Synthesis and Analysis of 64Cu-Labeled GE11-Modified Polymeric Micellar Nanoparticles for EGFR-Targeted Molecular Imaging in a Colorectal Cancer Model

EGFR-targeting polydopamine nanoparticles co-loaded with 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and leucovorin to potentially enhance metastatic colorectal cancer therapy

Despite all prevention programs, many cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) are diagnosed when they have already metastasized. Herein, chemotherapy is required, and combination of 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and leucovorin (FOLFIRI) is one of the first-line treatments chosen. However, it is so toxic that compromises patient outcomes. Thus, with the aim of improving FOLFIRI pharmacokinetics while reducing its side effects, the three compounds that make it up were simultaneously absorbed in this work into polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs), also loaded with an antibody to target CRC cells overexpressing the epithermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). All adsorptions, which were successfully executed without toxic solvents, were electrostatic in nature according to the calorimetry results obtained. Otherwise, based on the experiments done, 5-flurouracil, irinotecan, and leucovorin release from PDA NPs followed a burst-like pattern, which was possibly mediated by Fickian diffusion mechanisms. Finally, the assays performed with two EGFR-overexpressing CRC cell lines showed that the uptake of the nanosystem was rapid, and that its therapeutic effect was very significant. It managed to greatly reduce the viability of these cells to 22-30% after 72 h of incubation. Furthermore, when tumor spheroids were developed and treated with PDA NPs loaded with FOLFIRI and the anti-EGFR antibody (FOLFIRI-CTX@PDA NPs), these demonstrated to continue to have very marked therapeutic activity. In addition, FOLFIRI-CTX@PDA NPs affected to a lesser extent the survival rate of stromal cells, with which viability experiments were also done. Therefore, the novel developed PDA nanocarrier could be a promising strategy to enhance metastatic CRC therapy hereafter.

Quantitative Intracellular Delivery of Anticancer Nanodrugs Via an Immunoassay Employing Pt-SiO2 Janus-Peroxidase Nanozyme

The accurate and efficient quantification of nanodrug dosage is crucial for early anticancer therapy. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has emerged as a robust tool for detecting anticancer nanodrug dosage; however, the development of sensing elements to quantify anticancer nanodrugs still poses a challenge. To overcome this problem, we utilize polysuccinimide-loaded curcumin (CUR @PSIOAm) as a model to employ an ELISA based on peroxidase nanozyme Pt-SiO2 Janus nanoparticles (Pt-SiO2 JNPs) for the indirect quantitative analysis of intracellular anticancer nanodrug dosage. This novel approach employs an immunoassay to indirectly quantify the dosage of anticancer nanodrugs while preserving its structural integrity. The silica components of Pt-SiO2 JNPs adsorb intermediates, while the Pt NP components exhibit high catalytic activity. Pt-SiO2 JNPs are functionalized with anti-PSIOAm antibody (Pt-SiO2 JNPs-Ab) to serve as an immunosensor capable of specific recognition of CUR @PSIOAm. Additionally, we employed cytotoxicity assays and confocal imaging techniques to demonstrate the excellent biocompatibility of CUR @PSIOAm, as well as its specific uptake by cancer cells. According to the experimental results, the limit of detection (LOD) for the immunoassay of Pt-SiO2 JNPs as a marker for detecting CUR @PSIOAm is approximately 4.5-fold lower than that of horseradish peroxidase. Therefore, by optimizing the conditions, we established a direct competitive ELISA using Pt-SiO2 JNPs as colorimetric indicators for the quantitative detection of intracellular CUR @PSIOAm. The LOD for this ELISA was determined to be 0.01 ng/mL, while the loaded CUR amount calculated from the drug loading capacity was found to be 0.22 pg/mL. Furthermore, the recoveries obtained from this established ELISA ranged between 94.0 and 108%, demonstrating excellent accuracy. Consequently, the peroxidase mimic Pt-SiO2 JNPs-based ELISA exhibits significant potential for precise quantification of intracellular anticancer nanodrug dosages.

