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Ali A, Grillone K, Ascrizzi S, Caridà G, Fiorillo L, Ciliberto D, Staropoli N, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Di Martino MT. LNA-i-miR-221 activity in colorectal cancer: A reverse translational investigation. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102221. [PMID: 38868363 PMCID: PMC11168481 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a relevant cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression has been associated with the development and progression of various cancers, including CRC. Among them, miR-221 emerged as an oncogenic driver, whose high expression is associated with poor patient prognosis. The present study was conceived to investigate the anti-CRC activity of miR-221 silencing based on early clinical data achieved from a first-in-human study by our group. Going back from bedside to bench, we demonstrated that LNA-i-miR-221 reduces cell viability, induces apoptosis in vitro, and impairs tumor growth in preclinical in vivo models of CRC. Importantly, we disclosed that miR-221 directly targets TP53BP2, which, together with TP53INP1, is known as a positive regulator of the TP53 apoptotic pathway. We found that (1) both these genes are overexpressed following miR-221 inhibition, (2) the strong anti-tumor activity of LNA-i-miR-221 was selectively observed on TP53 wild-type cells, and (3) this activity was reduced in the presence of the TP53-inhibitor Pifitrin-α. Our data pave the way to further investigations on TP53 functionality as a marker predictive of response to miR-221 silencing, which might be relevant for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Katia Grillone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serena Ascrizzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulio Caridà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Fiorillo
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciliberto
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Staropoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
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2
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Yan L, Zhou R, Feng Y, Li R, Zhang L, Pan Y, Qiao X, Li P, Wei X, Xu C, Li Y, Niu X, Sun X, Lv Z, Tian Z. MiR-134-5p inhibits the malignant phenotypes of osteosarcoma via ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:193. [PMID: 38664375 PMCID: PMC11045734 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01946-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRs) have been implicated in various tumorigenic processes. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary bone malignancy seen in adolescents. However, the mechanism of miRs in OS has not been fully demonstrated yet. Here, miR-134-5p was found to inhibit OS progression and was also expressed at significantly lower levels in OS tissues and cells relative to normal controls. miR-134-5p was found to reduce vasculogenic mimicry, proliferation, invasion, and migration of OS cells, with miR-134-5p knockdown having the opposite effects. Mechanistically, miR-134-5p inhibited expression of the ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt axis, thus reducing the malignant features of OS cells. In summary, miR-134-5p reduced OS tumorigenesis by modulation of the ITGB1/MMP2/PI3K/Akt axis, suggesting the potential for using miR-134-5p as a target for treating OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yan
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Ruhao Zhou
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Ruoqi Li
- General Surgery Department, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Long Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yongchun Pan
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, 030032, China
| | - Xiaochen Qiao
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of Orthopedics, JinZhong Hospital Affiliated to Shanxi Medical University, 689 Huitong South Road, Jinzhong, Shanxi, 030600, China
| | - Pengcui Li
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Chaojian Xu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China
| | - Xiaochen Niu
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaojuan Sun
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
| | - Zhi Lv
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
| | - Zhi Tian
- Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
- Department of orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Key laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue injury repair, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030001, China.
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3
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Pagoni M, Cava C, Sideris DC, Avgeris M, Zoumpourlis V, Michalopoulos I, Drakoulis N. miRNA-Based Technologies in Cancer Therapy. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1586. [PMID: 38003902 PMCID: PMC10672431 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13111586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of therapeutic miRNAs is one of the most exciting challenges for pharmaceutical companies. Since the first miRNA was discovered in 1993, our knowledge of miRNA biology has grown considerably. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNA expression is dysregulated in many diseases, making them appealing tools for novel therapeutic approaches. This review aims to discuss miRNA biogenesis and function, as well as highlight strategies for delivering miRNA agents, presenting viral, non-viral, and exosomic delivery as therapeutic approaches for different cancer types. We also consider the therapeutic role of microRNA-mediated drug repurposing in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pagoni
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
| | - Claudia Cava
- Department of Science, Technology and Society, University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Diamantis C. Sideris
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece;
| | - Margaritis Avgeris
- Laboratory of Clinical Biochemistry—Molecular Diagnostics, Second Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Vassilios Zoumpourlis
- Biomedical Applications Unit, Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), 11635 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioannis Michalopoulos
- Centre of Systems Biology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Drakoulis
- Research Group of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15701 Athens, Greece
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4
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Spencer-Dene B, Mukherjee P, Alex A, Bera K, Tseng WJ, Shi J, Chaney EJ, Spillman DR, Marjanovic M, Miranda E, Boppart SA, Hood SR. Localization of unlabeled bepirovirsen antisense oligonucleotide in murine tissues using in situ hybridization and CARS imaging. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 29:1575-1590. [PMID: 37460153 PMCID: PMC10578491 DOI: 10.1261/rna.079699.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Current methods for detecting unlabeled antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) drugs rely on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or conjugated molecules, which lack sufficient sensitivity, specificity, and resolution to fully investigate their biodistribution. Our aim was to demonstrate the qualitative and quantitative distribution of unlabeled bepirovirsen, a clinical stage ASO, in livers and kidneys of dosed mice using novel staining and imaging technologies at subcellular resolution. ASOs were detected in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen tissues using an automated chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay: miRNAscope. This was then combined with immunohistochemical detection of cell lineage markers. ASO distribution in hepatocytes versus nonparenchymal cell lineages was quantified using HALO AI image analysis. To complement this, hyperspectral coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (HS-CARS) imaging microscopy was used to specifically detect the unique cellular Raman spectral signatures following ASO treatment. Bepirovirsen was localized primarily in nonparenchymal liver cells and proximal renal tubules. Codetection of ASO with distinct cell lineage markers of liver and kidney populations aided target cell identity facilitating quantification. Positive liver signal was quantified using HALO AI, with 12.9% of the ASO localized to the hepatocytes and 87.1% in nonparenchymal cells. HS-CARS imaging specifically detected ASO fingerprints based on the unique vibrational signatures following unlabeled ASO treatment in a totally nonperturbative manner at subcellular resolution. Together, these novel detection and imaging modalities represent a significant increase in our ability to detect unlabeled ASOs in tissues, demonstrating improved levels of specificity and resolution. These methods help us understand their underlying mechanisms of action and ultimately improve the therapeutic potential of these important drugs for treating globally significant human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Spencer-Dene
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Prabuddha Mukherjee
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Aneesh Alex
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania 19426, USA
| | - Kajari Bera
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Wei-Ju Tseng
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Upper Providence, Pennsylvania 19426, USA
| | - Jindou Shi
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Eric J Chaney
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Darold R Spillman
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Marina Marjanovic
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Elena Miranda
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A Boppart
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
- Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
| | - Steve R Hood
- In Vitro/In Vivo Translation, BioImaging, GSK, Stevenage SG1 2NY, United Kingdom
- GSK Center for Optical Molecular Imaging, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA
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5
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Tassone P, Di Martino MT, Arbitrio M, Fiorillo L, Staropoli N, Ciliberto D, Cordua A, Scionti F, Bertucci B, Salvino A, Lopreiato M, Thunarf F, Cuomo O, Zito MC, De Fina MR, Brescia A, Gualtieri S, Riillo C, Manti F, Caracciolo D, Barbieri V, Di Paola ED, Di Francesco AE, Tagliaferri P. Safety and activity of the first-in-class locked nucleic acid (LNA) miR-221 selective inhibitor in refractory advanced cancer patients: a first-in-human, phase 1, open-label, dose-escalation study. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:68. [PMID: 37365583 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We developed a 13-mer locked nucleic acid (LNA) inhibitor of miR-221 (LNA-i-miR-221) with a full phosphorothioate (PS)-modified backbone. This agent downregulated miR-221, demonstrated anti-tumor activity against human xenografts in mice, and favorable toxicokinetics in rats and monkeys. Allometric interspecies scaling allowed us to define the first-in-class LNA-i-miR-221 safe starting dose for the clinical translation. METHODS In this first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation phase 1 trial, we enrolled progressive cancer patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with ECOG 0-2 into 5 cohorts. The treatment cycle was based on a 30-min IV infusion of LNA-i-miR-221 on 4 consecutive days. Three patients within the first cohort were treated with 2 cycles (8 infusions), while 14 patients were treated with a single course (4 infusions); all patients were evaluated for phase 1 primary endpoint. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee and Regulatory Authorities (EudraCT 2017-002615-33). RESULTS Seventeen patients received the investigational treatment, and 16 were evaluable for response. LNA-i-miR-221 was well tolerated, with no grade 3-4 toxicity, and the MTD was not reached. We recorded stable disease (SD) in 8 (50.0%) patients and partial response (PR) in 1 (6.3%) colorectal cancer case (total SD + PR: 56.3%). Pharmacokinetics indicated non-linear drug concentration increase across the dose range. Pharmacodynamics demonstrated concentration-dependent downregulation of miR-221 and upregulation of its CDKN1B/p27 and PTEN canonical targets. Five mg/kg was defined as the recommended phase II dose. CONCLUSIONS The excellent safety profile, the promising bio-modulator, and the anti-tumor activity offer the rationale for further clinical investigation of LNA-i-miR-221 (ClinTrials.Gov: NCT04811898).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Institute of Research and Biomedical Innovation (IRIB), Italian National Council (CNR), Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Fiorillo
