1
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Chou CC, Tseng CE, Lin YS, Wang M, Chen PL, Chang D, Shen CH, Fang CY. Inhibition of orthotopic castration-resistant prostate cancer growth and metastasis in mice by JC VLPs carrying a suicide gene driven by the PSA promoter. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:250-258. [PMID: 38072969 PMCID: PMC10874888 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00699-8] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is challenging to treat. Virus-like particles (VLPs), originating from JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) and carrying a suicide gene driven by the PSA promoter (PSAtk-VLPs), can inhibit tumor growth in animal models of human prostate cancer. However, the efficacy of suppression of orthotopic PCa growth and metastasis by PSAtk-VLPs remains undetermined. Here, we established an iRFP stable expression CRPC cell line suitable for deep-tissue observation using fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT). These cells were implanted into murine prostate tissue, and PSAtk-VLPs were systemically administered via the tail vein along with the prodrug ganciclovir (GCV), allowing for the real-time observation of orthotopic prostate tumor growth and CRPC tumor metastasis. Our findings demonstrated that systemic PSAtk-VLPs administration with GCV and subsequent FMT scanning facilitated real-time observation of the suppressed growth in mouse iRFP CRPC orthotopic tumors, which further revealed a notable metastasis rate reduction. Systemic PSAtk-VLPs and GCV administration effectively inhibited orthotopic prostate cancer growth and metastasis. These findings suggest the potential of JCPyV VLPs as a promising vector for mCRPC gene therapy. Conclusively, systemically administered JCPyV VLPs carrying a tissue-specific promoter, JCPyV VLPs can protect genes within the bloodstream to be specifically expressed in specific organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chieh Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chih-En Tseng
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shih Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial hospital, Chiayi Branch, Puzi, Taiwan
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Chung-Shan. Medical University and Clinical Laboratory, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Lain Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Deching Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
| | - Chiung-Yao Fang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
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2
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Chen YL, Bao CJ, Duan JL, Xie Y, Lu WL. Overcoming biological barriers by virus-like drug particles for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115134. [PMID: 37926218 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115134] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have natural structural antigens similar to those found in viruses, making them valuable in vaccine immunization. Furthermore, VLPs have demonstrated significant potential in drug delivery, and emerged as promising vectors for transporting chemical drug, genetic drug, peptide/protein, and even nanoparticle drug. With virus-like permeability and strong retention, they can effectively target specific organs, tissues or cells, facilitating efficient intracellular drug release. Further modifications allow VLPs to transfer across various physiological barriers, thus acting the purpose of efficient drug delivery and accurate therapy. This article provides an overview of VLPs, covering their structural classifications, deliverable drugs, potential physiological barriers in drug delivery, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chun-Jie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Lun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Wan-Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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3
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Nowak I, Madej M, Secemska J, Sarna R, Strzalka-Mrozik B. Virus-Based Biological Systems as Next-Generation Carriers for the Therapy of Central Nervous System Diseases. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1931. [PMID: 37514117 PMCID: PMC10384784 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) diseases are currently a major challenge in medicine. One reason is the presence of the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant limitation for currently used medicinal substances that are characterized by a high molecular weight and a short half-life. Despite the application of nanotechnology, there is still the problem of targeting and the occurrence of systemic toxicity. Viral vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) may provide a promising solution to these challenges. Their small size, biocompatibility, ability to carry medicinal substances, and specific targeting of neural cells make them useful in research when formulating a new generation of biological carriers. Additionally, the possibility of genetic modification has the potential for gene therapy. Among the most promising viral vectors are adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses, and retroviruses. This is due to their natural tropism to neural cells, as well as the possibility of genetic and surface modification. Moreover, VLPs that are devoid of infectious genetic material in favor of increasing capacity are also leading the way for research on new drug delivery systems. The aim of this study is to review the most recent reports on the use of viral vectors and VLPs in the treatment of selected CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Nowak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Marcel Madej
