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Faiella M, Botti G, Dalpiaz A, Gnudi L, Goyenvalle A, Pavan B, Perrone D, Bovolenta M, Marchesi E. In Vitro Studies to Evaluate the Intestinal Permeation of an Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Conjugated Oligonucleotide for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1023. [PMID: 39204368 PMCID: PMC11360444 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16081023] [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: 07/04/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Delivery represents a major hurdle to the clinical advancement of oligonucleotide therapeutics for the treatment of disorders such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In this preliminary study, we explored the ability of 2'-O-methyl-phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) conjugated with lipophilic ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to permeate across intestinal barriers in vitro by a co-culture system of non-contacting IEC-6 cells and DMD myotubes, either alone or encapsulated in exosomes. UDCA was used to enhance the lipophilicity and membrane permeability of ASOs, potentially improving oral bioavailability. Exosomes were employed due to their biocompatibility and ability to deliver therapeutic cargo across biological barriers. Exon skipping was evaluated in the DMD myotubes to reveal the targeting efficiency. Exosomes extracted from milk and wild-type myotubes loaded with 5'-UDC-3'Cy3-ASO and seeded directly on DMD myotubes appear able to fuse to myotubes and induce exon skipping, up to ~20%. Permeation studies using the co-culture system were performed with 5'-UDC-3'Cy3-ASO 51 alone or loaded in milk-derived exosomes. In this setting, only gymnotic delivery induced significant levels of exon skipping (almost 30%) implying a possible role of the intestinal cells in enhancing delivery of ASOs. These results warrant further investigations to elucidate the delivery of ASOs by gymnosis or exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Faiella
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Giada Botti
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC@UniFe), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Dalpiaz
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Gnudi
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Aurélie Goyenvalle
- University Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, 78000 Versailles, France;
| | - Barbara Pavan
- Center for Translational Neurophysiology of Speech and Communication (CTNSC@UniFe), Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation—Section of Physiology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Perrone
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Matteo Bovolenta
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.F.); (M.B.)
| | - Elena Marchesi
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (G.B.); (A.D.); (E.M.)
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2
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Shah NN, Dave BP, Shah KC, Shah DD, Maheshwari KG, Chorawala MR, Parekh PS, Jani M. Disabled-2, a versatile tissue matrix multifunctional scaffold protein with multifaceted signaling: Unveiling its potential in the cancer battle. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5533-5557. [PMID: 38502243 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
A multifunctional scaffold protein termed Disabled-2 (Dab2) has recently gained attention in the scientific community and has emerged as a promising candidate in the realm of cancer research. Dab2 protein is involved in a variety of signaling pathways, due to which its significance in the pathogenesis of several carcinomas has drawn considerable attention. Dab2 is essential for controlling the advancement of cancer because it engages in essential signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathways. Dab2 can also repress epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) which is involved in tumor progression with metastatic expansion and adds another layer of significance to its possible impact on cancer spread. Furthermore, the role of Dab2 in processes such as cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, invasion, and metastasis has been explored in certain investigative studies suggesting its significance. The present review examines the role of Dab2 in the pathogenesis of various cancer subtypes including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder urothelial carcinoma and also sheds some light on its potential to act as a therapeutic target and a prognostic marker in the treatment of various carcinomas. By deciphering this protein's diverse signaling, we hope to provide useful insights that may pave the way for novel therapeutic techniques and tailored treatment approaches in cancer management. Preclinical and clinical trial data on the impact of Dab2 regulation in cancer have also been included, allowing us to delineate role of Dab2 in tumor suppressor function, as well as its correlation with disease stage classification and potential therapy options. However, we observed that there is very scarce data in the form of studies on the evaluation of Dab2 role and treatment function in carcinomas, and further research into this matter could prove beneficial in the generation of novel therapeutic agents for patient-centric and tailored therapy, as well as early prognosis of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi N Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Bhavarth P Dave
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kashvi C Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Disha D Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Kunal G Maheshwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- AV Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
| | - Maharsh Jani
- Anand Niketan Shilaj, Ahmedabad, 380059, Gujarat, India
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3
