Recent trends in cancer therapy: A review on the current state of gene delivery

Highly specific GSH-triggered bifunctional molecules to enable precise imaging and targeted therapy of cancer

The utilization of diagnostic-integrated molecules can enable targeted delivery and controlled release to significantly enhance therapeutic effectiveness and minimize toxic effects. Herein, we developed a novel class of glutathione (GSH)-activated bifunctional molecules that respond to elevated levels of GSH in tumor microenvironment. These bifunctional molecules retained the pharmacodynamic effects of parent molecules and mitigated cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, controlled release was monitored using fluorescent signals, enabling detection of drug distribution and accumulation in situ and in real time. Moreover, the correlation between GSH levels and fluorescence intensity offers the possibility of monitoring the effectiveness of responsive drugs. In conclusion, bifunctional molecules, as novel diagnostic-integrated molecules with both fluorescence imaging and therapeutic effects, exhibited potential applications in cancer therapy and imaging.

Novel peptides derived from S. hispanica seeds induce selective cytotoxicity on human cancer cells

Cancer prevails as one of the major health concerns worldwide due to the consistent rise in incidence and lack of effective therapies. Previous studies identified the peptides KLKKNL, MLKSKR, and KKYRVF from Salvia hispanica seeds and stated their selective anticancer activity. Thus, this study aimed to determine the cell death pathway induced by these peptides on five cancer cell lines (MCF-7, Caco2, HepG2, DU145, and HeLa). Based on the results of this work, it is possible to suggest that KLKKNL primarily induces selective cancer cell death through the apoptotic pathway in the Caco2 and HeLa lines. On the other hand, the peptide KKYRVF reported the highest statistical (p < 0.05) selective cytotoxic effect on the MCF-7, Caco2, HepG2, and DU145 cancer cell lines by induction of the necrotic pathway. These findings offer some understanding of the selective anticancer effect of KLKKNL, MLKSKR, and KKYRVF.

Cellular therapeutic potential of genetically engineered stem cells in cancer treatment

Traditional therapeutic approaches in the treatment of cancer have many side effects and are often ineffective and non-specific, leading to the development of therapy-resistant tumour cells. Recently, numerous discoveries about stem cells have given a new outlook on their application in oncology. Stem cells are unique because of their biological attributes, including self-renewal, differentiation in different types of specialized cells and synthesis of molecules that interplay with tumour niche. They are already used as an effective therapeutic option for haematological malignancies, such as multiple myeloma and leukaemia. The main goal of this study is to investigate the possible applications of different types of stem cells in cancer treatment and to summarize novel advances, as well as the limitations of their application in cancer treatment. Research and clinical trials that are underway revealed and confirmed the enormous potential of regenerative medicine in the treatment of cancer, especially when combined with different nanomaterials. Nanoengineering of stem cells has been the focus of novel studies in the area of regenerative medicine, such as the production of nanoshells and nanocarriers that enhance the transport and uptake of stem cells in their targeted tumour niche and enable the effective monitoring of stem cell effects on tumour cells. Although nanotechnology has a lot of limitations, it provides new opportunities for the development of effective and innovative stem cell therapies.

Genetic predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome: Genetic counseling and transplant implications

The development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is influenced by various genetic predispositions. Several important genes contribute to disease susceptibility. This paper explores common genetic predisposition genes in MDS, including DDX41, CEBPA, and SAMD9/SAMD9L, which are linked to hereditary conditions presenting diagnostic and clinical challenges. It delves into hereditary conditions that affect platelet production and count, such as RUNX1, ETV6, and ANKRD26, detailing their clinical features and how they contribute to an increased risk of MDS. The discussion extends to additional genetic syndromes like GATA2 deficiency, telomere biology disorders, Fanconi anemia, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, along with new findings on genes like ERG that offer new insights into disease etiology. The importance of genetic counseling in MDS is underscored, outlining its goals, methods for evaluating family history, risk assessment, and the ethical considerations involved. Furthermore, the role of hematopoietic cell transplantation in managing MDS, particularly in patients with germline syndromes, is reviewed, emphasizing the need for optimal donor selection and personalized treatment approaches. This comprehensive overview illustrates the critical role of genetic factors in MDS and highlights the need for continued research and tailored clinical practices to improve patient outcomes.

Application of Carbon Nanomaterials to Enhancing Tumor Immunotherapy: Current Advances and Prospects

Recent advances in tumor immunotherapy have highlighted the pivotal role of carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon dots, graphene quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes. This review examines the unique benefits of these materials in cancer treatment, focusing on their mechanisms of action within immunotherapy. These include applications in immunoregulation, recognition, and enhancement. We explore how these nanomaterials when combined with specific biomolecules, can form immunosensors. These sensors are engineered for highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor markers, offering crucial support for early diagnosis and timely therapeutic interventions. This review also addresses significant challenges facing carbon nanomaterials in clinical settings, such as issues related to long-term biocompatibility and the hurdles of clinical translation. These challenges require extensive ongoing research and discussion. This review is of both theoretical and practical importance, aiming to promote using carbon nanomaterials in tumor immunotherapy, potentially transforming clinical outcomes and enhancing patient care.

Recent Advances and Prospects of Nucleic Acid Therapeutics for Anti-Cancer Therapy

Nucleic acid therapeutics are promising alternatives to conventional anti-cancer therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While conventional therapies have limitations, such as high side effects, low specificity, and drug resistance, nucleic acid therapeutics work at the gene level to eliminate the cause of the disease. Nucleic acid therapeutics treat diseases in various forms and using different mechanisms, including plasmid DNA (pDNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), anti-microRNA (anti-miR), microRNA mimics (miRNA mimic), messenger RNA (mRNA), aptamer, catalytic nucleic acid (CNA), and CRISPR cas9 guide RNA (gRNA). In addition, nucleic acids have many advantages as nanomaterials, such as high biocompatibility, design flexibility, low immunogenicity, small size, relatively low price, and easy functionalization. Nucleic acid therapeutics can have a high therapeutic effect by being used in combination with various nucleic acid nanostructures, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), etc. to overcome low physiological stability and cell internalization efficiency. The field of nucleic acid therapeutics has advanced remarkably in recent decades, and as more and more nucleic acid therapeutics have been approved, they have already demonstrated their potential to treat diseases, including cancer. This review paper introduces the current status and recent advances in nucleic acid therapy for anti-cancer treatment and discusses the tasks and prospects ahead.

