Dual drug-loaded metal-phenolic networks for targeted magnetic resonance imaging and synergistic chemo-chemodynamic therapy of breast cancer

The development of nanomedicines with simplified compositions and synergistic theranostic functionalities remains a great challenge. Herein, we develop a simple method to integrate both atovaquone (ATO, a mitochondrial inhibitor) and cisplatin within tannic acid (TA)-iron (Fe) networks coated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for targeted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-guided chemo-chemodynamic synergistic therapy. The formed TFP@ATO-HA displayed good colloidal stability with a mean size of 95.5 nm, which could accumulate at tumor sites after circulation and be specifically taken up by metastatic 4T1 cells overexpressing CD44 receptors. In the tumor microenvironment, TFP@ATO-HA could release ATO/cisplatin and Fe3+ in a pH-responsive manner, deplete glutathione, and generate reactive oxygen species with endogenous H2O2 for chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Additionally, ATO could enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy by inhibiting mitochondrial respiration, relieving hypoxia, and amplifying the CDT effect by decreasing intracellular pH and elevating Fenton reaction efficiency. In vivo experiments demonstrated that TFP@ATO-HA could effectively inhibit tumor growth and suppress lung metastases without obvious systemic toxicity. Furthermore, TFP@ATO-HA exhibited a r1 relaxivity of 2.6 mM-1 s-1 and targeted MR imaging of 4T1 tumors. Dual drug-loaded metal-phenolic networks can be easily prepared and act as effective theranostic nanoplatforms for targeted MR imaging and synergistic chemo-chemodynamic therapy.

Selective targeting of IRAK1 attenuates low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-induced stemness and non-canonical STAT3 activation in epithelial ovarian cancer

Advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) survival rates are dishearteningly low, with ~25% surviving beyond 5 years. Evidence suggests that cancer stem cells contribute to acquired chemoresistance and tumor recurrence. Here, we show that IRAK1 is upregulated in EOC tissues, and enhanced expression correlates with poorer overall survival. Moreover, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which is abundant in malignant ascites from patients with advanced EOC, induced IRAK1 phosphorylation leading to STAT3 activation and enhanced spheroid formation. Knockdown of IRAK1 impaired tumor growth in peritoneal disease models, and impaired HA-induced spheroid growth and STAT3 phosphorylation. Finally, we determined that TCS2210, a known inducer of neuronal differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells, is a selective inhibitor of IRAK1. TCS2210 significantly inhibited EOC growth in vitro and in vivo both as monotherapy, and in combination with cisplatin. Collectively, these data demonstrate IRAK1 as a druggable target for EOC.

Navigating the future: Microfluidics charting new routes in drug delivery

Microfluidics has emerged as a transformative force in the field of drug delivery, offering innovative avenues to produce a diverse range of nano drug delivery systems. Thanks to its precise manipulation of small fluid volumes and its exceptional command over the physicochemical characteristics of nanoparticles, this technology is notably able to enhance the pharmacokinetics of drugs. It has initiated a revolutionary phase in the domain of drug delivery, presenting a multitude of compelling advantages when it comes to developing nanocarriers tailored for the delivery of poorly soluble medications. These advantages represent a substantial departure from conventional drug delivery methodologies, marking a paradigm shift in pharmaceutical research and development. Furthermore, microfluidic platformsmay be strategically devised to facilitate targeted drug delivery with the objective of enhancing the localized bioavailability of pharmaceutical substances. In this paper, we have comprehensively investigated a range of significant microfluidic techniques used in the production of nanoscale drug delivery systems. This comprehensive review can serve as a valuable reference and offer insightful guidance for the development and optimization of numerous microfluidics-fabricated nanocarriers.

Targeted drug delivery systems for matrix metalloproteinase-responsive anoparticles in tumor cells: A review

Nanodrug delivery systems based on tumor microenvironment responses have shown excellent performance in tumor-targeted therapy, given their unique targeting and drug-release characteristics. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been widely explored owing to their high specificity and expression in various tumor microenvironments. The design of an enzyme-sensitive nanodelivery system using MMPs as targeted receptors could markedly improve the performance of drug targeting. The current review focuses on the development and application of MMP-responsive drug carriers, and summarizes the classification of single- and multi-target nanocarriers based on their MMP responsiveness. The potential applications and challenges of this nanodrug delivery system are discussed to provide a reference for designing high-performance nanodrug delivery systems.

