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Ottolino-Perry K, Mealiea D, Sellers C, Acuna SA, Angarita FA, Okamoto L, Scollard D, Ginj M, Reilly R, McCart JA. Vaccinia virus and peptide-receptor radiotherapy synergize to improve treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:44-58. [PMID: 37180034 PMCID: PMC10173076 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-specific overexpression of receptors enables a variety of targeted cancer therapies, exemplified by peptide-receptor radiotherapy (PRRT) for somatostatin receptor (SSTR)-positive neuroendocrine tumors. While effective, PRRT is restricted to tumors with SSTR overexpression. To overcome this limitation, we propose using oncolytic vaccinia virus (vvDD)-mediated receptor gene transfer to permit molecular imaging and PRRT in tumors without endogenous SSTR overexpression, a strategy termed radiovirotherapy. We hypothesized that vvDD-SSTR combined with a radiolabeled somatostatin analog could be deployed as radiovirotherapy in a colorectal cancer peritoneal carcinomatosis model, producing tumor-specific radiopeptide accumulation. Following vvDD-SSTR and 177Lu-DOTATOC treatment, viral replication and cytotoxicity, as well as biodistribution, tumor uptake, and survival, were evaluated. Radiovirotherapy did not alter virus replication or biodistribution, but synergistically improved vvDD-SSTR-induced cell killing in a receptor-dependent manner and significantly increased the tumor-specific accumulation and tumor-to-blood ratio of 177Lu-DOTATOC, making tumors imageable by microSPECT/CT and causing no significant toxicity. 177Lu-DOTATOC significantly improved survival over virus alone when combined with vvDD-SSTR but not control virus. We have therefore demonstrated that vvDD-SSTR can convert receptor-negative tumors into receptor-positive tumors and facilitate molecular imaging and PRRT using radiolabeled somatostatin analogs. Radiovirotherapy represents a promising treatment strategy with potential applications in a wide range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Ottolino-Perry
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Mealiea
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Clara Sellers
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sergio A. Acuna
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Fernando A. Angarita
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lili Okamoto
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deborah Scollard
- STTARR, Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Hospital, UHN, 610 University Avenue, M5G 2C1 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mihaela Ginj
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Raymond Reilly
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, M5S 3M2 Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J. Andrea McCart
- Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, M5G 2C4 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, 1 King’s College Circle, M5S 1A8 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, 600 University Avenue, M5G 1X5 Toronto, ON, Canada
- Corresponding author: Dave Mealiea, Room 1225, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada.
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2
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Tutter M, Schug C, Schmohl KA, Urnauer S, Schwenk N, Petrini M, Lokerse WJM, Zach C, Ziegler S, Bartenstein P, Weber WA, Wagner E, Lindner LH, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Effective control of tumor growth through spatial and temporal control of theranostic sodium iodide symporter ( NIS) gene expression using a heat-inducible gene promoter in engineered mesenchymal stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:4490-4506. [PMID: 32292510 PMCID: PMC7150485 DOI: 10.7150/thno.41489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The tumor homing characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) make them attractive vehicles for the tumor-specific delivery of therapeutic agents, such as the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). NIS is a theranostic protein that allows non-invasive monitoring of the in vivo biodistribution of functional NIS expression by radioiodine imaging as well as the therapeutic application of 131I. To gain local and temporal control of transgene expression, and thereby improve tumor selectivity, we engineered MSCs to express the NIS gene under control of a heat-inducible HSP70B promoter (HSP70B-NIS-MSCs). Experimental Design: NIS induction in heat-treated HSP70B-NIS-MSCs was verified by 125I uptake assay, RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining. HSP70B-NIS-MSCs were then injected i.v. into mice carrying subcutaneous hepatocellular carcinoma HuH7 xenografts, and hyperthermia (1 h at 41°C) was locally applied to the tumor. 0 - 72 h later radioiodine uptake was assessed by 123I-scintigraphy. The most effective uptake regime was then selected for 131I therapy. Results: The HSP70B promoter showed low basal activity in vitro and was significantly induced in response to heat. In vivo, the highest tumoral iodine accumulation was seen 12 h after application of hyperthermia. HSP70B-NIS-MSC-mediated 131I therapy combined with hyperthermia resulted in a significantly reduced tumor growth with prolonged survival as compared to control groups. Conclusions: The heat-inducible HSP70B promoter allows hyperthermia-induced spatial and temporal control of MSC-mediated theranostic NIS gene radiotherapy with efficient tumor-selective and temperature-dependent accumulation of radioiodine in heat-treated tumors.
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3
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Schug C, Kitzberger C, Sievert W, Spellerberg R, Tutter M, Schmohl KA, Eberlein B, Biedermann T, Steiger K, Zach C, Schwaiger M, Multhoff G, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Radiation-Induced Amplification of TGFB1-Induced Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Sodium Iodide Symporter ( NIS) Gene 131I Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5997-6008. [PMID: 31196853 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-4092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The innate tumor homing potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been used for a targeted delivery of the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) transgene into solid tumors. We have previously shown that external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) results in the enhanced recruitment of NIS-expressing MSCs into human hepatocellular carcinoma (HuH7). In parallel, the tumor-associated cytokine TGFB1 becomes strongly upregulated in HuH7 tumors in response to EBRT. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We therefore evaluated the effects of combining focused EBRT (5 Gy) with MSC-mediated systemic delivery of the theranostic NIS transgene under control of a synthetic TGFB1-inducible SMAD-responsive promoter (SMAD-NIS-MSCs) using 123I-scintigraphy followed by 131I therapy in CD1 nu/nu mice harboring subcutaneous human hepatocellular carcinoma (HuH7). RESULTS Following tumor irradiation and SMAD-NIS-MSC application, tumoral iodide uptake monitored in vivo by 123I-scintigraphy was enhanced as compared with nonirradiated tumors. Combination of EBRT and SMAD-NIS-MSC-mediated 131I therapy resulted in a significantly improved delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival in therapy mice as compared with the combined therapy using CMV-NIS-MSCs or to control groups receiving EBRT or saline only, or EBRT together with SMAD-NIS-MSCs and saline applications. CONCLUSIONS MSC-based NIS-mediated 131I therapy after EBRT treatment dramatically enhanced therapeutic efficacy when a TGFB1-inducible SMAD-responsive promoter was used to drive NIS expression in adoptively applied MSCs. The remarkable therapeutic effect seen is thought to be linked in large part to the enhanced TGFB1 produced in this context, which leads to a highly selective and focused amplification of MSC-based NIS expression within the tumor milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Kitzberger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sievert
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Radiation Immuno-Oncology group, Munich, Germany
| | - Rebekka Spellerberg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernadette Eberlein
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tilo Biedermann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Biederstein, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Radiation Immuno-Oncology group, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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4
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Dual-targeted NIS polyplexes-a theranostic strategy toward tumors with heterogeneous receptor expression. Gene Ther 2019; 26:93-108. [PMID: 30683895 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-019-0059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity, within and between tumors, may have severe implications for tumor therapy, especially for targeted gene therapy, where single-targeted approaches often result in limited efficacy and therapy resistance. Polymer-formulated nonviral vectors provide a potent delivery platform for cancer therapy. To improve applicability for future clinical use in a broad range of patients and cancer types, a dual-targeting approach was performed. Synthetic LPEI-PEG2kDa-based polymer backbones were coupled to two tumor-specific peptide ligands GE11 (EGFR-targeting) and cMBP (cMET-targeting). The dual-targeting approach was used to deliver the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene to hepatocellular cancer. NIS as auspicious theranostic gene allows noninvasive imaging of functional NIS gene expression and effective anticancer radioiodide therapy. Enhanced tumor-specific transduction efficiency of dual-targeted polyplexes compared to single-targeted polyplexes was demonstrated in vitro using tumor cell lines with different EGFR and cMET expression and in vivo by 124I-PET-imaging. Therapeutic efficacy of the bispecific concept was mirrored by significantly reduced tumor growth and perfusion, which was associated with prolonged animal survival. In conclusion, the dual-targeting approach highlights the benefits of a bifunctional strategy for a future clinical translation of the bioimaging-based NIS-mediated radiotherapy allowing efficient targeting of heterogeneic tumors with variable receptor expression levels.
