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Neomorphic DNA-binding enables tumor-specific therapeutic gene expression in fusion-addicted childhood sarcoma. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:199. [PMID: 36229873 PMCID: PMC9558418 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric fusion transcription factors are oncogenic hallmarks of several devastating cancer entities including pediatric sarcomas, such as Ewing sarcoma (EwS) and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS). Despite their exquisite specificity, these driver oncogenes have been considered largely undruggable due to their lack of enzymatic activity. Here, we show in the EwS model that – capitalizing on neomorphic DNA-binding preferences – the addiction to the respective fusion transcription factor EWSR1-FLI1 can be leveraged to express therapeutic genes. We genetically engineered a de novo enhancer-based, synthetic and highly potent expression cassette that can elicit EWSR1-FLI1-dependent expression of a therapeutic payload as evidenced by episomal and CRISPR-edited genomic reporter assays. Combining in silico screens and immunohistochemistry, we identified GPR64 as a highly specific cell surface antigen for targeted transduction strategies in EwS. Functional experiments demonstrated that anti-GPR64-pseudotyped lentivirus harboring our expression cassette can specifically transduce EwS cells to promote the expression of viral thymidine kinase sensitizing EwS for treatment to otherwise relatively non-toxic (Val)ganciclovir and leading to strong anti-tumorigenic, but no adverse effects in vivo. Further, we prove that similar vector designs can be applied in PAX3-FOXO1-driven ARMS, and to express immunomodulatory cytokines, such as IL-15 and XCL1, in tumor entities typically considered to be immunologically ‘cold’. Collectively, these results generated in pediatric sarcomas indicate that exploiting, rather than suppressing, the neomorphic functions of chimeric transcription factors may open inroads to innovative and personalized therapies, and that our highly versatile approach may be translatable to other cancers addicted to oncogenic transcription factors with unique DNA-binding properties.
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2
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Deng K, Yang D, Zhou Y. Nanotechnology-Based siRNA Delivery Systems to Overcome Tumor Immune Evasion in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071344. [PMID: 35890239 PMCID: PMC9315482 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune evasion is a common reason causing the failure of anticancer immune therapy. Small interfering RNA (siRNA), which can activate the innate and adaptive immune system responses by silencing immune-relevant genes, have been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for preventing or reversing immune evasion. However, siRNAs show poor stability in biological fluids and cannot efficiently cross cell membranes. Nanotechnology has shown great potential for intracellular siRNA delivery in recent years. Nano-immunotherapy can efficiently penetrate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and deliver multiple immunomodulatory agents simultaneously, which appears to be a promising method for combination therapy. Therefore, it provides a new perspective for siRNA delivery in immunomodulation and cancer immunotherapy. The current advances and challenges in nanotechnology-based siRNA delivery strategies for overcoming immune evasion will be discussed in this review. In addition, we also offer insights into therapeutic options, which may expand its applications in clinical cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; (K.D.); (D.Y.)
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315021, China
| | - Dongxue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; (K.D.); (D.Y.)
- Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
| | - Yuping Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China; (K.D.); (D.Y.)
- Institute of Digestive Disease of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315020, China
- Correspondence:
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3
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Chakraborty E, Sarkar D. Emerging Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112798. [PMID: 35681776 PMCID: PMC9179883 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arises from hepatocytes and accounts for 90% of primary liver cancer. According to Global Cancer Incidence, Mortality and Prevalence (GLOBOCAN) 2020, globally HCC is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths. Reasons for HCC prognosis remaining dismal are that HCC is asymptomatic in its early stages, leading to late diagnosis, and it is markedly resistant to conventional chemo- and radiotherapy. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice in early stages, while surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and trans arterial chemoembolization (TACE) are Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatments for advanced HCC. Additional first line therapy for advanced HCC includes broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as sorafenib and lenvatinib, as well as a combination of immunotherapy and anti-angiogenesis therapy, namely atezolizumab and bevacizumab. However, these strategies provide nominal extension in the survival curve, cause broad spectrum toxic side effects, and patients eventually develop therapy resistance. Some common mutations in HCC, such as in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) and tumor protein p53 (TP53) genes, are still considered to be undruggable. In this context, identification of appropriate gene targets and specific gene delivery approaches create the potential of gene- and immune-based therapies for the safe and effective treatment of HCC. This review elaborates on the current status of HCC treatment by focusing on potential gene targets and advanced techniques, such as oncolytic viral vectors, nanoparticles, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, immunotherapy, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9), and describes future prospects in HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eesha Chakraborty
- C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Massey Cancer Center, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-804-827-2339; Fax: +1-804-628-1176
