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Abusharkh KAN, Comert Onder F, Çınar V, Onder A, Sıkık M, Hamurcu Z, Ozpolat B, Ay M. Novel benzothiazole/benzothiazole thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives as potential FOXM1 inhibitors: In silico, synthesis, and in vitro studies. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2024:e2400504. [PMID: 39318080 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202400504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor FOXM1 overexpressed in breast and other solid cancers, is a key driver of tumor growth and progression through complex interactions, making it an attractive molecular target for the development of targeted therapies. Despite the availability of small-molecule inhibitors, their limited specificity, potency, and efficacy hinder clinical translation. To identify effective FOXM1 inhibitors, we synthesized novel benzothiazole derivatives (KC10-KC13) and benzothiazole hybrids with thiazolidine-2,4-dione (KC21-KC36). These compounds were evaluated for FOXM1 inhibition. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis revealed their binding patterns and affinities for the FOXM1-DNA binding domain. The interactions with key amino acids such as Asn283, His287, and Arg286, crucial for FOXM1 inhibition, have been determined with the synthesized compounds. Additionally, the molecular modeling study indicated that KC12, KC21, and KC30 aligned structurally and interacted similarly to the reference compound FDI-6. In vitro studies with the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line demonstrated that KC12, KC21, and KC30 significantly inhibited FOXM1, showing greater potency than FDI-6, with IC50 values of 6.13, 10.77, and 12.86 µM, respectively, versus 20.79 µM for FDI-6. Our findings suggest that KC12, KC21, and KC30 exhibit strong activity as FOXM1 inhibitors and may be suitable for in vivo animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A N Abusharkh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Graduate Studies, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Al-Quds University, East Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Ferah Comert Onder
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
| | - Venhar Çınar
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Alper Onder
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
| | - Merve Sıkık
- Department of Medical System Biology, School of Graduate Studies, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
| | - Zuhal Hamurcu
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Türkiye
| | - Bulent Ozpolat
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry, Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye
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2
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Khademi Z, Yazdi KS, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Rezvani SA, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. FOXM1 Aptamer-Polyethylenimine Nanoplatform Coated With Hyaluronic Acid And AS1411 Aptamer For Dual-Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin And Synergistic Treatment of Tumor Cells. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:2198-2207. [PMID: 38432623 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this investigation was to develop a self-assembled, dual-functionalized delivery system that could effectively transport doxorubicin (DOX) to cancer cells through the use of AS1411 aptamer and hyaluronic acid polymer (HA). The ultimate goal is an improved targeting approach for more efficient treatment. The core of this system comprised polyethylenimine (PEI) and FOXM1 aptamer, which was coated by HA. Next, nucleolin targeting aptamers (AS1411) were loaded onto the nanocomplex. Afterward, DOX was added to Aptamers (Apts)-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs to create the DOX-AS1411-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs for better treatment of cancer cells. The cytotoxic effect of the nanocomplex on L929, 4T1, and A549 cells showed that cell mortality in target cancer cells (4T1 and A549) was considerably enhanced compared to nontarget cells (L929, normal cells). The findings from the flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence imaging demonstrated the cellular absorption of DOX-Apts-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs in target cells was significantly enhanced when compared to L929 cells. Furthermore, in vivo antitumor study exhibited that DOX-Apts-HA-PEI-FOXM1 NPs rendered specific tumor accumulation and increasing of the anti-tumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khademi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Katayoon Sarafraz Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyede Aysa Rezvani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Wen K, Meng X, Lara K, Lin Q. Cost-effective evaluation of Aptamer candidates in SELEX-based Aptamer isolation. Talanta 2024; 275:126103. [PMID: 38663069 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Aptamers are short, single-stranded nucleic acids with high affinity and specificity for various targets, making them valuable in diagnostics and therapeutics. Their isolation traditionally involves a time-consuming and costly process called SELEX. While SELEX methods have evolved to improve binding and amplification, the crucial step of aptamer identification from sequencing data remains expensive and often overlooked. Common identification methods require modification of aptamer candidates with labels like biotin or fluorescent dyes, which becomes costly and cumbersome for high-throughput sequencing data. This paper presents an efficient and cost-effective approach to streamline aptamer identification. It employs asymmetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to generate modified single-stranded DNA copies of aptamer candidates, simplifying the modification process. By using excess modified forward primers and limited reverse primers, this method reduces costs since only unmodified candidates need to be synthesized initially. The approach was demonstrated with an IgE protein aptamer and successfully applied to identify aptamers from a pool of 12 candidates against a monoclonal antibody. The validity of the results was further confirmed through the direct synthesis of fluorophore-conjugated aptamer candidates, yielding consistent outcomes while reducing the cost by threefold. This approach addresses a critical bottleneck in aptamer discovery by significantly reducing the time and cost associated with aptamer identification, facilitating aptamer-based research and making aptamers more accessible for various applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kechun Wen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Xin Meng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Kathie Lara
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Qiao Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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Raghuwanshi S, Gartel AL. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1: Current challenges and future perspectives in cancer treatments. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189015. [PMID: 37913940 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) protein M1 (FOXM1) is a critical proliferation-associated transcription factor (TF) that is aberrantly overexpressed in the majority of human cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in, cell proliferation, cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The FOXM1 as a TF directly or indirectly regulates the expression of several target genes whose dysregulation is associated with almost all hallmarks of cancer. Moreover, FOXM1 expression is associated with chemoresistance to different anti-cancer drugs. Several studies have confirmed that suppression of FOXM1 enhanced the drug sensitivity of various types of cancer cells. Current data suggest that small molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 in combination with anticancer drugs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for chemo-resistant cancers. In this review, we discuss the clinical utility of FOXM1, further, we summarize and discuss small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 and categorize them according to their mechanisms of targeting FOXM1. Despite great progress, small-molecule inhibitors targeting FOXM1 face many challenges, and we present here all small-molecule FOXM1 inhibitors in different stages of development. We discuss the current challenges and provide insights on the future application of FOXM1 inhibition to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeev Raghuwanshi
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Andrei L Gartel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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Bu H, Lan X, Cheng H, Pei C, Ouyang M, Chen Y, Huang X, Yu L, Tan Y. Development of an interfering peptide M1-20 with potent anti-cancer effects by targeting FOXM1. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:533. [PMID: 37598210 PMCID: PMC10439915 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06056-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Disrupting protein-protein interactions (PPIs) has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer drug development. Interfering peptides disrupting PPIs can be rationally designed based on the structures of natural sequences mediating these interactions. Transcription factor FOXM1 overexpresses in multiple cancers and is considered an effective target for cancer therapeutic drug development. Using a rational design approach, we have generated a peptide library from the FOXM1 C-terminal sequence and screened FOXM1-binding peptides. Combining FOXM1 binding and cell inhibitory results, we have obtained a FOXM1-targeting interfering peptide M1-20 that is optimized from the natural parent peptide to the D-retro-inverso peptide. With improved stability characteristics, M1-20 inhibits proliferation and migration, and induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Mechanistically, M1-20 inhibits FOXM1 transcriptional activities by disrupting its interaction between the MuvB complex and the transcriptional co-activator CBP. These are consistent with the results that M1-20 suppresses cancer progression and metastasis without noticeable toxic and side effects in wild-type mice. These findings reveal that M1-20 has the potential to be developed as an anti-cancer drug candidate targeting FOXM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huitong Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Xianling Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Haojie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Chaozhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Min Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan, 410082, China.
