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Chatterjee D, Bhattacharya S, Kumari L, Datta A. Aptamers: ushering in new hopes in targeted glioblastoma therapy. J Drug Target 2024:1-24. [PMID: 38923419 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2373306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, a formidable brain cancer, has remained a therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional treatments. Recent data indicate that aptamers, short synthetic DNA or RNA molecules can be used in anti-cancer therapy due to their better tumour penetration, specific binding affinity, longer retention in tumour sites and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. With the ability to modify these oligonucleotides through the selection process, and using rational design to modify them, post-SELEX aptamers offer several advantages in glioblastoma treatment, including precise targeting of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. This review discusses the pivotal role of aptamers in glioblastoma therapy and diagnosis, emphasising their potential to enhance treatment efficacy and also highlights recent advancements in aptamer-based therapies which can transform the landscape of glioblastoma treatment, offering renewed hope to patients and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debarpan Chatterjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Srijan Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Leena Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
| | - Aparna Datta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata-Group of Institutions, Kolkata, India
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2
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Dong Y, Wang J, Chen L, Chen H, Dang S, Li F. Aptamer-based assembly systems for SARS-CoV-2 detection and therapeutics. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:6830-6859. [PMID: 38829187 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00774j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are oligonucleotide chains with molecular recognition properties. Compared with antibodies, aptamers show advantages given that they are readily produced via chemical synthesis and elicit minimal immunogenicity in biomedicine applications. Notably, aptamer-encoded nucleic acid assemblies further improve the binding affinity of aptamers with the targets due to their multivalent synergistic interactions. Specially, aptamers can be engineered with special topological arrangements in nucleic acid assemblies, which demonstrate spatial and valence matching towards antigens on viruses, thus showing potential in the detection and therapeutic applications of viruses. This review presents the recent progress on the aptamers explored for SARS-CoV-2 detection and infection treatment, wherein applications of aptamer-based assembly systems are introduced in detail. Screening methods and chemical modification strategies for aptamers are comprehensively summarized, and the types of aptamers employed against different target domains of SARS-CoV-2 are illustrated. The evolution of aptamer-based assembly systems for the detection and neutralization of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the construction principle and characteristics of aptamer-based DNA assemblies are demonstrated. The typically representative works are presented to demonstrate how to assemble aptamers rationally and elaborately for specific applications in SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis and neutralization. Finally, we provide deep insights into the current challenges and future perspectives towards aptamer-based nucleic acid assemblies for virus detection and neutralization in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Jingping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Haonan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Shuangbo Dang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Chemistry, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
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3
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Kovecses O, Mercier FE, McKeague M. Nucleic acid therapeutics as differentiation agents for myeloid leukemias. Leukemia 2024; 38:1441-1454. [PMID: 38424137 PMCID: PMC11216999 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02191-0] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Differentiation therapy has proven to be a success story for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, the remaining subtypes of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are treated with cytotoxic chemotherapies that have limited efficacy and a high likelihood of resistance. As differentiation arrest is a hallmark of AML, there is increased interest in developing differentiation-inducing agents to enhance disease-free survival. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of current reports and future avenues of nucleic acid therapeutics for AML, focusing on the use of targeted nucleic acid drugs to promote differentiation. Specifically, we compare and discuss the precision of small interfering RNA, small activating RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and aptamers to modulate gene expression patterns that drive leukemic cell differentiation. We delve into preclinical and clinical studies that demonstrate the efficacy of nucleic acid-based differentiation therapies to induce leukemic cell maturation and reduce disease burden. By directly influencing the expression of key genes involved in myeloid maturation, nucleic acid therapeutics hold the potential to induce the differentiation of leukemic cells towards a more mature and less aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, we discuss the most critical challenges associated with developing nucleic acid therapeutics for myeloid malignancies. By introducing the progress in the field and identifying future opportunities, we aim to highlight the power of nucleic acid therapeutics in reshaping the landscape of myeloid leukemia treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Nucleic Acids/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Leukemia, Myeloid/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid/pathology
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/therapeutic use
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Kovecses
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada
| | - François E Mercier
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, H3T 1E2, QC, Canada
| | - Maureen McKeague
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, H3G 1Y6, QC, Canada.
