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Chatterjee D, Bhattacharya S, Kumari L, Datta A. Aptamers: ushering in new hopes in targeted glioblastoma therapy. J Drug Target 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38923419 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2373306] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a formidable brain cancer, has remained a therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments. Recent data indicate that aptamers, short synthetic DNA or RNA molecules can be used in anti-cancer therapy due to their better tumour penetration, specific binding affinity, longer retention in tumour sites and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. With the ability to modify these oligonucleotides through the selection process, and using rational design to modify them, post-SELEX aptamers offer several advantages in glioblastoma treatment, including precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This review discusses the pivotal role of aptamers in glioblastoma therapy and diagnosis, emphasising their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and also highlights recent advancements in aptamer-based therapies which can transform the landscape of glioblastoma treatment, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Srijan Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Leena Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Aparna Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
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2
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Sarkar S, Greer J, Marlowe NJ, Medvid A, Ivan ME, Kolishetti N, Dhar S. Stemness, invasion, and immunosuppression modulation in recurrent glioblastoma using nanotherapy. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1976. [PMID: 39091260 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1976] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The recurrent nature of glioblastoma negatively impacts conventional treatment strategies leading to a growing need for nanomedicine. Nanotherapeutics, an approach designed to deliver drugs to specific sites, is experiencing rapid growth and gaining immense popularity. Having potential in reaching the hard-to-reach disease sites, this field has the potential to show high efficacy in combatting glioblastoma progression. The presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) is a major factor behind the poor prognosis of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Stemness potential, heterogeneity, and self-renewal capacity, are some of the properties that make GSCs invade across the distant regions of the brain. Despite advances in medical technology and MRI-guided maximal surgical resection, not all GSCs residing in the brain can be removed, leading to recurrent disease. The aggressiveness of GBM is often correlated with immune suppression, where the T-cells are unable to infiltrate the cancer initiating GSCs. Standard of care therapies, including surgery and chemotherapy in combination with radiation therapy, have failed to tackle all the challenges of the GSCs, making it increasingly important for researchers to develop strategies to tackle their growth and proliferation and reduce the recurrence of GBM. Here, we will focus on the advancements in the field of nanomedicine that has the potential to show positive impact in managing glioblastoma tumor microenvironment. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrita Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica Greer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Marlowe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Angeline Medvid
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael E Ivan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nagesh Kolishetti
- Department of Immunology and Nano-Medicine, Herbert Wertheim, College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Institute of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Miami, Florida International University, Florida, USA
| | - Shanta Dhar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
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3
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Zwain T, Alder JE, Zwayen S, Shaw A, Burrow AJ, Singh KK. Overcoming biological barriers BBB/BBTB by designing PUFA functionalised lipid-based nanocarriers for glioblastoma targeted therapy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 155:213660. [PMID: 37976832 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213660] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A major obstacle for chemotherapeutics in Glioblastoma (GB) is to reach the tumour cells due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and chemoresistance of anticancer drugs. The present study reports two polyunsaturated fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) appended nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of a CNS negative chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel (DTX) for targeted delivery to GB. The ligand appended DTX-NLCs demonstrated particle size < 160 nm, PDI < 0.29 and a negative surface charge. The successful linkage of GLA (41 %) and ALA (30 %) ligand conjugation to DTX- NLCs was confirmed by diminished surface amino groups on the NLCs, lower surface charge and FTIR profiling. Fluorophore labelled GLA-DTX-NLCs and ALA-DTX-NLCs permeated the in-vitro 3D BBB model with Papp values of 1.8 × 10-3 and 1.9 × 10-3 cm/s respectively. Following permeation, both formulations showed enhanced uptake by GB immortalised cells while ALA-DTX-NLCs showed higher uptake in patient-derived GB cells as evidenced in an in-vitro 3D blood brain tumour barrier (BBTB) model. Both surface functionalised formulations showed higher internalisation in GB cells as compared to bare DTX-NLCs. ALA-DTX-NLCs and GLA-DTX-NLCs showed 13.9-fold and 6.8-fold higher DTX activity respectively at 24 h as indicated by IC50 values when tested in patient-derived GB cells. ALA-DTX-NLCs displayed better efficacy than GLA-DTX-NLCs when tested against 3D tumour spheroids and patient-derived cells. These novel formulations will contribute widely to overcoming biological barriers for treating glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Zwain
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom; Biomedical Evidence based Transdisciplinary (BEST) Health Research Institute, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Elizabeth Alder
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Suha Zwayen
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom; Precision NanoSystems, 50 655 West Kent Avenue North, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6T7, Canada
| | - Andrew Shaw
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea J Burrow
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom; Biomedical Evidence based Transdisciplinary (BEST) Health Research Institute, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalinder K Singh
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom; Biomedical Evidence based Transdisciplinary (BEST) Health Research Institute, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.
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Giles B, Nakhjavani M, Wiesa A, Knight T, Shigdar S, Samarasinghe RM. Unravelling the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment: Can Aptamer Targeted Delivery Become Successful in Treating Brain Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4376. [PMID: 37686652 PMCID: PMC10487158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174376] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The key challenges to treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the heterogeneous and complex nature of the GBM tumour microenvironment (TME) and difficulty of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The TME is composed of various neuronal and immune cells, as well as non-cellular components, including metabolic products, cellular interactions, and chemical compositions, all of which play a critical role in GBM development and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we aim to unravel the complexity of the GBM TME, evaluate current therapeutics targeting this microenvironment, and lastly identify potential targets and therapeutic delivery vehicles for the treatment of GBM. Specifically, we explore the potential of aptamer-targeted delivery as a successful approach to treating brain cancers. Aptamers have emerged as promising therapeutic drug delivery vehicles with the potential to cross the BBB and deliver payloads to GBM and brain metastases. By targeting specific ligands within the TME, aptamers could potentially improve treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges associated with larger therapies such as antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Giles
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Maryam Nakhjavani
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Andrew Wiesa
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Tareeque Knight
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rasika M. Samarasinghe
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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5
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Chen M, Kim B, Robertson N, Mondal SK, Medarova Z, Moore A. Co-administration of temozolomide (TMZ) and the experimental therapeutic targeting miR-10b, profoundly affects the tumorigenic phenotype of human glioblastoma cells. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1179343. [PMID: 37398551 PMCID: PMC10311069 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1179343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Recent studies have shown that miRNA-10b is highly expressed in high-grade glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), and its inhibition leads to deregulation of multiple pathways in tumorigenesis, resulting in repression of tumor growth and increased apoptosis. Thus, we hypothesized that suppressing miR-10b could enhance the cytotoxicity of conventional GBM chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). Methods: Inhibition of miR-10b in glioblastoma cells was achieved using an experimental therapeutic consisting of anti-miR10b antagomirs conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles (termed MN-anti-miR10b). The nanoparticles serve as delivery vehicles for the antagomirs as well as imaging reporters guiding the delivery in future animal studies. Results: Treatment of U251 and LN229 human glioblastoma cells with MN-anti-miR10b led to inhibition of miR-10b accompanied by repression of growth and increase in apoptosis. We next explored whether MN-anti-miR10b could enhance the cytotoxic effect of TMZ. During these studies, we unexpectedly found that TMZ monotherapy increased miR-10b expression and changed the expression of corresponding miR-10b targets. This discovery led to the design of a sequence-dependent combination treatment, in which miR-10b inhibition and induction of apoptosis by MN-anti-miR10b was followed by a sub-therapeutic dose of TMZ, which caused cell cycle arrest and ultimately cell death. This combination was highly successful in significant enhancement of apoptosis and decrease in cell migration and invasiveness. Discussion: Considering the unexpected effects of TMZ on miR-10b expression and possible implications on its clinical application, we reasoned that comprehensive in vitro studies were warranted before embarking on studies in animals. These intriguing findings serve as a solid foundation for future in vivo studies and offer promise for the successful treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Bryan Kim
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Neil Robertson
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Sujan Kumar Mondal
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Anna Moore
- Precision Health Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Kesharwani P, Sahebkar A. Aptamers against cancer drug resistance: Small fighters switching tactics in the face of defeat. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166720. [PMID: 37062453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Discovering novel cancer therapies has attracted extreme interest in the last decade. In this regard, multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapies is the primary challenge in cancer treatment. Cancerous cells are growingly become resistant to existing chemotherapeutics by employing diverse mechanisms, highlighting the significance of discovering approaches to overcome MDR. One promising strategy is utilizing aptamers as unique tools to target elements or signalings incorporated in resistance mechanisms or develop active targeted drug delivery systems or chimeras enabling the precise delivery of novel agents to inhibit the conventionally undruggable resistance elements. Further, due to their advantages over their proteinaceous counterparts, particularly antibodies, including improved targeting action, enhanced thermal stability, easier production, and superior tumor penetration, aptamers are emerging and have frequently been considered for developing cancer therapeutics. Here, we highlighted significant chemoresistance pathways and thoroughly discussed using aptamers as prospective tools to surmount cancer MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India.