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Staropoli
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Domenico Ciliberto
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Alessia Cordua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Angela Salvino
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariangela Lopreiato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Fredrik Thunarf
- Biometrics Department, LINK Medical Research AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Onofrio Cuomo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Simona Gualtieri
- Phase 1 and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vito Barbieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenio Donato Di Paola
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Science of Health, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (DMSC), Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, AOU Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
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6
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Kusznir EA, Hau JC, Portmann M, Reinhart AG, Falivene F, Bastien J, Worm J, Ross A, Lauer M, Ringler P, Sladojevich F, Huber S, Bleicher K, Keller M. Propensities of Fatty Acid-Modified ASOs: Self-Assembly vs Albumin Binding. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:866-879. [PMID: 37145959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
We conducted a biophysical study to investigate the self-assembling and albumin-binding propensities of a series of fatty acid-modified locked nucleic acid (LNA) antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) gapmers specific to the MALAT1 gene. To this end, a series of biophysical techniques were applied using label-free ASOs that were covalently modified with saturated fatty acids (FAs) of varying length, branching, and 5'/3' attachment. Using analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), we demonstrate that ASOs conjugated with fatty acids longer than C16 exhibit an increasing tendency to form self-assembled vesicular structures. The C16 to C24 conjugates interacted via the fatty acid chains with mouse and human serum albumin (MSA/HSA) to form stable adducts with near-linear correlation between FA-ASO hydrophobicity and binding strength to mouse albumin. This was not observed for the longer fatty acid chain ASO conjugates (>C24) under the experimental conditions applied. The longer FA-ASO however adopted self-assembled structures with increasing intrinsic stabilities proportional to the fatty acid chain length. For instance, FA chain lengths smaller than C24 readily formed self-assembled structures containing 2 (C16), 6 (C22, bis-C12), and 12 (C24) monomers, as measured by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Incubation with albumin disrupted these supramolecular architectures to form FA-ASO/albumin complexes mostly with 2:1 stoichiometry and binding affinities in the low micromolar range, as determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). Binding of FA-ASOs underwent a biphasic pattern for medium-length FA chain lengths (>C16) with an initial endothermic phase of particulate disruption, followed by an exothermic binding event to the albumin. Conversely, ASO modified with di-palmitic acid (C32) formed a strong, hexameric complex. This structure was not disrupted when incubated with albumin under conditions above the critical nanoparticle concentration (CNC; <0.4 μM). It is noteworthy that the interaction of parent, fatty acid-free malat1 ASO to albumin was below detectability by ITC (KD ≫150 μM). This work demonstrates that the nature of mono- vs multimeric structures of hydrophobically modified ASOs is governed by the hydrophobic effect. Consequently, supramolecular assembly to form particulate structures is a direct consequence of the fatty acid chain length. This provides opportunities to exploit the concept of hydrophobic modification to influence pharmacokinetics (PK) and biodistribution for ASOs in two ways: (1) binding of the FA-ASO to albumin as a carrier vehicle and (2) self-assembly resulting in albumin-inert, supramolecular architectures. Both concepts create opportunities to influence biodistribution, receptor interaction, uptake mechanism, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) properties in vivo, potentially enabling access to extrahepatic tissues in sufficient concentration to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric-André Kusznir
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Christophe Hau
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michaela Portmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Gaëlle Reinhart
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Falivene
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jessica Bastien
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, RMR, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jesper Worm
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, RMR, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Fremtidsvej 3, 2970 Hoersholm, Denmark
| | - Alfred Ross
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Lauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Ringler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, CH - 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Sladojevich
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylwia Huber
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Bleicher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, RMR, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Keller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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7
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Bioanalysis of Oligonucleotide by LC-MS: Effects of Ion Pairing Regents and Recent Advances in Ion-Pairing-Free Analytical Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415474. [PMID: 36555119 PMCID: PMC9779676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotides (OGNs) are relatively new modalities that offer unique opportunities to expand the therapeutic targets. Reliable and high-throughput bioanalytical methods are pivotal for preclinical and clinical investigations of therapeutic OGNs. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is now evolving into being the method of choice for the bioanalysis of OGNs. Ion paring reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IP-RPLC) has been widely used in sample preparation and LC-MS analysis of OGNs; however, there are technical issues associated with these methods. IP-free methods, such as hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and anion-exchange techniques, have emerged as promising approaches for the bioanalysis of OGNs. In this review, the state-of-the-art IP-RPLC-MS bioanalytical methods of OGNs and their metabolites published in the past 10 years (2012-2022) are critically reviewed. Recent advances in IP-reagent-free LC-MS bioanalysis methods are discussed. Finally, we describe future opportunities for developing new methods that can be used for the comprehensive bioanalysis of OGNs.
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8
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Qi H, Zhao Z, Xu L, Zhang Y, Li Y, Xiao L, Li Y, Zhao Z, Fang J. Antisense Oligonucleotide-Based Therapy on miR-181a-5p Alleviates Cartilage Degradation of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis via Promoting SIRT1. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:898334. [PMID: 35784690 PMCID: PMC9240346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.898334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) condylar cartilage degeneration and abnormal subchondral bone pathological remodeling induce pain and joint dysfunction, and cartilage degeneration is considered irreversible. Very few therapeutic approaches are administrated in practice. Nucleotides have demonstrated considerable potential as a next-generation medication, and they have been applied in several models of osteoarthritis. There is a need to establish an effective protocol for TMJOA gene therapy. In the current study unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) surgery was used to simulate mechanical stress-induced TMJOA in mice. Degeneration of condylar cartilage and destruction of subchondral bone were observed in damaged joints, and miR-181a-5p was elevated in chondrocytes. Intra-articular injection of miR-181a-5p antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) could reduce the cartilage damage and alleviate UAC-induced TMJOA progression, but it did not restore injured subchondral bone. Mechanically, miR-181a-5p evidently targeted the 3’ untranslated region of Sirt1 directly, resulting in inhibition of silent information regulator 1 expression and promoting apoptosis by elevating p53-dependent signaling, indicating that miR181a-5p ASO promoted chondrocyte survival. The present study suggests that ASO-based gene therapy may be an effective TMJOA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hexu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Women and Children’s Diseases and Birth Defects, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Women and Children’s Diseases and Birth Defects, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Stomatology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jie Fang,
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9
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Li Y, Du S, Jin H, He J. A combination of the modified catalytic core and conjugation of 3'-inverted deoxythymidine for a more efficient and nuclease-resistant 10-23 DNAzyme. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 62:128633. [PMID: 35189319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
10-23 DNAzyme is a catalytic DNA molecule capable of cleaving complementary RNA. Its high cleavage efficiency is being pursued by chemical modifications, for realizing its genetic therapeutics potential. The most efficient and nuclease-resistant DNAzyme was obtained in this study combined two modifications - 7-aminopropyl-8-aza-7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine (residue 1) at A9 and 3'-inverted deoxythymidine residue (iT) at 3'-end. Moreover, this combinatorial modification could be a universal approach for designing efficient and enzyme-resistant 10-23 DNAzyme against other RNA targets, and the catalytic core-modification could be further combined with other recognition arm modifications for practical applications as genetic therapeutics and biosensor tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shanshan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongwei Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junlin He
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, China.
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10
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Di Martino MT, Arbitrio M, Caracciolo D, Cordua A, Cuomo O, Grillone K, Riillo C, Caridà G, Scionti F, Labanca C, Romeo C, Siciliano MA, D'Apolito M, Napoli C, Montesano M, Farenza V, Uppolo V, Tafuni M, Falcone F, D'Aquino G, Calandruccio ND, Luciano F, Pensabene L, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. miR-221/222 as biomarkers and targets for therapeutic intervention on cancer and other diseases: A systematic review. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:1191-1224. [PMID: 35282417 PMCID: PMC8891816 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Among deregulated microRNAs (miRs) in human malignancies, miR-221 has been widely investigated for its oncogenic role and as a promising biomarker. Moreover, recent evidence suggests miR-221 as a fine-tuner of chronic liver injury and inflammation-related events. Available information also supports the potential of miR-221 silencing as promising therapeutic intervention. In this systematic review, we selected papers from the principal databases (PubMed, MedLine, Medscape, ASCO, ESMO) between January 2012 and December 2020, using the keywords “miR-221” and the specific keywords related to the most important hematologic and solid malignancies, and some non-malignant diseases, to define and characterize deregulated miR-221 as a valuable therapeutic target in the modern vision of molecular medicine. We found a major role of miR-221 in this view.
