1
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Zhang T, Yin K, Niu X, Bai X, Wang Z, Ji M, Yuan B. Development of Bivalent Aptamer-DNA Carrier-Doxorubicin Conjugates for Targeted Killing of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7959. [PMID: 39063201 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147959] [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: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer ranks the seventh in cancer incidence and the sixth in cancer death. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) accounts for approximately 90% of the total cases of esophageal cancer. Chemotherapy is the most effective drug-based method for treatment of esophageal cancer. However, severe side effects of traditional chemotherapy limit its treatment efficacy. Targeted chemotherapy can deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to cancer cells and specifically kill these cells with reduced side effects. In the work, the bivalent aptamer-DNA carrier (BAD) was designed by using an ESCC cell-specific aptamer as the recognition molecule and a GC base-rich DNA sequence as the drug carrier. With doxorubicin (Dox) as chemotherapeutic drugs, the bivalent aptamer-DNA-Dox conjugate (BADD) was constructed for targeted killing of ESCC cells. Firstly, the truncated A2(35) aptamer with a retained binding ability was obtained through optimization of an intact A2(80) aptamer and was used to fuse with DNA carrier sequences for constructing the BAD through simple DNA hybridization. The results of gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry analysis showed that the BAD was successfully constructed and had a stronger binding affinity than monovalent A2(35). Then, the BAD was loaded with Dox drugs to construct the BADD through noncovalent intercalation. The results of fluorescence spectra and flow cytometry assays showed that the BADD was successfully constructed and can bind to target cells strongly. Confocal imaging further displayed that the BADD can be specifically internalized into target cells and release Dox. The results of CCK-8 assays, Calcein AM/PI staining, and wound healing assays demonstrated that the BADD can specifically kill target cells, but not control cells. Our results demonstrate that the developed BADD can specifically deliver doxorubicin to target ESCC cells and selectively kill these cells, offering a potentially effective strategy for targeted chemotherapy of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlu Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Kai Yin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xidong Niu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xue Bai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Zhaoting Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Baoyin Yuan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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2
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Li Y, Zhang C, Fu T, Wang XQ, Tan W. Polyfluoroalkyl Tag Decoration Enables Significantly Enhanced Tumor Penetration Ability of a PTK7 Targeting Aptamer. Bioconjug Chem 2024; 35:674-681. [PMID: 38695582 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.4c00131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Aptamers are widely used molecular recognition tools in targeted therapy, but their ability to effectively penetrate deep into solid tumors remains a significant challenge, leading to suboptimal treatment efficacy. Here, we developed a polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) decoration strategy to enhance aptamer recognition, cell internalization, and solid tumor penetration. Our results indicate that PFA with around 11 fluorine atoms significantly improves aptamer internalization both in vitro and in vivo settings. However, we also observed that the use of PFA tags containing 19 and 23 fluorine atoms on aptamers resulted in nonspecific cell anchoring in control cell lines, affecting the specificity of aptamers. Overall, we found that using a chemical modification strategy could enhance the deep tumor penetration ability of aptamers and validate their effectiveness in vivo. This approach has significant practical applications in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Li
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Ting Fu
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xue-Qiang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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3
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Pang Q, Tang Z, Luo L. The crosstalk between oncogenic signaling and ferroptosis in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 197:104349. [PMID: 38626848 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104349] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death regulation, was identified in 2012. It is characterized by unique features that differentiate it from other types of cell death, including necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Ferroptosis is defined by an abundance of iron ions and lipid peroxidation, resulting in alterations in subcellular structures, an elevation in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels, and an augmentation in Fe (II) cytokines. Ferroptosis, a regulated process, is controlled by an intricate network of signaling pathways, where multiple stimuli can either enhance or hinder the process. This review primarily examines the defensive mechanisms of ferroptosis and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. The analysis focuses on the pathways that involve AMPK, p53, NF2, mTOR, System Xc-, Wnt, Hippo, Nrf2, and cGAS-STING. The text discusses the possibilities of employing a combination therapy that targets several pathways for the treatment of cancer. It emphasizes the necessity for additional study in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianghu Pang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China
| | - Zhirou Tang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang,School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China.