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0B8, QC, Canada.
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4
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Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Ruiz-Ciancio D, Lin LH, Veeramani S, Barros MN, Sanchez D, Di Bartolo AL, Masone D, Giangrande PH, Mestre MB, Thiel WH. Selection of a novel cell-internalizing RNA aptamer specific for CD22 antigen in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:698-712. [PMID: 37662970 PMCID: PMC10469072 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) treatment, a significant number of patients experience relapse of the disease, resulting in poor prognosis and high mortality. One of the drawbacks of current B-ALL treatments is the high toxicity associated with the non-specificity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Targeted therapy is an appealing strategy to treat B-ALL to mitigate these toxic off-target effects. One such target is the B cell surface protein CD22. The restricted expression of CD22 on the B-cell lineage and its ligand-induced internalizing properties make it an attractive target in cases of B cell malignancies. To target B-ALL and the CD22 protein, we performed cell internalization SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) followed by molecular docking to identify internalizing aptamers specific for B-ALL cells that bind the CD22 cell-surface receptor. We identified two RNA aptamers, B-ALL1 and B-ALL2, that target human malignant B cells, with B-ALL1 the first documented RNA aptamer interacting with the CD22 antigen. These B-ALL-specific aptamers represent an important first step toward developing novel targeted therapies for B cell malignancy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Ruiz-Ciancio
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Cuyo, Av. José Ignacio de la Roza 1516, Rivadavia, San Juan 5400, Argentina
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - Li-Hsien Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Suresh Veeramani
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Maya N. Barros
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
| | - Diego Sanchez
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU), CONICET, CCT-Mendoza 5500, Argentina
| | - Ary Lautaro Di Bartolo
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), Mendoza M5502JMA, Argentina
| | - Diego Masone
- Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM) – Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Cuyo (UNCuyo), Mendoza M5502JMA, Argentina
| | - Paloma H. Giangrande
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- VP Platform Discovery Sciences, Biology, Wave Life Sciences, 733 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - María Belén Mestre
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Católica de Cuyo, Av. José Ignacio de la Roza 1516, Rivadavia, San Juan 5400, Argentina
- National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Godoy Cruz 2290, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1425FQB, Argentina
| | - William H. Thiel
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
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6
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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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7
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Amundarain A, Pastor F, Prósper F, Agirre X. Aptamers, a New Therapeutic Opportunity for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5471. [PMID: 36358889 PMCID: PMC9657029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease due to high relapse rates and fast development of drug resistances. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has caused a paradigm shift in MM treatment, paving the way for targeted approaches with increased efficacy and reduced toxicities. Nevertheless, antibody-based therapies face several difficulties such as high immunogenicity, high production costs and limited conjugation capacity, which we believe could be overcome by the introduction of nucleic acid aptamers. Similar to antibodies, aptamers can bind to their targets with great affinity and specificity. However, their chemical nature reduces their immunogenicity and production costs, while it enables their conjugation to a wide variety of cargoes for their use as delivery agents. In this review, we summarize several aptamers that have been tested against MM specific targets with promising results, establishing the rationale for the further development of aptamer-based strategies against MM. In this direction, we believe that the study of novel plasma cell surface markers, the development of intracellular aptamers and further research on aptamers as building blocks for complex nanomedicines will lead to the generation of next-generation targeted approaches that will undoubtedly contribute to improve the management and life quality of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Amundarain
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Felipe Prósper
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, CCUN, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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8