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Secemska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Robert Sarna
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Strzalka-Mrozik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
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4
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Kim KR, Lee AS, Kim SM, Heo HR, Kim CS. Virus-like nanoparticles as a theranostic platform for cancer. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1106767. [PMID: 36714624 PMCID: PMC9878189 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1106767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) are natural polymer-based nanomaterials that mimic viral structures through the hierarchical assembly of viral coat proteins, while lacking viral genomes. VLPs have received enormous attention in a wide range of nanotechnology-based medical diagnostics and therapies, including cancer therapy, imaging, and theranostics. VLPs are biocompatible and biodegradable and have a uniform structure and controllable assembly. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and can be genetically or chemically modified. These properties have led to sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. This article reviews the current progress in developing and applying engineered VLPs for molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostics in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Rok Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Ae Sol Lee
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Su Min Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Hye Ryoung Heo
- Senotherapy-Based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,*Correspondence: Chang Sup Kim, ; Hye Ryoung Heo,
| | - Chang Sup Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,*Correspondence: Chang Sup Kim, ; Hye Ryoung Heo,
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5
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Singh VA, Kumar CS, Khare B, Kuhn RJ, Banerjee M, Tomar S. Surface decorated reporter-tagged chikungunya virus-like particles for clinical diagnostics and identification of virus entry inhibitors. Virology 2023; 578:92-102. [PMID: 36473281 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.11.012] [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: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The ever-evolving and versatile VLP technology is becoming an increasingly popular area of science. This study presents surface decorated reporter-tagged VLPs of CHIKV, an enveloped RNA virus of the genus alphavirus and its applications. Western blot, IFA and live-cell imaging confirm the expression of reporter-tagged CHIK-VLPs from transfected HEK293Ts. CryoEM micrographs reveal particle diameter as ∼67nm and 56-70 nm, respectively, for NLuc CHIK-VLPs and mCherry CHIK-VLPs. Our study demonstrates that by exploiting NLuc CHIK-VLPs as a detector probe, robust ratiometric luminescence signal in CHIKV-positive sera compared to healthy controls can be achieved swiftly. Moreover, the potential activity of the Suramin drug as a CHIKV entry inhibitor has been validated through the reporter-tagged CHIK-VLPs. The results reported in this study open new avenues in the eVLPs domain and offer potential for large-scale screening of clinical samples and antiviral agents targeting entry of CHIKV and other alphaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedita Anand Singh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chandra Shekhar Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Baldeep Khare
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Richard J Kuhn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Manidipa Banerjee
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India.
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6
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Wang L, Shi Y, Jiang J, Li C, Zhang H, Zhang X, Jiang T, Wang L, Wang Y, Feng L. Micro-Nanocarriers Based Drug Delivery Technology for Blood-Brain Barrier Crossing and Brain Tumor Targeting Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2203678. [PMID: 36103614 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202203678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The greatest obstacle to using drugs to treat brain tumors is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), making it difficult for conventional drug molecules to enter the brain. Therefore, how to safely and effectively penetrate the BBB to achieve targeted drug delivery to brain tumors has been a challenging research problem. With the intensive research in micro- and nanotechnology in recent years, nano drug-targeted delivery technologies have shown great potential to overcome this challenge, such as inorganic nanocarriers, organic polymer-carriers, liposomes, and biobased carriers, which can be designed in different sizes, shapes, and surface functional groups to enhance their ability to penetrate the BBB and targeted drug delivery for brain tumors. In this review, the composition and overcoming patterns of the BBB are detailed, and then the hot research topics of drug delivery carriers for brain tumors in recent years are summarized, and their mechanisms of action on the BBB and the factors affecting drug delivery are described in detail, and the effectiveness of targeted therapy for brain tumors is evaluated. Finally, the challenges and dilemmas in developing brain tumor drug delivery systems are discussed, which will be promising in the future for targeted drug delivery to brain tumors based on micro-nanocarriers technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Youyuan Shi
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingzhen Jiang
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China
| | - Chan Li