Innovative Peptide Bioconjugation Chemistry with Radionuclides: Beyond Classical Click Chemistry

Background: The incorporation of radionuclides into peptides and larger biomolecules requires efficient and sometimes biorthogonal reaction conditions, to which click chemistry provides a convenient approach. Methods: Traditionally, click-based radiolabeling techniques have focused on classical click chemistry, such as copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide [3+2] cycloaddition (CuAAC), strain-promoted azide-alkyne [3+2] cycloaddition (SPAAC), traceless Staudinger ligation, and inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (IEDDA). Results: However, newly emerging click-based radiolabeling techniques, including tyrosine-click, sulfo-click, sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx), thiol-ene click, azo coupling, hydrazone formations, oxime formations, and RIKEN click offer valuable alternatives to classical click chemistry. Conclusions: This review will discuss the applications of these techniques in peptide radiochemistry.

Developments in radionanotheranostic strategies for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate Cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed urological cancer among men worldwide. Conventional methods used for diagnosis of PCa have several pitfalls which include lack of sensitivity and specificity. On the other hand, traditional treatment of PCa poses challenges such as long-term side effects and the development of multidrug resistance (MDR).

MAIN BODY

Hence, there is a need for novel PCa agents with the potential to lessen the burden of these adverse effects on patients. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to support both early diagnosis and effective treatment of tumours by ensuring precise delivery of the drug to the targeted site of the disease. Most cancer-related biological processes occur on the nanoscale hence application of nanotechnology has been greatly appreciated and implemented in the management and therapeutics of cancer. Nuclear medicine plays a significant role in the non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of PCa using appropriate radiopharmaceuticals. This review aims to explore the different radiolabelled nanomaterials to enhance the specific delivery of imaging and therapeutic agents to cancer cells. Thereafter, the review appraises the advantages and disadvantages of these modalities and then discusses and outlines the benefits of radiolabelled nanomaterials in targeting cancerous prostatic tumours. Moreover, the nanoradiotheranostic approaches currently developed for PCa are discussed and finally the prospects of combining radiopharmaceuticals with nanotechnology in improving PCa outcomes will be highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Nanomaterials have great potential, but safety and biocompatibility issues remain. Notwithstanding, the combination of nanomaterials with radiotherapeutics may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Application of Nanoparticles in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Diseases: A Complete Future Perspective

The diagnosis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases currently relies primarily on invasive procedures like digestive endoscopy. However, these procedures can cause discomfort, respiratory issues, and bacterial infections in patients, both during and after the examination. In recent years, nanomedicine has emerged as a promising field, providing significant advancements in diagnostic techniques. Nanoprobes, in particular, offer distinct advantages, such as high specificity and sensitivity in detecting GI diseases. Integration of nanoprobes with advanced imaging techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance, optical fluorescence imaging, tomography, and optical correlation tomography, has significantly enhanced the detection capabilities for GI tumors and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This synergy enables early diagnosis and precise staging of GI disorders. Among the nanoparticles investigated for clinical applications, superparamagnetic iron oxide, quantum dots, single carbon nanotubes, and nanocages have emerged as extensively studied and utilized agents. This review aimed to provide insights into the potential applications of nanoparticles in modern imaging techniques, with a specific focus on their role in facilitating early and specific diagnosis of a range of GI disorders, including IBD and colorectal cancer (CRC). Additionally, we discussed the challenges associated with the implementation of nanotechnology-based GI diagnostics and explored future prospects for translation in this promising field.

Recent Advances in 64Cu/67Cu-Based Radiopharmaceuticals

Copper-64 (T1/2 = 12.7 h) is a positron and beta-emitting isotope, with decay characteristics suitable for both positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and radiotherapy of cancer. Copper-67 (T1/2 = 61.8 h) is a beta and gamma emitter, appropriate for radiotherapy β-energy and with a half-life suitable for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. The chemical identities of 64Cu and 67Cu isotopes allow for convenient use of the same chelating molecules for sequential PET imaging and radiotherapy. A recent breakthrough in 67Cu production opened previously unavailable opportunities for a reliable source of 67Cu with high specific activity and purity. These new opportunities have reignited interest in the use of copper-containing radiopharmaceuticals for the therapy, diagnosis, and theranostics of various diseases. Herein, we summarize recent (2018-2023) advances in the use of copper-based radiopharmaceuticals for PET, SPECT imaging, radiotherapy, and radioimmunotherapy.