Improvement of Therapeutic Effect via Inducing Non-Apoptotic Cell Death Using mRNA-Protection Nanocage

Necroptosis, a cell death mechanism with the characteristics of both apoptosis and necrosis, is proposed as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. Induction of necroptosis for cancer therapy may be possible through the regulation of the expression of a key factor gene receptor-interacting protein kinase-3 (RIPK3) via in vitro transcription (IVT) mRNA delivery. However, mRNA is susceptible to degradation and has a low delivery efficiency, which highlights the requirement of a proper delivery vehicle for intracellular delivery. Therefore, a new mRNA delivery system based on the nanostructured silica nanoparticles, termed mRNA-protective nanocage (mPN) has been developed. High-efficiency expression of RIPK3 and induction of necroptosis is achieved through delivery of RIPK3 IVT mRNA with mPN in vitro and in vivo models. Importantly, the mPN carrying RIPK3 mRNA distributed locally in tumors upon intravascular injection, and successfully induced necroptosis and immune cell infiltration, a hallmark of necroptosis. the suppression of tumor growth in a murine cancer model, demonstrating the synergistic effect of RIPK3 mRNA- and immune cell-mediated therapy is also observed. These findings suggest the potential for anticancer therapy through necroptosis induction and provide a strategy for the development of mRNA-based nanomedicine.

Recent development of nanomaterials-based PDT to improve immunogenic cell death

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved therapeutic modality for treating oncological and non-oncological disorders. PDT has proclaimed multiple benefits over further traditional cancer therapies including its minimal systemic toxicity and selective ability to eliminate irradiated tumors. In PDT, a photosensitizing substance localizes in tumor tissues and becomes active when exposed to a particular wavelength of laser light. This produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce neoplastic cells to die and lead to the regression of tumors. The contributions of ROS to PDT-induced tumor destruction are described by three basic processes including direct or indirect cell death, vascular destruction, and immunogenic cell death. However, the efficiency of PDT is significantly limited by the inherent nature and tumor microenvironment. Combining immunotherapy with PDT has recently been shown to improve tumor immunogenicity while decreasing immunoregulatory repression, thereby gently modifying the anticancer immune response with long-term immunological memory effects. This review highlights the fundamental ideas, essential elements, and mechanisms of PDT as well as nanomaterial-based PDT to boost tumor immunogenicity. Moreover, the synergistic use of immunotherapy in combination with PDT to enhance immune responses against tumors is emphasized.

Advances in gene therapy for high-grade glioma: a review of the clinical evidence

INTRODUCTION

High-grade glioma (HGG) is one of the most deadly and difficult cancers to treat. Despite intense research efforts, there has not been a significant breakthrough in treatment outcomes since the early 2000's. Anti-glioma gene therapy has demonstrated promise in preclinical studies and is under investigation in numerous clinical trials.

AREAS COVERED

This manuscript reviews the current landscape of clinical trials exploring gene therapy treatment of HGG. Using information from clinicaltrials.gov, all trials initiated within the past 5 years (2018-2023) as well as other important trials were cataloged and reviewed. This review discusses trial details, innovative methodologies, and concurrent pharmacological interventions. The review also delves into the subtypes of gene therapy used, trends over time, and future directions.

EXPERT OPINION

Trials are in the early stages (phase I or II), and there are reports of clinical efficacy in published results. Synergistic effects utilizing immunotherapy within or alongside gene therapy are emerging as a promising avenue for future breakthroughs. Considerable heterogeneity exists across trials concerning administration route, vector selection, drug combinations, and intervention timing. Earlier intervention in newly diagnosed HGG and avoidance of corticosteroids may improve efficacy in future trials. The results from ongoing trials demonstrate promising potential for molding the future landscape of HGG care.

One Stone Several Birds: Self-Localizing Submicrocages With Dual Loading Points for Multifunctional Drug Delivery

As the core index, how to improve bioavailability of loaded cargoes is a hot topic of drug carriers. In this study, aminated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a cross-linking points is first integrated into 3D poly(acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) (P(AAm-co-AN)) network to build up a unique submicrocage (466.2 ± 47.6 nm), featuring upper critical solution temperature (UCST; ≈40 °C), high volume expansion coefficient, and excellent biocompatibility. Hereinto, hydrophobic β-elemene (ELE) is locally loaded in β-CD with high loading efficiency (8.72%) and encapsulation efficiency (78.60%) through hydrophobic desolvation and host-guest interaction. Above UCST, the release of the loaded ELE is accelerated to 72.87% in 24 h, together with the enhanced sensitization effect of synergized radiotherapy. Given spontaneous long-lasting delivery, targeted embolization, and post-treatment removal of such UCST-type submicrocage, it is anticipated to provide a novel, facile, efficient, and versatile strategy of comprehensive anticancer treatments for high drug bioavailability.

Nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery of TRAIL to resistant cancer cells: A review

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), also known as APO2L, has emerged as a highly potential anticancer agent because of its capacity to effectively trigger apoptosis in tumor cells by specifically binding to either of its death receptors (DR4 or DR5) while having no adverse effects on normal cells. Nevertheless, its practical use has been hindered by its inefficient pharmacokinetics characteristics, the challenges involved in its administration and delivery to targeted cells, and the resistance exhibited by most cancer cells towards TRAIL. Gene therapy, as a promising approach would be able to potentially circumvent TRAIL-based cancer therapy challenges mainly through localized TRAIL expression and generating a bystander impact. Among different strategies, using nanoparticles in TRAIL gene delivery allows for precise targeting, and overcoming TRAIL resistance by combination therapy. In this review, we go over potential mechanisms by which cancer cells achieve resistance to TRAIL and provide an overview of different carriers for delivering of the TRAIL gene to resistant cancer cells, focusing on different types of nanoparticles utilized in this context. We will also explore the challenges, and investigate future perspectives of this nanomedicine approach for cancer therapy.

Advances in nucleic acid therapeutics: structures, delivery systems, and future perspectives in cancer treatment

Cancer has emerged as a significant threat to human health. Nucleic acid therapeutics regulate the gene expression process by introducing exogenous nucleic acid fragments, offering new possibilities for tumor remission and even cure. Their mechanism of action and high specificity demonstrate great potential in cancer treatment. However, nucleic acid drugs face challenges such as low stability and limited ability to cross physiological barriers in vivo. To address these issues, various nucleic acid delivery vectors have been developed to enhance the stability and facilitate precise targeted delivery of nucleic acid drugs within the body. In this review article, we primarily introduce the structures and principles of nucleic acid drugs commonly used in cancer therapy, as well as their cellular uptake and intracellular transportation processes. We focus on the various vectors commonly employed in nucleic acid drug delivery, highlighting their research progress and applications in recent years. Furthermore, we propose potential trends and prospects of nucleic acid drugs and their carriers in the future.

Coding Therapeutic Nucleic Acids from Recombinant Proteins to Next-Generation Vaccines: Current Uses, Limitations, and Future Horizons

This study aims to highlight the potential use of cTNAs in therapeutic applications. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant use of coding therapeutic nucleic acids (cTNAs) in terms of DNA and mRNA in the development of vaccines. The use of cTNAs resulted in a paradigm shift in the therapeutic field. However, the injection of DNA or mRNA into the human body transforms cells into biological factories to produce the necessary proteins. Despite the success of cTNAs in the production of corona vaccines, they have several limitations such as instability, inability to cross biomembranes, immunogenicity, and the possibility of integration into the human genome. The chemical modification and utilization of smart drug delivery cargoes resolve cTNAs therapeutic problems. The success of cTNAs in corona vaccine production provides perspective for the eradication of influenza viruses, Zika virus, HIV, respiratory syncytial virus, Ebola virus, malaria, and future pandemics by quick vaccine design. Moreover, the progress cTNAs technology is promising for the development of therapy for genetic disease, cancer therapy, and currently incurable diseases.