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Gamage SST, Pahattuge TN, Wijerathne H, Childers K, Vaidyanathan S, Athapattu US, Zhang L, Zhao Z, Hupert ML, Muller RM, Muller-Cohn J, Dickerson J, Dufek D, Geisbrecht BV, Pathak H, Pessetto Z, Gan GN, Choi J, Park S, Godwin AK, Witek MA, Soper SA. Microfluidic affinity selection of active SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn9665. [PMID: 36170362 PMCID: PMC9519043 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report a microfluidic assay to select active severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral particles (VPs), which were defined as intact particles with an accessible angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike (S) protein, from clinical samples. Affinity selection of SARS-CoV-2 particles was carried out using injection molded microfluidic chips, which allow for high-scale production to accommodate large-scale screening. The microfluidic contained a surface-bound aptamer directed against the virus's S protein RBD to affinity select SARS-CoV-2 VPs. Following selection (~94% recovery), the VPs were released from the chip's surface using a blue light light-emitting diode (89% efficiency). Selected SARS-CoV-2 VP enumeration was carried out using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The VP selection assay successfully identified healthy donors (clinical specificity = 100%) and 19 of 20 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (95% sensitivity). In 15 patients with COVID-19, the presence of active SARS-CoV-2 VPs was found. The chip can be reprogrammed for any VP or exosomes by simply changing the affinity agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachindra S. T. Gamage
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Thilanga N. Pahattuge
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Harshani Wijerathne
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Katie Childers
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Swarnagowri Vaidyanathan
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Uditha S. Athapattu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Lulu Zhang
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Zheng Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian V. Geisbrecht
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Harsh Pathak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | | | - Gregory N. Gan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Junseo Choi
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Sunggook Park
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Andrew K. Godwin
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Malgorzata A. Witek
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Steven A. Soper
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- Bioengineering Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
- University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
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9
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Bansal A, Kaushik S, Kukreti S. Non-canonical DNA structures: Diversity and disease association. Front Genet 2022; 13:959258. [PMID: 36134025 PMCID: PMC9483843 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.959258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A complete understanding of DNA double-helical structure discovered by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953, unveil the importance and significance of DNA. For the last seven decades, this has been a leading light in the course of the development of modern biology and biomedical science. Apart from the predominant B-form, experimental shreds of evidence have revealed the existence of a sequence-dependent structural diversity, unusual non-canonical structures like hairpin, cruciform, Z-DNA, multistranded structures such as DNA triplex, G-quadruplex, i-motif forms, etc. The diversity in the DNA structure depends on various factors such as base sequence, ions, superhelical stress, and ligands. In response to these various factors, the polymorphism of DNA regulates various genes via different processes like replication, transcription, translation, and recombination. However, altered levels of gene expression are associated with many human genetic diseases including neurological disorders and cancer. These non-B-DNA structures are expected to play a key role in determining genetic stability, DNA damage and repair etc. The present review is a modest attempt to summarize the available literature, illustrating the occurrence of non-canonical structures at the molecular level in response to the environment and interaction with ligands and proteins. This would provide an insight to understand the biological functions of these unusual DNA structures and their recognition as potential therapeutic targets for diverse genetic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Bansal
- Nucleic Acid Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Department of Chemistry, Hansraj College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Shikha Kaushik
- Nucleic Acid Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- Department of Chemistry, Rajdhani College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Shrikant Kukreti
- Nucleic Acid Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Shrikant Kukreti,
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10
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Advances in aptamer-based nuclear imaging. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:2544-2559. [PMID: 35394153 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05782-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are short oligonucleotides that bind to specific target molecules. They have been extensively explored in biomedical applications, including biosensing, medical imaging, and disease treatment. Their adjustable affinity for specific biomarkers stimulates more translational efforts, such as nuclear imaging of tumors in preclinical and clinical settings. In this review, we present recent advances of aptamer-based nuclear imaging and compare aptamer tracers with other biogenic probes in forms of peptides, nanobodies, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody fragments. Fundamental properties of aptamer-based radiotracers are highlighted and potential directions to improve aptamer's imaging performance are discussed. Despite many translational obstacles to overcome, we envision aptamers to be a versatile tool for cancer nuclear imaging in the near future.
