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Chatterjee D, Bhattacharya S, Kumari L, Datta A. Aptamers: ushering in new hopes in targeted glioblastoma therapy. J Drug Target 2024; 32:1005-1028. [PMID: 38923419 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2373306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a formidable brain cancer, has remained a therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments. Recent data indicate that aptamers, short synthetic DNA or RNA molecules can be used in anti-cancer therapy due to their better tumour penetration, specific binding affinity, longer retention in tumour sites and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. With the ability to modify these oligonucleotides through the selection process, and using rational design to modify them, post-SELEX aptamers offer several advantages in glioblastoma treatment, including precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This review discusses the pivotal role of aptamers in glioblastoma therapy and diagnosis, emphasising their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and also highlights recent advancements in aptamer-based therapies which can transform the landscape of glioblastoma treatment, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Srijan Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Leena Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Aparna Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
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2
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Culkins C, Adomanis R, Phan N, Robinson B, Slaton E, Lothrop E, Chen Y, Kimmel BR. Unlocking the Gates: Therapeutic Agents for Noninvasive Drug Delivery Across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 39324552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2024]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective network of various cell types that acts as a filter between the blood and the brain parenchyma. Because of this, the BBB remains a major obstacle for drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, there has been a focus on developing various modifiable platforms, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), nanobodies (Nbs), peptides, and nanoparticles, as both therapeutic agents and carriers for targeted drug delivery to treat brain cancers and diseases. Methods for bypassing the BBB can be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive techniques, such as transient disruption of the BBB using low pulse electrical fields and intracerebroventricular infusion, lack specificity and have numerous safety concerns. In this review, we will focus on noninvasive transport mechanisms that offer high levels of biocompatibility, personalization, specificity and are regarded as generally safer than their invasive counterparts. Modifiable platforms can be designed to noninvasively traverse the BBB through one or more of the following pathways: passive diffusion through a physio-pathologically disrupted BBB, adsorptive-mediated transcytosis, receptor-mediated transcytosis, shuttle-mediated transcytosis, and somatic gene transfer. Through understanding the noninvasive pathways, new applications, including Chimeric Antigen Receptors T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and approaches for drug delivery across the BBB are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Culkins
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Roman Adomanis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Nathan Phan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Blaise Robinson
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ethan Slaton
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Elijah Lothrop
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yinuo Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Blaise R Kimmel
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Center for Cancer Engineering, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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3
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Seo K, Hwang K, Nam KM, Kim MJ, Song YK, Kim CY. Nucleolin-Targeting AS1411 Aptamer-Conjugated Nanospheres for Targeted Treatment of Glioblastoma. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:566. [PMID: 38675227 PMCID: PMC11055028 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-operative chemotherapy is still required for the treatment of glioblastoma (GBM), for which nanocarrier-based drug delivery has been identified as one of the most effective methods. However, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and non-specific delivery to non-tumor tissues can significantly limit drug accumulation in tumor tissues and cause damage to nearby normal tissues. This study describes a targeted cancer therapy approach that uses AS1411 aptamer-conjugated nanospheres (100-300 nm in size) loaded with doxorubicin (Dox) to selectively identify tumor cells overexpressing nucleolin (NCL) proteins. The study demonstrates that the active target model, which employs aptamer-mediated drug delivery, is more effective than non-specific enhanced permeability and maintenance (EPR)-mediated delivery and passive drug delivery in improving drug penetration and maintenance in tumor cells. Additionally, the study reveals the potential for anti-cancer effects through 3D spheroidal and in vivo GBM xenograft models. The DNA-protein hybrid nanospheres utilized in this study offer numerous benefits, such as efficient synthesis, structural stability, high drug loading, dye labeling, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. When combined with nanospheres, the 1411 aptamer has been shown to be an effective drug delivery carrier allowing for the precise targeting of tumors. This combination has the potential to produce anti-tumor effects in the active targeted therapy of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeongjin Seo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea; (K.S.); (K.H.); (K.M.N.)
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihwan Hwang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea; (K.S.); (K.H.); (K.M.N.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mi Nam
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea; (K.S.); (K.H.); (K.M.N.)
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Astrogen Inc., 440, Hyeoksin-daero, Dong-gu, Daegu 41072, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yoon-Kyu Song
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon-si 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae-Yong Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam-si 13620, Republic of Korea; (K.S.); (K.H.); (K.M.N.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
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Adesoye T, Tripathy D, Hunt KK, Keyomarsi K. Exploring Novel Frontiers: Leveraging STAT3 Signaling for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:492. [PMID: 38339245 PMCID: PMC10854592 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030492] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a significant role in diverse physiologic processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and survival. STAT3 activation via phosphorylation of tyrosine and serine residues is a complex and tightly regulated process initiated by upstream signaling pathways with ligand binding to receptor and non-receptor-linked kinases. Through downstream deregulation of target genes, aberrations in STAT3 activation are implicated in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and recurrence in multiple cancers. While there have been extensive efforts to develop direct and indirect STAT3 inhibitors using novel drugs as a therapeutic strategy, direct clinical application remains in evolution. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of STAT3 activation, the resulting downstream effects in physiologic and malignant settings, and therapeutic strategies for targeting STAT3. We also summarize the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of novel drug therapies targeting STAT3 and discuss the challenges of establishing their therapeutic efficacy in the current clinical landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo Adesoye
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Debasish Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Kelly K. Hunt
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Doherty C, Wilbanks B, Khatua S, Maher LJ. Aptamers in neuro-oncology: An emerging therapeutic modality. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:38-54. [PMID: 37619244 PMCID: PMC10768989 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the understanding of brain tumor pathophysiology, challenges associated with tumor location and characteristics have prevented significant improvement in neuro-oncology therapies. Aptamers are short, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that fold into sequence-specific, 3-dimensional shapes that, like protein antibodies, interact with targeted ligands with high affinity and specificity. Aptamer technology has recently been applied to neuro-oncology as a potential approach to innovative therapy. Preclinical research has demonstrated the ability of aptamers to overcome some obstacles that have traditionally rendered neuro-oncology therapies ineffective. Potential aptamer advantages include their small size, ability in some cases to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, inherent lack of immunogenicity, and applicability for discovering novel biomarkers. Herein, we review recent reports of aptamer applications in neuro-oncology including aptamers found by cell- and in vivo- Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment approaches, aptamer-targeted therapeutic delivery modalities, and aptamers in diagnostics and imaging. We further identify crucial future directions for the field that will be important to advance aptamer-based drugs or tools to clinical application in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Doherty
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brandon Wilbanks
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Louis James Maher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Application of RNA-based therapeutics in glioma: A review. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 204:133-161. [PMID: 38458736 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite the extensive advancements made in the field of cancer therapy, the outlook of individuals suffering from glioblastoma multiforme remains highly detrimental. The absence of specific treatments for cancerous cells significantly hinders the effectiveness of conventional anticancer techniques. Multiple research studies have demonstrated that the suppression of specific genes or the augmentation of therapeutic proteins through RNA-based therapeutics may represent a valuable approach when combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the application of RNA therapeutics in conjunction with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This emerging field has become a prominent area of research for advancing various types of cancer treatments. The present investigation provides an in-depth overview of the classification and application of RNA therapy, focusing on the mechanisms of RNA antitumor treatment and the current status of clinical studies on RNA drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Ranasinghe P, Addison ML, Dear JW, Webb DJ. Small interfering RNA: Discovery, pharmacology and clinical development-An introductory review. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2697-2720. [PMID: 36250252 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional gene silencing targets and degrades mRNA transcripts, silencing the expression of specific genes. RNA interference technology, using synthetic structurally well-defined short double-stranded RNA (small interfering RNA [siRNA]), has advanced rapidly in recent years. This introductory review describes the utility of siRNA, by exploring the underpinning biology, pharmacology, recent advances and clinical developments, alongside potential limitations and ongoing challenges. Mediated by the RNA-induced silencing complex, siRNAs bind to specific complementary mRNAs, which are subsequently degraded. siRNA therapy offers advantages over other therapeutic approaches, including ability of specifically designed siRNAs to potentially target any mRNA and improved patient adherence through infrequent administration associated with a very long duration of action. Key pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic challenges include targeted administration, poor tissue penetration, nuclease inactivation, rapid renal elimination, immune activation and off-target effects. These have been overcome by chemical modification of siRNA and/or by utilising a range of delivery systems, increasing bioavailability and stability to allow successful clinical translation. Patisiran (hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis) was the first licensed siRNA, followed by givosiran (acute hepatic porphyria), lumasiran (primary hyperoxaluria type 1) and inclisiran (familial hypercholesterolaemia), which all use N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) linkage for effective liver-directed delivery. Others are currently under development for indications varying from rare genetic diseases to common chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, cancer). Technological advances are paving the way for broader clinical use. Ongoing challenges remain in targeting organs beyond the liver and reaching special sites (e.g., brain). By overcoming these barriers, siRNA therapy has the potential to substantially widen its therapeutic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanga Ranasinghe
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Melisande L Addison
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - James W Dear
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - David J Webb
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Giles B, Nakhjavani M, Wiesa A, Knight T, Shigdar S, Samarasinghe RM. Unravelling the Glioblastoma Tumour Microenvironment: Can Aptamer Targeted Delivery Become Successful in Treating Brain Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4376. [PMID: 37686652 PMCID: PMC10487158 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The key challenges to treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the heterogeneous and complex nature of the GBM tumour microenvironment (TME) and difficulty of drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The TME is composed of various neuronal and immune cells, as well as non-cellular components, including metabolic products, cellular interactions, and chemical compositions, all of which play a critical role in GBM development and therapeutic resistance. In this review, we aim to unravel the complexity of the GBM TME, evaluate current therapeutics targeting this microenvironment, and lastly identify potential targets and therapeutic delivery vehicles for the treatment of GBM. Specifically, we explore the potential of aptamer-targeted delivery as a successful approach to treating brain cancers. Aptamers have emerged as promising therapeutic drug delivery vehicles with the potential to cross the BBB and deliver payloads to GBM and brain metastases. By targeting specific ligands within the TME, aptamers could potentially improve treatment outcomes and overcome the challenges associated with larger therapies such as antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Giles
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Maryam Nakhjavani
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Andrew Wiesa
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Tareeque Knight
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
| | - Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Rasika M. Samarasinghe
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; (B.G.); (S.S.); (R.M.S.)
