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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer SG, Sudarshan K, Orellana EA, Ozcan KE, dos Santos AP, Low PS, Kasinski AL. Selective targeting of chemically modified miR-34a to prostate cancer using a small molecule ligand and an endosomal escape agent. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102193. [PMID: 38745855 PMCID: PMC11091501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Use of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) as anti-cancer agents is hindered by the lack of effective delivery vehicles, entrapment of the miRNA within endocytic compartments, and rapid degradation of miRNA by nucleases. To address these issues, we developed a miRNA delivery strategy that includes (1) a targeting ligand, (2) an endosomal escape agent, nigericin and (3) a chemically modified miRNA. The delivery ligand, DUPA (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxy propyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid), was selected based on its specificity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a receptor routinely upregulated in prostate cancer-one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. DUPA was conjugated to the tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-34a (DUPA-miR-34a) based on the ability of miR-34a to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. To mediate endosomal escape, nigericin was incorporated into the complex, resulting in DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a. Both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a specifically bound to, and were taken up by, PSMA-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. And while both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a downregulated miR-34a target genes, only DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a decreased cell proliferation in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Tumor growth was further reduced using a fully modified version of miR-34a that has significantly increased stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S. Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Esteban A. Orellana
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Kenan E. Ozcan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea P. dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S. Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Mishra J, Chakraborty S, Nandi P, Manna S, Baral T, Niharika, Roy A, Mishra P, Patra SK. Epigenetic regulation of androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2024; 161:223-320. [PMID: 39032951 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignancies among men worldwide. Besides genetic alterations, epigenetic modulations including DNA methylation, histone modifications and miRNA mediated alteration of gene expression are the key driving forces for the prostate tumor development and cancer progression. Aberrant expression and/or the activity of the epigenetic modifiers/enzymes, results in aberrant expression of genes involved in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation, cell adhesion, apoptosis, autophagy, tumor suppression and hormone response and thereby disease progression. Altered epigenome is associated with prostate cancer recurrence, progression, aggressiveness and transition from androgen-dependent to androgen-independent phenotype. These epigenetic modifications are reversible and various compounds/drugs targeting the epigenetic enzymes have been developed that are effective in cancer treatment. This chapter focuses on the epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer initiation and progression, listing different epigenetic biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease and their potential as therapeutic targets. This chapter also summarizes different epigenetic drugs approved for prostate cancer therapy and the drugs available for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagdish Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Subhajit Chakraborty
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Piyasa Nandi
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Soumen Manna
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Tirthankar Baral
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Niharika
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Ankan Roy
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Prahallad Mishra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India
| | - Samir Kumar Patra
- Epigenetics and Cancer Research Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Group, Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India.
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3
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Androsavich JR. Frameworks for transformational breakthroughs in RNA-based medicines. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:421-444. [PMID: 38740953 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-00943-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RNA has sparked a revolution in modern medicine, with the potential to transform the way we treat diseases. Recent regulatory approvals, hundreds of new clinical trials, the emergence of CRISPR gene editing, and the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines in dramatic response to the COVID-19 pandemic have converged to create tremendous momentum and expectation. However, challenges with this relatively new class of drugs persist and require specialized knowledge and expertise to overcome. This Review explores shared strategies for developing RNA drug platforms, including layering technologies, addressing common biases and identifying gaps in understanding. It discusses the potential of RNA-based therapeutics to transform medicine, as well as the challenges associated with improving applicability, efficacy and safety profiles. Insights gained from RNA modalities such as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and small interfering RNAs are used to identify important next steps for mRNA and gene editing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Androsavich