Advances in the Delivery and Development of Epigenetic Therapeutics for the Treatment of Cancer

Gene expression at the transcriptional level is altered by epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone methylation, and acetylation, which can upregulate, downregulate, or entirely silence genes. Pathological dysregulation of epigenetic processes can result in the development of cancer, neurological problems, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. It is of promising therapeutic interest to find medications that target these epigenetic alterations. Despite the enormous amount of work that has been done in this area, very few molecules have been approved for clinical purposes. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in epigenetic therapeutics for cancer, with a specific focus on emerging delivery and development strategies. Various delivery systems, including pro-drugs, conjugated molecules, nanoparticles (NPs), and liposomes, as well as remedial strategies such as combination therapies, and epigenetic editing, are being investigated to improve the efficacy and specificity of epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs). Furthermore, the challenges associated with available epi-drugs and the limitations of their translation into clinics have been discussed. Target selection, isoform selectivity, physiochemical properties of synthesized molecules, drug screening, and scalability of epi-drugs from preclinical to clinical fields are the major shortcomings that are addressed. This Review discusses novel strategies for the identification of new biomarkers, exploration of the medicinal chemistry of epigenetic modifiers, optimization of the dosage regimen, and design of proper clinical trials that will lead to better utilization of epigenetic modifiers over conventional therapies. The integration of these approaches holds great potential for improving the efficacy and precision of epigenetic treatments, ultimately benefiting cancer patients.

Hyaluronic acid-empowered nanotheranostics in breast and lung cancers therapy

Nanomedicine application in cancer therapy is an urgency because of inability of current biological therapies for complete removal of tumor cells. The development of smart and novel nanoplatforms for treatment of cancer can provide new insight in tumor suppression. Hyaluronic acid is a biopolymer that can be employed for synthesis of smart nanostructures capable of selective targeting CD44-overexpressing tumor cells. The breast and lung cancers are among the most malignant and common tumors in both females and males that environmental factors, lifestyle and genomic alterations are among the risk factors for their pathogenesis and development. Since etiology of breast and lung tumors is not certain and multiple factors participate in their development, preventative measures have not been completely successful and studies have focused on developing new treatment strategies for them. The aim of current review is to provide a comprehensive discussion about application of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures for treatment of breast and lung cancers. The main reason of using hyaluronic acid-based nanoparticles is their ability in targeting breast and lung cancers in a selective way due to upregulation of CD44 receptor on their surface. Moreover, nanocarriers developed from hyaluronic acid or functionalized with hyaluronic acid have high biocompatibility and their safety is appreciated. The drugs and genes used for treatment of breast and lung cancers lack specific accumulation at cancer site and their cytotoxicity is low, but hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures provide their targeted delivery to tumor site and by increasing internalization of drugs and genes in breast and lung tumor cells, they improve their therapeutic index. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures can be used for phototherapy-mediated breast and lung cancers ablation. The stimuli-responsive and smart kinds of hyaluronic acid-based nanostructures such as pH- and light-responsive can increase selective targeting of breast and lung cancers.

Nano-mediated strategy for targeting and treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, with over 2.1 million cases diagnosed annually worldwide. It has a high incidence and mortality rate, leading to extensive research into various treatment options, including the use of nanomaterial-based carriers for drug delivery. With regard to cancer treatment, the distinct biological and physico-chemical features of nano-structures have acquired considerable impetus as drug delivery system (DDS) for delivering medication combinations or combining diagnostics and targeted therapy. This review focuses on the use of nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of lung cancer, including the use of lipid, polymer, and carbon-based nanomaterials for traditional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and phototherapy. The review also discusses the potential of stimuli-responsive nanomaterials for drug delivery in lung cancer, and the limitations and opportunities for improving the design of nano-based materials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Nanorod/nanodisk-integrated liquid crystalline systems for starvation, chemodynamic, and photothermal therapy of cancer

Indocyanine green (ICG), glucose oxidase (GOx), and copper(II) sulfate (Cu)-installed hybrid gel based on organic nanorod (cellulose nanocrystal [CNC]) and inorganic nanodisk (Laponite [LAP]) was developed to perform a combination of starvation therapy (ST), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT) for localized cancers. A hybrid CNC/LAP network with a nematic phase was designed to enable instant gelation, controlled viscoelasticity, syringe injectability, and longer in vivo retention. Moreover, ICG was introduced into the CNC/LAP gel system to induce hyperthermia of tumor tissue, amplifying the CDT effect; GOx was used for glucose deprivation (related to the Warburg effect); and Cu was introduced for hydroxyl radical generation (based on Fenton-like chemistry) and cellular glutathione (GSH) degradation in cancer cells. The ICG/GOx/Cu-installed CNC/LAP gel in combination with near-infrared (NIR) laser realized improved antiproliferation, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular GSH degradation, and apoptosis induction in colorectal cancer (CT-26) cells. In addition, local injection of the CNC/ICG/GOx/Cu/LAP gel into the implanted CT-26 tumor while irradiating it with NIR laser provided strong tumor growth suppression effects. In conclusion, the designed hybrid nanorod/nanodisk gel network can be efficiently applied to the local PTT/ST/CDT of cancer cells.