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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Ai L, Jiang X, Zhang K, Cui C, Liu B, Tan W. Tools and techniques for the discovery of therapeutic aptamers: recent advances. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1393-1411. [PMID: 37840268 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2264187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pursuit of novel therapeutic agents for serious diseases such as cancer has been a global endeavor. Aptamers characteristic of high affinity, programmability, low immunogenicity, and rapid permeability hold great promise for the treatment of diseases. Yet obtaining the approval for therapeutic aptamers remains challenging. Consequently, researchers are increasingly devoted to exploring innovative strategies and technologies to advance the development of these therapeutic aptamers. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress of the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) technique, and how the integration of modern tools has facilitated the identification of therapeutic aptamers. Additionally, the engineering of aptamers to enhance their functional attributes, such as inhibiting and targeting, is discussed, demonstrating the potential to broaden their scope of utility. EXPERT OPINION The grand potential of aptamers and the insufficient development of relevant drugs have spurred countless efforts for stimulating their discovery and application in the therapeutic field. While SELEX techniques have undergone significant developments with the aid of advanced analysis instruments and ingeniously updated aptameric engineering strategies, several challenges still impede their clinical translation. A key challenge lies in the insufficient understanding of binding conformation and susceptibility to degradation under physiological conditions. Despite the hurdles, our opinion is optimistic. With continued progress in overcoming these obstacles, the widespread utilization of aptamers for clinical therapy is envisioned to become a reality soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Kejing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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Ding D, Zhao H, Wei D, Yang Q, Yang C, Wang R, Chen Y, Li L, An S, Xia Q, Huang G, Liu J, Xiao Z, Tan W. The First-in-Human Whole-Body Dynamic Pharmacokinetics Study of Aptamer. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0126. [PMID: 37223462 PMCID: PMC10202413 DOI: 10.34133/research.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Serving as targeting ligands, aptamers have shown promise in precision medicine. However, the lack of knowledge of the biosafety and metabolism patterns in the human body largely impeded aptamers' clinical translation. To bridge this gap, here we report the first-in-human pharmacokinetics study of protein tyrosine kinase 7 targeted SGC8 aptamer via in vivo PET tracking of gallium-68 (68Ga) radiolabeled aptamers. The specificity and binding affinity of a radiolabeled aptamer, named 68Ga[Ga]-NOTA-SGC8, were maintained as proven in vitro. Further preclinical biosafety and biodistribution evaluation confirmed that aptamers have no biotoxicity, potential mutation risks, or genotoxicity at high dosage (40 mg/kg). Based on this result, a first-in-human clinical trial was approved and carried out to evaluate the circulation and metabolism profiles, as well as biosafety, of the radiolabeled SGC8 aptamer in the human body. Taking advantage of the cutting-edge total-body PET, the aptamers' distribution pattern in the human body was acquired in a dynamic fashion. This study revealed that radiolabeled aptamers are harmless to normal organs and most of them are accumulated in the kidney and cleared from the bladder via urine, which agrees with preclinical studies. Meanwhile, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of aptamer was developed, which could potentially predict therapeutic responses and plan personalized treatment strategies. This research studied the biosafety and dynamic pharmacokinetics of aptamers in the human body for the first time, as well as demonstrated the capability of novel molecular imaging fashion in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dali Wei
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinglai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center for Molecular Imaging Probes, Cancer Research Institute,
University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruowen Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lianghua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shuxian An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qian Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging,
Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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11
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He J, Duan Q, Ran C, Fu T, Liu Y, Tan W. Recent progress of aptamer‒drug conjugates in cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1358-1370. [PMID: 37139427 PMCID: PMC10150127 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that can specifically bind with the target protein or molecule via specific secondary structures. Compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), aptamer‒drug conjugate (ApDC) is also an efficient, targeted drug for cancer therapy with a smaller size, higher chemical stability, lower immunogenicity, faster tissue penetration, and facile engineering. Despite all these advantages, several key factors have delayed the clinical translation of ApDC, such as in vivo off-target effects and potential safety issues. In this review, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of ApDC and discuss solutions to the problems noted above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan He
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Qiao Duan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ting Fu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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12
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He S, Du Y, Tao H, Duan H. Advances in aptamer-mediated targeted delivery system for cancer treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124173. [PMID: 36965552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers with high affinity and specificity for certain targets have rapidly become a novel class of targeted ligands applicated in drug delivery. Based on the excellent characteristics of aptamers, different aptamer-mediated drug delivery systems have been developed, including aptamer-drug conjugate (ApDC), aptamer-siRNA, and aptamer-functionalized nanoparticle systems for the effective treatment of cancer, which can reduce potential toxicity and improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of aptamer-mediated delivery systems in cancer therapy, and discuss the application prospects and existing problems of innovative approaches based on aptamer therapy. Overall, this review aims to better understand the current aptamer-based targeted delivery applications through in-depth analysis to improve efficacy and develop new therapeutic methods which can ultimately improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Yue Du
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Tao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Huaiyu Duan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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13
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Fu W, Hou X, Dong L, Hou W. Roles of STAT3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of glioblastoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1098482. [PMID: 36923251 PMCID: PMC10009693 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1098482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant of astrocytomas mainly involving the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebral cortex. It is one of the fatal and refractory solid tumors, with a 5-year survival rate of merely 5% among the adults. IL6/JAK/STAT3 is an important signaling pathway involved in the pathogenesis and progression of GBM. The expression of STAT3 in GBM tissues is substantially higher than that of normal brain cells. The abnormal activation of STAT3 renders the tumor microenvironment of GBM immunosuppression. Besides, blocking the STAT3 pathway can effectively inhibit the growth and metastasis of GBM. On this basis, inhibition of STAT3 may be a new therapeutic approach for GBM, and the combination of STAT3 targeted therapy and conventional therapies may improve the current status of GBM treatment. This review summarized the roles of STAT3 in the pathogenesis of GBM and the feasibility of STAT3 for GBM target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Fu
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Hou
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lihua Dong
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Hou
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology & Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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14
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Woldekidan HB, Woldesemayat AA, Adam G, Tafesse M, Thimiri Govinda Raj DB. Aptamer-Based Tumor-Targeted Diagnosis and Drug Delivery. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1409:173-192. [PMID: 35896892 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2022_732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Early cancer identification is crucial for providing patients with safe and timely therapy. Highly dependable and adaptive technologies will be required to detect the presence of biological markers for cancer at very low levels in the early stages of tumor formation. These techniques have been shown to be beneficial in encouraging patients to develop early intervention plans, which could lead to an increase in the overall survival rate of cancer patients. Targeted drug delivery (TDD) using aptamer is promising due to its favorable properties. Aptamer is suitable for superior TDD system candidates due to its desirable properties including a high binding affinity and specificity, a low immunogenicity, and a chemical composition that can be simply changed.Due to these properties, aptamer-based TDD application has limited drug side effect along with organ damages. The development of aptasensor has been promising in TDD for cancer cell treatment. There are biomarkers and expressed molecules during cancer cell development; however, only few are addressed in aptamer detection study of those molecules. Its great potential of attachment of binding to specific target molecule made aptamer a reliable recognition element. Because of their unique physical, chemical, and biological features, aptamers have a lot of potential in cancer precision medicine.In this review, we summarized aptamer technology and its application in cancer. This includes advantages properties of aptamer technology over other molecules were thoroughly discussed. In addition, we have also elaborated the application of aptamer as a direct therapeutic function and as a targeted drug delivery molecule (aptasensor) in cancer cells with several examples in preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haregewoin Bezu Woldekidan
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adugna A Woldesemayat
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Adam
- Sustainable Energy Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Mesfin Tafesse
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biotechnology and Bioprocessing Center of Excellence, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Deepak B Thimiri Govinda Raj
- Synthetic Nanobiotechnology and Biomachines, Synthetic Biology and Precision Medicine Centre, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa.
