Targeting ETS1 with RNAi-based supramolecular nanoassemblies for multidrug-resistant breast cancer therapy

Identification of modules and key genes associated with breast cancer subtypes through network analysis

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women around the world. Intratumor and intertumoral heterogeneity persist in mammary tumors. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers is essential for the treatment of this malignancy. This study analyzed 28,143 genes expressed in 49 breast cancer cell lines using a Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis to determine specific target proteins for Basal A, Basal B, Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2 ampl breast cancer subtypes. Sixty-five modules were identified, of which five were characterized as having a high correlation with breast cancer subtypes. Genes overexpressed in the tumor were found to participate in the following mechanisms: regulation of the apoptotic process, transcriptional regulation, angiogenesis, signaling, and cellular survival. In particular, we identified the following genes, considered as hubs: IFIT3, an inhibitor of viral and cellular processes; ETS1, a transcription factor involved in cell death and tumorigenesis; ENSG00000259723 lncRNA, expressed in cancers; AL033519.3, a hypothetical gene; and TMEM86A, important for regulating keratinocyte membrane properties, considered as a key in Basal A, Basal B, Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2 ampl breast cancer subtypes, respectively. The modules and genes identified in this work can be used to identify possible biomarkers or therapeutic targets in different breast cancer subtypes.

Therapeutic Supramolecular Polymers: Designs and Applications

The self-assembly of low-molecular-weight building motifs into supramolecular polymers has unlocked a new realm of materials with distinct properties and tremendous potential for advancing medical practices. Leveraging the reversible and dynamic nature of non-covalent interactions, these supramolecular polymers exhibit inherent responsiveness to their microenvironment, physiological cues, and biomolecular signals, making them uniquely suited for diverse biomedical applications. In this review, we intend to explore the principles of design, synthesis methodologies, and strategic developments that underlie the creation of supramolecular polymers as carriers for therapeutics, contributing to the treatment and prevention of a spectrum of human diseases. We delve into the principles underlying monomer design, emphasizing the pivotal role of non-covalent interactions, directionality, and reversibility. Moreover, we explore the intricate balance between thermodynamics and kinetics in supramolecular polymerization, illuminating strategies for achieving controlled sizes and distributions. Categorically, we examine their exciting biomedical applications: individual polymers as discrete carriers for therapeutics, delving into their interactions with cells, and in vivo dynamics; and supramolecular polymeric hydrogels as injectable depots, with a focus on their roles in cancer immunotherapy, sustained drug release, and regenerative medicine. As the field continues to burgeon, harnessing the unique attributes of therapeutic supramolecular polymers holds the promise of transformative impacts across the biomedical landscape.

Development of CRISPR/Cas Delivery Systems for In Vivo Precision Genome Editing

ConspectusClustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) is emerging as a powerful genome-editing tool, enabling precise and targeted modifications of virtually any genomic sequence in living cells. These technologies have potential therapeutic applications for cancers, metabolic diseases, and genetic disorders. However, several major challenges hinder the full realization of their potential. Specifically, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editors, whether delivered as plasmid DNA, mRNA/sgRNA, or ribonucleoprotein (RNP), exhibit poor membrane permeability, restricting their access to the intracellular genome, where the editing occurs. Additionally, these editors lack tissue or organ specificity, raising concerns about off-target editing at the tissue level that causes unwanted genotoxicity. Though a range of delivery carriers has been developed to deliver Cas9 editors, their effectiveness is often limited by a number of barriers at both the extracellular and intracellular levels. Moreover, the prolonged activity of Cas9 increases the risk of off-target editing at the genomic level. Therefore, it is crucial to develop efficient delivery vectors, along with molecular switches to safely regulate Cas9 activity.In this Account, we summarize our recent achievements in developing different types of materials that can efficiently deliver the plasmid DNA encoding Cas9 protein and single-guide RNA (sgRNA), or Cas9 RNP into cells to highlight the design considerations of carriers for safe and efficient delivery in vitro and in vivo. After elucidating the chemical and physical factors that are responsible for encapsulating and delivering these biomacromolecules, we further elucidate how we design the biodegradable polymeric carriers using dynamic disulfide chemistry, emphasize their safe and efficient delivery features for genome-editing biomacromolecules, and also introduce the integration of the intracellular delivery of genome-editing biomacromolecules with microneedle-based transdermal delivery to promote therapeutic genome editing for inflammatory skin disorders. Finally, we review how we exploit optical, chemical, and genetic switches to control the Cas9 activity in conjunction with targeted delivery to address the spatiotemporal specificity of gene editing in vivo and demonstrate their precision therapy against cancer and colitis treatment as proof-of-concept examples. In the final part, we will summarize the progress we have made and propose the future directions that may impact the field based on our own research outcomes.

Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analyses of Immunogenic Cell Death as a Biomarker in Predicting Prognosis and Therapeutic Response

Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of regulated cell death, is related to anticancer therapy. Due to the absence of widely accepted markers, characterizing ICD-related phenotypes across cancer types remained unexplored. Here, we defined the ICD score to delineate the ICD landscape across 33 cancerous types and 31 normal tissue types based on transcriptomic, proteomic and epigenetics data from multiple databases. We found that ICD score showed cancer type-specific association with genomic and immune features. Importantly, the ICD score had the potential to predict therapy response and patient prognosis in multiple cancer types. We also developed an ICD-related prognostic model by machine learning and cox regression analysis. Single-cell level analysis revealed intra-tumor ICD state heterogeneity and communication between ICD-based clusters of T cells and other immune cells in the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer. For the first time, we identified IGF2BP3 as a potential ICD regulator in colon cancer. In conclusion, our study provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating the relation between ICD and clinical relevance, gaining insights into identification of ICD as a potential cancer-related biomarker and therapeutic target.