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11
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Pottoo FH, Iqubal A, Iqubal MK, Salahuddin M, Rahman JU, AlHajri N, Shehadeh M. miRNAs in the Regulation of Cancer Immune Response: Effect of miRNAs on Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6145. [PMID: 34885253 PMCID: PMC8656569 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, carcinogenesis has been extensively explored and substantial research has identified immunogenic involvement in various types of cancers. As a result, immune checkpoint blockers and other immune-based therapies were developed as novel immunotherapeutic strategies. However, despite being a promising therapeutic option, immunotherapy has significant constraints such as a high cost of treatment, unpredictable toxicity, and clinical outcomes. miRNAs are non-coding, small RNAs actively involved in modulating the immune system's multiple signalling pathways by binding to the 3'-UTR of target genes. miRNAs possess a unique advantage in modulating multiple targets of either the same or different signalling pathways. Therefore, miRNA follows a 'one drug multiple target' hypothesis. Attempts are made to explore the therapeutic promise of miRNAs in cancer so that it can be transported from bench to bedside for successful immunotherapeutic results. Therefore, in the current manuscript, we discussed, in detail, the mechanism and role of miRNAs in different types of cancers relating to the immune system, its diagnostic and therapeutic aspect, the effect on immune escape, immune-checkpoint molecules, and the tumour microenvironment. We have also discussed the existing limitations, clinical success and the prospective use of miRNAs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Hyder Pottoo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
- Department of Pharmacology, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Mohammad Kashif Iqubal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India;
- Product Development Department, Sentiss Research Centre, Sentiss Pharma Pvt Ltd., Gurugram 122001, India
| | - Mohammed Salahuddin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Jawad Ur Rahman
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam 31441, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Noora AlHajri
- Mayo Clinic, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mustafa Shehadeh
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
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12
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MicroRNA as a Biomarker for Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Purpose in Urinary Tract Cancer. Processes (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/pr9122136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of urologic cancers, including kidney, upper tract urothelial, and bladder malignancies, is increasing globally, with a high percentage of cases showing metastasis upon diagnosis and low five-year survival rates. MicroRNA (miRNA), a small non-coding RNA, was found to regulate the expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in several tumors, including cancers of the urinary system. In the current review, we comprehensively discuss the recently reported up-or down-regulated miRNAs as well as their possible targets and regulated pathways involved in the development, progression, and metastasis of urinary tract cancers. These miRNAs represent potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers that may help in efficient and early diagnosis in addition to better treatment outcomes.
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13
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Balakathiresan NS, Bhomia M, Zhai M, Sweeten BLW, Wellman LL, Sanford LD, Knollmann-Ritschel B. MicroRNAs in Basolateral Amygdala Associated with Stress and Fear Memories Regulate Rapid Eye Movement Sleep in Rats. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040489. [PMID: 33921465 PMCID: PMC8069888 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress-related sleep disturbances are distressing clinical symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder patients. Intensely stressful events and their memories change rapid eye movement (REM) sleep in animal models. REM sleep varies with individual differences of stress resilience or vulnerability. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is a primary mediator of the effects of stress and fear memories on sleep. However, the molecular mechanisms in BLA regulating the effects of fear conditioning, shock training (ST) and context re-exposure (CTX) on REM sleep are not well known. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs and posttranscriptional gene regulators of diverse biological processes. The aim of this study is to investigate ST- and CTX-altered miRNAs in the BLA of resilience and vulnerable animals and on REM sleep regulation. MiRNAs expression profiles in BLA were generated following ST and CTX using the Taqman Low Density rodent microRNA array. The altered BLA miRNAs expression and REM sleep reduction observed in ST and CTX vulnerable animals. AntagomiR-221 microinjection into BLA for one of the upregulated miRNAs, miR-221 in BLA, attenuated the REM sleep reduction. This study suggests that miRNAs in the BLA may play a significant role in mediating the effects of stress and fear memories on REM sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagaraja S. Balakathiresan
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.B.); (M.Z.); (B.K.-R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Manish Bhomia
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.B.); (M.Z.); (B.K.-R.)
| | - Min Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.B.); (M.Z.); (B.K.-R.)
| | - Brook L. W. Sweeten
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (B.L.W.S.); (L.L.W.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Laurie L. Wellman
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (B.L.W.S.); (L.L.W.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Larry D. Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA; (B.L.W.S.); (L.L.W.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Barbara Knollmann-Ritschel
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (M.B.); (M.Z.); (B.K.-R.)
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14
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miRNAs and lncRNAs as Novel Therapeutic Targets to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071587. [PMID: 33808190 PMCID: PMC8036682 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer onset and progression are promoted by high deregulation of the immune system. Recently, major advances in molecular and clinical cancer immunology have been achieved, offering new agents for the treatment of common tumors, often with astonishing benefits in terms of prolonged survival and even cure. Unfortunately, most tumors are still resistant to current immune therapy approaches, and basic knowledge of the resistance mechanisms is eagerly awaited. We focused our attention on noncoding RNAs, a class of RNA that regulates many biological processes by targeting selectively crucial molecular pathways and that, recently, had their role in cancer cell immune escape and modulation of the tumor microenvironment identified, suggesting their function as promising immunotherapeutic targets. In this scenario, we point out that noncoding RNAs are progressively emerging as immunoregulators, and we depict the current information on the complex network involving the immune system and noncoding RNAs and the promising therapeutic options under investigation. Novel opportunities are emerging from noncoding-RNAs for the treatment of immune-refractory tumors. Abstract Immunotherapy is presently one of the most promising areas of investigation and development for the treatment of cancer. While immune checkpoint-blocking monoclonal antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell-based therapy have recently provided in some cases valuable therapeutic options, the goal of cure has not yet been achieved for most malignancies and more efforts are urgently needed. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNA), including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), regulate several biological processes via selective targeting of crucial molecular signaling pathways. Recently, the key roles of miRNA and lncRNAs as regulators of the immune-response in cancer have progressively emerged, since they may act (i) by shaping the intrinsic tumor cell and microenvironment (TME) properties; (ii) by regulating angiogenesis, immune-escape, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and drug resistance; and (iii) by acting as potential biomarkers for prognostic assessment and prediction of response to immunotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of ncRNAs in modulating the immune response and the TME. We discuss the potential use of ncRNAs as potential biomarkers or as targets for development or clinical translation of new therapeutics. Finally, we discuss the potential combinatory approaches based on ncRNA targeting agents and tumor immune-checkpoint inhibitor antibodies or CAR-T for the experimental treatment of human cancer.
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15
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Romano G, Acunzo M, Nana-Sinkam P. microRNAs as Novel Therapeutics in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071526. [PMID: 33810332 PMCID: PMC8037786 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the last few years, we have witnessed incredible advancements in anti-tumor drug development. microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs dysregulated in all cancers, have been recently elected as candidate therapeutics for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer. The scope of this review is to give some insight into the role of the most relevant microRNAs in cancer. We will focus on examining their biological role in tumor development while also providing a broad overview of microRNAs as therapeutics. There is a dedicated focus on the different methods available for microRNA delivery in addition to the efforts being made to increase the specificity of these delivery methods. Finally, we discuss the ongoing clinical trials that are using microRNAs for cancer treatment. Abstract In the last 20 years, the functional roles for miRNAs in gene regulation have been well established. MiRNAs act as regulators in virtually all biological pathways and thus have been implicated in numerous diseases, including cancer. They are particularly relevant in regulating the basic hallmarks of cancer, including apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Despite the substantial progress made in identifying the molecular mechanisms driving the deregulation of miRNAs in cancer, the clinical translation of these important molecules to therapy remains in its infancy. The paucity of vehicles available for the safe and efficient delivery of miRNAs and ongoing concerns for toxicity remain major obstacles to clinical application. Novel formulations and the development of new vectors have significantly improved the stability of oligonucleotides, increasing the effectiveness of therapy. Furthermore, the use of specific moieties for delivery in target tissues or cells has increased the specificity of treatment. The use of new technologies has allowed small but important steps toward more specific therapeutic delivery in tumor tissues and cells. Although a long road remains, the path ahead holds great potential. Currently, a few miRNA drugs are under investigation in human clinical trials with promising results ahead.
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16
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Potential Role of microRNAs in inducing Drug Resistance in Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020448. [PMID: 33672466 PMCID: PMC7923438 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for newly diagnosed subjects with multiple myeloma (MM) has significantly progressed in recent years. However, most MM patients relapse and after several salvage therapies, the onset of multidrug resistance provokes the occurrence of a refractory disease. A continuous and bidirectional exchange of information takes place between the cells of the microenvironment and neoplastic cells to solicit the demands of cancer cells. Among the molecules serving as messengers, there are microRNAs (miRNA), a family of small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression. Numerous miRNAs are associated with drug resistance, also in MM, and the modulation of their expression or activity might be explored to reverse it. In this review we report the most recent studies concerning the relationship between miRNAs and chemoresistance to the most frequently used drugs, such as proteasome inhibitors, steroids, alkylating agents and immunomodulators. The experimental use of antagomirs or miRNA mimics have successfully been proven to counteract chemoresistance and display synergistic effects with antimyeloma drugs which could represent a fundamental moment to overcome resistance in MM treatment.