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11
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Aljohani MM, Cialla-May D, Popp J, Chinnappan R, Al-Kattan K, Zourob M. Aptamers: Potential Diagnostic and Therapeutic Agents for Blood Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:383. [PMID: 35056696 PMCID: PMC8778139 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27020383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are RNA/DNA oligonucleotide molecules that specifically bind to a targeted complementary molecule. As potential recognition elements with promising diagnostic and therapeutic applications, aptamers, such as monoclonal antibodies, could provide many treatment and diagnostic options for blood diseases. Aptamers present several superior features over antibodies, including a simple in vitro selection and production, ease of modification and conjugation, high stability, and low immunogenicity. Emerging as promising alternatives to antibodies, aptamers could overcome the present limitations of monoclonal antibody therapy to provide novel diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive treatments for blood diseases. Researchers in several biomedical areas, such as biomarker detection, diagnosis, imaging, and targeted therapy, have widely investigated aptamers, and several aptamers have been developed over the past two decades. One of these is the pegaptanib sodium injection, an aptamer-based therapeutic that functions as an anti-angiogenic medicine, and it is the first aptamer approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for therapeutic use. Several other aptamers are now in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the current state of aptamers in the clinical trial program and introduce some promising aptamers currently in pre-clinical development for blood diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher M. Aljohani
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dana Cialla-May
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Popp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich Schiller University, Helmholtzweg 4, 07743 Jena, Germany; (D.C.-M.); (J.P.)
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein-Str. 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Center for Applied Research, InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, University of Jena, Philosophenweg 7, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Raja Chinnappan
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khaled Al-Kattan
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Al Zahrawi Street, Al Maather, Al Takhassusi Rd, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohammed Zourob
- Department of Chemistry, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia;
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12
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Batasheva S, Fakhrullin R. Sequence Does Not Matter: The Biomedical Applications of DNA-Based Coatings and Cores. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312884. [PMID: 34884687 PMCID: PMC8658021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomedical applications of DNA are diverse but are usually associated with specific recognition of target nucleotide sequences or proteins and with gene delivery for therapeutic or biotechnological purposes. However, other aspects of DNA functionalities, like its nontoxicity, biodegradability, polyelectrolyte nature, stability, thermo-responsivity and charge transfer ability that are rather independent of its sequence, have recently become highly appreciated in material science and biomedicine. Whereas the latest achievements in structural DNA nanotechnology associated with DNA sequence recognition and Watson–Crick base pairing between complementary nucleotides are regularly reviewed, the recent uses of DNA as a raw material in biomedicine have not been summarized. This review paper describes the main biomedical applications of DNA that do not involve any synthesis or extraction of oligo- or polynucleotides with specified sequences. These sequence-independent applications currently include some types of drug delivery systems, biocompatible coatings, fire retardant and antimicrobial coatings and biosensors. The reinforcement of DNA properties by DNA complexation with nanoparticles is also described as a field of further research.