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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7
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Biao L, Liu J, Hu X, Xiang W, Hou W, Li C, Wang J, Yao K, Tang J, Long Z, Long W, Liu J. Recent advances in aptamer-based therapeutic strategies for targeting cancer stem cells. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100605. [PMID: 36969696 PMCID: PMC10034522 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be the main cause of chemotherapy resistance and tumor relapse. Various therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs have been developed recently. Aptamers, also called "chemical antibodies", can specifically bind with their molecular targets through special tertiary structures. The advantages of aptamers, such as lower immunogenicity and smaller size, make them superior to conventional antibodies. Therefore, aptamers have been used widely as targeting ligands for CSC-targeted therapeutic strategies in different tumor types. To date, various therapeutic cargoes have been conjugated to aptamers to kill CSCs, such as chemotherapy drugs, small interfering RNAs, and microRNAs. Aptamer-based targeted therapies for CSCs have made great progress in recent years, especially the development of multifunctional aptamer-based therapeutic strategies. Besides, cell-systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment has been applied to screen new aptamers that might have a higher binding ability for CSCs. In this review, we focus on recent advances and introduce some new modalities of aptamer-drug conjugates against CSCs. Some considerations of the advantages and limitations of different aptamer-based targeted therapies for CSCs are also discussed.
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8
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He J, Duan Q, Ran C, Fu T, Liu Y, Tan W. Recent progress of aptamer‒drug conjugates in cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1358-1370. [PMID: 37139427 PMCID: PMC10150127 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that can specifically bind with the target protein or molecule via specific secondary structures. Compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), aptamer‒drug conjugate (ApDC) is also an efficient, targeted drug for cancer therapy with a smaller size, higher chemical stability, lower immunogenicity, faster tissue penetration, and facile engineering. Despite all these advantages, several key factors have delayed the clinical translation of ApDC, such as in vivo off-target effects and potential safety issues. In this review, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of ApDC and discuss solutions to the problems noted above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan He
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Qiao Duan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ting Fu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Weihong Tan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Corresponding authors.
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9
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Nasrolahi A, Azizidoost S, Radoszkiewicz K, Najafi S, Ghaedrahmati F, Anbiyaee O, Khoshnam SE, Farzaneh M, Uddin S. Signaling pathways governing glioma cancer stem cells behavior. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110493. [PMID: 36228964 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumor that develops in the glial tissue. Several studies have identified that glioma cancer stem cells (GCSCs) play important roles in tumor-initiating features in malignant gliomas. GCSCs are a small population in the brain that presents an essential role in the metastasis of glioma cells to other organs. These cells can self-renew and differentiate, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of glioma. Therefore, targeting GCSCs might be a novel strategy for the treatment of glioma. Accumulating evidence revealed that several signaling pathways, including Notch, TGF-β, Wnt, STAT3, AKT, and EGFR mediated GCSC growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Besides, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including miRNAs, circular RNAs, and long ncRNAs have been found to play pivotal roles in the regulation of GCSC pathogenesis and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting these pathways could open a new avenue for glioma management. In this review, we summarized critical signaling pathways involved in the stimulation or prevention of GCSCs tumorigenesis and invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Nasrolahi
- Infectious Ophthalmologic Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shirin Azizidoost
- Atherosclerosis Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Klaudia Radoszkiewicz
- Translational Platform for Regenerative Medicine, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
| | - Sajad Najafi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Omid Anbiyaee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Nemazi Hospital, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Khoshnam
- Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Farzaneh
- Fertility, Infertility and Perinatology Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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10
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Amundarain A, Pastor F, Prósper F, Agirre X. Aptamers, a New Therapeutic Opportunity for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5471. [PMID: 36358889 PMCID: PMC9657029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease due to high relapse rates and fast development of drug resistances. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has caused a paradigm shift in MM treatment, paving the way for targeted approaches with increased efficacy and reduced toxicities. Nevertheless, antibody-based therapies face several difficulties such as high immunogenicity, high production costs and limited conjugation capacity, which we believe could be overcome by the introduction of nucleic acid aptamers. Similar to antibodies, aptamers can bind to their targets with great affinity and specificity. However, their chemical nature reduces their immunogenicity and production costs, while it enables their conjugation to a wide variety of cargoes for their use as delivery agents. In this review, we summarize several aptamers that have been tested against MM specific targets with promising results, establishing the rationale for the further development of aptamer-based strategies against MM. In this direction, we believe that the study of novel plasma cell surface markers, the development of intracellular aptamers and further research on aptamers as building blocks for complex nanomedicines will lead to the generation of next-generation targeted approaches that will undoubtedly contribute to improve the management and life quality of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Amundarain
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Felipe Prósper
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, CCUN, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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11
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Shah P, Lalan M, Barve K. Intranasal delivery: An attractive route for the administration of nucleic acid based therapeutics for CNS disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:974666. [PMID: 36110526 PMCID: PMC9469903 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.974666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiologies of several cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurological, hereditary disorders, cancer, and infectious diseases have implicated changes in the genetic set up or genetic mutations as the root cause. Nucleic acid based therapeutics (NBTs) is a new class of biologics that are known to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. The NBTs include oligonucleotides, nucleosides, antisense RNA, small interfering RNAs, micro RNA etc. In recent times, this new category of biologics has found enormous potential in the management of cardiovascular, inflammatory, neurological disorders, cancer, infectious diseases and organ transplantation. However, the delivery of NBTs is highly challenging in terms of target specificity (intracellular delivery), mononuclear phagocyte system uptake, stability and biodistribution. Additionally, management of the above mentioned disorders require regular and intrusive therapy making non-invasive routes preferable in comparison to invasive routes like parenteral. The nasal route is garnering focus in delivery of NBTs to the brain in the management of several CNS disorders due to the associated merits such as non-invasiveness, possibility of chronic delivery, improved patient compliance, avoidance of hepatic and gastrointestinal metabolism as well as ability to bypass the BBB. Hence in recent times, this route has been sought by the reserachers as an alternative to parenteral therapy for the delivery of several NBTs. This review shall focus on an array of NBTs delivered through nasal route, their challenges, applications and opportunities. The novel delivery systems for incorporating NBTs; their targeting strategies shall be critically reviewed. The challenges towards regulatory approvals and commercialization shall also be discussed at large. Comparison of learnings derived from the success and barriers in nasal delivery of NBTs will help in identification of futuristic opportunities for their translation from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Shah
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, India
- *Correspondence: Pranav Shah,
| | - Manisha Lalan
- Maliba Pharmacy College, Uka Tarsadia University, Surat, India
| | - Kalyani Barve
- Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’s Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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12
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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13
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Jiménez-Morales JM, Hernández-Cuenca YE, Reyes-Abrahantes A, Ruiz-García H, Barajas-Olmos F, García-Ortiz H, Orozco L, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Reyes-González J, Del Carmen Abrahantes-Pérez M. MicroRNA delivery systems in glioma therapy and perspectives: A systematic review. J Control Release 2022; 349:712-730. [PMID: 35905783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.07.027] [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: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the deadliest of all primary brain tumors, and they constitute a serious global health problem. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are gene expression regulators associated with glioma pathogenesis. Thus, miRNAs represent potential therapeutic agents for treating gliomas. However, miRNAs have not been established as part of the regular clinical armamentarium. This systemic review evaluates current molecular and pre-clinical studies with the aim of defining the most appealing supramolecular platform for administering therapeutic miRNA to patients with gliomas. An integrated analysis suggested that cationic lipid nanoparticles, functionalized with octa-arginine peptides, represent a potentially specific, practical, non-invasive intervention for treating gliomas. This supramolecular platform allows loading both hydrophilic (miRNA) and hydrophobic (anti-tumor drugs, like temozolomide) molecules. This systemic review is the first to describe miRNA delivery systems targeted to gliomas that integrate several types of molecules as active ingredients. Further experimental validation is warranted to confirm the practical value of miRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Marcos Jiménez-Morales
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yanet Elisa Hernández-Cuenca
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ander Reyes-Abrahantes
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Henry Ruiz-García
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States; Brain Tumor Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Francisco Barajas-Olmos
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Humberto García-Ortiz
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lorena Orozco
- Immunogenomics and Metabolic Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States; Brain Tumor Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, United States
| | - Jesús Reyes-González
- Precision Translational Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610 Mexico City, Mexico.