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17
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Hashemi A, Gorji-Bahri G. MicroRNA: Promising Roles in Cancer Therapy. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:1186-1203. [PMID: 32310047 DOI: 10.2174/1389201021666200420101613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that act as one of the main regulators of gene expression. They are involved in maintaining a proper balance of diverse processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and cell death in normal cells. Cancer biology can also be affected by these molecules by modulating the expression of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Thus, miRNA based anticancer therapy is currently being developed either alone or in combination with chemotherapy agents used in cancer management, aiming at promoting tumor regression and increasing cure rate. Access to large quantities of RNA agents can facilitate RNA research and development. In addition to currently used in vitro methods, fermentation-based approaches have recently been developed, which can cost-effectively produce biological RNA agents with proper folding needed for the development of RNA-based therapeutics. Nevertheless, a major challenge in translating preclinical studies to clinical for miRNA-based cancer therapy is the efficient delivery of these agents to target cells. Targeting miRNAs/anti-miRNAs using antibodies and/or peptides can minimize cellular and systemic toxicity. Here, we provide a brief review of miRNA in the following aspects: biogenesis and mechanism of action of miRNAs, the role of miRNAs in cancer as tumor suppressors or oncogenes, the potential of using miRNAs as novel and promising therapeutics, miRNA-mediated chemo-sensitization, and currently utilized methods for the in vitro and in vivo production of RNA agents. Finally, an update on the viral and non-viral delivery systems is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Hashemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gilar Gorji-Bahri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Soliman AM, Lin TS, Mahakkanukrauh P, Das S. Role of microRNAs in Diagnosis, Prognosis and Management of Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7539. [PMID: 33066062 PMCID: PMC7589124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancerous bone disease characterized by malignant transformation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. MM is considered to be the second most common blood malignancy, with 20,000 new cases reported every year in the USA. Extensive research is currently enduring to validate diagnostic and therapeutic means to manage MM. microRNAs (miRNAs) were shown to be dysregulated in MM cases and to have a potential role in either progression or suppression of MM. Therefore, researchers investigated miRNAs levels in MM plasma cells and created tools to test their impact on tumor growth. In the present review, we discuss the most recently discovered miRNAs and their regulation in MM. Furthermore, we emphasized utilizing miRNAs as potential targets in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of MM, which can be useful for future clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro M. Soliman
- Department of Biological Sciences—Physiology, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada;
| | - Teoh Seong Lin
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Pasuk Mahakkanukrauh
- Department of Anatomy & Excellence in Osteology Research and Training Center (ORTC), Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Srijit Das
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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19
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Forterre A, Komuro H, Aminova S, Harada M. A Comprehensive Review of Cancer MicroRNA Therapeutic Delivery Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071852. [PMID: 32660045 PMCID: PMC7408939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of molecular oncology, microRNAs (miRNAs) and their role in regulating physiological processes and cancer pathogenesis have been a revolutionary discovery over the last decade. It is now considered that miRNA dysregulation influences critical molecular pathways involved in tumor progression, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis in a wide range of cancer types. Hence, altering miRNA levels in cancer cells has promising potential as a therapeutic intervention, which is discussed in many other articles in this Special Issue. Some of the most significant hurdles in therapeutic miRNA usage are the stability and the delivery system. In this review, we cover a comprehensive update on the challenges and strategies for the development of therapeutic miRNA delivery systems that includes virus-based delivery, non-viral delivery (artificial lipid-based vesicles, polymer-based or chemical structures), and recently emerged extracellular vesicle (EV)-based delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Forterre
- UMR DIATHEC, EA 7294, Centre Européen d’Etude du Diabète, 67200 Strasbourg, France;
| | - Hiroaki Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan;
| | - Shakhlo Aminova
- Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48825, USA;
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Masako Harada
- Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering (IQ), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-884-6940
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20
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Franzoni S, Morbioli L, Turtoro A, Solazzo L, Greco A, Arbitrio M, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Di Martino MT, Breda M. Development and validation of bioanalytical methods for LNA-i-miR-221 quantification in human plasma and urine by LC-MS/MS. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 188:113451. [PMID: 32659676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
LNA-i-miR-221, a 13-mer oligonucleotide, has proved favorable efficacy and safety profiles in the preclinical studies, leading to being approved for use in clinical trials by regulatory authorities. The objective of this study was to develop and validate LC-MS/MS methods to quantify LNA-i-miR-221 in human plasma and urine. Chromatographic separation was performed with a gradient system on HALO C18 column using hexafluoro-2-propanol/triethylamine buffer and methanol as mobile phase. LNA-i-miR-221 was detected on tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source in negative ion mode. The methods showed good linearity within the calibration range of 50-25000 ng/mL and 50-50000 ng/mL for human plasma and urine, respectively. The methods proved to be accurate, precise and selective in both human matrices. These validated methods are reliable and are currently in use to support a first-in-human clinical trial of LNA-i-miR-221 in patients affected by refractory multiple myeloma and advanced solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Franzoni
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Morbioli
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Turtoro
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Lara Solazzo
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Greco
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- CNR-Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Massimo Breda
- ADME and Bioanalytical Sciences Department, Aptuit (Verona) Srl, An Evotec Company, Via A. Fleming, 4, Verona, Italy.
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21
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Grillone K, Riillo C, Scionti F, Rocca R, Tradigo G, Guzzi PH, Alcaro S, Di Martino MT, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. Non-coding RNAs in cancer: platforms and strategies for investigating the genomic "dark matter". J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2020; 39:117. [PMID: 32563270 PMCID: PMC7305591 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01622-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the role of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in the onset and progression of malignancies is a promising frontier of cancer genetics. It is clear that ncRNAs are candidates for therapeutic intervention, since they may act as biomarkers or key regulators of cancer gene network. Recently, profiling and sequencing of ncRNAs disclosed deep deregulation in human cancers mostly due to aberrant mechanisms of ncRNAs biogenesis, such as amplification, deletion, abnormal epigenetic or transcriptional regulation. Although dysregulated ncRNAs may promote hallmarks of cancer as oncogenes or antagonize them as tumor suppressors, the mechanisms behind these events remain to be clarified. The development of new bioinformatic tools as well as novel molecular technologies is a challenging opportunity to disclose the role of the "dark matter" of the genome. In this review, we focus on currently available platforms, computational analyses and experimental strategies to investigate ncRNAs in cancer. We highlight the differences among experimental approaches aimed to dissect miRNAs and lncRNAs, which are the most studied ncRNAs. These two classes indeed need different investigation taking into account their intrinsic characteristics, such as length, structures and also the interacting molecules. Finally, we discuss the relevance of ncRNAs in clinical practice by considering promises and challenges behind the bench to bedside translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Grillone
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina Riillo
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Rocca
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4science srl, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tradigo
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pietro Hiram Guzzi
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Net4science srl, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Magna Græcia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Laboratory of Translational Medical Oncology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Medical and Translational Oncology Units, AOU Mater Domini, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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22
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microRNAs in the Antitumor Immune Response and in Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer: From Biological Mechanisms to Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082805. [PMID: 32316552 PMCID: PMC7216039 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, and the occurrence of metastasis drastically worsens the prognosis and reduces overall survival. Understanding the biological mechanisms that regulate the transformation of malignant cells, the consequent metastatic transformation, and the immune surveillance in the tumor progression would contribute to the development of more effective and targeted treatments. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have proven to be key regulators of the tumor-immune cells crosstalk for the hijack of the immunosurveillance to promote tumor cells immune escape and cancer progression, as well as modulators of the metastasis formation process, ranging from the preparation of the metastatic site to the transformation into the migrating phenotype of tumor cells. In particular, their deregulated expression has been linked to the aberrant expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes to promote tumorigenesis. This review aims at summarizing the role and functions of miRNAs involved in antitumor immune response and in the metastasis formation process in breast cancer. Additionally, miRNAs are promising targets for gene therapy as their modulation has the potential to support or inhibit specific mechanisms to negatively affect tumorigenesis. With this perspective, the most recent strategies developed for miRNA-based therapeutics are illustrated.