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13
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Alamudi SH, Kimoto M, Hirao I. Uptake mechanisms of cell-internalizing nucleic acid aptamers for applications as pharmacological agents. RSC Med Chem 2021; 12:1640-1649. [PMID: 34778766 PMCID: PMC8528270 DOI: 10.1039/d1md00199j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers, also regarded as chemical antibodies, show potential as targeted therapeutic and delivery agents since they possess unique advantages over antibodies. Generated by an iterative selection and amplification process from oligonucleotide libraries using cultured cells, the aptamers bind to their target molecules expressed on the cell surface. Excitingly, most aptamers also demonstrate a cell-internalizing property in native living cells, allowing them to directly enter the cells via endocytosis depending on the target. In this review, we discuss selection methods in generating cell-internalizing aptamers via a cell-based selection process, along with their challenges and optimization strategies. We highlight the cellular uptake routes adopted by the aptamers and also their intracellular fate after the uptake, to give an overview of their mechanism of action for applications as promising pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Husen Alamudi
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Michiko Kimoto
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
| | - Ichiro Hirao
- Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR) 31 Biopolis Way, Nanos #07-01 Singapore 138669 Singapore
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14
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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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15
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Bode D, Cull AH, Rubio-Lara JA, Kent DG. Exploiting Single-Cell Tools in Gene and Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:702636. [PMID: 34322133 PMCID: PMC8312222 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.702636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell molecular tools have been developed at an incredible pace over the last five years as sequencing costs continue to drop and numerous molecular assays have been coupled to sequencing readouts. This rapid period of technological development has facilitated the delineation of individual molecular characteristics including the genome, transcriptome, epigenome, and proteome of individual cells, leading to an unprecedented resolution of the molecular networks governing complex biological systems. The immense power of single-cell molecular screens has been particularly highlighted through work in systems where cellular heterogeneity is a key feature, such as stem cell biology, immunology, and tumor cell biology. Single-cell-omics technologies have already contributed to the identification of novel disease biomarkers, cellular subsets, therapeutic targets and diagnostics, many of which would have been undetectable by bulk sequencing approaches. More recently, efforts to integrate single-cell multi-omics with single cell functional output and/or physical location have been challenging but have led to substantial advances. Perhaps most excitingly, there are emerging opportunities to reach beyond the description of static cellular states with recent advances in modulation of cells through CRISPR technology, in particular with the development of base editors which greatly raises the prospect of cell and gene therapies. In this review, we provide a brief overview of emerging single-cell technologies and discuss current developments in integrating single-cell molecular screens and performing single-cell multi-omics for clinical applications. We also discuss how single-cell molecular assays can be usefully combined with functional data to unpick the mechanism of cellular decision-making. Finally, we reflect upon the introduction of spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, its complementary role with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and potential application in cellular and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bode
- Wellcome Medical Research Council (MRC) Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alyssa H. Cull
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Juan A. Rubio-Lara
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Kent
- York Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
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16
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Sicco E, Baez J, Ibarra M, Fernández M, Cabral P, Moreno M, Cerecetto H, Calzada V. Sgc8-c Aptamer as a Potential Theranostic Agent for Hemato-Oncological Malignancies. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2021; 35:262-270. [PMID: 32407201 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2019.3402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aptamers represent an emerging class of oligonucleotides that have the ability to bind ligands with high affinity. Sgc8-c aptamer recognizes PTK7, a member of the catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase family that is upregulated in various cancers, including hemato-oncological malignancies. Herein, an Sgc8-c-NOTA-radiolabeled probe was prepared for theranostic purpose. Materials and Methods: In this work, an Sgc8-c-radiolabeled probe against PTK7 was prepared, and biological evaluations-pharmacokinetic studies, biodistribution analysis, and in vivo molecular imaging-were performed. To obtain the radiolabeled probe, a modified 5'-amino-derivative of the Sgc8-c aptamer was bound to the metal chelator NOTA, and subsequently labeled with 67Ga with high yield and radiochemical purity. The precursor, Sgc8-c-NOTA, the radio probe Sgc8-c-NOTA-67Ga, and its nonradioactive complex, Sgc8-c-NOTA-69/71Ga, were purified by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and characterized by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The binding ability of Sgc8-c-NOTA-67Ga was studied in vitro against purified PTK7 receptor. In addition, the binding was also evidenced against the hemato-oncological A20 cell line, derived from B lymphocytes, and the corresponding A20-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transfected cells. The proof of concept was performed on A20-GFP tumor-bearing mice, in which the biodistribution of the radiolabeled probe was evaluated through imaging, using X-ray, fluorescence, and γ modalities. The specific uptake of the probe was confirmed by blocking with the Sgc8-c aptamer in an in vivo competition assay. Results: The biodistribution results showed considerable uptake in tumor since 2 h, with highest at 48 h postinjection. However, the blood and muscle ID/g (injected dose per gram of tissue) activities were decreasing with time and tumor/no-target ratios increasing to 20 at 24 h postinjection. These results are consistent with the in vivo images. Conclusions: This study supports the utility of Sgc8-c-NOTA radiolabeled as a theranostic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Sicco
- Departamento de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jessica Baez