- RNA Accelerator, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ginkgo Bioworks, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Iyer SG, Kasinski AL. Preparing and Evaluating the Stability of Therapeutically Relevant Oligonucleotide Duplexes. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e4975. [PMID: 38686344 PMCID: PMC11056005 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.4975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of oligonucleotide therapeutics is rapidly advancing, particularly for combating orphan diseases and cancer. However, the intrinsic instability of oligonucleotides, especially RNA, poses a substantial challenge in the face of the harsh conditions encountered intracellularly and in circulation. Therefore, evaluating the stability of oligos in serum is of great significance when developing oligonucleotide therapeutics. This protocol outlines a dependable and reproducible method for preparing oligonucleotide duplexes, coupled with confirmation by gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, the protocol defines a mechanism to assess the stability of the oligo duplexes in serum. This protocol seeks to establish a standardized reference for researchers, enabling them to compare the impact of various modifications on oligo stability and assess the degradation kinetics effectively. Key features • Adaptable for use with small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and other unmodified and modified oligonucleotides. • Does not necessitate any Biological Safety Level clearance and offers a rapid, cost-effective, and entirely in vitro procedure. • Allows researchers to evaluate multiple modification patterns that, when coupled with targeting activity, allow for selecting the best modification pattern prior to in vivo analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue University Life Sciences Graduate Program, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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Garreau M, Weidner J, Hamilton R, Kolosionek E, Toki N, Stavenhagen K, Paris C, Bonetti A, Czechtizky W, Gnerlich F, Rydzik A. Chemical modification patterns for microRNA therapeutic mimics: a structure-activity relationship (SAR) case-study on miR-200c. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2792-2807. [PMID: 38421619 PMCID: PMC11014349 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
microRNA (miRNA) mimics are an emerging class of oligonucleotide therapeutics, with a few compounds already in clinical stages. Synthetic miRNAs are able to restore downregulated levels of intrinsic miRNAs, allowing for parallel regulation of multiple genes involved in a particular disease. In this work, we examined the influence of chemical modifications patterns in miR-200c mimics, assessing the regulation of a selection of target messenger RNAs (mRNA) and, subsequently, of the whole transcriptome in A549 cells. We have probed 37 mimics and provided an initial set of instructions for designing miRNA mimics with potency and selectivity similar to an unmodified miRNA duplex. Additionally, we have examined the stability of selected mimics in serum. Finally, the selected two modification patterns were translated to two other miRNAs, miR-34a and miR-155. To differing degrees, these designs acted on target mRNAs in a similar manner to the unmodified mimic. Here, for the first time, we describe a structured overview of 'miRNA mimics modification templates' that are chemically stabilised and optimised for use in an in vitro set up and highlight the need of further sequence specific optimization when mimics are to be used beyond in vitro tool experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Garreau
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Julie Weidner
- Translational Science Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Russell Hamilton
- Translational Science Experimental Medicine, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ewa Kolosionek
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Naoko Toki
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kathrin Stavenhagen
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Clément Paris
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Bonetti
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Werngard Czechtizky
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Felix Gnerlich
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rydzik