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Bi-Functional Radiotheranostics of 188Re-Liposome-Fcy-hEGF for Radio- and Chemo-Therapy of EGFR-Overexpressing Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041902. [PMID: 33672989 PMCID: PMC7918434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) specific therapeutics is of great importance in cancer treatment. Fcy-hEGF fusion protein, composed of yeast cytosine deaminase (Fcy) and human EGF (hEGF), is capable of binding to EGFR and enzymatically convert 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to 1000-fold toxic 5-fluorocuracil (5-FU), thereby inhibiting the growth of EGFR-expressing tumor cells. To develop EGFR-specific therapy, 188Re-liposome-Fcy-hEGF was constructed by insertion of Fcy-hEGF fusion protein onto the surface of liposomes encapsulating of 188Re. Western blotting, MALDI-TOF, column size exclusion and flow cytometry were used to confirm the conjugation and bio-activity of 188Re-liposome-Fcy-hEGF. Cell lines with EGFR expression were subjected to treat with 188Re-liposome-Fcy-hEGF/5-FC in the presence of 5-FC. The 188Re-liposome-Fcy-hEGF/5-FC revealed a better cytotoxic effect for cancer cells than the treatment of liposome-Fcy-hEGF/5-FC or 188Re-liposome-Fcy-hEGF alone. The therapeutics has radio- and chemo-toxicity simultaneously and specifically target to EGFR-expression tumor cells, thereby achieving synergistic anticancer activity.
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Kostyuk AI, Kokova AD, Podgorny OV, Kelmanson IV, Fetisova ES, Belousov VV, Bilan DS. Genetically Encoded Tools for Research of Cell Signaling and Metabolism under Brain Hypoxia. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:E516. [PMID: 32545356 PMCID: PMC7346190 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9060516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is characterized by low oxygen content in the tissues. The central nervous system (CNS) is highly vulnerable to a lack of oxygen. Prolonged hypoxia leads to the death of brain cells, which underlies the development of many pathological conditions. Despite the relevance of the topic, different approaches used to study the molecular mechanisms of hypoxia have many limitations. One promising lead is the use of various genetically encoded tools that allow for the observation of intracellular parameters in living systems. In the first part of this review, we provide the classification of oxygen/hypoxia reporters as well as describe other genetically encoded reporters for various metabolic and redox parameters that could be implemented in hypoxia studies. In the second part, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the primary hypoxia model systems and highlight inspiring examples of research in which these experimental settings were combined with genetically encoded reporters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander I. Kostyuk
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandra D. Kokova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Podgorny
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Kelmanson
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S. Fetisova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V. Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Georg August University Göttingen, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Federal Center for Cerebrovascular Pathology and Stroke, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Bilan
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (A.I.K.); (A.D.K.); (O.V.P.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Kim J, Mondal SK, Tzeng SY, Rui Y, Al-kharboosh R, Kozielski KK, Bhargav AG, Garcia CA, Quiñones-Hinojosa A, Green JJ. Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(beta-amino ester)-Based Nanoparticles for Suicide Gene Therapy Enhance Brain Penetration and Extend Survival in a Preclinical Human Glioblastoma Orthotopic Xenograft Model. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:2943-2955. [PMID: 33463272 PMCID: PMC8035708 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most devastating brain cancer, and cures remain elusive with currently available neurosurgical, pharmacological, and radiation approaches. While retrovirus- and adenovirus-mediated suicide gene therapy using DNA encoding herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) and prodrug ganciclovir has been suggested as a promising strategy, a nonviral approach for treatment in an orthotopic human primary brain tumor model has not previously been demonstrated. Delivery challenges include nanoparticle penetration through brain tumors, efficient cancer cell uptake, endosomal escape to the cytosol, and biodegradability. To meet these challenges, we synthesized poly(ethylene glycol)-modified poly(beta-amino ester) (PEG-PBAE) polymers to improve extracellular delivery and coencapsulated plasmid DNA with end-modified poly(beta-amino ester) (ePBAE) polymers to improve intracellular delivery as well. We created and evaluated a library of PEG-PBAE/ePBAE nanoparticles (NPs) for effective gene therapy against two independent primary human stem-like brain tumor initiating cells, a putative target to prevent GBM recurrence. The optimally engineered PEG-PBAE/ePBAE NP formulation demonstrated 54 and 82% transfection efficacies in GBM1A and BTIC375 cells respectively, in comparison to 37 and 66% for optimized PBAE NPs without PEG. The leading PEG-PBAE NP formulation also maintained sub-250 nm particle size up to 5 h, while PBAE NPs without PEG showed aggregation over time to micrometer-sized complexes. The comparative advantage demonstrated in vitro successfully translated into improved in vivo diffusion, with a higher amount of PEG-PBAE NPs penetrating to a distance of 2 mm from the injection site. A significant increase in median survival from 53.5 to 67 days by PEG-PBAE/pHSV-tk NP and systemic ganciclovir treatment compared to a control group in orthotopic murine model of human glioblastoma demonstrates the potential of PEG-PBAE-based NPs as an effective gene therapy platform for the treatment of human brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Sujan K. Mondal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224
| | - Stephany Y. Tzeng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Yuan Rui
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | | | - Kristen K. Kozielski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, Stuttgart, 70569, Germany
| | - Adip G. Bhargav
