new somatic mutations. Use of drugs is limited due to these mutations, which have been detected in mitochondrial proteins. In this review, we will focus on genetic mutations in mitochondrial target proteins and their function in induction of drug-resistance.
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Dual Effect of Chemo-PDT with Tumor Targeting Nanoparticles Containing iRGD Peptide. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020614. [PMID: 36839936 PMCID: PMC9959063 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology, including self-aggregated nanoparticles, has shown high effectiveness in the treatment of solid tumors. To overcome the limitations of conventional cancer therapies and promote therapeutic efficacy, a combination of PDT and chemotherapy can be considered an effective strategy for cancer treatment. This study presents the development of tumor-targeting polysialic acid (PSA) nanoparticles for chemo-PDT to increase the cellular uptake and cytotoxic effect in cancer cells. Chlorin e6 (Ce6), a photosensitizer, and the iRGD peptide (sequence; cCRGDKGPDC) were conjugated to the amine of N-deacetylated PSA. They generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially singlet oxygen (1O2), and target integrin αvβ3 on the cancer cell surface. To offer a chemotherapeutic effect, doxorubicin (Dox) was assembled into the core of hydrophobically modified PSA by connecting it with Ce6; this was followed by its sustained release from the nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are able to generate ROS under 633 nm visible-light irradiation, resulting in the strong cytotoxicity of Dox with anticancer effects in HCT116 cells. PSA nanoparticles with the dual effect of chemo-PDT improve conventional PDT, which has a poor ability to deliver photosensitizers to cancer cells. Using their combination with Dox chemotherapy, rapid removal of cancer cells can be expected.
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