1
|
Plüss L, Peissert F, Elsayed A, Rotta G, Römer J, Dakhel Plaza S, Villa A, Puca E, De Luca R, Oxenius A, Neri D. Generation and in vivo characterization of a novel high-affinity human antibody targeting carcinoembryonic antigen. MAbs 2023; 15:2217964. [PMID: 37243574 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2217964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no effective treatment options for most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). mCRC remains a leading cause of tumor-related death, with a five-year survival rate of only 15%, highlighting the urgent need for novel pharmacological products. Current standard drugs are based on cytotoxic chemotherapy, VEGF inhibitors, EGFR antibodies, and multikinase inhibitors. The antibody-based delivery of pro-inflammatory cytokines provides a promising and differentiated strategy to improve the treatment outcome for mCRC patients. Here, we describe the generation of a novel fully human monoclonal antibody (termed F4) targeting the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor-associated antigen overexpressed in colorectal cancer and other malignancies. The F4 antibody was selected by antibody phage display technology after two rounds of affinity maturation. F4 in single-chain variable fragment format bound to CEA in surface plasmon resonance with an affinity of 7.7 nM. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence on human cancer specimens confirmed binding to CEA-expressing cells. F4 selectively accumulated in CEA-positive tumors, as evidenced by two orthogonal in vivo biodistribution studies. Encouraged by these results, we genetically fused murine interleukin (IL) 12 to F4 in the single-chain diabody format. F4-IL12 exhibited potent antitumor activity in two murine models of colon cancer. Treatment with F4-IL12 led to an increased density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and an upregulation of interferon γ expression by tumor-homing lymphocytes. These data suggest that the F4 antibody is an attractive delivery vehicle for targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Plüss
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Abdullah Elsayed
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Rotta
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | - Jonas Römer
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Emanuele Puca
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
| | | | - Annette Oxenius
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, Libernstrasse 3, Otelfingen, Switzerland
- Department of Biology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zürich), Zurich, Switzerland
- Philogen SpA, Località Bellaria, Sovicille, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu X, Zhang D, Zeng Z, Huang L, Lin X, Hong S. Aptamer-Based Probes for Cancer Diagnostics and Treatment. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12111937. [PMID: 36431072 PMCID: PMC9695321 DOI: 10.3390/life12111937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligomers that have the ability to generate unique and diverse tertiary structures that bind to cognate molecules with high specificity. In recent years, aptamer researches have witnessed a huge surge, owing to its unique properties, such as high specificity and binding affinity, low immunogenicity and toxicity, and simplicity of synthesis with negligible batch-to-batch variation. Aptamers may bind to targets, such as various cancer biomarkers, making them applicable for a wide range of cancer diagnosis and treatment. In cancer diagnostic applications, aptamers are used as molecular probes instead of antibodies. They have the potential to detect various cancer-associated biomarkers. For cancer therapeutic purposes, aptamers can serve as therapeutic or delivery agents. The chemical stabilization and modification strategies for aptamers may expand their serum half-life and shelf life. However, aptamer-based probes for cancer diagnosis and therapy still face several challenges for successful clinical translation. A deeper understanding of nucleic acid chemistry, tissue distribution, and pharmacokinetics is required in the development of aptamer-based probes. This review summarizes their application in cancer diagnostics and treatments based on different localization of target biomarkers, as well as current challenges and future prospects.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yunussova N, Sypabekova M, Zhumabekova Z, Matkarimov B, Kanayeva D. A Novel ssDNA Aptamer Targeting Carcinoembryonic Antigen: Selection and Characterization. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11101540. [PMID: 36290442 PMCID: PMC9598387 DOI: 10.3390/biology11101540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the major causes of a drastically shorter life expectancy and one of the most prevalent diseases in the world today is cancer. Given the data on the rise in cancer cases throughout the world, it is obvious that, despite the diagnostic techniques currently being used, there is a pressing need to develop precise and sensitive techniques for early diagnosis of the disease. A high degree of affinity and specificity towards particular targets is maintained by the short nucleic acid molecules known as aptamers. Aptamers outperform antibodies due to their unique benefits, such as their simplicity in synthesis and modification, lack of toxicity, and long-term stability. Utilizing an accurate recognition element and a robust signal transduction mechanism, molecular diagnostics can be extremely sensitive and specific. In this study, development of new single-stranded DNA aptamers against CEA for use in cancer diagnostics was accomplished using SELEX and NGS methods. As a result of 12 iterative SELEX rounds, nine aptamer candidates against CEA were developed. NGS comparative analysis revealed that round twelve had an enriched number of aptamers that were specifically bound, as opposed to round eight. Among the selected nine sequences characterized by bioinformatics analysis and ELONA, an aptamer sequence with the highest specificity and affinity for the target protein was identified and further examined. Aptamer sequence (6) was screened in a concentration-dependent assay, specificity analysis was performed, and its potential secondary and tertiary structures were predicted, which enabled us to test one of the possible putative interactions with CEA. Finally, aptamer sequence (6) labelled with a Cy5 fluorescent tag was used in confocal microscopy to observe its binding towards the CEA expressed in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nigara Yunussova
- Ph.D. Program in Life Sciences, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Marzhan Sypabekova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Zhazira Zhumabekova
- M.Sc. Program in Biological Sciences, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Bakhyt Matkarimov
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Damira Kanayeva
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave., Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cruz-Hernández CD, Rodríguez-Martínez G, Cortés-Ramírez SA, Morales-Pacheco M, Cruz-Burgos M, Losada-García A, Reyes-Grajeda JP, González-Ramírez I, González-Covarrubias V, Camacho-Arroyo I, Cerbón M, Rodríguez-Dorantes M. Aptamers as Theragnostic Tools in Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081056. [PMID: 36008950 PMCID: PMC9406110 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite of the capacity that several drugs have for specific inhibition of the androgen receptor (AR), in most cases, PCa progresses to an androgen-independent stage. In this context, the development of new targeted therapies for prostate cancer (PCa) has remained as a challenge. To overcome this issue, new tools, based on nucleic acids technology, have been developed. Aptamers are small oligonucleotides with a three-dimensional structure capable of interacting with practically any desired target, even large targets such as mammalian cells or viruses. Recently, aptamers have been studied for treatment and detection of many diseases including cancer. In PCa, numerous works have reported their use in the development of new approaches in diagnostics and treatment strategies. Aptamers have been joined with drugs or other specific molecules such as silencing RNAs (aptamer–siRNA chimeras) to specifically reduce the expression of oncogenes in PCa cells. Even though these studies have shown good results in the early stages, more research is still needed to demonstrate the clinical value of aptamers in PCa. The aim of this review was to compile the existing scientific literature regarding the use of aptamers in PCa in both diagnosis and treatment studies. Since Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) aptamers are the most studied type of aptamers in this field, special emphasis was given to these aptamers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos David Cruz-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Griselda Rodríguez-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Sergio A. Cortés-Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Miguel Morales-Pacheco
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Marian Cruz-Burgos
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Alberto Losada-García
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
| | - Juan Pablo Reyes-Grajeda
- Laboratorio de Estructura de Proteínas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico;
| | - Imelda González-Ramírez
- Departamento de Atención a la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana–Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico;
| | | | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (I.C.-A.); (M.C.)
| | - Marco Cerbón
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (I.C.-A.); (M.C.)