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer SG, Sudarshan K, Orellana EA, Ozcan KE, dos Santos AP, Low PS, Kasinski AL. Selective targeting of chemically modified miR-34a to prostate cancer using a small molecule ligand and an endosomal escape agent. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102193. [PMID: 38745855 PMCID: PMC11091501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Use of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) as anti-cancer agents is hindered by the lack of effective delivery vehicles, entrapment of the miRNA within endocytic compartments, and rapid degradation of miRNA by nucleases. To address these issues, we developed a miRNA delivery strategy that includes (1) a targeting ligand, (2) an endosomal escape agent, nigericin and (3) a chemically modified miRNA. The delivery ligand, DUPA (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxy propyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid), was selected based on its specificity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a receptor routinely upregulated in prostate cancer-one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. DUPA was conjugated to the tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-34a (DUPA-miR-34a) based on the ability of miR-34a to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. To mediate endosomal escape, nigericin was incorporated into the complex, resulting in DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a. Both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a specifically bound to, and were taken up by, PSMA-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. And while both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a downregulated miR-34a target genes, only DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a decreased cell proliferation in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Tumor growth was further reduced using a fully modified version of miR-34a that has significantly increased stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S. Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Esteban A. Orellana
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Kenan E. Ozcan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea P. dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S. Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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4
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Wang L, Li Y, Liu X, Xing L, Wu R, Huang Y. Escape sites from the endo-lysosomal trafficking route manipulate exocytosis of nanoparticles in polar epithelium. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:2660-2671. [PMID: 38592706 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00174e] [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: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The endo-lysosomal pathway is a major barrier for the trans-epithelial transport of nanoparticles (NPs), but escape strategies could facilitate trans-epithelial delivery. Based on the polarization properties of the epithelium, different escape compartments may result in different exocytosis fates of NPs and further affect the delivery efficiency. Therefore, optimizing the escape sites is critical for trans-epithelial delivery. Here, commonly used PEG-coated-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based nanoparticles were fabricated as model nanoparticles (MNPs) and the intestinal epithelium was chosen as the polarized epithelium. The MNPs were incubated with different endosomolytic agents for early endosomal escape, late endosomal escape and lysosomal escape, respectively. According to in vitro and in vivo studies, MNPs escaping from early endosomes and late endosomes exhibited stronger capacity for trans-epithelial transport than those escaping from lysosomes. By further probing into the mechanism, we surprisingly found that although MNPs escaping from early endosomes quickly egressed from the apical side of epithelia, they were subsequently followed by "reuptake" via caveolae and trafficked through the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi apparatus (ER/GA) secretory pathway, achieving efficient trans-epithelial transport; MNPs escaping from late endosomes, which were located near the nucleus, were prone to enter the ER/GA for efficient basolateral exocytosis. However, MNPs escaping from lysosomes were detained within cells by autophagosomes. Collectively, our research suggested that early endosomes and late endosomes were ideal escape sites for trans-epithelial delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Yuting Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Xi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Liyun Xing
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Ruinan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery System, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu 610041, P.R. China.
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5
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Iyer SG, Kasinski AL. Preparing and Evaluating the Stability of Therapeutically Relevant Oligonucleotide Duplexes. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4975. [PMID: 38686344 PMCID: PMC11056005 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of oligonucleotide therapeutics is rapidly advancing, particularly for combating orphan diseases and cancer. However, the intrinsic instability of oligonucleotides, especially RNA, poses a substantial challenge in the face of the harsh conditions encountered intracellularly and in circulation. Therefore, evaluating the stability of oligos in serum is of great significance when developing oligonucleotide therapeutics. This protocol outlines a dependable and reproducible method for preparing oligonucleotide duplexes, coupled with confirmation by gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, the protocol defines a mechanism to assess the stability of the oligo duplexes in serum. This protocol seeks to establish a standardized reference for researchers, enabling them to compare the impact of various modifications on oligo stability and assess the degradation kinetics effectively. Key features • Adaptable for use with small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and other unmodified and modified oligonucleotides. • Does not necessitate any Biological Safety Level clearance and offers a rapid, cost-effective, and entirely in vitro procedure. • Allows researchers to evaluate multiple modification patterns that, when coupled with targeting activity, allow for selecting the best modification pattern prior to in vivo analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue University Life Sciences Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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6