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5
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Schug C, Urnauer S, Jaeckel C, Schmohl KA, Tutter M, Steiger K, Schwenk N, Schwaiger M, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. TGFB1-driven mesenchymal stem cell-mediated NIS gene transfer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:89-101. [PMID: 30121623 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Based on their excellent tumor-homing capacity, genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are under investigation as tumor-selective gene delivery vehicles. Transgenic expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) in genetically engineered MSCs allows noninvasive tracking of MSC homing by imaging of functional NIS expression as well as therapeutic application of 131I. The use of tumor stroma-activated promoters can improve tumor-specific MSC-mediated transgene delivery. The essential role of transforming growth factor B1 (TGFB1) and the SMAD downstream target in the signaling between tumor and the surrounding stroma makes the biology of this pathway a potential option to better control NIS expression within the tumor milieu. Bone marrow-derived MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by a synthetic SMAD-responsive promoter (SMAD-NIS-MSCs). Radioiodide uptake assays revealed a 4.9-fold increase in NIS-mediated perchlorate-sensitive iodide uptake in SMAD-NIS-MSCs after TGFB1 stimulation compared to unstimulated cells demonstrating the successful establishment of MSCs, which induce NIS expression in response to activation of TGFB1 signaling using a SMAD-responsive promoter. 123I-scintigraphy revealed significant tumor-specific radioiodide accumulation and thus NIS expression after systemic application of SMAD-NIS-MSCs into mice harboring subcutaneous tumors derived from the human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line HuH7, which express TGFB1. 131I therapy in SMAD-NIS-MSCs-treated mice demonstrated a significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival. Making use of the tumoral TGFB1 signaling network in the context of MSC-mediated NIS gene delivery is a promising approach to foster tumor stroma-selectivity of NIS transgene expression and tailor NIS-based gene therapy to TGFB1-rich tumor environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jaeckel
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar der Technischen Universitaet Muenchen, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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6
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Schug C, Gupta A, Urnauer S, Steiger K, Cheung PFY, Neander C, Savvatakis K, Schmohl KA, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Schwenk N, Schwaiger M, Nelson PJ, Siveke JT, Spitzweg C. A Novel Approach for Image-Guided 131I Therapy of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Using Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated NIS Gene Delivery. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 17:310-320. [PMID: 30224540 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The sodium iodide symporter (SLC5A5/NIS) as theranostic gene would allow for non-invasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic radioiodine application. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), based on their tumor-homing abilities, show great promise as tumor-selective NIS gene delivery vehicles for non-thyroidal tumors. As a next step towards clinical application, tumor specificity and efficacy of MSCs were investigated in an advanced genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Syngeneic murine MSCs were stably transfected with a NIS-expressing plasmid driven by the CMV-promoter (NIS-MSC). In vivo 123I-scintigraphy and 124I-PET revealed significant perchlorate-sensitive NIS-mediated radioiodide accumulation in PDAC after systemic injection of NIS-MSCs. Active MSC recruitment into the tumor stroma was confirmed using NIS immunohistochemistry (IHC). A therapeutic strategy, consisting of three cycles of systemic MSC-mediated NIS delivery, followed by 131I application, resulted in a significant delay and reduction in tumor growth as compared to controls. Furthermore, IHC analysis of α-SMA and Ki67 revealed differences in the amount and behavior of activated fibroblasts in tumors of mice injected with NIS-MSCs as compared with saline-treated mice. Taken together, MSCs as NIS gene delivery vehicles in this advanced endogenous PDAC mouse model demonstrated high stromal targeting of NIS by selective recruitment of NIS-MSCs after systemic application resulting in an impressive 131I therapeutic effect. IMPLICATIONS: These data expand the prospect of MSC-mediated radioiodine imaging-guided therapy of pancreatic cancer using the sodium iodide symporter as a theranostic gene in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aayush Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Phyllis Fung-Yi Cheung
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Neander
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Savvatakis
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens T Siveke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany.,Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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7
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Ungerechts G, Engeland CE, Buchholz CJ, Eberle J, Fechner H, Geletneky K, Holm PS, Kreppel F, Kühnel F, Lang KS, Leber MF, Marchini A, Moehler M, Mühlebach MD, Rommelaere J, Springfeld C, Lauer UM, Nettelbeck DM. Virotherapy Research in Germany: From Engineering to Translation. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 28:800-819. [PMID: 28870120 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Virotherapy is a unique modality for the treatment of cancer with oncolytic viruses (OVs) that selectively infect and lyse tumor cells, spread within tumors, and activate anti-tumor immunity. Various viruses are being developed as OVs preclinically and clinically, several of them engineered to encode therapeutic proteins for tumor-targeted gene therapy. Scientists and clinicians in German academia have made significant contributions to OV research and development, which are highlighted in this review paper. Innovative strategies for "shielding," entry or postentry targeting, and "arming" of OVs have been established, focusing on adenovirus, measles virus, parvovirus, and vaccinia virus platforms. Thereby, new-generation virotherapeutics have been derived. Moreover, immunotherapeutic properties of OVs and combination therapies with pharmacotherapy, radiotherapy, and especially immunotherapy have been investigated and optimized. German investigators are increasingly assessing their OV innovations in investigator-initiated and sponsored clinical trials. As a prototype, parvovirus has been tested as an OV from preclinical proof-of-concept up to first-in-human clinical studies. The approval of the first OV in the Western world, T-VEC (Imlygic), has further spurred the involvement of investigators in Germany in international multicenter studies. With the encouraging developments in funding, commercialization, and regulatory procedures, more German engineering will be translated into OV clinical trials in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Ungerechts
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany .,3 Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute , Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christine E Engeland
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- 4 Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany .,5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Eberle
- 6 Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Department of Dermatology, Skin Cancer Centre Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - Henry Fechner
- 7 Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Biotechnology , Department of Applied Biochemistry, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karsten Geletneky
- 8 Department of Neurosurgery, Klinikum Darmstadt , Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Per Sonne Holm
- 9 Department of Urology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich , Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kreppel
- 10 Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biomedical Research and Education (ZBAF), Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke (UW/H), Witten, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- 11 Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Karl Sebastian Lang
- 12 Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Mathias F Leber
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany .,2 Department of Translational Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonio Marchini
- 13 Department of Tumor Virology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany .,14 Laboratory of Oncolytic Virus Immuno-Therapeutics (LOVIT), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Markus Moehler