| | - Mauricio Rodríguez-Dorantes
- Laboratorio de Oncogenómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (C.D.C.-H.); (G.R.-M.); (S.A.C.-R.); (M.M.-P.); (M.C.-B.); (A.L.-G.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yarizadeh K, Behbahani M, Mohabatkar H, Noorbakhsh A. Computational analysis and optimization of carcinoembryonic antigen aptamers and experimental evaluation. J Biotechnol 2019; 306:1-8. [PMID: 31075298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a highly glycosylated protein, overexpresses in many cancers. In this study, computational methods were used to optimize CEA aptamers. Experimental evaluvation of selected aptamers were conducted through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. After two and three-dimensional structure modeling, the complexes of twelve reported aptamers against CEA were simulated using the ZDOCK server. Based on docking scores, two aptamer sequences (CSR59 and CSR57.1) were selected and used to create a new library. This ssDNA aptamer library consisting of 91 sequences was created using diverse in silico mutational methods. We obtained seventeen sequences having higher binding scores than reported sequences. Based on ZDOCK scores, the interaction domain of CEA, and steric hindrance due to glycosylation, two aptamer sequences (G3S1.5 and G2S2.2) were selected. An impedimetric aptasensor was designed, and selected aptamers were used as biorecognition elements. Resistance to charge transfer (Rct) quantities confirmed the bioinformatic approach and molecular docking scores. The result showed that the interaction ability of selected aptamers was about 13.5 fold higher than the control. It can be concluded that the selected aptamers have good potential for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazem Yarizadeh
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mandana Behbahani
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Hasan Mohabatkar
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Abdollah Noorbakhsh
- Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fabrication of an ultrasensitive and selective electrochemical aptasensor to detect carcinoembryonic antigen by using a new nanocomposite. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 129:1-6. [PMID: 30677696 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2018.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
A lable-free electrochemical aptasensor was successfully developed for the sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen as a tumor biomarker. To do this, a ternary nanocomposite of hemin, graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes was used. The aptamer can be attached to the surface of a hemin, graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes glassy carbon electrode through -NHCO- covalent bonds to form a sensing surface. Through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, it was indicated that hemin can be successfully incorporated into hemin, graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Hemin, which protects graphene nanosheets, also serves as an in-situ probe owing to its well-defined redox properties. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the modifier enhance conductivity and facilitate the electron transfer between hemin and the glassy carbon electrode. In this study, carcinoembryonic antigen got specifically bound to the aptamer, and the current changes were used for selective and specific detection of that antigen. The devised aptasensor proved to have excellent performance with a wide linear range of 1.0 × 10-15 - 1.0 × 10-8 gmL-1 and a detection limit of 0.82 fg mL-1. The inter-day and intra-day values of RSD% were obtained in the range of 0.10-2.91 and 2.21-4.56 respectively. According to the experiments conducted on real samples, it may be claimed that the proposed label-free electrochemical aptasensor is capable enough of determining carcinoembryonic antigen in clinical diagnostics.
Collapse
|
7
|
Pan Q, Law COK, Yung MMH, Han KC, Pon YL, Lau TCK. Novel RNA aptamers targeting gastrointestinal cancer biomarkers CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 with superior affinity and specificity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0198980. [PMID: 30303958 PMCID: PMC6179186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0198980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in the world and it remains difficult to cure in Western countries, primarily because most patients present with advanced disease. Currently, CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 are commonly used as tumor markers for gastric cancer by immunoassays. However, the drawback and conundrum of immunoassay are the unceasing problem in standardization of quality of antibodies and time/effort for the intensive production. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a standardized assay to detect gastric cancer at the early stage. Aptamers are DNA or RNA oligonucleotides with structural domain which recognize ligands such as proteins with superior affinity and specificity when compared to antibodies. In this study, SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) technique was adopted to screen a random 30mer RNA library for aptamers targeting CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 respectively. Combined with high-throughput sequencing, we identified 6 aptamers which specifically target for these three biomarkers of gastrointestinal cancer. Intriguingly, the predicted secondary structures of RNA aptamers from each antigen showed significant structural similarity, suggesting the structural recognition between the aptamers and the antigens. Moreover, we determined the dissociation constants of all the aptamers to their corresponding antigens by fluorescence spectroscopy, which further demonstrated high affinities between the aptamers and the antigens. In addition, immunostaining of gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS using CEA Aptamer probe showed positive fluorescent signal which proves the potential of the aptamer as a detection tool for gastric cancer. Furthermore, substantially decreased cell viability and growth were observed when human colorectal cell line LS-174T was transfected with each individual aptamers. Taking together, these novel RNA aptamers targeting gastrointestinal cancer biomarker CEA, CA50 and CA72-4 will aid further development and standardization of clinical diagnostic method with better sensitivity and specificity, and potentially future therapeutics development of gastric cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Pan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Carmen O. K. Law
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mingo M. H. Yung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - K. C. Han
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuen Lam Pon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Terrence Chi Kong Lau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abdul-Wahid A, Cydzik M, Fischer NW, Prodeus A, Shively JE, Martel A, Alminawi S, Ghorab Z, Berinstein NL, Gariépy J. Serum-derived carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) activates fibroblasts to induce a local re-modeling of the extracellular matrix that favors the engraftment of CEA-expressing tumor cells. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:1963-1977. [PMID: 29756328 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Elevated levels of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; CEACAM5) in the serum of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients represent a clinical biomarker that correlates with disease recurrence. However, a mechanistic role for soluble CEA (sCEA) in tumor progression and metastasis remains to be established. In our study, we report that sCEA acts as a paracrine factor, activating human fibroblasts by signaling through both the STAT3 and AKT1-mTORC1 pathways, promoting their transition to a cancer-associated fibroblast (CaF) phenotype. sCEA-activated fibroblasts express and secrete higher levels of fibronectin, including cellular EDA+ -fibronectin (Fn-EDA) that selectively promote the implantation and adherence of CEA-expressing cancer cells. Immunohistochemical analyses of liver tissues derived from CRC patients with elevated levels of sCEA reveal that the expression of cellular Fn-EDA co-registers with CEA-expressing liver metastases. Taken together, these findings indicate a direct role for sCEA as a human fibroblast activation factor, in priming target tissues for the engraftment of CEA-expressing cancer cells, through the differentiation of tissue-resident fibroblasts, resulting in a local change in composition of the extracellular matrix.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aws Abdul-Wahid
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marzena Cydzik
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicholas W Fischer
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aaron Prodeus
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Immunology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA
| | - Anne Martel
- Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Samira Alminawi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA
| | - Zeina Ghorab
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CANADA
| | | | - Jean Gariépy
- Departments of Medical Biophysics and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xia J, Cheng Y, Zhang H, Li R, Hu Y, Liu B. The role of adhesions between homologous cancer cells in tumor progression and targeted therapy. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2017; 17:517-526. [DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2017.1322511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
10
|
Tobi M, Thomas P, Ezekwudo D. Avoiding hepatic metastasis naturally: Lessons from the cotton top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:5479-94. [PMID: 27350726 PMCID: PMC4917608 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i24.5479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Much has been written about hepatic metastasis and animal models abound. In terms of the human experience, progress in treating this final common pathway, a terminal event of many human malignancies has been relatively slow. The current thinking is that primary prevention is best served by early detection of cancer and eradication of early stage cancers by screening. Some cancers spread early in their course and the role of screening may be limited. Until relatively recently there has not been a pathfinder model that makes the evasion of this unfortunate event a reality. This review discusses such an animal model and attempts to relate it to human disease in terms of intervention. Concrete proposals are also offered on how scientists may be able to intervene to prevent this deadly progression of the cancer process.