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14
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RGD Peptide Modified Erythrocyte Membrane/Porous Nanoparticles Loading Mir-137 for NIR-Stimulated Theranostics of Glioblastomas. NANOMATERIALS 2022; 12:nano12091464. [PMID: 35564173 PMCID: PMC9105018 DOI: 10.3390/nano12091464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Cell-derived drug carriers have increasingly gained the interest of the scientific community due to their ability to imitate various natural properties of their source cells. We developed theranostics nanoplatforms composed of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), indocyanine green (ICG) molecules, microRNAs-137 (miR-137), red-blood-cell membranes (RM), and tumor-targeting cyclo Arg-Gly-Asp-d-Phe-Cys peptides (cRGD(fC)), which were abbreviated as MSNs/ICG/miR/RM/RGD particles. These particles possessed photothermal and gene therapy properties due to ICG and miR-137, respectively. The photothermal conversion efficiency was ~18.7%. Upon 808 nm light irradiation, the tumor inhibition rate reached 94.9% with dosage of 10 mg/kg. The developed nanoplatform possessed unique properties, such as exceptional biocompatibility, immune escaping, and specific recognition, which was also used for near-infrared fluorescence, photoacoustic (PA) bimodal imaging-guided tumor recognition.
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15
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An overview of current therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma and the role of CD73 as an alternative curative approach. Clin Transl Oncol 2021; 24:742-756. [PMID: 34792724 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02732-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a complicated and heterogeneous brain tumor with short-term survival outcomes. Commercial therapies are not practical due to cell infiltration capacity, high proliferative rate, and blood-brain barrier. In this context, recognition of the molecular mechanism of tumor progression might help the development of new cancer therapeutics. Recently, more evidence has supported CD73 and downstream adenosine A2A/A2B receptor signaling playing a crucial role in glioblastoma pathogenesis; therefore, targeting CD73 in murine tumor models can reduce tumor development. CD73 is an ecto-enzyme inducing tumor metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape via the production of extracellular adenosine in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we provided information about clinical characteristics as well as the therapeutic management of glioblastoma. Then, we focused on newly available experimental evidence distinguishing between the essential role of CD73 on this tumor growth and a new method for the treatment of GBM patients.
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16
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Shigdar S, Schrand B, Giangrande PH, de Franciscis V. Aptamers: Cutting edge of cancer therapies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2396-2411. [PMID: 34146729 PMCID: PMC8353241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an aptamer-based therapeutic has rapidly progressed following the first two reports in the 1990s, underscoring the advantages of aptamer drugs associated with their unique binding properties. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first therapeutic aptamer for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, Macugen developed by NeXstar. Since then, eleven aptamers have successfully entered clinical trials for various therapeutic indications. Despite some of the pre-clinical and clinical successes of aptamers as therapeutics, no aptamer has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the most recent and cutting-edge approaches in the development of aptamers for the treatment of cancer types most refractory to conventional therapies. Herein, we will review (1) the development of aptamers to enhance anti-cancer immunity and as delivery tools for inducing the expression of immunogenic neoantigens; (2) the development of the most promising therapeutic aptamers designed to target the hard-to-treat cancers such as brain tumors; and (3) the development of "carrier" aptamers able to target and penetrate tumors and metastasis, delivering RNA therapeutics to the cytosol and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Brett Schrand
- TCR(2) Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paloma H Giangrande
- Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; VP Platform Discovery Sciences, Biology, Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy; Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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17
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Hammond SM, Aartsma‐Rus A, Alves S, Borgos SE, Buijsen RAM, Collin RWJ, Covello G, Denti MA, Desviat LR, Echevarría L, Foged C, Gaina G, Garanto A, Goyenvalle AT, Guzowska M, Holodnuka I, Jones DR, Krause S, Lehto T, Montolio M, Van Roon‐Mom W, Arechavala‐Gomeza V. Delivery of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics: challenges and opportunities. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13243. [PMID: 33821570 PMCID: PMC8033518 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapeutics that regulate gene expression have been developed towards clinical use at a steady pace for several decades, but in recent years the field has been accelerating. To date, there are 11 marketed products based on antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers and small interfering RNAs, and many others are in the pipeline for both academia and industry. A major technology trigger for this development has been progress in oligonucleotide chemistry to improve the drug properties and reduce cost of goods, but the main hurdle for the application to a wider range of disorders is delivery to target tissues. The adoption of delivery technologies, such as conjugates or nanoparticles, has been a game changer for many therapeutic indications, but many others are still awaiting their eureka moment. Here, we cover the variety of methods developed to deliver nucleic acid-based therapeutics across biological barriers and the model systems used to test them. We discuss important safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries and the hurdles for translating laboratory breakthroughs to the clinic. Recent advances in the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics and in the development of model systems, as well as safety considerations and regulatory requirements for synthetic oligonucleotide chemistries are discussed in this review on oligonucleotide-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra Alves
- Department of Human Genetics, Research and Development UnitNational Health Institute Doutor Ricardo JorgePortoPortugal
| | - Sven E Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology and NanomedicineSINTEF ASTrondheimNorway
| | - Ronald A M Buijsen
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Rob W J Collin
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Giuseppina Covello
- Department of BiologyUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela A Denti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology ‐ CIBIOUniversity of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Lourdes R Desviat
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa UAM‐CSICCIBERER, IdiPazUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | | | - Camilla Foged
- Department of PharmacyFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen ØDenmark
| | - Gisela Gaina
- Victor Babes National Institute of PathologyBucharestRomania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyUniversity of BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Alejandro Garanto
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of PediatricsRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Magdalena Guzowska
- Department of Physiological SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineWarsaw University of Life Sciences – SGGWWarsawPoland
| | - Irina Holodnuka
- Institute of Microbiology and VirologyRiga Stradins UniversityRigaLatvia
| | | | - Sabine Krause
- Department of NeurologyFriedrich‐Baur‐InstituteLudwig‐Maximilians‐University of MunichMunichGermany
| | - Taavi Lehto
- Institute of TechnologyUniversity of TartuTartuEstonia
- Division of Biomolecular and Cellular MedicineDepartment of Laboratory MedicineKarolinska InstitutetHuddingeSweden
| | - Marisol Montolio
- Duchenne Parent Project EspañaMadridSpain
- Department of Cell Biology, Fisiology and ImmunologyFaculty of BiologyUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Willeke Van Roon‐Mom
- Department of Human GeneticsLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Virginia Arechavala‐Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders GroupBiocruces Bizkaia Health Research InstituteBarakaldoSpain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for ScienceBilbaoSpain
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18
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Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Aburto MR, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. Advances in the Design of (Nano)Formulations for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA: Focus on the Central Nervous System. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1491-1506. [PMID: 33734715 PMCID: PMC8824433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged
as one of the most powerful
therapeutic options used for the modulation of gene/protein expression
and gene editing with the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the delivery of nucleic acids to the central nervous system
(CNS), in particular by the systemic route, remains a major hurdle.