Innovative Diagnostic Peptide-Based Technologies for Cancer Diagnosis: Focus on EGFR-Targeting Peptides

Active targeting using biological ligands has emerged as a novel strategy for the targeted delivery of diagnostic agents to tumor cells. Conjugating functional targeting moieties with diagnostic probes can increase their accumulation in tumor cells and tissues, enhancing signal detection and, thus, the sensitivity of diagnosis. Due to their small size, ease of chemical synthesis and site-specific modification, high tissue penetration, low immunogenicity, rapid blood clearance, low cost, and biosafety, peptides offer several advantages over antibodies and proteins in diagnostic applications. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most promising cancer biomarkers for actively targeting diagnostic and therapeutic agents to tumor cells due to its active involvement and overexpression in various cancers. Several peptides for EGFR-targeting have been identified in the last decades, which have been obtained by multiple means including derivation from natural proteins, phage display screening, positional scanning synthetic combinatorial library, and in silico screening. Many studies have used these peptides as a targeting moiety for diagnosing different cancers in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. This review summarizes the progress of EGFR-targeting peptide-based assays in the molecular diagnosis of cancer.

Advances in nanomaterial-based targeted drug delivery systems

Nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems (NBDDS) are widely used to improve the safety and therapeutic efficacy of encapsulated drugs due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties. By combining therapeutic drugs with nanoparticles using rational targeting pathways, nano-targeted delivery systems were created to overcome the main drawbacks of conventional drug treatment, including insufficient stability and solubility, lack of transmembrane transport, short circulation time, and undesirable toxic effects. Herein, we reviewed the recent developments in different targeting design strategies and therapeutic approaches employing various nanomaterial-based systems. We also discussed the challenges and perspectives of smart systems in precisely targeting different intravascular and extravascular diseases.

GE11 peptide-decorated acidity-responsive micelles for improved drug delivery and enhanced combination therapy of metastatic breast cancer

Nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery systems suffer from insufficient retention in tumor tissues and unreliable drug release at specific target sites. Herein, we developed an epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted multifunctional micellar nanoplatform (GE11-DOX+CEL-M) by encapsulating celecoxib into polymeric micelles based on the conjugate of GE11-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate) with doxorubicin to suppress tumor growth and metastasis. The polymeric micelles maintained stable nanostructures under physiological conditions but quickly disintegrated in a weakly acidic environment, which is conducive to controlled drug release. Importantly, GE11-DOX+CEL-M micelles effectively delivered the drug combination to tumor sites and enhanced tumor cell uptake through GE11-mediated active tumor targeting. Subsequently, GE11-DOX+CEL-M micelles dissociated in response to intracellular slightly acidic microenvironmental stimuli, resulting in rapid release of celecoxib and doxorubicin to synergistically inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumor cells. Systemic administration of GE11-DOX+CEL-M micelles into mice bearing subcutaneous 4T1 tumor models resulted in higher tumor growth suppression and decreased lung metastasis of tumor cells compared with micelles without GE11 decoration or delivering only doxorubicin. Furthermore, the micelles effectively reduced the systemic toxicity of the chemotherapy drugs. This nanotherapeutic system provides a promising strategy for safe and effective cancer therapy.