Collapse
|
11
|
Abdul-Wahid A, Cydzik M, Prodeus A, Alwash M, Stanojcic M, Thompson M, Huang EHB, Shively JE, Gray-Owen SD, Gariépy J. Induction of antigen-specific TH9 immunity accompanied by mast cell activation blocks tumor cell engraftment. Int J Cancer 2016; 139:841-53. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.30121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aws Abdul-Wahid
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
| | - Marzena Cydzik
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
| | - Aaron Prodeus
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
| | - Mays Alwash
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| | - Mile Stanojcic
- Division of Plastic Surgery Department of Surgery; University of Toronto; ON Canada
| | - Megan Thompson
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
| | - Eric H.-B. Huang
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
| | - John E. Shively
- Department of Immunology; Beckman Research Institute; City of Hope, Duarte CA
| | - Scott D. Gray-Owen
- Department of Molecular Genetics; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| | - Jean Gariépy
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
- Physical Sciences; Sunnybrook Research Institute; Toronto ON CANADA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Toronto; Toronto ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gaddes ER, Lee D, Gydush G, Wang Y, Dong C. Regulation of fibrin-mediated tumor cell adhesion to the endothelium using anti-thrombin aptamer. Exp Cell Res 2015; 339:417-26. [PMID: 26481421 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Molecular intervention during transient stages of various metastatic pathways may lead to development of promising therapeutic technologies. One of such involves soluble fibrin (sFn) that has been implicated as a cross-linker between circulating blood or tumor cells and endothelial cell receptors, promoting cell arrest on the endothelium during circulation. sFn generation is a result of thrombin-mediated fibrinogen (Fg) cleavage due to either vascular injuries or a tumor microenvironment. For cancer therapy, thrombin-mediated conversions of Fg to sFn thus serve as potential intervention points to decrease circulating tumor cell adhesion to the endothelium and subsequent metastatic events. The purpose of this work was to investigate the function of an anti-thrombin oligonucleotide aptamer in reducing tumor cell arrest. Both molecular and cellular interactions were examined to demonstrate the binding and inhibitory effects of anti-thrombin aptamer. The results show that the aptamer is capable of inhibiting thrombin-mediated Fg conversion, thereby reducing sFn-mediated tumor cell adhesion in a concentration-dependent manner. Notably, the aptamer is able to bind thrombin under dynamic flow conditions and reduce tumor cell adhesive events at various physiological shear rates. This study further indicates that oligonucleotide aptamers hold great promise as therapeutic regulators of tumor cell adhesion, and consequently, metastatic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Gaddes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Deborah Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Gregory Gydush
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Cheng Dong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Evasion Axis With DNA Aptamers as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Disseminated Cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e237. [PMID: 25919090 PMCID: PMC4417124 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Blocking the immunoinhibitory PD-1:PD-L1 pathway using monoclonal antibodies has led to dramatic clinical responses by reversing tumor immune evasion and provoking robust and durable antitumor responses. Anti-PD-1 antibodies have now been approved for the treatment of melanoma, and are being clinically tested in a number of other tumor types as both a monotherapy and as part of combination regimens. Here, we report the development of DNA aptamers as synthetic, nonimmunogenic antibody mimics, which bind specifically to the murine extracellular domain of PD-1 and block the PD-1:PD-L1 interaction. One such aptamer, MP7, functionally inhibits the PD-L1-mediated suppression of IL-2 secretion in primary T-cells. A PEGylated form of MP7 retains the ability to block the PD-1:PD-L1 interaction, and significantly suppresses the growth of PD-L1+ colon carcinoma cells in vivo with a potency equivalent to an antagonistic anti-PD-1 antibody. Importantly, the anti-PD-1 DNA aptamer treatment was not associated with off-target TLR-9-related immune responses. Due to the inherent advantages of aptamers including their lack of immunogenicity, low cost, long shelf life, and ease of synthesis, PD-1 antagonistic aptamers may represent an attractive alternative over antibody-based anti PD-1 therapeutics.
