1
|
Chen J, He J, Bing T, Feng Y, Lyu Y, Lei M, Tan W. Identification of the Binding Site between Aptamer sgc8c and PTK7. Anal Chem 2024; 96:10601-10611. [PMID: 38889444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01186] [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: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded RNA or DNA molecules that can specifically bind to targets and have found broad applications in cancer early-stage detection, accurate drug delivery, and precise treatment. Although various aptamer screening methods have been developed over the past several decades, the accurate binding site between the target and the aptamer cannot be characterized during a typical aptamer screening process. In this research, we chose a widely used aptamer screened by our group, sgc8c, and its target protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) as the model aptamer and target and tried to determine the binding site between aptamer sgc8c and PTK7. Through sequential protein truncation, we confirmed that the exact binding site of sgc8c was within the region of Ig 3 to Ig 4 in the extracellular domain of PTK7. Using in vitro expressed Ig (3-4), we successfully acquired the crystal of an sgc8c-Ig (3-4) binding complex. The possible sgc8c-binding amino acid residues on PTK7 and PTK7-binding nucleotide residues on sgc8c were further identified and simulated by mass spectrometry and molecular dynamics simulation and finally verified by aptamer/protein truncation and mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianghuai Chen
- 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
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Jiaxuan He
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Tao Bing
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yawei Feng
- 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
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| | - Yifan Lyu
- 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
- Furong Laboratory, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, 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 410082, China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cong Y, Liu K, Huang Z, Lu J, Wang HH, Hong Y, Xie Z, Li H. A Bivalent Aptamer-Based DNA Agonist for EGFR Signaling Effectively Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis In Vivo. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:1280-1290. [PMID: 38837175 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.4c00098] [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: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
While epidermal growth factor (EGF) shows promise in addressing the clinical manifestations of intestinal ulcerative diseases by activating the EGF receptor (EGFR)-mediated cell signaling, its clinical application is hampered by poor protein hydrolytic stability, low thermostability, and difficulty in modification. The development of a novel EGFR agonist for ulcerative colitis remains an urgent need, necessitating innovative solutions to overcome the limitations of current therapies via recombinant EGF protein. Herein, we introduce a novel DNA agonist for EGFR, Dimer-YL, which employs a bivalent aptamer to induce stable receptor dimerization, thereby activating the EGFR signaling and related cell behaviors. Dimer-YL has been demonstrated to recapitulate the EGF-promoted cellular behaviors, including proliferation and migration, as well as repair the damage of intercellular tight junctions. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the potent therapeutic function of Dimer-YL in alleviating DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in vivo. Together, the present work has revealed Dimer-YL as an innovative DNA molecule for effective EGFR activation, offering promise for the development of EGFR-agonistic agents for therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Cong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Kun Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Zihong Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Junjun Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Yanjun Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyong Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518107, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ren X, Xue R, Luo Y, Wang S, Ge X, Yao X, Li L, Min J, Li M, Luo Z, Wang F. Programmable melanoma-targeted radio-immunotherapy via fusogenic liposomes functionalized with multivariate-gated aptamer assemblies. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5035. [PMID: 38866788 PMCID: PMC11169524 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49482-9] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Radio-immunotherapy exploits the immunostimulatory features of ionizing radiation (IR) to enhance antitumor effects and offers emerging opportunities for treating invasive tumor indications such as melanoma. However, insufficient dose deposition and immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors limit its efficacy. Here we report a programmable sequential therapeutic strategy based on multifunctional fusogenic liposomes (Lip@AUR-ACP-aptPD-L1) to overcome the intrinsic radio-immunotherapeutic resistance of solid tumors. Specifically, fusogenic liposomes are loaded with gold-containing Auranofin (AUR) and inserted with multivariate-gated aptamer assemblies (ACP) and PD-L1 aptamers in the lipid membrane, potentiating melanoma-targeted AUR delivery while transferring ACP onto cell surface through selective membrane fusion. AUR amplifies IR-induced immunogenic death of melanoma cells to release antigens and damage-associated molecular patterns such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for triggering adaptive antitumor immunity. AUR-sensitized radiotherapy also upregulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression that combined with released ATP to activate ACP through an "and" logic operation-like process (AND-gate), thus triggering the in-situ release of engineered cytosine-phosphate-guanine aptamer-based immunoadjuvants (eCpG) for stimulating dendritic cell-mediated T cell priming. Furthermore, AUR inhibits tumor-intrinsic vascular endothelial growth factor signaling to suppress infiltration of immunosuppressive cells for fostering an anti-tumorigenic TME. This study offers an approach for solid tumor treatment in the clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xijiao Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Rui Xue
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Yan Luo
- Radiation Oncology Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Shuang Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xinyue Ge
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Xuemei Yao
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China
| | - Liqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, PR China
| | - Junxia Min
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital School of Public Health Institute of Translational Medicine State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, PR China.