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La Sala L, Carlini V, Conte C, Macas-Granizo MB, Afzalpour E, Martin-Delgado J, D'Anzeo M, Pedretti RFE, Naselli A, Pontiroli AE, Cappato R. Metabolic disorders affecting the liver and heart: Therapeutic efficacy of miRNA-based therapies? Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107083. [PMID: 38309383 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Liver and heart disease are major causes of death worldwide. It is known that metabolic alteration causing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) coupled with a derangement in lipid homeostasis, may exacerbate hepatic and cardiovascular diseases. Some pharmacological treatments can mitigate organ dysfunctions but the important side effects limit their efficacy leading often to deterioration of the tissues. It needs to develop new personalized treatment approaches and recent progresses of engineered RNA molecules are becoming increasingly viable as alternative treatments. This review outlines the current use of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), RNA interference (RNAi) and RNA genome editing as treatment for rare metabolic disorders. However, the potential for small non-coding RNAs to serve as therapeutic agents for liver and heart diseases is yet to be fully explored. Although miRNAs are recognized as biomarkers for many diseases, they are also capable of serving as drugs for medical intervention; several clinical trials are testing miRNAs as therapeutics for type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver as well as cardiac diseases. Recent advances in RNA-based therapeutics may potentially facilitate a novel application of miRNAs as agents and as druggable targets. In this work, we sought to summarize the advancement and advantages of miRNA selective therapy when compared to conventional drugs. In particular, we sought to emphasise druggable miRNAs, over ASOs or other RNA therapeutics or conventional drugs. Finally, we sought to address research questions related to efficacy, side-effects, and range of use of RNA therapeutics. Additionally, we covered hurdles and examined recent advances in the use of miRNA-based RNA therapy in metabolic disorders such as diabetes, liver, and heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia La Sala
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy; Dept. of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Caterina Conte
- IRCCS MultiMedica, 20138 Milan, Italy; Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elham Afzalpour
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences and Clinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jimmy Martin-Delgado
- Hospital Luis Vernaza, Junta de Beneficiencia de Guayaquil, 090603 Guayaquil, Ecuador; Instituto de Investigacion e Innovacion en Salud Integral, Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil 090603, Ecuador
| | - Marco D'Anzeo
- AUO delle Marche, SOD Medicina di Laboratorio, Ancona, Italy
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7
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Li WJ, Wang Y, Liu X, Wu S, Wang M, Turowski SG, Spernyak JA, Tracz A, Abdelaal AM, Sudarshan K, Puzanov I, Chatta G, Kasinski AL, Tang DG. Developing folate-conjugated miR-34a therapeutic for prostate cancer treatment: Challenges and promises. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.25.568612. [PMID: 38045265 PMCID: PMC10690264 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.25.568612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a common cancer with high mortality in men due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. A critical factor contributing to its lethality is the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which can self-renew, long-term propagate tumors and mediate treatment resistance. MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has shown promise as an anti-PCSC therapeutic by targeting critical molecules involved in cancer stem cell (CSC) survival and functions. Despite extensive efforts, the development of miR-34a therapeutics still faces challenges, including non-specific delivery and delivery-associated toxicity. One emerging delivery approach is ligand-mediated conjugation, aiming to achieve specific delivery of miR-34a to cancer cells, thereby enhancing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Folate-conjugated miR-34a (folate-miR-34a) has demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy in breast and lung cancers by targeting folate receptor α (FOLR1). Here, we first show that miR-34a, a TP53 transcriptional target, is reduced in PCa that harbors TP53 loss or mutations and that miR-34a mimic, when transfected into PCa cells, downregulated multiple miR-34a targets and inhibited cell growth. When exploring the therapeutic potential of folate-miR-34a, we found that folate-miR-34a exhibited impressive inhibitory effects on breast, ovarian and cervical cancer cells but showed minimal effects on and targeted delivery to PCa cells due to a lack of appreciable expression of FOLR1 in PCa cells. Folate-miR-34a also did not display any apparent effect on PCa cells expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PMSA) despite the reported folate's binding capability to PSMA. These results highlight challenges in specific delivery of folate-miR-34a to PCa due to lack of target (receptor) expression. Our study offers novel insights on the challenges and promises within the field and cast light on the development of ligand-conjugated miR-34a therapeutics for PCa.