Collapse
|
14
|
Agonistic CD200R1 DNA Aptamers Are Potent Immunosuppressants That Prolong Allogeneic Skin Graft Survival. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e190. [PMID: 25158092 PMCID: PMC4221601 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CD200R1 expressed on the surface of myeloid and lymphoid cells delivers immune inhibitory signals to modulate inflammation when engaged with its ligand CD200. Signalling through CD200/CD200R1 has been implicated in a number of immune-related diseases including allergy, infection, cancer and transplantation, as well as several autoimmune disorders including arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis. We report the development and characterization of DNA aptamers, which bind to murine CD200R1 and act as potent signalling molecules in the absence of exogenous CD200. These agonistic aptamers suppress cytotoxic T-lymphocyte induction in 5-day allogeneic mixed leukocyte culture and induce rapid phosphorylation of the CD200R1 cytoplasmic tail thereby initiating immune inhibitory signalling. PEGylated conjugates of these aptamers show significant in vivo immunosuppression and enhance survival of allogeneic skin grafts as effectively as soluble CD200Fc. As DNA aptamers exhibit inherent advantages over conventional protein-based therapeutics including low immunogenicity, ease of synthesis, low cost, and long shelf life, such CD200R1 agonistic aptamers may emerge as useful and safe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
This review highlights recent progress in developing DNA aptamers for personalized medicine, with more focus on in vivo studies for potential clinical applications. Examples include design of aptamers in combination with DNA nanostructures, nanomaterials, or microfluidic devices as diagnostic probes or therapeutic agents for cancers and other diseases. The use of aptamers as targeting agents in drug delivery is also covered. The advantages and future directions of such DNA aptamer-based technology for the continued development of personalized medicine are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xing
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 ; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Kevin Hwang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 ; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Seyed-Fakhreddin Torabi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 ; Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801 ; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abdul-Wahid A, Huang EHB, Cydzik M, Bolewska-Pedyczak E, Gariépy J. The carcinoembryonic antigen IgV-like N domain plays a critical role in the implantation of metastatic tumor cells. Mol Oncol 2013; 8:337-50. [PMID: 24388361 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a cell adhesion molecule involved in both homotypic and heterotypic interactions. The aberrant overexpression of CEA on adenocarcinoma cells correlates with their increased metastatic potential. Yet, the mechanism(s) by which its adhesive properties can lead to the implantation of circulating tumor cells and expansion of metastatic foci remains to be established. In this study, we demonstrate that the IgV-like N terminal domain of CEA directly participates in the implantation of cancer cells through its homotypic and heterotypic binding properties. Specifically, we determined that the recombinant N terminal domain of CEA directly binds to fibronectin (Fn) with a dissociation constant in the nanomolar range (K(D) 16 ± 3 nM) and interacts with itself (K(D) 100 ± 17 nM) and more tightly to the IgC-like A(3) domain (K(D) 18 ± 3 nM). Disruption of these molecular associations through the addition of antibodies specific to the CEA N or A(3)B(3) domains, or by adding soluble recombinant forms of the CEA N, A(3) or A(3)B(3) domains or a peptide corresponding to residues 108-115 of CEA resulted in the inhibition of CEA-mediated intercellular aggregation and adherence events in vitro. Finally, pretreating CEA-expressing murine colonic carcinoma cells (MC38.CEA) with rCEA N, A3 or A(3)B(3) modules blocked their implantation and the establishment of tumor foci in vivo. Together, these results suggest a new mechanistic insight into how the CEA IgV-like N domain participates in cellular events that can have a macroscopic impact in terms of cancer progression and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aws Abdul-Wahid
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric H-B Huang
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5
| | - Marzena Cydzik
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jean Gariépy
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Orava EW, Abdul-Wahid A, Huang EHB, Mallick AI, Gariépy J. Blocking the attachment of cancer cells in vivo with DNA aptamers displaying anti-adhesive properties against the carcinoembryonic antigen. Mol Oncol 2013; 7:799-811. [PMID: 23656757 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of metastatic foci occurs through a series of cellular events, initiated by the attachment and aggregation of cancer cells leading to the establishment of micrometastases. We report the derivation of synthetic DNA aptamers bearing anti-adhesive properties directed at cancer cells expressing the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Two DNA aptamers targeting the homotypic and heterotypic IgV-like binding domain of CEA were shown to block the cell adhesion properties of CEA, while not recognizing other IgV-like domains of CEACAM family members that share strong sequence and structural homologies. More importantly, the pre-treatment of CEA-expressing tumour cells with these aptamers prior to their intraperitoneal implantation resulted in the prevention of peritoneal tumour foci formation. Taken together, these results highlight the effectiveness of targeting the cell adhesion properties of cancer cells with aptamers in preventing tumour implantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik W Orava
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|