| | - Fudi Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital School of Public Health Institute of Translational Medicine State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, PR China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital Basic Medical Sciences, School of Public Health Hengyang Medical School University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Thomas BJ, Guldenpfennig C, Daniels MA, Burke DH, Porciani D. Multiplexed In Vivo Screening Using Barcoded Aptamer Technology to Identify Oligonucleotide-Based Targeting Reagents. Nucleic Acid Ther 2024; 34:109-124. [PMID: 38752363 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2024.0010] [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] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent FDA approvals of mRNA vaccines, short-interfering RNAs, and antisense oligonucleotides highlight the success of oligonucleotides as therapeutics. Aptamers are excellent affinity reagents that can selectively label protein biomarkers, but their clinical application has lagged. When formulating a given aptamer for in vivo use, molecular design details can determine biostability and biodistribution; therefore, extensive postselection manipulation is often required for each new design to identify clinically useful reagents harboring improved pharmacokinetic properties. Few methods are available to comprehensively screen such aptamers, especially in vivo, constituting a significant bottleneck in the field. In this study, we introduce barcoded aptamer technology (BApT) for multiplexed screening of predefined aptamer formulations in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate this technology by simultaneously investigating 20 aptamer formulations, each harboring different molecular designs, for targeting Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer cells and tumors. Screening in vitro identified a 45 kDa bispecific formulation as the best cancer cell targeting reagent, whereas screening in vivo identified a 30 kDa monomeric formulation as the best tumor-specific targeting reagent. The multiplexed analysis pipeline also identified biodistribution phenotypes shared among formulations with similar molecular architectures. The BApT approach we describe here has the potential for broad application to fields where oligonucleotide-based targeting reagents are desired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Thomas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Caitlyn Guldenpfennig
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mark A Daniels
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Donald H Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - David Porciani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Civit L, Moradzadeh N, Jonczyk A, Neckermann P, Asbach B, Peterhoff D, Wagner R, Famulok M, Mayer G, Kjems J, Valero J. A Multi-Faceted Binding Assessment of Aptamers Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4642. [PMID: 38731860 PMCID: PMC11083479 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094642] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. These platforms rely on the rapid development of molecular binders that should facilitate surveillance and swift intervention against viral infections. In this study, we have evaluated by three independent research groups the binding characteristics of various published RNA and DNA aptamers targeting the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. For this comparative analysis, we have employed different techniques such as biolayer interferometry (BLI), enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA), and flow cytometry. Our data show discrepancies in the reported specificity and affinity among several of the published aptamers and underline the importance of standardized methods, the impact of biophysical techniques, and the controls used for aptamer characterization. We expect our results to contribute to the selection and application of suitable aptamers for the detection of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Civit
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
| | - Nima Moradzadeh
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Anna Jonczyk
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
| | - Patrick Neckermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Asbach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - David Peterhoff
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), Regensburg University, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Famulok
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Günter Mayer
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; (N.M.)
- Center of Aptamer Research & Development, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Julián Valero
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark; (L.C.); (J.K.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chang W, Zheng Z, Ma Y, Du Y, Shi X, Wang C. An electrochemical aptasensor for methylamphetamine rapid detection by single-on mode based on competition with complementary DNA. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9279. [PMID: 38654039 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59505-6] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A simple and rapid electrochemical sensing method with high sensitivity and specificity of aptamers was developed for the detection of methylamphetamine (MAMP). A short anti-MAMP thiolated aptamer (Apt) with a methylene blue (MB) probe at 3'-end was immobilized on the surface of a gold electrode (MB-Apt-S/GE). The electrochemical signal appeared when MAMP presenting in the sample solution competed with cDNA for binding with MB-Apt-S. Under optimized conditions, the liner range of this signal-on electrochemical aptasensor for the detection of MAMP achieved from 1.0 to 10.0 nmol/L and 10.0-400 nmol/L. LOD 0.88 nmol/L were obtained. Satisfactory spiked recoveries of saliva and urine were also obtained. In this method, only 5 min were needed to incubate before the square wave voltammetry (SWV) analysis, which was much more rapid than other electrochemical sensors, leading to a bright and broad prospect for the detection of MAMP in biological sample. This method can be used for on-site rapid detection on special occasions, such as drug driving scenes, entertainment venues suspected of drug use, etc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhuo Chang
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science Techniques Research and Application of Gansu Province, Gansu University of Political Science and Law, Lanzhou, 730070, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Zhixiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Evidence Science Techniques Research and Application of Gansu Province, Gansu University of Political Science and Law, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Yongjun Ma
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou, 730070, China.