This review will focus on the strategies for systemic delivery of
therapeutic nucleic acids designed to overcome these barriers. Pathways
and mechanisms of transport across the blood–brain barrier
which could be exploited for delivery are described, focusing in particular
on smaller nucleic acids including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Approaches used to enhance delivery
including chemical modifications, nanocarrier systems, and target
selection (cell-specific delivery) are critically analyzed. Learnings
achieved from a comparison of the successes and failures reported
for CNS delivery of ASOs versus siRNA will help identify opportunities
for a wider range of nucleic acids and accelerate the clinical translation
of these innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique C P Mendonça
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Ayse Kont
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodriguez Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
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19
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Ni S, Zhuo Z, Pan Y, Yu Y, Li F, Liu J, Wang L, Wu X, Li D, Wan Y, Zhang L, Yang Z, Zhang BT, Lu A, Zhang G. Recent Progress in Aptamer Discoveries and Modifications for Therapeutic Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:9500-9519. [PMID: 32603135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotide sequences with a length of about 25-80 bases which have abilities to bind to specific target molecules that rival those of monoclonal antibodies. They are attracting great attention in diverse clinical translations on account of their various advantages, including prolonged storage life, little batch-to-batch differences, very low immunogenicity, and feasibility of chemical modifications for enhancing stability, prolonging the half-life in serum, and targeted delivery. In this Review, we demonstrate the emerging aptamer discovery technologies in developing advanced techniques for producing aptamers with high performance consistently and efficiently as well as requiring less cost and resources but offering a great chance of success. Further, the diverse modifications of aptamers for therapeutic applications including therapeutic agents, aptamer-drug conjugates, and targeted delivery materials are comprehensively summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaijian Ni
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuanyuan Yu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Fangfei Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Dijie Li
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Youyang Wan
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lihe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhenjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bao-Ting Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aiping Lu
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine and Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone & Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU), Hong Kong 999077, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area International Research Platform for Aptamer-based Translational Medicine and Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKBU and IncreasePharm Joint Centre for Nucleic Acid Drug Discovery, Hong Kong 999077, China
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20
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Tailoring functional nanostructured lipid carriers for glioblastoma treatment with enhanced permeability through in-vitro 3D BBB/BBTB models. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 121:111774. [PMID: 33579439 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-brain tumour barrier (BBTB) pose a significant challenge to drug delivery to brain tumours, including aggressive glioblastoma (GB). The present study rationally designed functional nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to tailor their BBB penetrating properties with high encapsulation of CNS negative chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel (DTX). We investigated the effect of four liquid lipids, propylene glycol monolaurate (Lauroglycol® 90), Capryol® propylene glycol monocaprylate, caprylocaproylmacrogol-8-glycerides (Labrasol®) and polyoxyl-15-hydroxystearate (Kolliphor® HS15) individually and in combination to develop NLCs with effective permeation across in-vitro 3D BBB model without alteration in the integrity of the barrier. With desirable spherical shape as revealed by TEM and an average particle size of 123.3 ± 0.642 nm and zeta potential of -32 mV, DTX-NLCs demonstrated excellent stability for six months in its freeze-dried form. The confocal microscopy along with flow cytometry data revealed higher internalisation of DTX-NLCs in U87MG over SVG P12 cells. Micropinocytosis was observed to be one of the dominant pathways for internalisation in U87MG cells while clathrin-mediated pathway was more predominat in patient-derived glioblastoma cells. The NLCs readily penetrated the actively proliferating peripheral cells on the surface of the 3D tumour spheroids as compared to the necrotic core. The DTX-NLCs induced cell arrest through G2/M phase with a significant decrease in the mitochondrial reserve capacity of cells. The NLCs circumvented BBTB with high permeability followed by accumulation in glioblastoma cells with patient-derived cells displaying ~2.4-fold higher uptake in comparison to U87MG when studied in a 3D in-vitro model of BBTB/GB. We envisage this simple and industrially feasible technology as a potential candidate to be developed as GB nanomedicine.
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Lipid-Nucleic Acid Complexes: Physicochemical Aspects and Prospects for Cancer Treatment. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25215006. [PMID: 33126767 PMCID: PMC7662579 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25215006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is an extremely complex disease, typically caused by mutations in cancer-critical genes. By delivering therapeutic nucleic acids (NAs) to patients, gene therapy offers the possibility to supplement, repair or silence such faulty genes or to stimulate their immune system to fight the disease. While the challenges of gene therapy for cancer are significant, the latter approach (a type of immunotherapy) starts showing promising results in early-stage clinical trials. One important advantage of NA-based cancer therapies over synthetic drugs and protein treatments is the prospect of a more universal approach to designing therapies. Designing NAs with different sequences, for different targets, can be achieved by using the same technologies. This versatility and scalability of NA drug design and production on demand open the way for more efficient, affordable and personalized cancer treatments in the future. However, the delivery of exogenous therapeutic NAs into the patients’ targeted cells is also challenging. Membrane-type lipids exhibiting permanent or transient cationic character have been shown to associate with NAs (anionic), forming nanosized lipid-NA complexes. These complexes form a wide variety of nanostructures, depending on the global formulation composition and properties of the lipids and NAs. Importantly, these different lipid-NA nanostructures interact with cells via different mechanisms and their therapeutic potential can be optimized to promising levels in vitro. The complexes are also highly customizable in terms of surface charge and functionalization to allow a wide range of targeting and smart-release properties. Most importantly, these synthetic particles offer possibilities for scaling-up and affordability for the population at large. Hence, the versatility and scalability of these particles seem ideal to accommodate the versatility that NA therapies offer. While in vivo efficiency of lipid-NA complexes is still poor in most cases, the advances achieved in the last three decades are significant and very recently a lipid-based gene therapy medicine was approved for the first time (for treatment of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis). Although the path to achieve efficient NA-delivery in cancer therapy is still long and tenuous, these advances set a new hope for more treatments in the future. In this review, we attempt to cover the most important biophysical and physicochemical aspects of non-viral lipid-based gene therapy formulations, with a perspective on future cancer treatments in mind.
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Amero P, Khatua S, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Aptamers: Novel Therapeutics and Potential Role in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102889. [PMID: 33050158 PMCID: PMC7600320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A relatively new paradigm in cancer therapeutics is the use of cancer cell-specific aptamers, both as therapeutic agents and for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. After the first therapeutic aptamer was described nearly 25 years ago, and the subsequent first aptamer drug approved, many efforts have been made to translate preclinical research into clinical oncology settings. Studies of aptamer-based technology have unveiled the vast potential of aptamers in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Among pediatric solid cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death. Although a few aptamer-related translational studies have been performed in adult glioblastoma, the use of aptamers in pediatric neuro-oncology remains unexplored. This review will discuss the biology of aptamers, including mechanisms of targeting cell surface proteins, various modifications of aptamer structure to enhance therapeutic efficacy, the current state and challenges of aptamer use in neuro-oncology, and the potential therapeutic role of aptamers in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
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23
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Singh P, Singh A, Shah S, Vataliya J, Mittal A, Chitkara D. RNA Interference Nanotherapeutics for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4040-4066. [PMID: 32902291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics for RNA interference (RNAi) are gaining attention in the treatment and management of several kinds of the so-called "undruggable" tumors via targeting specific molecular pathways or oncogenes. Synthetic ribonucleic acid (RNAs) oligonucleotides like siRNA, miRNA, shRNA, and lncRNA have shown potential as novel therapeutics. However, the delivery of such oligonucleotides is significantly hampered by their physiochemical (such as hydrophilicity, negative charge, and instability) and biopharmaceutical features (in vivo serum stability, fast renal clearance, interaction with extracellular proteins, and hindrance in cellular internalization) that markedly reduce their biological activity. Recently, several nanocarriers have evolved as suitable non-viral vectors for oligonucleotide delivery, which are known to either complex or conjugate with these oligonucleotides efficiently and also overcome the extracellular and intracellular barriers, thereby allowing access to the tumoral micro-environment for the better and desired outcome in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This Review focuses on the up-to-date advancements in the field of RNAi nanotherapeutics utilized for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhjeet Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shruti Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jalpa Vataliya
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
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Aptamer-Based In Vivo Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184267. [PMID: 32957732 PMCID: PMC7570863 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive, infiltrative, and lethal brain tumor in humans. Despite the extensive advancement in the knowledge about tumor progression and treatment over the last few years, the prognosis of GBM is still very poor due to the difficulty of targeting drugs or anticancer molecules to GBM cells. The major challenge in improving GBM treatment implicates the development of a targeted drug delivery system, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and specifically targeting GBM cells. Aptamers possess many characteristics that make them ideal novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of GBM. They are short single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA or ssDNA) able to bind to a molecular target with high affinity and specificity. Several GBM-targeting aptamers have been developed for imaging, tumor cell isolation from biopsies, and drug/anticancer molecule delivery to the tumor cells. Due to their properties (low immunogenicity, long stability, and toxicity), a large number of aptamers have been selected against GBM biomarkers and tested in GBM cell lines, while only a few of them have also been tested in in vivo models of GBM. Herein, we specifically focus on aptamers tested in GBM in vivo models that can be considered as new diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools for GBM patients’ treatment.
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25
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The Role of RNA and DNA Aptamers in Glioblastoma Diagnosis and Therapy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082173. [PMID: 32764266 PMCID: PMC7463716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Despite advances in surgical and medical neuro-oncology, the median survival is about 15 months. For this reason, initial diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy of GBM represent very attractive areas of study. Aptamers are short three-dimensional structures of single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA or DNA), identified by an in vitro process, named systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), starting from a partially random oligonucleotide library. They bind to a molecular target with high affinity and specificity and can be easily modified to optimize binding affinity and selectivity. Thanks to their properties (low immunogenicity and toxicity, long stability, and low production variability), a large number of aptamers have been selected against GBM biomarkers and provide specific imaging agents and therapeutics to improve the diagnosis and treatment of GBM. However, the use of aptamers in GBM diagnosis and treatment still represents an underdeveloped topic, mainly due to limited literature in the research world. On these bases, we performed a systematic review aimed at summarizing current knowledge on the new promising DNA and RNA aptamer-based molecules for GBM diagnosis and treatment. Thirty-eight studies from 2000 were included and investigated. Seventeen involved the use of aptamers for GBM diagnosis and 21 for GBM therapy. Our findings showed that a number of DNA and RNA aptamers are promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools for GBM management.