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8
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Pagoni M, Cava C, Sideris DC, Avgeris M, Zoumpourlis V, Michalopoulos I, Drakoulis N. miRNA-Based Technologies in Cancer Therapy. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1586. [PMID: 38003902 PMCID: PMC10672431 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of therapeutic miRNAs is one of the most exciting challenges for pharmaceutical companies. Since the first miRNA was discovered in 1993, our knowledge of miRNA biology has grown considerably. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNA expression is dysregulated in many diseases, making them appealing tools for novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to discuss miRNA biogenesis and function, as well as highlight strategies for delivering miRNA agents, presenting viral, non-viral, and exosomic delivery as therapeutic approaches for different cancer types. We also consider the therapeutic role of microRNA-mediated drug repurposing in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pagoni
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Claudia Cava
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece;
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry—Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassilios Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Michalopoulos
- Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
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9
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Heyns IM, Ganugula R, Varma T, Allamreddy S, Kumar N, Garg P, Kumar MNVR, Arora M. Rationally Designed Naringenin-Conjugated Polyester Nanoparticles Enable Folate Receptor-Mediated Peroral Delivery of Insulin. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:45651-45657. [PMID: 37728532 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c09866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Receptor-mediated transcytosis of nanoparticles is paramount for the effective delivery of various drugs. Here, we report the design and synthesis of highly functional nanoparticles with specific targeting toward the folate receptor (FR) for the peroral delivery of insulin. In doing so, we demonstrate naringenin (NAR), a citrous flavonoid, as a targeting ligand to FR, with a similar affinity as folic acid. The NAR-decorated nanoparticles indicated a 4-fold increase in FR colocalization compared to unfunctionalized nanoparticles. The NAR-conjugated precision polyester allows for high insulin loading and entrapment efficiencies. As a result, insulin-laden NAR-functional nanoparticles offered a 3-fold higher bioavailability in comparison to unfunctionalized nanoparticles. This work generated a promising contribution to folate-receptor-mediated peroral delivery of insulin, utilizing polymeric nanoparticles decorated with a natural ligand, NAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M Heyns
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Bioscience and Medicine Initiative, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Raghu Ganugula
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Bioscience and Medicine Initiative, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, SEC 1325, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Tanmaykumar Varma
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S. A. S., Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Swetha Allamreddy
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Bioscience and Medicine Initiative, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Navneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S. A. S., Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
| | - Prabha Garg
- Department of Pharmacoinformatics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S. A. S., Nagar 160062, Punjab, India
| | - M N V Ravi Kumar
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Bioscience and Medicine Initiative, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, SEC 1325, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Alabama, SEC 3448, Box 870203, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
| | - Meenakshi Arora
- The Center for Convergent Bioscience and Medicine (CCBM), The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Bioscience and Medicine Initiative, College of Community Health Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, SEC 1325, Box 870344, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35487, United States
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10
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer S, Sudarshan K, Kothandaraman H, Lanman NA, Low PS, Kasinski AL. A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy. Oncogene 2023; 42:2985-2999. [PMID: 37666938 PMCID: PMC10541324 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Shreyas Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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11
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Yarahmadi A, Sohan R, McAllister B, Caromile LA. Therapeutic potential of targeting mirnas to prostate cancer tumors: using psma as an active target. Mol Cell Oncol 2022; 9:2136476. [PMID: 36313480 PMCID: PMC9601542 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2022.2136476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is a commonly diagnosed malignancy in men and is associated with high mortality rates. Current treatments for PC include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. However, recent advances in targeted delivery systems have yielded promising new approaches to PC treatment. As PC epithelial cells express high levels of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on the cell surface, new drug conjugates focused on PSMA targeting have been developed. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression in cells and show excellent possibilities for use in developing new therapeutics for PC. PSMA-targeted therapies based on a miRNA payload and that selectively target PC cells enhances therapeutic efficacy without eliciting damage to normal surrounding tissue. This review discusses the rationale for utilizing miRNAs to target PSMA, revealing their potential in therapeutic approaches to PC treatment. Different delivery systems for miRNAs and challenges to miRNA therapy are also explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Yarahmadi
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Romoye Sohan
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Brenna McAllister
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Leslie A. Caromile
- Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA,CONTACT Leslie A. Caromile Center for Vascular Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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12
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Dowdy SF, Setten RL, Cui XS, Jadhav SG. Delivery of RNA Therapeutics: The Great Endosomal Escape! Nucleic Acid Ther 2022; 32:361-368. [PMID: 35612432 PMCID: PMC9595607 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA therapeutics, including siRNAs, antisense oligonucleotides, and other oligonucleotides, have great potential to selectively treat a multitude of human diseases, from cancer to COVID to Parkinson's disease. RNA therapeutic activity is mechanistically driven by Watson-Crick base pairing to the target gene RNA without the requirement of prior knowledge of the protein structure, function, or cellular location. However, before widespread use of RNA therapeutics becomes a reality, we must overcome a billion years of evolutionary defenses designed to keep invading RNAs from entering cells. Unlike small-molecule therapeutics that are designed to passively diffuse across the cell membrane, macromolecular RNA therapeutics are too large, too charged, and/or too hydrophilic to passively diffuse across the cellular membrane and are instead taken up into cells by endocytosis. However, similar to the cell membrane, endosomes comprise a lipid bilayer that entraps 99% or more of RNA therapeutics, even in semipermissive tissues such as the liver, central nervous system, and muscle. Consequently, before RNA therapeutics can achieve their ultimate clinical potential to treat widespread human disease, the rate-limiting delivery problem of endosomal escape must be solved in a clinically acceptable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F. Dowdy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ryan L. Setten
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Xian-Shu Cui
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Satish G. Jadhav
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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13
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Zhao Y, Zhang T, Shen X, Huang A, Li H, Wang L, Liu X, Wang X, Song X, Wang S, Dong J, Shao N. Tumor necrosis factor alpha delivers exogenous inflammation-related microRNAs to recipient cells with functional targeting capabilities. Mol Ther 2022; 30:3052-3065. [PMID: 35791880 PMCID: PMC9481991 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.06.017] [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: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a critical pro-inflammatory cytokine in a wide range of tumors and infectious diseases. This study showed for the first time that TNF-α could specifically bind to certain intracellular or circulating inflammation-related microRNAs both in vitro and in vivo. The binding sites of TNF-α to microRNAs are located at the N-terminal of TNF-α and the 3'-GGUU motif of microRNAs. TNF-α could deliver exogenous unmodified single-stranded microRNAs into recipient cells through the TNF-α receptors (TNFRs) and stabilize them from being degraded by RNase in cells. Exogenous miR-146a or let-7c delivered into HCT116 cells by TNF-α could escape from lysosomes and specifically downregulate their target genes and then affect cell proliferation and migration in vitro, as well as tumorigenesis in vivo. Based on the above findings, the concept of "non-conjugated ligand-mediated RNA delivery (ncLMRD)" was proposed, which may serve as a promising strategy for therapeutic microRNA delivery in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuechao Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Tan Zhang
- Non-commissioned Officer School of Army Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Xuelian Shen
- Laibin Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Guangxi 546100, China
| | - Aixue Huang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hui Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Xiang Song
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shengqi Wang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
| | - Ningsheng Shao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China.