| | - Yongling Du
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xuezhao Shi
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bristow P, Schantz K, Moosbrugger Z, Martin K, Liebenberg H, Steimle S, Xiao Q, Percec V, Wilner SE. Aptamer-Targeted Dendrimersomes Assembled from Azido-Modified Janus Dendrimers "Clicked" to DNA. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1541-1549. [PMID: 38394608 PMCID: PMC10934268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01108] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (JDs), synthetic alternatives to lipids, have the potential to expand the scope of nanocarrier delivery systems. JDs self-assemble into vesicles called dendrimersomes, encapsulate both hydrophobic cargo and nucleic acids, and demonstrate enhanced stability in comparison to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Here, we report the ability to enhance the cellular uptake of Janus dendrimersomes using DNA aptamers. Azido-modified JDs were synthesized and conjugated to alkyne-modified DNAs using copper-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition. DNA-functionalized JDs form nanometer-sized dendrimersomes in aqueous solution via thin film hydration. These vesicles, now displaying short DNAs, are then hybridized to transferrin receptor binding DNA aptamers. Aptamer-targeted dendrimersomes show improved cellular uptake as compared to control vesicles via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. This work demonstrates the versatility of using click chemistry to conjugate functionalized JDs with biologically relevant molecules and the feasibility of targeting DNA-modified dendrimersomes for drug delivery applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paige Bristow
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Kyle Schantz
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Zoe Moosbrugger
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Kailey Martin
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Haley Liebenberg
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| | - Stefan Steimle
- Department
of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, United States
| | - Qi Xiao
- Roy
& Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, United States
| | - Virgil Percec
- Roy
& Diana Vagelos Laboratories, Department of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19014, United States
| | - Samantha E. Wilner
- Department
of Chemistry, Ursinus College, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Teodori L, Omer M, Kjems J. RNA nanostructures for targeted drug delivery and imaging. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-19. [PMID: 38555519 PMCID: PMC10984137 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2328440] [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] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The RNA molecule plays a pivotal role in many biological processes by relaying genetic information, regulating gene expression, and serving as molecular machines and catalyzers. This inherent versatility of RNA has fueled significant advancements in the field of RNA nanotechnology, driving the engineering of complex nanoscale architectures toward biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and bioimaging. RNA polymers, serving as building blocks, offer programmability and predictability of Watson-Crick base pairing, as well as non-canonical base pairing, for the construction of nanostructures with high precision and stoichiometry. Leveraging the ease of chemical modifications to protect the RNA from degradation, researchers have developed highly functional and biocompatible RNA architectures and integrated them into preclinical studies for the delivery of payloads and imaging agents. This review offers an educational introduction to the use of RNA as a biopolymer in the design of multifunctional nanostructures applied to targeted delivery in vivo, summarizing physical and biological barriers along with strategies to overcome them. Furthermore, we highlight the most recent progress in the development of both small and larger RNA nanostructures, with a particular focus on imaging reagents and targeted cancer therapeutics in pre-clinical models and provide insights into the prospects of this rapidly evolving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Teodori
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics towards Metabolic Diseases (RNA-META), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marjan Omer
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Kjems
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (CellPAT), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for RNA Therapeutics towards Metabolic Diseases (RNA-META), Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhou Y, Chen Q, Huang G, Huang S, Lin C, Lin X, Xie Z. Oriented-aptamer encoded magnetic nanosensor with laser-induced fluorescence for ultrasensitive test of okadaic acid. Talanta 2024; 266:124984. [PMID: 37549567 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Okadaic acid (OA) biotoxin acts a well-established inhibitor of protein phosphatase even a tumor promoter of human being, arouse great attention in safety monitoring. However, the powerful and convenient nanosensing technologies for addressing the demands such as rapidity, high sensitivity, and stability in the in-field test of OA shellfish toxin is still scarce. Herein, a high-performance magnetic biometric nanosensor (MBNS) integrating oriented aptamers and ultrasensitive laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) was firstly proposed for the in-field detection of trace OA in seafoods. High-density aptamers hybridized with FAM-labeled cDNA were tethered to the surface of AuNPs on magnetic MIL-101@Fe3O4, and then finely regulated by mercaptohexyl alcohol (MCH) to be orderly assembled, as was successfully utilized to engineer an active biological nanosensor for highly specific recognition of OA. Aptamers anchored on magnetic Fe3O4@MOF@AuNPs activate a biometric microreactor of OA, in which the superior LIF properties, conformation regulation of aptamer, and the specific recognition using aptamer genes were adopted. The magnetic nanosensor with an excellent specificity and super sensitivity for OA analysis was achieved within 20 min. Moreover, the content of captured OA could facilely be recorded by measuring the fluorescence intensity, and the limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation of OA (LOQ) reached 0.015 and 0.050 ng/mL respectively, which was far better than most aptamer-based biometric sensing methods. The feasibility for accurate test of trace OA toxin in the fortified shellfish samples was validated with the recovery yields of 88.2-107.5% and RSD of 0.5-7.6%, respectively. The result demonstrated that the oriented-aptamer encoded MNS had significant practical values in rapid and ultrasensitive detection of OA biotoxin and the related safety applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Zhou
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Qingai Chen
- College of Tourism and Leisure Management, Fujian Business University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350012, China
| | - Guobin Huang
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Shukun Huang
- Zhicheng College, Fuzhou University, 350102, China.
| | - Chenchen Lin
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Xucong Lin
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China; Engineering Technology Research Center on Reagent and Instrument for Rapid Detection of Product Quality and Food Safety in Fujian Province, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China.