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26
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Esposito CL, Nuzzo S, Ibba ML, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Condorelli G, Catuogno S, de Franciscis V. Combined Targeting of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells by Neutralizing RNA-Bio-Drugs for STAT3. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061434. [PMID: 32486489 PMCID: PMC7352497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An important drawback in the management of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is the frequent relapse upon surgery and therapy. A likely explanation is that conventional therapies poorly affect a small population of stem-like cancer cells (glioblastoma stem cells, GSCs) that remain capable of repopulating the tumour mass. Indeed, the development of therapeutic strategies able to hit GSCs while reducing the tumour burden has become an important challenge to increase a patient’s survival. The signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) has been reported to play a pivotal role in maintaining the tumour initiating capacity of the GSC population. Therefore, in order to impair the renewal and propagation of the PDGFRβ-expressing GSC population, here we took advantage of the aptamer–siRNA chimera (AsiC), named Gint4.T-STAT3, that we previously have shown to efficiently antagonize STAT3 in subcutaneous PDGFRβ-positive GBM xenografts. We demonstrate that the aptamer conjugate is able to effectively and specifically prevent patient-derived GSC function and expansion. Moreover, because of the therapeutic potential of using miR-10b inhibitors and of the broad expression of the Axl receptor in GBM, we used the GL21.T anti-Axl aptamer as the targeting moiety for anti-miR-10b, showing that, in combination with the STAT3 AsiC, the aptamer–miR-10b antagonist treatment further enhances the inhibition of GSC sphere formation. Our results highlight the potential to use a combined approach with targeted RNA therapeutics to inhibit GBM tumour dissemination and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
| | - Silvia Nuzzo
- IRCCS SDN (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, SYNLAB istituto di Diagnostica Nucleare), 80143 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Luigia Ibba
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
- IRCCS Neuromed (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed)—Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
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Non-Invasive Delivery of Therapeutics into the Brain: The Potential of Aptamers for Targeted Delivery. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050120. [PMID: 32422973 PMCID: PMC7277349 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialised network of blood vessels that effectively separates the brain environment from the circulatory system. While there are benefits, in terms of keeping pathogens from entering the brain, the BBB also complicates treatments of brain pathologies by preventing efficient delivery of macromolecular drugs to diseased brain tissue. Although current non-invasive strategies of therapeutics delivery into the brain, such as focused ultrasound and nanoparticle-mediated delivery have shown various levels of successes, they still come with risks and limitations. This review discusses the current approaches of therapeutic delivery into the brain, with a specific focus on non-invasive methods. It also discusses the potential for aptamers as alternative delivery systems and several reported aptamers with promising preliminary results.
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Abstract
Aptamers are synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotide ligands with great potential for therapeutic applications. A vast number of disease-related targets have been used to identify agonistic, antagonistic, or inhibitory aptamers, or aptamer-based targeting ligands. However, only a few aptamers have reached late-stage clinical trials so far and the commercial infrastructure is still far behind that of other therapeutic agents such as monoclonal antibodies. The desirable properties of aptamers such as selectivity, chemical flexibility, or cost-efficiency are faced by challenges, including a short half-life in vivo, immunogenicity, and entrapment in cellular organelles. Aptamer research is still in an early stage, and a deeper understanding of their structure, target interactions, and pharmacokinetics is necessary to catch up to the clinical market. In this review, we will discuss the benefits and limitations in the development of therapeutic aptamers, as well as the advances and future directions of aptamer research. The progress towards effective therapies seems to be slow, but it has not stopped and the best is yet to come.
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Vaughan HJ, Green JJ, Tzeng SY. Cancer-Targeting Nanoparticles for Combinatorial Nucleic Acid Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1901081. [PMID: 31222852 PMCID: PMC6923623 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201901081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids are a promising type of therapeutic for the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including cancer, but they also pose many delivery challenges. For efficient and safe delivery to cancer cells, nucleic acids must generally be packaged into a vehicle, such as a nanoparticle, that will allow them to be taken up by the target cells and then released in the appropriate cellular compartment to function. As with other types of therapeutics, delivery vehicles for nucleic acids must also be designed to avoid unwanted side effects; thus, the ability of such carriers to target their cargo to cancer cells is crucial. Classes of nucleic acids, hurdles that must be overcome for effective intracellular delivery, types of nonviral nanomaterials used as delivery vehicles, and the different strategies that can be employed to target nucleic acid delivery specifically to tumor cells are discussed. Additonally, nanoparticle designs that facilitate multiplexed delivery of combinations of nucleic acids are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5001, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5001, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Stephany Y Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 North Broadway, Smith Building 5001, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
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30
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Affinito A, Quintavalle C, Esposito CL, Roscigno G, Giordano C, Nuzzo S, Ricci-Vitiani L, Scognamiglio I, Minic Z, Pallini R, Berezovski MV, de Francisis V, Condorelli G. Targeting Ephrin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase A2 with a Selective Aptamer for Glioblastoma Stem Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:176-185. [PMID: 32169805 PMCID: PMC7068199 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite the benefits associated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment, most patients experience a relapse following initial therapy. Recurrent or progressive GBM usually does not respond anymore to standard therapy, and this is associated with poor patient outcome. GBM stem cells (GSCs) are a subset of cells resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and play a role in tumor recurrence. The targeting of GSCs and the identification of novel markers are crucial issues in the development of innovative strategies for GBM eradication. By differential cell SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), we have recently described two RNA aptamers, that is, the 40L sequence and its truncated form A40s, able to bind the cell surface of human GSCs. Both aptamers were selective for stem-like growing GBM cells and are rapidly internalized into target cells. In this study, we demonstrate that their binding to cells is mediated by direct recognition of the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2). Functionally, the two aptamers were able to inhibit cell growth, stemness, and migration of GSCs. Furthermore, A40s was able to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and was stable in serum in in vitro experiments. These results suggest that 40L and A40s represent innovative potential therapeutic tools for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Affinito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy; Percuros B.V., Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Percuros B.V., Enschede, the Netherlands; IEOS, CNR, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Giuseppina Roscigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Catello Giordano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Iolanda Scognamiglio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Zoran Minic
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maxim V Berezovski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; John L. Holmes Mass Spectrometry Facility, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Tommaso de Amicis 95, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed-Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Pozzilli, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Yang J, Shi Z, Liu R, Wu Y, Zhang X. Combined-therapeutic strategies synergistically potentiate glioblastoma multiforme treatment via nanotechnology. Theranostics 2020; 10:3223-3239. [PMID: 32194864 PMCID: PMC7053190 DOI: 10.7150/thno.40298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and devastating brain tumor characterized by poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence. Numerous therapeutic strategies and delivery systems are developed to prolong the survival time. They exhibit enhanced therapeutic effects in animal models, whereas few of them is applied in clinical trials. Taking into account the drug-resistance and high recurrence of GBM, combined-therapeutic strategies are exploited to maximize therapeutic efficacy. The combined therapies demonstrate superior results than those of single therapies against GBM. The co-therapeutic agents, the timing of therapeutic strategies and the delivery systems greatly affect the overall outcomes. Herein, the current advances in combined therapies for glioblastoma via systemic administration are exhibited in this review. And we will discuss the pros and cons of these combined-therapeutic strategies via nanotechnology, and provide the guidance for developing rational delivery systems to optimize treatments against GBM and other malignancies in central nervous system.