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14
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Wilson B, Dutta A. Function and Therapeutic Implications of tRNA Derived Small RNAs. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:888424. [PMID: 35495621 PMCID: PMC9043108 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.888424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
tRNA derived small RNAs are mainly composed of tRNA fragments (tRFs) and tRNA halves (tiRs). Several functions have been attributed to tRFs and tiRs since their initial characterizations, spanning all aspects of regulation of the Central Dogma: from nascent RNA silencing, to post-transcriptional gene silencing, and finally, to translational regulation. The length distribution, sequence diversity, and multifaceted functions of tRFs and tiRs positions them as attractive new models for small RNA therapeutics. In this review, we will discuss the principles of tRF biogenesis and function in order to highlight their therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Anindya Dutta
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, United States
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15
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Van de Vyver T, De Smedt SC, Raemdonck K. Modulating intracellular pathways to improve non-viral delivery of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114041. [PMID: 34763002 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA therapeutics (e.g. siRNA, oligonucleotides, mRNA, etc.) show great potential for the treatment of a myriad of diseases. However, to reach their site of action in the cytosol or nucleus of target cells, multiple intra- and extracellular barriers have to be surmounted. Several non-viral delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and conjugates, have been successfully developed to meet this requirement. Unfortunately, despite these clear advances, state-of-the-art delivery agents still suffer from relatively low intracellular delivery efficiencies. Notably, our current understanding of the intracellular delivery process is largely oversimplified. Gaining mechanistic insight into how RNA formulations are processed by cells will fuel rational design of the next generation of delivery carriers. In addition, identifying which intracellular pathways contribute to productive RNA delivery could provide opportunities to boost the delivery performance of existing nanoformulations. In this review, we discuss both established as well as emerging techniques that can be used to assess the impact of different intracellular barriers on RNA transfection performance. Next, we highlight how several modulators, including small molecules but also genetic perturbation technologies, can boost RNA delivery by intervening at differing stages of the intracellular delivery process, such as cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, endosomal escape, autophagy and exocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Van de Vyver
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Koen Raemdonck
- Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines, Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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16
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Hasan H, Sohal IS, Soto-Vargas Z, Byappanahalli AM, Humphrey SE, Kubo H, Kitdumrongthum S, Copeland S, Tian F, Chairoungdua A, Kasinski AL. Extracellular vesicles released by non-small cell lung cancer cells drive invasion and permeability in non-tumorigenic lung epithelial cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:972. [PMID: 35046472 PMCID: PMC8770483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04940-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells are known to promote cancer progression. However, it remains unclear how EVs from various NSCLC cells differ in their secretion profile and their ability to promote phenotypic changes in non-tumorigenic cells. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of EV release from non-tumorigenic cells (HBEC/BEAS-2B) and several NSCLC cell lines (A549, H460, H358, SKMES, and Calu6) and evaluated the potential impact of NSCLC EVs, including EV-encapsulated RNA (EV-RNA), in driving invasion and epithelial barrier impairment in HBEC/BEAS-2B cells. Secretion analysis revealed that cancer cells vary in their secretion level, with some cell lines having relatively low secretion rates. Differential uptake of NSCLC EVs was also observed, with uptake of A549 and SKMES EVs being the highest. Phenotypically, EVs derived from Calu6 and H358 cells significantly enhanced invasion, disrupted an epithelial barrier, and increased barrier permeability through downregulation of E-cadherin and ZO-1. EV-RNA was a key contributing factor in mediating these phenotypes. More nuanced analysis suggests a potential correlation between the aggressiveness of NSCLC subtypes and the ability of their respective EVs to induce cancerous phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humna Hasan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot Singh Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Zulaida Soto-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | | | - Sean E Humphrey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Hana Kubo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | | | - Sarah Copeland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Feng Tian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Arthit Chairoungdua
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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17
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Bakowski K, Vogel S. Evolution of complexity in non-viral oligonucleotide delivery systems: from gymnotic delivery through bioconjugates to biomimetic nanoparticles. RNA Biol 2022; 19:1256-1275. [PMID: 36411594 PMCID: PMC9683052 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2147278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
