Glutathione-Depleting Pro-Oxidant as a Selective Anticancer Therapeutic Agent

Photoactive nanocatalysts as DTT-assisted BSA-AuNCs with enhanced oxidase-mimicking ability for sensitive fluorometric detection of antioxidants

Redox imbalance and oxidative stress are increasingly recognized as significant factors in health disorders such as neurodegenerative disorders, premature aging and cancer. However, detecting antioxidant levels that is crucial for managing oxidative stress, can be challenging due to existing assays' limitations, such as insensitivity to thiol-containing antioxidants. This study presents a simple fluorescence-based assay for antioxidant detection employing the enhanced photocatalytic oxidase-like activity of dithiothreitol (DTT)-assisted bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stabilized gold nanoclusters (DTT@BSA-AuNCs). The reported nanozyme exhibits remarkable stability, versatility, and catalytic activity. Under LED irradiation, DTT@BSA-AuNCs generate singlet oxygen, which converts non-fluorescent thiamine to fluorescent thiochrome, utilizing dissolved oxygen for catalysis. Antioxidants inhibit thiochrome formation, leading to fluorescence quenching. This method enables sensitive detection of antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glutathione with limits of detection of 0.08 µM and 0.32 µM, respectively, under neutral pH, outperforming previous studies. The assay successfully detects antioxidants in human saliva and cancer cell models. The DTT@BSA-AuNCs-based assay offers a cost-effective, sensitive, and straightforward approach for detecting antioxidants in biological samples, facilitating improved monitoring of oxidative stress in various diseases.

Metabolic reprogramming in tumor immune microenvironment: Impact on immune cell function and therapeutic implications

Understanding of the metabolic reprogramming has revolutionized our insights into tumor progression and potential treatment. This review concentrates on the aberrant metabolic pathways in cancer cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cancer cells differ from normal cells in their metabolic processing of glucose, amino acids, and lipids in order to adapt to heightened biosynthetic and energy needs. These metabolic shifts, which crucially alter lactic acid, amino acid and lipid metabolism, affect not only tumor cell proliferation but also TME dynamics. This review also explores the reprogramming of various immune cells in the TME. From a therapeutic standpoint, targeting these metabolic alterations represents a novel cancer treatment strategy. This review also discusses approaches targeting the regulation of metabolism of different nutrients in tumor cells and influencing the tumor microenvironment to enhance the immune response. In summary, this review summarizes metabolic reprogramming in cancer and its potential as a target for innovative therapeutic strategies, offering fresh perspectives on cancer treatment.

Critical learning from industrial catalysis for nanocatalytic medicine

Systematical and critical learning from industrial catalysis will bring inspiration for emerging nanocatalytic medicine, but the relevant knowledge is quite limited so far. In this review, we briefly summarize representative catalytic reactions and corresponding catalysts in industry, and then distinguish the similarities and differences in catalytic reactions between industrial and medical applications in support of critical learning, deep understanding, and rational designing of appropriate catalysts and catalytic reactions for various medical applications. Finally, we summarize/outlook the present and potential translation from industrial catalysis to nanocatalytic medicine. This review is expected to display a clear picture of nanocatalytic medicine evolution.

Exploring the Hypocholesterolemic Potential of a Fucus vesiculosus Extract: Omic Insights into Molecular Mechanisms at the Intestinal Level

High blood cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A purified aqueous extract of Fucus vesiculosus, rich in phlorotannins and peptides, has been described for its potential to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis and intestinal absorption. In this work, the effect of this extract on intestinal cells' metabolites and proteins was analysed to gain a deeper understanding of its mode of action on lipids' metabolism, particularly concerning the absorption and transport of exogenous cholesterol. Caco-2 cells, differentiated into enterocytes, were exposed to the extract, and analysed by untargeted metabolomics and proteomics. The results of the metabolomic analysis showed statistically significant differences in glutathione content of cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells, along with an increased expression of fatty acid amides in exposed cells. A proteomic analysis showed an increased expression in cells exposed to the extract compared to control cells of FAB1 and NPC1, proteins known to be involved in lipid metabolism and transport. To the extent of our knowledge, this study is the first use of untargeted metabolomics and a proteomic analysis to investigate the effects of F. vesiculosus on differentiated Caco-2 cells, offering insights into the molecular mechanism of the extract's compounds on intestinal cells.