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Cesar A. Garcia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224
| | | | - Jordan J. Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Department of Oncology, the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer, and the Bloomberg-Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231
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7
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Mohseni-Dargah M, Akbari-Birgani S, Madadi Z, Saghatchi F, Kaboudin B. Carbon nanotube-delivered iC9 suicide gene therapy for killing breast cancer cells in vitro. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:1033-1047. [PMID: 30925115 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To induce a safe death to MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line through gene therapy based on iC9 suicide gene. MATERIALS & METHODS To induce apoptosis to MCF-7 cell line, iC9 gene was transfected using pyridine-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Then, to enhance chemotherapy, iC9 suicide gene therapy was performed alongside. RESULTS The results show that the MCF-7 cells were efficiently eliminated in a high percentage by this approach. Furthermore, the suicide gene by itself/in combination with the chemotherapeutic drugs managed to pass the cell cycle arrests. CONCLUSION We introduced an in vitro treatment approach based on suicide gene therapy and the first step was taken toward the enhancement of chemotherapy, although more investigation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Mohseni-Dargah
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Shiva Akbari-Birgani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran.,Center for Research in Basic Sciences, & Contemporary Technologies (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Zahra Madadi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Saghatchi
- Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
| | - Babak Kaboudin
- Center for Research in Basic Sciences, & Contemporary Technologies (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran.,Department of Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45137-66731, Iran
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Liu S, Song W, Liu F, Zhang J, Zhu S. Antitumor efficacy of VP22-CD/5-FC suicide gene system mediated by lentivirus in a murine uveal melanoma model. Exp Eye Res 2018; 172:144-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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9
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Liu Y, Zhu P, Huang Z, Zhou L, Shi P. Simultaneous detection of 5-fluorocytosine and 5-fluorouracil in human cells carrying CD/5-FC suicide gene system by using capillary zone electrophoresis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2018; 1076:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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10
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Fan W, Yung B, Huang P, Chen X. Nanotechnology for Multimodal Synergistic Cancer Therapy. Chem Rev 2017; 117:13566-13638. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.7b00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1059] [Impact Index Per Article: 151.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenpei Fan
- Guangdong
Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging,
School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Key
Laboratory of Optoelectronic Devices and Systems of Ministry of Education
and Guangdong Province, College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Laboratory
of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Bryant Yung
- Laboratory
of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Peng Huang
- Guangdong
Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging,
School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory
of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
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Navarro SA, Carrillo E, Griñán-Lisón C, Martín A, Perán M, Marchal JA, Boulaiz H. Cancer suicide gene therapy: a patent review. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:1095-104. [PMID: 27424657 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2016.1211640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer is considered the second leading cause of death worldwide despite the progress made in early detection and advances in classical therapies. Advancing in the fight against cancer requires the development of novel strategies, and the suicide gene transfer to tumor cells is providing new possibilities for cancer therapy. AREAS COVERED In this manuscript, authors present an overview of suicide gene systems and the latest innovations done to enhance cancer suicide gene therapy strategies by i) improving vectors for targeted gene delivery using tissue specific promoter and receptors; ii) modification of the tropism; and iii) combining suicide genes and/or classical therapies for cancer. Finally, the authors highlight the main challenges to be addressed in the future. EXPERT OPINION Even if many efforts are needed for suicide gene therapy to be a real alternative for cancer treatment, we believe that the significant progress made in the knowledge of cancer biology and characterization of cancer stem cells accompanied by the development of novel targeted vectors will enhance the effectiveness of this type of therapeutic strategy. Moreover, combined with current treatments, suicide gene therapy will improve the clinical outcome of patients with cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saúl Abenhamar Navarro
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Esmeralda Carrillo
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Carmen Griñán-Lisón
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Ana Martín
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Macarena Perán
- d Department of Health Sciences , University of Jaén , Jaén , Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- a Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,b Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine , University of Granada , Granada , Spain.,c Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) , University Hospitals of Granada-Univesity of Granada , Granada , Spain
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12