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15
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Cui X, Yao Z, Zhao T, Guo J, Ding J, Zhang S, Liang Z, Wei Z, Zoa A, Tian Y, Li J. siAKR1C3@PPA complex nucleic acid nanoparticles inhibit castration-resistant prostate cancer in vitro. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1069033. [PMID: 36591491 PMCID: PMC9800608 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1069033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction AKR1C3, as a crucial androgenic enzyme, implicates the androgen biosynthesis and promoting prostate cancer cell growth in vitro. This study provides a new gene therapy strategy for targeting AKR1C3 to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer. Methods siAKR1C3@PPA is assembled from PEG3500, PAMAM, Aptamer-PSMA, and siRNA for AKR1C3. We analyzed the relationship between AKR1C3 expression and the survival rate of prostate cancer patients based on the GEPIA online database to perform disease-free survival, and found that AKR1C3 may be an important factor leading to poor prognosis in prostate cancer. Considering AKR1C3 as a therapeutic target for castration-resistant prostate cancer, we constructed a complex nucleic acid nanoparticle, siAKR1C3@PPA to investigate the inhibitory effect on castration-resistant prostate cancer. Results Aptamer-PSMA acts as a target to guide siAKR1C3@PPA into PSMA-positive prostate cancer cells and specifically down regulate AKR1C3. Cyclin D1 was decreased as a result of siAKR1C3@PPA treatment. Changes in Cyclin D1 were consistent with decreased expression of AKR1C3 in LNCaP-AKR1C3 cells and 22RV1 cells. Furthermore, in the LNCaP-AKR1C3 group, 1070 proteins were upregulated and 1015 proteins were downregulated compared to the LNCaP group according to quantitative 4D label-free proteomics. We found 42 proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. In a validated experiment, we demonstrated that PCNP and CINP were up-regulated, and TERF2 and TP53 were down-regulated by western blotting. Conclusion We concluded that siAKR1C3@PPA may arrest the cell cycle and affect cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhou Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiahui Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jipeng Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zuowen Liang
- Department of Andrology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Zhengren Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Alexis Zoa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yuantong Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China,*Correspondence: Yuantong Tian, ; Jing Li,
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China,*Correspondence: Yuantong Tian, ; Jing Li,
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16
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Lee JW, Choi J, Choi Y, Kim K, Yang Y, Kim SH, Yoon HY, Kwon IC. Molecularly engineered siRNA conjugates for tumor-targeted RNAi therapy. J Control Release 2022; 351:713-726. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.09.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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17
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Dhanya CR, Mary AS, Madhavan M. Aptamer-siRNA chimeras: Promising tools for targeting HER2 signaling in cancer. Chem Biol Drug Des 2022; 101:1162-1180. [PMID: 36099164 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14143] [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: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RNA interference is a transformative approach and has great potential in the development of novel and more efficient cancer therapeutics. Immense prospects exist in the silencing of HER2 and its downstream genes which are overexpressed in many cancers, through exogenously delivered siRNA. However, there is still a long way to exploit the full potential and versatility of siRNA therapeutics due to the challenges associated with the stability and delivery of siRNA targeted to specific sites. Aptamers offer several advantages as a vehicle for siRNA delivery, over other carriers such as antibodies. In this review, we discuss the progress made in the development and applications of aptamer-siRNA chimeras in HER2 targeting and gene silencing. A schematic workflow is also provided which will provide ample insight for all those researchers who are new to this field. Also, we think that a mechanistic understanding of the HER2 signaling pathway is crucial in designing extensive investigations aimed at the silencing of a wider array of genes. This review is expected to stimulate more research on aptamer-siRNA chimeras targeted against HER2 which might arm us with potential effective therapeutic interventions for the management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Dhanya
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Aarcha Shanmugha Mary
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Maya Madhavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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18
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Li X, Mei W, Wu Q, Wang J, Qi L. Theranostic Ruthenium Polypyridine Nanoparticles for Targeted Chimera Delivery into Ovarian Cancer Cells. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Efficient in vivo delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to target cells is challenging in clinical applications. Ruthenium (II) polypyridyl complexes have been discovered as imaging theranostic and anticancer agents due to their photophysical and biological properties.
However, the clinical implementation of ruthenium complexes is limited by cancer cell selectivity. This study presents a novel siRNA delivery nanoplatform by ruthenium polypyridine complex nanoparticles (RPNs). The EGFR RNA aptamer and Notch3 siRNA chimera-loaded RPNs showed
superior RNAi effects against Notch3 gene compared to Lipofectamine. Also, RPN-chimera complexes exhibited significant in vivo antitumor effects against ovarian cancer, which exhibited much potential in future cancer imaging guided gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Wenjie Mei
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jianjun Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
| | - Lifeng Qi
- Shanghai East Hospital, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China
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Effects of STAT3 Inhibitor BP-1-102 on The Proliferation, Invasiveness, Apoptosis and Neurosphere Formation of Glioma Cells in Vitro. Cell Biochem Biophys 2022; 80:723-735. [PMID: 35994220 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-022-01088-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Malignant glioma, especially glioblastoma (GBM), has historically been associated with a low survival rate. The hyperactivation of STAT3 played a key role in GBM initiation and resistance to therapy; thus, there is an urgent requirement for novel STAT3 inhibitors. BP-1-102 was recently reported as a biochemical inhibitor of STAT3, but its roles and mechanism in biological behavior of glioma cells were still unclear. In this study, the effects of BP-1-102 on proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and neurosphere formation of glioma cell were investigated. Our results indicated that BP-1-102 inhibited the proliferation of U251 and A172 cells, and their IC50 values were 10.51 and 8.534 μM, respectively. Furthermore, BP-1-102 inhibited the invasion and migration abilities of U251 and A172 cells by decreasing the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9, and induced glioma cell apoptosis by decreasing the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2. BP-1-102 also inhibited the formation of neurosphere. Mechanically, BP-1-102 reduced the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the p-STAT3's nuclear translocation in glioma cells. Thus, this study herein provided a potential drug for glioma therapy.