Phosphorylation-mediated interaction between human E26 transcription factor 1 and specific protein 1 is required for tumor cell migration

Transcription factors, human E26 transcription factor 1 (Ets1) and specific protein 1 (Sp1), are known to induce gene expression in tumorigenicity. High Ets1 expression is often associated with colorectal tumorigenesis. In this study, we discover that metastasis and clone formation in SW480 cells mainly depend on the direct interaction between Ets1 and Sp1 instead of high Ets1 expression. The interaction domains are further addressed to be the segment at Sp1(626-708) and the segment at Ets1(244-331). In addition, the phosphorylation inhibition of Ets1 at Tyr283 by either downregulation of Src kinase or Src family inhibitor treatment decreases the interaction between Sp1 and Ets1 and suppresses SW480 migration. Either administration or overexpression of the peptides harboring the interaction segment strongly inhibits the colony formation and migration of SW480 cells. Our findings suggest that the interaction between Ets1 and Sp1 rather than Ets1 alone promotes transformation in SW480 cells and provide new insight into the Ets1 and Sp1 interaction as an antitumour target in SW480 cells.

siRNA delivery using intelligent chitosan-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles for overcoming multidrug resistance in malignant carcinoma cells

Although siRNA is a promising technology for cancer gene therapy, effective cytoplasmic delivery has remained a significant challenge. In this paper, a potent siRNA transfer system with active targeting moieties toward cancer cells and a high loading capacity is introduced to inhibit drug resistance. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are of great potential for developing targeted gene delivery. Amino-modified MSNs (NH₂-MSNs) were synthesized using a modified sol–gel method and characterized by FTIR, BET, TEM, SEM, X-ray diffraction, DLS, and ¹H-NMR. MDR1-siRNA was loaded within NH₂-MSNs, and the resulting negative surface was capped by functionalized chitosan as a protective layer. Targeting moieties such as TAT and folate were anchored to chitosan via PEG-spacers. The loading capacity of siRNA and the protective effect of chitosan for siRNA were determined by gel retardation assay. MTT assay, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, and western blot were performed to study the cytotoxicity, cellular uptake assay, targeting evaluation, and MDR1 knockdown efficiency. The synthesized NH₂-MSNs had a particle size of ≈ 100 nm and pore size of ≈ 5 nm. siRNA was loaded into NH₂-MSNs with a high loading capacity of 20% w/w. Chitosan coating on the surface of siRNA-NH₂-MSNs significantly improved the siRNA protection against enzyme activity compared to naked siRNA-NH₂-MSNs. MSNs and modified MSNs did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity at therapeutic concentrations in the EPG85.257-RDB and HeLa-RDB lines. The folate-conjugated nanoparticles showed a cellular uptake of around two times higher in folate receptor-rich HeLa-RDB than EPG85.257-RDB cells. The chitosan-coated siRNA-NH2-MSNs produced decreased MDR1 transcript and protein levels in HeLa-RDB by 0.20 and 0.48-fold, respectively. The results demonstrated that functionalized chitosan-coated siRNA-MSNs could be a promising carrier for targeted cancer therapy. Folate-targeted nanoparticles were specifically harvested by folate receptor-rich HeLa-RDB and produced a chemosensitized phenotype of the multidrug-resistant cancer cells.

LncRNA PAXIP1-AS1 fosters the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension via ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA axis

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life‐threatening disease featured with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance and progressive pulmonary vascular remodelling. It has been demonstrated that lncRNA PAXIP1‐AS1 could influence the transcriptome in PAH. However, the exact molecular mechanism of PAXIP1‐AS1 in PAH pathogenesis remains largely unknown. In this study, in vivo rat PAH model was established by monocrotaline (MCT) induction and hypoxia was used to induce in vitro PAH model using human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (hPASMCs). Histological examinations including H&E, Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry were subjected to evaluate the pathological changes of lung tissues. Expression patterns of PAXIP1‐AS1 and RhoA were assessed using qRT‐PCR and Western blotting, respectively. CCK‐8, BrdU assay and immunofluorescence of Ki67 were performed to measure the cell proliferation. Wound healing and transwell assays were employed to evaluate the capacity of cell migration. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, co‐immunoprecipitation, RIP and CHIP assays were employed to verify the PAXIP1‐AS1/ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA regulatory network. It was found that the expression of PAXIP1‐AS1 and RhoA was remarkably higher in both lung tissues and serum of MCT‐induced PAH rats, as well as in hypoxia‐induced hPASMCs. PAXIP1‐AS1 knockdown remarkably suppressed hypoxia‐induced cell viability and migration of hPASMCs. PAXIP1‐AS1 positively regulated WIPF1 via recruiting transcriptional factor ETS1, of which knockdown reversed PAXIP1‐AS1‐mediated biological functions. Co‐immunoprecipitation validated the WIPF1/RhoA interaction. In vivo experiments further revealed the role of PAXIP1‐AS1 in PAH pathogenesis. In summary, lncRNA PAXIP1‐AS1 promoted cell viability and migration of hPASMCs via ETS1/WIPF1/RhoA, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for PAH treatment.