Cytotoxic Potential of Betulinic Acid Fatty Esters and Their Liposomal Formulations: Targeting Breast, Colon, and Lung Cancer Cell Lines

Betulinic acid is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene mostly found in birch bark and thoroughly explored for its wide range of pharmacological activities. Despite its impressive biological potential, its low bioavailability has challenged many researchers to develop different formulations for achieving better in vitro and in vivo effects. We previously reported the synthesis of fatty acid esters of betulinic acid using butyric, stearic, and palmitic acids (But-BA, St-BA, and Pal-BA) and included them in surfaced-modified liposomes (But-BA-Lip, St-BA-Lip, Pal-BA-Lip). In the current study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of both fatty acid esters and their respective liposomal formulations against MCF-7, HT-29, and NCI-H460 cell line. The cytotoxic assessment of BA derivatives revealed that both the fatty esters and their liposomal formulations acted as cytotoxic agents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. But-BA-Lip exerted stronger cytotoxic effects than the parent compound, BA and its liposomal formulation, and even stronger effects than 5-FU against HT-29 cells (IC50 of 30.57 μM) and NCI-H460 cells (IC50 of 30.74 μM). BA's fatty esters and their respective liposomal formulations facilitated apoptosis in cancer cells by inducing nuclear morphological changes and increasing caspase-3/-7 activity. The HET-CAM assay proved that none of the tested compounds induced any irritative effect, suggesting that they can be used safely for local applications.

M1-polarized macrophage-derived cellular nanovesicle-coated lipid nanoparticles for enhanced cancer treatment through hybridization of gene therapy and cancer immunotherapy

Optimum genetic delivery for modulating target genes to diseased tissue is a major obstacle for profitable gene therapy. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), considered a prospective vehicle for nucleic acid delivery, have demonstrated efficacy in human use during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study introduces a novel biomaterial-based platform, M1-polarized macrophage-derived cellular nanovesicle-coated LNPs (M1-C-LNPs), specifically engineered for a combined gene-immunotherapy approach against solid tumor. The dual-function system of M1-C-LNPs encapsulates Bcl2-targeting siRNA within LNPs and immune-modulating cytokines within M1 macrophage-derived cellular nanovesicles (M1-NVs), effectively facilitating apoptosis in cancer cells without impacting T and NK cells, which activate the intratumoral immune response to promote granule-mediating killing for solid tumor eradication. Enhanced retention within tumor was observed upon intratumoral administration of M1-C-LNPs, owing to the presence of adhesion molecules on M1-NVs, thereby contributing to superior tumor growth inhibition. These findings represent a promising strategy for the development of targeted and effective nanoparticle-based cancer genetic-immunotherapy, with significant implications for advancing biomaterial use in cancer therapeutics.

The combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of urogenital tumors: a review insights from phase 2 and 3 studies

With the high incidence of urogenital tumors worldwide, urinary system tumors are among the top 10 most common tumors in men, with prostate cancer ranking first and bladder cancer fourth. Patients with resistant urogenital tumors often have poor prognosis. In recent years, researchers have discovered numerous specific cancer antigens, which has led to the development of several new anti-cancer drugs. Using protein analysis techniques, researchers developed immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody-conjugated drugs (ADCs) for the treatment of advanced urogenital tumors. However, tumor resistance often leads to the failure of monotherapy. Therefore, clinical trials of the combination of ICIs and ADCs have been carried out in numerous centers around the world. This article reviewed phase 2 and 3 clinical studies of ICIs, ADCs, and their combination in the treatment of urogenital tumors to highlight safe and effective methods for selecting individualized therapeutic strategies for patients. ICIs activate the immune system, whereas ADCs link monoclonal antibodies to toxins, which can achieve a synergistic effect when the two drugs are combined. This synergistic effect provides multiple advantages for the treatment of urogenital tumors.

Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Polymer-Based RNA Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics offer a broad prospect in cancer treatment. However, their successful application requires overcoming various physiological barriers to effectively deliver RNAs to the target sites. Currently, a number of RNA delivery systems based on polymeric nanoparticles are developed to overcome these barriers in RNA delivery. This work provides an overview of the existing RNA therapeutics for cancer gene therapy, and particularly summarizes those that are entering the clinical phase. This work then discusses the core features and latest research developments of tumor microenvironment-responsive polymer-based RNA delivery carriers which are designed based on the pathological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Finally, this work also proposes opportunities for the transformation of RNA therapies into cancer immunotherapy methods in clinical applications.

Preparation of Chitosan Nanoparticles through a Readily Solvent-Exchange Process for Efficient and Enhanced Gene Delivery

In view of the excellent prospects of gene therapy and the potential safety and immunogenicity issues challenged by viral vectors, it is of great significance to develop a nonviral vector with low toxicity and low cost. In this work, we report a chitosan nanoparticle (CSNP) to be used as a gene vector prepared through a facile solvent-exchange strategy. Chitosan is first dissolved in ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EMIM Ac), and then, the solvent is exchanged with water/phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to remove ionic liquid, forming a final CSNP dispersion after ultrasonication. The prepared CSNP shows a positive surface charge and can condense green fluorescent protein-encoding plasmid (pGFP) at weight ratios (CSNP/pGFP) of 5/1 or higher. Dynamic light scattering size and ζ-potential characterization and gel retardation results confirm the formation of CSNP/pGFP complexes. Compared with plain pGFP, efficient cellular internalization and significantly enhanced green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression are observed by using CSNP as a plasmid vector. Benefitting from the intrinsic biocompatibility, low cost, low immunogenicity, and abundant sources of chitosan, as well as the facile preparation and the efficient gene transfection capacity of CSNP, it is believed that this CSNP could be used as a nonviral gene vector with great clinical translational potentials.

Advances and challenges in gene therapy strategies for pediatric cancer: a comprehensive update

Pediatric cancers represent a tragic but also promising area for gene therapy. Although conventional treatments have improved survival rates, there is still a need for targeted and less toxic interventions. This article critically analyzes recent advances in gene therapy for pediatric malignancies and discusses the challenges that remain. We explore the innovative vectors and delivery systems that have emerged, such as adeno-associated viruses and non-viral platforms, which show promise in addressing the unique pathophysiology of pediatric tumors. Specifically, we examine the field of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and their adaptation for solid tumors, which historically have been more challenging to treat than hematologic malignancies. We also discuss the genetic and epigenetic complexities inherent to pediatric cancers, such as tumor heterogeneity and the dynamic tumor microenvironment, which pose significant hurdles for gene therapy. Ethical considerations specific to pediatric populations, including consent and long-term follow-up, are also analyzed. Additionally, we scrutinize the translation of research from preclinical models that often fail to mimic pediatric cancer biology to the regulatory landscapes that can either support or hinder innovation. In summary, this article provides an up-to-date overview of gene therapy in pediatric oncology, highlighting both the rapid scientific progress and the substantial obstacles that need to be addressed. Through this lens, we propose a roadmap for future research that prioritizes the safety, efficacy, and complex ethical considerations involved in treating pediatric patients. Our ultimate goal is to move from incremental advancements to transformative therapies.