- Medicinal Chemistry, Research & Early Development, Respiratory & Immunology, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Siwo GH, Singal AG, Waljee AK. Pan-cancer molecular signatures connecting aspartate transaminase (AST) to cancer prognosis, metabolic and immune signatures. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.01.582939. [PMID: 38496547 PMCID: PMC10942358 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.582939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background Serum aspartate transaminase (sAST) level is used routinely in conjunction with other clinical assays to assess liver health and disease. Increasing evidence suggests that sAST is associated with all-cause mortality and has prognostic value in several cancers, including gastrointestinal and urothelial cancers. Here, we undertake a systems approach to unravel molecular connections between AST and cancer prognosis, metabolism, and immune signatures at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Methods We mined public gene expression data across multiple normal and cancerous tissues using the Genotype Tissue Expression (GTEX) resource and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to assess the expression of genes encoding AST isoenzymes (GOT1 and GOT2) and their association with disease prognosis and immune infiltration signatures across multiple tumors. We examined the associations between AST and previously reported pan-cancer molecular subtypes characterized by distinct metabolic and immune signatures. We analyzed human protein-protein interaction networks for interactions between GOT1 and GOT2 with cancer-associated proteins. Using public databases and protein-protein interaction networks, we determined whether the subset of proteins that interact with AST (GOT1 and GOT2 interactomes) are enriched with proteins associated with specific diseases, miRNAs and transcription factors. Results We show that AST transcript isoforms (GOT1 and GOT2) are expressed across a wide range of normal tissues. AST isoforms are upregulated in tumors of the breast, lung, uterus, and thymus relative to normal tissues but downregulated in tumors of the liver, colon, brain, kidney and skeletal sarcomas. At the proteomic level, we find that the expression of AST is associated with distinct pan-cancer molecular subtypes with an enrichment of specific metabolic and immune signatures. Based on human protein-protein interaction data, AST physically interacts with multiple proteins involved in tumor initiation, suppression, progression, and treatment. We find enrichments in the AST interactomes for proteins associated with liver and lung cancer and dermatologic diseases. At the regulatory level, the GOT1 interactome is enriched with the targets of cancer-associated miRNAs, specifically mir34a - a promising cancer therapeutic, while the GOT2 interactome is enriched with proteins that interact with cancer-associated transcription factors. Conclusions Our findings suggest that perturbations in the levels of AST within specific tissues reflect pathophysiological changes beyond tissue damage and have implications for cancer metabolism, immune infiltration, prognosis, and treatment personalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amit G. Singal
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Akbar K. Waljee
- Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX
- Center for Global Health Equity, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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7
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Štefánik P, Morová M, Herichová I. Impact of Long-Lasting Environmental Factors on Regulation Mediated by the miR-34 Family. Biomedicines 2024; 12:424. [PMID: 38398026 PMCID: PMC10887245 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020424] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The present review focuses on the interactions of newly emerging environmental factors with miRNA-mediated regulation. In particular, we draw attention to the effects of phthalates, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and a disrupted light/dark cycle. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules with a tremendous regulatory impact, which is usually executed via gene expression inhibition. To address the capacity of environmental factors to influence miRNA-mediated regulation, the miR-34 family was selected for its well-described oncostatic and neuro-modulatory properties. The expression of miR-34 is in a tissue-dependent manner to some extent under the control of the circadian system. There is experimental evidence implicating that phthalates, EMFs and the circadian system interact with the miR-34 family, in both lines of its physiological functioning. The inhibition of miR-34 expression in response to phthalates, EMFs and light contamination has been described in cancer tissue and cell lines and was associated with a decline in oncostatic miR-34a signalling (decrease in p21 expression) and a promotion of tumorigenesis (increases in Noth1, cyclin D1 and cry1 expressions). The effects of miR-34 on neural functions have also been influenced by phthalates, EMFs and a disrupted light/dark cycle. Environmental factors shifted the effects of miR-34 from beneficial to the promotion of neurodegeneration and decreased cognition. Moreover, the apoptogenic capacity of miR-34 induced via phthalate administration in the testes has been shown to negatively influence germ cell proliferation. To conclude, as the oncostatic and positive neuromodulatory functions of the miR-34 family can be strongly influenced by environmental factors, their interactions should be taken into consideration in translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Štefánik
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martina Morová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Iveta Herichová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
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8