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32
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Quirico L, Orso F, Esposito CL, Bertone S, Coppo R, Conti L, Catuogno S, Cavallo F, de Franciscis V, Taverna D. Axl-148b chimeric aptamers inhibit breast cancer and melanoma progression. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:1238-1251. [PMID: 32174798 PMCID: PMC7053324 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.39768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs acting as negative regulators of gene expression and involved in tumor progression. We recently showed that inhibition of the pro-metastatic miR-214 and simultaneous overexpression of its downstream player, the anti-metastatic miR-148b, strongly reduced metastasis formation. To explore the therapeutic potential of miR-148b, we generated a conjugated molecule aimed to target miR-148b expression selectively to tumor cells. Precisely, we linked miR-148b to GL21.T, an aptamer able to specifically bind to AXL, an oncogenic tyrosine kinase receptor highly expressed on cancer cells. Axl-148b conjugate was able to inhibit migration and invasion of AXL-positive, but not AXL-negative, cancer cells, demonstrating high efficacy and selectivity in vitro. In parallel, expression of ALCAM and ITGA5, two miR-148b direct targets, was reduced. More importantly, axl-148b chimeric aptamers were able to inhibit formation and growth of 3D-mammospheres, to induce necrosis and apoptosis of treated xenotransplants, as well as to block breast cancer and melanoma dissemination and metastatization in mice. Relevantly, axl aptamer acted as specific delivery tool for miR-148b, but it also actively contributed to inhibit metastasis formation, together with miR-148b. In conclusion, our data show that axl-148b conjugate is able to inhibit tumor progression in an axl- and miR-148b-dependent manner, suggesting its potential development as therapeutic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Quirico
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Center for Complex Systems in Molecular Biology and Medicine, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Carla L Esposito
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Sofia Bertone
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Roberto Coppo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Conti
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, CNR, Napoli, Italy
| | - Federica Cavallo
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Taverna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Dept. Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Center for Complex Systems in Molecular Biology and Medicine, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Panigaj M, Johnson MB, Ke W, McMillan J, Goncharova EA, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Aptamers as Modular Components of Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12301-12321. [PMID: 31664817 PMCID: PMC7382785 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a central role in all domains of life, either as genetic blueprints or as regulators of various biochemical pathways. The chemical makeup of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), generally represented by a sequence of four monomers, also provides precise instructions for folding and higher-order assembly of these biopolymers that, in turn, dictate biological functions. The sequence-based specific 3D structures of nucleic acids led to the development of the directed evolution of oligonucleotides, SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), against a chosen target molecule. Among the variety of functions, selected oligonucleotides named aptamers also allow targeting of cell-specific receptors with antibody-like precision and can deliver functional RNAs without a transfection agent. The advancements in the field of customizable nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) opened avenues for the design of nanoassemblies utilizing aptamers for triggering or blocking cell signaling pathways or using aptamer-receptor combinations to activate therapeutic functionalities. A recent selection of fluorescent aptamers enables real-time tracking of NANP formation and interactions. The aptamers are anticipated to contribute to the future development of technologies, enabling an efficient assembly of functional NANPs in mammalian cells or in vivo. These research topics are of top importance for the field of therapeutic nucleic acid nanotechnology with the promises to scale up mass production of NANPs suitable for biomedical applications, to control the intracellular organization of biological materials to enhance the efficiency of biochemical pathways, and to enhance the therapeutic potential of NANP-based therapeutics while minimizing undesired side effects and toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice 04154, Slovak Republic
| | - M. Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Jessica McMillan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Ekaterina A. Goncharova
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
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Catuogno S, Di Martino MT, Nuzzo S, Esposito CL, Tassone P, de Franciscis V. An Anti-BCMA RNA Aptamer for miRNA Intracellular Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:981-990. [PMID: 31778956 PMCID: PMC6889555 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
B cell maturation antigen is highly expressed on malignant plasma cells in human multiple myeloma and has recently emerged as a very promising target for therapeutic interventions. Nucleic-acid-based aptamers are small oligonucleotides with high selective targeting properties and functional advantages over monoclonal antibodies, as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Here, we describe the generation of the first-ever-described nuclease resistant RNA aptamer selectively binding to B cell maturation antigen. We adopted a modified cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment approach allowing the enrichment for internalizing aptamers. The selected 2′Fluoro-Pyrimidine modified aptamer, named apt69.T, effectively and selectively bound B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells with rapid and efficient internalization. Interestingly, apt69.T inhibited APRIL-dependent nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway in vitro. Moreover, the aptamer was conjugated to microRNA-137 (miR-137) and anti-miR-222, demonstrating high potential against tumor cells. In conclusion, apt69.T is a novel tool suitable for direct targeting and delivery of therapeutics to B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy.
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35
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Potential and Challenges of Aptamers as Specific Carriers of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides for Precision Medicine in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101521. [PMID: 31636244 PMCID: PMC6826972 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the progress made in the area of precision and personalized medicine in the field of cancer therapy, strategies to selectively and specifically identify target molecules causative of the diseases are urgently needed. Efforts are being made by a number of different laboratories, companies, and researchers to develop therapeutic molecules that selectively recognize the tissues and the cells of interest, exhibit few or no off-target and side effects, are non-immunogenic, and have a strong action. Aptamers, artificially selected single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, are promising molecules satisfying many of the requirements needed for diagnosis and precision medicine. Aptamers can also couple to their native mechanism of action the delivery of additional molecules (oligonucleotides, siRNAs, miRNAs) to target cells. In this review, we summarize recent progress in the aptamer-mediated strategy for the specific delivery of therapeutic oligonucleotides.
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36
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Affinito A, Quintavalle C, Esposito CL, Roscigno G, Vilardo C, Nuzzo S, Ricci-Vitiani L, De Luca G, Pallini R, Kichkailo AS, Lapin IN, de Franciscis V, Condorelli G. The Discovery of RNA Aptamers that Selectively Bind Glioblastoma Stem Cells. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:99-109. [PMID: 31541799 PMCID: PMC6796606 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Despite progress in surgical and medical neuro-oncology, prognosis for GBM patients remains dismal, with a median survival of only 14–15 months. The modest benefit of conventional therapies is due to the presence of GBM stem cells (GSCs) that cause tumor relapse and chemoresistance and, therefore, that play a key role in GBM aggressiveness and recurrence. So far, strategies to identify and target GSCs have been unsuccessful. Thus, the development of an approach for GSC detection and targeting would be fundamental for improving the survival of GBM patients. Here, using the cell-systematic evolution of ligand by exponential (SELEX) methodology on human primary GSCs, we generated and characterized RNA aptamers that selectively bind GSCs versus undifferentiated GBM cells. We found that the shortened version of the aptamer 40L, which we have called A40s, costained with CD133-labeled cells in human GBM tissue, suggestive of an ability to specifically recognize GSCs in fixed human tissues. Of note, both 40L and A40s were rapidly internalized by cells, allowing for the delivery of the microRNA miR-34c and the anti-microRNA anti-miR-10b, demonstrating that these aptamers can serve as selective vehicles for therapeutics. In conclusion, the aptamers 40L and A40s can selectively target GSCs. Given the crucial role of GSCs in GBM recurrence and therapy resistance, these aptamers represent innovative drug delivery candidates with a great potential in the treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Affinito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; Percuros B.V., Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Cristina Quintavalle
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; Percuros B.V., Enschede, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Giuseppina Roscigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Vilardo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele De Luca
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna S Kichkailo
- Federal Research Center, Krasnoyarsk Research Center Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Science, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Ivan N Lapin
- Siberian Physical-Technical Institute of Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed - Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Pozzilli, Pozzilli, Italy.
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Targeted and effective glioblastoma therapy via aptamer-modified tetrahedral framework nucleic acid-paclitaxel nanoconjugates that can pass the blood brain barrier. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2019; 21:102061. [PMID: 31344499 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.102061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Targeted DNA nanoparticles have been identified as one of the most promising nanocarriers in anti-glioma drug delivery. We established a multifunctional nanosystem for targeted glioma therapy. Tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA), entering U87MG cells and bEnd.3 cells, was chosen to deliver two aptamers, GMT8 and Gint4.T, and paclitaxel. GMT8 and Gint4.T, which specifically bind with U87MG cells and with PDGFRβ, were linked with tFNA, to form Gint4.T-tFNA-GMT8 (GTG). GTG was efficiently internalized by U87MG and bEnd.3 cells and penetrated an in-vitro blood-brain-barrier model. GTG loaded with paclitaxel (GPC) had potentiated anti-glioma efficacy. It inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of U87MG cells, and enhanced apoptosis induction in these cells. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was significantly changed after treatment with GPC, confirming apoptosis induction. Our study demonstrated that the combination of GTG and paclitaxel has great potential for glioma treatment and tFNA shows great promise for use in drug delivery.