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6
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Cheng H, Yuan J, Pei C, Ouyang M, Bu H, Chen Y, Huang X, Zhang Z, Yu L, Tan Y. The development of an anti-cancer peptide M1-21 targeting transcription factor FOXM1. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:114. [PMID: 37344857 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcription factor FOXM1 is a potential target for anti-cancer drug development. An interfering peptide M1-21, targeting FOXM1 and FOXM1-interacting proteins, is developed and its anti-cancer efficacy is evaluated. METHODS FOXM1 C-terminus-binding peptides are screened by in silico protocols from the peptide library of FOXM1 (1-138aa) and confirmed by cellular experiments. The selected peptide is synthesized into its D-retro-inverso (DRI) form by fusing a TAT cell-penetrating sequence. Anti-cancer activities are evaluated in vitro and in vivo with tumor-grafted nude mice, spontaneous breast cancer mice, and wild-type metastasis-tracing mice. Anti-cancer mechanisms are analyzed. Distribution and safety profiles in mice are evaluated. RESULTS With improved stability and cell inhibitory activity compared to the parent peptide, M1-21 binds to multiple regions of FOXM1 and interferes with protein-protein interactions between FOXM1 and its various known partner proteins, including PLK1, LIN9 and B-MYB of the MuvB complex, and β-catenin. Consequently, M1-21 inhibits FOXM1-related transcriptional activities and FOXM1-mediated nuclear importation of β-catenin and β-catenin transcriptional activities. M1-21 inhibits multiple types of cancer (20 µM in vitro or 30 mg/kg in vivo) by preventing proliferation, migration, and WNT signaling. Distribution and safety profiles of M1-21 are favorable (broad distribution and > 15 h stability in mice) and the tested non-severely toxic dose reaches 200 mg/kg in mice. M1-21 also has low hemolytic toxicity and immunogenicity in mice. CONCLUSIONS M1-21 is a promising interfering peptide targeting FOXM1 for the development of anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojie Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chaozhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huitong Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhenwang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Medicine Research Institute, Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437000, Xianning, Hubei, China.
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University, 410082, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Ling N, Liu H, Guo J, Liang Z, Zhang Y, Li H, Wu H, Xie T, Yuan Y, Li X, Peng M, Wei X, Liang L, Liu J, Wu W, Ye M. Generation of DNA Aptamers with Functional Activity in Mammalian Cells by Mimicking Retroviruses. Anal Chem 2023. [PMID: 37327388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
DNA aptamers are single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide sequences that bind to specific targets with high affinity. Currently, DNA aptamers can be produced only by in vitro synthesis. It is difficult for DNA aptamers to have a sustained impact on intracellular protein activity, which limits their clinical application. In this study, we developed a DNA aptamer expression system to generate DNA aptamers with functional activity in mammalian cells by mimicking retroviruses. Using this system, DNA aptamers targeting intracellular Ras (Ra1) and membrane-bound CD71 (XQ2) were successfully generated in cells. In particular, the expressed Ra1 not only specifically bound to the intracellular Ras protein but also inhibited the phosphorylation of downstream ERK1/2 and AKT. Furthermore, by inserting the DNA aptamer expression system for Ra1 into a lentivirus vector, the system can be delivered into cells and stably produce Ra1 over time, resulting in the inhibition of lung cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, our study provides a novel strategy for the intracellular generation of DNA aptamers with functional activity and opens a new avenue for the clinical application of intracellular DNA aptamers in disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng Ling
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Huiming Liu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Junxiao Guo
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhouliang Liang
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yibin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hui Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Tiantian Xie
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Yijun Yuan
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xiahui Li
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Menglan Peng
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Xianhua Wei
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Long Liang
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Wencan Wu
- The Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Mao Ye
- Molecular Science and Biomedicine Laboratory (MBL), State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Aptamer Engineering Center of Hunan Province, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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8
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Alimardan Z, Abbasi M, Hasanzadeh F, Aghaei M, Khodarahmi G, Kashfi K. Heat shock proteins and cancer: The FoxM1 connection. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 211:115505. [PMID: 36931349 PMCID: PMC10134075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Heat shock proteins (Hsp) and FoxM1 have significant roles in carcinogenesis. According to their relative molecular weight, Hsps are divided into Hsp110, Hsp90, Hsp70, Hsp60, Hsp40, and small Hsps. Hsp70 can play essential functions in cancer initiation and is overexpressed in several human cancers. Hsp70, in combination with cochaperones HIP and HOP, refolds partially denatured proteins and acts as a cochaperone for Hsp90. Also, Hsp70, in combination with BAG3, regulates the FoxM1 signaling pathway. FoxM1 protein is a transcription factor of the Forkhead family that is overexpressed in most human cancers and is involved in many cancers' development features, including proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis. This review discusses the Hsp70, Hsp90, and FoxM1 structure and function, the known Hsp70 cochaperones, and Hsp70, Hsp90, and FoxM1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alimardan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Maryam Abbasi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Farshid Hasanzadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahmud Aghaei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ghadamali Khodarahmi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, NY, USA.
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Targeted systematic evolution of an RNA platform neutralizing DNMT1 function and controlling DNA methylation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:99. [PMID: 36609400 PMCID: PMC9823104 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic modification regulating gene expression. Aberrant DNA methylation is the most common molecular lesion in cancer cells. However, medical intervention has been limited to the use of broadly acting, small molecule-based demethylating drugs with significant side-effects and toxicities. To allow for targeted DNA demethylation, we integrated two nucleic acid-based approaches: DNMT1 interacting RNA (DiR) and RNA aptamer strategy. By combining the RNA inherent capabilities of inhibiting DNMT1 with an aptamer platform, we generated a first-in-class DNMT1-targeted approach - aptaDiR. Molecular modelling of RNA-DNMT1 complexes coupled with biochemical and cellular assays enabled the identification and characterization of aptaDiR. This RNA bio-drug is able to block DNA methylation, impair cancer cell viability and inhibit tumour growth in vivo. Collectively, we present an innovative RNA-based approach to modulate DNMT1 activity in cancer or diseases characterized by aberrant DNA methylation and suggest the first alternative strategy to overcome the limitations of currently approved non-specific hypomethylating protocols, which will greatly improve clinical intervention on DNA methylation.