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Venkatesan S, Chanda K, Balamurali MM. Recent Advancements of Aptamers in Cancer Therapy. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32231-32243. [PMID: 37720779 PMCID: PMC10500573 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are chemical antibodies possessing the capability of overcoming the limitations posed by conventional antibodies, particularly for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications in cancer. The ease of chemical modifications or functionalization, including conjugations with nucleic acids, drug molecules, and nanoparticles, has made these aptamers to gain priorities in research. In this Mini-review, various reports on therapeutics with aptamer-functionalized nanomaterials for controlled or multistep drug release, targeted delivery, stimuli-responsive drug release, etc. are discussed. In the case of nucleic-acid-conjugated aptamers, DNA nanotrains and DNA beacons are discussed in terms of the possibility of multidrug loading for chemotherapy and gene therapy. Developments with electrochemical aptasensors and signal-enhanced immune aptasensors are also discussed. Further, the future scope of aptamer technology in cancer theranostics and the prevailing limitations are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathi Venkatesan
- Chemistry
Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore
Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
| | - Kaushik Chanda
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Musuvathi Motilal Balamurali
- Chemistry
Division, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore
Institute of Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600027, India
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5
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Albright S, Cacace M, Tivon Y, Deiters A. Cell Surface Labeling and Detection of Protein Tyrosine Kinase 7 via Covalent Aptamers. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16458-16463. [PMID: 37473438 PMCID: PMC10401710 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c02752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Covalent aptamers are novel biochemical tools for fast and selective transfer of labels to target proteins. Equipped with cleavable electrophiles, these nucleic acid probes enable the installation of functional handles onto native proteins. The high affinity and specificity with which aptamers bind their selected targets allows for quick, covalent labeling that can compete with nuclease-mediated degradation. Here, we introduce the first application of covalent aptamers to modify a specific cell surface protein through proximity-driven label transfer. We targeted protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7), a prominent cancer marker, and demonstrated aptamer-mediated biotin transfer to specific lysine residues on the extracellular domain of the protein. This allowed for tracking of PTK7 expression, localization, and cellular internalization. These studies validate the programmability of covalent aptamers and highlight their applicability in a cellular context, including protein and small molecule delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yaniv Tivon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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Ai L, Jiang X, Zhang K, Cui C, Liu B, Tan W. Tools and techniques for the discovery of therapeutic aptamers: recent advances. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:1393-1411. [PMID: 37840268 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2264187] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The pursuit of novel therapeutic agents for serious diseases such as cancer has been a global endeavor. Aptamers characteristic of high affinity, programmability, low immunogenicity, and rapid permeability hold great promise for the treatment of diseases. Yet obtaining the approval for therapeutic aptamers remains challenging. Consequently, researchers are increasingly devoted to exploring innovative strategies and technologies to advance the development of these therapeutic aptamers. AREAS COVERED The authors provide a comprehensive summary of the recent progress of the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) technique, and how the integration of modern tools has facilitated the identification of therapeutic aptamers. Additionally, the engineering of aptamers to enhance their functional attributes, such as inhibiting and targeting, is discussed, demonstrating the potential to broaden their scope of utility. EXPERT OPINION The grand potential of aptamers and the insufficient development of relevant drugs have spurred countless efforts for stimulating their discovery and application in the therapeutic field. While SELEX techniques have undergone significant developments with the aid of advanced analysis instruments and ingeniously updated aptameric engineering strategies, several challenges still impede their clinical translation. A key challenge lies in the insufficient understanding of binding conformation and susceptibility to degradation under physiological conditions. Despite the hurdles, our opinion is optimistic. With continued progress in overcoming these obstacles, the widespread utilization of aptamers for clinical therapy is envisioned to become a reality soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Ai
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Jiang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Kejing Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Cui
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- Department of Geriatrics and Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, The People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, The People's Republic of China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, School of Medicine and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, The People's Republic of China
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7