Nanomedicine and epigenetics: New alliances to increase the odds in pancreatic cancer survival

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest cancers worldwide, primarily due to its robust desmoplastic stroma and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, fibrous tissue leads to sparse vasculature, high interstitial fluid pressure, and hypoxia, thereby hindering effective systemic drug delivery and immune cell infiltration. Thus, remodeling the TME to enhance tumor perfusion, increase drug retention, and reverse immunosuppression has become a key therapeutic strategy. In recent years, targeting epigenetic pathways has emerged as a promising approach to overcome tumor immunosuppression and cancer progression. Moreover, the progress in nanotechnology has provided new opportunities for enhancing the efficacy of conventional and epigenetic drugs. Nano-based drug delivery systems (NDDSs) offer several advantages, including improved drug pharmacokinetics, enhanced tumor penetration, and reduced systemic toxicity. Smart NDDSs enable precise targeting of stromal components and augment the effectiveness of immunotherapy through multiple drug delivery options. This review offers an overview of the latest nano-based approaches developed to achieve superior therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. We specifically focus on the TME and epigenetic-targeted therapies in the context of PDAC, discussing the advantages and limitations of current strategies while highlighting promising new developments. By emphasizing the immense potential of NDDSs in improving therapeutic outcomes in PDAC, our review paves the way for future research in this rapidly evolving field.

Extracellular matrix component-derived nanoparticles for drug delivery and tissue engineering

The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of a complex combination of proteins, proteoglycans, and other biomolecules. ECM-based materials have been demonstrated to have high biocompatibility and bioactivity, which may be harnessed for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Herein, nanoparticles incorporating ECM-based materials and their applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering are reviewed. Proteins such as gelatin, collagen, and fibrin as well as glycosaminoglycans including hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, and heparin have been employed for cancer therapeutic delivery, gene delivery, and wound healing and regenerative medicine. Strategies for modifying and functionalizing these materials with synthetic and natural polymers or to enable stimuli-responsive degradation and drug release have increased the efficacy of these materials and nano-systems. The incorporation and modification of ECM-based materials may be used to drive drug targeting and increase tissue-specific cell differentiation more effectively.

Cuproptosis-Inducible Chemotherapeutic/Cascade Catalytic Reactor System for Combating with Breast Cancer

Cascade hydroxyl radical generating hydrogel reactor structures including a chemotherapeutic agent are invented for multiple treatment of breast cancer. Glucose oxidase (GOx) and cupric sulfate (Cu) are introduced for transforming accumulated glucose (in cancer cells) to hydroxyl radicals for starvation/chemodynamic therapy. Cu may also suppress cancer cell growth via cuproptosis-mediated cell death. Berberine hydrochloride (BER) is engaged as a chemotherapeutic agent in the hydrogel reactor for combining with starvation/chemodynamic/cuproptosis therapeutic modalities. Moreover, Cu is participated as a gel crosslinker by coordinating with catechol groups in hyaluronic acid-dopamine (HD) polymer. Controlling viscoelasticity of hydrogel reactor can extend the retention time following local injection and provide sustained drug release patterns. Low biodegradation rate of designed HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel can reduce dosing frequency in local cancer therapy and avoid invasiveness-related inconveniences. Especially, it is anticipated that HD/BER/GOx/Cu hydrogel system can be applied for reducing size of breast cancer prior to surgery as well as tumor growth suppression in clinical application.