Challenges for the application of EGFR-targeting peptide GE11 in tumor diagnosis and treatment

Abnormal regulation of cell signaling pathways on cell survival, proliferation and migration contributes to the development of malignant tumors. Among them, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of the most important biomarkers in many types of malignant solid tumors. Its over-expression and mutation status can be served as a biomarker to identify patients who can be benifit from EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-EGFR monocloncal antibody (mAb) therapy. For decades, researches on EGFR targeted ligands were actively carried out to identify potent candidates for cancer therapy. An ideal EGFR ligand can competitively inhibit the binding of endogenous growth factor, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-α(TGF-α) to EGFR, thus block EGFR signaling pathway and downregulate EGFR expression. Alternatively, conjugation of EGFR ligands on drug delivery systems (DDS) can facilitate targeting delivery of therapeutics or diagnostic agents to EGFR over-expression tumors via EGFR-mediated endocytosis. GE11 peptide is one of the potent EGFR ligand screened from a phage display peptide library. It is a dodecapeptide that can specifically binds to EGFR with high affinity and selectivity. GE11 has been widely used in the diagnosis and targeted delivery of drugs for radiotherapy, genetherapy and chemotherpy against EGFR positive tumors. In this review, the critical factors affecting the in vivo and in vitro targeting performance of GE11 peptide, including ligand-receptor intermolecular force, linker bond properties and physiochemical properties of carrier materials, are detailedly interpreted. This review provides a valuable vision for the rational design and optimization of GE11-based active targeting strategies for cancer treatment, and it will promote the translation studies of GE11 from lab research to clinical application.

Controlled-Release Nanosystems with a Dual Function of Targeted Therapy and Radiotherapy in Colorectal Cancer

Nanoparticles are excellent platforms for several biomedical applications, including cancer treatment. They can incorporate different molecules to produce combinations of chemotherapeutic agents, radionuclides, and targeting molecules to improve the therapeutic strategies against cancer. These specific nanosystems are designed to have minimal side effects on healthy cells and better treatment efficacy against cancer cells when compared to chemotherapeutics, external irradiation, or targeted radiotherapy alone. In colorectal cancer, some metal and polymeric nanoparticle platforms have been used to potentialize external radiation therapy and targeted drug delivery. Polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, albumin-based nanoparticles, etc., conjugated with PEG and/or HLA, can be excellent platforms to increase blood circulation time and decrease side effects, in addition to the combination of chemo/radiotherapy, which increases therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, radiolabeled nanoparticles have been conjugated to target specific tissues and are mainly used as agents for diagnosis, drug/gene delivery systems, or plasmonic photothermal therapy enhancers. This review aims to analyze how nanosystems are shaping combinatorial therapy and evaluate their status in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Radiolabeled nanomaterials for biomedical applications: radiopharmacy in the era of nanotechnology

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in nanotechnology have offered new hope for cancer detection, prevention, and treatment. Nanomedicine, a term for the application of nanotechnology in medical and health fields, uses nanoparticles for several applications such as imaging, diagnostic, targeted cancer therapy, drug and gene delivery, tissue engineering, and theranostics.

RESULTS

Here, we overview the current state-of-the-art of radiolabeled nanoparticles for molecular imaging and radionuclide therapy. Nanostructured radiopharmaceuticals of technetium-99m, copper-64, lutetium-177, and radium-223 are discussed within the scope of this review article.

CONCLUSION

Nanoradiopharmaceuticals may lead to better development of theranostics inspired by ingenious delivery and imaging systems. Cancer nano-theranostics have the potential to lead the way to more specific and individualized cancer treatment.

Dual-Labelling Strategies for Nuclear and Fluorescence Molecular Imaging: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Molecular imaging offers the possibility to investigate biological and biochemical processes non-invasively and to obtain information on both anatomy and dysfunctions. Based on the data obtained, a fundamental understanding of various disease processes can be derived and treatment strategies can be planned. In this context, methods that combine several modalities in one probe are increasingly being used. Due to the comparably high sensitivity and provided complementary information, the combination of nuclear and optical probes has taken on a special significance. In this review article, dual-labelled systems for bimodal nuclear and optical imaging based on both modular ligands and nanomaterials are discussed. Particular attention is paid to radiometal-labelled molecules for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) and metal complexes combined with fluorescent dyes for optical imaging. The clinical potential of such probes, especially for fluorescence-guided surgery, is assessed.