- 15 University Medical Center Mainz , I. Dept. of Internal Medicine, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael D Mühlebach
- 16 Product Testing of Immunological Veterinary Medicinal Products, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut , Langen, Germany
| | - Jean Rommelaere
- 13 Department of Tumor Virology, Infection, Inflammation and Cancer Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Springfeld
- 1 Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich M Lauer
- 17 Department of Clinical Tumor Biology, Medical University Hospital , Tübingen, Germany .,18 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), partner site Tübingen, Germany
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8
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Schug C, Sievert W, Urnauer S, Müller AM, Schmohl KA, Wechselberger A, Schwenk N, Lauber K, Schwaiger M, Multhoff G, Wagner E, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. External Beam Radiation Therapy Enhances Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Sodium-Iodide Symporter Gene Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:1287-1300. [PMID: 29724129 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor-homing properties of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have led to their development as delivery vehicles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic genes such as the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to solid tumors. External beam radiation therapy may represent an ideal setting for the application of engineered MSC-based gene therapy, as tumor irradiation may enhance MSC recruitment into irradiated tumors through the increased production of select factors linked to MSC migration. In the present study, the irradiation of human liver cancer cells (HuH7; 1-10 Gy) showed a strong dose-dependent increase in steady-state mRNA levels of CXCL8, CXCL12, FGF2, PDGFB, TGFB1, THBS1, and VEGF (0-48 h), which was verified for most factors at the protein level (after 48 h). Radiation effects on directed MSC migration were tested in vitro using a live cell tracking migration assay and supernatants from control and irradiated HuH7 cells. A robust increase in mean forward migration index, mean center of mass, and mean directionality of MSCs toward supernatants was seen from irradiated as compared to non-irradiated tumor cells. Transferability of this effect to other tumor sources was demonstrated using the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231), which showed a similar behavior to radiation as seen with HuH7 cells in quantitative polymerase chain reaction and migration assay. To evaluate this in a more physiologic in vivo setting, subcutaneously growing HuH7 xenograft tumors were irradiated with 0, 2, or 5 Gy followed by CMV-NIS-MSC application 24 h later. Tumoral iodide uptake was monitored using 123I-scintigraphy. The results showed increased tumor-specific dose-dependent accumulation of radioiodide in irradiated tumors. The results demonstrate that external beam radiation therapy enhances the migratory capacity of MSCs and may thus increase the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-mediated NIS radionuclide therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Schug
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Sievert
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea M Müller
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Wechselberger
- 3 Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- 5 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universitaet Muenchen , Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- 6 Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- 3 Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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9
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Usefulness of the MRP2 promoter to overcome the chemoresistance of gastrointestinal and liver tumors by enhancing the expression of the drug transporter OATP1B1. Oncotarget 2018; 8:34617-34629. [PMID: 28423714 PMCID: PMC5470996 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor response to chemotherapy is often limited by drug export through ABC proteins. To overcome this problem, here we have investigated the usefulness of inducing the expression of the multidrug uptake transporter OATP1B1 under the control of the MRP2 promoter (MRP2pr). Human hepatoma cells (Alexander) were transfected with MRP2pr fragments of different length fused to the firefly luciferase ORF in order to select the shortest fragment with the highest response to dexamethasone, which was subsequently used to generate the chimeric construct MRP2pr-OATP1B1-V5. Hepatoma cells transduced with MRP2pr-OATP1B1-V5 resulted in dexamethasone-sensitive inducible OATP1B1 expression and enhanced selective antitumor response to OATP1B1 substrates (paclitaxel, Bamet-R2 and Bamet-UD2). In human colon cancer cells LS174T/R, used as a model of endogenous chemoresistance due to MRP2 overexpression, MRP2pr-OATP1B1 induced OATP1B1 expression together with chemosensitivity to OATP1B1 substrates. In nude mice, xenografted tumors formed by LS174T/R cells transduced with MRP2pr-OATP1B1 plus treatment with dexamethasone were markedly sensitized to Bamet-UD2. In conclusion, the induced expression of anticancer drug uptake transporters, under the control of promoters of ABC proteins involved in chemoresistance, constitutes an interesting approach to overcome the poor response of cancer to chemotherapy due to reduced drug uptake and/or enhanced drug export.
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10
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Urnauer S, Klutz K, Grünwald GK, Morys S, Schwenk N, Zach C, Gildehaus FJ, Rödl W, Ogris M, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Systemic tumor-targeted sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma mediated by B6 peptide polyplexes. J Gene Med 2018; 19. [PMID: 28423213 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonviral polymer-based gene transfer represents an adaptable system for tumor-targeted gene therapy because various design strategies of shuttle systems, together with the mechanistic concept of active tumor targeting, lead to improved gene delivery vectors resulting in higher tumor specificity, efficacy and safety. METHODS Using the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a theranostic gene, nonviral gene delivery vehicles based on linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coupled to the synthetic peptide B6 (LPEI-PEG-B6), which specifically binds to tumor cells, were investigated in a hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft model for tumor selectivity and transduction efficiency. RESULTS In vitro incubation of three different tumor cell lines with LPEI-PEG-B6/NIS resulted in significant increase in iodide uptake activity compared to untargeted and empty vectors. After establishment of subcutaneous HuH7 tumors, NIS-conjugated nanoparticles were injected intravenously followed by analysis of radioiodide biodistribution using 123 I-scintigraphy showing significant perchlorate-sensitive iodide accumulation in tumors of LPEI-PEG-B6/NIS-treated mice (8.0 ± 1.5% ID/g 123 I; biological half-life of 4 h). After four cycles of repetitive polyplex/131 I applications, a significant delay of tumor growth was observed, which was associated with markedly improved survival in the therapy group. CONCLUSIONS These results clearly demonstrate that systemic in vivo NIS gene transfer using nanoparticle vectors coupled to B6 tumor targeting ligand is capable of inducing tumor-specific radioiodide uptake. This promising gene therapy approach opens the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide therapy in metastatic cancer, together with the possibility of combining several targeting ligands to enhance selective therapeutic efficacy in a broad field of cancer types with various receptor expression profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey K Grünwald
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany.,Division of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Germany
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11
