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Mansour MA, Caputo VS, Aleem E. Highlights on selected growth factors and their receptors as promising anticancer drug targets. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 140:106087. [PMID: 34563698 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor receptors (GFRs) and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are groups of proteins mediating a plethora of physiological processes, including cell growth, proliferation, survival, differentiation and migration. Under certain circumstances, expression of GFRs and subsequently their downstream kinase signaling are deregulated by genetic, epigenetic, and somatic changes leading to uncontrolled cell division in many human diseases, most notably cancer. Cancer cells rely on growth factors to sustain the increasing need to cell division and metabolic reprogramming through cancer-associated activating mutations of their receptors (i.e., GFRs). In this review, we highlight the recent advances of selected GFRs and their ligands (growth factors) in cancer with emphasis on structural and functional differences. We also interrogate how overexpression and/or hyperactivation of GFRs contribute to cancer initiation, development, progression, and resistance to conventional chemo- and radiotherapies. Novel approaches are being developed as anticancer agents to target growth factor receptors and their signaling pathways in different cancers. Here, we illustrate how the current knowledge of GFRs biology, and their ligands lead to development of targeted therapies to inhibit and/or block the activity of growth factors, GFRs and downstream kinases to treat diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mansour
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK; Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Valentina S Caputo
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK
| | - Eiman Aleem
- Cancer Biology and Therapy Lab, Division of Human Sciences, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, UK.
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Liu Q, Zhang W, Chen S, Zhuang Z, Zhang Y, Jiang L, LIN JS. SELEX tool: a novel and convenient gel-based diffusion method for monitoring of aptamer-target binding. J Biol Eng 2020; 14:1. [PMID: 31956340 PMCID: PMC6956507 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-019-0223-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aptamers, single-stranded DNAs or RNAs, can be selected from a library containing random sequences using a method called Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX). In SELEX, monitoring the enriching statuses of aptamer candidates during the process is a key step until today. Conformational change of an aptamer caused by target-binding in gel can be used to indicate its statuses of binding. RESULTS In this study, an easy-to-implement gel-based diffusion method (GBDM) was developed to monitor the interaction between enriched aptamer candidates and their targets. In order to prove the concept, characterization of aptamers targeting their targets including protein (thrombin) and non-protein molecules (acetamiprid, ATP, atrazine, profenofos and roxithromycin), respectively, were performed using mini gels. Our method has advantages over the common methods including easy performed with labor- and time- saving in experimental operation. The concept has been proven by monitoring enrichment of dynamic aptamer candidate libraries targeting a small molecule 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) acetic acid (DDA) during SELEX process. A mini gel cassette was designed and fabricated by our laboratory to make mini agarose gels for diffusion with different directions. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that GBDM, in particular, chasing diffusion is suitable for monitoring the interaction between enriched aptamer candidates and their targets. These pioneering efforts are helpful for novel aptamer selection by breaking through the technical bottleneck of aptamer development and helpful for development of novel aptasensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxiu Liu
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Siying Chen
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Zhenjing Zhuang
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Yi Zhang
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Lingli Jiang
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
| | - Jun Sheng LIN
- School of Medicine, Huaqiao University, 269 Chenghua Rd, Fengze, Quanzhou, 362021 Fujian China
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Chu C, Su M, Zhu J, Li D, Cheng H, Chen X, Liu G. Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticle-Based Biomineralization: A New Strategy toward Cancer Treatment. Theranostics 2019; 9:3134-3149. [PMID: 31244946 PMCID: PMC6567975 DOI: 10.7150/thno.33539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment using functional proteins, DNA/RNA, or complex bio-entities is important in both preclinical and clinical studies. With the help of nano-delivery systems, these biomacromolecules can enrich cancer tissues to match the clinical requirements. Biomineralization via a self-assembly process has been widely applied to provide biomacromolecules exoskeletal-like protection for immune shielding and preservation of bioactivity. Advanced metal-organic framework nanoparticles (MOFs) are excellent supporting matrices due to the low toxicity of polycarboxylic acids and metals, high encapsulation efficiency, and moderate synthetic conditions. In this review, we study MOFs-based biomineralization for cancer treatment and summarize the unique properties of MOF hybrids. We also evaluate the outlook of potential cancer treatment applications for MOFs-based biomineralization. This strategy likely opens new research orientations for cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengchao Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health Xiamen, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Min Su
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces & The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health Xiamen, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Dongsheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health Xiamen, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hongwei Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health Xiamen, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics & Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health Xiamen, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces & The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Nakamura Y. Aptamers as therapeutic middle molecules. Biochimie 2017; 145:22-33. [PMID: 29050945 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic molecules can be classified as low-, middle- and high-molecular weight drugs depending on their molecular masses. Antibodies represent high-molecular weight drugs and their clinical applications have been developing rapidly. Aptamers, on the other hand, are middle-molecular weight molecules that are short, single-stranded nucleic acid sequences that are selected in vitro from large oligonucleotide libraries based on their high affinity to a target molecule. Hence, aptamers can be thought of as a nucleic acid analog to antibodies. However, several viewpoints hold that the potential of aptamers arises from interesting characteristics that are distinct from, or in some cases, superior to those of antibodies. Recently, therapeutic middle molecules gain considerable attention as protein-protein interaction (PPI) inhibitors. This review summarizes the recent achievements in aptamer development in our laboratory in terms of PPI and non-PPI inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshikazu Nakamura
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan; RIBOMIC Inc., Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan.