From standard therapies to monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors - an update for reconstructive surgeons on common oncological cases

Malignancies represent a persisting worldwide health burden. Tumor treatment is commonly based on surgical and/or non-surgical therapies. In the recent decade, novel non-surgical treatment strategies involving monoclonal antibodies (mAB) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been successfully incorporated into standard treatment algorithms. Such emerging therapy concepts have demonstrated improved complete remission rates and prolonged progression-free survival compared to conventional chemotherapies. However, the in-toto surgical tumor resection followed by reconstructive surgery oftentimes remains the only curative therapy. Breast cancer (BC), skin cancer (SC), head and neck cancer (HNC), and sarcoma amongst other cancer entities commonly require reconstructive surgery to restore form, aesthetics, and functionality. Understanding the basic principles, strengths, and limitations of mAB and ICI as (neo-) adjuvant therapies and treatment alternatives for resectable or unresectable tumors is paramount for optimized surgical therapy planning. Yet, there is a scarcity of studies that condense the current body of literature on mAB and ICI for BC, SC, HNC, and sarcoma. This knowledge gap may result in suboptimal treatment planning, ultimately impairing patient outcomes. Herein, we aim to summarize the current translational endeavors focusing on mAB and ICI. This line of research may serve as an evidence-based fundament to guide targeted therapy and optimize interdisciplinary anti-cancer strategies.

Tetrahedral DNA nanostructures enhance transcription isothermal amplification for multiplex detection of non-coding RNAs

This study introduces an innovative detection system for multiple cancer biomarkers, employing transcription isothermal amplification methods in conjunction with a tetrahedral DNA nanostructure (TDN). We demonstrate that TDN enhances various transcription isothermal amplification methods by placing DNA probes in proximity. Notably, the TDN-enhanced split T7 promoter-based isothermal transcription amplification with light-up RNA aptamer (STAR) system stands out for its optimal performance and operational simplicity, especially in identifying non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Multiplex detection of lncRNAs was also achieved by generating distinct light-up RNA aptamers, each emitting unique fluorescence signals. The system effectively identified the target lncRNAs, demonstrating high sensitivity and selectivity in both cell lines and clinical samples. The system, utilizing the single enzyme T7 RNA polymerase, can be easily tailored for alternative targets by substituting target-specific sequences in DNA probes and seamlessly integrated with other isothermal amplification methods for greater sensitivity and accuracy in the detection of multiple cancer biomarkers.

Coumarins-lipophilic cations conjugates: Efficient mitocans targeting carbonic anhydrases

Being aware of the need to develop more efficient therapies against cancer, herein we disclose an innovative approach for the design of selective antiproliferative agents. We have accomplished the conjugation of a coumarin fragment with lipophilic cations (triphenylphosphonium salts, guanidinium) for providing mitochondriotropic agents that simultaneously target also carbonic anhydrases IX and XII, involved in the development and progression of cancer. The new compounds prepared herein turned out to be strong inhibitors of carbonic anhydrases IX and XII of human origin (low-to-mid nM range), also endowed with high selectivity, exhibiting negligible activity towards cytosolic CA isoforms. Key interactions with the enzyme were analysed using docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Regarding their in vitro antiproliferative activities, an increase of the tether length connecting both pharmacophores led to a clear improvement in potency, reaching the submicromolar range for the lead compounds, and an outstanding selectivity towards tumour cell lines (S.I. up to >357). Cytotoxic effects were also analysed on MDR cell lines under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Chemoresistance exhibited by phosphonium salts, and not by guanidines, against MDR cells was based on the fact that the former were found to be substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the pump responsible for extruding foreign chemicals; this situation was reversed by administrating tariquidar, a third generation P-gp inhibitor. Moreover, phosphonium salts provoked a profound depolarization of mitochondria membranes from tumour cells, thus probably compromising their oxidative metabolism. To gain insight into the mode of action of title compounds, continuous live cell microscopy was employed; interestingly, this technique revealed two different antiproliferative mechanisms for both families of mitocans. Whereas phosphonium salts had a cytostatic effect, blocking cell division, guanidines led to cell death via apoptosis.

CRISPR editing to mimic porphyria combined with light: A new preclinical approach for prostate cancer

Thanks to its very high genome-editing efficiency, CRISPR-Cas9 technology could be a promising anticancer weapon. Clinical trials using CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease to ex vivo edit and alter immune cells are ongoing. However, to date, this strategy still has not been applied in clinical practice to directly target cancer cells. Targeting a canonical metabolic pathway essential to good functioning of cells without potential escape would represent an attractive strategy. We propose to mimic a genetic metabolic disorder in cancer cells to weaken cancer cells, independent of their genomic abnormalities. Mutations affecting the heme biosynthesis pathway are responsible for porphyria, and most of them are characterized by an accumulation of toxic photoreactive porphyrins. This study aimed to mimic porphyria by using CRISPR-Cas9 to inactivate UROS, leading to porphyrin accumulation in a prostate cancer model. Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in men and has a high mortality rate despite therapeutic progress, with a primary tumor accessible to light. By combining light with gene therapy, we obtained high efficiency in vitro and in vivo, with considerable improvement in the survival of mice. Finally, we achieved the preclinical proof-of-principle of performing cancer CRISPR gene therapy.

Aptamers combined with immune checkpoints for cancer detection and targeted therapy: A review

In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the field of immunotherapy, which has emerged as a standard treatment for many cancers. As a kind of immunotherapy drug, monoclonal antibodies employed in immune checkpoint therapy have proven beneficial for patients with diverse cancer types. However, owing to the extensive heterogeneity of clinical responses and the complexity and variability of the immune system and tumor microenvironment (TME), accurately predicting its efficacy remains a challenge. Recent advances in aptamers provide a promising approach for monitoring alterations within the immune system and TME, thereby facilitating targeted immunotherapy, particularly focused on immune checkpoint blockade, with enhanced antitumor efficiency. Aptamers have been widely used in tumor cell detection, biosensors, drug discovery, and biomarker screening due to their high specificity and high affinity with their targets. This review aims to comprehensively examine the research status and progress of aptamers in cancer diagnosis and immunotherapy, with a specific emphasis on those related to immune checkpoints. Additionally, we will discuss the future research directions and potential therapeutic targets for aptamer-based immune checkpoint therapy, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for targeting immunotherapy molecules and blocking tumor immune escape.