CRISPR-cas9 genome editing delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy

The prokaryotic CRISPR-Cas systems could be applied as revolutionized genome editing tool in live cells of various species to modify, visualize and identify definite sequences of DNA and RNA. CRISPR-Cas could edit the genome by homology-directed repair and non-homologous end joining mechanisms. Furthermore, DNA-targeting modification by CRISPR-Cas methodology provides opportunity for diagnosis, therapy and the genetic disorders investigation. Here, we summarized delivery systems employed for CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing. Then preclinical studies of the CRISPR-Cas9-based therapeutics will be discussed considering the associated challenges and developments in its translation to clinic for cancer therapy.

Amphiphilic peptide dendrimer-based nanovehicles for safe and effective siRNA delivery

Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based RNA interference has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a wide range of incurable diseases. However, the safe and effective delivery of siRNA therapeutics into the interior of target cells remains challenging. Here, we disclosed novel amphiphilic peptide dendrimers (AmPDs) that composed of hydrophobic two lipid-like alkyl chains and hydrophilic poly(lysine) dendrons with different generations (2C18-KK2 and 2C18-KK2K4) as nanovehicles for siRNA delivery. These AmPDs are able to self-assemble into supramolecular nanoassemblies that are capable of entrapping siRNA molecules into nanoparticles to protect siRNA from enzymatic degradation and promote efficient intracellular uptake without evident toxicity. Interestingly, by virtue of the optimal balance of hydrophobic lipid-like entity and hydrophilic poly(lysine) dendron generations, AmPD 2C18-KK2K4 bearing bigger hydrophilic dendron can package siRNA to form stable, but more ready to disassemble complexes, thereby resulting in more efficient siRNA releasing and better gene silencing effect in comparison with AmPD 2C18-KK2 bearing smaller dendron. Additional studies confirmed that 2C18-KK2K4 can capitalize on the advantages of lipid and peptide dendrimer vectors for effective siRNA delivery. Collectively, our AmPD-based nanocarriers indeed represent a safe and effective siRNA delivery system. Our findings also provide a new perspective on the modulation of self-assembly amphiphilic peptide dendrimers for the functional and adaptive delivery of siRNA therapeutics.

Histone Demethylase KDM3A Promotes Cervical Cancer Malignancy Through the ETS1/KIF14/Hedgehog Axis

Background

Lysine demethylase 3A (KDM3A) has been increasingly recognized as an important epigenetic regulator involved in cancer development. This study aims to explore the relevance of KDM3A to cervical cancer (CC) progression and the molecules involved.

Materials and Methods

Tumor and the adjacent tissues from CC patients were collected. KDM3A expression in tissues and CC cell lines and its correlation with the survival and prognosis of patients were determined. Malignant potentials of CC cells and the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs were measured to evaluate the function of KDM3A on CC progression. The interactions among KDM3A, H3K9me2 and ETS1, and the binding between ETS1 and KIF14 were validated through ChIP and luciferase assays. Altered expression of ETS1 and KIF14 was introduced to explore their roles in CC development.

Results

KDM3A was abundantly expressed in CC tissues and cells and linked to dismal prognosis of CC patients. Knockdown of KDM3A suppressed malignant behaviors of CC cells. KDM3A was found to increase ETS1 expression through the demethylation of H3K9me2. Overexpression of ETS1 blocked the inhibiting roles of sh-KDM3A. ETS1 could bind to the promoter region of KIF14 to trigger its transcription. Overexpression ofKIF14aggravated the malignant behaviors of CC cells and the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs, and it activated the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Artificial activation of Hedgehog by Sag1.5 diminished the effects of sh-KDM3A. These changes were reproduced in vivo.

Conclusion

This study evidenced that KDM3A promotes ETS1-mediated KIF14 transcription to promote CC progression with the involvement of the Hedgehog activation.

Silencing KIF14 reverses acquired resistance to sorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma

For nearly a decade, sorafenib has served as a first-line chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but it displays only limited efficacy against advanced drug-resistant HCC. Regorafenib, the first second-line drug approved for treatment after sorafenib failure, can reverse resistance to sorafenib. We used bioinformatics methods to identify genes whose expression was differentially induced by sorafenib and regorafenib in HCC. We identified KIF14 as an oncogene involved in the acquired resistance to sorafenib in HCC and investigated its potential as a target for reversing this resistance. Sustained exposure of resistant HCC cells to sorafenib activated the AKT pathway, which in turn upregulated KIF14 expression by increasing expression of the transcription factor ETS1. Silencing KIF14 reversed the acquired resistance to sorafenib by inhibiting AKT activation and downregulating ETS1 expression by blocking the AKT-ETS1-KIF14 positive feedback loop. Moreover, injection of siKIF14 with sorafenib suppressed growth of sorafenib-resistant HCC tumors in mice. These results demonstrate that targeting KIF14 could be an effective means of reversing sorafenib failure or strengthening sorafenib's antitumor effects.

Synthesis of surfactant-modified ZIF-8 with controllable microstructures and their drug loading and sustained release behaviour

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as drug carriers have many advantages than traditional drug carriers and have received extensive attention from researchers. However, how to regulate the microstructure of MOFs to improve the efficiency of drug delivery and sustained release behaviour is still a big problem for the clinical application. Herein, the authors synthesise surfactant-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles with different microstructures by using different types of surfactants to modify ZIF-8. The surfactant-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticles have the larger specific surface area and total micropore volumes than the original ZIF-8, which enables doxorubicin (DOX) to be more effectively loaded on the drug carriers and achieve controlled drug sustained release. Excellent degradation performance of ZIF-8 nanoparticles facilitates the metabolism of drug carriers. The formulation was evaluated for cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and intracellular location in the A549 human non-small-cell lung cancer cell line. ZIF-8/DOX nano drugs exhibit higher cytotoxicity towards cells in comparison with free DOX, suggesting the potential application in nano drugs to cancer chemotherapy.