From the early days of research on RNA biology and biochemistry, there was an interest to utilize this knowledge and RNA itself for therapeutic applications. Today, we have a series of oligonucleotide therapeutics on the market and many more in clinical trials. These drugs - exploit different chemistries of oligonucleotides, such as modified DNAs and RNAs, peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) or phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), and different mechanisms of action, such as RNA interference (RNAi), targeted RNA degradation, splicing modulation, gene expression and modification. Despite major successes e.g. mRNA vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 to control COVID-19 pandemic, development of therapies for other diseases is still limited by inefficient delivery of oligonucleotides to specific tissues and organs and often prohibitive costs for the final drug. This is even more critical when targeting multifactorial disorders and patient-specific biological variations. In this review, we will present the evolution of complexity of oligonucleotide delivery methods with focus on increasing complexity of formulations from gymnotic delivery to bioconjugates and to lipid nanoparticles in respect to developments that will enable application of therapeutic oligonucleotides as drugs in personalized therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Bakowski
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stefan Vogel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,CONTACT Stefan Vogel Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230Odense, Denmark
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18
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Abdelaal AM, Kasinski AL. Ligand-mediated delivery of RNAi-based therapeutics for the treatment of oncological diseases. NAR Cancer 2021; 3:zcab030. [PMID: 34316717 PMCID: PMC8291076 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based therapeutics (miRNAs, siRNAs) have great potential for treating various human diseases through their ability to downregulate proteins associated with disease progression. However, the development of RNAi-based therapeutics is limited by lack of safe and specific delivery strategies. A great effort has been made to overcome some of these challenges resulting in development of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) ligands that are being used for delivery of siRNAs for the treatment of diseases that affect the liver. The successes achieved using GalNAc-siRNAs have paved the way for developing RNAi-based delivery strategies that can target extrahepatic diseases including cancer. This includes targeting survival signals directly in the cancer cells and indirectly through targeting cancer-associated immunosuppressive cells. To achieve targeting specificity, RNAi molecules are being directly conjugated to a targeting ligand or being packaged into a delivery vehicle engineered to overexpress a targeting ligand on its surface. In both cases, the ligand binds to a cell surface receptor that is highly upregulated by the target cells, while not expressed, or expressed at low levels on normal cells. In this review, we summarize the most recent RNAi delivery strategies, including extracellular vesicles, that use a ligand-mediated approach for targeting various oncological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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19
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de la Fuente IF, Sawant SS, Tolentino MQ, Corrigan PM, Rouge JL. Viral Mimicry as a Design Template for Nucleic Acid Nanocarriers. Front Chem 2021; 9:613209. [PMID: 33777893 PMCID: PMC7987652 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.613209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic nucleic acids hold immense potential in combating undruggable, gene-based diseases owing to their high programmability and relative ease of synthesis. While the delivery of this class of therapeutics has successfully entered the clinical setting, extrahepatic targeting, endosomal escape efficiency, and subcellular localization. On the other hand, viruses serve as natural carriers of nucleic acids and have acquired a plethora of structures and mechanisms that confer remarkable transfection efficiency. Thus, understanding the structure and mechanism of viruses can guide the design of synthetic nucleic acid vectors. This review revisits relevant structural and mechanistic features of viruses as design considerations for efficient nucleic acid delivery systems. This article explores how viral ligand display and a metastable structure are central to the molecular mechanisms of attachment, entry, and viral genome release. For comparison, accounted for are details on the design and intracellular fate of existing nucleic acid carriers and nanostructures that share similar and essential features to viruses. The review, thus, highlights unifying themes of viruses and nucleic acid delivery systems such as genome protection, target specificity, and controlled release. Sophisticated viral mechanisms that are yet to be exploited in oligonucleotide delivery are also identified as they could further the development of next-generation nonviral nucleic acid vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jessica L. Rouge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States
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20
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Li WJ, Wang Y, Liu R, Kasinski AL, Shen H, Slack FJ, Tang DG. MicroRNA-34a: Potent Tumor Suppressor, Cancer Stem Cell Inhibitor, and Potential Anticancer Therapeutic. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:640587. [PMID: 33763422 PMCID: PMC7982597 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.640587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates that virtually all treatment-naive tumors contain a subpopulation of cancer cells that possess some stem cell traits and properties and are operationally defined as cancer cell stem cells (CSCs). CSCs manifest inherent heterogeneity in that they may exist in an epithelial and proliferative state or a mesenchymal non-proliferative and invasive state. Spontaneous tumor progression, therapeutic treatments, and (epi)genetic mutations may also induce plasticity in non-CSCs and reprogram them into stem-like cancer cells. Intrinsic cancer cell heterogeneity and induced cancer cell plasticity, constantly and dynamically, generate a pool of CSC subpopulations with varying levels of epigenomic stability and stemness. Despite the dynamic and transient nature of CSCs, they play fundamental roles in mediating therapy resistance and tumor relapse. It is now clear that the stemness of CSCs is coordinately regulated by genetic factors and epigenetic mechanisms. Here, in this perspective, we first provide a brief updated overview of CSCs. We then focus on microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a tumor-suppressive microRNA (miRNA) devoid in many CSCs and advanced tumors. Being a member of the miR-34 family, miR-34a was identified as a p53 target in 2007. It is a bona fide tumor suppressor, and its expression is dysregulated and downregulated in various human cancers. By targeting stemness factors such as NOTCH, MYC, BCL-2, and CD44, miR-34a epigenetically and negatively regulates the functional properties of CSCs. We shall briefly discuss potential reasons behind the failure of the first-in-class clinical trial of MRX34, a liposomal miR-34a mimic. Finally, we offer several clinical settings where miR-34a can potentially be deployed to therapeutically target CSCs and advanced, therapy-resistant, and p53-mutant tumors in order to overcome therapy resistance and curb tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jess Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Department of Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruifang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Haifa Shen