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hengrui Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xinhui Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yinyan Wang
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Lin Feng
- School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
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7
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Kumar Bandela A, Sadihov‐Hanoch H, Cohen‐Luria R, Gordon C, Blake A, Poppitz G, Lynn DG, Ashkenasy G. The Systems Chemistry of Nucleic‐acid‐Peptide Networks. Isr J Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ijch.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Bandela
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Hava Sadihov‐Hanoch
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Rivka Cohen‐Luria
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
| | - Christella Gordon
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Alexis Blake
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - George Poppitz
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - David G. Lynn
- Chemistry and Biology Emory University 1521 Dickey Drive NE Atlanta GA 30322 USA
| | - Gonen Ashkenasy
- Department of Chemistry Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Beer-Sheva 84105 Israel
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8
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Zhang Z, Conniot J, Amorim J, Jin Y, Prasad R, Yan X, Fan K, Conde J. Nucleic acid-based therapy for brain cancer: Challenges and strategies. J Control Release 2022; 350:80-92. [PMID: 35970297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.08.014] [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: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based therapy emerges as a powerful weapon for the treatment of tumors thanks to its direct, effective, and lasting therapeutic effect. Encouragingly, continuous nucleic acid-based drugs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Despite the tremendous progress, there are few nucleic acid-based drugs for brain tumors in clinic. The most challenging problems lie on the instability of nucleic acids, difficulty in traversing the biological barriers, and the off-target effect. Herein, nucleic acid-based therapy for brain tumor is summarized considering three aspects: (i) the therapeutic nucleic acids and their applications in clinical trials; (ii) the various administration routes for nucleic acid delivery and the respective advantages and drawbacks. (iii) the strategies and carriers for improving stability and targeting ability of nucleic acid drugs. This review provides thorough knowledge for the rational design of nucleic acid-based drugs against brain tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixia Zhang
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China
| | - João Conniot
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Amorim
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Yiliang Jin
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rajendra Prasad
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA
| | - Xiyun Yan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Kelong Fan
- CAS Engineering Laboratory for Nanozyme, Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100408, China; Nanozyme Medical Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - João Conde
- ToxOmics, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS
- FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal.
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9
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Xu X, Li T, Jin K. Bioinspired and Biomimetic Nanomedicines for Targeted Cancer Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14051109. [PMID: 35631695 PMCID: PMC9147382 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14051109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Undesirable side effects and multidrug resistance are the major obstacles in conventional chemotherapy towards cancers. Nanomedicines provide alternative strategies for tumor-targeted therapy due to their inherent properties, such as nanoscale size and tunable surface features. However, the applications of nanomedicines are hampered in vivo due to intrinsic disadvantages, such as poor abilities to cross biological barriers and unexpected off-target effects. Fortunately, biomimetic nanomedicines are emerging as promising therapeutics to maximize anti-tumor efficacy with minimal adverse effects due to their good biocompatibility and high accumulation abilities. These bioengineered agents incorporate both the physicochemical properties of diverse functional materials and the advantages of biological materials to achieve desired purposes, such as prolonged circulation time, specific targeting of tumor cells, and immune modulation. Among biological materials, mammalian cells (such as red blood cells, macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils) and pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi) are the functional components most often used to confer synthetic nanoparticles with the complex functionalities necessary for effective nano-biointeractions. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the development of bioinspired and biomimetic nanomedicines (such as mammalian cell-based drug delivery systems and pathogen-based nanoparticles) for targeted cancer therapy. We also discuss the biological influences and limitations of synthetic materials on the therapeutic effects and targeted efficacies of various nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiu Xu
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.X.); (T.L.)
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Li
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.X.); (T.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapies, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; (X.X.); (T.L.)
- Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
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Arghiani N, Shah K. Modulating microRNAs in cancer: Next-generation therapies. Cancer Biol Med 2021; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0294. [PMID: 34846108 PMCID: PMC8958885 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenously expressed non-coding regulators of the genome with an ability to mediate a variety of biological and pathological processes. There is growing evidence demonstrating frequent dysregulation of microRNAs in cancer cells, which is associated with tumor initiation, development, migration, invasion, resisting cell death, and drug resistance. Studies have shown that modulation of these small RNAs is a novel and promising therapeutic tool in the treatment of a variety of diseases, especially cancer, due to their broad influence on multiple cellular processes. However, suboptimal delivery of the appropriate miRNA to the cancer sites, quick degradation by nucleases in the blood circulation, and off target effects have limited their research and clinical applications. Therefore, there is a pressing need to improve the therapeutic efficacy of miRNA modulators, while at the same time reducing their toxicities. Several delivery vehicles for miRNA modulators have been shown to be effective in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we will discuss the role and importance of miRNAs in cancer and provide perspectives on currently available carriers for miRNA modulation. We will also summarize the challenges and prospects for the clinical translation of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Arghiani
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Khalid Shah
- Center for Stem Cell and Translational Immunotherapy (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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11
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Dabiri H, Soltani BM, Dokanehiifard S, Jahanbakhshi A, Khaleghi M. Up-Regulation of Hsa-miR-11181 in Glioblastoma Multiforme as A Regulator of AKT2 and TGFBR1 Signalling. CELL JOURNAL 2021; 23:421-428. [PMID: 34455717 PMCID: PMC8405078 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2021.7734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that play a role in post-transcriptional regulation of gene
expression. Hsa-miR-11181 was originally introduced as a regulator of genes involved in some brain tumours. Due to the
high expression of Hsa-miR-11181 in limited glioblastoma brain tumours, in this study we intend to assess the expressions of
Hsa-miR-11181 and Has-miR11181-3p in brain tumour tissues and attribute new target genes to these miRNAs. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, total RNA from brain tissue samples was extracted for real-time
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis after cDNA synthesis. In order to confirm a direct interaction
of Hsa-miR-11181 with two target genes, the 3ˊ UTR of AKT2 and transforming growth factor-beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1)
were cloned separately for assessment by the dual luciferase assay.
Results RT-qPCR analysis indicated that both Hsa-miR-11181-5p and Hsa-miR-11181-3p specifically up-regulated
in higher grades of glioma tumours versus other brain tumour types. Consistently, lower expression levels of AKT2
and TGFBR1 were detected in higher grade gliomas compared to other types of brain tumours, which was inverse to
the level of expression detected for the heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) gene. The results of the dual
luciferase assay supported a direct interaction of Hsa-miR-11181 with the 3ˊ UTR sequences of the AKT2 and TGFBR1
genes.
Conclusion Overall, our data suggest that miR-1118 is a potential molecular biomarker for discrimination of glioma
brain tumours from other brain tumour types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Dabiri
- Molecular Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Mohammad Soltani
- Molecular Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sadat Dokanehiifard
- Molecular Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Jahanbakhshi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khaleghi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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12
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Suppression of bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer cell growth by a suicide gene delivered by JC polyomavirus-like particles. Gene Ther 2021:10.1038/s41434-021-00280-8. [PMID: 34285388 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-021-00280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The heterogeneity and mutations exhibited by prostate cancer cells often results in the progression to incurable metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Our previous investigations demonstrated that the virus-like particles (VLPs) of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) can deliver exogenous genes to prostate cancer cells for expression. JCPyV VLPs packaging pPSAtk (PSAtk-VLPs) possess the ability to transcriptionally target and selectively induce cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, as pPSAtk can only express the thymidine kinase gene, a suicide gene, in androgen receptor-positive cells. To further investigate whether PSAtk-VLPs inhibit the growth of metastasized prostate cancer cells, we established an animal model of bone-metastatic prostate cancer to compare PSAtk-VLPs with leuprorelin acetate and enzalutamide, hormonal agents commonly used in clinical settings, and investigated the effectiveness of PSAtk-VLPs. In the present study, we observed that PSAtk-VLPs effectively inhibited the growth of prostate cancer cells that had metastasized to the bone in the metastatic animal model. In addition, PSAtk-VLPs showed a higher effectiveness than hormone therapy in this animal model study. These results suggest that PSAtk-VLPs may serve as a treatment option for mCRPC therapy in the future.
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13
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Lai WH, Fang CY, Chou MC, Lin MC, Shen CH, Chao CN, Jou YC, Chang D, Wang M. Peptide-guided JC polyomavirus-like particles specifically target bladder cancer cells for gene therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11889. [PMID: 34088940 PMCID: PMC8178405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of gene delivery vectors is to establish specific and effective treatments for human diseases. We previously demonstrated that human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) virus-like particles (VLPs) can package and deliver exogenous DNA into susceptible cells for gene expression. For tissue-specific targeting in this study, JCPyV VLPs were conjugated with a specific peptide for bladder cancer (SPB) that specifically binds to bladder cancer cells. The suicide gene thymidine kinase was packaged and delivered by SPB-conjugated VLPs (VLP-SPBs). Expression of the suicide gene was detected only in human bladder cancer cells and not in lung cancer or neuroblastoma cells susceptible to JCPyV VLP infection in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the target specificity of VLP-SPBs. The gene transduction efficiency of VLP-SPBs was approximately 100 times greater than that of VLPs without the conjugated peptide. JCPyV VLPs can be specifically guided to target particular cell types when tagged with a ligand molecule that binds to a cell surface marker, thereby improving gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Lai
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yao Fang
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chieh Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chun Lin
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nun Chao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Chin Jou
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Deching Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan.