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Herkt M, Foinquinos A, Batkai S, Thum T, Pich A. Pharmacokinetic Studies of Antisense Oligonucleotides Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:220. [PMID: 32269522 PMCID: PMC7109322 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac diseases are the most frequent causes of death in industrialized countries. Pathological remodeling of the heart muscle is caused by several etiologies such as prolonged hypertension or injuries that can lead to myocardial infarction and in serious cases also the death of the patient. The micro-RNA miR-132 has been identified as a master-switch in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and adverse remodeling. In this study, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) was utilized to establish a robust and fast method to sensitively detect and accurately quantify anti-microRNA (antimiR) oligonucleotides in blood plasma. An antimiR oligonucleotide isolation protocol containing an ethanol precipitation step with glycogen as oligonucleotide carrier as well as a robust and reproducible MS-analysis procedure has been established. Proteinase K treatment was crucial for releasing antimiR oligonucleotides from plasma- as well as cellular proteins and reducing background derived from biological matrices. AntimiR oligonucleotide detection was achieved from samples of studies in different animal models such as mouse and pig where locked nucleic acids-(LNA)-modified antimiR oligonucleotides have been used to generate pharmacokinetic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Herkt
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ariana Foinquinos
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hanover, Germany
| | - Sandor Batkai
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Thum
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Toxicology - Core Unit Proteomics, Hanover, Germany
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24
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Raimondi L, De Luca A, Giavaresi G, Barone A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P, Amodio N. Impact of Natural Dietary Agents on Multiple Myeloma Prevention and Treatment: Molecular Insights and Potential for Clinical Translation. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:187-215. [PMID: 29956610 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180629153141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Chemoprevention is based on the use of non-toxic, pharmacologically active agents to prevent tumor progression. In this regard, natural dietary agents have been described by the most recent literature as promising tools for controlling onset and progression of malignancies. Extensive research has been so far performed to shed light on the effects of natural products on tumor growth and survival, disclosing the most relevant signal transduction pathways targeted by such compounds. Overall, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and cytotoxic effects of dietary agents on tumor cells are supported either by results from epidemiological or animal studies and even by clinical trials. Multiple myeloma is a hematologic malignancy characterized by abnormal proliferation of bone marrow plasma cells and subsequent hypercalcemia, renal dysfunction, anemia, or bone disease, which remains incurable despite novel emerging therapeutic strategies. Notably, increasing evidence supports the capability of dietary natural compounds to antagonize multiple myeloma growth in preclinical models of the disease, underscoring their potential as candidate anti-cancer agents. In this review, we aim at summarizing findings on the anti-tumor activity of dietary natural products, focusing on their molecular mechanisms, which include inhibition of oncogenic signal transduction pathways and/or epigenetic modulating effects, along with their potential clinical applications against multiple myeloma and its related bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Agnese Barone
- Hospice Cascina Brandezzata-Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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25
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Di Martino MT, Arbitrio M, Caracciolo D, Scionti F, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. Dose-Finding Study and Pharmacokinetics Profile of the Novel 13-Mer Antisense miR-221 Inhibitor in Sprague-Dawley Rats. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:73-85. [PMID: 32146420 PMCID: PMC7058714 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
miR-221 is overexpressed in several malignancies where it promotes tumor growth and survival by interfering with gene transcripts, including p27Kip1, PUMA, PTEN, and p57Kip2. We previously demonstrated that a novel 13-mer miR-221 inhibitor (locked nucleic acid [LNA]-i-miR-221) exerts antitumor activity against human cancer with a pilot-favorable pharmacokinetics and safety profile in mice and non-naive monkeys. In this study, we report a non-good laboratory practice (GLP)/GLP dose-finding investigation of LNA-i-miR-221 in Sprague-Dawley rats. The safety of the intravenous dose (125 mg/kg/day) for 4 consecutive days, two treatment cycles, was investigated by a first non-GLP study. The toxicokinetics profile of LNA-i-miR-221 was next explored in a GLP study at three different doses (5, 12.5, and 125 mg/kg/day). Slight changes in blood parameters and histological findings in kidney were observed at the highest dose. These effects were reversible and consistent with an in vivo antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) class effect. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was established at 5 mg/kg/day. The plasma exposure of LNA-i-miR-221, based on C0 (estimated concentration at time 0 after bolus intravenous administration) and area under the curve (AUC), suggested no differential sex effect. Slight accumulation occurred between cycles 1 and 2 but was not observed after four consecutive administrations. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a safety profile of LNA-i-miR-221 in Sprague-Dawley rats and provide a reference translational framework and path for the development of other LNA miR inhibitors in phase I clinical study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | | | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
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26
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Di Martino MT, Arbitrio M, Fonsi M, Erratico CA, Scionti F, Caracciolo D, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. Allometric Scaling Approaches for Predicting Human Pharmacokinetic of a Locked Nucleic Acid Oligonucleotide Targeting Cancer-Associated miR-221. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010027. [PMID: 31861748 PMCID: PMC7017297 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
: LNA-i-miR-221 is a novel phosphorothioate backbone 13-mer locked nucleic acid oligonucleotide-targeting microRNA-221 designed for the treatment of human malignancies. To understand the pharmacokinetic properties of this new agent, including unbound/total clearance, we investigated the LNA-i-miR-221 protein binding in three different species, including rat (Sprague-Dawley), monkey (Cynomolgus), and human. To this end, we generated a suitable ultrafiltration method to study the binding of LNA-i-miR-221 to plasma proteins. We identified that the fraction of LNA-i-miR-221 (at concentration of 1 and 10 µM) bound to rat, monkey, and human plasma proteins was high and ranged from 98.2 to 99.05%. This high protein binding of LNA-i-miR-221 to plasma proteins in all the species tested translates into a pharmacokinetic advantage by preventing rapid renal clearance. The integration of these results into multiple allometric interspecies scaling methods was then used to draw inferences about LNA-i-miR-221 pharmacokinetics in humans, thereby providing a framework for definition of safe starting and escalation doses and moving towards a first human clinical trial of LNA-i-miR-221.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (D.C.); (P.T.)
- Correspondence: (M.T.D.M.); (P.T.)
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR)–Istituto per la Ricerca e l’Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB)–Section of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Massimiliano Fonsi
- Citoxlab France, a Charles River Company, 27005 Evreux, CEDEX, France; (M.F.); (C.A.E.)
| | | | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (D.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (D.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (D.C.); (P.T.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.S.); (D.C.); (P.T.)
- College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Correspondence: (M.T.D.M.); (P.T.)
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27
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Catuogno S, Di Martino MT, Nuzzo S, Esposito CL, Tassone P, de Franciscis V. An Anti-BCMA RNA Aptamer for miRNA Intracellular Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:981-990. [PMID: 31778956 PMCID: PMC6889555 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
B cell maturation antigen is highly expressed on malignant plasma cells in human multiple myeloma and has recently emerged as a very promising target for therapeutic interventions. Nucleic-acid-based aptamers are small oligonucleotides with high selective targeting properties and functional advantages over monoclonal antibodies, as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Here, we describe the generation of the first-ever-described nuclease resistant RNA aptamer selectively binding to B cell maturation antigen. We adopted a modified cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment approach allowing the enrichment for internalizing aptamers. The selected 2′Fluoro-Pyrimidine modified aptamer, named apt69.T, effectively and selectively bound B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells with rapid and efficient internalization. Interestingly, apt69.T inhibited APRIL-dependent nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway in vitro. Moreover, the aptamer was conjugated to microRNA-137 (miR-137) and anti-miR-222, demonstrating high potential against tumor cells. In conclusion, apt69.T is a novel tool suitable for direct targeting and delivery of therapeutics to B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy.
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28
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miR-221-5p regulates proliferation and migration in human prostate cancer cells and reduces tumor growth in vivo. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:627. [PMID: 31238903 PMCID: PMC6593572 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5819-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite latest advances in prostate cancer (PCa) therapy, PCa remains the third-leading cause of cancer-related death in European men. Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules with gene expression regulatory function, has been reported in all types of epithelial and haematological cancers. In particular, miR-221-5p alterations have been reported in PCa. Methods miRNA expression data was retrieved from a comprehensive publicly available dataset of 218 PCa patients (GSE21036) and miR-221-5p expression levels were analysed. The functional role of miR-221-5p was characterised in androgen- dependent and androgen- independent PCa cell line models (C4–2 and PC-3M-Pro4 cells) by miR-221-5p overexpression and knock-down experiments. The metastatic potential of highly aggressive PC-3M-Pro4 cells overexpressing miR-221-5p was determined by studying extravasation in a zebrafish model. Finally, the effect of miR-221-5p overexpression on the growth of PC-3M-Pro4luc2 cells in vivo was studied by orthotopic implantation in male Balb/cByJ nude mice and assessment of tumor growth. Results Analysis of microRNA expression dataset for human primary and metastatic PCa samples and control normal adjacent benign prostate revealed miR-221-5p to be significantly downregulated in PCa compared to normal prostate tissue and in metastasis compared to primary PCa. Our in vitro data suggest that miR-221-5p overexpression reduced PCa cell proliferation and colony formation. Furthermore, miR-221-5p overexpression dramatically reduced migration of PCa cells, which was associated with differential expression of selected EMT markers. The functional changes of miR-221-5p overexpression were reversible by the loss of miR-221-5p levels, indicating that the tumor suppressive effects were specific to miR-221-5p. Additionally, miR-221-5p overexpression significantly reduced PC-3M-Pro4 cell extravasation and metastasis formation in a zebrafish model and decreased tumor burden in an orthotopic mouse model of PCa. Conclusions Together these data strongly support a tumor suppressive role of miR-221-5p in the context of PCa and its potential as therapeutic target. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-019-5819-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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29