Preparation and biological evaluation of antibody targeted metal-organic framework drug delivery system (TDDS) in Her2 receptor-positive cells

In this study, we designed and prepared a trastuzumab-coupled drug delivery system with pH response characteristics using mesoporous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) as the carrier, Trastuzumab@ZIF-8@DOX. As results, the targeted drug delivery system (TDDS) ultimately showed high drug loading and good biocompatibility. The cumulative curve of drug release indicated that the early leakage levels were low under neutral pH conditions. However, under acidic pH conditions, there was an effective enhancement in drug release, indicating the presence of an explicit pH-triggered drug release mechanism. The results indicate that the prepared nanoparticles have the potential to serve as drug delivery systems, as they can release the loaded drug in a controlled manner. The results of cellular uptake tests showed that the uptake of the nanoparticles was greatly enhanced by the internalization mediated by the HER2 antibody. This finding indicates that the prepared nanoparticles can selectively target cancer cells that overexpress HER2. When the doxorubicin dose was 5 μg/ml, the survival rate of SK-BR-3 cells (cancer cells) was 47.75 %, and the survival rate of HaCaT cells (healthy cells) was 75.25 % when co-cultured with both cells. The therapeutic efficacy of Trastuzumab@ZIF-8@DOX was assessed on BALB/c nude mice to validate its potential as an effective drug delivery system for tumor inhibition in vivo. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the specificity-targeted and pH-responsive nature of this smart drug delivery system, highlighting its promising prospects for efficient and controllable cancer treatment applications.

Cancer stem cells: Recent trends in cancer therapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subset of tumor cells that were first identified in blood cancers (leukemia) and are considered promising therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. These cells are the cause of many malignancies including metastasis, heterogeneity, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence. They carry out these activities through multiple transcriptional programs and signaling pathways. This review summarizes the characteristics of cancer stem cells, explains their key signaling pathways and factors, and discusses targeted therapies for cancer stem cells. Investigating these mechanisms and signaling pathways responsible for treatment failure may help identify new therapeutic pathways in cancer.

Integrated computational approaches for designing potent pyrimidine-based CDK9 inhibitors: 3D-QSAR, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations

CDK9 is an emerging target for the development of anticancer drugs. The development of CDK9 inhibitors with significant potency had consistently posed a formidable challenge. In the current research, a number of computational methodologies, such as, 3D-QSAR, molecular docking, fingerprint analysis, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations followed by MMGB/PBSA and ADMET studies were used systemically to uncover the binding mechanism of pyrimidine derivatives against CDK9. The CoMFA and CoMSIA models having high q2 (0.53, 0.54) and r2 values (0.96, 0.93) respectively indicating that model could accurately predict the bioactivities of CDK9 inhibitors. Using the R-group exploration technique implemented by the Spark™ by Cresset group, the structural requirements revealed by the contour maps of model were utilized strategically to create an in-house library of 100 new CDK9 inhibitors. Additionally, the compounds from the in-house library were mapped into 3D-QSAR model which predicted pIC50 values comparable to the experimental values. A comparison between 3D-QSAR generated contours and molecular docking conformation of ligands was performed to elucidate the essentials of CDK9 inhibitor design. MD simulations (100 ns) were performed on the selected docked complexes A21, A14 and D98 which contributed in validating the binding interactions. According to the findings of binding free energy analysis (MMGB/PBSA), It was observed that residues CYS106 and GLU107 had a considerable tendency to facilitate ligand-protein interactions via H-bond interactions. The aforementioned findings have the potential to enhance researchers comprehension of the mechanism underlying CDK9 inhibition and may be utilized in the development of innovative and efficacious CDK9 inhibitors.

Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase: Structural and biotechnological aspects

Suicide gene therapy involves introducing viral or bacterial genes into tumor cells, which enables the conversion of a nontoxic prodrug into a toxic-lethal drug. The application of the bacterial cytosine deaminase (bCD)/5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) approach has been beneficial and progressive within the current field of cancer therapy because of the enhanced bystander effect. The basis of this method is the preferential deamination of 5-FC to 5-fluorouracil by cancer cells expressing cytosine deaminase (CD), which strongly inhibits DNA synthesis and RNA function, effectively targeting tumor cells. However, the poor binding affinity of toward 5-FC compared to the natural substrate cytosine and/or inappropriate thermostability limits the clinical applications of this gene therapy approach. Nowadays, many genetic engineering studies have been carried out to solve and improve the activity of this enzyme. In the current review, we intend to discuss the biotechnological aspects of Escherichia coli CD, including its structure, functions, molecular cloning, and protein engineering. We will also explore its relevance in cancer clinical trials. By examining these aspects, we hope to provide a thorough understanding of E. coli CD and its potential applications in cancer therapy.

Gene and Photothermal Combination Therapy: Principle, Materials, and Amplified Anticancer Intervention

Gene therapy (GT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) have emerged as promising alternatives to chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer treatment, offering noninvasiveness and reduced side effects. However, their efficacy as standalone treatments is limited. GT exhibits slow response rates, while PTT is confined to local tumor ablation. The convergence of GT and PTT, known as GT-PTT, facilitated by photothermal gene nanocarriers, has attracted considerable attention across various disciplines. In this integrated approach, GT reciprocates PTT by sensitizing cellular response to heat, while PTT benefits GT by improving gene translocation, unpacking, and expression. Consequently, this integration presents a unique opportunity for cancer therapy with rapid response and improved effectiveness. Extensive efforts over the past few years have been dedicated to the development of GT-PTT, resulting in notable achievements and rapid progress from the laboratory to potential clinical applications. This comprehensive review outlines recent advances in GT-PTT, including synergistic mechanisms, material systems, imaging-guided therapy, and anticancer applications. It also explores the challenges and future prospects in this nascent field. By presenting innovative ideas and insights into the implementation of GT-PTT for enhanced cancer therapy, this review aims to inspire further progress in this promising area of research.

Green Synthesis of ZnO and V-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Using Vinca rosea Plant Leaf for Biomedical Applications

The present work focused on the synthesis of Vinca rosea leaf extract derived ZnO and vanadium-doped ZnO nanoparticles (V-ZnO NPs). The chemical composition, structural, and morphology of ZnO and vanadium-doped ZnO NPs were examined by FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDX. The FTIR confirmed the presence of functional groups corresponding to ZnO and vanadium-doped ZnO NPs. SEM-EDX clearly indicated the morphology of synthesised NPs; the hexagonal crystal of NPs was confirmed from XRD. In addition, the cytotoxic effect of ZnO and V-ZnO NPs was estimated against the breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line. From the assay, Vinca rosea (V. rosea) capped ZnO NPs have shown improved cytotoxic activity than that of Vinca rosea capped V-ZnO NPs. ZnO and vanadium-doped ZnO NPs showed the strongest antibacterial activity against Enterococcus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The α-amylase inhibition assays demonstrated antidiabetic activity of synthesised NPs. From the assay test, results obtained Vinca rosea capped ZnO nanoparticles prepared using the green approach showed high effective antioxidant, antidiabetic activity, and anticancer activity than vanadium-doped ZnO NPs.