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38
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Nuzzo S, Catuogno S, Capuozzo M, Fiorelli A, Swiderski P, Boccella S, de Nigris F, Esposito CL. Axl-Targeted Delivery of the Oncosuppressor miR-137 in Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:256-263. [PMID: 31276956 PMCID: PMC6609832 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85%–90% of all cases of lung cancer that is the most deadly type of cancer. Despite advances in chemotherapy and radiotherapy, severe side effects and frequent drug resistance limit the success of the treatments, and the identification of new therapeutic options still represents a crucial challenge. Here, we provide the evidence for the therapeutic potential of an aptamer-microRNA (miR) complex (AmiC) composed by an aptamer (GL21.T), able to bind and antagonize the oncogenic receptor Axl, and the miR-137, downregulated in lung cancer and involved in cell survival and proliferation. We found that, when applied to Axl-expressing NSCLC cancer cells, the complex is effectively internalized, increasing miR cellular levels and downregulating miR targets. Most importantly, the complex combines the inhibitory function of the GL21.T aptamer and miR-137, leading to a negative impact on NSCLC migration and growth. The described AmiC thus represents a promising tool for the development of new therapeutic approaches for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Capuozzo
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Laboratory, Beckman Research Institute of City the of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy
| | - Filomena de Nigris
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli," Naples, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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Chernikov IV, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Current Development of siRNA Bioconjugates: From Research to the Clinic. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:444. [PMID: 31105570 PMCID: PMC6498891 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting via RNA interference mechanisms are able to recognize a homologous mRNA sequence in the cell and induce its degradation. The main problems in the development of siRNA-based drugs for therapeutic use are the low efficiency of siRNA delivery to target cells and the degradation of siRNAs by nucleases in biological fluids. Various approaches have been proposed to solve the problem of siRNA delivery in vivo (e.g., viruses, cationic lipids, polymers, nanoparticles), but all have limitations for therapeutic use. One of the most promising approaches to solve the problem of siRNA delivery to target cells is bioconjugation; i.e., the covalent connection of siRNAs with biogenic molecules (lipophilic molecules, antibodies, aptamers, ligands, peptides, or polymers). Bioconjugates are "ideal nanoparticles" since they do not need a positive charge to form complexes, are less toxic, and are less effectively recognized by components of the immune system because of their small size. This review is focused on strategies and principles for constructing siRNA bioconjugates for in vivo use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan V Chernikov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valentin V Vlassov
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Elena L Chernolovskaya
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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40
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Krichevsky AM, Uhlmann EJ. Oligonucleotide Therapeutics as a New Class of Drugs for Malignant Brain Tumors: Targeting mRNAs, Regulatory RNAs, Mutations, Combinations, and Beyond. Neurotherapeutics 2019; 16:319-347. [PMID: 30644073 PMCID: PMC6554258 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-018-00702-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are rapidly progressive and often fatal owing to resistance to therapies and based on their complex biology, heterogeneity, and isolation from systemic circulation. Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor, has high mortality, and affects both children and adults. Despite significant advances in understanding the pathology, multiple clinical trials employing various treatment strategies have failed. With much expanded knowledge of the GBM genome, epigenome, and transcriptome, the field of neuro-oncology is getting closer to achieve breakthrough-targeted molecular therapies. Current developments of oligonucleotide chemistries for CNS applications make this new class of drugs very attractive for targeting molecular pathways dysregulated in brain tumors and are anticipated to vastly expand the spectrum of currently targetable molecules. In this chapter, we will overview the molecular landscape of malignant gliomas and explore the most prominent molecular targets (mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and genomic mutations) that provide opportunities for the development of oligonucleotide therapeutics for this class of neurologic diseases. Because malignant brain tumors focally disrupt the blood-brain barrier, this class of diseases might be also more susceptible to systemic treatments with oligonucleotides than other neurologic disorders and, thus, present an entry point for the oligonucleotide therapeutics to the CNS. Nevertheless, delivery of oligonucleotides remains a crucial part of the treatment strategy. Finally, synthetic gRNAs guiding CRISPR-Cas9 editing technologies have a tremendous potential to further expand the applications of oligonucleotide therapeutics and take them beyond RNA targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Krichevsky
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA.
| | - Erik J Uhlmann
- Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
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41
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Wu J, Huang J, Kuang S, Chen J, Li X, Chen B, Wang J, Cheng D, Shuai X. Synergistic MicroRNA Therapy in Liver Fibrotic Rat Using MRI-Visible Nanocarrier Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1801809. [PMID: 30886803 PMCID: PMC6402399 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201801809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as one of the leading causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality, has no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antifibrotic therapy yet. Although microRNA-29b (miRNA-29b) and microRNA-122 (miRNA-122) have great potential in treating liver fibrosis via regulating profibrotic genes in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), it is still a challenge to achieve a HSC-targeted and meanwhile noninvasively trackable delivery of miRNAs in vivo. Herein, a pH-sensitive and vitamin A (VA)-conjugated copolymer VA-polyethylene glycol-polyethyleneimine-poly(N-(N',N'-diisopropylaminoethyl)-co-benzylamino) aspartamide (T-PBP) is synthesized and assembled into superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-decorated cationic micelle for miRNA delivery. The T-PBP micelle efficiently transports the miRNA-29b and miRNA-122 to HSC in a magnetic resonance imaging-visible manner, resulting in a synergistic antifibrosis effect via downregulating the expression of fibrosis-related genes, including collagen type I alpha 1, α-smooth muscle actin, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. Consequently, the HSC-targeted combination therapy with miRNA-29b and miRNA-122 demonstrates a prominent antifibrotic efficacy in terms of improving liver function and relieving hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Jinsheng Huang
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Sichi Kuang
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Jingbiao Chen
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics and TraumatologyNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhou510515China
| | - Jin Wang
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
| | - Du Cheng
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Xintao Shuai
- The Third Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510630China
- PCFM Lab of Ministry of EducationSchool of Materials Science and EngineeringSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
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42
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Chen R, Wang G, Zheng Y, Hua Y, Cai Z. Drug resistance-related microRNAs in osteosarcoma: Translating basic evidence into therapeutic strategies. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2280-2292. [PMID: 30724027 PMCID: PMC6433687 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the application of multiple chemotherapy brought revolutionary changes to improve overall survival of osteosarcoma patients, the existence of multidrug resistance (MDR) has become a great challenge for successful osteosarcoma treatment in recent decades. Substantial studies have revealed various underlying mechanisms of MDR in cancers. As for osteosarcoma, evidence has highlighted that microRNAs (miRNAs) can mediate in the processes of DNA damage response, apoptosis avoidance, autophagy induction, activation of cancer stem cells, and signal transduction. Besides, these drug resistance‐related miRNAs showed much promise for serving as candidates for predictive biomarkers of poor outcomes and shorter survival time, and therapeutic targets to reverse drug resistance and overcome treatment refractoriness. This review aims to demonstrate the potential molecular mechanisms of miRNAs‐regulated drug resistance in osteosarcoma, and provide insight in translating basic evidence into therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangyang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingqi Hua
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengdong Cai
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Bone Tumor Institute, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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43
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Kim MW, Jeong HY, Kang SJ, Jeong IH, Choi MJ, You YM, Im CS, Song IH, Lee TS, Lee JS, Lee A, Park YS. Anti-EGF Receptor Aptamer-Guided Co-Delivery of Anti-Cancer siRNAs and Quantum Dots for Theranostics of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:837-852. [PMID: 30809312 PMCID: PMC6376474 DOI: 10.7150/thno.30228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many aptamers have been evaluated for their ability as drug delivery vehicles to target ligands, and a variety of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have been tested for their anti-cancer properties. However, since these two types of molecules have similar physicochemical properties, it has so far been difficult to formulate siRNA-encapsulating carriers guided by aptamers. Here, we propose aptamer-coupled lipid nanocarriers encapsulating quantum dots (QDs) and siRNAs for theragnosis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods: Hydrophobic QDs were effectively incorporated into lipid bilayers, and then therapeutic siRNAs were complexed with QD-lipid nanocarriers (QLs). Finally, anti-EGFR aptamer-lipid conjugates were inserted into the QLs for TNBC targeting (aptamo-QLs). TNBC-targeting aptamo-QLs were directly compared to anti-EGFR antibody-coupled immuno-QLs. The in vitro delivery of therapeutic siRNAs and QDs to target cells was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The in vivo targeting of siRNAs to tumors and their therapeutic efficacy were evaluated in mice carrying MDA-MB-231 tumors. Results: Both types of EGFR-targeting QLs showed enhanced delivery to target cancer cells, resulting in more effective gene silencing and enhanced tumor imaging compared to non-targeting control QLs. Moreover, combinatorial therapy with Bcl-2 and PKC-ι siRNAs loaded into the anti-EGFR QLs was remarkably effective in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Conclusion: In general, the aptamo-QLs showed competitive in vivo delivery and therapeutic efficacy compared to immuno-QLs under the same experimental conditions. Our results show that the anti-EGFR aptamer-guided lipid carriers may be a potential theranostic delivery vehicle for RNA interference and fluorescence imaging of TNBCs.