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Müller AM, Schmohl KA, Knoop K, Schug C, Urnauer S, Hagenhoff A, Clevert DA, Ingrisch M, Niess H, Carlsen J, Zach C, Wagner E, Bartenstein P, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Hypoxia-targeted 131I therapy of hepatocellular cancer after systemic mesenchymal stem cell-mediated sodium iodide symporter gene delivery. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54795-54810. [PMID: 27458162 PMCID: PMC5342382 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptively transferred mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) home to solid tumors. Biologic features within the tumor environment can be used to selectively activate transgenes in engineered MSCs after tumor invasion. One of the characteristic features of solid tumors is hypoxia. We evaluated a hypoxia-based imaging and therapy strategy to target expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene to experimental hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) delivered by MSCs. MSCs engineered to express transgenes driven by a hypoxia-responsive promoter showed robust transgene induction under hypoxia as demonstrated by mCherry expression in tumor cell spheroid models, or radioiodide uptake using NIS. Subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC xenograft mouse models revealed significant levels of perchlorate-sensitive NIS-mediated tumoral radioiodide accumulation by tumor-recruited MSCs using 123I-scintigraphy or 124I-positron emission tomography. Functional NIS expression was further confirmed by ex vivo123I-biodistribution analysis. Administration of a therapeutic dose of 131I in mice treated with NIS-transfected MSCs resulted in delayed tumor growth and reduced tumor perfusion, as shown by contrast-enhanced sonography, and significantly prolonged survival of mice bearing orthotopic HCC tumors. Interestingly, radioiodide uptake into subcutaneous tumors was not sufficient to induce therapeutic effects. Our results demonstrate the potential of using tumor hypoxia-based approaches to drive radioiodide therapy in non-thyroidal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Knoop
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Hagenhoff
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk-André Clevert
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hanno Niess
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Janette Carlsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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12
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Urbiola K, Blanco-Fernández L, Ogris M, Rödl W, Wagner E, Tros de Ilarduya C. Novel PAMAM-PEG-Peptide Conjugates for siRNA Delivery Targeted to the Transferrin and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors. J Pers Med 2018; 8:jpm8010004. [PMID: 29315261 PMCID: PMC5872078 DOI: 10.3390/jpm8010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transferrin (TfR) and epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) are known to be overexpressed on the surface of a wide variety of tumor cells. Therefore, the peptides B6 (TfR specific) and GE11 (targeted to the EGFR) were linked to the PAMAM (polyamidoamine) structure via a polyethylenglycol (PEG) 2 kDa chain with the aim of improving the silencing capacity of the PAMAM-based dendriplexes. The complexes showed an excellent binding capacity to the siRNA with a maximal condensation at nitrogen/phosphate (N/P) 2. The nanoparticles formed exhibited hydrodynamic diameters below 200 nm. The zeta potential was always positive, despite the complexes containing the PEG chain in the structure showing a drop of the values due to the shielding effect. The gene silencing capacity was assayed in HeLa and LS174T cells stably transfected with the eGFPLuc cassette. The dendriplexes containing a specific anti luciferase siRNA, assayed at different N/P ratios, were able to mediate a mean decrease of the luciferase expression values of 14% for HeLa and 20% in LS174T cells, compared to an unspecific siRNA-control. (p < 0.05). In all the conditions assayed, dendriplexes resulted to be non-toxic and viability was always above 75%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koldo Urbiola
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
| | - Laura Blanco-Fernández
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) 80799 Munich, Germany; (W.R.); (E.W.)
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for NanoScience (CeNS), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) 80799 Munich, Germany; (W.R.); (E.W.)
| | - Conchita Tros de Ilarduya
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (K.U.); (L.B.-F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-948-425600 (ext. 80-6375)
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13
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Wu ZJ, Tang FR, Ma ZW, Peng XC, Xiang Y, Zhang Y, Kang J, Ji J, Liu XQ, Wang XW, Xin HW, Ren BX. Oncolytic Viruses for Tumor Precision Imaging and Radiotherapy. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 29:204-222. [PMID: 29179583 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2003 in China, Peng et al. invented the recombinant adenovirus expressing p53 (Gendicine) for clinical tumor virotherapy. This was the first clinically approved gene therapy and tumor virotherapy drug in the world. An oncolytic herpes simplex virus expressing granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (Talimogene laherparepvec) was approved for melanoma treatment in the United States in 2015. Since then, oncolytic viruses have been attracting more and more attention in the field of oncology, and may become novel significant modalities of tumor precision imaging and radiotherapy after further improvement. Oncolytic viruses carrying reporter genes can replicate and express genes of interest selectively in tumor cells, thus improving in vivo noninvasive precision molecular imaging and radiotherapy. Here, the latest developments and molecular mechanisms of tumor imaging and radiotherapy using oncolytic viruses are reviewed, and perspectives are given for further research. Various types of tumors are discussed, and special attention is paid to gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi J Wu
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China .,2 Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China .,3 The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Feng R Tang
- 4 Radiation Physiology Laboratory, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore , Create Tower, Singapore
| | - Zhao-Wu Ma
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Peng
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Ying Xiang
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Yanling Zhang
- 5 Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine , Guangzhou, China .,6 School of Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingbo Kang
- 7 The Navy General Hospital Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment Center , Beijing, China
| | - Jiafu Ji
- 8 Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute , Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Q Liu
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China .,2 Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China .,3 The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Xian-Wang Wang
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wu Xin
- 1 Laboratory of Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
| | - Bo X Ren
- 2 Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China .,3 The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Yangtze University , Jingzhou, China
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14
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Schmohl KA, Dolp P, Schug C, Knoop K, Klutz K, Schwenk N, Bartenstein P, Nelson PJ, Ogris M, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Reintroducing the Sodium-Iodide Symporter to Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Thyroid 2017; 27:1534-1543. [PMID: 29032724 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer, is unresponsive to radioiodine therapy. The current study aimed to extend the diagnostic and therapeutic application of radioiodine beyond the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer by targeting the functional sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) to ATC. METHODS The study employed nanoparticle vectors (polyplexes) based on linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), shielded by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and coupled to the synthetic peptide GE11 as an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand in order to target a NIS-expressing plasmid (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS) to EGFR overexpressing human thyroid carcinoma cell lines. Using ATC xenograft mouse models, transfection efficiency by 123I scintigraphy and potential for systemic radioiodine therapy after systemic polyplex application were evaluated. RESULTS In vitro iodide uptake studies in SW1736 and Hth74 ATC cells, and, for comparison, in more differentiated follicular (FTC-133) and papillary (BCPAP) thyroid carcinoma cells demonstrated high transfection efficiency and EGFR-specificity of LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS that correlated well with EGFR expression levels. After systemic polyplex injection, in vivo 123I gamma camera imaging revealed significant tumor-specific accumulation of radioiodine in an SW1736 and an Hth74 xenograft mouse model. Radioiodine accumulation was found to be higher in SW1736 tumors, reflecting in vitro results, EGFR expression levels, and results from ex vivo analysis of NIS staining. Administration of 131I in LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS-treated SW1736 xenograft mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth associated with prolonged survival compared to control animals. CONCLUSIONS The data open the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy of ATC after non-viral reintroduction of the NIS gene. The high tumor specificity after systemic application makes the strategy an attractive alternative for the treatment of highly metastatic ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin A Schmohl
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick Dolp
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Knoop
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- 2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna , Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- 4 Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich , LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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15
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Urnauer S, Müller AM, Schug C, Schmohl KA, Tutter M, Schwenk N, Rödl W, Morys S, Ingrisch M, Bertram J, Bartenstein P, Clevert DA, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. EGFR-targeted nonviral NIS gene transfer for bioimaging and therapy of disseminated colon cancer metastases. Oncotarget 2017; 8:92195-92208. [PMID: 29190908 PMCID: PMC5696174 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver metastases present a serious problem in the therapy of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC), as more than 20% of patients have distant metastases at the time of diagnosis with less than 5% being cured. Consequently, new therapeutic approaches are of major need together with high-resolution imaging methods that allow highly specific detection of small metastases. The unique combination of reporter and therapy gene function of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) may represent a promising theranostic strategy for CRC liver metastases allowing non-invasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic application of 131I. For targeted NIS gene transfer polymers containing linear polyethylenimine (LPEI), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand GE11 were complexed with human NIS DNA (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS). Tumor specificity and transduction efficiency were examined in high EGFR-expressing LS174T metastases by non-invasive imaging using 18F-tetrafluoroborate (18F-TFB) as novel NIS PET tracer. Mice that were injected with LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS 48 h before 18F-TFB application showed high tumoral levels (4.8±0.6% of injected dose) of NIS-mediated radionuclide uptake in comparison to low levels detected in mice that received untargeted control polyplexes. Three cycles of intravenous injection of EGFR-targeted NIS polyplexes followed by therapeutic application of 55.5 MBq 131I resulted in marked delay in metastases spread, which was associated with improved animal survival. In conclusion, these preclinical data confirm the enormous potential of EGFR-targeted synthetic polymers for systemic NIS gene delivery in an advanced multifocal CRC liver metastases model and open the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide therapy in metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin A Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Tutter
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie Schwenk
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rödl
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ingrisch
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Bertram
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Radiopharmacy, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Bartenstein
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk-André Clevert
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Morys S, Urnauer S, Spitzweg C, Wagner E. EGFR Targeting and Shielding of pDNA Lipopolyplexes via Bivalent Attachment of a Sequence-Defined PEG Agent. Macromol Biosci 2017; 18. [PMID: 28877405 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201700203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
For successful nonviral gene delivery, cationic polymers are promising DNA carrier, which need to comprise several functionalities. The current work focuses on the postincorporation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted PEGylation agents onto lipopolyplexes for pDNA delivery. T-shaped lipo-oligomers are previously found to be effective sequence-defined carriers for pDNA and siRNA. Here, the bis-oleoyl-oligoaminoethanamide 454 containing tyrosine trimer-cysteine ends is applied for complex formation with pDNA coding for luciferase or sodium iodide symporter (NIS). In a second step, the lipopolyplexes are modified via disulfide formation with sequence-defined monovalent or bivalent PEGylation agents containing one or two 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl (NPys)-activated cysteines, respectively. For targeting, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) agents comprise the EGFR targeting peptide GE11. In comparison of all transfection complexes, 454 lipopolyplexes modified with the bidentate PEG-GE11 agent show the best, EGFR-dependent uptake as well as luciferase and NIS gene expression into receptor-positive tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Morys
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS), LMU Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
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17
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Schmohl KA, Gupta A, Grünwald GK, Trajkovic-Arsic M, Klutz K, Braren R, Schwaiger M, Nelson PJ, Ogris M, Wagner E, Siveke JT, Spitzweg C. Imaging and targeted therapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using the theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene. Oncotarget 2017; 8:33393-33404. [PMID: 28380420 PMCID: PMC5464876 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The theranostic sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene allows detailed molecular imaging of transgene expression and application of therapeutic radionuclides. As a crucial step towards clinical application, we investigated tumor specificity and transfection efficiency of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted polyplexes as systemic NIS gene delivery vehicles in an advanced genetically engineered mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that closely reflects human disease. PDAC was induced in mice by pancreas-specific activation of constitutively active KrasG12D and deletion of Trp53. We used tumor-targeted polyplexes (LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS) based on linear polyethylenimine, shielded by polyethylene glycol and coupled with the EGFR-specific peptide ligand GE11, to target a NIS-expressing plasmid to high EGFR-expressing PDAC. In vitro iodide uptake studies in cell explants from murine EGFR-positive and EGFR-ablated PDAC lesions demonstrated high transfection efficiency and EGFR-specificity of LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS. In vivo 123I gamma camera imaging and three-dimensional high-resolution 124I PET showed significant tumor-specific accumulation of radioiodide after systemic LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS injection. Administration of 131I in LPEI-PEG-GE11/NIS-treated mice resulted in significantly reduced tumor growth compared to controls as determined by magnetic resonance imaging, though survival was not significantly prolonged. This study opens the exciting prospect of NIS-mediated radionuclide imaging and therapy of PDAC after systemic non-viral NIS gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin A. Schmohl
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aayush Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey K. Grünwald
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marija Trajkovic-Arsic
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Klutz
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rickmer Braren
- Department of Radiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Schwaiger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter J. Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Ogris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of MacroMolecular Cancer Therapeutics (MMCT), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Center for System-Based Drug Research and Center for Nanoscience, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munich, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine II and IV, University Hospital of Munich, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Xia W, Li D, Wang G, Ni J, Zhuang J, Ha M, Wang J, Ye Y. Small activating RNA upregulates NIS expression: promising potential for hepatocellular carcinoma endoradiotherapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2016; 23:333-340. [PMID: 27608773 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2016.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Currently, the clinical strategies available for the treatment of HCC remain insufficient for the poor prognosis. Sodium/iodide symporter (NIS)-based radioiodine therapy is proposed as a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC. However, it is difficult for HCC cells to trap iodine for the lower expression of NIS. Small activating RNA (saRNA) is a newly identified small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that can induce endogenous gene expression by targeting promoter sequences. Here, we designed an saRNA (saRNA-482) that targeted the NIS promoter sequences. In the cultured HepG2 cells and Hep3B cells, the expressions of NIS were upregulated after transfection of saRNA-482. In addition, the uptake of 125I increased in the cultured HepG2 and Hep3B cells transfected with saRNA-482. Furthermore, the cell viabilities were significantly inhibited in the saRNA-482-transfected HepG2 and Hep3B cells after 131I treatment. Meanwhile, the apoptosis of saRNA-482-transfected HepG2 and Hep3B cells significantly increased after 131I treatment. The results suggest that RNA activation-mediated upregulation of NIS may have an endoradiotherapeutic potential in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - D Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - G Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - J Ni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - J Zhuang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - M Ha
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - J Wang
- President's Office of Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Ye
- Central Laboratory, Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Li S, Ou M, Wang G, Tang L. Application of conditionally replicating adenoviruses in tumor early diagnosis technology, gene-radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 100:8325-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7806-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Urnauer S, Morys S, Krhac Levacic A, Müller AM, Schug C, Schmohl KA, Schwenk N, Zach C, Carlsen J, Bartenstein P, Wagner E, Spitzweg C. Sequence-defined cMET/HGFR-targeted Polymers as Gene Delivery Vehicles for the Theranostic Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS) Gene. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1395-404. [PMID: 27157666 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as well-characterized theranostic gene represents an outstanding tool to target different cancer types allowing noninvasive imaging of functional NIS expression and therapeutic radioiodide application. Based on its overexpression on the surface of most cancer types, the cMET/hepatocyte growth factor receptor serves as ideal target for tumor-selective gene delivery. Sequence-defined polymers as nonviral gene delivery vehicles comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cationic (oligoethanoamino) amide cores coupled with a cMET-binding peptide (cMBP2) were complexed with NIS-DNA and tested for receptor-specificity, transduction efficiency, and therapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular cancer cells HuH7. In vitro iodide uptake studies demonstrated high transduction efficiency and cMET-specificity of NIS-encoding polyplexes (cMBP2-PEG-Stp/NIS) compared to polyplexes without targeting ligand (Ala-PEG-Stp/NIS) and without coding DNA (cMBP2-PEG-Stp/Antisense-NIS). Tumor recruitment and vector biodistribution were investigated in vivo in a subcutaneous xenograft mouse model showing high tumor-selective iodide accumulation in cMBP2-PEG-Stp/NIS-treated mice (6.6 ± 1.6% ID/g (123)I, biological half-life 3 hours) by (123)I-scintigraphy. Therapy studies with three cycles of polyplexes and (131)I application resulted in significant delay in tumor growth and prolonged survival. These data demonstrate the enormous potential of cMET-targeted sequence-defined polymers combined with the unique theranostic function of NIS allowing for optimized transfection efficiency while eliminating toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Urnauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stephan Morys
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ana Krhac Levacic
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea M Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine II, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Schug
- Department of Internal Medicine II, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Christian Zach
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Research, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Abstract
Introduction: Oncolytic viruses are experimental cancer therapies being translated to the clinic. They are unique in their ability to amplify within the body, therefore requiring careful monitoring of viral replication and biodistribution. Traditional monitoring strategies fail to recapitulate the dynamic nature of oncolytic virotherapy. Consequently, clinically relevant, noninvasive, high resolution strategies are needed to effectively track virotherapy in real time. Areas covered: The expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) reporter gene is tightly coupled to viral genome replication and mediates radioisotope concentration, allowing noninvasive molecular nuclear imaging of active viral infection with high resolution. This provides insight into replication kinetics, biodistribution, the impact of vector design, administration, and dosing on therapeutic outcomes, and highlights the heterogeneity of spatial distribution and temporal evolution of infection. NIS-mediated imaging in clinical trials confirms the feasibility of this technology to noninvasively and longitudinally observe oncolytic virus infection, replication, and distribution. Expert opinion: NIS-mediated imaging provides detailed functional and molecular information on the evolution of oncolytic virus infection in living animals. The use of NIS reporter gene imaging has rapidly advanced to provide unparalleled insight into the spatial and temporal context of oncolytic infection which will be integral to optimization of oncolytic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Miller
- a Mayo Clinic, Department of Molecular Medicine , Rochester , MN 55905 , USA.,b Mayo Graduate School, Center for Clinical and Translational Science , Rochester , MN 55905 , USA
| | - Stephen J Russell
- a Mayo Clinic, Department of Molecular Medicine , Rochester , MN 55905 , USA.,c Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology , Rochester , MN 55905 , USA
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Yu M, Ma YM, Chen HL, Liu J, Fang XL. Application of inhibitors of differentiation 2 and 3 for evaluation of chemotherapy efficacy in liver cancer. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2015; 23:4499-4506. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v23.i28.4499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To explore the influence of surgery alone and in combination with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on tumor markers, inhibitor of differentiation 2 (ID2), ID3 and survival time in patients with liver cancer, analyze the influence of ID2 and ID3 on the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer, and explore the feasibility of detection of ID2 and ID3 expression in evaluating efficacy of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.
METHODS: This was a 1:1 matched case-control study. ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor markers, ID2 and ID3 in the serum of patients. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of ID2 and ID3 in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues. Transwell assay was used to detect the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. The correlation between the content of AFP and the expression levels of ID2 and ID3 was statistically analyzed.
RESULTS: The tumor markers CEA, CA50, AFP, and CA242 as well as ID2 and ID3 in the serum decreased significantly and the survival time was longer in patients receiving surgery with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy when compared with patients receiving surgery alone (P < 0.05). The protein expression levels of ID2 and ID3 were decreased in the adjacent normal tissues compared with the liver cancer tissues (P < 0.05). Transwell analysis indicated that ID2 and ID3 knockdown inhibited the invasion and metastasis ability of HepG2 cells while overexpression of ID2 and ID3 promoted the invasion and metastasis of HepG2 cells (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the content of AFP and the expression levels of ID2 and ID3 (rID2 = 0.881, rID3 = 0.928, P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: ID2 and ID3 have similar effects to liver tumor markers, and the increased expression of ID2 and ID3 indicates greater invasion and metastasis ability of HepG2 cells and shorter survival time in patients with liver cancer. ID2 and ID3 expression might be used for clinical evaluation of efficacy of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.
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Schmohl KA, Müller AM, Schwenk N, Knoop K, Rijntjes E, Köhrle J, Heuer H, Bartenstein P, Göke B, Nelson PJ, Spitzweg C. Establishment of an Effective Radioiodide Thyroid Ablation Protocol in Mice. Eur Thyroid J 2015; 4:74-80. [PMID: 26601076 PMCID: PMC4640294 DOI: 10.1159/000381019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high variance in available protocols on iodide-131 ((131)I) ablation in rodents, we set out to establish an effective method to generate a thyroid-ablated mouse model that allows the application of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a reporter gene without interference with thyroidal NIS. We tested a range of (131)I doses with and without prestimulation of thyroidal radioiodide uptake by a low-iodine diet and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) application. Efficacy of induction of hypothyroidism was tested by measurement of serum T4 concentrations, pituitary TSHβ and liver deiodinase type 1 (DIO1) mRNA expression, body weight analysis, and (99m)Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy. While 200 µCi (7.4 MBq) (131)I alone was not sufficient to abolish thyroidal T4 production, 500 µCi (18.5 MBq) (131)I combined with 1 week of a low-iodine diet decreased serum concentrations below the detection limit. However, the high (131)I dose resulted in severe side effects. A combination of 1 week of a low-iodine diet followed by injection of bovine TSH before the application of 150 µCi (5.5 MBq) (131)I decreased serum T4 concentrations below the detection limit and significantly increased pituitary TSHβ concentrations. The systemic effects of induced hypothyroidism were shown by growth arrest and a decrease in liver DIO1 expression below the detection limit. (99m)Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy revealed absence of thyroidal (99m)Tc-pertechnetate uptake in ablated mice. In summary, we report a revised protocol for radioiodide ablation of the thyroid gland in the mouse to generate an in vivo model that allows the study of thyroid hormone action using NIS as a reporter gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eddy Rijntjes
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Josef Köhrle
- Institut für Experimentelle Endokrinologie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Heuer
- Leibniz Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter J. Nelson
- Medical Policlinic IV, University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Spitzweg
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Munich, Germany
- *Christine Spitzweg, MD, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, DE-81377 Munich (Germany), E-Mail
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Khan I, Zakaria MK, Kumar M, Mani P, Chattopadhyay P, Sarkar DP, Sinha S. A novel placental like alkaline phosphatase promoter driven transcriptional silencing combined with single chain variable fragment antibody based virosomal delivery for neoplastic cell targeting [corrected]. J Transl Med 2015; 13:254. [PMID: 26242403 PMCID: PMC4524171 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placental like alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), an oncofetal antigen, is highly expressed in germ cell, cervical, ovarian and several other tumour types but minimally in normal tissues [corrected]. The expression of a PLAP promoter based transcriptional unit following antigen mediated cell specific delivery is a possible approach for tumour targeting. METHODS PLAP promoter alone or in combination with NFκB DNA response elements was used for expressing shRNA targeting the long control region (LCR) of human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 oncogenes E6 and E7 via transcriptional gene silencing in PLAP expressing cervical cancer cell lines, SiHa and CaSki. This was packaged in a Sendai virus envelope incorporating a single chain variable fragment antibody (scFv) for antibody mediated targeting. Specificity and efficacy of the shRNA was assessed by studying the heterochromatization, down regulation of the HPV-16 E6/E7 genes and subsequent effects on their targets and cell growth properties. RESULTS Reduction of HPV-16 E6 and E7 expression by TGS led to the activation of the previously suppressed target genes of p53 (PUMA and NOXA) and Rb (cyclins A2 and E). Cell death was seen only in PLAP expressing HPV-16 infected SiHa and CaSki cells but not in the HPV-18 integrated HeLa and non-PLAP CHO cells. There was reduction in the enhancer associated transcripts of the long control region (LCR) of HPV-16 E6/E7 genes. Also, an increase in the enrichment of dimethylated histone three lysine nine (H3K9Me2) and trimethylated histone three lysine twenty-seven (H3K27Me3) was observed by ChIP assay, which decreased upon trichostatin A treatment, indicating a possible mechanism for the heterochromatization of the target LCR region. CONCLUSION A combination of novel PLAP promoter and antibody based specificities has the potential for being developed as a possible therapeutic strategy for PLAP positive neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India.
| | - Mohammad Khalid Zakaria
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India. .,National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122051, India.
| | - Mukesh Kumar
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122051, India.
| | - Prashant Mani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
| | | | - Debi P Sarkar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi, South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi, 110021, India.
| | - Subrata Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, 110029, India. .,National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, 122051, India.
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Jebar AH, Vile RG, Melcher AA, Griffin S, Selby PJ, Errington-Mais F. Progress in clinical oncolytic virus-based therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gen Virol 2015; 96:1533-50. [DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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26
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Kim YH, Youn H, Na J, Hong KJ, Kang KW, Lee DS, Chung JK. Codon-optimized human sodium iodide symporter (opt-hNIS) as a sensitive reporter and efficient therapeutic gene. Theranostics 2015; 5:86-96. [PMID: 25553100 PMCID: PMC4265750 DOI: 10.7150/thno.10062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
To generate a more efficient in vivo reporter and therapeutic gene, we optimized the coding sequence of the human sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) gene by replacing NIS DNA codons from wild type to new codons having the highest usage in human gene translation. The Codon Adaptation Index (CAI), representing the number of codons effective for human expression, was much improved (0.79 for hNIS, 0.97 for opt-hNIS). Both wild-type (hNIS) and optimized human NIS (opt-hNIS) were cloned into pcDNA3.1 and pMSCV vectors for transfection. Various cancer cell lines such as thyroid (TPC-1, FRO, B-CPAP), breast (MDA-MB-231), liver (Hep3B), cervical (HeLa), and glioma (U87MG) were transfected with pcDNA3.1/hNIS or pcDNA3.1/opt-hNIS. 125I uptake by opt-hNIS-expressing cells was 1.6 ~ 2.1 times higher than uptake by wild-type hNIS-expressing cells. Stable cell lines were also established by retroviral transduction using pMSCV/hNIS or pMSCV/opt-hNIS, revealing higher NIS protein levels and 125I uptake in opt-hNIS-expressing cells than in hNIS-expressing cells. Moreover, scintigraphic images from cell plates and mouse xenografts showed stronger signals from opt-hNIS-expressing cells than hNIS-expressing cells, and radioactivity uptake by opt-hNIS-expressing tumors was 2.3-fold greater than that by hNIS-expressing tumors. To test the efficacy of radioiodine therapy, mouse xenograft models were established with cancer cells expressing hNIS or opt-hNIS. 131I treatment reduced tumor sizes of hNIS- and opt-hNIS-expressing tumors to 0.57- and 0.27- fold, respectively, compared to their sizes before therapy, suggesting an improved therapeutic effect of opt-hNIS. In summary, this study shows that codon optimization strongly increases hNIS protein levels and radioiodine uptake, thus supporting opt-hNIS as a more sensitive reporter and efficient therapeutic gene.
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27
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Miller A, Suksanpaisan L, Naik S, Nace R, Federspiel M, Peng KW, Russell SJ. Reporter gene imaging identifies intratumoral infection voids as a critical barrier to systemic oncolytic virus efficacy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2014; 1:14005. [PMID: 27119095 PMCID: PMC4782940 DOI: 10.1038/mto.2014.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Systemically administered oncolytic viruses have the ability to cause tumor destruction through the expansion and coalescence of intratumoral infectious centers. Efficacy is therefore dependent upon both the density and intratumoral distribution of virus-infected cells achieved after initial virus infusion, and delivery methods are being developed to enhance these critical parameters. However, the three-dimensional (3D) mapping of intratumoral infectious centers is difficult using conventional immunohistochemical methodology, requiring painstaking 3D reconstruction of numerous sequential stained tumor sections, with no ability to study the temporal evolution of spreading infection in a single animal. We therefore developed a system using very high-resolution noninvasive in vivo micro single-photon emitted computed tomography/computed tomography (microSPECT/CT) imaging to determine the intratumoral distribution of thyroid radiotracers in tumors infected with an oncolytic virus encoding the thyroidal sodium–iodide symporter (NIS). This imaging system was used for longitudinal analysis of the density, distribution, and evolution of intratumoral infectious centers after systemic administration of oncolytic vesicular stomatitis virus in tumor-bearing mice and revealed heterogeneous delivery of virus particles both within and between tumors in animals receiving identical therapy. This study provides compelling validation of high resolution in vivo reporter gene mapping as a convenient method for serial monitoring of intratumoral virus spread that will be necessary to address critical barriers to systemic oncolytic virus efficacy such as intratumoral delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Miller
- Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lukkana Suksanpaisan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Imanis Life Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Shruthi Naik
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rebecca Nace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Mark Federspiel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kah Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephen J Russell
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA; Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Gene therapy and imaging in preclinical and clinical oncology: recent developments in therapy and theranostics. Ther Deliv 2014; 5:1275-96. [DOI: 10.4155/tde.14.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the case of disseminated cancer, current treatment options reach their limit. Gene theranostics emerge as an innovative route in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and might pave the way towards development of an efficacious treatment of currently incurable cancer. Various gene vectors have been developed to realize tumor-specific nucleic acid delivery and are considered crucial for the successful application of cancer gene therapy. By adding reporter genes and imaging agents, these systems gain an additional diagnostic function, thereby advancing the theranostic paradigm into cancer gene therapy. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the feasibility of combined tumor gene therapy and diagnostic imaging, and clinical trials in human and veterinary oncology have been executed with partly encouraging results.
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Combination of hepatocyte specific delivery and transformation dependent expression of shRNA inducing transcriptional gene silencing of c-Myc promoter in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:582. [PMID: 25108398 PMCID: PMC4153911 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A specific targeting modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could ideally encompass a liver cell specific delivery system of a transcriptional unit that is active only in neoplastic cells. Sendai virosomes, derived from Sendai viral envelopes, home to hepatocytes based on the liver specific expression of asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) which are recognized by the Sendai virosomal fusion (F) proteins. As reported earlier by us and other groups, transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) does not require continuous presence of the effector siRNA/shRNA molecule and is heritable, involving epigenetic modifications, leading to long term transcriptional repression. This could be advantageous over conventional gene therapy approaches, since continuous c-Myc inactivation is required to suppress hepatocarcinoma cells. Methods Exploiting such virosomal delivery, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter, in combination with various tumour specific enhancers, was used to drive the expression of shRNA directed against ME1a1 binding site of the proto-oncogene c-Myc P2 promoter, in order to induce TGS in neoplastic liver cells. Results The dual specificity achieved by the Sendai virosomal delivery system and the promoter/enhancer guided expression ensured that the shRNA inducing TGS was active only in liver cells that had undergone malignant transformation. Our results indicate that such a bimodal therapeutic system induced specific activation of apoptosis in hepatocarcinoma cells due to heterochromatization and increased DNA methylation of the CpG islands around the target loci. Conclusions The Sendai virosomal delivery system, combined with AFP promoter/enhancer expression machinery, could serve as a generalized mechanism for the expression of genes deleterious to transformed hepatocarcinoma cells. In this system, the epigenetic suppression of c-Myc could have an added advantage for inducing cell death in the targeted cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2407-14-582) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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EGFR-Targeted Adenovirus Dendrimer Coating for Improved Systemic Delivery of the Theranostic NIS Gene. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2013; 2:e131. [PMID: 24193032 PMCID: PMC3889187 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2013.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We recently demonstrated tumor-selective iodide uptake and therapeutic efficacy of
combined radiovirotherapy after systemic delivery of the theranostic sodium iodide
symporter (NIS) gene using a dendrimer-coated adenovirus. To further improve shielding and
targeting we physically coated replication-selective adenoviruses carrying the
hNIS gene with a conjugate consisting of cationic poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM)
dendrimer linked to the peptidic, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific ligand
GE11. In vitro experiments demonstrated coxsackie-adenovirus receptor-independent
but EGFR-specific transduction efficiency. Systemic injection of the uncoated adenovirus
in a liver cancer xenograft mouse model led to high levels of NIS expression in the liver
due to hepatic sequestration, which were significantly reduced after coating as
demonstrated by 123I-scintigraphy. Reduction of adenovirus liver pooling
resulted in decreased hepatotoxicity and increased transduction efficiency in peripheral
xenograft tumors. 124I-PET-imaging confirmed EGFR-specificity by significantly
lower tumoral radioiodine accumulation after pretreatment with the EGFR-specific antibody
cetuximab. A significantly enhanced oncolytic effect was observed following systemic
application of dendrimer-coated adenovirus that was further increased by additional
treatment with a therapeutic dose of 131I. These results demonstrate restricted
virus tropism and tumor-selective retargeting after systemic application of coated,
EGFR-targeted adenoviruses therefore representing a promising strategy for improved
systemic adenoviral NIS gene therapy.
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Grünwald GK, Vetter A, Klutz K, Willhauck MJ, Schwenk N, Senekowitsch-Schmidtke R, Schwaiger M, Zach C, Wagner E, Göke B, Holm PS, Ogris M, Spitzweg C. Systemic image-guided liver cancer radiovirotherapy using dendrimer-coated adenovirus encoding the sodium iodide symporter as theranostic gene. J Nucl Med 2013; 54:1450-7. [PMID: 23843567 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.112.115493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Currently, major limitations for the clinical application of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy are high prevalence of neutralizing antibodies, widespread expression of the coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR), and adenovirus sequestration by the liver. In the current study, we used the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) as a theranostic gene to investigate whether coating of adenovirus with synthetic dendrimers could be useful to overcome these hurdles in order to develop adenoviral vectors for combination of systemic oncolytic virotherapy and NIS-mediated radiotherapy. METHODS We coated replication-deficient (Ad5-CMV/NIS) (CMV is cytomegalovirus) and replication-selective (Ad5-E1/AFP-E3/NIS) adenovirus serotype 5 carrying the hNIS gene with poly(amidoamine) dendrimers generation 5 (PAMAM-G5) in order to investigate transduction efficacy and altered tropism of these coated virus particles by (123)I scintigraphy and to evaluate their therapeutic potential for systemic radiovirotherapy in a liver cancer xenograft mouse model. RESULTS After dendrimer coating, Ad5-CMV/NIS demonstrated partial protection from neutralizing antibodies and enhanced transduction efficacy in CAR-negative cells in vitro. In vivo (123)I scintigraphy of nude mice revealed significantly reduced levels of hepatic transgene expression after intravenous injection of dendrimer-coated Ad5-CMV/NIS (dcAd5-CMV/NIS). Evasion from liver accumulation resulted in significantly reduced liver toxicity and increased transduction efficiency of dcAd5-CMV/NIS in hepatoma xenografts. After PAMAM-G5 coating of the replication-selective Ad5-E1/AFP-E3/NIS, a significantly enhanced oncolytic effect was observed after intravenous application (virotherapy) that was further increased by additional treatment with a therapeutic dose of (131)I (radiovirotherapy) and was associated with markedly improved survival. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate efficient liver detargeting and tumor retargeting of adenoviral vectors after coating with synthetic dendrimers, thereby representing a promising innovative strategy for systemic NIS gene therapy. Moreover, our study-based on the function of NIS as a theranostic gene allowing the noninvasive imaging of NIS expression by (123)I scintigraphy-provides detailed characterization of in vivo vector biodistribution and localization, level, and duration of transgene expression, essential prerequisites for exact planning and monitoring of clinical gene therapy trials that aim to individualize the NIS gene therapy concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey K Grünwald
- Department of Internal Medicine II-Campus Grosshadern, University Hospital of Munich, Munich, Germany
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