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Frank J Slack
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States.,Experimental Therapeutics Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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21
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Li C, Kasinski AL. InVivo Cancer-Based Functional Genomics. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:1002-1017. [PMID: 32828714 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pinpointing the underlying mechanisms that drive tumorigenesis in human patients is a prerequisite for identifying suitable therapeutic targets for precision medicine. In contrast to cell culture systems, mouse models are highly favored for evaluating tumor progression and therapeutic response in a more realistic in vivo context. The past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of functional genomic studies using diverse mouse models, including in vivo clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and RNA interference (RNAi) screens, and these have provided a wealth of knowledge addressing multiple essential questions in translational cancer research. We compare the multiple mouse systems and genomic tools that are commonly used for in vivo screens to illustrate their strengths and limitations. Crucial components of screen design and data analysis are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chennan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Bindley Biosciences Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Bindley Biosciences Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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22
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Salim L, Desaulniers JP. To Conjugate or to Package? A Look at Targeted siRNA Delivery Through Folate Receptors. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:21-38. [PMID: 33121373 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) applications have evolved from experimental tools to study gene function to the development of a novel class of gene-silencing therapeutics. Despite decades of research, it was not until August 2018 that the US FDA approved the first-ever RNAi drug, marking a new era for RNAi therapeutics. Although there are many limitations associated with the inherent structure of RNA, delivery to target cells and tissues remains the most challenging. RNAs are unable to diffuse across cellular membranes due to their large size and polyanionic backbone and, therefore, require a delivery vector. RNAi molecules can be conjugated to a targeting ligand or packaged into a delivery vehicle. Alnylam has used both strategies in their FDA-approved formulations to achieve efficient delivery to the liver. To harness the full potential of RNAi therapeutics, however, we must be able to target additional cells and tissues. One promising target is the folate receptor α, which is overexpressed in a variety of tumors despite having limited expression and distribution in normal tissues. Folate can be conjugated directly to the RNAi molecule or used to functionalize delivery vehicles. In this review, we compare both delivery strategies and discuss the current state of research in the area of folate-mediated delivery of RNAi molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidya Salim
- Faculty of Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Canada
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23
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Chakraborty C, Sharma AR, Sharma G, Lee SS. The Interplay among miRNAs, Major Cytokines, and Cancer-Related Inflammation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:606-620. [PMID: 32348938 PMCID: PMC7191126 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation is closely related with the progression of cancer and is an indispensable component that orchestrates the tumor microenvironment. Studies suggest that different mediator and cellular effectors, including cytokines (interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], transforming growth factor-β [TGF-β], and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]), chemokines, as well as some transcription factors (nuclear factor κB [NF-κB], signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 [STAT3], hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [HIF1α]), play a crucial role during cancer-related inflammation (CRI). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the key components of cellular physiology. They play notable roles during posttranscriptional gene regulation and, thus, might have a potential role in controlling the inflammatory cascade during cancer progression. Taking into consideration the role identified for miRNAs in relation to inflammatory cytokines, we have tried to review their participation in neoplastic progression. Additionally, the involvement of miRNAs with some important transcription factors (NF-κB, STAT3, HIF1α) and proteins (cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS]) closely associated with inflammation during cancer has also been discussed. A clear insight into the responsibility of miRNAs in cytokine signaling and inflammation related to CRI could project them as new therapeutic molecules, which could lead to improved treatment of CRI in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiranjib Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Adamas University, Barasat-Barrackpore Road, Kolkata, West Bengal 700126, India; Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ashish Ranjan Sharma
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Garima Sharma
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Soo Lee
- Institute for Skeletal Aging & Orthopedic Surgery, Hallym University-Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 24252, Republic of Korea.