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Lee YG, Kim I, Oh S, Shin DY, Koh Y, Lee KW. Small RNA sequencing profiles of mir-181 and mir-221, the most relevant microRNAs in acute myeloid leukemia. Korean J Intern Med 2019; 34:178-183. [PMID: 29172404 PMCID: PMC6325437 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2017.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS To evaluate and select microRNAs relevant to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathogenesis, we analyzed differential microRNA expression by quantitative small RNA next-generation sequencing using duplicate marrow samples from individual AML patients. METHODS For this study, we obtained paired marrow samples at two different time points (initial diagnosis and first complete remission status) in patients with AML. Bone marrow microRNAs were profiled by next-generation small RNA sequencing. Quantification of microRNA expression was performed by counting aligned reads to microRNA genes. RESULTS Among 38 samples (32 paired samples from 16 AML patients and 6 normal marrow controls), 27 were eligible for sequencing. Small RNA sequencing showed that 12 microRNAs were selectively expressed at higher levels in AML patients than in normal controls. Among these 12 microRNAs, mir-181, mir-221, and mir-3154 were more highly expressed at initial AML diagnosis as compared to first complete remission. Significant correlations were found between higher expression levels of mir-221, mir-146, and mir-155 and higher marrow blast counts. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that mir-221 and mir-181 are selectively enriched in AML marrow and reflect disease activity. mir-3154 is a novel microRNA that is relevant to AML but needs further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Gyoo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Inho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Inho Kim, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, Korea Tel: +82-2-2072-0834 Fax: +82-2-762-9662 E-mail:
| | - Somi Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Keun-Wook Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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30
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Jiang X, Jiang L, Shan A, Su Y, Cheng Y, Song D, Ji H, Ning G, Wang W, Cao Y. Targeting hepatic miR-221/222 for therapeutic intervention of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:307-321. [PMID: 30316865 PMCID: PMC6284352 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Effective targeting therapies for common chronic liver disease nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are in urgent need. MicroRNA-targeted therapeutics would be potentially an effective treatment strategy of hepatic diseases. Here we investigated the functional role of miR-221/222 and the therapeutic effects of antimiRs-221/222 in NASH mouse models. Methods We generated the miR-221/222flox/flox mice on a C57BL/6 J background and the hepatic miR-221/222 knockout (miR-221/222-LKO) mice. The mice were challenged with the methionine and choline deficient diet (MCDD) or chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) treatment to generate experimental steatohepatitis models. Adenovirus-mediated re-expression of miR-221/222 was performed on the MCDD-fed miR-221/222-LKO mice. The MCDD and control diet-fed mice were treated with locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based antimiRs of miR-221/222 to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Histological analysis, RNA-seq, quantitative PCR and Western blot of liver tissues were carried out to study the hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation and collagen deposition in mouse models. Findings Hepatic deletion of miR-221/222 resulted in significant reduction of liver fibrosis, lipid deposition and inflammatory infiltration in the MCDD-fed and CCl4-treated mouse models. The hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were dramatically aggravated by miR-221/222 re-expression in MCDD-fed miR-221/222-LKO mice. AntimiRs of miR-221/222 could effectively reduce the MCDD-mediated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Systematically mechanistic study revealed that hepatic miR-221/222 controlled the expression of target gene Timp3 and promoted the progression of NASH. Interpretation Our findings demonstrate that miR-221/222 are crucial for the regulation of lipid metabolism, inflammation and fibrosis in the liver. LNA-antimiRs targeted miR-221/222 could reduce steatohepatitis with prominent antifibrotic effect in NASH mice. Fund This work is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China (81530020, 81390352 to Dr. Ning and 81522032 to Dr. Cao and 81670793 to Dr. Jiang); National Key Research and Development Program (No. 2016YFC0905001 and 2017YFC0909703 to Dr. Cao); the Shanghai Rising-Star Program (15QA1402900 to Dr. Cao); Shanghai Municipal Education Commission-Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant (20171905 to Dr. Jiang).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuli Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Aijing Shan
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yutong Su
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yulong Cheng
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dalong Song
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - He Ji
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences (SIBS), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
| | - Yanan Cao
- Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumors, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Nakamura A, Rampersaud YR, Nakamura S, Sharma A, Zeng F, Rossomacha E, Ali SA, Krawetz R, Haroon N, Perruccio AV, Mahomed NN, Gandhi R, Rockel JS, Kapoor M. microRNA-181a-5p antisense oligonucleotides attenuate osteoarthritis in facet and knee joints. Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 78:111-121. [PMID: 30287418 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We recently identified microRNA-181a-5p (miR-181a-5p) as a critical mediator involved in the destruction of lumbar facet joint (FJ) cartilage. In this study, we tested if locked nucleic acid (LNA) miR-181a-5p antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) could be used as a therapeutic to limit articular cartilage degeneration. METHODS We used a variety of experimental models consisting of both human samples and animal models of FJ and knee osteoarthritis (OA) to test the effects of LNA-miR-181a-5p ASO on articular cartilage degeneration. Histopathological analysis including immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation were used to detect key OA catabolic markers and microRNA, respectively. Apoptotic/cell death markers were evaluated by flow cytometry. qPCR and immunoblotting were applied to quantify gene and protein expression. RESULTS miR-181a-5p expression was increased in human FJ OA and knee OA cartilage as well as injury-induced FJ OA (rat) and trauma-induced knee OA (mouse) cartilage compared with control cartilage, correlating with classical OA catabolic markers in human, rat and mouse cartilage. We demonstrated that LNA-miR-181a-5p ASO in rat and mouse chondrocytes reduced the expression of cartilage catabolic and chondrocyte apoptotic/cell death markers in vitro. Treatment of OA-induced rat FJ or mouse knee joints with intra-articular injections of in vivo grade LNA-miR-181a-5p ASO attenuated cartilage destruction, and the expression of catabolic, hypertrophic, apoptotic/cell death and type II collagen breakdown markers. Finally, treatment of LNA-miR-181a-5p ASO in cultures of human knee OA chondrocytes (in vitro) and cartilage explants (ex vivo) further demonstrated its cartilage protective effects. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that LNA-miR-181a-5p ASO exhibit cartilage-protective effects in FJ and knee OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Nakamura
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada.,Division of Rheumatology, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yoga Raja Rampersaud
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sayaka Nakamura
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Anirudh Sharma
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Fanxing Zeng
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Evgeny Rossomacha
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Shabana Amanda Ali
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Roman Krawetz
- McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nigil Haroon
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada.,Division of Rheumatology, University Health Network, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony V Perruccio
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nizar N Mahomed
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rajiv Gandhi
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason S Rockel
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohit Kapoor
- Arthritis Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada .,Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto , Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Caracciolo D, Montesano M, Altomare E, Scionti F, Di Martino MT, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. The potential role of miRNAs in multiple myeloma therapy. Expert Rev Hematol 2018; 11:793-803. [DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1517041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Montesano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emanuela Altomare
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
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33
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Caracciolo D, Di Martino MT, Amodio N, Morelli E, Montesano M, Botta C, Scionti F, Talarico D, Altomare E, Gallo Cantafio ME, Zuccalà V, Maltese L, Todoerti K, Rossi M, Arbitrio M, Neri A, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. miR-22 suppresses DNA ligase III addiction in multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2018; 33:487-498. [PMID: 30120376 PMCID: PMC6365379 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy characterized by high genomic instability. Here we provide evidence that hyper-activation of DNA ligase III (LIG3) is crucial for genomic instability and survival of MM cells. LIG3 mRNA expression in MM patients correlates with shorter survival and even increases with more advanced stage of disease. Knockdown of LIG3 impairs MM cells viability in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that neoplastic plasmacells are dependent on LIG3-driven repair. To investigate the mechanisms involved in LIG3 expression, we investigated the post-transcriptional regulation. We identified miR-22-3p as effective negative regulator of LIG3 in MM. Enforced expression of miR-22 in MM cells downregulated LIG3 protein, which in turn increased DNA damage inhibiting in vitro and in vivo cell growth. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that myeloma cells are addicted to LIG3, which can be effectively inhibited by miR-22, promoting a novel axis of genome stability regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenio Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Montesano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cirino Botta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Scionti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Altomare
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Katia Todoerti
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, and Hematology, Fondazione Cà Granda IRCCS Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Mariamena Arbitrio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonino Neri
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, and Hematology, Fondazione Cà Granda IRCCS Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy. .,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Therapeutic vulnerability of multiple myeloma to MIR17PTi, a first-in-class inhibitor of pri-miR-17-92. Blood 2018; 132:1050-1063. [PMID: 29997223 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-03-836601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The microRNA (miRNA) cluster miR-17-92 is oncogenic and represents a valuable therapeutic target in c-MYC (MYC)-driven malignancies. Here, we developed novel LNA gapmeR antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to induce ribonuclease H-mediated degradation of MIR17HG primary transcripts and consequently prevent biogenesis of miR-17-92 miRNAs (miR-17-92s). The leading LNA ASO, MIR17PTi, impaired proliferation of several cancer cell lines (n = 48) established from both solid and hematologic tumors by on-target antisense activity, more effectively as compared with miR-17-92 inhibitors. By focusing on multiple myeloma (MM), we found that MIR17PTi triggers apoptosis via impairment of homeostatic MYC/miR-17-92 feed-forward loops (FFLs) in patient-derived MM cells and induces MYC-dependent synthetic lethality. We show that alteration of a BIM-centered FFL is instrumental for MIR17PTi to induce cytotoxicity in MM cells. MIR17PTi exerts strong in vivo antitumor activity in nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mice bearing clinically relevant models of MM, with advantageous safety and pharmacokinetic profiles in nonhuman primates. Altogether, MIR17PTi is a novel pharmacological tool to be tested in early-phase clinical trials against MM and other MYC-driven malignancies.