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Li W(J, Wang Y, Liu X, Wu S, Wang M, Turowski SG, Spernyak JA, Tracz A, Abdelaal AM, Sudarshan K, Puzanov I, Chatta G, Kasinski AL, Tang DG. Developing Folate-Conjugated miR-34a Therapeutic for Prostate Cancer: Challenges and Promises. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2123. [PMID: 38396800 PMCID: PMC10888849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a common cancer with high mortality in men due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. A critical factor contributing to its lethality is the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which can self-renew, long-term propagate tumors, and mediate treatment resistance. MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has shown promise as an anti-PCSC therapeutic by targeting critical molecules involved in cancer stem cell (CSC) survival and functions. Despite extensive efforts, the development of miR-34a therapeutics still faces challenges, including non-specific delivery and delivery-associated toxicity. One emerging delivery approach is ligand-mediated conjugation, aiming to achieve specific delivery of miR-34a to cancer cells, thereby enhancing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Folate-conjugated miR-34a (folate-miR-34a) has demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy in breast and lung cancers by targeting folate receptor α (FOLR1). Here, we first show that miR-34a, a TP53 transcriptional target, is reduced in PCa that harbors TP53 loss or mutations and that miR-34a mimic, when transfected into PCa cells, downregulated multiple miR-34a targets and inhibited cell growth. When exploring the therapeutic potential of folate-miR-34a, we found that folate-miR-34a exhibited impressive inhibitory effects on breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer cells but showed minimal effects on and targeted delivery to PCa cells due to a lack of appreciable expression of FOLR1 in PCa cells. Folate-miR-34a also did not display any apparent effect on PCa cells expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PMSA) despite the reported folate's binding capability to PSMA. These results highlight challenges in the specific delivery of folate-miR-34a to PCa due to a lack of target (receptor) expression. Our study offers novel insights into the challenges and promises within the field and casts light on the development of ligand-conjugated miR-34a therapeutics for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen (Jess) Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
- Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Xiaozhuo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Shan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Moyi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Steven G. Turowski
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Joseph A. Spernyak
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Amanda Tracz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Ahmed M. Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Igor Puzanov
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Gurkamal Chatta
- Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Dean G. Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; (Y.W.); (X.L.); (S.W.); (M.W.)
- Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and the University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Ahram M, Abu Alragheb B, Abushukair H, Bawadi R, Al-Hussaini M. MicroRNAs Associated with Androgen Receptor and Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:665. [PMID: 38339416 PMCID: PMC10854913 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030665] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is crucial to identify novel molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The androgen receptor (AR) is a regulator of TNBC, acting partially via microRNA molecules (miRNAs). In this study, we used PCR arrays to profile the expression of 84 miRNAs in 24 TNBC tissue samples, which were equally classified according to AR expression and/or metastasis. Several bioinformatics tools were then utilized to determine the potentially affected protein targets and signaling pathways. Seven miRNAs were found to be significantly more highly expressed in association with AR expression, including miR-328-3p and miR-489-3p. Increased expression of miR-205-3p was found to be significantly associated with metastasis. Certain miRNAs were specifically found to be differentially expressed in either metastatic or non-metastatic AR-positive tumors. A gene ontology (GO) analysis indicated biological roles in the regulation of transcription, cellular response to DNA damage, and the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway. The GO analysis also showed enrichment in kinase and transcription factor activities. The TGF-beta and a number of kinase-dependent pathways were also retrieved using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. This study offers an understanding of the role of AR in TNBC and further implicates miRNAs in mediating the effects of AR on TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoun Ahram
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | | | - Hassan Abushukair
- School of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan;
| | - Randa Bawadi
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
| | - Maysa Al-Hussaini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman 11941, Jordan;
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10