| | - Zenghong Xie
- Institute of Food Safety and Environment Monitoring, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thomas BJ, Guldenpfennig C, Guan Y, Winkler C, Beecher M, Beedy M, Berendzen AF, Ma L, Daniels MA, Burke DH, Porciani D. Targeting lung cancer with clinically relevant EGFR mutations using anti-EGFR RNA aptamer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102046. [PMID: 37869258 PMCID: PMC10589377 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102046] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
A significant fraction of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases are due to oncogenic mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Anti-EGFR antibodies have shown limited clinical benefit for NSCLC, whereas tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective, but resistance ultimately occurs. The current landscape suggests that alternative ligands that target wild-type and mutant EGFRs are desirable for targeted therapy or drug delivery development. Here we evaluate NSCLC targeting using an anti-EGFR aptamer (MinE07). We demonstrate that interaction sites of MinE07 overlap with clinically relevant antibodies targeting extracellular domain III and that MinE07 retains binding to EGFR harboring the most common oncogenic and resistance mutations. When MinE07 was linked to an anti-c-Met aptamer, the EGFR/c-Met bispecific aptamer (bsApt) showed superior labeling of NSCLC cells in vitro relative to monospecific aptamers. However, dual targeting in vivo did not improve the recognition of NSCLC xenografts compared to MinE07. Interestingly, biodistribution of Cy7-labeled bsApt differed significantly from Alexa Fluor 750-labeled bsApt. Overall, our findings demonstrate that aptamer formulations containing MinE07 can target ectopic lung cancer without additional stabilization or PEGylation and highlights the potential of MinE07 as a targeting reagent for the recognition of NSCLC harboring clinically relevant EGFRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Thomas
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Caitlyn Guldenpfennig
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yue Guan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Calvin Winkler
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Margaret Beecher
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Michaela Beedy
- Department of Biochemistry, Westminster College, Fulton, MO 65251, USA
| | - Ashley F. Berendzen
- Research Division/Biomolecular Imaging Center, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Lixin Ma
- Research Division/Biomolecular Imaging Center, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Mark A. Daniels
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Donald H. Burke
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - David Porciani
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Van den Avont A, Sharma-Walia N. Anti-nucleolin aptamer AS1411: an advancing therapeutic. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1217769. [PMID: 37808518 PMCID: PMC10551449 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1217769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapy is highly desirable, as it allows for selective cytotoxicity on diseased cells without off-target side effects. Nucleolin is a remarkable target for cancer therapy given its high abundance, selective presence on the plasma membrane, and multifaceted influence on the initiation and progression of cancer. Nucleolin is a protein overexpressed on the cell membrane in many tumors and serves as a binding protein for several ligands implicated in angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. Nucleolin is present in the cytoplasm, nucleoplasm, and nucleolus and is used by selected pathogens for cell entry. AS1411 is a guanosine-rich oligonucleotide aptamer that binds nucleolin and is internalized in the tumor cells. AS1411 is well tolerated at therapeutic doses and localizes to tumor cells overexpressing nucleolin. AS1411 has a good safety profile with efficacy in relapsed acute myeloid leukemia and renal cell carcinoma producing mild or moderate side effects. The promising potential of AS1411 is its ability to be conjugated to drugs and nanoparticles. When a drug is bound to AS1411, the drug will localize to tumor cells leading to targeted therapy with fewer systemic side effects than traditional practices. AS1411 can also be bound to nanoparticles capable of detecting nucleolin at concentrations far lower than lab techniques used today for cancer diagnosis. AS1411 has a promising potential to change cancer diagnoses and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neelam Sharma-Walia
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hınçer A, Ahan RE, Aras E, Şeker UÖŞ. Making the Next Generation of Therapeutics: mRNA Meets Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2505-2515. [PMID: 37672348 PMCID: PMC10510722 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00253] [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: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of mRNA-based therapeutics centers around the natural functioning of mRNA molecules to provide the genetic information required for protein translation. To improve the efficacy of these therapeutics and minimize side effects, researchers can focus on the features of mRNA itself or the properties of the delivery agent to achieve the desired response. The tools considered for mRNA manipulation can be improved in terms of targetability, tunability, and translatability to medicine. While ongoing studies are dedicated to improving conventional approaches, innovative approaches can also be considered to unleash the full potential of mRNA-based therapeutics. Here, we discuss the opportunities that emerged from introducing synthetic biology to mRNA therapeutics. It includes a discussion of modular self-assembled mRNA nanoparticles, logic gates on a single mRNA molecule, and other possibilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Hınçer
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Recep Erdem Ahan
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Ebru Aras
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Requena MD, Gray BP, Sullenger BA. Protocol for purification of cells in their native state using reversible aptamer-antidote pairs. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102348. [PMID: 37314924 PMCID: PMC10277588 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell isolation from complex mixtures is a key step in many clinical and research applications, but standard isolation methods may affect the cell's biology and are difficult to reverse. Here, we present a method to isolate and restore cells to their native state using an aptamer that binds epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+)cells and a complementary antisense oligonucleotide to reverse binding. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Gray et al.1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin D Requena
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, 2 Genome Ct, Durham, NC 27710, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University Medical Center, 2 Genome Ct, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| | - Bethany Powell Gray