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Hönig J, Mižíková I, Nardiello C, Surate Solaligue DE, Daume MJ, Vadász I, Mayer K, Herold S, Günther S, Seeger W, Morty RE. Transmission of microRNA antimiRs to mouse offspring via the maternal-placental-fetal unit. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2018; 24:865-879. [PMID: 29540511 PMCID: PMC5959254 DOI: 10.1261/rna.063206.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of microRNA as regulators of organogenesis and tissue differentiation has stimulated interest in the ablation of microRNA expression and function during discrete periods of development. To this end, inducible, conditional modulation of microRNA expression with doxycycline-based tetracycline-controlled transactivator and tamoxifen-based estrogen receptor systems has found widespread use. However, the induction agents and components of genome recombination systems negatively impact pregnancy, parturition, and postnatal development; thereby limiting the use of these technologies between late gestation and the early postnatal period. MicroRNA inhibitor (antimiR) administration also represents a means of neutralizing microRNA function in vitro and in vivo. To date, these studies have used direct (parenteral) administration of antimiRs to experimental animals. As an extension of this approach, an alternative means of regulating microRNA expression and function is described here: the maternal-placental-fetal transmission of antimiRs. When administered to pregnant dams, antimiRs were detected in offspring and resulted in a pronounced and persistent reduction in detectable steady-state free microRNA levels in the heart, kidney, liver, lungs, and brain. This effect was comparable to direct injection of newborn mouse pups with antimiRs, although maternal delivery resulted in fewer off-target effects. Furthermore, depletion of steady-state microRNA levels via the maternal route resulted in concomitant increases in steady-state levels of selected microRNA targets. This novel methodology permits the temporal regulation of microRNA function during late gestation and in neonates, without recourse to conventional approaches that rely on doxycycline and tamoxifen, which may confound studies on developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Hönig
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Ivana Mižíková
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Claudio Nardiello
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - David E Surate Solaligue
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Maximilian J Daume
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - István Vadász
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Konstantin Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Susanne Herold
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Werner Seeger
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Rory E Morty
- Department of Lung Development and Remodelling, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine (Pulmonology), University of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Amodio N, Raimondi L, Juli G, Stamato MA, Caracciolo D, Tagliaferri P, Tassone P. MALAT1: a druggable long non-coding RNA for targeted anti-cancer approaches. J Hematol Oncol 2018; 11:63. [PMID: 29739426 PMCID: PMC5941496 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-018-0606-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The deeper understanding of non-coding RNAs has recently changed the dogma of molecular biology assuming protein-coding genes as unique functional biological effectors, while non-coding genes as junk material of doubtful significance. In the last decade, an exciting boom of experimental research has brought to light the pivotal biological functions of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), representing more than the half of the whole non-coding transcriptome, along with their dysregulation in many diseases, including cancer.In this review, we summarize the emerging insights on lncRNA expression and functional role in cancer, focusing on the evolutionary conserved and abundantly expressed metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) that currently represents the best characterized lncRNA. Altogether, literature data indicate aberrant expression and dysregulated activity of MALAT1 in human malignancies and envision MALAT1 targeting as a novel treatment strategy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Lavinia Raimondi
- IRCSS Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
- Innovative Technology Platforms for Tissue Engineering, Theranostic and Oncology, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giada Juli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Angelica Stamato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Daniele Caracciolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Santolla MF, Lappano R, Cirillo F, Rigiracciolo DC, Sebastiani A, Abonante S, Tassone P, Tagliaferri P, Di Martino MT, Maggiolini M, Vivacqua A. miR-221 stimulates breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) through selective interference with the A20/c-Rel/CTGF signaling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:94. [PMID: 29716623 PMCID: PMC5930435 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Background MicroRNA (miRNAs) are non-coding small RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by inhibiting the translation of target mRNAs. Among several dysregulated miRNAs in human cancer, the up-regulation of miR-221 has been associated with development of a variety of hematologic and solid malignancies. In this study, we investigated the involvement of miR-221 in breast cancer. Methods TaqMan microRNA assay was used to detect the miR-221 levels in normal cells and in MDA-MB 231 and SkBr3 breast cancer cells as well as in main players of the tumor microenvironment, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). miR-221 mimic sequence and locked nucleic acid (LNA)-i-miR-221 construct were used to induce or inhibit, respectively, the miR-221 expression in cells used. Quantitative PCR and western blotting analysis were performed to evaluate the levels of the miR-221 target gene A20 (TNFAIP3), as well as the member of the NF-kB complex namely c-Rel and the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was performed to ascertain the recruitment of c-Rel to the CTFG promoter. Finally, the cell growth and migration in the presence of LNA-i-miR-221 or silencing c-Rel and CTGF by specific short hairpin were assessed by cell count, colony formation and boyden chambers assays. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Results We first demonstrated that LNA-i-miR-221 inhibits both endogenous and ectopic expression of miR-221 in our experimental models. Next, we found that the A20 down-regulation, as well as the up-regulation of c-Rel induced by miR-221 were no longer evident using LNA-i-miR-221. Moreover, we established that the miR-221 dependent recruitment of c-Rel to the NF-kB binding site located within the CTGF promoter region is prevented by using LNA-i-miR-221. Furthermore, we determined that the up-regulation of CTGF mRNA and protein levels by miR-221 is no longer evident using LNA-i-miR221 and silencing c-Rel. Finally, we assessed that cell growth and migration induced by miR-221 in MDA-MB 231 and SkBr3 breast cancer cells as well as in CAFs are abolished by LNAi-miR-221 and silencing c-Rel or CTGF. Conclusions Overall, these data provide novel insights into the stimulatory action of miR-221 in breast cancer cells and CAFs, suggesting that its inhibition may be considered toward targeted therapeutic approaches in breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Anna Sebastiani
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
| | | | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Pierosandro Tagliaferri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Zhu B, Ju S, Chu H, Shen X, Zhang Y, Luo X, Cong H. The potential function of microRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in multiple myeloma. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6094-6106. [PMID: 29731841 PMCID: PMC5920744 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM), accounting for ~1% of all types of human cancer and 13% of all hematological malignancies, is characterized by the malignant proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells (PCs) in the bone marrow. MM leads to end stage organ impairment, including bone lesions, renal dysfunction, hypercalcemia and anemia. So far, the specific pathogenesis of MM remains unclear and no early-stage sensitive biomarker of MM has been well characterized. Furthermore, treating MM is difficult, as the majority of patients eventually relapse or become refractory following treatment using presently available methods. To date, a number of studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) may serve crucial functions in the progression of numerous cancers, including MM. During the tumorigenesis and pathogenesis of MM, there are multiple carcinogenic events that involve the pernicious transformation from normal to malignant PCs. miRNAs, as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, regulate MM progression-related signaling pathways. In the present review, the up-to-date preliminary basic studies and associated clinical works on the underlying mechanisms of aberrant miRNA profiling in MM have been summarized, including an evaluation of its value as a potential biomarker and a novel therapeutic strategy for MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingying Zhu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Shaoqing Ju
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Haidan Chu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Xianjuan Shen
- Surgical Comprehensive Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Xi Luo
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Hui Cong
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
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39
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Koutsioumpa M, Chen HW, O'Brien N, Koinis F, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Vorvis C, Soroosh A, Luo T, Issakhanian S, Pantuck AJ, Georgoulias V, Iliopoulos D, Slamon DJ, Drakaki A. MKAD-21 Suppresses the Oncogenic Activity of the miR-21/PPP2R2A/ERK Molecular Network in Bladder Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:1430-1440. [PMID: 29703843 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bladder cancer represents a disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. MiR-21 has been found to have oncogenic activity in multiple cancers, including bladder cancer, whereas inhibition of its expression suppresses tumor growth. Here, we examine the molecular network regulated by miR-21 in bladder cancer and evaluate the effects of i.v. and i.p. administration of a novel miR-21 chemical inhibitor in vivo LNA miR-21 reduced the oncogenic potential of bladder cancer cells, whereas the MKAD-21 chemically modified antisense oligo against miR-21 dose-dependently blocked xenograft growth. I.v. administration of LNA miR-21 was more effective in suppressing tumor growth than was i.p. administration. Integration of computational and transcriptomic analyses in a panel of 28 bladder cancer lines revealed a 15-gene signature that correlates with miR-21 levels. Protein Phosphatase 2 Regulatory Subunit Balpha (PPP2R2A) was one of these 15 genes and was experimentally validated as a novel miR-21 direct target gene. Gene network and molecular analyses showed that PPP2R2A is a potent negative regulator of the ERK pathway activation and bladder cancer cell proliferation. Importantly, we show that PPP2R2A acts as a mediator of miR-21-induced oncogenic effects in bladder cancer. Integrative analysis of human bladder cancer tumors and a large panel of human bladder cancer cell lines revealed a novel 15-gene signature that correlates with miR-21 levels. Importantly, we provide evidence that PPP2R2A represents a new miR-21 direct target and regulator of the ERK pathway and bladder cancer cell growth. Furthermore, i.v. administration of the MKAD-21 inhibitor effectively suppressed tumor growth through regulation of the PPP2R2A-ERK network in mice. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(7); 1430-40. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Koutsioumpa
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hsiao-Wang Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Neil O'Brien
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Filippos Koinis
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology and Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Swapna Mahurkar-Joshi
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christina Vorvis
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Artin Soroosh
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tong Luo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shawnt Issakhanian
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Allan J Pantuck
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urologic Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Vassilis Georgoulias
- Laboratory of Tumor Cell Biology and Department of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Iliopoulos
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dennis J Slamon
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alexandra Drakaki
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California.