Biodistribution and Activity of EGFR Targeted Polymeric Micelles Delivering a New Inhibitor of DNA Repair to Orthotopic Colorectal Cancer Xenografts with Metastasis

The disruption of polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP) in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells deficient in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is expected to lead to the loss of cell viability by a process known as synthetic lethality. In previous studies, we have reported on the encapsulation of a novel inhibitor of PNKP, namely, A83B4C63, in polymeric micelles and its activity in slowing the growth of PTEN-deficient CRC cells as well as subcutaneous xenografts. In this study, to enhance drug delivery and specificity to CRC tumors, the surface of polymeric micelles carrying A83B4C63 was modified with GE11, a peptide targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpressed in about 70% of CRC tumors. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we assessed the binding site and affinity of GE11 for EGFR. The GE11-modified micelles, tagged with a near-infrared fluorophore, showed enhanced internalization by EGFR-overexpressing CRC cells in vitro and a trend toward increased primary tumor homing in an orthotopic CRC xenograft in vivo. In line with these observations, the GE11 modification of polymeric micelles was shown to positively contribute to the improved therapeutic activity of encapsulated A83B4C63 against HCT116-PTEN^-/- cells in vitro and that of orthotopic CRC xenograft in vivo. In conclusion, our results provided proof of principle evidence for the potential benefit of EGFR targeted polymeric micellar formulations of A83B4C63 as monotherapeutics for aggressive and metastatic CRC tumors but at the same time highlighted the need for the development of EGFR ligands with improved physiological stability and EGFR binding.

PET/Fluorescence Imaging: An Overview of the Chemical Strategies to Build Dual Imaging Tools

Molecular imaging is a biomedical research discipline that has quickly emerged to afford the observation, characterization, monitoring, and quantification of biomarkers and biological processes in living organism. It covers a large array of imaging techniques, each of which provides anatomical, functional, or metabolic information. Multimodality, as the combination of two or more of these techniques, has proven to be one of the best options to boost their individual properties, hence offering unprecedented tools for human health. In this review, we will focus on the combination of positron emission tomography and fluorescence imaging from the specific perspective of the chemical synthesis of dual imaging agents. Based on a detailed analysis of the literature, this review aims at giving a comprehensive overview of the chemical strategies implemented to build adequate imaging tools considering radiohalogens and radiometals as positron emitters, fluorescent dyes mostly emitting in the NIR window and all types of targeting vectors.

Nano-Delivery of a Novel Inhibitor of Polynucleotide Kinase/Phosphatase (PNKP) for Targeted Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer to Radiation-Induced DNA Damage

Inhibition of the DNA repair enzyme polynucleotide kinase/phosphatase (PNKP) increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to DNA damage by ionizing radiation (IR). We have developed a novel inhibitor of PNKP, i.e., A83B4C63, as a potential radio-sensitizer for the treatment of solid tumors. Systemic delivery of A83B4C63, however, may sensitize both cancer and normal cells to DNA damaging therapeutics. Preferential delivery of A83B4C63 to solid tumors by nanoparticles (NP) was proposed to reduce potential side effects of this PNKP inhibitor to normal tissue, particularly when combined with DNA damaging therapies. Here, we investigated the radio-sensitizing activity of A83B4C63 encapsulated in NPs (NP/A83) based on methoxy poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(α-benzyl carboxylate-ε-caprolactone) (mPEO-b-PBCL) or solubilized with the aid of Cremophor EL: Ethanol (CE/A83) in human HCT116 colorectal cancer (CRC) models. Levels of γ-H2AX were measured and the biodistribution of CE/A83 and NP/A83 administered intravenously was determined in subcutaneous HCT116 CRC xenografts. The radio-sensitization effect of A83B4C63 was measured following fractionated tumor irradiation using an image-guided Small Animal Radiation Research Platform (SARRP), with 24 h pre-administration of CE/A83 and NP/A83 to Luc⁺/HCT116 bearing mice. Therapeutic effects were analyzed by monitoring tumor growth and functional imaging using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and [¹⁸F]-fluoro-3’-deoxy-3’-L:-fluorothymidine ([¹⁸F]FLT) as a radiotracer for cell proliferation. The results showed an increased persistence of DNA damage in cells treated with a combination of CE/A83 or NP/A83 and IR compared to those only exposed to IR. Significantly higher tumor growth delay in mice treated with a combination of IR and NP/A83 than those treated with IR plus CE/A83 was observed. [¹⁸F]FLT PET displayed significant functional changes for tumor proliferation for the drug-loaded NP. This observation was attributed to the higher A83B4C63 levels in the tumors for NP/A83-treated mice compared to those treated with CE/A83. Overall, the results demonstrated a potential for A83B4C63-loaded NP as a novel radio-sensitizer for the treatment of CRC.