Potential anticancer effect of free and nanoformulated Deferasirox for breast cancer treatment: in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) stands as the second-leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. Many chemotherapeutic treatments for BC come with significant adverse effects. Additionally, BC is recognized as one of the most resistant forms of malignancy to treatment. Consequently, there exists a critical need for innovative therapeutic agents that are both highly effective and exhibit reduced toxicity and side effects for patients. Deferasirox (DFX), an iron-chelating drug approved by the FDA for oral use, emerges as a promising contender in the fight against BC proliferation. DFX, primarily administered orally, is utilized to address chronic iron excess resulting from blood transfusions, and it is the inaugural treatment for chronic iron overload syndrome. However, DFX encounters limitations due to its poor water solubility.

AIM

This study aimed at incorporating DFX into lipid nanocapsules (DFX-LNCs) followed by investigating the anticancer effect of the DFX nanoform as compared to free DFX in-vitro and on an orthotopic BC mouse model in-vivo.

METHODS

The DFX-LNCs was prepared and imaged using TEM and also characterized in terms of particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), and polydispersity index (PDI) using DLS. Moreover, drug release, cytotoxicity, and anticancer effect were assessed in-vitro, and in-vivo.

RESULTS

The results revealed that DFX-LNCs are more cytotoxic than free DFX with IC50 of 4.417 µg/ml and 16.114 µg/ml, respectively, while the plain LNCs didn't show any cytotoxic effect on the 4T1 cell line (IC50 = 122.797 µg/ml). Besides, the apoptotic effect of DFX-LNCs was more pronounced than that of free DFX, as evidenced by Annexin V/PI staining, increased BAX expression, and decreased expression of BcL-2. Moreover, DFX-LNCs showed a superior antitumor effect in-vivo with potent antioxidant and anti-proliferative effects.

CONCLUSION

The newly developed DFX nanoform demonstrated a high potential as a promising therapeutic agent for BC treatment.

Naturally Derived Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Modulates Induction of Oxidative Stress via Its N-Acetylated Cysteine Conjugated form in Malignant Melanoma

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a secondary metabolic product yielded upon the hydrolysis of gluconasturtiin and it is highly accumulated in the flowers of watercress. The aim of the current study was to assess the role of a naturally derived PEITC-enriched extract in the induction of oxidative stress and to evaluate its anti-melanoma potency through the regulation of its metabolism with the concurrent production of the N-acetyl cysteine conjugated by-product. For this purpose, an in vitro melanoma model was utilized consisting of human primary (A375) cells as well as metastatic (COLO-679) malignant melanoma cells together with non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Alamar Blue assay whereas the antioxidant/prooxidant activity of PEITC was determined via spectrophotometric assays. Finally, kinetic characterization of the end-product of PEITC metabolism was monitored via UPLC coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Our results indicate that although PhEF showed very minor antioxidant activity in a cell-free system, in a cell-based system, it can modulate the activity of key enzyme(s) involved in cellular antioxidant defense mechanism(s). In addition, we have shown that PhEF induces lipid and protein oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, while its cytotoxicity is not only dependent on PEITC itself but also on its N-acetylated cysteine conjugated form.

Harnessing small extracellular vesicles for pro-oxidant delivery: novel approach for drug-sensitive and resistant cancer therapy

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an inevitable clinical problem in chemotherapy due to the activation of abundant P-glycoprotein (P-gp) that can efflux drugs. Limitations of current cancer therapy highlight the need for the development of a comprehensive cancer treatment strategy, including drug-resistant cancers. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) possess significant potential in surmounting drug resistance as they can effectively evade the efflux mechanism and transport small molecules directly to MDR cancer cells. One mechanism mediating MDR in cancer cells is sustaining increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintenance of the redox balance with antioxidants, including glutathione (GSH). Herein, we developed GSH-depleting benzoyloxy dibenzyl carbonate (B2C)-encapsulated sEVs (BsEVs), which overcome the efflux system to exert highly potent anticancer activity against human MDR ovarian cancer cells (OVCAR-8/MDR) by depleting GSH to induce oxidative stress and, in turn, apoptotic cell death in both OVCAR-8/MDR and OVCAR-8 cancer cells. BsEVs restore drug responsiveness by inhibiting ATP production through the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with hydrogen (NADH) and inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to the dysfunction of efflux pumps responsible for drug resistance. In vivo studies showed that BsEV treatment significantly inhibited the growth of OVCAR-8/MDR and OVCAR-8 tumors. Additionally, OVCAR-8/MDR tumors showed a trend towards a greater sensitivity to BsEVs compared to OVCAR tumors. In summary, this study demonstrates that BsEVs hold tremendous potential for cancer treatment, especially against MDR cancer cells.