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University and Clinical Laboratory, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan.
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14
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Ye D, Zimmermann T, Demina V, Sotnikov S, Ried CL, Rahn H, Stapf M, Untucht C, Rohe M, Terstappen GC, Wicke K, Mezler M, Manninga H, Meyer AH. Trafficking of JC virus-like particles across the blood-brain barrier. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:2488-2500. [PMID: 36134165 PMCID: PMC9418390 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00879f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hollow viral vectors, such as John Cunningham virus-like particles (JC VLPs), provide a unique opportunity to deliver drug cargo into targeted cells and tissue. Current understanding of the entry of JC virus in brain cells has remained insufficient. In particular, interaction of JC VLPs with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has not been analyzed in detail. Thus, JC VLPs were produced in this study for investigating the trafficking across the BBB. We performed a carotid artery injection procedure for mouse brain to qualitatively study JC VLPs' in vivo binding and distribution and used in vitro approaches to analyze their uptake and export kinetics in brain endothelial cells. Our results show that clathrin-dependent mechanisms contributed to the entry of VLPs into brain endothelial cells, and exocytosis or transcytosis of VLPs across the BBB was observed in vitro. VLPs were found to interact with sialic acid glycans in mouse brain endothelia. The ability of JC VLPs to cross the BBB can be useful in developing a delivery system for transport of genes and small molecule cargoes to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ye
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, DMPK, Bioanalytical Research Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Tina Zimmermann
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Neuroscience Discovery Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | | | | | - Christian L Ried
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Development Sciences NBE Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Harri Rahn
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Development Sciences NBE Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Marcus Stapf
- NEUWAY Pharma GmbH Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn Germany
| | - Christopher Untucht
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Neuroscience Discovery Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Michael Rohe
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Neuroscience Discovery Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Georg C Terstappen
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Neuroscience Discovery Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Karsten Wicke
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Neuroscience Discovery Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Mario Mezler
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, DMPK, Bioanalytical Research Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
| | - Heiko Manninga
- NEUWAY Pharma GmbH Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2 53175 Bonn Germany
| | - Axel H Meyer
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, DMPK, Bioanalytical Research Knollstraße 67061 Ludwigshafen Germany
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15
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Comas-Garcia M, Colunga-Saucedo M, Rosales-Mendoza S. The Role of Virus-Like Particles in Medical Biotechnology. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:4407-4420. [PMID: 33147978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are protein-based, nanoscale, self-assembling, cage architectures, which have relevant applications in biomedicine. They can be used for the development of vaccines, imaging approaches, drug and gene therapy delivery systems, and in vitro diagnostic methods. Today, three relevant viruses are targeted using VLP-based recombinant vaccines. VLP-based drug delivery, nanoreactors for therapy, and imaging systems are approaches under development with promising outcomes. Several VLP-based vaccines are under clinical evaluation. Herein, an updated view on the VLP-based biomedical applications is provided; advanced methods for the production, functionalization, and drug loading of VLPs are described, and perspectives for the field are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Comas-Garcia
- Department of Sciences, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78295, México.,Genomic Medicine Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México.,High-Resolution Microscopy Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
| | - Mayra Colunga-Saucedo
- Genomic Medicine Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Departament of Chemical Sciences, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México.,Biotechnology Section, Research Center for Health Sciences and Biomedicine, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi 78210, México
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16
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Different T-cell subsets in glioblastoma multiforme and targeted immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2020; 496:134-143. [PMID: 33022290 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a brain tumor with a high mortality rate. Surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the standard treatment for GBM patients, but the 5-year survival rate of patients despite this treatment is low. Immunotherapy has attracted increasing attention in recent years. As the pioneer and the main effector cells of immunotherapy, T cells play a key role in tumor immunotherapy. However, the T cells in GBM microenvironment are inhibited by the highly immunosuppressive environment of GBM, posing huge challenges to T cell-based GBM immunotherapy. This review summarizes the effects of the GBM microenvironment on the infiltration and function of different T-cell subsets and the possible strategies to overcome immunosuppression, and thus enhance the effectiveness of GBM immunotherapy.