Cetuximab-Polymersome-Mertansine Nanodrug for Potent and Targeted Therapy of EGFR-Positive Cancers

Targeted nanomedicines particularly armed with monoclonal antibodies are considered to be the most promising advanced chemotherapy for malignant cancers; however, their development is hindered by their instability and drug leakage problems. Herein, we constructed a robust cetuximab-polymersome-mertansine nanodrug (C-P-DM1) for highly potent and targeted therapy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive solid tumors. C-P-DM1 with a tailored cetuximab surface density of 2 per P-DM1 exhibited a size of ca. 60 nm, high stability with minimum DM1 leakage, glutathione-triggered release of native DM1, and 6.0-11.3-fold stronger cytotoxicity in EGFR-positive human breast (MDA-MB-231), lung (A549), and liver (SMMC-7721) cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 27.1-135.5 nM) than P-DM1 control. Notably, intravenous injection of C-P-DM1 effectively repressed subcutaneous MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and orthotopic A549-Luc lung carcinoma in mice without inducing toxic effects. Strikingly, intratumoral injection of C-P-DM1 completely cured 60% of mice bearing breast tumor without recurrence. This robust cetuximab-polymersome-mertansine nanodrug provides a promising new strategy for targeted treatment of EGFR-positive solid malignancies.

Active targeting strategy in nanomedicines using anti-EGFR ligands - A promising approach for cancer therapy and diagnosis

As active targeting using nanomedicines establishes itself as a strategy of choice in cancer therapy, several target receptors or ligands overexpressed in cancer cells have been identified and exploited. Among them, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as one of the most promising oncomarkers for active targeting nanomedicines due to its overexpression and its active involvement in a wide range of cancer types. Henceforth, many novel EGFR-targeted nanomedicines for cancer therapy have been developed, giving encouraging results both in vitro and in vivo. This review focuses on different applications of such medicines in oncotherapy. On an important note, the contribution of EGFR-targeting ligands to final therapy efficacy along with current challenges and possible solutions or alternatives are emphasized.

Surface functionalization of nanomaterials by aryl diazonium salts for biomedical sciences

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be prepared by simple reactions and methods from a number of materials. Their small size opens up a number of applications in different fields, among which biomedicine, including: i) drug delivery, ii) biosensors, iii) bioimaging, iv) antibacterial activity. To be able to perform such tasks, NPs must be modified with a variety of functional molecules, such as drugs, targeting groups, chemical tags or antibacterial agents, and must also be prevented from aggregation. The attachment must be stable to resist during the transportation to the targeted location. Diazonium salts, which have been widely used for coupling applications and surface modification, fulfil such criteria. Moreover, they are simple to prepare and can be easily substituted with a large number of organic groups. This review describes the use of these compounds in nanomedicine with a focus on the construction of nanohybrids derived from metal, oxide and carbon-based NPs as well as viruses.