Small-molecule redox modulators with anticancer activity: A comprehensive mechanistic update

The pursuit of effective anticancer therapies has led to a burgeoning interest in the realm of redox modulation. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate mechanisms by which diverse anticancer molecules leverage redox pathways for therapeutic intervention. Redox modulation, encompassing the fine balance of oxidation-reduction processes within cells, has emerged as a pivotal player in cancer treatment. This review delves into the multifaceted mechanisms of action employed by various anticancer compounds, including small molecules and natural products, to disrupt cancer cell proliferation and survival. Beginning with an examination of the role of redox signaling in cancer development and resistance, the review highlights how aberrant redox dynamics can fuel tumorigenesis. It then meticulously dissects the strategies employed by anticancer agents to induce oxidative stress, perturb redox equilibrium, and trigger apoptosis within cancer cells. Furthermore, the review explores the challenges and potential side effects associated with redox-based treatments, along with the development of novel redox-targeted agents. In summary, this review offers a profound understanding of the dynamic interplay between redox modulation and anticancer molecules, presenting promising avenues to revolutionize cancer therapy and enhance patient outcomes.

Anticancer Potential of Flavonoids: An Overview with an Emphasis on Tangeretin

Natural compounds with pharmacological activity, flavonoids have been the subject of an exponential increase in studies in the field of scientific research focused on therapeutic purposes due to their bioactive properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antibacterial, antiviral, neuroprotective, radioprotective, and antitumor activities. The biological potential of flavonoids, added to their bioavailability, cost-effectiveness, and minimal side effects, direct them as promising cytotoxic anticancer compounds in the optimization of therapies and the search for new drugs in the treatment of cancer, since some extensively antineoplastic therapeutic approaches have become less effective due to tumor resistance to drugs commonly used in chemotherapy. In this review, we emphasize the antitumor properties of tangeretin, a flavonoid found in citrus fruits that has shown activity against some hallmarks of cancer in several types of cancerous cell lines, such as antiproliferative, apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-metastatic, anti-angiogenic, antioxidant, regulatory expression of tumor-suppressor genes, and epigenetic modulation.

Tumor-targeted redox-regulating and antiangiogenic phototherapeutics nanoassemblies for self-boosting phototherapy

Cancer cells are equipped with abundant antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) that eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) to deteriorate the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Another challenge in PDT is circumventing PDT-induced hypoxic condition that provokes upregulation of pro-angiogenic factor such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is therefore reasonable to expect that therapeutic outcomes of PDT could be maximized by concurrent delivery of photosensitizers with GSH depleting agents and VEGF suppressors. To achieve cooperative therapeutic actions of PDT with in situ GSH depletion and VEGF suppression, we developed tumor targeted redox-regulating and antiangiogenic phototherapeutic nanoassemblies (tRAPs) composed of self-assembling disulfide-bridged borylbenzyl carbonate (ssBR), photosensitizer (IR780) and tumor targeting gelatin. As a framework of tRAPs, ssBR was rationally designed to form nanoconstructs that serve as photosensitizer carriers with intrinsic GSH depleting- and VEGF suppressing ability. tRAPs effectively depleted intracellular GSH to render cancer cells more vulnerable to ROS and also provoked immunogenic cell death (ICD) of cancer cells upon near infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. In mouse xenograft models, tRAPs preferentially accumulated in tumors and dramatically eradicated tumors with laser irradiation. The design rationale of tRAPs provides a simple and versatile strategy to develop self-boosting phototherapeutic agents with great potential in targeted cancer therapy.

Bioderived Lipoic Acid-Based Dynamic Covalent Nanonetworks of Poly(disulfide)s: Enhanced Encapsulation Stability and Cancer Cell-Selective Delivery of Drugs

Dynamic covalent poly(disulfide)-based cross-linked nanoaggregates, termed nanonetworks (NNs), endowed with pH- and redox-responsive degradation features have been fabricated for stable noncovalent encapsulation and triggered cargo release in a controlled fashion. A bioderived lipoic acid-based Gemini surfactant-like amphiphilic molecule was synthesized for the preparation of nanoaggregates. It self-assembles by a entropy-driven self-assembly process in aqueous milieu. To further stabilize the self-assembled nanostructure, the core was cross-linked by ring-opening disulfide exchange polymerization (RODEP) of 1,2-dithiolane rings situated inside the core of the nanoaggregates. The cross-linked nanoaggregates, i.e., nanonetwork, are found to be stable in the presence of blood serum, and also, they maintain the self-assembled structure even below the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) as probed by dynamic light scattering (DLS) experiments. The nanonetwork showed almost 50% reduction in guest leakage compared to that of the nanoaggregates as shown by the release profile in the absence of stimuli, suggesting high encapsulation stability as evidenced by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiment. The decross-linking of the nanonetwork occurs in response to redox and pH stimuli due to disulfide reduction and β-thioester hydrolysis, respectively, thus empowering disassembly-mediated controlled cargo release up to ∼87% for 55 h of incubation. The biological evaluation of the doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded nanonetwork revealed environment-specific surface charge modulation-mediated cancer cell-selective cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. The benign nature of the nanonetwork toward normal cells makes the system very promising in targeted drug delivery applications. Thus, the ease of synthesis, nanonetwork fabrication reproducibility, robust stability, triggered drug release in a controlled fashion, and cell-selective cytotoxicity behavior, we believe, will make the system a potential candidate in the development of robust materials for chemotherapeutic applications.