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A comprehensive review on different approaches for tumor targeting using nanocarriers and recent developments with special focus on multifunctional approaches. JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INVESTIGATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40005-022-00583-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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21
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Next RNA Therapeutics: The Mine of Non-Coding. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137471. [PMID: 35806476 PMCID: PMC9267739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The growing knowledge on several classes of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and their different functional roles has aroused great interest in the scientific community. Beyond the Central Dogma of Biology, it is clearly known that not all RNAs code for protein products, and they exert a broader repertoire of biological functions. As described in this review, ncRNAs participate in gene expression regulation both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels and represent critical elements driving and controlling pathophysiological processes in multicellular organisms. For this reason, in recent years, a great boost was given to ncRNA-based strategies with potential therapeutic abilities, and nowadays, the use of RNA molecules is experimentally validated and actually exploited in clinics to counteract several diseases. In this review, we summarize the principal classes of therapeutic ncRNA molecules that are potentially implied in disease onset and progression, which are already used in clinics or under clinical trials, highlighting the advantages and the need for a targeted therapeutic strategy design. Furthermore, we discuss the benefits and the limits of RNA therapeutics and the ongoing development of delivery strategies to limit the off-target effects and to increase the translational application.
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22
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Remy J, Linder B, Weirauch U, Day BW, Stringer BW, Herold-Mende C, Aigner A, Krohn K, Kögel D. STAT3 Enhances Sensitivity of Glioblastoma to Drug-Induced Autophagy-Dependent Cell Death. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020339. [PMID: 35053502 PMCID: PMC8773829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain cancer in adults. One reason for the development and malignancy of this tumor is the misregulation of certain cellular proteins. The oncoprotein STAT3 that is frequently overactive in glioblastoma cells is associated with more aggressive disease and decreased patient survival. Autophagy is a form of cellular self digestion that normally maintains cell integrity and provides nutrients and basic building blocks required for growth. While glioblastoma is known to be particularly resistant to conventional therapies, recent research has suggested that these tumors are more sensitive to excessive overactivation of autophagy, leading to autophagy-dependent tumor cell death. Here, we show a hitherto unknown role of STAT3 in sensitizing glioblastoma cells to excessive autophagy induced with the repurposed drug pimozide. These findings provide the basis for future research aimed at determining whether STAT3 can serve as a predictor for autophagy-proficient tumors and further support the notion of overactivating autophagy for cancer therapy. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease and the most common primary brain malignancy of adults with a median survival barely exceeding one year. Recent findings suggest that the antipsychotic drug pimozide triggers an autophagy-dependent, lysosomal type of cell death in GBM cells with possible implications for GBM therapy. One oncoprotein that is often overactivated in these tumors and associated with a particularly dismal prognosis is Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). Here, we used isogenic human and murine GBM knockout cell lines, advanced fluorescence microscopy, transcriptomic analysis and FACS-based assessment of cell viability to show that STAT3 has an underappreciated, context-dependent role in drug-induced cell death. Specifically, we demonstrate that depletion of STAT3 significantly enhances cell survival after treatment with Pimozide, suggesting that STAT3 confers a particular vulnerability to GBM. Furthermore, we show that active STAT3 has no major influence on the early steps of the autophagy pathway, but exacerbates drug-induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and release of cathepsins into the cytosol. Collectively, our findings support the concept of exploiting the pro-death functions of autophagy and LMP for GBM therapy and to further determine whether STAT3 can be employed as a treatment predictor for highly apoptosis-resistant, but autophagy-proficient cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Remy
- Neuroscience Center, Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.R.); (B.L.)
| | - Benedikt Linder
- Neuroscience Center, Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.R.); (B.L.)
| | - Ulrike Weirauch
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (U.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Bryan W. Day
- Sid Faithful Brain Cancer Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Brett W. Stringer
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Rd., Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Achim Aigner
- Rudolf-Boehm-Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (U.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Knut Krohn
- Core Unit DNA-Technologies, IZKF, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Donat Kögel
- Neuroscience Center, Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe University Hospital, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (J.R.); (B.L.)
- German Cancer Consortium DKTK Partner Site Frankfurt/Main, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-69-6301-6923
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23
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Magnolol Induces the Extrinsic/Intrinsic Apoptosis Pathways and Inhibits STAT3 Signaling-Mediated Invasion of Glioblastoma Cells. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121399. [PMID: 34947930 PMCID: PMC8706091 DOI: 10.3390/life11121399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common form of malignant brain tumor, with poor prognosis; the efficacy of current standard therapy for GBM remains unsatisfactory. Magnolol, an herbal medicine from Magnolia officinalis, exhibited anticancer properties against many types of cancers. However, whether magnolol suppresses GBM progression as well as its underlying mechanism awaits further investigation. In this study, we used the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay, apoptosis marker analysis, transwell invasion and wound-healing assays to identify the effects of magnolol on GBM cells. We also validated the potential targets of magnolol on GBM with the GEPIA (Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis) and Western blotting assay. Magnolol was found to trigger cytotoxicity and activate extrinsic/intrinsic apoptosis pathways in GBM cells. Both caspase-8 and caspase-9 were activated by magnolol. In addition, GEPIA data indicated the PKCδ (Protein kinase C delta)/STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) signaling pathway as a potential target of GBM. Magnolol effectively suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3 in GBM cells. Meanwhile, tumor invasion and migration ability and the associated genes, including MMP-9 (Matrix metalloproteinase-9) and uPA (Urokinase-type plasminogen activator), were all diminished by treatment with magnolol. Taken together, our results suggest that magnolol-induced anti-GBM effect may be associated with the inactivation of PKCδ/STAT3 signaling transduction.
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Ozturk M, Nilsen-Hamilton M, Ilgu M. Aptamer Applications in Neuroscience. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1260. [PMID: 34959661 PMCID: PMC8709198 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Being the predominant cause of disability, neurological diseases have received much attention from the global health community. Over a billion people suffer from one of the following neurological disorders: dementia, epilepsy, stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, prion disease, or brain tumors. The diagnosis and treatment options are limited for many of these diseases. Aptamers, being small and non-immunogenic nucleic acid molecules that are easy to chemically modify, offer potential diagnostic and theragnostic applications to meet these needs. This review covers pioneering studies in applying aptamers, which shows promise for future diagnostics and treatments of neurological disorders that pose increasingly dire worldwide health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meric Ozturk
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (M.O.); (M.N.-H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Marit Nilsen-Hamilton
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (M.O.); (M.N.-H.)