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44
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Wang Y, Wu M, Lei Z, Huang M, Li Z, Wang L, Cao Q, Han D, Chang Y, Chen Y, Liu X, Xue L, Mao X, Geng J, Chen Y, Dai T, Ren L, Wang Q, Yu H, Chen C, Chu X. Dysregulation of miR-6868-5p/FOXM1 circuit contributes to colorectal cancer angiogenesis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:292. [PMID: 30486864 PMCID: PMC6264626 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0970-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Transcription factor forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a crucial regulator in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. However, the regulatory mechanisms causing dysregulation of FOXM1 in CRC remain unclear. Methods Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to determine FOXM1 as miR-6868-5p target. The function of miR-6868-5p and FOXM1 in CRC angiogenesis was verified in vitro. Intratumoral injection model was constructed to explore the effect of miR-6868-5p on angiogenesis in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to assess direct binding of H3K27me3 to the miR-6868 promoter. Results Through integrated analysis, we identified miR-6868-5p as the potent regulator of FOXM1. Overexpression of miR-6868-5p in CRC cells inhibited the angiogenic properties of co-cultured endothelial cells, whereas silencing of miR-6868-5p had opposite effects. In vivo delivery of miR-6868-5p blocked tumor angiogenesis in nude mice, resulting in tumor growth inhibition. Rescue of FOXM1 reversed the effect of miR-6868-5p on tumor angiogenesis. Further mechanistic study revealed that FOXM1 promoted the production of IL-8, which was responsible for the miR-6868-5p/FOXM1 axis-regulated angiogenesis. Reciprocally, FOXM1 inhibited miR-6868-5p expression through EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 on miR-6868-5p promoter, thus forming a feedback circuit. Clinically, the level of miR-6868-5p was downregulated in CRC tissues and inversely correlated with microvessel density as well as levels of FOXM1 and IL-8 in tumor specimens. Conclusions Together, these data identify miR-6868-5p as a novel determinant of FOXM1 expression and establish a miR-6868-5p/FOXM1 regulatory circuit for CRC angiogenesis, providing potential target for CRC treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0970-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meijuan Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zengjie Lei
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiping Li
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qijun Cao
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong Han
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Chang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanyan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaobei Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lijun Xue
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaobei Mao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian Geng
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tingting Dai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lili Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongju Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Departments of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Clinical School of Southern Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Aptamer Chimeras for Therapeutic Delivery: The Challenging Perspectives. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9110529. [PMID: 30384431 PMCID: PMC6266988 DOI: 10.3390/genes9110529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based aptamers have emerged as efficient delivery carriers of therapeutics. Thanks to their unique features, they can be, to date, considered one of the best targeting moieties, allowing the specific recognition of diseased cells and avoiding unwanted off-target effects on healthy tissues. In this review, we revise the most recent contributes on bispecific and multifunctional aptamer therapeutic chimeras. We will discuss key examples of aptamer-mediated delivery of nucleic acid and peptide-based therapeutics underlying their great potentiality and versatility. Achieved objectives and challenges will be highlighted as well.
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46
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Soldevilla MM, Meraviglia-Crivelli de Caso D, Menon AP, Pastor F. Aptamer-iRNAs as Therapeutics for Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E108. [PMID: 30340426 PMCID: PMC6315413 DOI: 10.3390/ph11040108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA or ssRNA) that bind and recognize their targets with high affinity and specificity due to their complex tertiary structure. Aptamers are selected by a method called SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment). This method has allowed the selection of aptamers to different types of molecules. Since then, many aptamers have been described for the potential treatment of several diseases including cancer. It has been described over the last few years that aptamers represent a very useful tool as therapeutics, especially for cancer therapy. Aptamers, thanks to their intrinsic oligonucleotide nature, present inherent advantages over other molecules, such as cell-based products. Owing to their higher tissue penetrability, safer profile, and targeting capacity, aptamers are likely to become a novel platform for the delivery of many different types of therapeutic cargos. Here we focus the review on interfering RNAs (iRNAs) as aptamer-based targeting delivered agents. We have gathered the most reliable information on aptamers as targeting and carrier agents for the specific delivery of siRNAs, shRNA, microRNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) published in the last few years in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario M Soldevilla
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Meraviglia-Crivelli de Caso
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Ashwathi P Menon
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Molecular Therapy Program, Aptamer Core, Center for the Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra (UNAV), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
- Navarre Health Research Institute (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
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Catuogno S, Esposito CL, Condorelli G, de Franciscis V. Nucleic acids delivering nucleic acids. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:79-93. [PMID: 29630917 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics, including siRNAs, miRNAs/antimiRs, gRNAs and ASO, represent innovative and highly promising molecules for the safe treatment of a wide range of pathologies. The efficiency of systemic treatments is impeded by 1) the need to overcome physical and functional barriers in the organism, and 2) to accumulate in the intracellular active site at therapeutic concentrations. Although oligonucleotides either as modified naked molecules or complexed with delivery carriers have revealed to be effectively delivered to the affected target cells, this is restricted to topic treatments or to a few highly vascularized tissues. Therefore, the development of effective strategies for therapeutic nucleic acid selective delivery to target tissues is of primary importance in order to reduce the occurrence of undesired effects on non-target healthy tissues and to permit their translation to clinic. Due to their high affinity for specific ligands, high tissue penetration and chemical flexibility, short single-stranded nucleic acid aptamers are emerging as very attractive carriers for various therapeutic oligonucleotides. Yet, different aptamer-based bioconjugates, able to provide accumulation into target tissues, as well as efficient processing of therapeutic oligonucleotides, have been developed. In this respect, nucleic acid aptamer-mediated delivery strategies represent a powerful approach able to increase the therapeutic efficacy also highly reducing the overall toxicity. In this review, we will summarize recent progress in the field and discuss achieved objectives and optimization of aptamers as delivery carriers of short oligonucleotides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, "Federico II" University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Naples, Italy.
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48
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Catuogno S, Esposito CL, Ungaro P, de Franciscis V. Nucleic Acid Aptamers Targeting Epigenetic Regulators: An Innovative Therapeutic Option. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030079. [PMID: 30149585 PMCID: PMC6161095 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms include DNA methylation, posttranslational modifications of histones, chromatin remodeling factors, and post transcriptional gene regulation by noncoding RNAs. All together, these processes regulate gene expression by changing chromatin organization and DNA accessibility. Targeting enzymatic regulators responsible for DNA and chromatin modifications hold promise for modulating the transcriptional regulation of genes that are involved in cancer, as well as in chronic noncommunicable metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Increasingly studies are emerging, leading to the identification of specific and effective molecules targeting epigenetic pathways involved in disease onset. In this regard, RNA interference, which uses small RNAs to reduce gene expression and nucleic acid aptamers are arising as very promising candidates in therapeutic approach. Common to all these strategies is the imperative challenge of specificity. In this regard, nucleic acid aptamers have emerged as an attractive class of carrier molecules due to their ability to bind with high affinity to specific ligands, their high chemical flexibility as well as tissue penetration capability. In this review, we will focus on the recent progress in the field of aptamers used as targeting moieties able to recognize and revert epigenetics marks involved in diseases onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR "G. Salvatore", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR "G. Salvatore", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Paola Ungaro
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR "G. Salvatore", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e l'Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR "G. Salvatore", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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49
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Oligonucleotide aptamers against tyrosine kinase receptors: Prospect for anticancer applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:263-277. [PMID: 29574128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play crucial roles in cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. Area of intense research is searching for effective anticancer therapies targeting these receptors and, to date, several monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors have entered the clinic. However, some of these drugs show limited efficacy and give rise to acquired resistance. Emerging highly selective compounds for anticancer therapy are oligonucleotide aptamers that interact with their targets by recognizing a specific three-dimensional structure. Because of their nucleic acid nature, the rational design of advanced strategies to manipulate aptamers for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications is greatly simplified over antibodies. In this manuscript, we will provide a comprehensive overview of oligonucleotide aptamers as next generation strategies to efficiently target RTKs in human cancers.
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50
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Romanelli A, Affinito A, Avitabile C, Catuogno S, Ceriotti P, Iaboni M, Modica J, Condorelli G, Catalucci D. An anti-PDGFRβ aptamer for selective delivery of small therapeutic peptide to cardiac cells. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29513717 PMCID: PMC5841773 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Small therapeutic peptides represent a promising field for the treatment of pathologies such as cardiac diseases. However, the lack of proper target-selective carriers hampers their translation towards a potential clinical application. Aptamers are cell-specific carriers that bind with high affinity to their specific target. However, some limitations on their conjugation to small peptides and the functionality of the resulting aptamer-peptide chimera exist. Here, we generated a novel aptamer-peptide chimera through conjugation of the PDGFRβ-targeting Gint4.T aptamer to MP, a small mimetic peptide that via targeting of the Cavβ2 subunit of the L-type calcium channel (LTCC) can recover myocardial function in pathological heart conditions associated with defective LTCC function. The conjugation reaction was performed by click chemistry in the presence of N,N,N',N',N"-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as a Cu (I) stabilizing agent in a DMSO-free aqueous buffer. When administered to cardiac cells, the Gint4.T-MP aptamer-peptide chimera was successfully internalized in cells, allowing the functional targeting of MP to LTCC. This approach represents the first example of the use of an internalizing aptamer for selective delivery of a small therapeutic peptide to cardiac cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Affinito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Avitabile
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore "IEOS-CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Ceriotti
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Margherita Iaboni
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Jessica Modica
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Geroloma Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "G. Salvatore "IEOS-CNR, Naples, Italy
- * E-mail: (GC); (DC)
| | - Daniele Catalucci
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research, Milan Unit, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (GC); (DC)
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