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17
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Fifty Years of JC Polyomavirus: A Brief Overview and Remaining Questions. Viruses 2020; 12:v12090969. [PMID: 32882975 PMCID: PMC7552028 DOI: 10.3390/v12090969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the fifty years since the discovery of JC polyomavirus (JCPyV), the body of research representing our collective knowledge on this virus has grown substantially. As the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), an often fatal central nervous system disease, JCPyV remains enigmatic in its ability to live a dual lifestyle. In most individuals, JCPyV reproduces benignly in renal tissues, but in a subset of immunocompromised individuals, JCPyV undergoes rearrangement and begins lytic infection of the central nervous system, subsequently becoming highly debilitating-and in many cases, deadly. Understanding the mechanisms allowing this process to occur is vital to the development of new and more effective diagnosis and treatment options for those at risk of developing PML. Here, we discuss the current state of affairs with regards to JCPyV and PML; first summarizing the history of PML as a disease and then discussing current treatment options and the viral biology of JCPyV as we understand it. We highlight the foundational research published in recent years on PML and JCPyV and attempt to outline which next steps are most necessary to reduce the disease burden of PML in populations at risk.
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18
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Inhibition of human lung adenocarcinoma growth and metastasis by JC polyomavirus-like particles packaged with an SP-B promoter-driven CD59-specific shRNA. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 133:2159-2169. [PMID: 31693732 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer ranks first in both incidence and mortality and is a major health concern worldwide. Upon recognition of specific antigens on tumor cells, complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) is activated, arresting cell growth or inducing apoptosis. However, by overexpressing CD59, a membrane complement regulatory protein (mCRP), lung cancer cells develop resistance to CDC. We previously showed that virus-like particles (VLPs) of human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) could be used as a gene therapy vector to carry a suicide gene expression plasmid with a lung-specific promoter (SP-B (surfactant protein B)) for lung adenocarcinomas. Herein, we designed a CD59-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression plasmid driven by SP-B (pSPB-shCD59) to effectively and specifically inhibit CD59 overexpression in lung cancer cells. Treatment of lung cancer cells in vitro with JCPyV VLPs containing pSPB-shCD59 (pSPB-shCD59/VLPs) induces CDC and death of cancer cells. Mice that were subcutaneously injected with human lung cancer cells showed an 87% inhibition in tumor growth after tail vein injection of pSPB-shCD59/VLPs. Moreover, in a mouse model of lung cancer metastasis, a reduction in the lung weight by 39%, compared with the control group, was observed in mice treated with pSPB-shCD59/VLPs after tail vein injection of human lung cancer cells. Furthermore, tissue sectioning showed that the number and size of tumors produced was significantly reduced in the lungs of mice in the treatment group than those of the untreated group, indicating inhibition of metastasis by pSPB-shCD59/VLPs. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of pSPB-shCD59/VLPs as a therapeutic agent for CD59 overexpressed lung cancer.
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19
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Identification of potential crucial genes and molecular mechanisms in glioblastoma multiforme by bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:859-869. [PMID: 32467990 PMCID: PMC7339479 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor of the adult central nervous system and is associated with poor prognosis. The present study aimed to identify the hub genes in GBM in order to improve the current understanding of the underlying mechanism of GBM. The RNA-seq data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The edgeR package in R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups: Glioblastoma samples and normal brain samples. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis were performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery software. Additionally, Cytoscape and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins tools were used for the protein-protein interaction network, while the highly connected modules were extracted from this network using the Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements plugin. Next, the prognostic significance of the candidate hub genes was analyzed using UALCAN. In addition, the identified hub genes were verified by reverse transcription-quantitative (RT-q) PCR. In total, 1,483 DEGs were identified between GBM and control samples, including 954 upregulated genes and 529 downregulated genes (P<0.01; fold-change >16) and these genes were involved in different GO terms and signaling pathways. Furthermore, CDK1, BUB1, BUB1B, CENPA and GNG3 were identified as key genes in the GBM samples. The UALCAN tool verified that higher expression level of CENPA was relevant to poorer overall survival rates. In conclusion, CDK1, BUB1, BUB1B, CENPA and GNG3 were found to be potential biomarkers for GBM. Additionally, ‘cell cycle’ and ‘γ-aminobutyric acid signaling’ pathways may serve a significant role in the pathogenesis of GBM.