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, 2 Genome Ct, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 725 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Bruce A Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, 2 Genome Ct, Durham, NC 27710, USA; University Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University Medical Center, 2 Genome Ct, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liao YC, Cheng TC, Tu SH, Chang J, Guo P, Chen LC, Ho YS. Tumor targeting and therapeutic assessments of RNA nanoparticles carrying α9-nAChR aptamer and anti-miR-21 in triple-negative breast cancers. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:351-366. [PMID: 37547295 PMCID: PMC10400867 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive with a poor prognosis because of a lack of cell markers as drug targets. α9-Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is expressed abundantly in TNBC; thus, it is a valuable biomarker for TNBC detection and treatment. In this study, we utilized thermodynamically stable three-way junction (3WJ) packaging RNA (pRNA) as the core to construct RNA nanoparticles with an α9-nAChR RNA aptamer as a targeting ligand and an anti-microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a therapeutic module. We compared the configuration of the two RNA nanoparticles and found that 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa) exhibited better specificity for α9-nAChR in TNBC cells compared with 3WJ-C-α9-nAChR. Furthermore, 3WJ-B-α9-apt-Alexa bound more efficiently to TNBC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors than 3WJ fluorescent RNA nanoparticles (3WJ-Alexa) with little or no accumulation in healthy organs after systemic injection in mice. Moreover, 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles carrying anti-miR-21 (3WJ-B-α9-apt-anti-miR-21) significantly suppressed TNBC-PDX tumor growth and induced cell apoptosis because of reduced miR-21 gene expression and upregulated the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) proteins. In addition, no pathological changes were detected upon toxicity examination of treated mice. In conclusion, the 3WJ-B-α9-nAChR-aptamer RNA nanoparticles established in this study efficiently deliver therapeutic anti-miR-21, indicating their potential as a novel TNBC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You-Cheng Liao
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsin Tu
- Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Jungshan Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
- International Master/PhD Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110031, Taiwan
| | - Peixuan Guo
- Center for RNA Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li-Ching Chen
- Department of Biological Science & Technology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Soon Ho
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pleiko K, Haugas M, Parfejevs V, Pantelejevs T, Parisini E, Teesalu T, Riekstina U. Targeting triple-negative breast cancer cells with a β1-integrin binding aptamer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 33:871-884. [PMID: 37680989 PMCID: PMC10481362 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have increased the treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer patients. However, the paucity of targetable biomarkers and tumor heterogeneity have limited the ability of precision-guided interventions to live up to their full potential. As affinity-targeting ligands, aptamers show high selectivity toward target molecules. Compared with antibodies, aptamers have lower molecular weight, increased stability during transportation, reduced immunogenicity, and increased tissue uptake. Recently, we reported discovery of the GreenB1 aptamer, which is internalized in cultured triple-negative MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. We show that the GreenB1 aptamer specifically targets β1-integrin, a protein linked previously to breast cancer cell invasiveness and migration. Aptamer binds to β1-integrin with low nanomolar affinity. Our findings suggest potential applications for GreenB1-guided precision agents for diagnosis and therapy of cancers overexpressing β1-integrin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karlis Pleiko
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, House of Science, Jelgavas Str. 3, 1004 Riga, Latvia
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maarja Haugas
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Vadims Parfejevs
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, House of Science, Jelgavas Str. 3, 1004 Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Emilio Parisini
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, 1006 Riga, Latvia
- Department of Chemistry “G. Ciamician”, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision- and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Una Riekstina
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, House of Science, Jelgavas Str. 3, 1004 Riga, Latvia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dunn B, Hanafi M, Hummel J, Cressman JR, Veneziano R, Chitnis PV. NIR-II Nanoprobes: A Review of Components-Based Approaches to Next-Generation Bioimaging Probes. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:954. [PMID: 37627839 PMCID: PMC10451329 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080954] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging techniques offer valuable insights into cell- and tissue-level processes. However, these optical imaging modalities are limited by scattering and absorption in tissue, resulting in the low-depth penetration of imaging. Contrast-enhanced imaging in the near-infrared window improves imaging penetration by taking advantage of reduced autofluorescence and scattering effects. Current contrast agents for fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging face several limitations from photostability and targeting specificity, highlighting the need for a novel imaging probe development. This review covers a broad range of near-infrared fluorescent and photoacoustic contrast agents, including organic dyes, polymers, and metallic nanostructures, focusing on their optical properties and applications in cellular and animal imaging. Similarly, we explore encapsulation and functionalization technologies toward building targeted, nanoscale imaging probes. Bioimaging applications such as angiography, tumor imaging, and the tracking of specific cell types are discussed. This review sheds light on recent advancements in fluorescent and photoacoustic nanoprobes in the near-infrared window. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers working in fields of biomedical imaging and nanotechnology, facilitating the development of innovative nanoprobes for improved diagnostic approaches in preclinical healthcare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Dunn
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (R.V.)
| | - Marzieh Hanafi
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (R.V.)
| | - John Hummel
- Department of Physics, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - John R. Cressman
- Department of Physics, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Rémi Veneziano
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (R.V.)
| | - Parag V. Chitnis
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA (R.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang G, Zhang Y, Tang S, Chen S, Zou F, Yuan H, Jiao J. Multivalent aptamer nanoscaffold cytosensor for glioma circulating tumor cells during Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 226:115140. [PMID: 36780719 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The key factor that causes glioma invasion and metastasis is circulating tumor cells (CTCs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Effective analysis of EMT-CTCs can provide an important foundation for early detection and prognosis monitoring of glioma, but the changes in the biomarkers of CTCs in different states of EMT make detection difficult. In this study, we developed a multivalent aptamer nanoscaffold-based electrochemical cytosensor (MAS-cytosensor) to efficiently detect EMT-CTCs. The two chains forming the MAS are composed of a specific aptamer detector, a binding region for DNA self-assembly, and a foothold for interface anchoring. When target CTCs exist, the bisaptamer detector on MAS can sensitively identify CTCs and pull them to the electrode surface, generating electrochemical signals. It has been demonstrated that the MAS-cytosensor can not only detect EMT-CTCs sensitively (detection limit of 6 cells/mL in buffer), but also allows for further downstream analysis after release with high viability. Overall, this cytosensor provides a reliable detection solution for CTCs regardless of their EMT status, and provides an efficient method for in-depth study role of the post-EMT CTCs in clinical application and metastasis mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Yachao Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Shi Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Shuning Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Fangbo Zou
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Hongxiu Yuan
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China
| | - Jin Jiao
- School of Life Sciences, Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Song X, Yu H, Sullenger C, Gray BP, Yan A, Kelly L, Sullenger B. An Aptamer That Rapidly Internalizes into Cancer Cells Utilizes the Transferrin Receptor Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082301. [PMID: 37190227 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082301] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Strategies to direct drugs specifically to cancer cells have been increasingly explored, and significant progress has been made toward such targeted therapy. For example, drugs have been conjugated into tumor-targeting antibodies to enable delivery directly to tumor cells. Aptamers are an attractive class of molecules for this type of drug targeting as they are high-affinity/high-specificity ligands, relatively small in size, GMP manufacturable at a large-scale, amenable to chemical conjugation, and not immunogenic. Previous work from our group revealed that an aptamer selected to internalize into human prostate cancer cells, called E3, can also target a broad range of human cancers but not normal control cells. Moreover, this E3 aptamer can deliver highly cytotoxic drugs to cancer cells as Aptamer-highly Toxic Drug Conjugates (ApTDCs) and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Here, we evaluate its targeting mechanism and report that E3 selectively internalizes into cancer cells utilizing a pathway that involves transferrin receptor 1 (TfR 1). E3 binds to recombinant human TfR 1 with high affinity and competes with transferrin (Tf) for binding to TfR1. In addition, knockdown or knockin of human TfR1 results in a decrease or increase in E3 cell binding. Here, we reported a molecular model of E3 binding to the transferrin receptor that summarizes our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Song
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Haixiang Yu
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Bethany Powell Gray
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amy Yan
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Linsley Kelly
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Bruce Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bohrmann L, Burghardt T, Rodríguez-Rodríguez C, Herth MM, Saatchi K, Häfeli UO. Quantitative Evaluation of a Multimodal Aptamer-Targeted Long-Circulating Polymer for Tumor Targeting. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:11003-11020. [PMID: 37008162 PMCID: PMC10061651 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07762] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are promising targeting agents for imaging and therapy of numerous diseases, including cancer. However, a significant shortcoming of aptamers is their poor stability and fast excretion, limiting their application in vivo. Common strategies to overcome these challenges is to chemically modify aptamers in order to increase their stability and/or to apply formulation technologies such as conjugating them to polymers or nanocarriers in order to increase their circulation half-life. This is expected to result in improved cellular uptake or retention to passively targeted nanomedicines. Herein, we report a modular conjugation strategy based on click chemistry between functionalized tetrazines and trans-cyclooctene (TCO), for the modification of high molecular weight hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) with sgc8 aptamer, fluorescent dyes, and 111In. Our data indicate strong affinity of sgc8 against a range of solid tumor-derived cell lines that have previously not been tested with this aptamer. Nevertheless, nonspecific uptake of scrambled ssDNA-functionalized HPG in cells highlights inherent challenges of aptamer-targeted probes that remain to be solved for clinical translation. We validate HPG-sgc8 as a nontoxic nanoprobe with high affinity against MDA-MB-468 breast and A431 lung cancer cells and show significantly increased plasma stability compared to free sgc8. In vivo quantitative SPECT/CT imaging indicates EPR-mediated tumor uptake of HPG-sgc8 and nontargeted or scrambled ssDNA-conjugated HPG but no statistically significant difference between these formulations in terms of total tumor uptake or retention. Our study emphasizes the need for stringent controls and quantification in the evaluation of aptamer-targeted probes. For this purpose, our versatile synthesis strategy provides a simple approach for the design and evaluation of long-circulating aptamer-conjugated nanoformulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Bohrmann
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tobias Burghardt
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Matthias M. Herth
- Department
of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medicinal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department
of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine & PET, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej
9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katayoun Saatchi
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Urs O. Häfeli
- Faculty
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department
of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Puzzo F, Zhang C, Powell Gray B, Zhang F, Sullenger BA, Kay MA. Aptamer-programmable adeno-associated viral vectors as a novel platform for cell-specific gene transfer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 31:383-397. [PMID: 36817723 PMCID: PMC9929486 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used for in vivo gene therapy. Nevertheless, the wide tropism that characterizes these vectors limits specific targeting to a particular cell type or tissue. Here, we developed new chemically modified AAV vectors (Nε-AAVs) displaying a single site substitution on the capsid surface for post-production vector engineering through biorthogonal copper-free click chemistry. We were able to identify AAV vectors that would tolerate the unnatural amino acid substitution on the capsid without disrupting their packaging efficiency. We functionalized the Nε-AAVs through conjugation with DNA (AS1411) or RNA (E3) aptamers or with a folic acid moiety (FA). E3-, AS1411-, and FA-AAVs showed on average a 3- to 9-fold increase in transduction compared with their non-conjugated counterparts in different cancer cell lines. Using specific competitors, we established ligand-specific transduction. In vivo studies confirmed the selective uptake of FA-AAV and AS1411-AAV without off-target transduction in peripheral organs. Overall, the high versatility of these novel Nε-AAVs might pave the way to tailoring gene therapy vectors toward specific types of cells both for ex vivo and in vivo applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Puzzo
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chuanling Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Bethany Powell Gray
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Feijie Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bruce A. Sullenger
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Mark A. Kay
- Departments of Pediatrics and Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Paramithiotis S. Molecular Targets for Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Detection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12010104. [PMID: 36678453 PMCID: PMC9865778 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010104] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of foodborne pathogenic bacteria currently relies on their ability to grow on chemically defined liquid and solid media, which is the essence of the classical microbiological approach. Such procedures are time-consuming and the quality of the result is affected by the selectivity of the media employed. Several alternative strategies based on the detection of molecular markers have been proposed. These markers may be cell constituents, may reside on the cell envelope or may be specific metabolites. Each marker provides specific advantages and, at the same time, suffers from specific limitations. The food matrix and chemical composition, as well as the accompanying microbiota, may also severely compromise detection. The aim of the present review article is to present and critically discuss all available information regarding the molecular targets that have been employed as markers for the detection of foodborne pathogens. Their strengths and limitations, as well as the proposed alleviation strategies, are presented, with particular emphasis on their applicability in real food systems and the challenges that are yet to be effectively addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spiros Paramithiotis
- Laboratory of Food Process Engineering, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos St., 11855 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li X, Zhu J, Shi X, Wang Z, Chen X, Zhang X, Chen Y. Steric Hindrance On-Off Mass-Tagged Probe Set Enables Detection of Protein Homodimer in Living Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:54517-54526. [PMID: 36449938 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The major challenge in the detection of protein homodimers is that the identical monomers in a homodimer are indistinguishable using most conventional methods and cannot be sequentially recognized. In this study, a steric hindrance on-off mass-tagged probe set strategy was developed for the quantification of HER2 homodimer in living cells. The probe set contained a hindrance probe and a detection probe. The hindrance probe had a DNA dendrimer as a hindrance group to achieve the steric hindrance on-off function and thus the assignment of monomer identity. The detection probe contained a mass tag released for mass spectrometric quantification. Using the steric hindrance on-off mass-tagged probe set, the level of HER2 homodimer in various breast cancer cell lines was quantified. This is the first report to determine the quantity of protein homodimers, and the steric hindrance on-off probe set developed herein can facilitate the illustration of protein function in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaoyu Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhongcheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang Y, Chen X, Qiao Y, Yang S, Wang Z, Ji M, Yin K, Zhao J, Liu K, Yuan B. DNA Aptamer Selected against Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Tissue Imaging and Targeted Therapy with Integrin β1 as a Molecular Target. Anal Chem 2022; 94:17212-17222. [PMID: 36459499 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer, especially esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), poses a serious threat to human health. It is urgently needed to develop recognition tools and discover molecular targets for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of esophageal cancer. Here, we developed several DNA aptamers that can bind to ESCC KYSE410 cells with a nanomolar range of dissociation constants by using cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX). The selected A2 aptamer is found to strongly bind with multiple cancer cells, including several ESCC cell lines. Tissue imaging displayed that the A2 aptamer can specifically recognize clinical ESCC tissues but not the adjacent tissues. Moreover, we identified integrin β1 as the binding target of A2 through pull-down and RNA interference assays. Meanwhile, molecular docking and mutation assays suggested that A2 probably binds to integrin β1 through the nucleotides of DA16-DG21, and competitive binding and structural alignment assays indicated that A2 shares the overlapped binding sites with laminin and arginine-glycine-aspartate ligands. Furthermore, we engineered A2-induced targeted therapy for ESCC. By constructing A2-tethered DNA nanoassemblies carrying multiple doxorubicin (Dox) molecules as antitumor agents, inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo was achieved. This work provides a useful targeting tool and a potential molecular target for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy and is helpful for understanding the integrin mechanism and developing integrin inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zhaoting Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.,Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Baoyin Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Desrosiers A, Derbali RM, Hassine S, Berdugo J, Long V, Lauzon D, De Guire V, Fiset C, DesGroseillers L, Leblond Chain J, Vallée-Bélisle A. Programmable self-regulated molecular buffers for precise sustained drug delivery. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6504. [PMID: 36323663 PMCID: PMC9630261 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike artificial nanosystems, biological systems are ideally engineered to respond to their environment. As such, natural molecular buffers ensure precise and quantitative delivery of specific molecules through self-regulated mechanisms based on Le Chatelier's principle. Here, we apply this principle to design self-regulated nucleic acid molecular buffers for the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin and the antimalarial agent quinine. We show that these aptamer-based buffers can be programmed to maintain any specific desired concentration of free drug both in vitro and in vivo and enable the optimization of the chemical stability, partition coefficient, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of the drug. These programmable buffers can be built from any polymer and should improve patient therapeutic outcome by enhancing drug activity and minimizing adverse effects and dosage frequency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Desrosiers
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Laboratoire de Biosenseurs et Nanomachines, Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada ,grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Rabeb Mouna Derbali
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128 Downtown Station, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada
| | - Sami Hassine
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Jérémie Berdugo
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de Pathologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Valérie Long
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128 Downtown Station, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada ,grid.482476.b0000 0000 8995 9090Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1Y 3G4 Canada
| | - Dominic Lauzon
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Laboratoire de Biosenseurs et Nanomachines, Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada
| | - Vincent De Guire
- grid.414216.40000 0001 0742 1666Clinical Biochemistry Department, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Optilab-CHUM Laboratory Network, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Céline Fiset
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128 Downtown Station, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada ,grid.482476.b0000 0000 8995 9090Centre de Recherche, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montréal, QC H1Y 3G4 Canada
| | - Luc DesGroseillers
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| | - Jeanne Leblond Chain
- grid.503113.50000 0004 0459 4432Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, ARNA, UMR 5320, U1212, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alexis Vallée-Bélisle
- grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Laboratoire de Biosenseurs et Nanomachines, Département de Chimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 Canada ,grid.14848.310000 0001 2292 3357Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bioimaging Nucleic-Acid Aptamers with Different Specificities in Human Glioblastoma Tissues Highlights Tumoral Heterogeneity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14101980. [PMID: 36297416 PMCID: PMC9609998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14101980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic-acid aptamers are of strong interest for diagnosis and therapy. Compared with antibodies, they are smaller, stable upon variations in temperature, easy to modify, and have higher tissue-penetration abilities. However, they have been little described as detection probes in histology studies of human tissue sections. In this study, we performed fluorescence imaging with two aptamers targeting cell-surface receptors EGFR and integrin α5β1, both involved in the aggressiveness of glioblastoma. The aptamers’ cell-binding specificities were confirmed using confocal imaging. The affinities of aptamers for glioblastoma cells expressing these receptors were in the 100–300 nM range. The two aptamers were then used to detect EGFR and integrin α5β1 in human glioblastoma tissues and compared with antibody labeling. Our aptafluorescence assays proved to be able to very easily reveal, in a one-step process, not only inter-tumoral glioblastoma heterogeneity (differences observed at the population level) but also intra-tumoral heterogeneity (differences among cells within individual tumors) when aptamers with different specificities were used simultaneously in multiplexing labeling experiments. The discussion also addresses the strengths and limitations of nucleic-acid aptamers for biomarker detection in histology.
Collapse
|
26
|
Wu H, Li W, Hao M, Wang Y, Xue L, Ju C, Zhang C. An EPR-Independent extravasation Strategy: Deformable leukocytes as vehicles for improved solid tumor therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 187:114380. [PMID: 35662610 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Effective delivery of therapeutic modality throughout the tumorous nidus plays a crucial role in successful solid tumor treatment. However, conventional nanomedicines based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect have yielded limited delivery/therapeutic efficiency, due mainly to the heterogeneity of the solid tumor. Leukocytes, which could intrinsically migrate across the vessel wall and crawl through tissue interstitium in a self-deformable manner, have currently emerged as an alternative drug delivery vehicle. In this review, we start with the intrinsic properties of leukocytes (e.g., extravasation and crawling inside tumor), focusing on unveiling the conceptual rationality of leveraging leukocytes as EPR-independent delivery vehicles. Then we discussed various cargoes-loading/unloading strategies for leukocyte-based vehicles as well as their promising applications. This review aims to serve as an up-to-date compilation, which might provide inspiration for scientists in the field of drug delivery.
Collapse
|
27
|
Liu Y, Kong L, Li H, Yuan R, Chai Y. Electrochemical Aptamer Biosensor Based on ATP-Induced 2D DNA Structure Switching for Rapid and Ultrasensitive Detection of ATP. Anal Chem 2022; 94:6819-6826. [PMID: 35471959 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a two-dimensional (2D) DNA structure with multiple ATP aptamers was elegantly designed to establish an electrochemical biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of ATP based on ATP-induced structure switching. Concretely, the prepared 2D DNA structure containing numerous ATP aptamers as ATP-specific toehold switches could not only immobilize a large number of methylene blue (MB) for generating a remarkable electrochemical signal, but also greatly increase the local concentration of ATP aptamers to obviously enhance the capture efficiency of ATP. Once the target ATP interacted with the toehold switches, the 2D DNA structure could be sharply collapsed to trigger the burst release of MB from the electrode surface, ultimately resulting in a significantly decreased electrochemical signal for ultrasensitive detection of target ATP over a short period of time. Impressively, by dexterously adjusting the length of the ATP-specific toehold switches to 15-base, optimization of the binding affinity between ATP and the toehold switches was achieved for cutting down the detection time to 30 min and achieving a low detection limit of 0.3 pM, which addressed the shortcoming of time-consuming and poor sensitivity in the previous sensors with a small quantity of ATP aptamers and deficient binding affinity to ATP. Consequently, this strategy opened a promising avenue for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of various biomolecules in biomedical application and disease diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingqi Kong
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruo Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqin Chai
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Amini R, Zhang Z, Li J, Gu J, Brennan J, Li Y. Aptamers for SARS-CoV-2: Isolation, Characterization, and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Developments. ANALYSIS & SENSING 2022; 2:e202200012. [PMID: 35574520 PMCID: PMC9082509 DOI: 10.1002/anse.202200012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus and COVID‐19 pandemic continue to demand effective diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. Finding these solutions requires highly functional molecular recognition elements. Nucleic acid aptamers represent a possible solution. Characterized by their high affinity and specificity, aptamers can be rapidly identified from random‐sequence nucleic acid libraries. Over the past two years, many labs around the world have rushed to create diverse aptamers that target two important structural proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2: the spike (S) protein and nucleocapsid (N) protein. These have led to the identification of many aptamers that show real promise for the development of diagnostic tests and therapeutic agents for SARS‐CoV‐2. Herein we review all these developments, with a special focus on the development of diverse aptasensors for detecting SARS‐CoV‐2. These include electrochemical and optical sensors, lateral flow devices, and aptamer‐linked immobilized sorbent assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Amini
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Zijie Zhang
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Jiuxing Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - Jimmy Gu
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences CANADA
| | - John Brennan
- McMaster University Biointerfaces Institute CANADA
| | - Yingfu Li
- McMaster University Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences 1280 Main Street West L8S4K1 Hamilton CANADA
| |
Collapse
|