- Departamento de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Manuel Ibarra
- Departamento de Ciencias Farmaceuticas, Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Marcelo Fernández
- Laboratorio de Experimentacion Animal, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Pablo Cabral
- Departamento de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Moreno
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Hugo Cerecetto
- Departamento de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Calzada
- Departamento de Radiofarmacia, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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17
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Giudice V, Mensitieri F, Izzo V, Filippelli A, Selleri C. Aptamers and Antisense Oligonucleotides for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093252. [PMID: 32375354 PMCID: PMC7246934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers or chemical antibodies are single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides that bind proteins and small molecules with high affinity and specificity by recognizing tertiary or quaternary structures as antibodies. Aptamers can be easily produced in vitro through a process known as systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) or a cell-based SELEX procedure. Aptamers and modified aptamers, such as slow, off-rate, modified aptamers (SOMAmers), can bind to target molecules with less polar and more hydrophobic interactions showing slower dissociation rates, higher stability, and resistance to nuclease degradation. Aptamers and SOMAmers are largely employed for multiplex high-throughput proteomics analysis with high reproducibility and reliability, for tumor cell detection by flow cytometry or microscopy for research and clinical purposes. In addition, aptamers are increasingly used for novel drug delivery systems specifically targeting tumor cells, and as new anticancer molecules. In this review, we summarize current preclinical and clinical applications of aptamers in malignant and non-malignant hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Giudice
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (F.M.); (V.I.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona”, 84131 Salerno, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-89965116
| | - Francesca Mensitieri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (F.M.); (V.I.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
| | - Viviana Izzo
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (F.M.); (V.I.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona”, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Amelia Filippelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (F.M.); (V.I.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital “San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona”, 84131 Salerno, Italy
| | - Carmine Selleri
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, Baronissi, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (F.M.); (V.I.); (A.F.); (C.S.)
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18
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Tran PHL, Xiang D, Nguyen TNG, Tran TTD, Chen Q, Yin W, Zhang Y, Kong L, Duan A, Chen K, Sun M, Li Y, Hou Y, Zhu Y, Ma Y, Jiang G, Duan W. Aptamer-guided extracellular vesicle theranostics in oncology. Theranostics 2020; 10:3849-3866. [PMID: 32226524 PMCID: PMC7086349 DOI: 10.7150/thno.39706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, the study of exosomes, nanosized vesicles (50-150 nm) released into the extracellular space via the fusion of multivesicular bodies with the plasma membrane, has burgeoned with impressive achievements in theranostics applications. These nanosized vesicles have emerged as key players in homeostasis and in the pathogenesis of diseases owing to the variety of the cargos they can carry, the nature of the molecules packaged inside the vesicles, and the robust interactions between exosomes and target cells or tissues. Accordingly, the development of exosome-based liquid biopsy techniques for early disease detection and for monitoring disease progression marks a new era of precision medicine in the 21st century. Moreover, exosomes possess intrinsic properties - a nanosized structure and unique "homing effects" - that make them outstanding drug delivery vehicles. In addition, targeted exosome-based drug delivery systems can be further optimized using active targeting ligands such as nucleic acid aptamers. Indeed, the aptamers themselves can function as therapeutic and/or diagnostic tools based on their attributes of unique target-binding and non-immunogenicity. This review aims to provide readers with a current picture of the research on exosomes and aptamers and their applications in cancer theranostics, highlighting recent advances in their transition from the bench to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong H-L Tran
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 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
| | - Tuong N-G Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - 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
| | - Qian Chen
- Translational Medical Center, The Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, 28 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100853
| | - Wang Yin
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yumei Zhang
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lingxue Kong
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, 3216, Australia
| | - Andrew Duan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 27 Rainforest Walk, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kuisheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, He'nan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Miomio 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, 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
| | - Yongchao Ma
- Clinical School, Luohe Medical College, 148, Daxue Road, Luohe City, Henan Province, 462000, China
| | - Guoqin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 1055 Sanxiang Road, Suzhou, P.R. China, 215004
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine and Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- GenePharma-Deakin Joint Laboratory of Aptamer Medicine, Suzhou 215123, China and Waurn Ponds, Victoria 3216, Australia
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Abstract
Oligonucleotide aptamers are a class of small-molecule ligands. Functionally similar to protein antibodies, aptamers can specifically bind to their targets with high affinity. Biomedical studies have revealed the potential clinical value of aptamer technology for disease diagnosis and targeted therapy. Lymphoma is a group of cancers originating from the lymphatic system. Currently, chemotherapy is the primary treatment for lymphoma, although it may cause serious side effects in patients due to lack of target specificity. Here, we selectively discuss the recent development of potential applications of aptamer technology for precision lymphoma therapy, which are able to not only achieve high therapeutic efficacy but also do not cause off-target side effects.