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10
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Abdollahzade A, Rahimi H, Yaghoobi E, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. Targeted delivery of doxorubicin and therapeutic FOXM1 aptamer to tumor cells using gold nanoparticles modified with AS1411 and ATP aptamers. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:1177-1187. [PMID: 37736517 PMCID: PMC10510489 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.71129.15452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Objectives A targeted delivery platform was prepared to co-deliver both doxorubicin (Dox) as an anticancer drug and FOXM1 aptamer as a therapeutic substance to breast cancer cells (4T1 and MCF-7) to reduce Dox side effects and increase its therapeutic efficacy. The targeted system (AuNPs-AFPA) consisted of FOXM1 aptamer, AS1411 aptamer (targeting oligonucleotide), ATP aptamer, and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a carrier. Materials and Methods AuNPs were synthesized by reduction of HAuCl4. Next, after pegylation of ATP aptamer, FOXM1 aptamer-PEGylated ATP aptamer conjugate (FPA) was prepared. Then, the AS1411 aptamer and FPA were exposed to the AuNPs surface through their thiol groups. Subsequently, Dox was loaded into the complex to form a targeted therapeutic complex. Results The data of the MTT assay displayed that the targeted complex could remarkably reduce cell viability rate in target cells due to the overexpression of nucleolin on their cell membranes compared to nontarget cells, showing the targeting ability of AuNPs-AFPA-Dox. The in vivo antitumor effect confirmed that AuNPs-AFPA-Dox was capable of remarkably diminishing tumor growth relative to the free Dox in mice bearing 4T1 tumor cells. Conclusion The results confirmed that the targeted system improved the therapeutic effect by loading high amounts of Dox alongside the presence of the therapeutic effect of FOXM1 aptamer. Finally, it can be concluded that AuNPs-AFPA-Dox by enhancing antitumor effectiveness and reducing toxicity toward non-target cells, can be used potentially as an effective strategy for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Abdollahzade
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hoda Rahimi
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Elnaz Yaghoobi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Amundarain A, Pastor F, Prósper F, Agirre X. Aptamers, a New Therapeutic Opportunity for the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5471. [PMID: 36358889 PMCID: PMC9657029 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease due to high relapse rates and fast development of drug resistances. The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has caused a paradigm shift in MM treatment, paving the way for targeted approaches with increased efficacy and reduced toxicities. Nevertheless, antibody-based therapies face several difficulties such as high immunogenicity, high production costs and limited conjugation capacity, which we believe could be overcome by the introduction of nucleic acid aptamers. Similar to antibodies, aptamers can bind to their targets with great affinity and specificity. However, their chemical nature reduces their immunogenicity and production costs, while it enables their conjugation to a wide variety of cargoes for their use as delivery agents. In this review, we summarize several aptamers that have been tested against MM specific targets with promising results, establishing the rationale for the further development of aptamer-based strategies against MM. In this direction, we believe that the study of novel plasma cell surface markers, the development of intracellular aptamers and further research on aptamers as building blocks for complex nanomedicines will lead to the generation of next-generation targeted approaches that will undoubtedly contribute to improve the management and life quality of MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Amundarain
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Pastor
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Felipe Prósper
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, CCUN, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Xabier Agirre
- Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), IDISNA, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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12
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Alimardan Z, Abbasi M, Khodarahmi G, Kashfi K, Hasanzadeh F, Mahmud A. Identification of new small molecules as dual FoxM1 and Hsp70 inhibitors using computational methods. Res Pharm Sci 2022; 17:635-656. [PMID: 36704430 PMCID: PMC9872178 DOI: 10.4103/1735-5362.359431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose FoxM1 and Hsp70 proteins are highly expressed in many cancers. Thus, their inhibition serves as Bonafede targets in cancer treatment. Experimental approach FDI-6, an inhibitor of FoxM1, was selected as a template, and based on its structure, a new library from the ZINC database was obtained. Virtual screening was then performed using the created pharmacophore model. The second virtual screening phase was conducted with molecular docking to get the best inhibitor for both FoxM1 and Hsp70 active sites. In silico, ADMET properties were also calculated. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was performed on the best ligand, ZINC1152745, for both Hsp70 and FoxM1 proteins during 100 ns. Findings / Results The results of this study indicated that ZINC1152745 was stable in the active site of both proteins, Hsp70 and FoxM1. The final scaffold identified by the presented computational approach could offer a hit compound for designing promising anticancer agents targeting both FoxM1 and Hsp70. Conclusion and implications Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on ZINC1152745 targeting FoxM1 and Hsp70 active sites. The results of several hydrogen bonds, the radius of gyration, RMSF, RMSD, and free energy during the simulations showed good stability of ZINC1152745 with FoxM1 and Hsp70.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Alimardan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Maryam Abbasi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: M. Abbasi, Tel: +987633710406, Fax: +98- Gh.A. Khodarahmi, Tel: +98-3137927095, Fax: +98-3136680011
| | - Ghadamali Khodarahmi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Corresponding authors: M. Abbasi, Tel: +987633710406, Fax: +98- Gh.A. Khodarahmi, Tel: +98-3137927095, Fax: +98-3136680011
| | - Khosrow Kashfi
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, USA,Graduate Program in Biology, City University of New York Graduate Center, New York, USA,Department of Chemistry and Physics, State University of New York at Old Westbury, New York, USA
| | - Farshid Hasanzadeh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
| | - Aghaei Mahmud
- Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran,Department of Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, I.R. Iran
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13
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Khademi Z, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Zirak MR, Salmasi Z, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. A novel dual-targeting delivery system for specific delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 using hyaluronic acid, chitosan and AS1411. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 292:119691. [PMID: 35725215 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A facile method was designed that can specifically deliver CRISPR/Cas9 into target cells nuclei and reduce the off-target effects. A multifunctional delivery vector for FOXM1 knockout was composed by integration of cell targeting polymer (hyaluronic acid) and cell and nuclear targeting group (AS1411 aptamer) on the surface of nanoparticles formed by genome editing plasmid and chitosan (CS) as the core (Apt-HA-CS-CRISPR/Cas9). The data of cytotoxicity experiment and western blot confirmed this issue. The results of flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence imaging demonstrated that Apt-HA-CS-CRISPR/Cas9 was significantly internalized into target cells (MCF-7, SK-MES-1, HeLa) but not into nontarget cells (HEK293). Furthermore, the in vivo studies displayed that the Apt-HA-CS-CRISPR/Cas9 was strongly rendered tumor inhibitory effect and delivered efficiently CRISPR/Cas9 into the tumor with no detectable distribution in other organs compared with naked plasmid. This approach provides an avenue for specific in vivo gene editing therapeutics with the lowest side effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khademi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zirak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Salmasi
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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14
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Goyal R, Chopra H, singh I, Dua K, Gautam RK. Insights on prospects of nano-siRNA based approaches in treatment of Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:985670. [PMID: 36091772 PMCID: PMC9452808 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.985670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
siRNA interference, commonly referred to as gene silence, is a biological mechanism that inhibits gene expression in disorders such as cancer. It may enhance the precision, efficacy, and stability of medicines, especially genetic therapies to some extent. However, obstacles such as the delivery of oligonucleotide drugs to inaccessible areas of the body and the prevalence of severe side effects must be overcome. To maximize their potential, it is thus essential to optimize their distribution to target locations and limit their toxicity to healthy cells. The action of siRNA may be harnessed to delete a similar segment of mRNA that encodes a protein that causes sickness. The absence of an efficient delivery mechanism that shields siRNA from nuclease degradation, delivers it to cancer cells and releases it into the cytoplasm of specific cancer cells without causing side effects is currently the greatest obstacle to the practical implementation of siRNA therapy. This article focuses on combinations of siRNA with chemotherapeutic drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer and gives an overview of several nanocarrier formulations in both research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Goyal
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala, Haryana, India
- MM College of Pharmacy, MM (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Hitesh Chopra
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Inderbir singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy Graduate School of Health Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Kamal Dua, ; Rupesh K. Gautam,
| | - Rupesh K. Gautam
- MM School of Pharmacy, MM University, Sadopur-Ambala, Haryana, India
- *Correspondence: Kamal Dua, ; Rupesh K. Gautam,
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15
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Chen Y, Yang X, Liu J, Zhang D, He J, Tang L, Li J, Xiang Q. In vitro selection of a single-strand DNA aptamer targeting the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 42:105-118. [PMID: 35949145 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2022.2109170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are developed from a pool of random oligonucleotide libraries with an in vitro selection through systematic evolution of ligands via exponential enrichment (SELEX) process, which are capable of specific and high-affinity molecular binding against targets. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike protein from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is involved in the early stages of viral infection, is a promising target for aptamer selection. Currently, there are no effective approaches to prevent virus from spreading. In this study, a new ssDNA aptamer RBD/S-A1 binding to the RBD of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 with high affinity (Kd=1.74 ± 0.2 nM) and low cross-binding activity was selected and evaluated. Although aptamers targeting the RBD of spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 have been described in a handful of previous studies, the RBD/S-A1 aptamer identified in this work may be considered as a potential supplementation for the current diagnosis and research of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xuefeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Dandan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Medicine, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Liang Tang
- Academics Working Station, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Department of Neurology, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Academics Working Station, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Department of Neurology, Nanhua Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China.,Academics Working Station, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
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16
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Zhang Z, Xue ST, Gao Y, Li Y, Zhou Z, Wang J, Li Z, Liu Z. Small molecule targeting FOXM1 DNA binding domain exhibits anti-tumor activity in ovarian cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:280. [PMID: 35680842 PMCID: PMC9184618 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
FOXM1 is a potent oncogenic transcription factor essential for cancer initiation, progression, and drug resistance. FOXM1 regulatory network is a major predictor of adverse outcomes in various human cancers. Inhibition of FOXM1 transcription factor function is a potential strategy in cancer treatment. In this study, we performed structure-based in silico screening to discover small molecules targeting the FOXM1 DNA-binding domain (DBD). Compound XST-20 was identified to effectively suppress FOXM1 transcriptional activities and inhibit ovarian cancer cell proliferation. XST-20 directly interacts with the FOXM1 DNA-binding domain determined by SPR assay. Furthermore, XST-20 was found to significantly reduce the colony-forming efficiency and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Our study provides a lead compound of FOXM1 inhibitor which may serve as a potential targeted therapy agent for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaixin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Si-Tu Xue
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yingwei Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ziying Zhou
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhuorong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Zhaojian Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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17
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Luo G, Lin X, Vega-Medina A, Xiao M, Li G, Wei H, Velázquez-Martínez CA, Xiang H. Targeting of the FOXM1 Oncoprotein by E3 Ligase-Assisted Degradation. J Med Chem 2021; 64:17098-17114. [PMID: 34812040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXM1 that regulates multiple proliferation-related genes through selective protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions is now considered an attractive oncotarget. There are several small-molecule inhibitors that indirectly suppress the expression of FOXM1 or block its DNA binding domain (FOXM1-DBD). However, insufficient specificity or/and efficacy are two potential drawbacks. Here, we employed in silico modeling of FOXM1-DBD with inhibitors to enable the design of an effective CRBN-recruiting molecule that induced significant FOXM1 protein degradation and exerted promising in vivo antitumor activity against TNBC xenograft models. This study is the first of its kind showcasing the use of an approach described in the literature as protein-targeting chimeras to degrade the elusive FOXM1, providing an alternative strategy to counter the pathological effects resulting from the increased transcriptional activity of FOXM1 observed in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Xin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Antonio Vega-Medina
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6W1W7, Canada
| | - Maoxu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Guolong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | - Hanlin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
| | | | - Hua Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Department of Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, P. R. China
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18
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Lee MY, Haam CE, Mun J, Lim G, Lee BH, Oh KS. Development of a FOXM1-DBD Binding Assay for High-Throughput Screening Using TR-FRET Assay. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1484-1491. [PMID: 34602556 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) technology has been widely employed for the analysis of transcription factors such as Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1). However, the application of high-throughput screening (HTS) in performing, such analyses are limited as it uses time consuming electrophoresis procedure and radioisotopes. In this study, we developed a FOXM1-DNA binding domain (DBD) binding assay based on time-resolved fluorescence energy transfer (TR-FRET) that enables HTS for the inhibitors of FOXM1-DNA interaction. This assay was robust, highly reproducible and could be easily miniaturized into 384-well plate format. The signal-to-background (S/B) ratio and Z' factor were calculated as 7.46 and 0.74, respectively, via a series of optimization of the assay conditions. A pilot library screening of 1019 natural compounds was performed using the FOXM1-DBD binding assay. Five hit compounds, namely, AC1LXM, BRN5, gangaleoidin, leoidin, and roemerine were identified as the inhibitors of FOXM1. In a cell viability assay, it was demonstrated that cell proliferation of FOXM1 overexpressed cell lines was suppressed in cell lines such as MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 by five hit compounds. These results indicate that developed FOXM1-DBD binding assay can be applied to highly efficiency HTS of compound libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Young Lee
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
| | - Chae Eun Haam
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology.,Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University
| | - Jihye Mun
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
| | - Gyutae Lim
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
| | - Byung Ho Lee
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology.,Graduate School of New Drug Discovery and Development, Chungnam National University
| | - Kwang-Seok Oh
- Data Convergence Drug Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology.,Department of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Science and Technology
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19
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Chadar R, Kesharwani P. Nanotechnology-based siRNA delivery strategies for treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Int J Pharm 2021; 605:120835. [PMID: 34197908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer characterized by absence of estrogen (ER) receptor, progesterone (PR) receptor, and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER-2) receptor. TNBC is an aggressive disease that develops early Chemoresistance. The major pitfall associated is its poor prognosis, low overall survival, high relapse, and mortality as compared to other types of breast cancer. Chemotherapy could be helpful but do not contribute to an increase in survival of patient. To overcome such obstacles, in our article we explored advanced therapy using genes and nanocarrier along with its conjugation to achieve high therapeutic profile with reduced side effect. siRNAs are one of the class of RNA associated with gene silencing. They also regulate the expression of certain proteins that are involved in development of tumor cells. But they are highly unstable. So, for efficient delivery of siRNA, very intelligent, efficient delivery systems are required. Several nanotechnologies based non-viral vectors such as liposome, micelles, nanoparticles, dendrimers, exosomes, nanorods and nanobubbles etc. offers enormous unique properties such as nanometric size range, targeting potential with the capability to link with several targeting moieties for the gene delivery. These non-viral vectors are much safer, effective and efficient system for the delivery of genes along with chemotherapeutics. This review provides an overview of TNBC, conventional and advanced treatment approach of TNBC along with understanding of current status of several nanocarriers used for the delivery of siRNA for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Chadar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India.
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20
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Liu C, Barger CJ, Karpf AR. FOXM1: A Multifunctional Oncoprotein and Emerging Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3065. [PMID: 34205406 PMCID: PMC8235333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a member of the conserved forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family. Over the last two decades, FOXM1 has emerged as a multifunctional oncoprotein and a robust biomarker of poor prognosis in many human malignancies. In this review article, we address the current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of regulation and oncogenic functions of FOXM1, particularly in the context of ovarian cancer. FOXM1 and its associated oncogenic transcriptional signature are enriched in >85% of ovarian cancer cases and FOXM1 expression and activity can be enhanced by a plethora of genomic, transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational mechanisms. As a master transcriptional regulator, FOXM1 promotes critical oncogenic phenotypes in ovarian cancer, including: (1) cell proliferation, (2) invasion and metastasis, (3) chemotherapy resistance, (4) cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, (5) genomic instability, and (6) altered cellular metabolism. We additionally discuss the evidence for FOXM1 as a cancer biomarker, describe the rationale for FOXM1 as a cancer therapeutic target, and provide an overview of therapeutic strategies used to target FOXM1 for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam R. Karpf
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68918-6805, USA; (C.L.); (C.J.B.)
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21
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Self-targeted polymersomal co-formulation of doxorubicin, camptothecin and FOXM1 aptamer for efficient treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. J Control Release 2021; 335:369-388. [PMID: 34058270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.05.039] [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: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In spite of huge developments in cancer treatment, versatile combinational formulations of different chemotherapeutic agents to enhance anticancer activity while reducing systemic toxicity still remains a challenge. In this regard, in the current study, an amphiphilic hyaluronic acid-b-polycaprolactone diblock copolymer was synthesized using "click chemistry". The synthesized copolymer was self-assembled to form polymersomal structures for co-encapsulation of hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) and hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) in their interior aqueous compartment and their bilayer, respectively with 1:10 and 1:1 ratios. The prepared polymersomal combinational formulation surrounded by hyaluronic acid brush as hydrophilic segment, could provide active targeting of the system against CD44 marker expressed on the surface of cancerous cells. The hyaluronic acid shell could also provide flexible chemistry for the conjugation of therapeutic FOXM1-specific DNA aptamer (Forkhead Box M1; against transcription factor FOXM1) on the surface of polymersomes in order to further suppress cancerous cell proliferation. The obtained results demonstrated that the prepared co-formulation provided sustained, controlled release of the entrapped drugs during 200 h. In vitro cytotoxicity experiments on non-small cell lung cancer, A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines, demonstrated that the co-formulation of DOX and CPT provided synergistic effect and significantly higher cytotoxicity in comparison with free drugs. The cytotoxicity experiment also indicated that the aptamer conjugation on the co-formulations surface could significantly increase the cytotoxicity and induce apoptosis in combination therapy on both A549 and SK-MES-1 cell lines while aptamer-conjugated blank NPs did not show any cytotoxicity which emphasizes on the sensitization capability of the FOXM1 DNA aptamer against non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, it was shown that the co-formulation with or without aptamer renders the formulation specific tumor accumulation in vivo 24 h post-administration, assisting the combination synergy observed in vitro to be translated to in vivo antitumor efficacy. This combinatorial delivery platform strongly offers a novel approach for the synergistic controlled transportation of several chemotherapeutics for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
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22
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Şener BB, Yiğit D, Bayraç AT, Bayraç C. Inhibition of cell migration and invasion by ICAM-1 binding DNA aptamers. Anal Biochem 2021; 628:114262. [PMID: 34038704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide and most of the cancer-related deaths result from metastasis. As expressed on the surface of various cancer cell types, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) has been shown to play a role in the attachment, invasion and migration of tumor cells. In this study, DNA aptamers were generated against ICAM-1 by cell-SELEX and protein SELEX method using ICAM-1(+) CHO-ICAM-1 cells and ICAM-1 protein, respectively. The pools obtained at the end of the 10th round of both SELEX were sequenced and the most enriched sequences were characterized for their binding behaviors and affinities to ICAM-1(+) CHO-ICAM-1 and ICAM-1(-) MIA PaCa-2 cells. Moreover, the inhibition abilities of sequences on migration and invasion were measured. The seven aptamer sequences were obtained selectively binding to CHO-ICAM-1 cells with Kd values in the ranging from 13.8 to 47.1 nM. Four of these aptamers showed inhibition in both migration and invasion of CHO-ICAM-1 cells at least 61%. All these results suggested that these aptamers have potential to detect specifically ICAM-1 expressing tumor cells and inhibit migration and invasion by blocking ICAM-1 related interactions of circulating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berke Bilgenur Şener
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey.
| | - Deniz Yiğit
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
| | | | - Ceren Bayraç
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
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23
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Barger CJ, Chee L, Albahrani M, Munoz-Trujillo C, Boghean L, Branick C, Odunsi K, Drapkin R, Zou L, Karpf AR. Co-regulation and function of FOXM1/ RHNO1 bidirectional genes in cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e55070. [PMID: 33890574 PMCID: PMC8104967 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The FOXM1 transcription factor is an oncoprotein and a top biomarker of poor prognosis in human cancer. Overexpression and activation of FOXM1 is frequent in high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the most common and lethal form of human ovarian cancer, and is linked to copy number gains at chromosome 12p13.33. We show that FOXM1 is co-amplified and co-expressed with RHNO1, a gene involved in the ATR-Chk1 signaling pathway that functions in the DNA replication stress response. We demonstrate that FOXM1 and RHNO1 are head-to-head (i.e., bidirectional) genes (BDG) regulated by a bidirectional promoter (BDP) (named F/R-BDP). FOXM1 and RHNO1 each promote oncogenic phenotypes in HGSC cells, including clonogenic growth, DNA homologous recombination repair, and poly-ADP ribosylase inhibitor resistance. FOXM1 and RHNO1 are one of the first examples of oncogenic BDG, and therapeutic targeting of FOXM1/RHNO1 BDG is a potential therapeutic approach for ovarian and other cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/genetics
- Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins/metabolism
- Carboplatin/pharmacology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Checkpoint Kinase 1/genetics
- Checkpoint Kinase 1/metabolism
- Databases, Genetic
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/genetics
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Recombinational DNA Repair
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Carter J Barger
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Linda Chee
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Mustafa Albahrani
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Catalina Munoz-Trujillo
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Lidia Boghean
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Connor Branick
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, Immunology, and Center for Immunotherapy, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer CenterBuffaloUnited States
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphiaUnited States
| | - Lee Zou
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical SchoolCharlestownUnited States
| | - Adam R Karpf
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaUnited States
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24
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Identification of Hub Genes Associated with Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Bioinformatics Analysis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1155/2021/5550407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the malignant lung tumors. However, its pathology has not been fully understood. The purpose of this study is to identify the hub genes associated with LUAD by bioinformatics methods. Three gene expression datasets including GSE116959, GSE74706, and GSE85841 downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were used in this study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to LUAD were screened by using the limma package. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG analysis of DEGs were carried out through the DAVID website. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) of differentially expressed genes was drawn by the STRING website, and the results were imported into Cytoscape for visualization. Then, the PPI network was analyzed by using MCODE, and the modules with a score greater than 5 were found by using cytoHubba. Finally, the GEPIA database and UALCAN database were used to verify and analyze the survival of hub genes. We identified 67 upregulated genes and 277 downregulated genes from three LUAD datasets. The results of GO analysis showed that the downregulated genes were significantly enriched in matrix adhesion and angiogenesis and upregulated differential genes were significantly enriched in cell adhesion and vascular development. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differential genes of LUAD were significantly enriched in viral carcinogenesis and adhesion spots. The PPI network of differentially expressed genes consists of 269 nodes and 625 interactions. In addition, three modules with scores greater than 5 and seven hub genes, namely, MCM4, BIRC5, CDC20, CDC25C, FOXM1, GTSE1, and RFC4, playing an important role in the PPI network were screened out. In this study, we obtained the hub genes and pathways related to LUAD, revealing the molecular mechanism and pathogenesis of LUAD, which is helpful for the early detection of LUAD and provides a new idea for the treatment of LUAD.
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25
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Kalathil D, John S, Nair AS. FOXM1 and Cancer: Faulty Cellular Signaling Derails Homeostasis. Front Oncol 2021; 10:626836. [PMID: 33680951 PMCID: PMC7927600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.626836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box transcription factor, FOXM1 is implicated in several cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and redox signaling. In addition to being a boon for the normal functioning of a cell, FOXM1 turns out to be a bane by manifesting in several disease scenarios including cancer. It has been given an oncogenic status based on several evidences indicating its role in tumor development and progression. FOXM1 is highly expressed in several cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self- renewal and drug resistance. In this review, we attempt to understand various mechanisms underlying FOXM1 gene and protein regulation in cancer including the different signaling pathways, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Identifying crucial molecules associated with these processes can aid in the development of potential pharmacological approaches to curb FOXM1 mediated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Kalathil
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Samu John
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Asha S Nair
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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26
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Li Z, Yu DS, Doetsch PW, Werner E. Replication stress and FOXM1 drive radiation induced genomic instability and cell transformation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235998. [PMID: 33253193 PMCID: PMC7703902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to the vast majority of research that has focused on the immediate effects of ionizing radiation, this work concentrates on the molecular mechanism driving delayed effects that emerge in the progeny of the exposed cells. We employed functional protein arrays to identify molecular changes induced in a human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBEC3-KT) and osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS) and evaluated their impact on outcomes associated with radiation induced genomic instability (RIGI) at day 5 and 7 post-exposure to a 2Gy X-ray dose, which revealed replication stress in the context of increased FOXM1b expression. Irradiated cells had reduced DNA replication rate detected by the DNA fiber assay and increased DNA resection detected by RPA foci and phosphorylation. Irradiated cells increased utilization of homologous recombination-dependent repair detected by a gene conversion assay and DNA damage at mitosis reflected by RPA positive chromosomal bridges, micronuclei formation and 53BP1 positive bodies in G1, all known outcomes of replication stress. Interference with the function of FOXM1, a transcription factor widely expressed in cancer, employing an aptamer, decreased radiation-induced micronuclei formation and cell transformation while plasmid-driven overexpression of FOXM1b was sufficient to induce replication stress, micronuclei formation and cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhentian Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - David S. Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Doetsch
- Laboratory of Genomic Integrity and Structural Biology, NIH, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Erica Werner
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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27
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Khademi Z, Lavaee P, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM. Co-delivery of doxorubicin and aptamer against Forkhead box M1 using chitosan-gold nanoparticles coated with nucleolin aptamer for synergistic treatment of cancer cells. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 248:116735. [PMID: 32919550 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Herein, a nanotherapeutic delivery method was presented for co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and aptamer against Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1 Apt) to cancer cells. Firstly, the vehicle composed of chitosan (CS)-Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugate was prepared. Nucleolin aptamer (AS1411) and FOXM1 Apt were loaded onto the CS-AuNPs and formed Aptamers (Apts)-CS-AuNPs. Subsequently, DOX was added to the Apts-CS-AuNPs to obtain the DOX-Apts-CS-AuNPs complex for synergistic treatment of tumor. The data of flow cytometry analysis and fluorescence imaging displayed that the complex was effectively internalized into target cells (A549 and 4T1 cells, nucleolin+) but not into CHO cells as nontarget cells. The results of the MTT assay showed that the complex significantly increased cell mortality in 4T1 and A549 cells compared to CHO cells treated with the complex. The in vivo studies demonstrated that the DOX-Apts-CS-AuNPs complex exhibited more tumor inhibitory effect and less distribution in other organs compared to free DOX.
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MESH Headings
- A549 Cells
- Animals
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/administration & dosage
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacokinetics
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/administration & dosage
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/genetics
- Aptamers, Nucleotide/pharmacokinetics
- CHO Cells
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chitosan/chemistry
- Cricetinae
- Cricetulus
- Doxorubicin/administration & dosage
- Doxorubicin/pharmacokinetics
- Drug Delivery Systems/methods
- Drug Liberation
- Forkhead Box Protein M1/genetics
- Gold/chemistry
- Humans
- Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Metal Nanoparticles/ultrastructure
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Microscopy, Atomic Force
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Phosphoproteins/chemistry
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- RNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Nucleolin
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Khademi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parirokh Lavaee
- Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research, Research Institute for Industrial Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology on Microorganisms, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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28
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Ghandhariyoun N, Jaafari MR, Nikoofal-Sahlabadi S, Taghdisi SM, Moosavian SA. Reducing Doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer by liposomal FOXM1 aptamer: In vitro and in vivo. Life Sci 2020; 262:118520. [PMID: 33010284 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Drug resistance is one of the main obstacles in cancer chemotherapy. The forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is a transcription factor and its overexpression in breast cancer is related to resistance to chemotherapy. In this study, we prepare liposomal FOXM1 aptamer (Lip-FOXM1apt) and evaluate its effects on Doxorubicin (Dox) resistance in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS MTT assay, cell association, cellular uptake, Annexin V-FITC/PI dual staining assay were investigated in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, 4T1. In vivo studies were performed in 4T1 tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. KEY FINDINGS We found that the combination therapy of Dox and Lip-FOXM1apt significantly increases both Dox cytotoxicity on cancer cells as well as Dox-induced apoptosis. Administering Lip-FOXM1apt remarkably improved the anti-tumor efficacy of Dox in mice model that was strikingly more effective than Dox monotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE Taken together, this study provides a new strategy to overcome Dox resistance and merits further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Ghandhariyoun
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Sara Nikoofal-Sahlabadi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Alia Moosavian
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 91775-1365, Mashhad, Iran.
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29
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Wang Y, Wang H, Yan Z, Li G, Hu G, Zhang H, Huang D, Wang Y, Zhang X, Yan Y, Lu Q, Cheng M, Luo S. The critical role of dysregulated Hh-FOXM1-TPX2 signaling in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:116. [PMID: 32723329 PMCID: PMC7388463 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00628-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1), a target of the Hh pathway, is a key oncofetal transcription factor and a master cell cycle regulator. Targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) is an oncogene critical for mitosis. However, how these molecular events affect HCC progression remains unclear. Methods Realtime PCR, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and analyses of datasets TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were conducted to assess the expression of TPX2 and FOXM1 at the mRNA and protein levels in HCC samples or HCC cells. Expression and knockdown of TPX2 and FOXM1 were performed to assess their role in regulating HCC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Dual luciferase report assay and chromosome immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were investigated to seek the FOXM1 binding sites in the promoter of TPX2. Results Specific antagonists (cyclopamine and GANT61) of the Hh pathway down-regulated TPX2, whereas activation of Hh signaling stimulated TPX2 expression. Furthermore, TPX2 over-expression accelerated HCC cell proliferation when upstream events of Hh signaling were inhibited, and TPX2 knockdown significantly alleviated Sonic Hh ligand (Shh)-induced HCC cell proliferation. Reporter assays and ChIP showed that FOXM1 bound to the TPX2 promoter, confirming that TPX2 is a direct downstream target of FOXM1. Xenograft model further verified the cell function and expression regulation of TPX2 and FOXM1 in vivo. Furthermore, FOXM1 regulated TPX2 activity to drive HCC proliferation. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis indicated that FOXM1 and TPX2 were highly-expressed in HCC samples and cohort study revealed that FOXM1 and TPX2 may act as negative predictors for the prognosis of patients with HCC. Conclusions TPX2 acts as a novel downstream target and effector of the Hh pathway, and Hh signaling contributes to HCC proliferation via regulating the FOXM1-TPX2 cascade, suggesting that this signaling axis may be a novel therapeutic target for HCC. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hailong Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhengwei Yan
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohui Hu
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Dengliang Huang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yehong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Quqin Lu
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Minzhang Cheng
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China. .,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Shiwen Luo
- Center for Experimental Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China. .,Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine, 17 Yongwai Street, Donghu District, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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30
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He F, Wen N, Xiao D, Yan J, Xiong H, Cai S, Liu Z, Liu Y. Aptamer-Based Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Current Potential and Challenges. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:2189-2219. [PMID: 30295183 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181008142831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA with 20-100 nucleotides in length that can specifically bind to target molecules via formed three-dimensional structures. These innovative targeting molecules have attracted an increasing interest in the biomedical field. Compared to traditional protein antibodies, aptamers have several advantages, such as small size, high binding affinity, specificity, good biocompatibility, high stability and low immunogenicity, which all contribute to their wide application in the biomedical field. Aptamers can bind to the receptors on the cell membrane and mediate themselves or conjugated nanoparticles to enter into cells. Therefore, aptamers can be served as ideal targeting ligands for drug delivery. Since their excellent properties, different aptamer-mediated drug delivery systems had been developed for cancer therapy. This review provides a brief overview of recent advances in drug delivery systems based on aptamers. The advantages, challenges and future prospectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen He
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Nachuan Wen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Daipeng Xiao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jianhua Yan
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Hongjie Xiong
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Shundong Cai
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhenbao Liu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yanfei Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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Wang L, Lee JY, Gao L, Yin J, Duan Y, Jimenez LA, Adkins GB, Ren W, Li L, Fang J, Wang Y, Song J, Zhong W. A DNA aptamer for binding and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase 1. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:11527-11537. [PMID: 31733056 PMCID: PMC7145629 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) are enzymes responsible for establishing and maintaining DNA methylation in cells. DNMT inhibition is actively pursued in cancer treatment, dominantly through the formation of irreversible covalent complexes between small molecular compounds and DNMTs that suffers from low efficacy and high cytotoxicity, as well as no selectivity towards different DNMTs. Herein, we discover aptamers against the maintenance DNA methyltransferase, DNMT1, by coupling Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) with Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). One of the identified aptamers, Apt. #9, contains a stem-loop structure, and can displace the hemi-methylated DNA duplex, the native substrate of DNMT1, off the protein on sub-micromolar scale, leading for effective enzymatic inhibition. Apt. #9 shows no inhibition nor binding activity towards two de novo DNMTs, DNMT3A and DNMT3B. Intriguingly, it can enter cancer cells with over-expression of DNMT1, colocalize with DNMT1 inside the nuclei, and inhibit the activity of DNMT1 in cells. This study opens the possibility of exploring the aptameric DNMT inhibitors being a new cancer therapeutic approach, by modulating DNMT activity selectively through reversible interaction. The aptamers could also be valuable tools for study of the functions of DNMTs and the related epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ju Yong Lee
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Linfeng Gao
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jiekai Yin
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yaokai Duan
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Luis A Jimenez
- Program in Biomedical Sciences, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Gary Brent Adkins
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wendan Ren
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Linhui Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jian Fang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jikui Song
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Wenwan Zhong
- Department of Chemistry, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
- Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Zhang Z, Bu H, Yu J, Chen Y, Pei C, Yu L, Huang X, Tan G, Tan Y. The cell-penetrating FOXM1 N-terminus (M1-138) demonstrates potent inhibitory effects on cancer cells by targeting FOXM1 and FOXM1-interacting factor SMAD3. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:2882-2896. [PMID: 31244930 PMCID: PMC6568178 DOI: 10.7150/thno.32693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor FOXM1 is involved in stimulating cell proliferation, enhancing DNA damage repair, promoting metastasis of cancer cells, and the inhibition of FOXM1 has been shown to prevent the initiation and progression of multiple cancers and FOXM1 is considered to be an effective target for tumor therapeutic drug development. The N-terminus of FOXM1 has been found to prevent transcriptional activities of FOXM1 and to mediate the interaction between FOXM1 and SMAD3. Methods: A recombinant FOXM1 N-terminal domain (1-138aa) fused with a nine arginine cell-penetrating peptide is produced with an E. coli expression system and named as M1-138. The effects of M1-138 on the proliferation, migration, and tumorigenic ability of cancer cells are analyzed in vitro with cell counting, transwell assays, and colony formation assays. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and Luciferase activity assays are used to test the DNA binding ability and transcriptional activity of transcription factors. The levels of mRNAs and proteins are measured by quantitative-PCR, Western blotting or Immunohistochemistry. The interactions among proteins are analyzed with Pull-down and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays. The nude mouse engrafted tumor models are used to test the inhibitory effects of M1-138 in vivo. Results: M1-138 diminishes the proliferation and migration abilities of cancer cells through binding to FOXM1 and FOXM1-interacting factor SMAD3, and consequently attenuating FOXM1 transcriptional activities from both direct and indirect FOXM1-promoter binding mechanisms and interfering with the interaction between FOXM1 and SMAD3. Treatment of M1-138 prevents tumorigenicity of cancer cells and inhibits tumor growth in nude mouse xenograft models with no obvious signs of toxicity. Conclusion: M1-138 is a promising drug candidate for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics targeting FOXM1 and SMAD3.
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Abnous K, Danesh NM, Ramezani M, Charbgoo F, Bahreyni A, Taghdisi SM. Targeted delivery of doxorubicin to cancer cells by a cruciform DNA nanostructure composed of AS1411 and FOXM1 aptamers. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2018; 15:1045-1052. [PMID: 30269603 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1530656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Here, a novel cruciform DNA nanostructure was developed for targeted delivery of doxorubicin (Dox), as an anticancer agent, to lung (A549 cells) and breast (4T1 cells) cancer cells. The cruciform DNA nanostructure consisted of AS1411 aptamer as targeting agent and Forkhead Box Protein M1(FOXM1) aptamer as therapeutic agent. METHODS MTT assay, fluorescence imaging, flow cytometry analysis, and in vivoantitumor efficacy were performed to evaluate the function of the Dox-DNA nanostructure complex. RESULTS The presented delivery system benefited from tumor targeting, high stability in serum and simple construction. The Dox-DNA nanostructure complex showed a noticeable higher internalization degree into A549 and 4T1 cells (target), overexpressing nucleolin on their cell membranes, compared to CHO cells (nontarget, nucleolin negative). Moreover, the results of MTT assay exhibited that Dox-DNA nanostructure complex significantly decreased cell viability in A549 and 4T1 cells compared to CHO cells, which significantly preserved their viability. Besides, Dox-DNA nanostructure complex significantly reduced tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice in comparison with Dox and DNA nanostructure treatments. CONCLUSION These findings confirmed that synergistic combination of FOXM1 aptamer and Dox into Dox-DNA nanostructure complex enhanced antitumor effectiveness and reduced toxicity toward nontarget cells, opening up new insights in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Abnous
- a Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
- b Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ramezani
- a Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Fahimeh Charbgoo
- a Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Amirhossein Bahreyni
- a Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- d Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
- e Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy , Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mashhad , Iran
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Liao GB, Li XZ, Zeng S, Liu C, Yang SM, Yang L, Hu CJ, Bai JY. Regulation of the master regulator FOXM1 in cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:57. [PMID: 30208972 PMCID: PMC6134757 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXM1 (forkhead box protein M1) is a critical proliferation-associated transcription factor that is widely spatiotemporally expressed during the cell cycle. It is closely involved with the processes of cell proliferation, self-renewal, and tumorigenesis. In most human cancers, FOXM1 is overexpressed, and this indicates a poor prognosis for cancer patients. FOXM1 maintains cancer hallmarks by regulating the expression of target genes at the transcriptional level. Due to its potential role as molecular target in cancer therapy, FOXM1 was named the Molecule of the Year in 2010. However, the mechanism of FOXM1 dysregulation remains indistinct. A comprehensive understanding of FOXM1 regulation will provide novel insight for cancer and other diseases in which FOXM1 plays a major role. Here, we summarize the transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation and post-translational modifications of FOXM1, which will provide extremely important implications for novel strategies targeting FOXM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Bin Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Xin-Zhe Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Shuo Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Shi-Ming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Chang-Jiang Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
| | - Jian-Ying Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400037 China
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Aptamers as Diagnostic Tools in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030086. [PMID: 30208607 PMCID: PMC6160954 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Researchers have been working hard on investigating not only improved therapeutics but also on early detection methods, both critical to increasing treatment efficacy, and developing methods for disease prevention. The use of nucleic acids, or aptamers, has emerged as more specific and accurate cancer diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Aptamers are single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that recognize specific targets based on unique three-dimensional conformations. Despite the fact aptamer development has been mainly restricted to laboratory settings, the unique attributes of these molecules suggest their high potential for clinical advances in cancer detection. Aptamers can be selected for a wide range of targets, and also linked with an extensive variety of diagnostic agents, via physical or chemical conjugation, to improve previously-established detection methods or to be used as novel biosensors for cancer diagnosis. Consequently, herein we review the principal considerations and recent updates in cancer detection and imaging through aptamer-based molecules.
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Yoon S, Rossi JJ. Aptamers: Uptake mechanisms and intracellular applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:22-35. [PMID: 29981799 PMCID: PMC7126894 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The structural flexibility and small size of aptamers enable precise recognition of cellular elements for imaging and therapeutic applications. The process by which aptamers are taken into cells depends on their targets but is typically clathrin-mediated endocytosis or macropinocytosis. After internalization, most aptamers are transported to endosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and occasionally mitochondria and autophagosomes. Intracellular aptamers, or “intramers,” have versatile functions ranging from intracellular RNA imaging, gene regulation, and therapeutics to allosteric modulation, which we discuss in this review. Immune responses to therapeutic aptamers and the effects of G-quadruplex structure on aptamer function are also discussed.
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Wu J, Qin W, Wang Y, Sadik A, Liu J, Wang Y, Song P, Wang X, Sun K, Zeng J, Wang L. SPDEF is overexpressed in gastric cancer and triggers cell proliferation by forming a positive regulation loop with FoxM1. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:9042-9054. [PMID: 30076647 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The SAM-pointed domain-containing ETS transcription factor (SPDEF) is an epithelial-specific transcription factor of the E26 transformation-specific (ETS) family, which binds the target gene through the high-affinity sequence of GGAT. It is suggested that SPDEF targets the promoter activity of Forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1), which has been proven to be highly expressed in gastric cancer. We found that SPDEF was overexpressed both at the messenger RNA (mRNA) and at the protein level in human gastric cancer species. The gastric cancer cells transfected with the SPDEF expression plasmid or SPDEF small interfering RNA (siRNA) led to observations on the clone genetics assay that indicated the promotion or the inhibition of gastric cancer cell proliferation, respectively. Both mRNA and protein levels of FoxM1 were regulated by SPDEF in gastric cancer cells and FoxM1 was also overexpressed in the corresponding human gastric cancer species. The overexpression and inhibition of FoxM1 could upregulate and downregulate the mRNA and protein levels of SPDEF expression, respectively. The recovery experiments verified that the overexpression of FoxM1 could at least partially revert both the expression of SPDEF and the proliferation of the cell lines even with the siRNA inhibition of SPDEF. The result of the dual luciferase activity assay showed that SPDEF bound to the promoter of FoxM1 and activated it. FoxM1 might also bind to the promoter of SPDEF to affect its expression. The results were checked in vivo. In conclusion, SPDEF is overexpressed in gastric cancer, which can form a positive regulation loop with FoxM1 to promote gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wen Qin
- Department of Medical Administration, Shandong University Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Arsil Sadik
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jilan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kaiyue Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiping Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lixiang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Bayraç AT, Donmez SI. Selection of DNA aptamers to Streptococcus pneumonia and fabrication of graphene oxide based fluorescent assay. Anal Biochem 2018; 556:91-98. [PMID: 29964028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Pneumococci are one of the leading causes of infections throughout the world causing problems mainly in children, elderly, and immune-deficient patients. In recent years antibiotic resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains become widespread. Therefore simple, rapid, and specific detection methods are needed for public health. In this study, DNA aptamer probes against S. pneumoniae were selected using bacterial Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) and these probes were integrated in to a graphene oxide (GO) based fluorescent assay. Among the tested aptamers three candidates Lyd-1, Lyd-2 and Lyd-3 showed Kd values of 844.7 ± 123.6, 1984.8 ± 347.5, and 661.8 ± 111.3 nM, respectively. These candidates showed binding affinity to S. pneumoniae and no specific binding to the bacteria used in negative selection. The binding of aptamers were showed by fluorescence spectroscopy and flow cytometry. GO based label-free fluorescent assay developed using Lyd-3 aptamer had a unique detection limit of 15 cfu mL-1. Thus we believe that the selected aptamers and fabricated GO based assay has potential to be used in the detection of S. pneumoniae. Selected aptamers selectively bind to S. pneumonia with anti-pneumococcal potential and holds great potential to be used as molecular probes for identifying and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Tahir Bayraç
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Yunus Emre Campus, 70100 Karaman, Turkey.
| | - Sultan Ilayda Donmez
- Department of Bioengineering, Karamanoglu Mehmetbey University, Yunus Emre Campus, 70100 Karaman, Turkey
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Zhou Z, Liu M, Jiang J. The potential of aptamers for cancer research. Anal Biochem 2018; 549:91-95. [PMID: 29548926 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers are promising alternatives to antibodies and can be used as high affinity agents for the cancer detection and the targeted drug transportation. In this manuscript, we highlight the advantages of aptamers, such as high affinities, specificity and excellent chemical stabilities, which are likely to benefit for the diagnosis of cancer in its early stages and then achieve molecular-level treatment. Also, we discuss the challenges and problems in the current application of aptamers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
| | - Mingying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Jiahuan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Bioengineering College of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China.
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