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24
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Kumar A, Ahmad A, Vyawahare A, Khan R. Membrane Trafficking and Subcellular Drug Targeting Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:629. [PMID: 32536862 PMCID: PMC7267071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The movement of micro and macro molecules into and within a cell significantly governs several of their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters, thus regulating the cellular response to exogenous and endogenous stimuli. Trafficking of various pharmacological agents and other bioactive molecules throughout and within the cell is necessary for the fidelity of the cells but has been poorly investigated. Novel strategies against cancer and microbial infections need a deeper understanding of membrane as well as subcellular trafficking pathways and essentially regulate several aspects of the initiation and spread of anti-microbial and anti-cancer drug resistance. Furthermore, in order to avail the maximum possible bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy and to restrict the unwanted toxicity of pharmacological bioactives, these sometimes need to be functionalized with targeting ligands to regulate the subcellular trafficking and to enhance the localization. In the recent past the scenario drug targeting has primarily focused on targeting tissue components and cell vicinities, however, it is the membranous and subcellular trafficking system that directs the molecules to plausible locations. The effectiveness of the delivery platforms largely depends on their physicochemical nature, intracellular barriers, and biodistribution of the drugs, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic paradigms. Most subcellular organelles possess some peculiar characteristics by which membranous and subcellular targeting can be manipulated, such as negative transmembrane potential in mitochondria, intraluminal delta pH in a lysosome, and many others. Many specialized methods, which positively promote the subcellular targeting and restrict the off-targeting of the bioactive molecules, exist. Recent advancements in designing the carrier molecules enable the handling of membrane trafficking to facilitate the delivery of active compounds to subcellular localizations. This review aims to cover membrane trafficking pathways which promote the delivery of the active molecule in to the subcellular locations, the associated pathways of the subcellular drug delivery system, and the role of the carrier system in drug delivery techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Kumar
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Anas Ahmad
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Akshay Vyawahare
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Rehan Khan
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
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25
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Orellana EA, Li C, Lisevick A, Kasinski AL. Identification and validation of microRNAs that synergize with miR-34a - a basis for combinatorial microRNA therapeutics. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1798-1811. [PMID: 31258013 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1634956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to search for better treatment options for cancer have been a priority, and due to these efforts, new alternative therapies have emerged. For instance, clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs that target key oncogenic drivers have been identified as potential anti-cancer therapeutics. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Aberrant microRNA expression, through misexpression of microRNA target genes, can have profound cellular effects leading to a variety of diseases, including cancer. While altered microRNA expression contributes to a cancerous state, restoration of microRNA expression has therapeutic benefits. For example, ectopic expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a tumor suppressor gene that is a direct transcriptional target of p53 and thus is reduced in p53 mutant tumors, has clear effects on cell proliferation and survival in murine models of cancer. MicroRNA replacement therapies have recently been tested in combination with other agents, including other microRNAs, to simultaneously target multiple pathways to improve the therapeutic response. Thus, we reasoned that other microRNA combinations could collaborate to further improve treatment. To test this hypothesis miR-34a was used in an unbiased cell-based approach to identify combinatorial microRNA pairs with enhanced efficacy over miR-34a alone. This approach identified a subset of microRNAs that was able to enhance the miR-34a antiproliferative activity. These microRNA combinatorial therapeutics could offer superior tumor-suppressive abilities to suppress oncogenic properties compared to a monotherapeutic approach. Collectively these studies aim to address an unmet need of identifying, characterizing, and therapeutically targeting microRNAs for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban A Orellana
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA.,b Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Chennan Li
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
| | - Alexa Lisevick
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA.,c Purdue Center for Cancer Research , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
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