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Jaiswal AK, Thaxton ML, Scherer GM, Sorrentino JP, Garg NK, Rao DS. Small molecule inhibition of RNA binding proteins in haematologic cancer. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-14. [PMID: 38329136 PMCID: PMC10857685 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2303558] [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: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in biomedicine have revealed an important role for post-transcriptional mechanisms of gene expression regulation in pathologic conditions. In cancer in general and leukaemia specifically, RNA binding proteins have emerged as important regulator of RNA homoeostasis that are often dysregulated in the disease state. Having established the importance of these pathogenetic mechanisms, there have been a number of efforts to target RNA binding proteins using oligonucleotide-based strategies, as well as with small organic molecules. The field is at an exciting inflection point with the convergence of biomedical knowledge, small molecule screening strategies and improved chemical methods for synthesis and construction of sophisticated small molecules. Here, we review the mechanisms of post-transcriptional gene regulation, specifically in leukaemia, current small-molecule based efforts to target RNA binding proteins, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit K. Jaiswal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle L. Thaxton
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Georgia M. Scherer
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob P. Sorrentino
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neil K. Garg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dinesh S. Rao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Broad Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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2
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Hao M, Huang B, Wu R, Peng Z, Luo KQ. The Interaction between Macrophages and Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells Induces ROS-Mediated Interleukin 1α Expression to Enhance Tumorigenesis and Metastasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302857. [PMID: 37551997 PMCID: PMC10582438 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has higher mortality than non-TNBC because of its stronger metastatic capacity. Increasing studies reported that TNBC tumors had more macrophage infiltration than non-TNBC tumors, which promoted the metastasis of TNBC cells. However, how TNBC cells become more malignant after interacting with macrophages is less reported. In this study, it is observed that when TNBC cells are co-cultured with macrophages, they display higher viability and stronger metastatic ability than non-TNBC cells. Mechanistic studies reveal that TNBC cells acquired these abilities via interactions with macrophages in three phases. First, within 12 h of co-culture with macrophages, some TNBC cells have significantly elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which upregulate interleukin 1α (IL1α) expression in ERK1/2-c-Jun- and NF-κB-dependent manners at 24-48 h. Second, the secreted IL1α bound to IL1R1 activates the ERK1/2-ZEB1-VIM pathway which increases metastasis. Third, IL1α/IL1R1 facilitates its own synthesis and induces the expression of IL1β and IL8 at 72-96 h through the MKK4-JNK-c-Jun and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, a higher level of IL1α is positively correlated with more macrophage infiltration and shorter overall survival in breast cancer patients. Thus, reducing ROS elevation or downregulating IL1α expression can serve as new strategies to decrease metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Hao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Renfei Wu
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Department of Biomedical SciencesFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision OncologyUniversity of MacauTaipaMacao SAR99078China
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Huang B, Hao M, Li C, Luo KQ. Acetyltanshinone IIA reduces the synthesis of cell cycle-related proteins by degrading p70S6K and subsequently inhibits drug-resistant lung cancer cell growth. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106209. [PMID: 35398238 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Targeted therapies using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have improved the outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, due to genetic mutations of EGFR or activation of other oncogenic pathways, cancer cells can develop resistance to TKIs, resulting in usually temporary and reversible therapeutic effects. Therefore, new anticancer agents are urgently needed to treat drug-resistant NSCLC. In this study, we found that acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA) displayed much stronger potency than erlotinib in inhibiting the growth of drug-resistant NSCLC cells and their-derived xenograft tumors. Our analyses revealed that ATA achieved this effect by the following mechanisms. First, ATA could bind p70S6K at its ATP-binding pocket to prevent phosphorylation, and second by increasing the ubiquitination of p70S6K to cause its degradation. Since phosphorylation of S6 ribosome protein (S6RP) by p70S6K can induce protein synthesis at the ribosome, the dramatic reduction of p70S6K after ATA treatment led to great reductions of new protein synthesis on several cell cycle-related proteins including cyclin D3, aurora kinase A, polo-like kinase, cyclin B1, survivin; and reduced the levels of EGFR and MET. In addition, ATA treatment increased the levels of p53 and p21 proteins, which blocked cell cycle progression in the G1/S phase. Taken together, as ATA can effectively block multiple signaling pathways essential for protein synthesis and cell proliferation, ATA can potentially be developed into a multi-target anti-cancer agent to treat TKI-resistant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Meng Hao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Chuwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao Special Administrative Region of China.
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Ovechkina VS, Zakian SM, Medvedev SP, Valetdinova KR. Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Biosensors for Biomedical Applications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111528. [PMID: 34829757 PMCID: PMC8615007 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the challenges of modern biology and medicine is to visualize biomolecules in their natural environment, in real-time and in a non-invasive fashion, so as to gain insight into their physiological behavior and highlight alterations in pathological settings, which will enable to devise appropriate therapeutic strategies. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors constitute a class of imaging agents that enable visualization of biological processes and events directly in situ, preserving the native biological context and providing detailed insight into their localization and dynamics in cells. Real-time monitoring of drug action in a specific cellular compartment, organ, or tissue type; the ability to screen at the single-cell resolution; and the elimination of false-positive results caused by low drug bioavailability that is not detected by in vitro testing methods are a few of the obvious benefits of using genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors in drug screening. This review summarizes results of the studies that have been conducted in the last years toward the fabrication of genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors for biomedical applications with a comprehensive discussion on the challenges, future trends, and potential inputs needed for improving them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera S. Ovechkina
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.O.); (S.M.Z.); (S.P.M.)
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Suren M. Zakian
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.O.); (S.M.Z.); (S.P.M.)
- E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 630055 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sergey P. Medvedev
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.O.); (S.M.Z.); (S.P.M.)
- E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 630055 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kamila R. Valetdinova
- The Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, The Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (V.S.O.); (S.M.Z.); (S.P.M.)
- E.N. Meshalkin National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 630055 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Sargazi ML, Juybari KB, Tarzi ME, Amirkhosravi A, Nematollahi MH, Mirzamohammdi S, Mehrbani M, Mehrabani M, Mehrabani M. Naringenin attenuates cell viability and migration of C6 glioblastoma cell line: a possible role of hedgehog signaling pathway. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6413-6421. [PMID: 34427888 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06641-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gliomas are the most prevalent type of malignant primary brain tumors. Despite the availability of several treatment modalities, these tumors have poor prognostic features. Aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been found to be implicated in the development of numerous malignancies including gliomas. Naringenin appears to have anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. However, there is no report describing its effects via the Hh signaling pathway on the C6 glioblastoma cell line. The current study was set to examine the anti-cancer effects of naringenin on C6 cells in order to determine the effect of this compound on the Hh signaling pathway. METHODS The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of naringenin against C6 and 3T3 fibroblast cells were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and annexin-V/PI dual staining assay, respectively. The effect of naringenin on the migration of C6 cells was evaluated by the migration scratch assay. To assess the anti-cancer effect of naringenin on the Hh signaling pathway, the expression of Gli-1, Smo, and Sufu at protein levels in C6 cells was analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS The obtained data indicated that naringenin exerted higher cytotoxicity against C6 cells (IC50 value of 114 ± 3.4 µg/mL) than normal 3T3 fibroblasts (IC50 value of 290 ± 7 µg/mL). Naringenin (114 µg/mL) also induced stronger apoptotic effects on C6 cells than 3T3 cells after 24 h of incubation. Furthermore, naringenin at a concentration of 114 µg/mL and a lower concentration of 60 µg/mL inhibited the migration of the C6 cell line. In addition, naringenin at a concentration of 114 µg/mL significantly decreased the expression of Gli-1 and Smo and elevated the expression of Sufu at the protein level in the C6 cell line. CONCLUSION These data represent that naringenin may have a potential effect on the management of the proliferation and metastasis of malignant gliomas by inhibiting the Hh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Lotfian Sargazi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kobra Bahrampour Juybari
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Esmaeili Tarzi
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arian Amirkhosravi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | - Mehrzad Mehrbani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrnaz Mehrabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mitra Mehrabani
- Herbal and Traditional Medicines Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Xiao Z, Liu J, Liu SH, Petridis L, Cai C, Cao L, Wang G, Chin AL, Cleveland JW, Ikedionwu MO, Carrick JD, Smith JC, Quarles LD. Novel Small Molecule Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 Inhibitors Increase Serum Phosphate and Improve Skeletal Abnormalities in Hyp Mice. Mol Pharmacol 2021; 101:408-421. [PMID: 35339985 PMCID: PMC11033927 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.121.000471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 causes hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets, such as X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO). A small molecule that specifically binds to FGF23 to prevent activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor/α-Klotho complex has potential advantages over the currently approved systemically administered FGF23 blocking antibody. Using structure-based drug design, we previously identified ZINC13407541 (N-[[2-(2-phenylethenyl)cyclopenten-1-yl]methylidene]hydroxylamine) as a small molecule antagonist for FGF23. Additional structure-activity studies developed a series of ZINC13407541 analogs with enhanced drug-like properties. In this study, we tested in a preclinical Hyp mouse homolog of XLH a direct connect analog [(E)-2-(4-(tert-butyl)phenyl)cyclopent-1-ene-1-carbaldehyde oxime] (8n), which exhibited the greatest stability in microsomal assays, and [(E)-2-((E)-4-methylstyryl)benzaldehyde oxime] (13a), which exhibited increased in vitro potency. Using cryo-electron microscopy structure and computational docking, we identified a key binding residue (Q156) of the FGF23 antagonists, ZINC13407541, and its analogs (8n and 13a) in the N-terminal domain of FGF23 protein. Site-directed mutagenesis and bimolecular fluorescence complementation-fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay confirmed the binding site of these three antagonists. We found that pharmacological inhibition of FGF23 with either of these compounds blocked FGF23 signaling and increased serum phosphate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] concentrations in Hyp mice. Long-term parenteral treatment with 8n or 13a also enhanced linear bone growth, increased mineralization of bone, and narrowed the growth plate in Hyp mice. The more potent 13a compound had greater therapeutic effects in Hyp mice. Further optimization of these FGF23 inhibitors may lead to versatile drugs to treat excess FGF23-mediated disorders. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study used structure-based drug design and medicinal chemistry approaches to identify and optimize small molecules with different stability and potency, which antagonize excessive actions of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets. The findings confirmed that these antagonists bind to the N-terminus of FGF23 to inhibit its binding to and activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptors/α-Klotho signaling complex. Administration of these lead compounds improved phosphate homeostasis and abnormal skeletal phenotypes in a preclinical Hyp mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhousheng Xiao
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Jiawang Liu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Shih-Hsien Liu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Loukas Petridis
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Chun Cai
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Li Cao
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Guangwei Wang
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Ai Lin Chin
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Jacob W Cleveland
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Munachi O Ikedionwu
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Jesse D Carrick
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
| | - Leigh Darryl Quarles
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine (Z.X., C.C., L.C., G.W.W., L.D.Q.) and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy (J.L.), University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; University of Tennessee (UT)/Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Center for Molecular Biophysics, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee (S.H.L., L.P., J.C.S.); Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee (L.P., J.C.S.); and Department of Chemistry, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, Tennessee (A.L.C., J.W.C., M.O.I., J.D.C.)
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Jia H, Luo KQ. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based sensor zebrafish for detecting toxic agents with single-cell sensitivity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124826. [PMID: 33421851 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish are widely used for detecting toxic agents because of their unique advantages. The conventional zebrafish-based tests use lethal rates and morphological changes as criteria to evaluate the toxicity. To increase the sensitivity of using zebrafish to detect toxic agents, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based apoptotic biosensor was introduced into zebrafish genome to generate transgenic sensor zebrafish. Seven chemicals including heavy metals, nanomaterials and DNA-damaging agents were used to treat the sensor zebrafish to determine the sensitivity of the sensor zebrafish. The results showed that sensor zebrafish can detect the toxicity of the tested agents with single-cell sensitivity. Using the sensor zebrafish, we found that, at 100 nM, heavy metal cadmium (Cd) induced apoptosis of zebrafish cells, while no obvious morphological or behavioral changes were observed from the sensor zebrafish. Even at 44.5 nM (the maximum allowable concentration in drinking water), Cd induced a significant increase of apoptosis in sensor zebrafish. ZnO nanoparticles caused apoptosis in sensor zebrafish at a very low concentration of 100 ng/mL. DNA-damaging agents induced the apoptosis of many cells in sensor zebrafish. The sensor zebrafish are much more sensitive than the conventional zebrafish-based tests and can serve as a powerful tool for detecting toxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao.
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8
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Potekhina ES, Bass DY, Kelmanson IV, Fetisova ES, Ivanenko AV, Belousov VV, Bilan DS. Drug Screening with Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Sensors: Today and Tomorrow. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E148. [PMID: 33375682 PMCID: PMC7794770 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors have been actively developed over the last few decades and used in live imaging and drug screening. Real-time monitoring of drug action in a specific cellular compartment, organ, or tissue type; the ability to screen at the single-cell resolution; and the elimination of false-positive results caused by low drug bioavailability that is not detected by in vitro testing methods are a few of the obvious benefits of using genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors in drug screening. In combination with high-throughput screening (HTS), some genetically-encoded fluorescent sensors may provide high reproducibility and robustness to assays. We provide a brief overview of successful, perspective, and hopeful attempts at using genetically encoded fluorescent sensors in HTS of modulators of ion channels, Ca2+ homeostasis, GPCR activity, and for screening cytotoxic, anticancer, and anti-parasitic compounds. We discuss the advantages of sensors in whole organism drug screening models and the perspectives of the combination of human disease modeling by CRISPR techniques with genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina S. Potekhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dina Y. Bass
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Kelmanson
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena S. Fetisova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
| | - Alexander V. Ivanenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vsevolod V. Belousov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies of the Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry S. Bilan
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.Y.B.); (I.V.K.); (E.S.F.); (A.V.I.); (V.V.B.)
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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9
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Deal J, Pleshinger DJ, Johnson SC, Leavesley SJ, Rich TC. Milestones in the development and implementation of FRET-based sensors of intracellular signals: A biological perspective of the history of FRET. Cell Signal 2020; 75:109769. [PMID: 32898611 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Fӧrster resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been described for more than a century. FRET has become a mainstay for the study of protein localization in living cells and tissues. It has also become widely used in the fields that comprise cellular signaling. FRET-based probes have been developed to monitor second messenger signals, the phosphorylation state of peptides and proteins, and subsequent cellular responses. Here, we discuss the milestones that led to FRET becoming a widely used tool for the study of biological systems: the theoretical description of FRET, the insight to use FRET as a molecular ruler, and the isolation and genetic modification of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Each of these milestones were critical to the development of a myriad of FRET-based probes and reporters in common use today. FRET-probes offer a unique opportunity to interrogate second messenger signals and subsequent protein phosphorylation - and perhaps the most effective approach for study of cAMP/PKA pathways. As such, FRET probes are widely used in the study of intracellular signaling pathways. Yet, somehow, the potential of FRET-based probes to provide windows through which we can visualize complex cellular signaling systems has not been fully reached. Hence we conclude by discussing the technical challenges to be overcome if FRET-based probes are to live up to their potential for the study of complex signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Deal
- Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Center for Lung Biology, Departments of Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - D J Pleshinger
- Center for Lung Biology, Departments of Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Pharmacology and Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - S C Johnson
- Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Pharmacology and Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - S J Leavesley
- Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Center for Lung Biology, Departments of Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Pharmacology and Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA
| | - T C Rich
- Basic Medical Sciences Graduate Program, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Center for Lung Biology, Departments of Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA; Pharmacology and Biomolecular Engineering, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36688, USA.
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10
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Jia H, Song Y, Huang B, Ge W, Luo KQ. Engineered Sensor Zebrafish for Fast Detection and Real-Time Tracking of Apoptosis at Single-Cell Resolution in Live Animals. ACS Sens 2020; 5:823-830. [PMID: 32090557 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b02489] [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] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis plays crucial roles during development and in disease conditions. While there are some methods to detect apoptosis in vitro, most of them are end-point assays that cannot be used to detect apoptosis in the physiological context of live animals. In this study, transgenic sensor zebrafish were generated that specifically produce a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor in the zebrafish skin. Under normal conditions, the skin cells of the sensor zebrafish emit green fluorescence; when caspase-3 is activated during apoptosis, the skin cells of the sensor zebrafish switch to emitting blue fluorescence. Through time-lapse FRET imaging with the sensor zebrafish, we observed that caspase-3 can be activated within 5 min and apoptosis can be completed in around 30 min in live zebrafish, no matter the apoptosis occurs several hours after UV irradiation or during the normal development. Using the sensor zebrafish, we found that apoptosis can occur in different parts of the zebrafish skin including the skin covering the trunk, eye, yolk sac, and head during development. Interestingly, we observed that the yolk sac diameter of the zebrafish reduced from 723.8 ± 25.1 μm at 24 h postfertilization (hpf) to 346.1 ± 24.6 μm at 120 hpf. To accommodate this dramatic reduction of the yolk sac size, we found that some excess skin cells on the surface of the yolk sac were removed by apoptosis during this process. The sensor zebrafish provide a powerful and convenient tool for the noninvasive and real-time detection of apoptosis at the single-cell resolution in live zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yanlong Song
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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11
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Live cell imaging of signaling and metabolic activities. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 202:98-119. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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12
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Wang Q, Luo M, Wei N, Chang A, Luo KQ. Development of a Liposomal Formulation of Acetyltanshinone IIA for Breast Cancer Therapy. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:3873-3886. [PMID: 31389706 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA), synthesized in our group exhibiting good anti-breast cancer effects, is expected to replace the commonly used anti-ER+ breast cancer (breast cancer cells overexpressing the estrogen receptor) drug tamoxifen. To promote the clinical progress of ATA, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified liposomes were used to encapsulate ATA along with improving its bioavailability and in vivo anticancer efficiency. The resulting liposomal ATA exhibited a spherical shape with an average size of 188.5 nm. In vitro evaluations showed that liposomal ATA retained the anti-breast cancer efficacy of ATA while exerting much less cytotoxicity toward noncancerous cells. Significantly, pharmacokinetics analysis showed that the AUC0-24h of liposomal ATA was 59 times higher than that of free ATA, demonstrating increased bioavailability of ATA. Preclinical experiments demonstrated that liposomal ATA reduced the growth of ER-positive human breast tumor xenografts by 73% in nude mice, and the liposomal ATA exhibited a much lower level of toxicity than that of free ATA with respect to zebrafish larval mortality, body formation, and heart function during development. Moreover, 7-day and 21-day tissue toxicity levels were determined in mice by intravenous administration of a maximum dosage of liposomal ATA (120 mg/kg). The results showed no obvious tissue damage in major organs, including the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and brain. In summary, we have developed a clinical formulation of liposomal ATA with the high bioavailability and potent efficacy for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 637457
| | - Man Luo
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 637457
| | - Na Wei
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering , Nanyang Technological University , Singapore 637457
| | - Alex Chang
- Department of Oncology , Johns Hopkins Singapore , Singapore 308433
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences , University of Macau , Taipa, Macau , China
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13
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Liu W, Cui Y, Ren W, Irudayaraj J. Epigenetic biomarker screening by FLIM-FRET for combination therapy in ER+ breast cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:16. [PMID: 30700309 PMCID: PMC6354376 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0620-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hormone-dependent gene expression involves dynamic and orchestrated regulation of epigenome leading to a cancerous state. Estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer rely on chromatin remodeling and association with epigenetic factors in inducing ER-dependent oncogenesis and thus cell over-proliferation. The mechanistic differences between epigenetic regulation and hormone signaling provide an avenue for combination therapy of ER-positive breast cancer. We hypothesized that epigenetic biomarkers within single nucleosome proximity of ER-dependent genes could serve as potential therapeutic targets. We described here a Fluorescence lifetime imaging-based Förster resonance energy transfer (FLIM-FRET) methodology for biomarker screening that could facilitate combination therapy based on our study. We screened 11 epigenetic-related markers which include oxidative forms of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and methyl-binding domain proteins. Among them, we identified H4K12acetylation (H4K12ac) and H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) as potential epigenetic therapeutic targets. When histone acetyltransferase inhibitor targeting H4K12ac and H3K27ac was combined with tamoxifen, an enhanced therapeutic outcome was observed against ER-positive breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Together, we demonstrate a single molecule approach as an effective screening tool for devising targeted epigenetic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Liu
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
- Present Address: Department of Bioengineering, Cancer Center at Illinois, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
- Earth and Biological Science Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, 99354, USA
| | - Wen Ren
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA
| | - Joseph Irudayaraj
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, 47907, IN, USA.
- Present Address: Department of Bioengineering, Cancer Center at Illinois, Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61801, USA.
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14
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Vasylieva N, Kitamura S, Dong J, Barnych B, Hvorecny KL, Madden DR, Gee SJ, Wolan DW, Morisseau C, Hammock BD. Nanobody-based binding assay for the discovery of potent inhibitors of CFTR inhibitory factor (Cif). Anal Chim Acta 2019; 1057:106-113. [PMID: 30832908 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2018.12.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lead identification and optimization are essential steps in the development of a new drug. It requires cost-effective, selective and sensitive chemical tools. Here, we report a novel method using nanobodies that allows the efficient screening for potent ligands. The method is illustrated with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator inhibitory factor (Cif), a virulence factor secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 18 nanobodies selective to Cif were isolated by bio-panning from nanobody-phage library constructed from immunized llama. 8 out of 18 nanobodies were identified as potent inhibitors of Cif enzymatic activity with IC50s in the range of 0.3-6.4 μM. A nanobody VHH219 showed high affinity (KD = 0.08 nM) to Cif and the highest inhibitory potency, IC50 = 0.3 μM. A displacement sandwich ELISA (dsELISA) with VHH219 was then developed for classification of synthetic small molecule inhibitors according their inhibitory potency. The developed assay allowed identification of new inhibitor with highest potency reported so far (0.16 ± 0.02 μM). The results from dsELISA assay correlates strongly with a conventional fluorogenic assay (R = 0.9998) in predicting the inhibitory potency of the tested compounds. However, the novel dsELISA is an order of magnitude more sensitive and allows the identification and ranking of potent inhibitors missed by the classic fluorogenic assay method. These data were supported with Octet biolayer interferometry measurements. The novel method described herein relies solely on the binding properties of the specific neutralizing nanobody, and thus is applicable to any pharmacological target for which such a nanobody can be found, independent of any requirement for catalytic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Vasylieva
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Seiya Kitamura
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jiexian Dong
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Bogdan Barnych
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Kelli L Hvorecny
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Dean R Madden
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Shirley J Gee
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
| | - Dennis W Wolan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Christophe Morisseau
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States.
| | - Bruce D Hammock
- Department of Entomology and Nematology and UCD Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
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15
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Chen H, Zou Y, Jiang X, Cao F, Liu W. An enzyme-free FRET nanoprobe for ultrasensitive ketamine detection based on ATP-fueled target recycling. RSC Adv 2019; 9:36884-36889. [PMID: 35539066 PMCID: PMC9075121 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra06139h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ketamine is a commonly abused drug due to its stimulant, dissociative and hallucinogenic effects. An overdose of ketamine has been found to cause a variety of side effects. Therefore, the identification and quantification of ketamine are of significant importance for clinical purposes and drug seizing. However, conventional methods for ketamine detection possess some disadvantages such as sophisticated procedures, expensive instruments and low sensitivity. Herein, we develop a novel fluorescent nanoprobe for ultrasensitive ketamine detection with signal amplification based on Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)-fueled target recycling and FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) occurring between the FAM (Fluorescein, tagged with Y-shape DNA) and AuNPs. Based on the combination of FRET and signals circle amplification, the gold nanospheres functionalized with Y-motif DNA (Y@AuNPs) nanoprobe was utilized for effective ketamine detection with the limit of detection (LOD) down to 3 pg mL−1, which was lower than previously reported. Furthermore, the high sensitivity of Y@AuNPs facilitated quantitative analysis in biological media and practical samples. Ketamine is a commonly abused drug due to its stimulant, dissociative and hallucinogenic effects.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence
- Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Yun Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence
- Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Xue Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence
- Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Fangqi Cao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence
- Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Crime Scene Evidence
- Shanghai Research Institute of Criminal Science and Technology
- Shanghai
- P. R. China
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16
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Yan Y, Su W, Zeng S, Qian L, Chen X, Wei J, Chen N, Gong Z, Xu Z. Effect and Mechanism of Tanshinone I on the Radiosensitivity of Lung Cancer Cells. Mol Pharm 2018; 15:4843-4853. [PMID: 30216081 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.8b00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to radiotherapy is one of the main obstacles to improving cancer prognoses. To effectively destroy cancer cells, novel radiation sensitizers are needed. Recently, several natural products have been shown to exhibit promising tumor-killing properties. However, little is known about the specific mechanisms of these natural compounds on cancer treatment. In this study, after screening a high-throughput natural product library, we identified tanshinone I (Tan I) as a potential radiation sensitizer in lung cancer cells. METHODS Lung cancer radioresistant cell lines, H358-IR and H157-IR, were first established to confirm the radioresistant phenotypes. After that, a natural product library was used to screen the potential radiation sensitizer. We further examined the inhibition functions of Tan I on radioresistant cancer cells via a series of experiments. RESULTS Tan I significantly inhibited cell proliferation and clone formation, consequently enhancing radiosensitivity in radioresistant lung cancer cells, H358-IR and H157-IR. Stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)-based quantitative proteomics indicated that Tan I downregulates expression of pro-oncogenic protein phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate aminotransferase (PPAT) in both H358-IR and H157-IR cells. Further analysis of molecular docking showed that Tan I is well-docked into the active pocket of the structure of PPAT, serving as a potential PPAT inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings suggest that inhibition of the tumor promoter PPAT by Tan I exerts marked inhibitory effects on radioresistant lung cancer cells, improving radiation efficacy.
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17
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Fu A, Peh YM, Ngan W, Wei N, Luo KQ. Rapid identification of antimicrometastases drugs using integrated model systems with two dimensional monolayer, three dimensional spheroids, and zebrafish xenotransplantation tumors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 115:2828-2843. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.26816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Afu Fu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore Singapore
| | - Yu Ming Peh
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore Singapore
| | - Weida Ngan
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore Singapore
| | - Na Wei
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore Singapore
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, TaipaMacau China
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18
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Wang Y, Huang L, Shen Y, Tang L, Sun R, Shi D, Webster TJ, Tu J, Sun C. Electrostatic interactions between polyglutamic acid and polylysine yields stable polyion complex micelles for deoxypodophyllotoxin delivery. Int J Nanomedicine 2017; 12:7963-7977. [PMID: 29133981 PMCID: PMC5669785 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s140573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To achieve enhanced physical stability of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) polymeric micelles (PEG-PDLLA PMs), a mixture of methoxy PEG-PDLLA-polyglutamate (mPEG-PDLLA-PLG) and mPEG-PDLLA-poly(l-lysine) (mPEG-PDLLA-PLL) copolymers was applied to self-assembled stable micelles with polyion-stabilized cores. Prior to micelle preparation, the synthetic copolymers were characterized by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), and their molecular weights were calculated by 1H-NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Dialysis was used to prepare PMs with deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that DPT polyion complex micelles (DPT-PCMs) were spherical, with uniform distribution and particle sizes of 36.3±0.8 nm. In addition, compared with nonpeptide-modified DPT-PMs, the stability of DPT-PCMs was significantly improved under various temperatures. In the meantime, the pH sensitivity induced by charged peptides allowed them to have a stronger antitumor effect and a pH-triggered release profile. As a result, the dynamic characteristic of DPT-PCM was retained, and high biocompatibility of DPT-PCM was observed in an in vivo study. These results indicated that the interaction of anionic and cationic charged polyionic segments could be an effective strategy to control drug release and to improve the stability of polymer-based nanocarriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Wang
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing
| | - Liping Huang
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
| | - Yan Shen
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
| | - Lidan Tang
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
- Changzhou Second People’s Hospital, Changzhou
| | - Runing Sun
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- School of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Di Shi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas J Webster
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiasheng Tu
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
| | - Chunmeng Sun
- Center for Research Development and Evaluation of Pharmaceutical Excipients and Generic Drugs, China Pharmaceutical University
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University
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Enhancement of the bioavailability of a novel anticancer compound (acetyltanshinone IIA) by encapsulation within mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles: a study of formulation optimization, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics. Oncotarget 2017; 8:12013-12030. [PMID: 28061455 PMCID: PMC5355322 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles carrying acetyltanshinone IIA (ATA), a novel anti-breast cancer agent, were prepared by ultrasonic emulsion method to enhance the bioavailability and reduce the toxicity. Systematic optimization of encapsulation process was achieved using an orthogonal design. Drug efficacy analysis showed that ATA nanoparticles were as effective as free ATA against estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells, but much less toxic towards human endothelial cells. Furthermore, in zebrafish, ATA nanoparticles displayed much lower toxicity than free ATA. More importantly, the blood concentration of ATA nanoparticles indicated by 24 hour-area under the curve (AUC0-24h) was 10 times higher than free ATA. These results indicated the potential of ATA-loaded mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles for the delivery of ATA in a clinical formulation, and their potential for use in tumor therapy in the future.
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20
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Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Microscopy for Measuring Chromatin Complex Structure and Dynamics. Methods Mol Biol 2016. [PMID: 27659982 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6380-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The Polycomb group (PcG) proteins form regulatory complexes that modify the chromatin structure and silence their target genes. Recent works have found that the composition of Polycomb complexes is highly dynamic. Defining the different protein components of each complex is fundamental for better understanding their biological functions. Fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful tool to measure protein-protein interactions, in nanometer order and in their native cellular environment. Here we describe the preparation and execution of a typical FRET experiment using CFP-tagged protein as donor and YFP-tagged protein as acceptor. We further show that FRET can be used in a competition assay to measure binding affinities of different components of the same chromatin complex.
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21
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Two new quinones from the roots of Juglans mandshurica. Arch Pharm Res 2016; 39:1237-41. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-016-0781-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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22
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Kim HS, Yoon S, Son YJ, Park Y, Jung YM, Yoo HS. High-yield clicking and dissociation of doxorubicin nanoclusters exhibiting differential cellular uptakes and imaging. J Control Release 2015; 217:64-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2015.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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23
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Hochreiter B, Garcia AP, Schmid JA. Fluorescent proteins as genetically encoded FRET biosensors in life sciences. SENSORS 2015; 15:26281-314. [PMID: 26501285 PMCID: PMC4634415 DOI: 10.3390/s151026281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence- or Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a measurable physical energy transfer phenomenon between appropriate chromophores, when they are in sufficient proximity, usually within 10 nm. This feature has made them incredibly useful tools for many biomedical studies on molecular interactions. Furthermore, this principle is increasingly exploited for the design of biosensors, where two chromophores are linked with a sensory domain controlling their distance and thus the degree of FRET. The versatility of these FRET-biosensors made it possible to assess a vast amount of biological variables in a fast and standardized manner, allowing not only high-throughput studies but also sub-cellular measurements of biological processes. In this review, we aim at giving an overview over the recent advances in genetically encoded, fluorescent-protein based FRET-biosensors, as these represent the largest and most vividly growing group of FRET-based sensors. For easy understanding, we are grouping them into four categories, depending on their molecular mechanism. These are based on: (a) cleavage; (b) conformational-change; (c) mechanical force and (d) changes in the micro-environment. We also address the many issues and considerations that come with the development of FRET-based biosensors, as well as the possibilities that are available to measure them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Hochreiter
- Institute for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße17, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| | - Alan Pardo Garcia
- Institute for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße17, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
| | - Johannes A Schmid
- Institute for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße17, Vienna A-1090, Austria.
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24
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Anand P, Fu A, Teoh SH, Luo KQ. Application of a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor for detection of drug-induced apoptosis in a 3D breast tumor model. Biotechnol Bioeng 2015; 112:1673-82. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Padmaja Anand
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457
| | - Afu Fu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457
| | - Swee H. Teoh
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457
| | - Kathy Q. Luo
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering; Nanyang Technological University; 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457
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25
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Janzen WP. Screening technologies for small molecule discovery: the state of the art. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:1162-70. [PMID: 25237860 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Screening, high-throughput screening, and ultra-high-throughput screening are all really just points on a spectrum that represent differing applications of the same process: the creation of biologically relevant assays that are relevant, reproducible, reliable, and robust. Whether the discovery program is developing a pharmaceutical, an academic probe, cosmetics, pesticides, or a toxicity monitoring assay, the development of a screen focuses on generating a method that will reliably deliver reproducible results over a period of weeks, months, or years and that will generate consistent results for every test along the way. This review provides both historical perspective on how this unique scientific discipline evolved and commentary on the current state of the art technologies and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Janzen
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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26
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Neto AI, Correia CR, Oliveira MB, Rial-Hermida MI, Alvarez-Lorenzo C, Reis RL, Mano JF. A novel hanging spherical drop system for the generation of cellular spheroids and high throughput combinatorial drug screening. Biomater Sci 2015. [PMID: 26222417 DOI: 10.1039/c4bm00411f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We propose a novel hanging spherical drop system for anchoring arrays of droplets of cell suspension based on the use of biomimetic superhydrophobic flat substrates, with controlled positional adhesion and minimum contact with a solid substrate. By facing down the platform, it was possible to generate independent spheroid bodies in a high throughput manner, in order to mimic in vivo tumour models on the lab-on-chip scale. To validate this system for drug screening purposes, the toxicity of the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin in cell spheroids was tested and compared to cells in 2D culture. The advantages presented by this platform, such as feasibility of the system and the ability to control the size uniformity of the spheroid, emphasize its potential to be used as a new low cost toolbox for high-throughput drug screening and in cell or tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Neto
- 3B's Research Group - Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, 4806-90 Taipas, Guimarães, Portugal
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27
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Liu XF, Yu JQ, Dalan R, Liu AQ, Luo KQ. Biological factors in plasma from diabetes mellitus patients enhance hyperglycaemia and pulsatile shear stress-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:511-22. [PMID: 24643402 DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40265g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
People suffering from Diabetes Mellitus (DM) are prone to an array of vascular complications leading to end organ damage. The hallmark of these vascular complications is endothelium dysfunction, which is caused by endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. Although the endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction induced by hyperglycaemia and fluid shear stress has been studied, the effects of biological factors in the blood of DM patients on EC integrity have not been reported in the in vitro models that mimic the physiological pulsatile nature of the vascular system. This study reports the development of a hemodynamic lab-on-a-chip system to investigate this issue. The pulsatile flow was applied to a monolayer of endothelial cells expressing a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor that changes colour from green to blue in response to caspase-3 activation during apoptosis. Plasma samples from healthy volunteers and DM patients were compared to identify biological factors that are critical to endothelial disruption. Three types of microchannels were designed to simulate the blood vessels under healthy and partially blocked pathological conditions. The results showed that EC apoptosis rates increased with increasing glucose concentration and levels of shear stress. The rates of apoptosis further increased by a factor of 1.4-2.3 for hyperglycaemic plasma under all dynamic conditions. Under static conditions, little difference was detected in the rate of EC apoptosis between experiments using plasma from DM patients and glucose medium, suggesting that the effects of hyperglycaemia and biological factors on the induction of EC apoptosis are all shear flow-dependent. A proteomics study was then conducted to identify biological factors, demonstrating that the levels of eight proteins, including haptoglobin and clusterin, were significantly down-regulated, while six proteins, including apolipoprotein C-III, were significantly up-regulated in the plasma of DM patients compared to healthy volunteers. This hemodynamic lab-on-a-chip system can serve as a high throughput platform to assess the risk of vascular complications of DM patients and to determine the effects of therapeutics or other interventions on EC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- X F Liu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457.
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28
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Jeon JW, Ha UH, Paek SH. In vitro inflammation inhibition model based on semi-continuous toll-like receptor biosensing. PLoS One 2014; 9:e105212. [PMID: 25136864 PMCID: PMC4138127 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0105212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A chemical inhibition model of inflammation is proposed by semi-continuous monitoring the density of toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1) expressed on mammalian cells following bacterial infection to investigate an in vivo-mimicked drug screening system. The inflammation was induced by adding bacterial lysate (e.g., Pseudomonas aeruginosa) to a mammalian cell culture (e.g., A549 cell line). The TLR1 density on the same cells was immunochemically monitored up to three cycles under optimized cyclic bacterial stimulation-and-restoration conditions. The assay was carried out by adopting a cell-compatible immunoanalytical procedure and signal generation method. Signal intensity relative to the background control obtained without stimulation was employed to plot the standard curve for inflammation. To suppress the inflammatory response, sodium salicylate, which inhibits nuclear factor-κB activity, was used to prepare the standard curve for anti-inflammation. Such measurement of differential TLR densities was used as a biosensing approach discriminating the anti-inflammatory substance from the non-effector, which was simulated by using caffeic acid phenethyl ester and acetaminophen as the two components, respectively. As the same cells exposed to repetitive bacterial stimulation were semi-continuously monitored, the efficacy and toxicity of the inhibitors may further be determined regarding persistency against time. Therefore, this semi-continuous biosensing model could be appropriate as a substitute for animal-based experimentation during drug screening prior to pre-clinical tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Woo Jeon
- Department of Bio-Microsystem Technology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Un-Hwan Ha
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro, Sejong, Korea
| | - Se-Hwan Paek
- Department of Bio-Microsystem Technology, Korea University, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Korea University, Sejong-ro, Sejong, Korea
- * E-mail:
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29
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Ghoorchian A, Chilkoti A, López GP. Simple assay for proteases based on aggregation of stimulus-responsive polypeptides. Anal Chem 2014; 86:6103-10. [PMID: 24832919 DOI: 10.1021/ac5012574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Unregulated changes in protease activity are linked to many diseases including cancer. Fast, accurate, and low-cost assays for detection of these changes are being explored for early diagnosis and monitoring of these diseases and can also be used as platforms for the discovery of new drugs. We report a new methodology for the simple detection and quantification of protease activity in buffer and human serum. The assay is based on recombinant diblock polypeptides that undergo temperature- or salt-triggered micellization in water. The coronae of the micelles are linked to the water-insoluble cores by a peptide substrate that is cleaved in the presence of the target protease. Protease cleavage of the diblock polypeptide triggers the aggregation of the core-forming segment, leading to a change in solution optical density, which can be used to detect the presence of, and to quantify the concentration of, protease. We used matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) as a model protease and found peptide aggregation time to be proportional to enzyme concentration over a range from endogenous MMP-1 level in human serum (∼3 ng/mL) to 100 ng/mL (0.15-5 nM) in 40% human serum and 1-100 ng/mL in buffer. The assay does not require any intermediate steps or sophisticated data analysis, and the modular design of the assay system is amenable to straightforward adaptation for the detection of a wide range of proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ghoorchian
- NSF Research Triangle Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
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30
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Feng C, Huang SX, Gao XM, Xu HX, Luo KQ. Characterization of proapoptotic compounds from the bark of Garcinia oblongifolia. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2014; 77:1111-1116. [PMID: 24754786 DOI: 10.1021/np4007316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Twenty compounds from Garcinia oblongifolia were screened for proapoptotic activity using FRET-based HeLa-C3 sensor cells. Among them, oblongifolins F and G (1 and 2), 1,3,5-trihydroxy-13,13-dimethyl-2H-pyran[7,6-b]xanthone (3), nigrolineaxanthone T (4), and garcicowin B (5) showed significant proapoptotic activity at a concentration of 10 μM. Bioassessments were then performed to evaluate the potential of these compounds for therapeutic application. All five compounds showed significant cytotoxicity and caspase-3-activating ability in cervical cancer HeLa cells, with compounds 1 and 2 having the highest potencies. All five compounds specifically induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, which could be prevented by the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk. In particular, 3 induced apoptosis through mitotic arrest. Compounds 1-5 displayed similar IC50 values (3.9-16.5 μM) against the three cancer cell lines HeLa, MDA-MB-435, and HepG2. In addition, compounds 1, 2, and 4 exhibited similar and potent IC50 values (2.4-5.1 μM) against several breast and colon cancer cell lines, including those overexpressing either HER2 or P-glycoprotein. HER2 and P-glycoprotein are known factors that confer resistance to anticancer drugs in cancer cells. This is the first study on the cytotoxicity, caspase-3-activing ability, and specificity of proapoptotic compounds isolated from G. oblongifolia in HeLa cells. The potential application of these compounds against HER2- or P-glycoprotein-overexpressing cancer cells was investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong
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31
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Conway JRW, Carragher NO, Timpson P. Developments in preclinical cancer imaging: innovating the discovery of therapeutics. Nat Rev Cancer 2014; 14:314-28. [PMID: 24739578 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Integrating biological imaging into early stages of the drug discovery process can provide invaluable readouts of drug activity within complex disease settings, such as cancer. Iterating this approach from initial lead compound identification in vitro to proof-of-principle in vivo analysis represents a key challenge in the drug discovery field. By embracing more complex and informative models in drug discovery, imaging can improve the fidelity and statistical robustness of preclinical cancer studies. In this Review, we highlight how combining advanced imaging with three-dimensional systems and intravital mouse models can provide more informative and disease-relevant platforms for cancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R W Conway
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre Sydney, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2010, Sydney, Australia
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre Sydney, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2010, Sydney, Australia
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32
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Chemical constituents from the leaves of Juglans mandshurica. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:480-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0398-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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33
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Burger AM, Fiebig HH. Preclinical Screening for New Anticancer Agents. CANCER DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9135-4_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
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34
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Abstract
Live cell compound screening with genetically encoded fluorescence or bioluminescence-based biosensors offers a potentially powerful approach to identify novel regulators of a signaling event of interest. In particular, compound screening in living cells has the added benefit that the entire signaling network remains intact, and thus the screen is not just against a single molecule of interest but against any molecule within the signaling network that may modulate the distinct signaling event reported by the biosensor in use. Furthermore, only molecules that are cell permeable or act at cell surface receptors will be identified as "hits," thus reducing further optimization of the compound in terms of cell penetration. Here we discuss a detailed protocol for using genetically encoded biosensors in living cells in a 96-well format for the execution of high throughput compound screens and the identification of small molecules which modulate a signaling event of interest.
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35
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Prével C, Pellerano M, Van TNN, Morris MC. Fluorescent biosensors for high throughput screening of protein kinase inhibitors. Biotechnol J 2013; 9:253-65. [PMID: 24357625 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201300196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High throughput screening assays aim to identify small molecules that interfere with protein function, activity, or conformation, which can serve as effective tools for chemical biology studies of targets involved in physiological processes or pathways of interest or disease models, as well as templates for development of therapeutics in medicinal chemistry. Fluorescent biosensors constitute attractive and powerful tools for drug discovery programs, from high throughput screening assays, to postscreen characterization of hits, optimization of lead compounds, and preclinical evaluation of candidate drugs. They provide a means of screening for inhibitors that selectively target enzymatic activity, conformation, and/or function in vitro. Moreover, fluorescent biosensors constitute useful tools for cell- and image-based, multiplex and multiparametric, high-content screening. Application of fluorescence-based sensors to screen large and complex libraries of compounds in vitro, in cell-based formats or whole organisms requires several levels of optimization to establish robust and reproducible assays. In this review, we describe the different fluorescent biosensor technologies which have been applied to high throughput screens, and discuss the prerequisite criteria underlying their successful application. Special emphasis is placed on protein kinase biosensors, since these enzymes constitute one of the most important classes of therapeutic targets in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Prével
- CRBM-CNRS-UMR 5237, Chemical Biology and Nanotechnology for Therapeutics, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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36
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Kokubun T, D'Costa L. Direct and unbiased information recovery from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry raw data for phenotype-differentiating metabolites based on screening window coefficient of ion currents. Anal Chem 2013; 85:8684-91. [PMID: 24004415 DOI: 10.1021/ac401545b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A reworking of a data mining strategy, in which statistical treatment of raw data from liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) precedes recognition of chromatographic peaks, is presented. In this algorithm the tR-m/z plane of LC-MS data is divided into equal-sized segments of twelve seconds by one m/z unit each, and the total ion currents in corresponding segments as specified by the tR-m/z pair from multiple LC-MS runs are evaluated to generate mean ion currents (μ) and standard deviations (σ). The μ's and σ's of the segments, derived from contrasting classes of LC-MS data set (e.g., resistant-susceptible, case-control, etc.), are used to calculate the Z-factor (screening window coefficient) which is in turn used to rank the segments. Chromatographic peaks are recognized only where the ion currents are shown to differentiate the classes. The result-reporting format enables detection of positive as well as negative correlations between ion intensities and biological traits under study and thus points to the presence of potentially phenotype-discriminating metabolites. Examples of data analyses are presented, in which ions that may distinguish resistant and susceptible species of Aesculus to the leaf-miner Cameraria ohridella were detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Kokubun
- Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew , Richmond, Surrey TW9 3DS, United Kingdom
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37
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Sun Y, Rombola C, Jyothikumar V, Periasamy A. Förster resonance energy transfer microscopy and spectroscopy for localizing protein-protein interactions in living cells. Cytometry A 2013; 83:780-93. [PMID: 23813736 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.22321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fundamental theory of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) was established in the 1940s. Its great power was only realized in the past 20 years after different techniques were developed and applied to biological experiments. This success was made possible by the availability of suitable fluorescent probes, advanced optics, detectors, microscopy instrumentation, and analytical tools. Combined with state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy, FRET imaging allows scientists to study a variety of phenomena that produce changes in molecular proximity, thereby leading to many significant findings in the life sciences. In this review, we outline various FRET imaging techniques and their strengths and limitations; we also provide a biological model to demonstrate how to investigate protein-protein interactions in living cells using both intensity- and fluorescence lifetime-based FRET microscopy methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuansheng Sun
- The W.M. Keck Center for Cellular Imaging (KCCI), Department of Biology, Physical and Life Sciences Building, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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38
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Wang BJ, Wu PY, Lu YC, Chang CH, Lin YC, Tsai TC, Hsu MC, Lee H. Establishment of a cell-free bioassay for detecting dioxin-like compounds. Toxicol Mech Methods 2013; 23:464-70. [DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2013.781254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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39
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Cell-based high-throughput proliferation and cytotoxicity assays for screening traditional Chinese herbal medicines. Process Biochem 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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40
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Application of accelerated solvent extraction coupled with counter-current chromatography to extraction and online isolation of saponins with a broad range of polarity from Panax notoginseng. Sep Purif Technol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2012.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Tanshinones are a class of abietane diterpene compound isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen or Tanshen in Chinese), a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Since they were first identified in the 1930s, more than 40 lipophilic tanshinones and structurally related compounds have been isolated from Danshen. In recent decades, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the isolation, identification, synthesis and pharmacology of tanshinones. In addition to the well-studied cardiovascular activities, tanshinones have been investigated more recently for their anti-cancer activities in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we update the herbal and alternative sources of tanshinones, and the pharmacokinetics of selected tanshinones. We discuss anti-cancer properties and identify critical issues for future research. Whereas previous studies have suggested anti-cancer potential of tanshinones affecting multiple cellular processes and molecular targets in cell culture models, data from in vivo potency assessment experiments in preclinical models vary greatly due to lack of uniformity of solvent vehicles and routes of administration. Chemical modifications and novel formulations had been made to address the poor oral bioavailability of tanshinones. So far, human clinical trials have been far from ideal in their design and execution for the purpose of supporting an anti-cancer indication of tanshinones.