Precision Medicine and Novel Therapeutic Strategies in Detection and Treatment of Cancer: Highlights from the 58th IACR Annual Conference

Innovation in both detection and treatment of cancer is necessary for the constant improvement in therapeutic strategies, especially in patients with novel or resistant variants of cancer. Cancer mortality rates have declined by almost 30% since 1991, however, depending on the cancer type, acquired resistance can occur to varying degrees. To combat this, researchers are looking towards advancing our understanding of cancer biology, in order to inform early detection, and guide novel therapeutic approaches. Through combination of these approaches, it is believed that a more complete and thorough intervention on cancer can be achieved. Here, we will discuss the advances and approaches in both detection and treatment of cancer, presented at the 58th Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) annual conference.

Modeling Preclinical Cancer Studies under Physioxia to Enhance Clinical Translation

Oxygen (O2) plays a key role in cellular homeostasis. O2 levels are tightly regulated in vivo such that each tissue receives an optimal amount to maintain physiologic status. Physiologic O2 levels in various organs range between 2% and 9% in vivo, with the highest levels of 9% in the kidneys and the lowest of 0.5% in parts of the brain. This physiologic range of O2 tensions is disrupted in pathologic conditions such as cancer, where it can reach as low as 0.5%. Regardless of the state, O2 tension in vivo is maintained at significantly lower levels than ambient O2, which is approximately 21%. Yet, routine in vitro cellular manipulations are carried out in ambient air, regardless of whether or not they are eventually transferred to hypoxic conditions for subsequent studies. Even brief exposure of hematopoietic stem cells to ambient air can cause detrimental effects through a mechanism termed extraphysiologic oxygen shock/stress (EPHOSS), leading to reduced engraftment capabilities. Here, we provide an overview of the effects of ambient air exposure on stem and non-stem cell subtypes, with a focus on recent findings that reveal the impact of EPHOSS on cancer cells.

Extract of Murraya koenigii selectively causes genomic instability by altering redox-status via targeting PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/caspase-3 signaling pathway in human non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Dietary bioactives have been used as alternative therapeutics to overcome various adverse effects caused by chemotherapeutics. Curry leaves are a widely used culinary spice and different parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicines. Curry leaves are a rich source of multiple bioactives, especially polyphenols and alkaloids. Therefore, extraction processes play a key role in obtaining the optimum yield of bioactives and their efficacy.

PURPOSE

We aim to select an extraction process that achieves the optimum yield of bioactives in curry leaves crude extract (CLCE) with minimum solvent usage and in a shorter time. Further, to investigate the anticancer properties of CLCE and its mechanism against lung cancer.

METHODS

Different extraction processes were performed and analyzed polyphenol content. The bioactives and essential oils present in curry leaves were identified through LC-MS/MS and GC-MS analysis. The cytotoxicity of microwave-assisted CLCE (MA-CLCE) was investigated through MTT and colony-forming assays. The DNA damage was observed by comet assay. The apoptotic mechanisms of MA-CLCE were investigated by estimating ROS production, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptotic proteins. The glutathione assay estimated the antioxidant potential of MA-CLCE in normal cells.

RESULTS

Generally, conventional extraction methods require high temperatures, extra energy input, and time. Recently, green extraction processes are getting wider attention as alternative extraction methods. This study compared different extraction processes and found that the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method yields the highest polyphenols from curry leaves among other extraction processes with minimum processing. The MA-CLCE functions as an antioxidant under normal physiological conditions but pro-oxidant to cancer cells. MA-CLCE scavenges free radicals and enhances the intracellular GSH level in alveolar macrophages in situ. We found that MA-CLCE selectively inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in cancer cells by altering cellular redox status. MA-CLCE induces chromatin condensation and genotoxicity through ROS-induced depolarization of MMP. The depolarization of MMP causes the release of cytochrome c into the cytosol and activates the apoptotic pathway in lung cancer cells. However, pretreatment with ascorbic acid, an antioxidant, inhibits the MA-CLCE-induced apoptosis by reducing ROS production, which impedes mitochondrial membrane disruption, preventing BAX/BCL-2 expression alteration. Simultaneously, MA-CLCE downregulates the expression of survival signaling regulator PI3K/AKT, which modulates Nrf-2. MA-CLCE also diminishes intracellular antioxidant proficiency by suppressing Nrf-2 expression, followed by HO-1 expressions.