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20
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Demchuk AM, Patel TR. The biomedical and bioengineering potential of protein nanocompartments. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 41:107547. [PMID: 32294494 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein nanocompartments (PNCs) are self-assembling biological nanocages that can be harnessed as platforms for a wide range of nanobiotechnology applications. The most widely studied examples of PNCs include virus-like particles, bacterial microcompartments, encapsulin nanocompartments, enzyme-derived nanocages (such as lumazine synthase and the E2 component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex), ferritins and ferritin homologues, small heat shock proteins, and vault ribonucleoproteins. Structural PNC shell proteins are stable, biocompatible, and tolerant of both interior and exterior chemical or genetic functionalization for use as vaccines, therapeutic delivery vehicles, medical imaging aids, bioreactors, biological control agents, emulsion stabilizers, or scaffolds for biomimetic materials synthesis. This review provides an overview of the recent biomedical and bioengineering advances achieved with PNCs with a particular focus on recombinant PNC derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Demchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Discovery Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 6-010 Katz Center for Health Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
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21
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Jena L, McErlean E, McCarthy H. Delivery across the blood-brain barrier: nanomedicine for glioblastoma multiforme. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2020; 10:304-318. [PMID: 31728942 PMCID: PMC7066289 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00679-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The malignant brain cancer, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is heterogeneous, infiltrative, and associated with chemo- and radioresistance. Despite pharmacological advances, prognosis is poor. Delivery into the brain is hampered by the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which limits the efficacy of both conventional and novel therapies at the target site. Current treatments for GBM remain palliative rather than curative; therefore, innovative delivery strategies are required and nanoparticles (NPs) are at the forefront of future solutions. Since the FDA approval of Doxil® (1995) and Abraxane (2005), the first generation of nanomedicines, development of nano-based therapies as anti-cancer treatments has escalated. A new generation of NPs has been investigated to efficiently deliver therapeutic agents to the brain, overcoming the restrictive properties of the BBB. This review discusses obstacles encountered with systemic administration along with integration of NPs incorporated with conventional and emerging treatments. Barriers to brain drug delivery, NP transport mechanisms across the BBB, effect of opsonisation on NPs administered systemically, and peptides as NP systems are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Jena
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL UK
| | - Emma McErlean
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL UK
| | - Helen McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland BT9 7BL UK
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22
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Ni R, Feng R, Chau Y. Synthetic Approaches for Nucleic Acid Delivery: Choosing the Right Carriers. Life (Basel) 2019; 9:E59. [PMID: 31324016 PMCID: PMC6789897 DOI: 10.3390/life9030059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the genetic roots of various human diseases has motivated the exploration of different exogenous nucleic acids as therapeutic agents to treat these genetic disorders (inherited or acquired). However, the physicochemical properties of nucleic acids render them liable to degradation and also restrict their cellular entrance and gene translation/inhibition at the correct cellular location. Therefore, gene condensation/protection and guided intracellular trafficking are necessary for exogenous nucleic acids to function inside cells. Diversified cationic formulation materials, including natural and synthetic lipids, polymers, and proteins/peptides, have been developed to facilitate the intracellular transportation of exogenous nucleic acids. The chemical properties of different formulation materials determine their special features for nucleic acid delivery, so understanding the property-function correlation of the formulation materials will inspire the development of next-generation gene delivery carriers. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the chemical properties of different types of formulation materials and discuss how these formulation materials function as protectors and cellular pathfinders for nucleic acids, bringing them to their destination by overcoming different cellular barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Ni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ruilu Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ying Chau
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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23
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Gene therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer cells using JC polyomavirus-like particles packaged with a PSA promoter driven-suicide gene. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 26:208-215. [DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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24