- Ames Laboratory, US DOE (United States Department of Energy), Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Aptalogic Inc., Ames, IA 50014, USA
| | - Muslum Ilgu
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA; (M.O.); (M.N.-H.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
- Ames Laboratory, US DOE (United States Department of Energy), Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Aptalogic Inc., Ames, IA 50014, USA
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25
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Irwin AB, Bahabry R, Lubin FD. A putative role for lncRNAs in epigenetic regulation of memory. Neurochem Int 2021; 150:105184. [PMID: 34530054 PMCID: PMC8552959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The central dogma of molecular genetics is defined as encoded genetic information within DNA, transcribed into messenger RNA, which contain the instructions for protein synthesis, thus imparting cellular functionality and ultimately life. This molecular genetic theory has given birth to the field of neuroepigenetics, and it is now well established that epigenetic regulation of gene transcription is critical to the learning and memory process. In this review, we address a potential role for a relatively new player in the field of epigenetic crosstalk - long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). First, we briefly summarize epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation and examine what little is known about the emerging role of lncRNAs during this process. We then focus discussions on how lncRNAs interact with epigenetic mechanisms to control transcriptional programs under various conditions in the brain, and how this may be applied to regulation of gene expression necessary for memory formation. Next, we explore how epigenetic crosstalk in turn serves to regulate expression of various individual lncRNAs themselves. To highlight the importance of further exploring the role of lncRNA in epigenetic regulation of gene expression, we consider the significant relationship between lncRNA dysregulation and declining memory reserve with aging, Alzheimer's disease, and epilepsy, as well as the promise of novel therapeutic interventions. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the critical questions that remain to be answered regarding a role for lncRNA in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Rudhab Bahabry
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
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Jiang T, Qiao Y, Ruan W, Zhang D, Yang Q, Wang G, Chen Q, Zhu F, Yin J, Zou Y, Qian R, Zheng M, Shi B. Cation-Free siRNA Micelles as Effective Drug Delivery Platform and Potent RNAi Nanomedicines for Glioblastoma Therapy. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2104779. [PMID: 34751990 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202104779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy shows great promise for glioblastoma (GBM). However, charge associated toxicity and limited blood-brain-barrier (BBB) penetration remain significant challenges for siRNA delivery for GBM therapy. Herein, novel cation-free siRNA micelles, prepared by the self-assembly of siRNA-disulfide-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (siRNA-SS-PNIPAM) diblock copolymers, are prepared. The siRNA micelles not only display enhanced blood circulation time, superior cell take-up, and effective at-site siRNA release, but also achieve potent BBB penetration. Moreover, due to being non-cationic, these siRNA micelles exert no charge-associated toxicity. Notably, these desirable properties of this novel RNA interfering (RNAi) nanomedicine result in outstanding growth inhibition of orthotopic U87MG xenografts without causing adverse effects, achieving remarkably improved survival benefits. Moreover, as a novel type of polymeric micelle, the siRNA micelle displays effective drug loading ability. When utilizing temozolomide (TMZ) as a model loading drug, the siRNA micelle realizes effective synergistic therapy effect via targeting the key gene (signal transducers and activators of transcription 3, STAT3) in TMZ drug resistant pathways. The authors' results show that this siRNA micelle nanoparticle can serve as a robust and versatile drug codelivery platform, and RNAi nanomedicine and for effective GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Jiang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yonghan Qiao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Weimin Ruan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Dongya Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Qingshan Yang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Huaihe Hosiptal, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Qunzhi Chen
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Fengping Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Jinlong Yin
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yan Zou
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Rongjun Qian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Bingyang Shi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-Nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences & School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Henan-Macquarie University Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
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Wei J, Gilboa E, Calin GA, Heimberger AB. Immune Modulatory Short Noncoding RNAs Targeting the Glioblastoma Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:682129. [PMID: 34532286 PMCID: PMC8438301 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.682129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas are heterogeneous and have a poor prognosis. Glioblastoma cells interact with their neighbors to form a tumor-permissive and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Short noncoding RNAs are relevant mediators of the dynamic crosstalk among cancer, stromal, and immune cells in establishing the glioblastoma microenvironment. In addition to the ease of combinatorial strategies that are capable of multimodal modulation for both reversing immune suppression and enhancing antitumor immunity, their small size provides an opportunity to overcome the limitations of blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeability. To enhance glioblastoma delivery, these RNAs have been conjugated with various molecules or packed within delivery vehicles for enhanced tissue-specific delivery and increased payload. Here, we focus on the role of RNA therapeutics by appraising which types of nucleotides are most effective in immune modulation, lead therapeutic candidates, and clarify how to optimize delivery of the therapeutic RNAs and their conjugates specifically to the glioblastoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eli Gilboa
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Dodson Interdisciplinary Immunotherapy Institute, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
| | - George A Calin
- Departments of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Amy B Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
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28
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Mańka R, Janas P, Sapoń K, Janas T, Janas T. Role of RNA Motifs in RNA Interaction with Membrane Lipid Rafts: Implications for Therapeutic Applications of Exosomal RNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9416. [PMID: 34502324 PMCID: PMC8431113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA motifs may promote interactions with exosomes (EXO-motifs) and lipid rafts (RAFT-motifs) that are enriched in exosomal membranes. These interactions can promote selective RNA loading into exosomes. We quantified the affinity between RNA aptamers containing various EXO- and RAFT-motifs and membrane lipid rafts in a liposome model of exosomes by determining the dissociation constants. Analysis of the secondary structure of RNA molecules provided data about the possible location of EXO- and RAFT-motifs within the RNA structure. The affinity of RNAs containing RAFT-motifs (UUGU, UCCC, CUCC, CCCU) and some EXO-motifs (CCCU, UCCU) to rafted liposomes is higher in comparison to aptamers without these motifs, suggesting direct RNA-exosome interaction. We have confirmed these results through the determination of the dissociation constant values of exosome-RNA aptamer complexes. RNAs containing EXO-motifs GGAG or UGAG have substantially lower affinity to lipid rafts, suggesting indirect RNA-exosome interaction via RNA binding proteins. Bioinformatics analysis revealed RNA aptamers containing both raft- and miRNA-binding motifs and involvement of raft-binding motifs UCCCU and CUCCC. A strategy is proposed for using functional RNA aptamers (fRNAa) containing both RAFT-motif and a therapeutic motif (e.g., miRNA inhibitor) to selectively introduce RNAs into exosomes for fRNAa delivery to target cells for personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Mańka
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Kominka 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland; (R.M.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
| | - Pawel Janas
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA;
| | - Karolina Sapoń
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Kominka 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland; (R.M.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
| | - Teresa Janas
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Kominka 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland; (R.M.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
| | - Tadeusz Janas
- Institute of Biology, University of Opole, Kominka 6, 45-032 Opole, Poland; (R.M.); (K.S.); (T.J.)
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29
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Shigdar S, Schrand B, Giangrande PH, de Franciscis V. Aptamers: Cutting edge of cancer therapies. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2396-2411. [PMID: 34146729 PMCID: PMC8353241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of an aptamer-based therapeutic has rapidly progressed following the first two reports in the 1990s, underscoring the advantages of aptamer drugs associated with their unique binding properties. In 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first therapeutic aptamer for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, Macugen developed by NeXstar. Since then, eleven aptamers have successfully entered clinical trials for various therapeutic indications. Despite some of the pre-clinical and clinical successes of aptamers as therapeutics, no aptamer has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the most recent and cutting-edge approaches in the development of aptamers for the treatment of cancer types most refractory to conventional therapies. Herein, we will review (1) the development of aptamers to enhance anti-cancer immunity and as delivery tools for inducing the expression of immunogenic neoantigens; (2) the development of the most promising therapeutic aptamers designed to target the hard-to-treat cancers such as brain tumors; and (3) the development of "carrier" aptamers able to target and penetrate tumors and metastasis, delivering RNA therapeutics to the cytosol and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC 3216, Australia
| | - Brett Schrand
- TCR(2) Therapeutics, Inc., 100 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Paloma H Giangrande
- Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; VP Platform Discovery Sciences, Biology, Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy; Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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30
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Yang C, Ma D, Lu L, Yang X, Xi Z. Synthesis of KUE-siRNA Conjugates for Prostate Cancer Cell-Targeted Gene Silencing. Chembiochem 2021; 22:2888-2895. [PMID: 34263529 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The delivery of siRNAs to selectively target cells poses a great challenge in RNAi-based cancer therapy. The lack of suitable cell-targeting methods seriously restricts the advance in delivering siRNAs to extrahepatic tissues. Based on prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting ligands, we have synthesized a series of lysine-urea-glutamate (KUE)-siRNA conjugates and verified their effective cell uptake and gene silencing properties in prostate cancers. The results indicated that the KUE-siRNA conjugates could selectively enter PSMA+ LNCaP cells, eventually down-regulating STAT3 expression. Based on post-synthesis modification and receptor-mediated endocytosis, this strategy of constructing ligand-siRNA conjugates might provide a general method of siRNA delivery for cell-targeted gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Engineering Research Center of Pesticide (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Dejun Ma
- Department of Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Engineering Research Center of Pesticide (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Liqing Lu
- Department of Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Engineering Research Center of Pesticide (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Xi
- Department of Chemical Biology, State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, National Engineering Research Center of Pesticide (Tianjin), Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
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31
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Mendonça MCP, Kont A, Aburto MR, Cryan JF, O'Driscoll CM. Advances in the Design of (Nano)Formulations for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides and Small Interfering RNA: Focus on the Central Nervous System. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1491-1506. [PMID: 33734715 PMCID: PMC8824433 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
![]()
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged
as one of the most powerful
therapeutic options used for the modulation of gene/protein expression
and gene editing with the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases.
However, the delivery of nucleic acids to the central nervous system
(CNS), in particular by the systemic route, remains a major hurdle.