A synthetically lethal nanomedicine delivering novel inhibitors of polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP) for targeted therapy of PTEN-deficient colorectal cancer

Phosphatase and TENsin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a major tumor-suppressor protein that is lost in up to 75% of aggressive colorectal cancers (CRC). The co-depletion of PTEN and a DNA repair protein, polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP), has been shown to lead to synthetic lethality in several cancer types including CRC. This finding inspired the development of novel PNKP inhibitors as potential new drugs against PTEN-deficient CRC. Here, we report on the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a nano-encapsulated potent, but poorly water-soluble lead PNKP inhibitor, A83B4C63, as a new targeted therapeutic for PTEN-deficient CRC. Our data confirmed the binding of A83B4C63, as free or nanoparticle (NP) formulation, to intracellular PNKP using the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), in vitro and in vivo. Dose escalating toxicity studies in healthy CD-1 mice, based on measurement of animal weight changes and biochemical blood analysis, revealed the safety of both free and nano-encapsulated A83B4C63, at assessed doses of ≤50 mg/kg. Nano-carriers of A83B4C63 effectively inhibited the growth of HCT116/PTEN^-/- xenografts in NIH-III nude mice following intravenous (IV) administration, but not that of wild-type HCT116/PTEN^+/+ xenografts. This was in contrast to IV administration of A83B4C63 solubilized with the aid of Cremophor EL: Ethanol (CE), which led to similar tumor growth to that of formulation excipients (NP or CE without drug) or 5% dextrose. This observation was attributed to the higher levels of A83B4C63 delivered to tumor tissue by its NP formulation. Our data provide evidence for the success of NPs of A83B4C63, as novel synthetically lethal nano-therapeutics in the treatment of PTEN-deficient CRC. This research also highlights the potential of successful application of nanomedicine in the drug development process.

Peptide-Based Strategies for Targeted Tumor Treatment and Imaging

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The development of cancer-specific diagnostic agents and anticancer toxins would improve patient survival. The current and standard types of medical care for cancer patients, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, are not able to treat all cancers. A new treatment strategy utilizing tumor targeting peptides to selectively deliver drugs or applicable active agents to solid tumors is becoming a promising approach. In this review, we discuss the different tumor-homing peptides discovered through combinatorial library screening, as well as native active peptides. The different structure–function relationship data that have been used to improve the peptide’s activity and conjugation strategies are highlighted.

nSite-Selective, Chemical Modification of Protein at Aromatic Side Chain and Their Emergent Applications

Site-selective chemical modification of protein side chain has probed enormous opportunities in the fundamental understanding of cellular biology and therapeutic applications. Primarily, in the field of biopharmaceutical where formulation of bioconjugates is found to be potential medicine than an individual constituent. In this regard, Lysine and Cysteine are the most widely used endogenous amino acid for these purposes. Recently, the aromatic side chain residues (Trp, Tyr, and His) that are low abundant in protein have gained more attention in therapeutic applications due to their advantages of chemical reactivity and specificity. This review discusses the site-selective bioconjugation methods for aromatic side chains (Trp, Tyr and His) and highlights the developed strategies in the last three years, along with their applications. Also, the review highlights the prevalent methods published earlier. We have examined that metal-catalyzed and photocatalytic reactions are gaining more attention for bioconjugation, though their practical operation is under development. The review has been summarized with the future perspective of protein and peptide conjugations contemplating therapeutic applications and challenges.

Electrodialytic Handling of Radioactive Metal Ions for Preparation of Tracer Reagents