Olmutinib Reverses Doxorubicin Resistance in ETS1-Overexpressing Leukemia Cells

BACKGROUND Drug resistance is a major problem in the treatment of leukemia with doxorubicin (Dox), and the erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1 (ETS1) gene is associated with drug resistance. Olmutinib is a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) reported to play a role in reversing multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether olmutinib could reverse Dox resistance in leukemia cells overexpressing ETS1. MATERIAL AND METHODS Human chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line K562 and its Dox-resistant cell line K562/ADR were used. Western blot and qPCR detected the expression of ETS1 and ABCB1. Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium. Cell apoptosis was observed by western blot and flow cytometry. A nude mice K562/ADR xenograft model was used to investigate the inhibitory effects of olmutinib on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS The mRNA and protein expressions of ETS1 and ABCB1 were up-regulated in Dox-resistant leukemia cell line K562/ADR. We overexpressed ETS1 in both cell lines, finding that olmutinib inhibited the cell viability of K562 and K562/ADR in a concentration-dependent manner. The cytotoxicity of Dox to EST1-overexpressing K562/ADR cells was enhanced by olmutinib. Olmutinib also promoted apoptosis of K562 and K562/ADR cells compared with Dox treatment alone. In vivo, olmutinib enhanced the inhibitory effects of Dox on ETS1-overexpressing K562/ADR cell xenograft growth. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the novel EGFR TKI olmutinib enhances the sensitivity of ETS1-overexpressing leukemia cells to Dox.

Genome editing of mutant KRAS through supramolecular polymer-mediated delivery of Cas9 ribonucleoprotein for colorectal cancer therapy

CRISPR (clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has emerged as a powerful genome-editing tool to correct genetic disorders. However, successful intracellular delivery of CRISPR/Cas9, especially in the form of ribonucleoprotein (RNP), remains elusive for clinical translation. Herein, we describe a supramolecular polymer that can mediate efficient controlled delivery of Cas9 RNP in vitro and in vivo. This supramolecular polymer system is prepared by complexing disulfide-bridged biguanidyl adamantine (Ad-SS-GD) with β-cyclodextrin-conjugated low-molecular-weight polyethyleneimime (CP) through supramolecular assembly to generate CP/Ad-SS-GD. Due to multiple, strong hydrogen bonding and salt bridge effects, CP/Ad-SS-GD well interact with Cas9 RNP to form stable nanocomplex CP/Ad-SS-GD/RNP, which can be readily released in the reductive intracellular milieu as a result of the cleavage of disulfide bonds. The supramolecular polymer ensures the efficient intracellular delivery and the release of Cas9 RNP into 293T cells and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thus displaying high genome-editing activity in vitro. Importantly, we also found that hyaluronic acid (HA)-decorated CP/Ad-SS-GD/RNP nanocomplexes targeting mutant KRAS effectively inhibit tumor growth as well as metastasis in the tumor-bearing mouse models. Collectively, our findings provide a promising therapeutic strategy against mutant KRAS for the treatment of CRC-activated RAS pathways, offering a new therapeutic genome-editing modality for the colorectal cancer treatment.

Modification of miRNA Expression through plant extracts and compounds against breast cancer: Mechanism and translational significance

BACKGROUND

Cancer is hyper-proliferative, multi-factorial and multi-step, heterogeneous group of molecular disorders. It is the second most reported disease after heart diseases. Breast carcinoma is the foremost death causing disease in female population worldwide. Cancer can be controlled by regulating the gene expression. Current therapeutic options are associated with severe side effects and are expensive for the people living in under-developed countries. Plant derived substances have potential application against different diseases like cancer, inflammation and viral infections.

HYPOTHESIS

The mechanism of action of the medicinal plants is largely unknown. Targeting gene network and miRNA using medicinal plants could help in improving the therapeutic options against cancer.

METHODS

The literature from 135 articles was reviewed by using PubMed, google scholar, Science direct to find out the plants and plant-based compounds against breast cancer and also the studies reporting their mechanistic route of action both at coding and noncoding RNA levels.

RESULTS

Natural products act as selective inhibitors of the cancerous cells by targeting oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes or altering miRNA expression. Natural compounds like EGCG from tea, Genistein from fava beans, curcumin from turmeric, DIM found in cruciferous, Resveratrol a polyphenol and Quercetin a flavonoid is found in various plants have been studied for their anticancer activity. The EGCG was found to inhibit proliferative activity by modulating miR-16 and miR-21. Similarly, DIM was found to down regulate miR-92a which results to modulate NFkB and stops cancer development. Another plant-based compound Glyceollins found to upregulate miR-181c and miR-181d having role in tumor suppression. It also found to regulate miR-22, 29b and c, miR-30d, 34a and 195. Quercetin having anti-cancer activity induce the apoptosis through regulating miR-16, 26b, 34a, let-7g, 125a and miR-605 and reduce the miRNA expression like miR-146a/b, 503 and 194 which are involved in metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Targeting miRNA expression using natural plant extracts can have a reverse effect on cell proliferation; turning on and off tumor-inducing and suppressing genes. It can be efficiently adopted as an adjuvant with the conventional form of therapies to increase their efficacy against cancer progression.

Enhanced anticancer effect of doxorubicin by TPGS-coated liposomes with Bcl-2 siRNA-corona for dual suppression of drug resistance

Multiple drug resistance (MDR) is a tough problem in developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. Here, we developed TPGS-coated cationic liposomes with Bcl-2 siRNA corona to load doxorubicin (Dox) i.e., Bcl-2 siRNA/Dox-TPGS-LPs, to enhance anticancer effect of Dox in HCC-MDR. TPGS i.e., d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, inhibited P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux pump and Bcl-2 siRNA suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. The Bcl-2 siRNA loaded in the liposomal corona was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The stability and hemolysis evaluation demonstrated Bcl-2 siRNA/Dox-TPGS-LPs had good biocompatibility and siRNA-corona could protect the liposomal core to avoid the attachment of fetal bovine serum. In drug-resistant cells, TPGS effectively prolonged intracellular Dox retention time and siRNA-corona did improve the internalization of Dox from liposomes. In vitro and in vivo anticancer effect of this dual-functional nanostructure was examined in HCC-MDR Bel7402/5-FU tumor model. MTT assay confirmed the IC₅₀ value of Dox was 20–50 fold higher in Bel7402/5-FU MDR cells than that in sensitive Bel7402 cells. Bcl-2 siRNA corona successfully entered the cytosol of Bel7402/5-FU MDR cells to downregulate Bcl-2 protein levels in vitro and in vivo. Bcl-2 siRNA/Dox-TPGS-LPs showed superior to TPGS- (or siRNA-) linked Dox liposomes in cell apoptosis and cytotoxicity assay in Bel7402/5-FU MDR cells, and 7-fold greater effect than free Dox in tumor growth inhibition of Bel7402/5-FU xenograft nude mice. In conclusion, TPGS-coated cationic liposomes with Bcl-2 siRNA corona had the capacity to inhibit MDR dual-pathways and subsequently improved the anti-tumor activity of the chemotherapeutic agent co-delivered to a level that cannot be achieved by inhibiting a MDR single way.

Silica nano supra-assembly for the targeted delivery of therapeutic cargo to overcome chemoresistance in cancer

Cancer cells become resistant over the period to chemotherapeutic drugs and pose a challenging impediment for oncologists in providing effective treatment. Nanomedicine allows to overcome chemoresistance and is the focus of our investigation. Silica nanostructures have been highlighted as an interesting drug delivery platform in vitro and in vivo applications. Here we show the validity of nanomedicine approach for targeted chemotherapeutic cargo delivery to overcome chemoresistance in cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. For demonstrating the concept, we functionalised ∼100 nm long porous silica nanoparticles (∼20 nm diameter ordered pore structure) by conjugating anticancer drug, cytochrome c enzyme and dual-function anticancer aptamer AS1411 in single supra-assembled nanocargos. The supra-assembly on the porous silica nanostructure allows for a high loading of catalytic enzyme cytochrome c, anticancer drug and aptamer. The silica supra-assembly is characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Conjugation of cargoes has been monitored at each step by UV-vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy. Finally, the constructed supra-assembled nanocarrier tested on chemoresistance colon cancer (HCT116) cells. A pH-responsive, intracellular theranostic cargo delivery has been achieved and the triple action of the nanocargo made an efficient killing of drug resistance colon cancer cells in vitro (∼ 92% cell death) through triplex therapy effects by supressing the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) level. Furthermore, in vivo animal toxicity studies demonstrated, the supra-assembled nanocargos have encouraging safety index to be used in cancer therapy and drug delivery applications.

Reconstructed chitosan with alkylamine for enhanced gene delivery by promoting endosomal escape

Poor buffering capacity of chitosan (CS) results in insufficient intracellular gene release which poses the major barrier in gene delivery. Herein, we reconstructed pristine CS with propylamine (PA), (diethylamino) propylamine (DEAPA), and N, N-dimethyl- dipropylenetriamine (DMAMAPA) to obtain a series of alkylamine-chitosan (AA-CS). The introduction of multiple amino groups with rational ratios functionally enhance the buffering capacity of AA-CS, among which DMAPAPA-CS showed buffering capacity of 1.58 times that of chitosan. The reconstructed AA-CS functionally enhance the ability of gene binding and endosomal escape. It was observed that the DMAPAPA-CS/pDNA complexes exhibit a notable gene delivery efficiency, which promotes the functionalization of loaded pDNA. Importantly, the in vivo delivery assay reveals that the deep penetration issue can be resolved using DMAPAPA-CS gene delivery vector. Finally, the DMAPAPA-CS is applied to deliver the therapeutic p53 gene in A549 bearing mice, showing efficient therapeutic potential for cancer.

Systems biology-based investigation of cooperating microRNAs as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy in cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression by suppressing mRNA translation and reducing mRNA stability. A miRNA can potentially bind many mRNAs, thereby affecting the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes as well as the activity of whole pathways. The promise of miRNA therapeutics in cancer is to harness this evolutionarily conserved mechanism for the coordinated regulation of gene expression, and thus restoring a normal cell phenotype. However, the promiscuous binding of miRNAs can provoke unwanted off-target effects, which are usually caused by high-dose single-miRNA treatments. Thus, it is desirable to develop miRNA therapeutics with increased specificity and efficacy. To achieve that, we propose the concept of miRNA cooperativity in order to exert synergistic repression on target genes, thus lowering the required total amount of miRNAs. We first review miRNA therapies in clinical application. Next, we summarize the knowledge on the molecular mechanism and biological function of miRNA cooperativity and discuss its application in cancer therapies. We then propose and discuss a systems biology approach to investigate miRNA cooperativity for the clinical setting. Altogether, we point out the potential of miRNA cooperativity to reduce off-target effects and to complement conventional, targeted, or immune-based therapies for cancer.