This review will focus on the strategies for systemic delivery of
therapeutic nucleic acids designed to overcome these barriers. Pathways
and mechanisms of transport across the blood–brain barrier
which could be exploited for delivery are described, focusing in particular
on smaller nucleic acids including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs)
and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Approaches used to enhance delivery
including chemical modifications, nanocarrier systems, and target
selection (cell-specific delivery) are critically analyzed. Learnings
achieved from a comparison of the successes and failures reported
for CNS delivery of ASOs versus siRNA will help identify opportunities
for a wider range of nucleic acids and accelerate the clinical translation
of these innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique C P Mendonça
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Ayse Kont
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodriguez Aburto
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland.,Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, T12 YT20 Cork, Ireland
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Small interfering RNA (siRNA) to target genes and molecular pathways in glioblastoma therapy: Current status with an emphasis on delivery systems. Life Sci 2021; 275:119368. [PMID: 33741417 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the worst brain tumors arising from glial cells, causing many deaths annually. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy are used for GBM treatment. However, GBM is still an incurable disease, and new approaches are required for its successful treatment. Because mutations and amplifications occurring in several genes are responsible for the progression and aggressive behavior of GBM cells, genetic approaches are of great importance in its treatment. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a new emerging tool to silence the genes responsible for disease progression, particularly cancer. SiRNA can be used for GBM treatment by down-regulating genes such as VEGF, STAT3, ELTD1 or EGFR. Furthermore, the use of siRNA can promote the chemosensitivity of GBM cells. However, the efficiency of siRNA in GBM is limited via its degradation by enzymes, and its off-targeting effects. SiRNA-loaded carriers, especially nanovehicles that are ligand-functionalized by CXCR4 or angiopep-2, can be used for the protection and targeted delivery of siRNA. Nanostructures can provide a platform for co-delivery of siRNA plus anti-tumor drugs as another benefit. The prepared nanovehicles should be stable and biocompatible in order to be tested in human studies.
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Pereira HS, Tagliaferri TL, Mendes TADO. Enlarging the Toolbox Against Antimicrobial Resistance: Aptamers and CRISPR-Cas. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:606360. [PMID: 33679633 PMCID: PMC7932999 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.606360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the post-genomic era, molecular treatments and diagnostics have been envisioned as powerful techniques to tackle the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis. Among the molecular approaches, aptamers and CRISPR-Cas have gained support due to their practicality, sensibility, and flexibility to interact with a variety of extra- and intracellular targets. Those characteristics enabled the development of quick and onsite diagnostic tools as well as alternative treatments for pan-resistant bacterial infections. Even with such potential, more studies are necessary to pave the way for their successful use against AMR. In this review, we highlight those two robust techniques and encourage researchers to refine them toward AMR. Also, we describe how aptamers and CRISPR-Cas can work together with the current diagnostic and treatment toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiago Antônio de Oliveira Mendes
- Laboratory of Synthetic Biology and Modelling of Biological Systems, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
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34
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Centyrin ligands for extrahepatic delivery of siRNA. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2053-2066. [PMID: 33601052 PMCID: PMC8178446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) offers the potential to treat disease at the earliest onset by selectively turning off the expression of target genes, such as intracellular oncogenes that drive cancer growth. However, the development of RNAi therapeutics as anti-cancer drugs has been limited by both a lack of efficient and target cell-specific delivery systems and the necessity to overcome numerous intracellular barriers, including serum/lysosomal instability, cell membrane impermeability, and limited endosomal escape. Here, we combine two technologies to achieve posttranscriptional gene silencing in tumor cells: Centyrins, alternative scaffold proteins binding plasma membrane receptors for targeted delivery, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), chemically modified for high metabolic stability and potency. An EGFR Centyrin known to internalize in EGFR-positive tumor cells was site-specifically conjugated to a beta-catenin (CTNNb1) siRNA and found to drive potent and specific target knockdown by free uptake in cell culture and in mice inoculated with A431 tumor xenografts (EGFR amplified). The generalizability of this approach was further demonstrated with Centyrins targeting multiple receptors (e.g., BCMA, PSMA, and EpCAM) and siRNAs targeting multiple genes (e.g., CD68, KLKb1, and SSB1). Moreover, by installing multiple conjugation handles, two different siRNAs were fused to a single Centyrin, and the conjugate was shown to simultaneously silence two different targets. Finally, by specifically pairing EpCAM-binding Centyrins that exhibited optimized internalization profiles, we present data showing that an EpCAM Centyrin CTNNb1 siRNA conjugate suppressed tumor cell growth of a colorectal cancer cell line containing an APC mutation but not cells with normal CTNNb1 signaling. Overall, these data demonstrate the potential of Centyrin-siRNA conjugates to target cancer cells and silence oncogenes, paving the way to a new class of anticancer drugs.
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35
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Zhou M, Li H, Chen K, Ding W, Yang C, Wang X. CircSKA3 Downregulates miR-1 Through Methylation in Glioblastoma to Promote Cancer Cell Proliferation. Cancer Manag Res 2021; 13:509-514. [PMID: 33500664 PMCID: PMC7826074 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s279097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circular RNA circSKA3 plays an oncogenic role in breast cancer, while its role in glioblastoma (GBM) is unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of circSKA3 in GBM. Methods Differential expression of circSKA3 and miR-1 in GBM and adjacent non-cancer tissue samples were analyzed by RT-qPCR. GBM cells were transfected with circSKA3 expression vector or miR-1 mimic, followed by RT-qPCR to explore the potential crosstalk between them. Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was carried out to assess the role of circSKA3 in regulating the methylation of miR-1 gene. The role of circSKA3 and miR-1 in regulating GBM cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. Results We found that circSKA3 was upregulated in GBM and inversely correlated with miR-1 across GBM tissues. High expression levels of circSKA3 and low expression levels of miR-1 were significantly correlated with the poor survival of GBM patients. In GBM cells, overexpression of circSKA3 increased the methylation of miR-1 gene and decreased the expression of miR-1. CCK-8 assay showed that overexpression of circSKA3 reduced the inhibitory effects of miR-1 on cell proliferation. Conclusion Therefore, circSKA3 may downregulate miR-1 through methylation in GBM to promote cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke'en Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilong Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyou Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province 510630, People's Republic of China
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Catuogno S, Esposito CL, Giangrande PH. Stick-Based Methods for Aptamer-Mediated siRNA Targeted Delivery. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2282:31-42. [PMID: 33928568 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1298-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic utility of small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules, the development of a safe and reliable method to selectively target diseased organs and tissues is still a critical need for their translation to the clinic. Here we describe how nucleic acid-based aptamers against cell surface epitopes may be used to address this issue. We discuss the most recent examples and advances in the field of aptamer siRNA delivery and provide a fast and simple protocol for the design and generation of aptamer-siRNA chimeras. The described approach is based on the annealing of the targeting aptamer, and the antisense strand through "stick" complementary sequences elongated at their 3' end, and the subsequent paring with the sense strand. Such a protocol allows a modular non-covalent generation of the constructs and permits an efficient delivery of the siRNA moiety into aptamer target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, CNR, Naples, Italy.