CONCLUSION

Among several extraction methods, MA-CLCE is rich in several bioactives, especially polyphenols, alkaloids, and essential oils. Here, we reported for the first time that MA-CLCE functions as a pro-oxidant to lung cancer cells and acts as an antioxidant to normal cells by regulating different cellular programs and signaling pathways. Therefore, it can be further developed as a promising phytomedicine against lung cancer.

Oxidative Stress Amplifying Polyprodrug Micelles as Drug Carriers for Combination Anticancer Therapy

Cancer cells are more vulnerable to reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress than normal cells due to disturbed redox balance. It can be postulated that ROS-generating drug carriers exert anticancer actions, leading to combination anticancer therapy with drug payloads. Here, we report a ROS-generating polyprodrug of cinnamaldehyde (CA) that not only serves as a drug carrier but also synergizes with drug payloads. The polyprodrug of CA (pCA) incorporates ROS-generating CA in the backbone of an amphiphilic polymer through an acid-cleavable acetal linkage. pCA could self-assemble with tumor-targeting lipopeptide (DSPE-PEG-RGD) and encapsulate doxorubicin (DOX) to form T-pCAD micelles. At acidic pH, T-pCAD micelles release both CA and DOX to exert synergistic anticancer actions. Animal studies using mouse xenograft models revealed that T-pCAD micelles accumulate in tumors preferentially and suppress the tumor growth significantly. Based on the oxidative stress amplification and acid-responsiveness, ROS-generating pCAD micelles hold tremendous potential as drug carriers for combination anticancer therapy.

Self-deliverable and self-immolative prodrug nanoassemblies as tumor targeted nanomedicine with triple cooperative anticancer actions

Stimulus-responsive self-assembling prodrug-based nanomedicine has emerged as a novel paradigm in controlled drug delivery. All-trans retinoic acid (RA), one of vitamin A metabolites, induces apoptotic cancer cell death, but its clinical applications are limited by weak anticancer efficacy. To fully maximize the therapeutic potential of RA, we exploited the unique chemistry of arylboronic acid which undergoes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-triggered degradation to release quinone methide (QM) that alkylates glutathione (GSH) to disrupt redox homeostasis and is also converted into hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) to suppress the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Here, we report that boronated retinoic acid prodrug (RABA) can be formulated into self-deliverable nanoassemblies which release both RA and QM in a H2O2-triggered self-immolative manner to exert cooperative anticancer activities. RABA nanoassemblies exert anticancer effects by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis, eliciting immunogenic cell death (ICD) and suppressing angiogenic VEGF expression. The excellent anticancer efficacy of RABA nanoassemblies can be explained by benefits of self-assembling prodrug-based drug self-delivery and cooperative anticancer actions. The design strategy of RABA would provide a new insight into the rational design of self-deliverable and self-immolative boronated prodrug nanoassemblies for targeted cancer therapy.

Polyurethane-polyurea hybrid nanocapsules as efficient delivery systems of anticancer Ir(III) metallodrugs

Cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes hold great promise as an alternative to platinum metallodrugs for therapy and diagnosis of cancer. However, low aqueous solubility and poor cell membrane permeability difficult in vivo...

Tumor-targeting oxidative stress nanoamplifiers as anticancer nanomedicine with immunostimulating activity

GSH depleting prodrugs and ROS generators self-assemble to generate oxidative stress nanoamplifiers that can preferentially kill cancer cells and exert immunostimulating activity.

Peanut-Shaped Gold Nanoparticles with Shells of Ceragenin CSA-131 Display the Ability to Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Growth In Vitro and in a Tumor Xenograft Model

Simple Summary

Despite a spectrum of therapeutics available for the treatment of ovarian tumors, there is a constant need to develop novel treatment options, particularly due to a high incidence of drug resistant tumors and low 5-year survival of patients diagnosed with ovarian carcinomas. In this study, we employed a nanotechnology-based approach to present a novel nanosystem based on ceragenin CSA-131 attached to the surface of a peanut-shaped gold nanoparticle. We demonstrate that such a prepared nanoformulation was highly effective against ovarian cancer cells in in vitro settings and, with limited toxicity, was able to prevent the growth of ovarian tumors in treated animals. Based on obtained data we suggest that ceragenin-containing nanosystems should be considered and further tested as potential therapeutics for ovarian malignancy.

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles-assisted delivery of antineoplastics into cancerous cells is presented as an effective approach for overcoming the limitations of systemic chemotherapy. Although ceragenins show great potential as anti-cancer agents, in some tumors, effective inhibition of cancer cells proliferation requires application of ceragenins at doses within their hemolytic range. For the purpose of toxicity/efficiency ratio control, peanut-shaped gold nanoparticles (AuP NPs) were functionalized with a shell of ceragenin CSA-131 and the cytotoxicity of AuP@CSA-131 against ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells and were then analyzed. In vivo efficiency of intravenously and intratumorally administered CSA-131 and AuP@CSA-131 was examined using a xenograft ovarian cancer model. Serum parameters were estimated using ELISA methods. Comparative analysis revealed that AuP@CSA-131 exerted stronger anti-cancer effects than free ceragenin, which was determined by enhanced ability to induce caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy processes via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pathways. In an animal study, AuP@CSA-131 was characterized by delayed clearance and prolonged blood circulation when compared with free ceragenin, as well as enhanced anti-tumor efficiency, particularly when applied intratumorally. Administration of CSA-131 and AuP@CSA-131 prevented the inflammatory response associated with cancer development. These results present the possibility of employing non-spherical gold nanoparticles as an effective nanoplatform for the delivery of antineoplastics for the treatment of ovarian malignancy.

A Small Molecule Strategy for Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Hypoxic Microenvironments and Preventing Tumorigenesis

Breast cancer consists of heterogenic subpopulations, which determine the prognosis and response to chemotherapy. Among these subpopulations, a very limited number of cancer cells are particularly problematic. These cells, known as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), are thought responsible for metastasis and recurrence. They are thus major contributor to the unfavorable outcomes seen for many breast cancer patients. BCSCs are more prevalent in the hypoxic niche. This is an oxygen-deprived environment that is considered crucial to their proliferation, stemness, and self-renewal but also one that makes BCSCs highly refractory to traditional chemotherapeutic regimens. Here we report a small molecule construct, AzCDF, that allows the therapeutic targeting of BCSCs and which is effective in normally refractory hypoxic tumor environments. A related system, AzNap, has been developed that permits CSC imaging. Several design elements are incorporated into AzCDF, including the CAIX inhibitor acetazolamide (Az) to promote localization in MDA-MB-231 CSCs, a dimethylnitrothiophene subunit as a hypoxia trigger, and a 3,4-difluorobenzylidene curcumin (CDF) as a readily released therapeutic payload. This allows AzCDF to serve as a hypoxia-liable molecular platform that targets BCSCs selectively which decreases CSC migration, retards tumor growth, and lowers tumorigenesis rates as evidenced by a combination of in vitro and in vivo studies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a CSC-targeting small molecule has been shown to prevent tumorigenesis in an animal model.

Tumor-Targeting H2O2-Responsive Photosensitizing Nanoparticles with Antiangiogenic and Immunogenic Activities for Maximizing Anticancer Efficacy of Phototherapy

Phototherapy including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers and light to kill cancer cells and has become a promising therapeutic modality because of advantages such as minimal invasiveness and high cancer selectivity. However, PTT or PDT as a single treatment modality has insufficient therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, oxygen consumption by PDT activates angiogenic factors and leads to cancer recurrence and progression. Therefore, the therapeutic outcomes of phototherapy would be maximized by employing photosensitizers for concurrent PTT and PDT and suppressing angiogenic factors. Therefore, integrating photosensitive agents and antiangiogenic agents in a single nanoplatform would be a promising strategy to maximize the therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy. In this study, we developed hyaluronic acid-coated fluorescent boronated polysaccharide (HA-FBM) nanoparticles as a combination therapeutic agent for phototherapy and antiangiogenic therapy. Upon a single near-infrared laser irradiation, HA-FBM nanoparticles generated heat and singlet oxygen simultaneously to kill cancer cells and also induced immunogenic cancer cell death. Beside their fundamental roles as photosensitizers, HA-FBM nanoparticles exerted antiangiogenic effects by suppressing the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cancer cell migration. In a mouse xenograft model, intravenously injected HA-FBM nanoparticles targeted tumors by binding CD44-overexpressing cancer cells and suppressed angiogenic VEGF expression. Upon laser irradiation, HA-FBM nanoparticles remarkably eradicated tumors and increased anticancer immunity. Given their synergistic effects of phototherapy and antiangiogenic therapy from tumor-targeting HA-FBM nanoparticles, we believe that integrating the photosensitizers and antiangiogenic agents into a single nanoplatform presents an attractive strategy to maximize the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of phototherapy.