Crosstalk between Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Ionizing Radiation in Healthy and Cancerous Cells

Radiotherapy (RT) is a unique modality in cancer treatment with no replacement in many cases and uses a tumoricidal dose of various ionizing radiation (IR) types to kill cancer cells. It causes oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or the destruction of antioxidant systems. On the other hand, RT stimulates the immune system both directly and indirectly by releasing danger signals from stress-exposed and dying cells. Oxidative stress and inflammation are two reciprocal and closely related mechanisms, one induced and involved by the other. ROS regulates the intracellular signal transduction pathways, which participate in the activation and expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Reciprocally, inflammatory cells release ROS and immune system mediators during the inflammation process, which drive the induction of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress or inflammation-induced damages can result in cell death (CD) or survival mechanisms that may be destructive for normal cells or beneficial for cancerous cells. The present study has focused on the radioprotection of those agents with binary effects of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms IR-induced CD.

The binding of a c-MYC promoter G-quadruplex to neurotransmitters: An analysis of G-quadruplex stabilization using DNA melting, fluorescence spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering and molecular docking

The interactions of several neurotransmitter and neural hormone molecules with the c-MYC G-quadruplex DNA sequence were analyzed using a combination of spectroscopic and computational techniques. The interactions between indole, catecholamine, and amino acid neurotransmitters and DNA sequences could potentially add to the understanding of the role of G-quadruplex structures play in various diseases. Also, the interaction of the DNA sequence derived from the nuclear hypersensitivity element (NHE) III1 region of c-MYC oncogene (Pu22), 5'-TGAGGGTGGGTAGGGTGGGTAA-3', has added significance in that these molecules may promote or inhibit the formation of G-quadruplex DNA which could lead to the development of promising drugs for anticancer therapy. The results showed that these molecules did not disrupt G-quadruplex formation even in the absence of quadruplex-stabilizing cations. There was also evidence of concentration-dependent binding and high binding affinities based on the Stern-Volmer model, and thermodynamically favorable interactions in the form of hydrogen-bonding and interactions involving the π system of the aromatic neurotransmitters.

Synthesis and biological assessment of indole derivatives containing penta-heterocycles scaffold as novel anticancer agents towards A549 and K562 cells

Herein, a new series of 2-chloro-N-(5-(2-oxoindolin-3-yl)-4H-pyrazol-3-yl) acetamide derivatives containing 1,3,4-thiadiazole (10a-i) and 4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-amine (11a-r) moiety was designed, synthesised as novel anticancer agents. The antiproliferative activity values indicated that compound 10 b stood as the most potent derivative with IC₅₀ values of 12.0 nM and 10 nM against A549 and K562 cells, respectively. Mechanism investigation and docking studies of 10 b indicated that it possessed good apoptosis characteristic and dose-dependent growth arrest of A549 and K562 cells, blocked cell cycle into G2/M phase. Interestingly, 10 b suppressed the growth of A549 and K562 cells via modulation of EGFR and p53-MDM2 mediated pathway.

Subcutaneous Rapid Dissolution Microneedle Patch Integrated with CuO2 and Disulfiram for Augmented Antimelanoma Efficacy through Multimodal Synergy of Photothermal Therapy, Chemodynamic Therapy, and Chemotherapy

Melanoma is a malignancy of the skin that is resistant to conventional treatment, necessitating the development of effective and safe new therapies. The percutaneous microneedle (MN) system has garnered increasing interest as a viable treatment option due to its high efficacy, minimal invasiveness, painlessness, and secure benefits. In this investigation, a sensitive MN system with multiple functions was created to combat melanoma effectively. This MN system utilized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as microneedle substrates and biocompatibility panax notoginseng polysaccharide (PNPS) as microneedle tips, which encapsulated PVP-stabilized CuO2 nanoparticles as a therapeutic agent and disulfiram-containing F127 micelles to enhance the tumor treatment effect. The MN system had sufficient mechanical properties to pierce the skin, and the excellent water solubility of PNPS brought high-speed dissolution properties under the bio conditions, allowing the MNs to effectively penetrate the skin and deliver the CuO2 nanoparticles as well as the drug-loaded micelles to the melanoma site. CuO2 nanoparticles released by the MN system generated Cu2+ and H2O2 in the tumor acidic environment to achieve self-supply of hydrogen peroxide to chemodynamic therapy (CDT). In addition, Cu2+ was chelated with disulfiram to produce CuET, which killed tumor cells. And the MN system had excellent near-infrared (NIR) photothermal properties due to the loading of CuO2 nanoparticles and induced localized thermotherapy in the melanoma region to further inhibit tumor growth. Thus, the designed MN system accomplished effective tumor suppression and minimal side effects in vivo via combined therapy, offering patients a safe and effective option for melanoma treatment.

Quinazolin-4-one/3-cyanopyridin-2-one Hybrids as Dual Inhibitors of EGFR and BRAFV600E: Design, Synthesis, and Antiproliferative Activity

A novel series of hybrid compounds comprising quinazolin-4-one and 3-cyanopyridin-2-one structures has been developed, with dual inhibitory actions on both EGFR and BRAFV600E. These hybrid compounds were tested in vitro against four different cancer cell lines. Compounds 8, 9, 18, and 19 inhibited cell proliferation significantly in the four cancer cells, with GI50 values ranging from 1.20 to 1.80 µM when compared to Doxorubicin (GI50 = 1.10 µM). Within this group of hybrids, compounds 18 and 19 exhibited substantial inhibition of EGFR and BRAFV600E. Molecular docking investigations provided confirmation that compounds 18 and 19 possess the capability to inhibit EGFR and BRAFV600E. Moreover, computational ADMET prediction indicated that most of the newly synthesized hybrids have low toxicity and minimal side effects.

Identification of Novel β-Tubulin Inhibitors Using a Combined In Silico/In Vitro Approach

Due to their potential as leads for various therapeutic applications, including as antimitotic and antiparasitic agents, the development of tubulin inhibitors offers promise for drug discovery. In this study, an in silico pharmacophore-based virtual screening approach targeting the colchicine binding site of β-tubulin was employed. Several structure- and ligand-based models for known tubulin inhibitors were generated. Compound databases were virtually screened against the models, and prioritized hits from the SPECS compound library were tested in an in vitro tubulin polymerization inhibition assay for their experimental validation. Out of the 41 SPECS compounds tested, 11 were active tubulin polymerization inhibitors, leading to a prospective true positive hit rate of 26.8%. Two novel inhibitors displayed IC50 values in the range of colchicine. The most potent of which was a novel acetamide-bridged benzodiazepine/benzimidazole derivative with an IC50 = 2.9 μM. The screening workflow led to the identification of diverse inhibitors active at the tubulin colchicine binding site. Thus, the pharmacophore models show promise as valuable tools for the discovery of compounds and as potential leads for the development of cancer therapeutic agents.

Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogel Microcapsules Harnessing the COVID-19 Immune Response for Cancer Therapeutics

The combination of gene therapy and immunotherapy concepts, along recent advances in DNA nanotechnology, have the potential to provide important tools for cancer therapies. We present the development of stimuli-responsive microcapsules, loaded with a viral immunogenetic agent, harnessing the immune response against the Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19, to selectively attack liver cancer cells (hepatoma) or recognize breast cancer or hepatoma, by expression of green fluorescence protein, GFP. The pH-responsive microcapsules, modified with DNA-tetrahedra nanostructures, increased hepatoma permeation by 50 %. Incorporation of a GFP-encoding lentivirus vector inside the tumor-targeting pH-stimulated miRNA-triggered and Alpha-fetoprotein-dictated microcapsules enables the demonstration of neoplasm selectivity, with approximately 5,000-, 8,000- and 50,000-fold more expression in the cancerous cells, respectively. The incorporation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the gene vector promotes specific recognition of the immune-evading hepatoma by the COVID-19-analogous immune response, which leads to cytotoxic and inflammatory activity, mediated by serum components taken from vaccinated or recovered COVID-19 patients, resulting in effective elimination of the hepatoma (>85 % yield).

Exploring the Interaction of New Pyridoquinazoline Derivatives with G-Quadruplex in the c-MYC Promoter Region

Novel amino-substituted pyridoquinazolinone derivatives have been designed and synthesized as potential c-MYC G-quadruplex (G4) ligands, employing an efficient methodology. All the new compounds exhibited moderate to good antiproliferative activity against the human osteosarcoma U2OS cell line. NMR and docking experiments revealed that the recently synthesized compounds interact with the Pu22 G-quadruplex in the c-MYC promoter region, establishing a 2:1 complex, with each molecule positioned over the tetrads at the 3'- and 5'-ends.

Injectable hydrogels for the delivery of nanomaterials for cancer combinatorial photothermal therapy

Progress in the nanotechnology field has led to the development of a new class of materials capable of producing a temperature increase triggered by near infrared light. These photothermal nanostructures have been extensively explored in the ablation of cancer cells. Nevertheless, the available data in the literature have exposed that systemically administered nanomaterials have a poor tumor-homing capacity, hindering their full therapeutic potential. This paradigm shift has propelled the development of new injectable hydrogels for the local delivery of nanomaterials aimed at cancer photothermal therapy. These hydrogels can be assembled at the tumor site after injection (in situ forming) or can undergo a gel-sol-gel transition during injection (shear-thinning/self-healing). Besides incorporating photothermal nanostructures, these injectable hydrogels can also incorporate or be combined with other agents, paving the way for an improved therapeutic outcome. This review analyses the application of injectable hydrogels for the local delivery of nanomaterials aimed at cancer photothermal therapy as well as their combination with photodynamic-, chemo-, immuno- and radio-therapies.

Acetone extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Cornus mas L. induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Background/aim

This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).

Materials and methods

The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, DPPH Radical Scavenging Power test and Cu (II) ion reducing antioxidant capacity method were applied. Cell viability rates were determined by the XTT method. Flow cytometric measurement was performed to examine the apoptotic role of the extracts in the cell by using the Annexin-V/7-AAD commercial kit.

Results

According to the data, Berberis vulgaris fruit extract appeared more effective on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in both 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Analyses made to examine the phenolic component and antioxidant capacity properties of the fruits used in the study and the results we encountered when we exposed the cell were found to be compatible with each other. Annexin-V/7-AAD method showed that the apoptotic effects of the extracts in 48 hour exposures were more effective.

Conclusion

It has been determined that Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which are rich in phenolic components with high flavonoid content and high antioxidant capacities, support the apoptosis of cancer cells.

Causal relationship between cannabis use and cancer: a genetically informed perspective

PURPOSE

Cannabis use is increasing legally worldwide, while its impact on cancer risk is unclear. This study was performed to investigate the relationship between cannabis use and the risk of several types of cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore the causality of cannabis use on 9 site-specific types of cancer including breast cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, esophageal cancer, and glioma. Genome-wide significant genetic instruments (P < 5E-06) for cannabis use were extracted from a large-scale genome-wide association meta-analysis of European ancestry, whereas cancer genetic instruments were extracted from the UK Biobank (UKB) cohort and GliomaScan consortium in the OpenGWAS database. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was considered the main method for MR analysis, and sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier test (MR-PRESSO) were conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results.

RESULTS

Cannabis use was a significant promoting factor for cervical cancer (OR = 1.001265, 95% CI 1.000375-1.002155, P = 0.0053). And we also detected suggestive evidence of the causality of cannabis use on laryngeal cancer (OR = 1.000350, 95% CI 1.000027-1.000672, P = 0.0336) and breast cancer (OR = 1.003741, 95% CI 1.000052-1.007442, P = 0.0467). No evidence of a causal association of cannabis use with other site-specific types of cancer was detected. Additionally, no pleiotropy or heterogeneity was found in the sensitivity analysis.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates a causative association of cannabis use on cervical cancer, while cannabis use may increase the odds of breast cancer and laryngeal cancer, which require further evaluation in large-scale population-based studies.

The anti-cancer effect and mechanism of animal scale-derived extract on malignant melanoma cells

Melanoma is a type of cancer with abnormal proliferation of melanocytes and is one of the most diagnosed cancer types. In traditional Chinese medicine, pangolin scales have been used to treat various diseases, including human cancers. However, its efficacy has not been scientifically proven. Here we studied the anticancer effect and mechanism of pangolin scale extract (PSE) on melanoma cell lines using scientific approaches. Our cell viability assay shows that PSE exhibits up to approximately 50-80% inhibition on SK-MEL-103 and A375 melanoma cell lines. Mechanically, PSE inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and causes changes in cell morphology. The apoptosis assay showed a significant chromosomal condensation inside the PSE-treated melanoma cells. The sequencing and analysis of A375 melanoma cell transcriptomes revealed 3077 differentially expressed genes in the 6 h treatment group and 8027 differentially expressed genes in the 72 h treatment group. Transcriptome analysis suggests that PSE may cause cell cycle arrest in melanoma cells and promote apoptosis mainly by up-regulating the p53 signaling pathway and down-regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In this study, the anticancer effect of PSE was demonstrated by molecular biological means. PSE shows a significant inhibition effect on melanoma cell proliferation and cell migration in vitro, causes cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis through p53 and PI3K-AKT pathways. This study provides better insights into the anti-cancer efficacy and underlying mechanism of PSE and a theoretical basis for mining anticancer compounds or the development of new treatments for melanoma in the future. It is worth noting that this study does not advocate the use of the pangolin scale for disease treatment, but only to confirm its usefulness from a scientific research perspective and to encourage subsequent research around the development of active compounds to replace pangolin scales to achieve the conservation of this endangered species.

Bifidobacterium infantis-Mediated Herpes Simplex Virus-TK/Ganciclovir Treatment Inhibits Cancer Metastasis in Mouse Model

Previous studies have found that Bifidobacterium infantis-mediated herpes simplex virus-TK/ganciclovir (BF-TK/GCV) reduces the expression of VEGF and CD146, implying tumor metastasis inhibition. However, the mechanism by which BF-TK/GCV inhibits tumor metastasis is not fully studied. Here, we comprehensively identified and quantified protein expression profiling for the first time in gastric cancer (GC) cells MKN-45 upon BF-TK/GCV treatment using quantitative proteomics. A total of 159 and 72 differential expression proteins (DEPs) were significantly changed in the BF-TK/GCV/BF-TK and BF-TK/GCV/BF/GCV comparative analysis. Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis enriched some metastasis-related pathways such as gap junction and cell adhesion molecules pathways. Moreover, the transwell assay proved that BF-TK/GCV inhibited the invasion and migration of tumor cells. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry (IHC) demonstrated that BF-TK/GCV reduced the expression of HIF-1α, mTOR, NF-κB1-p105, VCAM1, MMP13, CXCL12, ATG16, and CEBPB, which were associated with tumor metastasis. In summary, BF-TK/GCV inhibited tumor metastasis, which deepened and expanded the understanding of the antitumor mechanism of BF-TK/GCV.

Indol-3-ylglyoxylamide as Privileged Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry

In recent years, indolylglyoxylamide-based derivatives have received much attention due to their application in drug design and discovery, leading to the development of a wide array of compounds that have shown a variety of pharmacological activities. Combining the indole nucleus, already validated as a "privileged structure," with the glyoxylamide function allowed for an excellent template to be obtained that is suitable to a great number of structural modifications aimed at permitting interaction with specific molecular targets and producing desirable therapeutic effects. The present review provides insight into how medicinal chemists have elegantly exploited the indolylglyoxylamide moiety to obtain potentially useful drugs, with a particular focus on compounds exhibiting activity in in vivo models or reaching clinical trials. All in all, this information provides exciting new perspectives on existing data that can be useful in further design of indolylglyoxylamide-based molecules with interesting pharmacological profiles. The aim of this report is to present an update of collection data dealing with the employment of this moiety in the rational design of compounds that are able to interact with a specific target, referring to the last 20 years.

Flash Nanoprecipitation Fabrication of PEI@Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Hybrid Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery

RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising approach for disease treatments. But the development of safe and effective delivery carriers remains a major challenge. Organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles (NPs), with the integration of functions from distinct materials, show great potential in small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery. Herein, pH responsive amorphous calcium carbonate NPs (ACC NPs) are prepared using flash nanoprecipitation and hybrid NPs are constructed by coating ACC NPs with polyethyleneimine (PEI) for efficient siRNA delivery. PEI/ACC NPs show robust pH responsiveness and stability as well as effective siRNA loading and protection. Furthermore, siRNA-loaded PEI/ACC NPs demonstrate enhanced cellular uptake and efficient endosomal escape, mediating improved siRNA delivery compared to pure PEI. These findings suggest that PEI/ACC NPs may have great potential in siRNA delivery for RNAi-based therapy.

Design, Synthesis, Molecular Docking Study and Biological Evaluation of Novel γ-Carboline Derivatives of Latrepirdine (Dimebon) as Potent Anticancer Agents

A series of novel γ-Carboline derivatives were designed and synthesized using the Suzuki coupling reaction to identify the leads for the activity against cancer. Interestingly, these compounds were tested for their anticancer activity against the cell lines, particularly human cancer cell lines MCF7 (breast), A549 (lung), SiHa (cervix), and Colo-205 (colon). Most of the γ-Carboline derivatives showed potent inhibitory activity in four cancer cell lines, according to in vitro anticancer activity screening. Two compounds, specifically LP-14 and LP-15, showed superior activity in cancer cell lines among the γ-Carboline derivatives from LP-1 to LP-16. Additionally, the compound LP-14, LP-15 and Etoposide carried out molecular docking studies on human topoisomerase II beta in complex with DNA and Etoposide (PDB ID: 3QX3). The docking studies' results showed that the derivative LP-15 was strongly bound with the receptor amino acid residues, including Glu477 and DC8 compared with the marked drug Etoposide.

Interleukin-24-mediated antitumor effects against human glioblastoma via upregulation of P38 MAPK and endogenous TRAIL-induced apoptosis and LC3-II activation-dependent autophagy

BACKGROUND

Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 7 (Mda-7) encodes IL-24, which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. A novel gene therapy approach to treat deadly brain tumors, recombinant mda-7 adenovirus (Ad/mda-7) efficiently kills glioma cells. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting cell survival and apoptosis and autophagy mechanisms that destroy glioma cells by Ad/IL-24.

METHODS

Human glioblastoma U87 cell line was exposed to a multiplicity of infections of Ad/IL-24. Antitumor activities of Ad/IL-24 were assessed by cell proliferation (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release analysis. Using flow cytometry, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were investigated. Using the ELISA method, the tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) level was determined as an apoptosis-promoting factor and Survivin level as an anti-apoptotic factor. The expression levels of TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand(TRAIL) and P38 MAPK genes were assessed by the Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT‑qPCR) method. The expression levels of caspase-3 and protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) proteins were analyzed by flow cytometry as intervening factors in the processes of apoptosis and autophagy in the cell death signaling pathway, respectively.

RESULTS

The present findings demonstrated that transduction of IL-24 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in glioblastoma. Compared with cells of the control groups, Ad/IL24-infected U87 cells exhibited significantly increased elevated caspase-3, and TNF-α levels, while the survivin expression was decreased. TRAIL was shown to be upregulated in tumor cells after Ad/IL-24 infection and studies of the apoptotic cascade regulators indicate that Ad/IL-24 could further enhance the activation of apoptosis through the TNF family of death receptors. In the current study, we demonstrate that P38 MAPK is significantly activated by IL-24 expression. In addition, the overexpression of mda-7/IL-24 in GBM cells induced autophagy, which was triggered by the upregulation of LC3-II.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the antitumor effect of IL-24 on glioblastoma and may be a promising therapeutic approach for GBM cancer gene therapy.

Bacterial Toxin-Antitoxin Systems' Cross-Interactions-Implications for Practical Use in Medicine and Biotechnology

Toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems are widely present in bacterial genomes. They consist of stable toxins and unstable antitoxins that are classified into distinct groups based on their structure and biological activity. TA systems are mostly related to mobile genetic elements and can be easily acquired through horizontal gene transfer. The ubiquity of different homologous and non-homologous TA systems within a single bacterial genome raises questions about their potential cross-interactions. Unspecific cross-talk between toxins and antitoxins of non-cognate modules may unbalance the ratio of the interacting partners and cause an increase in the free toxin level, which can be deleterious to the cell. Moreover, TA systems can be involved in broadly understood molecular networks as transcriptional regulators of other genes' expression or modulators of cellular mRNA stability. In nature, multiple copies of highly similar or identical TA systems are rather infrequent and probably represent a transition stage during evolution to complete insulation or decay of one of them. Nevertheless, several types of cross-interactions have been described in the literature to date. This implies a question of the possibility and consequences of the TA system cross-interactions, especially in the context of the practical application of the TA-based biotechnological and medical strategies, in which such TAs will be used outside their natural context, will be artificially introduced and induced in the new hosts. Thus, in this review, we discuss the prospective challenges of system cross-talks in the safety and effectiveness of TA system usage.