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Ding D, Zhao H, Wei D, Yang Q, Yang C, Wang R, Chen Y, Li L, An S, Xia Q, Huang G, Liu J, Xiao Z, Tan W. The First-in-Human Whole-Body Dynamic Pharmacokinetics Study of Aptamer. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0126. [PMID: 37223462 PMCID: PMC10202413 DOI: 10.34133/research.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Serving as targeting ligands, aptamers have shown promise in precision medicine. However, the lack of knowledge of the biosafety and metabolism patterns in the human body largely impeded aptamers' clinical translation. To bridge this gap, here we report the first-in-human pharmacokinetics study of protein tyrosine kinase 7 targeted SGC8 aptamer via in vivo PET tracking of gallium-68 (68Ga) radiolabeled aptamers. The specificity and binding affinity of a radiolabeled aptamer, named 68Ga[Ga]-NOTA-SGC8, were maintained as proven in vitro. Further preclinical biosafety and biodistribution evaluation confirmed that aptamers have no biotoxicity, potential mutation risks, or genotoxicity at high dosage (40 mg/kg). Based on this result, a first-in-human clinical trial was approved and carried out to evaluate the circulation and metabolism profiles, as well as biosafety, of the radiolabeled SGC8 aptamer in the human body. Taking advantage of the cutting-edge total-body PET, the aptamers' distribution pattern in the human body was acquired in a dynamic fashion. This study revealed that radiolabeled aptamers are harmless to normal organs and most of them are accumulated in the kidney and cleared from the bladder via urine, which agrees with preclinical studies. Meanwhile, a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of aptamer was developed, which could potentially predict therapeutic responses and plan personalized treatment strategies. This research studied the biosafety and dynamic pharmacokinetics of aptamers in the human body for the first time, as well as demonstrated the capability of novel molecular imaging fashion in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Haitao Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dali Wei
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Qinglai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center for Molecular Imaging Probes, Cancer Research Institute,
University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Cai Yang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ruowen Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Lianghua Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Shuxian An
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Qian Xia
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging,
Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201318, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Weihong Tan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes,
Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital,Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering,
Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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8
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Niederreiter M, Klein J, Arndt K, Werner J, Mayer B. Anti-Cancer Effects of Artesunate in Human 3D Tumor Models of Different Complexity. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097844. [PMID: 37175551 PMCID: PMC10178545 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097844] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-malaria drug Artesunate (ART) shows strong anti-cancer effects in vitro; however, it shows only marginal treatment results in clinical cancer studies. In this study, ART was tested in preclinical 3D cancer models of increasing complexity using clinically relevant peak plasma concentrations to obtain further information for translation into clinical use. ART reduced cell viability in HCT-116 and HT-29 derived cancer spheroids (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids responded dose-dependently, while HT-29 spheroids were affected more strongly by ART than by cytostatics (p < 0.001). HCT-116 spheroids were chemo-sensitized by ART (p < 0.001). In patient-derived cancer spheroids (PDCS), ART led to inhibition of cell viability in 84.62% of the 39 samples tested, with a mean inhibitory effect of 13.87%. Viability reduction of ART was 2-fold weaker than cytostatic monotherapies (p = 0.028). Meanwhile, tumor-stimulation of up to 16.30% was observed in six (15.38%) PDCS-models. In 15 PDCS samples, ART modulated chemotherapies in combined testing, eight of which showed chemo-stimulation (maximum of 36.90%) and seven chemo-inhibition (up to 16.95%). These results demonstrate that ART's anti-cancer efficacy depends on the complexity of the tumor model used. This emphasizes that cancer treatment with ART should be evaluated before treatment of the individual patient to ensure its benefits and prevent unwanted effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Niederreiter
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Klein
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin Arndt
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Mayer
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- SpheroTec GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
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9
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He J, Duan Q, Ran C, Fu T, Liu Y, Tan W. Recent progress of aptamer‒drug conjugates in cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:1358-1370. [PMID: 37139427 PMCID: PMC10150127 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that can specifically bind with the target protein or molecule via specific secondary structures. Compared to antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), aptamer‒drug conjugate (ApDC) is also an efficient, targeted drug for cancer therapy with a smaller size, higher chemical stability, lower immunogenicity, faster tissue penetration, and facile engineering. Despite all these advantages, several key factors have delayed the clinical translation of ApDC, such as in vivo off-target effects and potential safety issues. In this review, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of ApDC and discuss solutions to the problems noted above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan He
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Qiao Duan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chunyan Ran
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ting Fu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Weihong Tan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
- Institute of Molecular Medicine (IMM), Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Corresponding authors.