Doxorubicin and adjudin co-loaded pH-sensitive nanoparticles for the treatment of drug-resistant cancer

Multi-drug resistance (MDR) of tumor is a major cause of chemotherapy failure. In this study, a pH-sensitive graft copolymer, poly(β-amino ester)-g-β-cyclodextrin (PBAE-g-β-CD), was synthesized via Michael addition polymerization and was employed to co-deliver doxorubicin (DOX), a chemotherapy agent, and adjudin (ADD), a mitochondrial inhibitor, in the form of dual-drug co-loaded nanoparticles (NPs). Specifically, DOX was conjugated to 1-adamantaneacetic acid (Aa) to generate a prodrug that was subsequently encapsulated in the cavity of cyclodextrin via host-guest interactions. In addition, ADD was encapsulated by poly(β-aminoester) (PBAE). The introduction of the Aa-d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycolsuccinate (TPGS) conjugate enhanced the biocompatibility and serum stability of the resulting NPs. The NPs can realize precise ratiometric control of drugs being loaded, increase cellular uptake of the drugs, induce mitochondrial dysfunction and augment tumor treatment efficiency by inducing apoptosis. Western blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that inhibition of P-glycoprotein and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression may underlie inhibition of tumor resistance mediated by NPs. The MCF-7/ADR xenograft tumor model also revealed that in comparison with DOX, the NPs exhibited satisfactory performance in promoting apoptosis of tumor cells and achieved high therapeutic outcomes for MDR tumors. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Combination chemotherapy is an effective way to overcome MDR of tumor. However, one of the major obstacles for successful combination chemotherapy is the co-loading, co-delivery and controlled release of two different drugs, whose chemo-physical properties may be totally different. In this study, a pH-sensitive NP system was designed to realize the co-loading and precise ratiometric control of DOX and ADD, as well as the programmed drug release. That is, ADD release was triggered by low pH in endo/lysosome after endocytosis and then DOX was hydrolyzed to achieve a sustained release in tumor cells. Therefore, the NPs exhibited an effectively growth inhibition against MDR cells both in vitro and in vivo via the synergistic effect of ADD and DOX, which provided a promising strategy for treatment of MDR cancer.

Tumor microenvironment as the "regulator" and "target" for gene therapy

In this review, we focus on strategies for designing functional nano gene carriers, as well as choosing therapeutic genes targeting the tumor microenvironment. Gene mutations have a great impact on the occurrence of cancer. Thus, gene therapy plays a major role in cancer therapy and has the potential to cure cancer. Well-designed gene therapy largely relies on effective gene carriers, which can be divided into viral carriers and non-viral carriers. A gene carrier delivers functional genes to their intracellular target and avoids nucleic acids being degraded by nucleases in the serum. Most conventional cancer gene therapies only target cancer cells and do not appear to be sufficintly efficient to pass clinical trials. Accumulating evidence has shown that extending the therapeutic strategies to the tumor microenvironment, rather than the tumor cell itself, can allow more options for achieving robust anti-cancer efficiency. In addition, unusual features between tumor microenvironment and normal tissues, such as a lower pH, higher glutathione and reactive oxygen species concentrations, and overexpression of some enzymes, facilitate the design of smart stimuli-responsive gene carriers regulated by the tumor microenvironment. These carriers interact with nucleic acids and then form stable nanoparticles under physiological conditions. By regulation of the tumor microenvironment, stimuli-responsive gene carriers are able to change their properties and achieve high gene delivery efficiency. Considering the tumor microenvironment as the "regulator" and "target" when designing gene carriers and choosing therapeutic genes shows significant benefit with respect to improving the accuracy and efficiency of cancer gene therapy.

RNA interference-based therapy and its delivery systems

RNA interference (RNAi) is considered a highly specific approach for gene silencing and holds tremendous potential for treatment of various pathologic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, viral infections, and cancer. Although gene silencing approaches such as RNAi are widely used in preclinical models, the clinical application of RNAi is challenging primarily because of the difficulty in achieving successful systemic delivery. Effective delivery systems are essential to enable the full therapeutic potential of RNAi. An ideal nanocarrier not only addresses the challenges of delivering naked siRNA/miRNA, including its chemically unstable features, extracellular and intracellular barriers, and innate immune stimulation, but also offers "smart" targeted delivery. Over the past decade, great efforts have been undertaken to develop RNAi delivery systems that overcome these obstacles. This review presents an update on current progress in the therapeutic application of RNAi with a focus on cancer therapy and strategies for optimizing delivery systems, such as lipid-based nanoparticles.

Surface-Layer Protein-Enhanced Immunotherapy Based on Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for the Effective Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Metastasis

Chemo-immunotherapy is an important tool to overcome tumor immune suppression in cancer immunotherapy. Herein, we report a surface-layer (S-layer) protein-enhanced immunotherapy strategy based on cell membrane-coated S-CM-HPAD nanoparticles for the effective malignant tumor therapy and metastasis inhibition. The S-CM-HPAD NPs could effectively deliver the tumor antigen, DOX, and immunoadjuvant to the homotypic tumor by the homotypic targeting ability of the coated cell membrane. In addition to its ability to induce tumor cell death, the loaded DOX could enhance the immunotherapy response by inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Because of the intrinsic adjuvant property and capability to surface display epitopes and proteins, the S-layers localized on the surface of S-CM-HPAD NPs potentiated the immune response to the antigen. The results confirmed that the protective immunity against tumor occurrence was promoted effectively by prompting proliferation of lymphocytes and secretion of cytokine caused by the tumor-associated antigen and adjuvant. The excellent combinational therapeutic effects on the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis in the melanoma tumor models demonstrated that the S-layer-enhanced immunotherapeutic method is a promising strategy for tumor immunotherapy of malignant tumor growth and metastasis.