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Lynes J, Sanchez V, Dominah G, Nwankwo A, Nduom E. Current Options and Future Directions in Immune Therapy for Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2018; 8:578. [PMID: 30568917 PMCID: PMC6290347 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is in need of innovative treatment approaches. Immune therapy for cancer refers to the use of the body's immune system to target malignant cells in the body. Such immune therapeutics have recently been very successful in treating a diverse group of cancerous lesions. As a result, many new immune therapies have gained Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of cancer, and there has been an explosion in the study of immune therapeutics for cancer treatment over the past few years. However, the immune suppression of glioblastoma and the unique immune microenvironment of the brain make immune therapeutics more challenging to apply to the brain than to other systemic cancers. Here, we discuss the existing barriers to successful immune therapy for glioblastoma and the ongoing development of immune therapeutics. We will discuss the discovery and classification of immune suppressive factors in the glioblastoma microenvironment; the development of vaccine-based therapies; the use of convection-enhanced delivery to introduce tumoricidal viruses into the tumor microenvironment, leading to secondary immune responses; the emerging use of adoptive cell therapy in the treatment of glioblastoma; and future frontiers, such as the use of cerebral microdialysis for immune monitoring and the use of sequencing to develop patient-specific therapeutics. Armed with a better understanding of the challenges inherent in immune therapy for glioblastoma, we may soon see more successes in immune-based clinical trials for this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Lynes
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States.,MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Victoria Sanchez
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gifty Dominah
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Anthony Nwankwo
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Edjah Nduom
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD, United States
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25
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Evaluation of Three Morphologically Distinct Virus-Like Particles as Nanocarriers for Convection-Enhanced Drug Delivery to Glioblastoma. NANOMATERIALS 2018; 8:nano8121007. [PMID: 30563038 PMCID: PMC6315496 DOI: 10.3390/nano8121007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a particularly challenging cancer, as there are currently limited options for treatment. New delivery routes are being explored, including direct intratumoral injection via convection-enhanced delivery (CED). While promising, convection-enhanced delivery of traditional chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin (DOX) has seen limited success. Several studies have demonstrated that attaching a drug to polymeric nanoscale materials can improve drug delivery efficacy via CED. We therefore set out to evaluate a panel of morphologically distinct protein nanoparticles for their potential as CED drug delivery vehicles for glioblastoma treatment. The panel consisted of three different virus-like particles (VLPs), MS2 spheres, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) disks and nanophage filamentous rods modified with DOX. While all three VLPs displayed adequate drug delivery and cell uptake in vitro, increased survival rates were only observed for glioma-bearing mice that were treated via CED with TMV disks and MS2 spheres conjugated to doxorubicin, with TMV-treated mice showing the best response. Importantly, these improved survival rates were observed after only a single VLP–DOX CED injection several orders of magnitude smaller than traditional IV doses. Overall, this study underscores the potential of nanoscale chemotherapeutic CED using virus-like particles and illustrates the need for further studies into how the overall morphology of VLPs influences their drug delivery properties.
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26
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Shcherbakova DM, Stepanenko OV, Turoverov KK, Verkhusha VV. Near-Infrared Fluorescent Proteins: Multiplexing and Optogenetics across Scales. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 36:1230-1243. [PMID: 30041828 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Since mammalian tissue is relatively transparent to near-infrared (NIR) light, NIR fluorescent proteins (FPs) engineered from bacterial phytochromes have become widely used probes for non-invasive in vivo imaging. Recently, these genetically encoded NIR probes have been substantially improved, enabling imaging experiments that were not possible previously. Here, we discuss the use of monomeric NIR FPs and NIR biosensors for multiplexed imaging with common visible GFP-based probes and blue light-activatable optogenetic tools. These NIR probes are suitable for visualization of functional activities from molecular to organismal levels. In combination with advanced imaging techniques, such as two-photon microscopy with adaptive optics, photoacoustic tomography and its recent modification reversibly switchable photoacoustic computed tomography, NIR probes allow subcellular resolution at millimeter depths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria M Shcherbakova
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Olesya V Stepanenko
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russian Federation
| | - Konstantin K Turoverov
- Laboratory of Structural Dynamics, Stability and Folding of Proteins, Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg 194064, Russian Federation; Department of Biophysics, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg 195251, Russian Federation
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology and Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland.
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