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10
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Wang W, Gao Y, Chen Y, Wang W, Li Q, Huang Z, Zhang J, Xiang Q, Wu Z. Outward Movement of Targeting Ligands from a Built-In Reserve Pool in Nuclease-Resistant 3D Hierarchical DNA Nanocluster for in Vivo High-Precision Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2203698. [PMID: 36253152 PMCID: PMC9685459 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202203698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nanostructures made entirely of DNAs display great potential as chemotherapeutic drug carriers but so far cannot achieve sufficient clinic therapy outcomes due to off-target toxicity. In this contribution, an aptamer-embedded hierarchical DNA nanocluster (Apt-eNC) is constructed as an intelligent carrier for cancer-targeted drug delivery. Specifically, Apt-eNC is designed to have a built-in reserve pool in the interior cavity from which aptamers may move outward to function as needed. When surface aptamers are degraded, ones in reserve pool can move outward to offer the compensation, thereby magically preserving tumor-targeting performance in vivo. Even if withstanding extensive aptamer depletion, Apt-eNC displays a 115-fold enhanced cell targeting compared with traditional counterparts and at least 60-fold improved tumor accumulation. Moreover, one Apt-eNC accommodates 5670 chemotherapeutic agents. As such, when systemically administrated into HeLa tumor-bearing BALB/c nude mouse model, drug-loaded Apt-eNC significantly inhibits tumor growth without systemic toxicity, holding great promise for high precision therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Wang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Yansha Gao
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Wenqing Wang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Qian Li
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Zhiyi Huang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
| | - Qi Xiang
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory MedicineMinistry of Education of ChinaZhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medicine GeneticsSchool of Laboratory Medicine and Life SciencesInstitute of Functional Nucleic Acids and Personalized Cancer TheranosticsWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
| | - Zai‐Sheng Wu
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention CenterFujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and ChemotherapyState Key Laboratory of Photocatalysis on Energy and EnvironmentCollege of ChemistryFuzhou UniversityFuzhou350108China
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Barak D, Engelberg S, Assaraf YG, Livney YD. Selective Targeting and Eradication of Various Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Lines Using Self-Assembled Aptamer-Decorated Nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14081650. [PMID: 36015276 PMCID: PMC9414336 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14081650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The leading cause of cancer mortality remains lung cancer (LC), of which non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the predominant type. Chemotherapy achieves only low response rates while inflicting serious untoward toxicity. Herein, we studied the binding and internalization of S15-aptamer (S15-APT)-decorated polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (PEG-PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) by various human NSCLC cell lines. All the NSCLC cell lines were targeted by S15-APT-decorated NPs. Confocal microscopy revealed variable levels of NP binding and uptake amongst these NSCLC cell lines, decreasing in the following order: Adenocarcinoma (AC) A549 cells > H2228 (AC) > H1299 (large cell carcinoma) > H522 (AC) > H1975 (AC). Flow cytometry analysis showed a consistent variation between these NSCLC cell lines in the internalization of S15-APT-decorated quantum dots. We obtained a temperature-dependent NP uptake, characteristic of active internalization. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays with APT-NPs entrapping paclitaxel, revealed that A549 cells had the lowest IC50 value of 0.03 µM PTX (determined previously), whereas H2228, H1299, H522 and H1975 exhibited higher IC50 values of 0.38 µM, 0.92 µM, 2.31 µM and 2.59 µM, respectively (determined herein). Cytotoxicity was correlated with the binding and internalization of APT-NPs in the various NSCLC cells, suggesting variable expression of the putative S15 target receptor. These findings support the development of APT-targeted NPs in precision nanomedicine for individual NSCLC patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Barak
- Lab of Biopolymers for Food & Health, Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Shira Engelberg
- Lab of Biopolymers for Food & Health, Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yehuda G. Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Lab, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Correspondence: (Y.G.A.); (Y.D.L.)
| | - Yoav D. Livney
- Lab of Biopolymers for Food & Health, Department of Biotechnology & Food Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Correspondence: (Y.G.A.); (Y.D.L.)
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