Radioactive metals are applied in biochemistry, medical diagnosis such as positron emission tomography (PET), and cancer therapy. However, the activity of radioisotopes exponentially decreases with time; therefore, rapid and reliable probe preparation methods are strongly recommended. In the present study, electrodialytic radioactive metal ion handling is studied for counter ion conversion and in-line probe synthesis. Presently, counter ion conversion and probe synthesis are achieved by evaporative dryness and solution mixing, respectively. Evaporative dryness is time-consuming and is a possible process that can lead to loss of radioactive metal ions. Mixing of solutions for synthesis makes dilution and undesirable effects of counter ion on the synthesis. An optimized electrodialytic flow device can transfer a radioisotope, ⁶⁴Cu²⁺, with high recovery from HCl matrices to HNO₃ (∼100%). Matrices can also be transferred into acetic acid and citric acid, even though the concentration of the metal ion is at the picomolar level. The ion transfer can also be achieved with simultaneous counter ion conversion, complex synthesis, and enrichment. When the ligand was dissolved in an acceptor solution, the transferred metal ions from the donor were well mixed and formed a complex with the ligand in-line. The efficiency of the synthesis was ∼100% for 1.0 pM ⁶⁴Cu. A relatively larger donor-to-acceptor flow rate can enrich the metal ion in the acceptor solution continuously. The flow rate ratio of 10 (donor/acceptor) can achieve 10 times enrichment. The present electrodialytic ion handling method can treat ultra-trace radioisotopes in a closed system. With this method, rapid, effective, and safe radioisotope treatments were achieved.

One pot synthesis of zwitteronic 99mTc doped ultrasmall iron oxide nanoparticles for SPECT/T1-weighted MR dual-modality tumor imaging

In this study, we have synthesized ^99mTc intrinsically labeled ultrasmall magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles with zwitterionic surface coating (^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs) via one pot synthesis using sulfobetains functionalized poly (acrylic acid) as stabilizer and Na^99mTcO₄ and SnCl₂ as additives. The commercialization of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner made the combination use of ^99mTc and iron oxide nanoparticles attracting much attention. Direct doping radioisotope into nanoparticles has the advantages of excellent radiochemical stability and no restriction on the surface functionalization. The complex Technetium chemistry made it challenging to direct dope ^99mTc into IONPs, especially those ultrasmall ones without precipitation. We proved that it is possible to prepare ^99mTc doped USIONPs with excellent water solubility and favorable T1 signal by controlling the radioactivity and reducing agent amount. With no need of chelator, the zwitterionic surface resists the protein corona formation, resulting in a reduced RES uptake and higher tumor contrast. The ^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs demonstrated excellent performance of tumor SPECT and T1-weighted MR imaging capability in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Together with their ease of preparation and superior biocompatibility, we believe these ^99mTc-ZW-USIONPs represent a type of promising dual contrast agent for SPECT/T1 MRI.

Copper-64 labeled nanoparticles for positron emission tomography imaging: a review of the recent literature

INTRODUCTION

Nuclear medicine plays a crucial role for personalized therapy, mainly in oncology. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy present some disadvantages and research is shifting toward nanotechnology with significant improvements in therapy and diagnosis of several cancers. Indeed, nanoparticles can be tagged with different radioisotopes for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and for therapy. This review describes the current state of the art of ⁶⁴Copper-labeled nanoparticles for PET imaging of cancer.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic analysis of literature using the terms "64CuCl<inf>2</inf>," "64Cu," "Copper" AND "nanoparticle" AND "PET" in online databases: i.e. PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. The search was limited to English papers and original articles. We excluded articles not in English language, abstracts, case reports, review articles and meeting presentations.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Amongst the 116 articles retrieved, 88 were excluded because reviews, or not in English, or only in-vitro studies or meeting presentations. We considered only 28 original papers. The most used nanoparticles are liposomes and they are mainly used in breast cancer although other animal models of cancer have been also investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that nanoparticles can be considered a promising radiopharmaceutical for PET imaging of different type of cancer.

Challenges in the development of nanoparticle-based imaging agents: Characterization and biology

Despite imaging agents being some of the earliest nanomedicines in clinical use, the vast majority of current research and translational activities in the nanomedicine field involves therapeutics, while imaging agents are severely underrepresented. The reasons for this lack of representation are several fold, including difficulties in synthesis and scale-up, biocompatibility issues, lack of suitable tissue/disease selective targeting ligands and receptors, and a high bar for regulatory approval. The recent focus on immunotherapies and personalized medicine, and development of nanoparticle constructs with better tissue distribution and selectivity, provide new opportunities for nanomedicine imaging agent development. This manuscript will provide an overview of trends in imaging nanomedicine characterization and biocompatibility, and new horizons for future development. This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine.