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Malla WA, Arora R, Khan RIN, Mahajan S, Tiwari AK. Apoptin as a Tumor-Specific Therapeutic Agent: Current Perspective on Mechanism of Action and Delivery Systems. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:524. [PMID: 32671070 PMCID: PMC7330108 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide in humans and animals. Conventional treatment regimens often fail to produce the desired outcome due to disturbances in cell physiology that arise during the process of transformation. Additionally, development of treatment regimens with no or minimum side-effects is one of the thrust areas of modern cancer research. Oncolytic viral gene therapy employs certain viral genes which on ectopic expression find and selectively destroy malignant cells, thereby achieving tumor cell death without harming the normal cells in the neighborhood. Apoptin, encoded by Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus' VP3 gene, is a proline-rich protein capable of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells in a selective manner. In normal cells, the filamentous Apoptin becomes aggregated toward the cell margins, but is eventually degraded by proteasomes without harming the cells. In malignant cells, after activation by phosphorylation by a cancer cell-specific kinase whose identity is disputed, Apoptin accumulates in the nucleus, undergoes aggregation to form multimers, and prevents the dividing cancer cells from repairing their DNA lesions, thereby forcing them to undergo apoptosis. In this review, we discuss the present knowledge about the structure of Apoptin protein, elaborate on its mechanism of action, and summarize various strategies that have been used to deliver it as an anticancer drug in various cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waseem Akram Malla
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Richa Arora
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Raja Ishaq Nabi Khan
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Sonalika Mahajan
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Tiwari
- Division of Biological Standardisation, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
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Suicide Gene Therapy By Amphiphilic Copolymer Nanocarrier for Spinal Cord Tumor. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9040573. [PMID: 30965667 PMCID: PMC6523721 DOI: 10.3390/nano9040573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord tumors (SCT) are uncommon neoplasms characterized by irregular growth of tissue inside the spinal cord that can result in non-mechanical back pain. Current treatments for SCT include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but these conventional therapies have many limitations. Suicide gene therapy using plasmid encoding herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (pHSV-TK) and ganciclovir (GCV) has been an alternative approach to overcome the limitations of current therapies. However, there is a need to develop a carrier that can deliver both pHSV-TK and GCV for improving therapeutic efficacy. Our group developed a cationic, amphiphilic copolymer, poly (lactide-co-glycolide) -graft-polyethylenimine (PgP), and demonstrated its efficacy as a drug and gene carrier in both cell culture studies and animal models. In this study, we evaluated PgP as a gene carrier and demonstrate that PgP can efficiently deliver reporter genes, pGFP in rat glioma (C6) cells in vitro, and pβ-gal in a rat T5 SCT model in vivo. We also show that PgP/pHSV-TK with GCV treatment showed significantly higher anticancer activity in C6 cells compared to PgP/pHSV-TK without GCV treatment. Finally, we demonstrate that PgP/pHSV-TK with GCV treatment increases the suicide effect and apoptosis of tumor cells and reduces tumor size in a rat T5 SCT model.
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Xenografting for disease modeling of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a systematic review. Spinal Cord 2019; 57:439-448. [PMID: 30710121 DOI: 10.1038/s41393-019-0248-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Systematic review. OBJECTIVES The overall incidence of intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) remains low and clinical trials or standardized treatment strategies are missing. Therefore, multiple animal-based xenograft models (AXM) have been developed to foster preclinical research efforts on IMSCT. We constructed a systematic literature review to summarize and compare all AXM for IMSCT, published until April 16, 2018. METHODS The review was conducted using 4 independent research databases following the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. Studies were included, if they reported on surgical transplantation of tumor cells or tumor tissue to the spinal cord. Methodological study quality was assessed according to the SYRCLE (systematic review center for laboratory animal experimentation) risk of Bias tool. RESULTS Systematic search yielded 20 publications dealing with AXM for IMSCT. In summary, 4 tumor entities were analyzed in 23 experiments using ~337 animals, mainly investigating glioblastoma or gliosarcoma biology. Studies varied regarding the use of engrafted animals, surgical techniques and tumor burden. Most commonly authors used heterotopic, transdural injection of immortalized brain tumor cell lines (1 × 105 in 5 µl) into the thoracic spinal cord of immunocompromised rats. Quality assessment demonstrated an unclear risk of bias in most cases. CONCLUSION Although different AXM for IMSCT have been described so far, one rat model is technically feasible, enables robust experiments and demonstrates reproducible results. However, there is a need for new AXM using orthotopic engraftment of patient-derived tumor cells and for genetically engineered animal models.
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Convection-enhanced delivery of a hydrophilic nitrosourea ameliorates deficits and suppresses tumor growth in experimental spinal cord glioma models. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 2017; 159:939-946. [PMID: 28247160 DOI: 10.1007/s00701-017-3123-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a technique allowing local infusion of therapeutic agents into the central nervous system, circumventing the blood-brain or spinal cord barrier. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the utility of nimustine hydrochloride (ACNU) CED in controlling tumor progression in an experimental spinal cord glioma model. METHODS Toxicity studies were performed in 42 rats following the administration of 4 μl of ACNU CED into the mid-thoracic spinal cord at concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml. Behavioral analyses and histological evaluations were performed to assess ACNU toxicity in the spinal cord. A survival study was performed in 32 rats following the implantation of 9 L cells into the T8 spinal cord. Seven days after the implantation, rats were assigned to four groups: ACNU CED (0.25 mg/ml; n = 8); ACNU intravenous (i.v.) (0.4 mg; n = 8); saline CED (n = 8); saline i.v. (n = 8). Hind limb movements were evaluated daily in all rats for 21 days. Tumor sizes were measured histologically. RESULTS The maximum tolerated ACNU concentration was 0.25 mg/ml. Preservation of hind limb motor function and tumor growth suppression was observed in the ACNU CED (0.25 mg/ml) and ACNU i.v. groups. Antitumor effects were more prominent in the ACNU CED group especially in behavioral analyses (P < 0.05; log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS ACNU CED had efficacy in controlling tumor growth and preserving neurological function in an experimental spinal cord tumor model. ACNU CED can be a viable treatment option for spinal cord high-grade glioma.
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Tobin MK, Geraghty JR, Engelhard HH, Linninger AA, Mehta AI. Intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a review of current and future treatment strategies. Neurosurg Focus 2016; 39:E14. [PMID: 26235012 DOI: 10.3171/2015.5.focus15158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intramedullary spinal cord tumors have low incidence rates but are associated with difficult treatment options. The majority of patients with these tumors can be initially treated with an attempted resection. Unfortunately, those patients who cannot undergo gross-total resection or have subtotal resection are left with few treatment options, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These adjuvant treatments, however, are associated with the potential for significant adverse side effects and still leave patients with a poor prognosis. To successfully manage these patients and improve both their quality of life and prognosis, novel treatment options must be developed to supplement subtotal resection. New research is underway investigating alternative therapeutic approaches for these patients, including directed, localized drug delivery and nanomedicine techniques. These and other future investigations will hopefully lead to promising new therapies for these devastating diseases.
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Li Y, Wang J, Zhang S, Liu Z. Neprilysin gene transfer: A promising therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:1325-9. [PMID: 26096375 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanli Li
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy; Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an China
| | - Junqing Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy; Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an China
| | - Shenghao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery; Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an China
| | - Zhaohui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy; Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an China
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Walthers CM, Seidlits SK. Gene delivery strategies to promote spinal cord repair. Biomark Insights 2015; 10:11-29. [PMID: 25922572 PMCID: PMC4395076 DOI: 10.4137/bmi.s20063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene therapies hold great promise for the treatment of many neurodegenerative disorders and traumatic injuries in the central nervous system. However, development of effective methods to deliver such therapies in a controlled manner to the spinal cord is a necessity for their translation to the clinic. Although essential progress has been made to improve efficiency of transgene delivery and reduce the immunogenicity of genetic vectors, there is still much work to be done to achieve clinical strategies capable of reversing neurodegeneration and mediating tissue regeneration. In particular, strategies to achieve localized, robust expression of therapeutic transgenes by target cell types, at controlled levels over defined time periods, will be necessary to fully regenerate functional spinal cord tissues. This review summarizes the progress over the last decade toward the development of effective gene therapies in the spinal cord, including identification of appropriate target genes, improvements to design of genetic vectors, advances in delivery methods, and strategies for delivery of multiple transgenes with synergistic actions. The potential of biomaterials to mediate gene delivery while simultaneously providing inductive scaffolding to facilitate tissue regeneration is also discussed.
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Gupta SK, Gandham RK, Sahoo AP, Tiwari AK. Viral genes as oncolytic agents for cancer therapy. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1073-94. [PMID: 25408521 PMCID: PMC11113997 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1782-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Many viruses have the ability to modulate the apoptosis, and to accomplish it; viruses encode proteins which specifically interact with the cellular signaling pathways. While some viruses encode proteins, which inhibit the apoptosis or death of the infected cells, there are viruses whose encoded proteins can kill the infected cells by multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis. A particular class of these viruses has specific gene(s) in their genomes which, upon ectopic expression, can kill the tumor cells selectively without affecting the normal cells. These genes and their encoded products have demonstrated great potential to be developed as novel anticancer therapeutic agents which can specifically target and kill the cancer cells leaving the normal cells unharmed. In this review, we will discuss about the viral genes having specific cancer cell killing properties, what is known about their functioning, signaling pathways and their therapeutic applications as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shishir Kumar Gupta
- Molecular Biology Lab, Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122 UP India
| | - Ravi Kumar Gandham
- Molecular Biology Lab, Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122 UP India
| | - A. P. Sahoo
- Molecular Biology Lab, Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122 UP India
| | - A. K. Tiwari
- Molecular Biology Lab, Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243122 UP India
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Rollano Peñaloza OM, Lewandowska M, Stetefeld J, Ossysek K, Madej M, Bereta J, Sobczak M, Shojaei S, Ghavami S, Łos MJ. Apoptins: selective anticancer agents. Trends Mol Med 2014; 20:519-28. [PMID: 25164066 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Therapies that selectively target cancer cells for death have been the center of intense research recently. One potential therapy may involve apoptin proteins, which are able to induce apoptosis in cancer cells leaving normal cells unharmed. Apoptin was originally discovered in the Chicken anemia virus (CAV); however, human gyroviruses (HGyV) have recently been found that also harbor apoptin-like proteins. Although the cancer cell specific activity of these apoptins appears to be well conserved, the precise functions and mechanisms of action are yet to be fully elucidated. Strategies for both delivering apoptin to treat tumors and disseminating the protein inside the tumor body are now being developed, and have shown promise in preclinical animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar M Rollano Peñaloza
- Department Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology, and Integrative Regenerative Medical Center, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Biotecnologia, La Paz, Bolivia
| | | | - Joerg Stetefeld
- Department of Chemistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Karolina Ossysek
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mariusz Madej
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Bereta
- Department of Cell Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Mateusz Sobczak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Recombinant Protein Laboratory, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Manitoba Institute of Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Health Policy Research Centre, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marek J Łos
- Department Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Division of Cell Biology, and Integrative Regenerative Medical Center, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Pathology, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland.
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