Binary Prodrug of Dichloroacetic Acid and Doxorubicin with Enhanced Anticancer Activity

The inevitable challenge in conventional chemotherapy is to deliver the anticancer drugs to the dense population of tumors cells while minimizing the drug-associated side effects on the normal cells. Cancer cells' preference for glycolysis for energy production is well recognized. Intuitively, taking advantage of such cancer-associated metabolism would be a promising strategy for anticancer drug delivery with minimal side effects. In this investigation, we have designed a binary prodrug PDOX as a sequential drug delivery regimens to realize the combination therapy for cancer. As cancer cells exhibit abrupt metabolism with elevated pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) activity, dichloroacetic acid (DCA, a well-known PDK inhibitor) was used in combination with anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). The designed molecular prodrug was activated selectively by cancer-associated esterase to deliver DCA and DOX, respectively, and induced synergetic effects. Hence, sequential targeted delivery of molecular prodrug PDOX offers a promising approach to overcome the offside drug toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of individuals and provide an alternative option for cancer treatment.

Photocatalysis-mediated drug-free sustainable cancer therapy using nanocatalyst

Drug therapy unavoidably brings toxic side effects and drug content-limited therapeutic efficacy although many nanocarriers have been developed to improve them to a certain extent. In this work, a concept of drug-free therapeutics is proposed and defined as a therapeutic methodology without the use of traditional toxic drugs, without the consumption of therapeutic agents during treatment but with the inexhaustible therapeutic capability to maximize the benefit of treatment, and a Z-scheme SnS1.68-WO2.41 nanocatalyst is developed to achieve near infrared (NIR)-photocatalytic generation of oxidative holes and hydrogen molecules for realizing combined hole/hydrogen therapy by the drug-free therapeutic strategy. Without the need of any drug and other therapeutic agent assistance, the nanocatalyst oxidizes/consumes intratumoral over-expressed glutathione (GSH) by holes and simultaneously generates hydrogen molecules in a lasting and controllable way under NIR irradiation. Mechanistically, generated hydrogen molecules and GSH consumption inhibit cancer cell energy and destroy intratumoral redox balance, respectively, to synergistically damage DNA and induce tumor cell apoptosis. High efficacy and biosafety of combined hole/hydrogen therapy of tumors are achieved by the nanocatalyst. The proposed catalysis-based drug-free therapeutic strategy breaks a pathway to realize high efficacy and low toxicity of cancer treatment.

Unraveling Reversible DNA Cross-Links with a Biological Machine

The reversible generation and capture of certain electrophilic quinone methide intermediates support dynamic reactions with DNA that allow for migration and transfer of alkylation and cross-linking. This reversibility also expands the possible consequences that can be envisioned when confronted by DNA repair processes and biological machines. To begin testing the response to such an encounter, quinone methide-based modification of DNA has now been challenged with a helicase (T7 bacteriophage gene protein four, T7gp4) that promotes 5' to 3' translocation and unwinding. This model protein was selected based on its widespread application, well characterized mechanism and detailed structural information. Little over one-half of the cross-linking generated by a bisfunctional quinone methide remained stable to T7gp4 and did not suppress its activity. The helicase likely avoids the topological block generated by this fraction of cross-linking by its ability to shift from single- to double-stranded translocation. The remaining fraction of cross-linking was destroyed during T7gp4 catalysis. Thus, this helicase is chemically competent to promote release of the quinone methide from DNA. The ability of T7gp4 to act as a Brownian ratchet for unwinding DNA may block recapture of the QM intermediate by DNA during its transient release from a donor strand. Most surprisingly, T7gp4 releases the quinone methide from both the translocating strand that passes through its central channel and the excluded strand that was typically unaffected by other lesions. The ability of T7gp4 to reverse the cross-link formed by the quinone methide does not extend to that formed irreversibly by the nitrogen mustard mechlorethamine.