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urologic Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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40
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Ji Q, Xu X, Song Q, Xu Y, Tai Y, Goodman SB, Bi W, Xu M, Jiao S, Maloney WJ, Wang Y. miR-223-3p Inhibits Human Osteosarcoma Metastasis and Progression by Directly Targeting CDH6. Mol Ther 2018; 26:1299-1312. [PMID: 29628305 PMCID: PMC5993963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherin-6 (CDH6) is aberrantly expressed in cancer and closely associated with tumor progression. However, the functions of CDH6 in human osteosarcoma and the molecular mechanisms underlying CDH6 in osteosarcoma oncogenesis remain poorly understood. In this work, we assessed the role of CDH6 in human osteosarcoma and identified that the expression of CDH6 was closely related with the overall survival and poor prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as important epigenetic regulators during the progression of osteosarcoma. Using dual-luciferase reporter assays, we showed that miR-223-3p suppresses CDH6 expression by directly binding to the 3' UTR of CDH6. miR-223-3p overexpression significantly inhibited cell invasion, migration, growth, and proliferation by suppressing the CDH6 expression in vivo and in vitro. Besides, CDH6 overexpression in the miR-223-3p-transfected osteosarcoma cells effectively rescued the inhibition of cell invasion, migration, growth, and proliferation mediated by miR-223-3p. Additionally, Kaplan-Meier analysis suggests that the expression of miR-223-3p predicts favorable clinical outcomes for osteosarcoma patients. Moreover, the expression of miR-223-3p was downregulated in osteosarcoma patients and was negatively associated with the expression of CDH6. Collectively, these data highlight that miR-223-3p/CDH6 axis is an important novel pleiotropic regulator and could early predict the metastatic potential in human osteosarcoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanbo Ji
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xiaojie Xu
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Song
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Yameng Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhong Tai
- Department of Pathology, the 307 Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Stuart B Goodman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wenzhi Bi
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Xu
- Department of Medical Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Shunchang Jiao
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - William J Maloney
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.
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41
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Le BT, Adams AM, Fletcher S, Wilton SD, Veedu RN. Rational Design of Short Locked Nucleic Acid-Modified 2'-O-Methyl Antisense Oligonucleotides for Efficient Exon-Skipping In Vitro. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2017; 9:155-161. [PMID: 29246294 PMCID: PMC5633351 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Locked nucleic acid is a prominent nucleic acid analog with unprecedented target binding affinity to cDNA and RNA oligonucleotides and shows remarkable stability against nuclease degradation. Incorporation of locked nucleic acid nucleotides into an antisense oligonucleotide (AO) sequence can reduce the length required without compromising the efficacy. In this study, we synthesized a series of systematically truncated locked nucleic acid-modified 2′-O-methyl AOs on a phosphorothioate (PS) backbone that were designed to induce skipping exon 23 from the dystrophin transcript in H-2Kb-tsA58 mdx mouse myotubes in vitro. The results clearly demonstrated that shorter AOs (16- to 14-mer) containing locked nucleic acid nucleotides efficiently induced dystrophin exon 23 skipping compared with the corresponding 2′-O-methyl AOs. Our remarkable findings contribute significantly to the existing knowledge about the designing of short LNA-modified oligonucleotides for exon-skipping applications, which will help reduce the cost of exon-skipping AOs and potential toxicities, particularly the 2′-OMe-based oligos, by further reducing the length of AOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao T Le
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Abbie M Adams
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Susan Fletcher
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Stephen D Wilton
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- Centre for Comparative Genomics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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42
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Ma S, Sun J, Guo Y, Zhang P, Liu Y, Zheng D, Shi J. Combination of AAV-TRAIL with miR-221-Zip Therapeutic Strategy Overcomes the Resistance to TRAIL Induced Apoptosis in Liver Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:3228-3242. [PMID: 28900506 PMCID: PMC5595128 DOI: 10.7150/thno.19893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) possesses the capacity to induce apoptosis in a wide variety of tumor cells without affecting most normal cells. However, it has now emerged that many primary cancer cells are resistant to TRAIL monotherapy. Overcoming the intrinsic or acquired TRAIL resistance is desirable for TRAIL-mediated cancer therapy. In this study, we found that the miR-221/222 cluster was up-regulated in TRAIL-resistant liver cancer cells. Specific inhibitors of miR-221 and/or miR-222, called sponge, TuD and miR-Zip were constructed, and their ability to overcome TRAIL resistance was compared. Among them, AAV-mediated gene therapy using co-expression of TRAIL with miR-221-Zip showed the most synergistic activity in the induction of apoptosis in vitro. In vivo treatment of nude mice bearing human TRAIL-resistant liver cancer xenografts with AAV-TRAIL-miR-221-Zip also led to growth inhibition. This sensitizing effect of miR-221-Zip was associated with increased expression of PTEN, the miR-221 target, as well as with decreasing levels of Survivin. Moreover, miR-221 expression was concomitant with promotion of Survivin expression and suppression of PTEN expression. TRAIL sensitivity of cancer cells isolated from liver cancer tissues or from patients was significantly correlated with miR-221 expression. And miR-221 blood expression levels in liver cancer patients were correlated with TRAIL sensitivity, thus it had the potential to be a predictor of TRAIL sensitivity in liver cancer. These data suggested the potential of combining AAV-TRAIL with miR-221-Zip as a therapeutic intervention for liver cancer.
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43
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Sun T, Li CT, Xiong L, Ning Z, Leung F, Peng S, Lu WW. miR-375-3p negatively regulates osteogenesis by targeting and decreasing the expression levels of LRP5 and β-catenin. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171281. [PMID: 28158288 PMCID: PMC5291413 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are essential for bone formation. Previous studies showed that Wnt signaling pathways were regulated by miR-375. Thus, we aim to explore whether miR-375 could affect osteogenesis. In the present study, we investigated the roles of miR-375 and its downstream targets. Firstly, we revealed that miR-375-3p negatively modulated osteogenesis by suppressing positive regulators of osteogenesis and promoting negative regulators of osteogenesis. In addition, the results of TUNEL cell apoptosis assay showed that miR-375-3p induced MC3T3-E1 cell apoptosis. Secondly, miR-375-3p targeted low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), a co-receptor of the Wnt signaling pathways, and β-catenin as determined by luciferase activity assay, and it decreased the expression levels of LRP5 and β-catenin. Thirdly, the decline of protein levels of β-catenin was determined by immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Finally, silence of LRP5 in osteoblast precursor cells resulted in diminished cell viability and cell proliferation as detected by WST-1-based colorimetric assay. Additionally, all the parameters including the relative bone volume from μCT measurement suggested that LRP5 knockout in mice resulted in a looser and worse-connected trabeculae. The mRNA levels of important negative modulators relating to osteogenesis increased after the functions of LRP5 were blocked in mice. Last but not least, the expression levels of LRP5 increased during the osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1, while the levels of β-catenin decreased in bone tissues from osteoporotic patients with vertebral compression fractures. In conclusion, we revealed miR-375-3p negatively regulated osteogenesis by targeting LRP5 and β-catenin. In addition, loss of functions of LRP5 damaged bone formation in vivo. Clinically, miR-375-3p and its targets might be used as diagnostic biomarkers for osteoporosis and might be also as novel therapeutic agents in osteoporosis treatment. The relevant products of miR-375-3p might be developed into molecular drugs in the future. These molecules could be used in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Jinan University Second College of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chen-Tian Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lifeng Xiong
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ziyu Ning
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frankie Leung
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Songlin Peng
- Department of Spine Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Jinan University Second College of Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - William W. Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Shah MY, Ferrajoli A, Sood AK, Lopez-Berestein G, Calin GA. microRNA Therapeutics in Cancer - An Emerging Concept. EBioMedicine 2016; 12:34-42. [PMID: 27720213 PMCID: PMC5078622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an evolutionarily conserved class of small, regulatory non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate protein coding gene and other non-coding transcripts expression. miRNAs have been established as master regulators of cellular processes, and they play a vital role in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. Further, widespread deregulation of microRNAs have been reported in several cancers, with several microRNAs playing oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles. Based on these, miRNAs have emerged as promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this review, we have focused on the roles of miRNAs in tumorigenesis, the miRNA-based therapeutic strategies currently being evaluated for use in cancer, and the advantages and current challenges to their use in the clinic. miRNAs can act as oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on the specific tissue/cancer targets. miRNAs can be used as drugs or can be targets for drugs. Clinical trials using miRNA mimetics or anti-miRNAs as therapeutic targets are currently underway and show promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitri Y Shah
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George A Calin
- Departments of Experimental Therapeutics and Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA and Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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