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Seyhan AA. Trials and Tribulations of MicroRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1469. [PMID: 38338746 PMCID: PMC10855871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the link between microRNAs (miRNAs) and a myriad of human diseases, particularly various cancer types, has generated significant interest in exploring their potential as a novel class of drugs. This has led to substantial investments in interdisciplinary research fields such as biology, chemistry, and medical science for the development of miRNA-based therapies. Furthermore, the recent global success of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic has further revitalized interest in RNA-based immunotherapies, including miRNA-based approaches to cancer treatment. Consequently, RNA therapeutics have emerged as highly adaptable and modular options for cancer therapy. Moreover, advancements in RNA chemistry and delivery methods have been pivotal in shaping the landscape of RNA-based immunotherapy, including miRNA-based approaches. Consequently, the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a resurgence of interest in incorporating RNA-based immunotherapies and miRNA therapeutics into their development programs. Despite substantial progress in preclinical research, the field of miRNA-based therapeutics remains in its early stages, with only a few progressing to clinical development, none reaching phase III clinical trials or being approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several facing termination due to toxicity issues. These setbacks highlight existing challenges that must be addressed for the broad clinical application of miRNA-based therapeutics. Key challenges include establishing miRNA sensitivity, specificity, and selectivity towards their intended targets, mitigating immunogenic reactions and off-target effects, developing enhanced methods for targeted delivery, and determining optimal dosing for therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. Additionally, the limited understanding of the precise functions of miRNAs limits their clinical utilization. Moreover, for miRNAs to be viable for cancer treatment, they must be technically and economically feasible for the widespread adoption of RNA therapies. As a result, a thorough risk evaluation of miRNA therapeutics is crucial to minimize off-target effects, prevent overdosing, and address various other issues. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of miRNAs for various diseases is evident, and future investigations are essential to determine their applicability in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila A. Seyhan
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Joint Program in Cancer Biology, Lifespan Health System and Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
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11
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Li WJ, Wang Y, Liu X, Wu S, Wang M, Turowski SG, Spernyak JA, Tracz A, Abdelaal AM, Sudarshan K, Puzanov I, Chatta G, Kasinski AL, Tang DG. Developing folate-conjugated miR-34a therapeutic for prostate cancer treatment: Challenges and promises. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.25.568612. [PMID: 38045265 PMCID: PMC10690264 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.25.568612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a common cancer with high mortality in men due to its heterogeneity and the emergence of drug resistance. A critical factor contributing to its lethality is the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs), which can self-renew, long-term propagate tumors and mediate treatment resistance. MicroRNA-34a (miR-34a) has shown promise as an anti-PCSC therapeutic by targeting critical molecules involved in cancer stem cell (CSC) survival and functions. Despite extensive efforts, the development of miR-34a therapeutics still faces challenges, including non-specific delivery and delivery-associated toxicity. One emerging delivery approach is ligand-mediated conjugation, aiming to achieve specific delivery of miR-34a to cancer cells, thereby enhancing efficacy while minimizing toxicity. Folate-conjugated miR-34a (folate-miR-34a) has demonstrated promising anti-tumor efficacy in breast and lung cancers by targeting folate receptor α (FOLR1). Here, we first show that miR-34a, a TP53 transcriptional target, is reduced in PCa that harbors TP53 loss or mutations and that miR-34a mimic, when transfected into PCa cells, downregulated multiple miR-34a targets and inhibited cell growth. When exploring the therapeutic potential of folate-miR-34a, we found that folate-miR-34a exhibited impressive inhibitory effects on breast, ovarian and cervical cancer cells but showed minimal effects on and targeted delivery to PCa cells due to a lack of appreciable expression of FOLR1 in PCa cells. Folate-miR-34a also did not display any apparent effect on PCa cells expressing prostate-specific membrane antigen (PMSA) despite the reported folate's binding capability to PSMA. These results highlight challenges in specific delivery of folate-miR-34a to PCa due to lack of target (receptor) expression. Our study offers novel insights on the challenges and promises within the field and cast light on the development of ligand-conjugated miR-34a therapeutics for PCa.
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Gotlib J. Introduction to a review series on RNA therapeutics in hematology. Blood 2023; 142:1577-1579. [PMID: 37944179 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Small molecule inhibitors and antibody therapies have led the way for targeted therapy of a range of hematologic disorders; however, the number of amenable targets is limited. RNA-directed therapies can be a solution for targets deemed “undruggable,” with modulation of RNA expression through a variety of methods, expanding the therapeutic possibilities. In this Review Series edited by Associate Editor Jason Gotlib, 3 articles highlight areas in which RNA therapeutics are most advanced: acute hepatic porphyria, transthyretin amyloidosis, and hemophilia. This series offers insight into the promise of these new therapies.
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