Role of Glutathione in Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapies

Glutathione (GSH) is the most abundant non-protein thiol present at millimolar concentrations in mammalian tissues. As an important intracellular antioxidant, it acts as a regulator of cellular redox state protecting cells from damage caused by lipid peroxides, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and xenobiotics. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of GSH in key signal transduction reactions as a controller of cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, ferroptosis and immune function. Molecular changes in the GSH antioxidant system and disturbances in GSH homeostasis have been implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and treatment response. Hence, GSH has both protective and pathogenic roles. Although in healthy cells it is crucial for the removal and detoxification of carcinogens, elevated GSH levels in tumor cells are associated with tumor progression and increased resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Recently, several novel therapies have been developed to target the GSH antioxidant system in tumors as a means for increased response and decreased drug resistance. In this comprehensive review we explore mechanisms of GSH functionalities and different therapeutic approaches that either target GSH directly, indirectly or use GSH-based prodrugs. Consideration is also given to the computational methods used to describe GSH related processes for in silico testing of treatment effects.

Directing Quinone Methide-Dependent Alkylation and Cross-Linking of Nucleic Acids with Quaternary Amines

Polyamine and polyammonium ion conjugates are often used to direct reagents to nucleic acids based on their strong electrostatic attraction to the phosphoribose backbone. Such nonspecific interactions do not typically alter the specificity of the attached reagent, but polyammonium ions dramatically redirected the specificity of a series of quinone methide precursors. Replacement of a relatively nonspecific intercalator based on acridine with a series of polyammonium ions resulted in a surprising change of DNA products. Piperidine stable adducts were generated in duplex DNA that lacked the ability to support a dynamic cross-linking observed previously with acridine conjugates. Minor reaction at guanine N7, the site of reversible reaction, was retained by a monofunctional quinone methide-polyammonium ion conjugate, but a bisfunctional analogue designed for tandem quinone methide formation modified guanine N7 in only single-stranded DNA. The resulting intrastrand cross-links were sufficiently dynamic to rearrange to interstrand cross-links. However, no further transfer of adducts was observed in duplex DNA. An alternative design that spatially and temporally decoupled the two quinone methide equivalents neither restored the dynamic reaction nor cross-linked DNA efficiently. While di- and triammonium ion conjugates successfully enhanced the yields of cross-linking by a bisquinone methide relative to a monoammonium equivalent, alternative ligands will be necessary to facilitate the migration of cross-linking and its potential application to disrupt DNA repair.

Radiation Induced Metabolic Alterations Associate With Tumor Aggressiveness and Poor Outcome in Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is uniformly fatal with a 1-year median survival, despite best available treatment, including radiotherapy (RT). Impacts of prior RT on tumor recurrence are poorly understood but may increase tumor aggressiveness. Metabolic changes have been investigated in radiation-induced brain injury; however, the tumor-promoting effect following prior radiation is lacking. Since RT is vital to GBM management, we quantified tumor-promoting effects of prior RT on patient-derived intracranial GBM xenografts and characterized metabolic alterations associated with the protumorigenic microenvironment. Human xenografts (GBM143) were implanted into nude mice 24 hrs following 20 Gy cranial radiation vs. sham animals. Tumors in pre-radiated mice were more proliferative and more infiltrative, yielding faster mortality (p < 0.0001). Histologic evaluation of tumor associated macrophage/microglia (TAMs) revealed cells with a more fully activated ameboid morphology in pre-radiated animals. Microdialyzates from radiated brain at the margin of tumor infiltration contralateral to the site of implantation were analyzed by unsupervised liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In pre-radiated animals, metabolites known to be associated with tumor progression (i.e., modified nucleotides and polyols) were identified. Whole-tissue metabolomic analysis of pre-radiated brain microenvironment for metabolic alterations in a separate cohort of nude mice using ¹H-NMR revealed a significant decrease in levels of antioxidants (glutathione (GSH) and ascorbate (ASC)), NAD⁺, Tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) intermediates, and rise in energy carriers (ATP, GTP). GSH and ASC showed highest Variable Importance on Projection prediction (VIPpred) (1.65) in Orthogonal Partial least square Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA); Ascorbate catabolism was identified by GC-MS. To assess longevity of radiation effects, we compared survival with implantation occurring 2 months vs. 24 hrs following radiation, finding worse survival in animals implanted at 2 months. These radiation-induced alterations are consistent with a chronic disease-like microenvironment characterized by reduced levels of antioxidants and NAD⁺, and elevated extracellular ATP and GTP serving as chemoattractants, promoting cell motility and vesicular secretion with decreased levels of GSH and ASC exacerbating oxidative stress. Taken together, these data suggest IR induces tumor-permissive changes in the microenvironment with metabolomic alterations that may facilitate tumor aggressiveness with important implications for recurrent glioblastoma. Harnessing these metabolomic insights may provide opportunities to attenuate RT-associated aggressiveness of recurrent GBM.