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Twitty CG, Diago OR, Hogan DJ, Burrascano C, Ibanez CE, Jolly DJ, Ostertag D. Retroviral Replicating Vectors Deliver Cytosine Deaminase Leading to Targeted 5-Fluorouracil-Mediated Cytotoxicity in Multiple Human Cancer Types. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2015; 27:17-31. [PMID: 26467507 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2015.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Toca 511 is a modified retroviral replicating vector based on Moloney γ-retrovirus with an amphotropic envelope. As an investigational cancer treatment, Toca 511 preferentially infects cancer cells without direct cell lysis and encodes an enhanced yeast cytosine deaminase that converts the antifungal drug 5-fluorocytosine to the anticancer drug, 5-fluorouracil. A panel of established human cancer cell lines, derived from glioblastoma, colon, and breast cancer tissue, was used to evaluate parameters critical for effective anticancer activity. Gene transfer, cytosine deaminase production, conversion of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil, and subsequent cell killing occurred in all lines tested. We observed >50% infection within 25 days in all lines and 5-fluorocytosine LD50 values between 0.02 and 6 μg/ml. Although we did not identify a small number of key criteria, these studies do provide a straightforward approach to rapidly gauge the probability of a Toca 511 and 5-fluorocytosine treatment effect in various cancer indications: a single MTS assay of maximally infected cancer cell lines to determine 5-fluorocytosine LD50. The data suggest that, although there can be variation in susceptibility to Toca 511 and 5-fluorocytosine because of multiple mechanistic factors, this therapy may be applicable to a broad range of cancer types and individuals.
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13
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Li L, Zhang CL, Kang L, Wang RF, Yan P, Zhao Q, Yin L, Guo FQ. Enhanced EJ Cell Killing of (125)I Radiation by Combining with Cytosine Deaminase Gene Therapy Regulated by Synthetic Radio-Responsive Promoter. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2015; 30:342-8. [PMID: 26382009 PMCID: PMC4601673 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2015.1862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the enhancing effect of radionuclide therapy by the therapeutic gene placed under the control of radio-responsive promoter. Methods: The recombinant lentivirus E8-codA-GFP, including a synthetic radiation-sensitive promoter E8, cytosine deaminase (CD) gene, and green fluorescent protein gene, was constructed. The gene expression activated by 125I radiation was assessed by observation of green fluorescence. The ability of converting 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) to 5-fluorourial (5-FU) by CD enzyme was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The viability of the infected cells exposed to 125I in the presence of 5-FC was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and the infected cells exposed to 125I alone served as negative control and 5-FU as positive control. Results: The recombinant lentiviral vector was constructed successfully. On exposure of infected cells to 125I, green fluorescence can be observed and 5-FU can be detected. MTT assay showed that the survival rate for infected cells treated with 125I was lower compared with the 125I control group, but higher than the positive control group. Conclusion: The synthetic promoter E8 can induce the expression of downstream CD gene under 125I radiation, and the tumor killing effect of 125I can be enhanced by combining CD gene therapy with radiosensitive promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Li
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Chun-li Zhang
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China .,2 Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine , Wuxi, China
| | - Lei Kang
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Fu Wang
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Ping Yan
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Lei Yin
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - Feng-qin Guo
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University First Hospital , Beijing, China
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14
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Nemani KV, Ennis RC, Griswold KE, Gimi B. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia induced cytosine deaminase expression in microencapsulated E. coli for enzyme-prodrug therapy. J Biotechnol 2015; 203:32-40. [PMID: 25820125 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Engineered bacterial cells that are designed to express therapeutic enzymes under the transcriptional control of remotely inducible promoters can mediate the de novo conversion of non-toxic prodrugs to their cytotoxic forms. In situ cellular expression of enzymes provides increased stability and control of enzyme activity as compared to isolated enzymes. We have engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli), designed to express cytosine deaminase at elevated temperatures, under the transcriptional control of thermo-regulatory λpL-cI857 promoter cassette which provides a thermal switch to trigger enzyme synthesis. Enhanced cytosine deaminase expression was observed in cultures incubated at 42°C as compared to 30°C, and enzyme expression was further substantiated by spectrophotometric assays indicating enhanced conversion of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil. The engineered cells were subsequently co-encapsulated with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in immunoprotective alginate microcapsules, and cytosine deaminase expression was triggered remotely by alternating magnetic field-induced hyperthermia. The combination of 5-fluorocytosine with AMF-activated microcapsules demonstrated tumor cell cytotoxicity comparable to direct treatment with 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Such enzyme-prodrug therapy, based on engineered and immunoisolated E. coli, may ultimately yield an improved therapeutic index relative to monotherapy, as AMF mediated hyperthermia might be expected to pre-sensitize tumors to chemotherapy under appropriate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karl E Griswold
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Barjor Gimi
- Department of Radiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.
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15
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Hsiao HT, Xing L, Deng X, Sun X, Ling CC, Li GC. Hypoxia-targeted triple suicide gene therapy radiosensitizes human colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2014; 32:723-9. [PMID: 24912473 PMCID: PMC4091884 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypoxic microenvironment, an important feature of human solid tumors but absent in normal tissue, may provide an opportunity for cancer-specific gene therapy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether hypoxia-driven triple suicide gene TK/CD/UPRT expression enhances cytotoxicity to ganciclovir (GCV) and 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), and sensitizes human colorectal cancer to radiation in vitro and in vivo. Stable transfectant of human colorectal HCT8 cells was established which expressed hypoxia-inducible vectors (HRE-TK/eGFP and HRE-CD/UPRT/mDsRed). Hypoxia-induced expression/function of TK, CD and UPRT was verified by western blot analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescent microscopy and cytotoxicity assay of GCV and 5-FC. Significant radiosensitization effects were detected after 5-FC and GCV treatments under hypoxic conditions. In the tumor xenografts, the distribution of TK/eGFP and CD/UPRT/mDsRed expression visualized with fluorescence microscopy was co-localized with the hypoxia marker pimonidazole positive staining cells. Furthermore, administration of 5-FC and GCV in mice in combination with local irradiation resulted in tumor regression, as compared with prodrug or radiation treatments alone. Our data suggest that the hypoxia-inducible TK/GCV+CDUPRT/5-FC triple suicide gene therapy may have the ability to specifically target hypoxic cancer cells and significantly improve the tumor control in combination with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung Tsung Hsiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ligang Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xuelong Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xiaorong Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - C Clifton Ling
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Gloria C Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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16
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Sakkas A, Zarogoulidis P, Domvri K, Hohenforst-Schmidt W, Bougiouklis D, Kakolyris S, Zarampoukas T, Kioumis I, Pitsiou G, Huang H, Li Q, Meditskou S, Tsiouda T, Pezirkianidis N, Zarogoulidis K. Safety and efficacy of suicide gene therapy with adenosine deaminase 5-fluorocytosine silmutaneously in in vitro cultures of melanoma and retinal cell lines. J Cancer 2014; 5:368-81. [PMID: 24799955 PMCID: PMC4007525 DOI: 10.7150/jca.9147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Local treatment as a treatment modality is gaining increased general acceptance over time. Novel drugs and methodologies of local administration are being investigated in an effort to achieve disease local control. Suicide gene therapy is a method that has been investigated as a local treatment with simultaneously distant disease control. In our current experiment we purchased HTB-70 (melanoma cell line, derived from metastatic axillary node) and CRL-2302 (human retinal epithelium) were from ATCC LGC Standards and Ancotil®, 2.5 g/250 ml (1 g/00ml) (5-Flucytosine) MEDA; Pharmaceuticals Ltd. UK. Adenosine Cytosine Deaminase (Ad.CD) was also used in order to convert the pro-drug 5-Flucytosine to the active 5-Fluoracil. Three different concentrations of 5-Flucytosine (5-FC) were administered (0.2ml, 0.8ml and 1.2ml). At indicated time-points (4h, 8h and 24h) cell viability and apoptosis were measured. Our concept was to investigate whether suicide gene therapy with Ad. CD-5-FC could be used with safety and efficiency as a future local treatment for melanoma located in the eye cavity. Indeed, our results indicated that in every 5-FC administration had mild cytotoxicity for the retinal cells, while increased apoptosis was observed for the melanoma cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Sakkas
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paul Zarogoulidis
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Domvri
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Dimitris Bougiouklis
- 3. Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology-BMT Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stylianos Kakolyris
- 4. Oncology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Thomas Zarampoukas
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kioumis
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Pitsiou
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Haidong Huang
- 5. Department of Respiratory Diseases, Changhai Hospital/First Affiliated Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- 5. Department of Respiratory Diseases, Changhai Hospital/First Affiliated Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- 6. Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Anthropology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Theodora Tsiouda
- 7. Internal Medicine Department, ``Theiageneio`` Anticancer Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Konstantinos Zarogoulidis