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Conniot J, Talebian S, Simões S, Ferreira L, Conde J. Revisiting gene delivery to the brain: silencing and editing. Biomater Sci 2020; 9:1065-1087. [PMID: 33315025 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01278e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders, ischemic brain diseases, and brain tumors are debilitating diseases that severely impact a person's life and could possibly lead to their demise if left untreated. Many of these diseases do not respond to small molecule therapeutics and have no effective long-term therapy. Gene therapy offers the promise of treatment or even a cure for both genetic and acquired brain diseases, mediated by either silencing or editing disease-specific genes. Indeed, in the last 5 years, significant progress has been made in the delivery of non-coding RNAs as well as gene-editing formulations to the brain. Unfortunately, the delivery is a major limiting factor for the success of gene therapies. Both viral and non-viral vectors have been used to deliver genetic information into a target cell, but they have limitations. Viral vectors provide excellent transduction efficiency but are associated with toxic effects and have limited packaging capacity; however, non-viral vectors are less toxic and show a high packaging capacity at the price of low transfection efficiency. Herein, we review the progress made in the field of brain gene therapy, particularly in the design of non-toxic and trackable non-viral vectors, capable of controlled release of genes in response to internal/external triggers, and in the delivery of formulations for gene editing. The application of these systems in the context of various brain diseases in pre-clinical and clinical tests will be discussed. Such promising approaches could potentially pave the way for clinical realization of brain gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Conniot
- NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Amero P, Khatua S, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Lopez-Berestein G. Aptamers: Novel Therapeutics and Potential Role in Neuro-Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102889. [PMID: 33050158 PMCID: PMC7600320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A relatively new paradigm in cancer therapeutics is the use of cancer cell-specific aptamers, both as therapeutic agents and for targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. After the first therapeutic aptamer was described nearly 25 years ago, and the subsequent first aptamer drug approved, many efforts have been made to translate preclinical research into clinical oncology settings. Studies of aptamer-based technology have unveiled the vast potential of aptamers in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Among pediatric solid cancers, brain tumors are the leading cause of death. Although a few aptamer-related translational studies have been performed in adult glioblastoma, the use of aptamers in pediatric neuro-oncology remains unexplored. This review will discuss the biology of aptamers, including mechanisms of targeting cell surface proteins, various modifications of aptamer structure to enhance therapeutic efficacy, the current state and challenges of aptamer use in neuro-oncology, and the potential therapeutic role of aptamers in pediatric brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA;
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (C.R.-A.); (G.L.-B.); Tel.: +1-713-563-6150 (C.R.-A.); +1-713-792-8140 (G.L.-B.)
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Singh P, Singh A, Shah S, Vataliya J, Mittal A, Chitkara D. RNA Interference Nanotherapeutics for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4040-4066. [PMID: 32902291 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics for RNA interference (RNAi) are gaining attention in the treatment and management of several kinds of the so-called "undruggable" tumors via targeting specific molecular pathways or oncogenes. Synthetic ribonucleic acid (RNAs) oligonucleotides like siRNA, miRNA, shRNA, and lncRNA have shown potential as novel therapeutics. However, the delivery of such oligonucleotides is significantly hampered by their physiochemical (such as hydrophilicity, negative charge, and instability) and biopharmaceutical features (in vivo serum stability, fast renal clearance, interaction with extracellular proteins, and hindrance in cellular internalization) that markedly reduce their biological activity. Recently, several nanocarriers have evolved as suitable non-viral vectors for oligonucleotide delivery, which are known to either complex or conjugate with these oligonucleotides efficiently and also overcome the extracellular and intracellular barriers, thereby allowing access to the tumoral micro-environment for the better and desired outcome in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). This Review focuses on the up-to-date advancements in the field of RNAi nanotherapeutics utilized for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhjeet Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Aditi Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Shruti Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jalpa Vataliya
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Pilani Campus, Vidya Vihar, Pilani - 333 031, Rajasthan, India
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Zou S, Tong Q, Liu B, Huang W, Tian Y, Fu X. Targeting STAT3 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:145. [PMID: 32972405 PMCID: PMC7513516 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01258-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 491] [Impact Index Per Article: 122.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As a point of convergence for numerous oncogenic signaling pathways, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is central in regulating the anti-tumor immune response. STAT3 is broadly hyperactivated both in cancer and non-cancerous cells within the tumor ecosystem and plays important roles in inhibiting the expression of crucial immune activation regulators and promoting the production of immunosuppressive factors. Therefore, targeting the STAT3 signaling pathway has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for numerous cancers. In this review, we outline the importance of STAT3 signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and its immune regulation, and highlight the current status for the development of STAT3-targeting therapeutic approaches. We also summarize and discuss recent advances in STAT3-based combination immunotherapy in detail. These endeavors provide new insights into the translational application of STAT3 in cancer and may contribute to the promotion of more effective treatments toward malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailan Zou
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiyu Tong
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bowen Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Pancreatitis Centre and West China-Liverpool Biomedical Research Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xianghui Fu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Aptamer-Based In Vivo Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184267. [PMID: 32957732 PMCID: PMC7570863 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive, infiltrative, and lethal brain tumor in humans. Despite the extensive advancement in the knowledge about tumor progression and treatment over the last few years, the prognosis of GBM is still very poor due to the difficulty of targeting drugs or anticancer molecules to GBM cells. The major challenge in improving GBM treatment implicates the development of a targeted drug delivery system, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and specifically targeting GBM cells. Aptamers possess many characteristics that make them ideal novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of GBM. They are short single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA or ssDNA) able to bind to a molecular target with high affinity and specificity. Several GBM-targeting aptamers have been developed for imaging, tumor cell isolation from biopsies, and drug/anticancer molecule delivery to the tumor cells. Due to their properties (low immunogenicity, long stability, and toxicity), a large number of aptamers have been selected against GBM biomarkers and tested in GBM cell lines, while only a few of them have also been tested in in vivo models of GBM. Herein, we specifically focus on aptamers tested in GBM in vivo models that can be considered as new diagnostic and/or therapeutic tools for GBM patients’ treatment.
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Targeting Glioblastoma: Advances in Drug Delivery and Novel Therapeutic Approaches. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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The Role of RNA and DNA Aptamers in Glioblastoma Diagnosis and Therapy: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082173. [PMID: 32764266 PMCID: PMC7463716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal primary brain tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Despite advances in surgical and medical neuro-oncology, the median survival is about 15 months. For this reason, initial diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy of GBM represent very attractive areas of study. Aptamers are short three-dimensional structures of single-stranded nucleic acids (RNA or DNA), identified by an in vitro process, named systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), starting from a partially random oligonucleotide library. They bind to a molecular target with high affinity and specificity and can be easily modified to optimize binding affinity and selectivity. Thanks to their properties (low immunogenicity and toxicity, long stability, and low production variability), a large number of aptamers have been selected against GBM biomarkers and provide specific imaging agents and therapeutics to improve the diagnosis and treatment of GBM. However, the use of aptamers in GBM diagnosis and treatment still represents an underdeveloped topic, mainly due to limited literature in the research world. On these bases, we performed a systematic review aimed at summarizing current knowledge on the new promising DNA and RNA aptamer-based molecules for GBM diagnosis and treatment. Thirty-eight studies from 2000 were included and investigated. Seventeen involved the use of aptamers for GBM diagnosis and 21 for GBM therapy. Our findings showed that a number of DNA and RNA aptamers are promising diagnostic and therapeutic tools for GBM management.