Solid-phase synthesis of three-armed star-shaped peptoids and their hierarchical self-assembly

Due to the branched structure feature and unique properties, a variety of star-shaped polymers have been designed and synthesized. Despite those advances, solid-phase synthesis of star-shaped sequence-defined synthetic polymers that exhibit hierarchical self-assembly remains a significant challenge. Hence, we present an effective strategy for the solid-phase synthesis of three-armed star-shaped peptoids, in which ethylenediamine was used as the centric star pivot. Based on the sequence of monomer addition, a series of AA'A''-type and ABB'-type peptoids were synthesized and characterized by UPLC-MS (ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). By taking advantage of the easy-synthesis and large side-chain diversity, we synthesized star-shaped peptoids with tunable functions. We further demonstrated the aqueous self-assembly of some representative peptoids into biomimetic nanomaterials with well-defined hierarchical structures, such as nanofibers and nanotubes. These results indicate that star-shaped peptoids offer the potential in self-assembly of biomimetic nanomaterials with tunable chemistries and functions.

Supramolecular chemotherapy based on host-guest molecular recognition: a novel strategy in the battle against cancer with a bright future

Chemotherapy is currently one of the most effective ways to treat cancer. However, traditional chemotherapy faces several obstacles to clinical trials, such as poor solubility/stability, non-targeting capability and uncontrollable release of the drugs, greatly limiting their anticancer efficacy and causing severe side effects towards normal tissues. Supramolecular chemotherapy integrating non-covalent interactions and traditional chemotherapy is a highly promising candidate in this regard and can be appropriately used for targeted drug delivery. By taking advantage of supramolecular chemistry, some limitations impeding traditional chemotherapy for clinical applications can be solved effectively. Therefore, we present here a review summarizing the progress of supramolecular chemotherapy in cancer treatment based on host-guest recognition and provide guidance on the design of new targeting supramolecular chemotherapy combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Based on a large number of state-of-the-art studies, our review will advance supramolecular chemotherapy on the basis of host-guest recognition and promote translational clinical applications.

Green Tea Catechin Dramatically Promotes RNAi Mediated by Low-Molecular-Weight Polymers

Cytosolic delivery is the major challenge that limits the clinical translation of siRNA-based therapeutics. Although thousands of polymers have been developed for siRNA delivery, the efficiency-toxicity correlation is unsatisfactory. Here, we report a facile strategy to fabricate core-shell-structured nanoparticles with robust siRNA delivery efficiency. The nanoparticle is prepared by entropy-driven complexation of siRNA with a green tea catechin to yield a negatively charged core, followed by coating low-molecular-weight polymers to form the shell. This supramolecular strategy facilitates the polymers condensing siRNA into uniform nanoparticles. The nanoparticle specifically down-regulates target genes in vitro and in vivo, and efficiently attenuates chronic intestinal inflammation in an inflammatory bowel disease model. Notably, the highly efficient nanoparticles are applicable for various polymers with different topologies and chemical compositions, providing a versatile technique to break down the efficiency-toxicity correlation of cationic polymers. The proposed strategy in this study permits the development of a promising platform for polymer-mediated siRNA delivery.

Construction of a High-Efficiency Drug and Gene Co-Delivery System for Cancer Therapy from a pH-Sensitive Supramolecular Inclusion between Oligoethylenimine- graft-β-cyclodextrin and Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Derivative

Introducing genes into drug-delivery system for a combined therapy has become a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, improving the in vivo therapy effect resulted from the high delivery efficiency, low toxicity, and good stability in the blood remains a challenge. For this purpose, the supramolecular inclusion was considered to construct a high-efficiency drug and gene co-delivery system in this work. The oligoethylenimine-conjugated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-PEI600) and benzimidazole-modified four-arm-polycaprolactone-initiated hyperbranched polyglycerol (PCL-HPG-BM) were synthesized as the host and guest molecules, respectively, and then the co-delivery carrier of PCL-HPG-PEI600 was formed from the pH-mediated inclusion interaction between β-CD and BM. PCL-HPG-PEI600 showed the improved drug (doxorubicin, DOX) and gene (MMP-9 shRNA plasmid, pMMP-9) delivery ability in vivo, and their cellular uptake and intracellular delivery were investigated. Particularly, PCL-HPG-PEI600 showed excellent pMMP-9 delivery ability with significantly higher transfection efficiency than PEI25k due to its excellent serum resistance. For the combined therapy to breast cancer MCF-7 tumor, the co-delivery system of PCL-HPG-PEI600/DOX/pMMP-9 resulted in a much better inhibition effect on MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration in vitro as well as the suppression effect on MCF-7 tumors in vivo compared to those of single DOX or pMMP-9 formulation used. Moreover, PCL-HPG-PEI600 displayed nontoxicity and excellent blood compatibility, suggesting a promising drug and gene co-delivery carrier in combined therapy to tumors.