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42
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Zadran S, Standley S, Wong K, Otiniano E, Amighi A, Baudry M. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensors: visualizing cellular dynamics and bioenergetics. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2012; 96:895-902. [PMID: 23053099 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-012-4449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Förster (or fluorescence) resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a process involving the radiation-less transfer of energy from a "donor" fluorophore to an "acceptor" fluorophore. FRET technology enables the quantitative analysis of molecular dynamics in biophysics and in molecular biology, such as the monitoring of protein-protein interactions, protein-DNA interactions, and protein conformational changes. FRET-based biosensors have been utilized to monitor cellular dynamics not only in heterogeneous cellular populations, but also at the single-cell level in real time. Lately, applications of FRET-based biosensors range from basic biological to biomedical disciplines. Despite the diverse applications of FRET, FRET-based sensors still face many challenges. There is an increasing need for higher fluorescence resolution and improved specificity of FRET biosensors. Additionally, as more FRET-based technologies extend to medical diagnostics, the affordability of FRET reagents becomes a significant concern. Here, we will review current advances and limitations of FRET-based biosensor technology and discuss future FRET applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohila Zadran
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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43
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Gao XM, Yu T, Cui MZ, Pu JX, Du X, Han QB, Hu QF, Liu TC, Luo KQ, Xu HX. Identification and evaluation of apoptotic compounds from Garcinia oligantha. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:2350-3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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44
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Zhu X, Fu A, Luo KQ. A high-throughput fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based endothelial cell apoptosis assay and its application for screening vascular disrupting agents. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 418:641-6. [PMID: 22290227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.01.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we developed a high-throughput endothelial cell apoptosis assay using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor. After exposure to apoptotic inducer UV-irradiation or anticancer drugs such as paclitaxel, the fluorescence of the cells changed from green to blue. We developed this method into a high-throughput assay in 96-well plates by measuring the emission ratio of yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) to cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) to monitor the activation of a key protease, caspase-3, during apoptosis. The Z' factor for this assay was above 0.5 which indicates that this assay is suitable for a high-throughput analysis. Finally, we applied this functional high-throughput assay for screening vascular disrupting agents (VDA) which could induce endothelial cell apoptosis from our in-house compounds library and dioscin was identified as a hit. As this assay allows real time and sensitive detection of cell apoptosis, it will be a useful tool for monitoring endothelial cell apoptosis in living cell situation and for identifying new VDA candidates via a high-throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhu
- Division of Bioengineering, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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45
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Feng C, Zhou LY, Yu T, Xu G, Tian HL, Xu JJ, Xu HX, Luo KQ. A new anticancer compound, Oblongifolin C, inhibits tumor growth and promotes apoptosis in HeLa cells through bax activation. Int J Cancer 2012; 131:1445-54. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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46
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Okumoto S, Jones A, Frommer WB. Quantitative imaging with fluorescent biosensors. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PLANT BIOLOGY 2012; 63:663-706. [PMID: 22404462 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-arplant-042110-103745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Molecular activities are highly dynamic and can occur locally in subcellular domains or compartments. Neighboring cells in the same tissue can exist in different states. Therefore, quantitative information on the cellular and subcellular dynamics of ions, signaling molecules, and metabolites is critical for functional understanding of organisms. Mass spectrometry is generally used for monitoring ions and metabolites; however, its temporal and spatial resolution are limited. Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized many areas of biology-e.g., fluorescent proteins can report on gene expression or protein localization in real time-yet promoter-based reporters are often slow to report physiologically relevant changes such as calcium oscillations. Therefore, novel tools are required that can be deployed in specific cells and targeted to subcellular compartments in order to quantify target molecule dynamics directly. We require tools that can measure enzyme activities, protein dynamics, and biophysical processes (e.g., membrane potential or molecular tension) with subcellular resolution. Today, we have an extensive suite of tools at our disposal to address these challenges, including translocation sensors, fluorescence-intensity sensors, and Förster resonance energy transfer sensors. This review summarizes sensor design principles, provides a database of sensors for more than 70 different analytes/processes, and gives examples of applications in quantitative live cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Okumoto
- Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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47
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Potential agents for cancer and obesity treatment with herbal medicines from the green garden. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-011-0215-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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48
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Peak E, Hoffmann KF. Cross-disciplinary approaches for measuring parasitic helminth viability and phenotype. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2011; 83:649-62. [PMID: 21670885 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652011000200024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitic worms (helminths) within the Phyla Nematoda and Platyhelminthes are responsible for some of the most debilitating and chronic infectious diseases of human and animal populations across the globe. As no subunit vaccine for any parasitic helminth is close to being developed, the frontline strategy for intervention is administration of therapeutic, anthelmintic drugs. Worryingly, and unsurprising due to co-evolutionary mechanisms, many of these worms are developing resistance to the limited compound classes currently being used. This unfortunate reality has led to a renaissance in next generation anthelmintic discovery within both academic and industrial sectors. However, a major bottleneck in this process is the lack of quantitative methods for screening large numbers of small molecules for their effects on the whole organism. Development of methodologies that can objectively and rapidly distinguish helminth viability or phenotype would be an invaluable tool in the anthelmintic discovery pipeline. Towards this end, we describe how several basic techniques currently used to assess single cell eukaryote viability have been successfully applied to parasitic helminths. We additionally demonstrate how some of these methodologies have been adopted for high-throughput use and further modified for assessing worm phenotype. Continued development in this area is aimed at increasing the rate by which novel anthelmintics are identified and subsequently translated into everyday, practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Peak
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, UK
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49
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LEMA C, VARELA-RAMIREZ A, AGUILERA RJ. Differential nuclear staining assay for high-throughput screening to identify cytotoxic compounds. CURRENT CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY 2011; 1:1-14. [PMID: 27042697 PMCID: PMC4816492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
As large quantities of novel synthetic molecules continue to be generated there is a challenge to identify therapeutic agents with cytotoxic activity. Here we introduce a Differential Nuclear Staining (DNS) assay adapted to live-cell imaging for high throughput screening (HTS) that utilizes two fluorescent DNA intercalators, Hoechst 33342 and Propidium iodide (PI). Since Hoechst can readily cross cell membranes to stain DNA of living and dead cells, it was used to label the total number of cells. In contrast, PI only enters cells with compromised plasma membranes, thus selectively labeling dead cells. The DNS assay was successfully validated by utilizing well known cytotoxic agents with fast or slow cytotoxic activities. The assay was found to be suitable for HTS with Z' factors ranging from 0.86 to 0.60 for 96 and 384-well formats, respectively. Furthermore, besides plate-to-plate reproducibility, assay quality performance was evaluated by determining ratios of signal-to-noise and signal-to-background, as well as coefficient of variation, which resulted in adequate values and validated the assay for HTS initiatives. As proof of concept, eighty structurally diverse compounds from a small molecule library were screened in a 96-well plate format using the DNS assay. Using this DNS assay, six hits with cytotoxic properties were identified and all of them were also successfully identified by using the commercially available MTS assay (CellTiter 96® Cell Proliferation Assay). In addition, the DNS and a flow cytometry assay were used to validate the activity of the cytotoxic compounds. The DNS assay was also used to generate dose-response curves and to obtain CC50 values. The results indicate that the DNS assay is reliable and robust and suitable for primary and secondary screens of compounds with potential cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina LEMA
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences, Bioscience Research Building, 500 West University Ave. El Paso, Texas 79968-0519, USA
| | - Armando VARELA-RAMIREZ
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences, Bioscience Research Building, 500 West University Ave. El Paso, Texas 79968-0519, USA
| | - Renato J. AGUILERA
- University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Biological Sciences, Bioscience Research Building, 500 West University Ave. El Paso, Texas 79968-0519, USA
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50
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Seervi M, Joseph J, Sobhan PK, Bhavya BC, Santhoshkumar TR. Essential requirement of cytochrome c release for caspase activation by procaspase-activating compound defined by cellular models. Cell Death Dis 2011; 2:e207. [PMID: 21900958 PMCID: PMC3186908 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2011.90] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial cytochrome c (cyt. c) release and caspase activation are often impaired in tumors with Bcl-2 overexpression or Bax and Bak-defective status. Direct triggering of cell death downstream of Bax and Bak is an attractive strategy to kill such cancers. Small molecule compounds capable of direct caspase activation appear to be the best mode for killing such tumors. However, there is no precise model to screen such compounds. The currently employed cell-free systems possess the inherent drawback of lacking cellular contents and organelles that operate in integrating cell death signaling. We have developed highly refined cell-based approaches to validate direct caspase activation in cancer cells. Using this approach, we show that PAC-1 (first procaspase-activating compound), the first direct activator of procaspases identified in a cell-free system, in fact requires mitochondrial cyt. c release for triggering caspase activation similar to other antitumor agents. It can induce significant caspase activation and cell death in the absence of Bax and Bak, and in cells overexpressing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. This study for the first time defines precise criteria for the validation of direct caspase-activating compounds using specialized cellular models that is expected to accelerate the discovery of potential direct caspase activators.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Seervi
- Integrated Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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