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Amano R, Aoki K, Miyakawa S, Nakamura Y, Kozu T, Kawai G, Sakamoto T. NMR monitoring of the SELEX process to confirm enrichment of structured RNA. Sci Rep 2017; 7:283. [PMID: 28325909 PMCID: PMC5428055 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA aptamers are RNA molecules that bind to a target molecule with high affinity and specificity using uniquely-folded tertiary structures. RNA aptamers are selected from an RNA pool typically comprising up to 1015 different sequences generated by iterative steps of selection and amplification known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). Over several rounds of SELEX, the diversity of the RNA pool decreases and the aptamers are enriched. Hence, monitoring of the enrichment of these RNA pools is critical for the successful selection of aptamers, and several methods for monitoring them have been developed. In this study, we measured one-dimensional imino proton NMR spectra of RNA pools during SELEX. The spectrum of the initial RNA pool indicates that the RNAs adopt tertiary structures. The structural diversity of the RNA pools was shown to depend highly on the design of the primer-binding sequence. Furthermore, we demonstrate that enrichment of RNA aptamers can be monitored using NMR. The RNA pools can be recovered from the NMR tube after measurement of NMR spectra. We also can monitor target binding in the NMR tubes. Thus, we propose using NMR to monitor the enrichment of structured aptamers during the SELEX process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Amano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
| | - Kazuteru Aoki
- Ribomic Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0071, Japan
| | - Shin Miyakawa
- Ribomic Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0071, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Nakamura
- Ribomic Inc., 3-16-13 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-0071, Japan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kozu
- Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, 818 Komuro, Ina, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, 362-0806, Japan
| | - Gota Kawai
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan
| | - Taiichi Sakamoto
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Chiba Institute of Technology, 2-17-1 Tsudanuma, Narashino, Chiba, 275-0016, Japan.
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Angiogenic growth factors interactome and drug discovery: The contribution of surface plasmon resonance. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2014; 26:293-310. [PMID: 25465594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is implicated in several pathological conditions, including cancer, and in regenerative processes, including the formation of collateral blood vessels after stroke. Physiological angiogenesis is the outcome of a fine balance between the action of angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) and anti-angiogenic molecules, while pathological angiogenesis occurs when this balance is pushed toward AGFs. AGFs interact with multiple endothelial cell (EC) surface receptors inducing cell proliferation, migration and proteases upregulation. On the contrary, free or extracellular matrix-associated molecules inhibit angiogenesis by sequestering AGFs (thus hampering EC stimulation) or by interacting with specific EC receptors inducing apoptosis or decreasing responsiveness to AGFs. Thus, angiogenesis results from an intricate network of interactions among pro- and anti-angiogenic molecules, EC receptors and various modulators. All these interactions represent targets for the development of pro- or anti-angiogenic therapies. These aims call for suitable technologies to study the countless interactions occurring during neovascularization. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is a label-free optical technique to study biomolecular interactions in real time. It has become the golden standard technology for interaction analysis in biomedical research, including angiogenesis. From a survey of the literature it emerges that SPR has already contributed substantially to the better understanding of the neovascularization process, laying the basis for the decoding of the angiogenesis "interactome" and the identification of "hub molecules" that may represent preferential targets for an efficacious modulation of angiogenesis. Here, the still unexploited full potential of SPR is enlightened, pointing to improvements in its use for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of neovascularization and the identification of novel anti-angiogenic drugs.
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