ETS-1 induces Sorafenib-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via regulating transcription factor activity of PXR

Transcription factor E26 transformation specific sequence 1 (ETS-1) is a primary regulator in the metastasis of human cancer cells, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells; and it would affect the prognosis of HCC patients who received chemotherapies. However, the regulatory role of ETS-1 in the resistance of HCC cells to molecular-targeting agent remains poorly understood. In the present work, we demonstrate that high ETS-1 expression correlates with poor prognosis of advanced HCC patients received Sorafenib treatment. Mechanistically, ETS-1 binds to nuclear Pregnane X receptor (PXR) directly and enhances PXR's transcription factor activity, which further leads to the induction of the PXR's downstream multi-drug resistance related genes. Overexpression of ETS-1 accelerates the metabolic clearance of Sorafenib in HCC cells and leads to the better survival and faster migration of those cells. The therapeutic studies show that ETS-1 promotes the Sorafenib-resistance of HCC tumor models and ETS-1 blockade enhances the anti-tumor capacity of Sorafenib by decreasing PXR activation. Thus, our study suggests that ETS-1 could enhance the activation of PXR and be a potential therapeutic target for overcoming Sorafenib resistance in HCC treatment.

The inhibitory effects of COL1A2 on colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion

Purpose: Collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2) has been shown to participate in the development of various human malignancies. However, the role of COL1A2 in human colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. This study investigated the expression pattern of COL1A2 in primary CRC tissues as well as the correlation of COL1A2 expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis of CRC. The function of COL1A2 in CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as the possible mechanisms were also examined. Methods: Real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analysis were performed to determine the expression of COL1A2 in primary cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues from CRC patients. A COL1A2-expressing lentiviral vector was transfected into CRC cells, and cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays were used to explore the effects of COL1A2 on CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Microarray-based mRNA expression profile screening was performed to reveal the possible signaling pathways involved in COL1A2-regulated cell behaviors. Results: COL1A2 was significantly downregulated in primary CRC tissues. The mRNA levels of COL1A2 in CRC tissues were correlated with tumor differentiation, invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Overexpression of COL1A2 inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cell lines (SW480 and SW620). The microarray analysis showed that COL1A2 overexpression regulated numerous oncogenes and cancer-related signaling pathways. Among them, altered expression of ten representative cancer-related genes in these pathways were further confirmed by western blotting. Conclusions: Our study identified COL1A2 as a novel tumor suppressor in CRC and provided a potential therapeutic approach to treat CRC.

ETS1 is associated with cisplatin resistance through IKKα/NF-κB pathway in cell line MDA-MB-231

Background

Platinum-based drugs are used extensively in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), but their use can be limited by resistance. In this study, we established cisplatin (DDP) resistant TNBC cells to investigate the potential relationship among ETS1, IKKα/NF-κB and resistance.

Methods

The sensitivity was evaluated by MTT, apoptosis analysis. The intracellular DDP concentration difference was tested by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. Molecular pathological mechanism of DDP resistance was explored by microarray analysis and PPI network analysis. The ETS1, NF-κB signaling change were assessed by western blot and q-PCR in vitro and vivo. The existing binds between ETS1 and the core IKKα promoter were found by luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation technique (ChIP).

Results

MDA-MB-231/DDP (231/DDP) cell had a higher IC₅₀ value of cisplatin, lower intracellular DDP concentration, and lower apoptosis ratio than MDA-MB-231 (231/wt) cell line treated with DDP. Increased ABC transporters were induced by the activation of NF-κB pathway in 231/DDP cells. ETS1, RPL6, RBBP8, BIRC2, PIK3A and RARS were six important genes for DDP-resistance based on PPI network and expression validation. Protein expression of ETS1 and IKKα were significantly up-regulated in 231/DDP cells. However, inhibition of ETS1 expression enhances chemo-sensitivity to DDP and reversed the activation of NF-κB pathway in 231/DDP cells and subcutaneous transplantation tumor in vivo. Moreover, there is existing binds between ETS1 and the core IKKα promoter though luciferase assay and ChIP.

Conclusion

This study enables us to understand the functions of ETS1 in TNBC chemotherapy and suggests that ETS1 could be used as a novel marker of poor response to DDP and a potential therapeutic target for TNBC chemotherapy.

A Transcriptional Regulatory Role for the Membrane Type-1 Matrix Metalloproteinase in Carcinogen-Induced Inflammasome Gene Expression

Signal-transducing functions driven by the cytoplasmic domain of membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) are believed to regulate many inflammation-associated cancer cell functions including migration, proliferation, and survival. Aside from upregulation of the inflammation biomarker cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, MT1-MMP’s role in relaying intracellular signals triggered by extracellular pro-inflammatory cues remains poorly understood. Here, we triggered inflammation in HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), an inducer of COX-2 and of MT1-MMP. To assess the global transcriptional regulatory role that MT1-MMP may exert on inflammation biomarkers, we combined gene array screens with a transient MT1-MMP gene silencing strategy. Expression of MT1-MMP was found to exert both stimulatory and repressive transcriptional control of several inflammasome-related biomarkers such as interleukin (IL)-1B, IL-6, IL-12A, and IL-33, as well as of transcription factors such as EGR1, ELK1, and ETS1/2 in PMA-treated cells. Among the signal-transducing pathways explored, the silencing of MT1-MMP prevented PMA from phosphorylating extracellular signal–regulated kinase, inhibitor of κB, and p105 nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) intermediates. We also found a signaling axis linking MT1-MMP to MMP-9 transcriptional regulation. Altogether, our data indicate a significant involvement of MT1-MMP in the transcriptional regulation of inflammatory biomarkers consolidating its contribution to signal transduction functions in addition to its classical hydrolytic activity.