- 1. Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, ``G. Papanikolaou`` General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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17
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Schaaf MB, Cojocari D, Keulers TG, Jutten B, Starmans MH, de Jong MC, Begg AC, Savelkouls KG, Bussink J, Vooijs M, Wouters BG, Rouschop KM. The autophagy associated gene, ULK1, promotes tolerance to chronic and acute hypoxia. Radiother Oncol 2013; 108:529-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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18
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Chaudary N, Mujcic H, Wouters BG, Hill RP. Hypoxia and metastasis in an orthotopic cervix cancer xenograft model. Radiother Oncol 2013; 108:506-10. [PMID: 23856487 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoxia can promote tumor metastasis by mechanisms that are believed to result from changes in gene expression. The current study examined the role of putative metastatic genes regulated by cyclic hypoxia in relation to metastasis formation in orthotopic models of cervix cancer. METHODS Orthotopic tumors derived from ME180 human cervix cancer cells or from early generation human cervix cancer xenografts were exposed to cyclic hypoxic conditions during growth in vivo and tumor growth and lymphnode metastases were monitored. Expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and various genes in the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway were inhibited using genetic (inducible shRNA vs CXCR4) small molecule (AMD3100) or antibody (5E1) treatment (CXCR4 and Hh genes, respectively) during tumor growth. RESULTS As reported previously, exposure of tumor bearing mice to cyclic hypoxia caused a reduction of tumor growth but a large increase in metastasis. Inhibition of CXCR4 or Hh gene activity during tumor growth further reduced primary tumor size and reduced lymphatic metastasis to levels below those seen in control mice exposed to normoxic conditions. CONCLUSION Blocking CXCR4 or Hh gene expression are potential therapeutic pathways for improving cervix cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naz Chaudary
- Ontario Cancer Institute/Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and The Campbell Family Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, Canada
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19
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Zarogoulidis P, Darwiche K, Sakkas A, Yarmus L, Huang H, Li Q, Freitag L, Zarogoulidis K, Malecki M. Suicide Gene Therapy for Cancer - Current Strategies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 4. [PMID: 24294541 DOI: 10.4172/2157-7412.1000139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Current cancer treatments may create profound iatrogenic outcomes. The adverse effects of these treatments still remain, as the serious problems that practicing physicians have to cope with in clinical practice. Although, non-specific cytotoxic agents constitute an effective treatment modality against cancer cells, they also tend to kill normal, quickly dividing cells. On the other hand, therapies targeting the genome of the tumors are both under investigation, and some others are already streamlined to clinical practice. Several approaches have been investigated in order to find a treatment targeting the cancer cells, while not affecting the normal cells. Suicide gene therapy is a therapeutic strategy, in which cell suicide inducing transgenes are introduced into cancer cells. The two major suicide gene therapeutic strategies currently pursued are: cytosine deaminase/5-fluorocytosine and the herpes simplex virus/ganciclovir. The novel strategies include silencing gene expression, expression of intracellular antibodies blocking cells' vital pathways, and transgenic expression of caspases and DNases. We analyze various elements of cancer cells' suicide inducing strategies including: targets, vectors, and mechanisms. These strategies have been extensively investigated in various types of cancers, while exploring multiple delivery routes including viruses, non-viral vectors, liposomes, nanoparticles, and stem cells. We discuss various stages of streamlining of the suicide gene therapy into clinical oncology as applied to different types of cancer. Moreover, suicide gene therapy is in the center of attention as a strategy preventing cancer from developing in patients participating in the clinical trials of regenerative medicine. In oncology, these clinical trials are aimed at regenerating, with the aid of stem cells, of the patients' organs damaged by pathologic and/or iatrogenic factors. However, the stem cells carry the risk of neoplasmic transformation. We discuss cell suicide inducing strategies aimed at preventing stem cell-originated cancerogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, "G. Papanikolaou" General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece, EU ; Department of Interventional Pneumology, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Lung Center, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany, EU
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