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Tan X, Jia F, Wang P, Zhang K. Nucleic acid-based drug delivery strategies. J Control Release 2020; 323:240-252. [PMID: 32272123 PMCID: PMC8079167 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acids have not been widely considered as an optimal material for drug delivery. Indeed, unmodified nucleic acids are enzymatically unstable, too hydrophilic for cell uptake and payload encapsulation, and may cause unintended biological responses such as immune system activation and prolongation of the blood coagulation pathway. Recently, however, three major areas of development surrounding nucleic acids have made it worthwhile to reconsider their role for drug delivery. These areas include DNA/RNA nanotechnology, multivalent nucleic acid nanostructures, and nucleic acid aptamers, which, respectively, provide the ability to engineer nanostructures with unparalleled levels of structural control, completely reverse certain biological properties of linear/cyclic nucleic acids, and enable antibody-level targeting using an all-nucleic acid construct. These advances, together with nucleic acids' ability to respond to various stimuli (engineered or natural), have led to a rapidly increasing number of drug delivery systems with potential for spatiotemporally controlled drug release. In this review, we discuss recent progress in nucleic acid-based drug delivery strategies, their potential, unique use cases, and risks that must be overcome or avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Tan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fei Jia
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410007, China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Hu R, Han Q, Zhang J. STAT3: A key signaling molecule for converting cold to hot tumors. Cancer Lett 2020; 489:29-40. [PMID: 32522692 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumors can be classified as cold or hot according to the degree of immune cell infiltration into tumor tissues; cold tumors are insensitive to either chemotherapy or immunotherapy and are associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have shown that STAT3 signaling molecules hinder the conversion of cold to hot tumors by regulating immunosuppressive molecule secretion and immunosuppressive cell functions. This review aims to present the most recent studies on how STAT3 regulates cold tumor formation and discuss its research status in cancer therapy. We also present insight for designing new therapeutic strategies to "heat" tumors and provide a reference for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Esposito CL, Nuzzo S, Ibba ML, Ricci-Vitiani L, Pallini R, Condorelli G, Catuogno S, de Franciscis V. Combined Targeting of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells by Neutralizing RNA-Bio-Drugs for STAT3. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061434. [PMID: 32486489 PMCID: PMC7352497 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An important drawback in the management of glioblastoma (GBM) patients is the frequent relapse upon surgery and therapy. A likely explanation is that conventional therapies poorly affect a small population of stem-like cancer cells (glioblastoma stem cells, GSCs) that remain capable of repopulating the tumour mass. Indeed, the development of therapeutic strategies able to hit GSCs while reducing the tumour burden has become an important challenge to increase a patient’s survival. The signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) has been reported to play a pivotal role in maintaining the tumour initiating capacity of the GSC population. Therefore, in order to impair the renewal and propagation of the PDGFRβ-expressing GSC population, here we took advantage of the aptamer–siRNA chimera (AsiC), named Gint4.T-STAT3, that we previously have shown to efficiently antagonize STAT3 in subcutaneous PDGFRβ-positive GBM xenografts. We demonstrate that the aptamer conjugate is able to effectively and specifically prevent patient-derived GSC function and expansion. Moreover, because of the therapeutic potential of using miR-10b inhibitors and of the broad expression of the Axl receptor in GBM, we used the GL21.T anti-Axl aptamer as the targeting moiety for anti-miR-10b, showing that, in combination with the STAT3 AsiC, the aptamer–miR-10b antagonist treatment further enhances the inhibition of GSC sphere formation. Our results highlight the potential to use a combined approach with targeted RNA therapeutics to inhibit GBM tumour dissemination and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Lucia Esposito
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
| | - Silvia Nuzzo
- IRCCS SDN (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, SYNLAB istituto di Diagnostica Nucleare), 80143 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Luigia Ibba
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
| | - Lucia Ricci-Vitiani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Roberto Pallini
- Institute of Neurosurgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gerolama Condorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, “Federico II” University of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.I.); (G.C.)
- IRCCS Neuromed (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed)—Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Silvia Catuogno
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), 80145 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.L.E.); (V.d.F.); Tel.: +39-0813722343 (C.L.E. & V.d.F.)
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Tran PHL, Xiang D, Tran TTD, Yin W, Zhang Y, Kong L, Chen K, Sun M, Li Y, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Duan W. Exosomes and Nanoengineering: A Match Made for Precision Therapeutics. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1904040. [PMID: 31531916 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201904040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Targeted exosomal delivery systems for precision nanomedicine attract wide interest across areas of molecular cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, and nanoengineering. Exosomes are naturally derived 50-150 nm nanovesicles that play important roles in cell-to-cell and/or cell-to-tissue communications and cross-species communication. Exosomes are also a promising class of novel drug delivery vehicles owing to their ability to shield their payload from chemical and enzymatic degradations as well as to evade recognition by and subsequent removal by the immune system. Combined with a new class of affinity ligands known as aptamers or chemical antibodies, molecularly targeted exosomes are poised to become the next generation of smartly engineered nanovesicles for precision medicine. Here, recent advances in targeted exosomal delivery systems engineered by aptamer for future strategies to promote human health using this class of human-derived nanovesicles are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong H L Tran
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louise Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Thao T D Tran
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Wang Yin
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Yumei Zhang
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Kuisheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Miaomiao Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St George Hospital, Kogarah, and St George and Sutherland Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Yingchun Hou
- Laboratory of Tumor Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, 620 West Chang'an Avenue, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710119, China
| | - Yimin Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia
- GenePharma-Deakin Joint Laboratory of Aptamer Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, China
- GenePharma-Deakin Joint Laboratory of Aptamer Medicine, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
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Chernikov IV, Gladkikh DV, Karelina UA, Meschaninova MI, Ven’yaminova AG, Vlassov VV, Chernolovskaya EL. Trimeric Small Interfering RNAs and Their Cholesterol-Containing Conjugates Exhibit Improved Accumulation in Tumors, but Dramatically Reduced Silencing Activity. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25081877. [PMID: 32325757 PMCID: PMC7221888 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25081877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol derivatives of nuclease-resistant, anti-MDR1 small-interfering RNAs were designed to contain a 2’-OMe-modified 21-bp siRNA and a 63-bp TsiRNA in order to investigate their accumulation and silencing activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that increasing the length of the RNA duplex in such a conjugate increases its biological activity when delivered using a transfection agent. However, the efficiency of accumulation in human drug-resistant KB-8-5 cells during delivery in vitro in a carrier-free mode was reduced as well as efficiency of target gene silencing. TsiRNAs demonstrated a similar biodistribution in KB-8-5 xenograft tumor-bearing SCID mice with more efficient accumulation in organs and tumors than cholesterol-conjugated canonical siRNAs; however, this accumulation did not provide a silencing effect. The lack of correlation between the accumulation in the organ and the silencing activity of cholesterol conjugates of siRNAs of different lengths can be attributed to the fact that trimeric Ch-TsiRNA lags mainly in the intercellular space and does not penetrate sufficiently into the cytoplasm of the cell. Increased accumulation in the organs and in the tumor, by itself, shows that using siRNA with increased molecular weight is an effective approach to control biodistribution and delivery to the target organ.
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Fu Z, Xiang J. Aptamers, the Nucleic Acid Antibodies, in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082793. [PMID: 32316469 PMCID: PMC7215806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology in the 1970s brought with it the hope of conquering cancers to the medical community. However, mAbs, on the whole, did not achieve the expected wonder in cancer therapy although they do have demonstrated successfulness in the treatment of a few types of cancers. In 1990, another technology of making biomolecules capable of specific binding appeared. This technique, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), can make aptamers, single-stranded DNAs or RNAs that bind targets with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers have some advantages over mAbs in therapeutic uses particularly because they have little or no immunogenicity, which means the feasibility of repeated use and fewer side effects. In this review, the general properties of the aptamer, the advantages and limitations of aptamers, the principle and procedure of aptamer production with SELEX, particularly the undergoing studies in aptamers for cancer therapy, and selected anticancer aptamers that have entered clinical trials or are under active investigations are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
| | - Jim Xiang
- Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SA S7N 4H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
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Gong Z, Hong F, Wang H, Zhang X, Chen J. An eight-mRNA signature outperforms the lncRNA-based signature in predicting prognosis of patients with glioblastoma. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 21:56. [PMID: 32188434 PMCID: PMC7081624 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-020-0992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of the glioblastoma (GBM) is dismal. This study aims to select an optimal RNA signature for prognostic prediction of GBM patients. METHODS For the training set, the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression profiles of 151 patients were downloaded from the TCGA. Differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs) were identified between good prognosis and bad prognosis patients. Optimal prognostic mRNAs and lncRNAs were selected respectively, by using univariate Cox proportional-hazards (PH) regression model and LASSO Cox-PH model. Subsequently, four prognostic scoring models were built based on expression levels or expression status of the selected prognostic lncRNAs or mRNAs, separately. Each prognostic model was applied to the training set and an independent validation set. Function analysis was used to uncover the biological roles of these prognostic DEGs between different risk groups classified by the mRNA-based signature. RESULTS We obtained 261 DEGs and 33 DE-lncRNAs between good prognosis and bad prognosis patients. A panel of eight mRNAs and a combination of ten lncRNAs were determined as predictive RNAs by LASSO Cox-PH model. Among the four prognostic scoring models using the eight-mRNA signature or the ten-lncRNA signature, the one based on the expression levels of the eight mRNAs showed the greatest predictive power. The DEGs between different risk groups using the eight prognostic mRNAs were functionally involved in calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, and Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION The eight-mRNA signature has greater prognostic value than the ten-lncRNA-based signature for GBM patients based on bioinformatics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Fan Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Hongxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, NO. 415 Fengyang Road, Huangpu Distinct, Shanghai, 200003 China
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