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20
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Xu G, Zhao J, Liu N, Yang M, Zhao Q, Li C, Liu M. Structure-guided post-SELEX optimization of an ochratoxin A aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:5963-5972. [PMID: 31062016 PMCID: PMC6582339 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SELEX is the cornerstone for aptamer research with broad applications in biosensors and medicine. To improve the affinity of selected aptamers, we propose a structure-guided post-SELEX approach, an optimization method based on the precise secondary structure of the aptamer–ligand complex. We demonstrate this approach using the Ochratoxin A (OTA) aptamer. Guided by the structure, we designed a new aptamer whose affinity is improved by more than 50-fold. We also determined the high-resolution NMR structure of the new aptamer-OTA complex and elucidated the discriminatory recognition mechanism of one atomic difference between two analogs, OTA and OTB. The aptamer forms an unusual hairpin structure containing an intramolecular triple helix, which is not seen in the previously determined aptamer complex. The π–π stacking, the hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bonds and halogen bonds between OTA and the aptamer contribute to the recognition of OTA, and the halogen bonds play an important role in discriminating between OTA and OTB. Our results demonstrate that the structure-guided post-SELEX approach improves aptamers affinity. An improved OTA biosensor system might be developed using this new strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohua Xu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Jiajing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Minghui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China.,State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China
| | - Conggang Li
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Maili Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
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21
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Bing T, Zhang N, Shangguan D. Cell-SELEX, an Effective Way to the Discovery of Biomarkers and Unexpected Molecular Events. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 3:e1900193. [PMID: 32648677 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cell-SELEX can not only generate aptamers for specific cell isolation/detection, diagnosis, and therapy, but also lead to the discovery of biomarkers and unexpected molecular events. However, most cell-SELEX research is concentrated on aptamer generation and applications. In this progress report, recent research progress with cell-SELEX in terms of the discovery of biomarkers and unexpected molecular events is highlighted. In particular, the key technical challenges for cell-SELEX-based biomarker discovery, namely, the methods for identification and validation of target proteins of aptamers, are discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of the applications of cell-SELEX in this field now and in the near future are described. It is expected that this report will attract attention to the benefit of cell-SELEX and provide a practical reference for biomedical researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Bing
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dihua Shangguan
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Wang M, Wu H, Duan M, Yang Y, Wang G, Che F, Liu B, He W, Li Q, Zhang L. SS30, a novel thioaptamer targeting CD123, inhibits the growth of acute myeloid leukemia cells. Life Sci 2019; 232:116663. [PMID: 31323275 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS CD123 represents an important acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapeutic target. CD123 aptamers may potentially serve as tumor-homing ligands with excellent affinity and specificity for AML targeted therapy, but their complexity, laborious preparation and nuclease digestion limited pharmacological application. The aim of this study was to develop the first CD123 thioaptamer to overcome these obstacles. MAIN METHODS Flow cytometry was utilized to assess the binding specificity, affinity and anti-nuclease ability of thioaptamer. CCK8, Annexin-V/DAPI, and colony forming assays were used to evaluate the anti-cancer ability of thioaptamer in vitro. The tumor volume, weights, survival rate, H&E staining of organs, and serum level of organ damage biomarkers of animal model were applied to investigate the anti-cancer ability of thioaptamer in vivo. Furthermore, we explored the binding mechanism between thioaptamer and CD123. KEY FINDINGS CD123 thioaptamer SS30 was able to bind to CD123 structure with high specificity in complex nuclease environment, the dissociation constant of 39.1 nM for CD123 peptide and 287.6 nM for CD123+ AML cells, while exhibiting minimal cross-reactivity to albumin. Furthermore, SS30 inhibited the proliferation and survival of AML cell lines and human AML blasts selectively in vitro (P < 0.01). In addition, SS30 prolonged the survival and inhibited tumor growth in a mouse xenograft tumor model in vivo. Of note, SS30 blocked the interaction between IL-3 and CD123, and decreased expression of p-STAT5 and p-AKT. SIGNIFICANCE The proliferation inhibition and nuclease resistance ability of SS30 made it as a more promising functional molecule for AML targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, No. 946 Hospital of the PLA, YiNing, XinJiang 0086-835000, PR China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Mingyue Duan
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Guoxia Wang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Fengyu Che
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Bailing Liu
- Department of Ultrasonography, Xi'an Children's Hospital, PR China
| | - Wei He
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China
| | - Qiao Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China.
| | - Liyu Zhang
- Shaanxi Institute of Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710003, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 0086-710061, PR China.
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23
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Yang S, Wen J, Li H, Xu L, Liu Y, Zhao N, Zeng Z, Qi J, Jiang W, Han W, Zu Y. Aptamer-Engineered Natural Killer Cells for Cell-Specific Adaptive Immunotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2019; 15:e1900903. [PMID: 31026116 PMCID: PMC6541510 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201900903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system as they can attack cancer cells without prior sensitization. However, due to lack of cell-specific receptors, NK cells are not innately able to perform targeted cancer immunotherapy. Aptamers are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that specifically recognize their targets with high affinity in a similar manner to antibodies. To render NK cells with target-specificity, synthetic CD30-specific aptamers are anchored on cell surfaces to produce aptamer-engineered NK cells (ApEn-NK) without genetic alteration or cell damage. Under surface-anchored aptamer guidance, ApEn-NK specifically bind to CD30-expressing lymphoma cells but do not react to off-target cells. The resulting specific cell binding of ApEn-NK triggers higher apoptosis/death rates of lymphoma cells compared to parental NK cells. Additionally, experiments with primary human NK cells demonstrate the potential of ApEn-NK to specifically target and kill lymphoma cells, thus presenting a potential new approach for targeted immunotherapy by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghui Yang
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianguo Wen
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nianxi Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zihua Zeng
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianjun Qi
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenqi Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Han
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Hematology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Youli Zu
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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24
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CD30 aptamer-functionalized PEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the superior delivery of doxorubicin to anaplastic large cell lymphoma cells. Int J Pharm 2019; 564:340-349. [PMID: 31002934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with aptamers have been extensively in recent years, which can efficiently target cancer cells that improve the therapeutic effect. Aptamers (Apt) are small oligonucleotide molecule ligands have specific high-affinity. In this work, we developed a PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated with doxorubicin. The NPs were modified with C2NP, a ssDNA aptamer specifically binding to CD30 protein which was over expressed in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) cells. PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by nanoprecipitation and loaded with doxorubicin, further conjugated C2NP aptamer via an EDC/NHS technique. Obtained results demonstrated that the targeted agent was successfully conjugated confirming by Urea PAGE and XPS. The physicochemical properties of Apt-DOX-NPs like particle size at 168.07 ± 2.72 nm and zeta potential at -30.76 ± 0.153 mV. The time of the release drugs was efficiently increased in targeted formulations and showed higher accumulation in ALCL cells than non-targeted system. Findings from this work demonstrated the potential efficacy of C2NP-functionalized nanoparticles for a therapy in ALCL.
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