Design of functional nanoparticles by microfluidic platforms as advanced drug delivery systems for cancer therapy

Nanoparticle systems are functional carriers that can be used in the cancer therapy field for the delivery of a variety of hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic drugs. Recently, the advent of microfluidic platforms represents an advanced approach to the development of new nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Particularly, microfluidics can simplify the design of new nanoparticle-based systems with tunable physicochemical properties such as size, size distribution and morphology, ensuring high batch-to-batch reproducibility and consequently, an enhanced therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo. In this perspective, we present accurate state-of-the-art microfluidic platforms focusing on the fabrication of polymer-based, lipid-based, lipid/polymer-based, inorganic-based and metal-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

Anti-proliferation effects of Apatinib in combination with Curcumin in breast cancer cells

OBJECTIVES

Despite remarkable development of new therapeutic strategies to improve survival rates and treatment of patients with cancer, there are still many limitations in management of patients with distant metastasis breast cancer. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a novel method to enhance therapeutic efficacy of Apatinib (as a chemotherapeutic agent) by co-administration of Curcumin (as a bioactive herbal compound) in breast cancer treatment.

METHODS

Effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and their combinations (Apa-Cur) was evaluated on viability and proliferation of breast cell line (MCF7) by MTT assay. Moreover, effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa-Cur was investigated on apoptosis rate in the cancer cells. Expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, SMAC, BCL2, and SURVIVIN) in treated cancer cells and untreated controls were evaluated using the Real-Time PCR method.

RESULTS

The obtained results showed that all treatments of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa-Cur significantly decreased viability and proliferation of the breast cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. However, anti-proliferation activity of Apa-Cur combination was significantly higher than Apatinib and Curcumin treatment alone. In addition, Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa-Cur increased apoptosis percentage in the treated cancer cells through regulation of apoptosis-related genes expression.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, Apa-Cur combination therapy exerts more profound anti-proliferation effects on breast cancer cell than Apatinib or Curcumin monotherapy. However, further studies are required to identify other possible signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in the anticancer effects of Apatinib, Curcumin, and Apa-Cur.

Ferrocene and glucose oxidase-installed multifunctional hydrogel reactors for local cancer therapy

A hyaluronic acid (HA)-based one-pot hydrogel reactor with single syringe injection and immediate gelation was developed for starvation therapy (ST), chemodynamic therapy (CDT), ferroptosis, and photothermal therapy (PTT) against breast cancer. A rheologically tuned hydrogel network, composed of HA-phenylboronic acid (HP) and HA-dopamine (HD), was designed by introducing a boronate ester linkage (phenylboronic acid-dopamine interaction) and polydopamine bond (pH control). Ferrocene (Fc)-conjugated HP (Fc-HP) was synthesized to achieve ferroptosis, Fenton reaction-involved toxic hydroxyl radical (^•OH) generation, and photothermal ablation in cancer therapy. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was entrapped in the pH-modulated Fc-HP (Fc-HP°)/HD hydrogel network for converting intracellular glucose to H₂O₂ to enable its own supply. The GOx/Fc combination-installed hydrogel reactor system can provide sustained ST/CDT/PTT functions along with ferroptosis. Injection of Fc-HP°/HD/GOx hydrogel with single-syringe injectability, shear-thinning feature, and self-healing capability offered a slow biodegradation rate and high safety profiles. Peritumorally injected Fc-HP°/HD/GOx hydrogel also efficiently suppressed the growth of breast cancer based on multifunctional therapeutic approaches with reduced dosing frequency. Hyperthermia induced by near-infrared (NIR) laser absorption may amplify the therapeutic effects of free radicals. It is expected that this Fc-HP°/HD/GOx hydrogel system can be applied to local cancer therapy with high efficacy and safety profiles.

HDAC inhibitors: Targets for tumor therapy, immune modulation and lung diseases

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are enzymes that play a key role in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by remodeling chromatin. Inhibition of HDACs is a prospective therapeutic approach for reversing epigenetic alteration in several diseases. In preclinical research, numerous types of HDAC inhibitors were discovered to exhibit powerful and selective anticancer properties. However, such research has revealed that the effects of HDAC inhibitors may be far broader and more intricate than previously thought. This review will provide insight into the HDAC inhibitors and their mechanism of action with special emphasis on the significance of HDAC inhibitors in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and lung cancer. Nanocarrier-mediated HDAC inhibitor delivery and new approaches for targeting HDACs are also discussed.

Stimuli-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems for the Diagnosis and Therapy of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Numerous drugs have been developed to treat lung cancer patients in recent years, whereas most of these drugs have undesirable adverse effects due to nonspecific distribution in the body. To address this problem, stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems are imparted with unique characteristics and specifically deliver loaded drugs at lung cancer tissues on the basis of internal tumor microenvironment or external stimuli. This review summarized recent studies focusing on the smart carriers that could respond to light, ultrasound, pH, or enzyme, and provided a promising strategy for lung cancer therapy.

HDAC Inhibitors: Innovative Strategies for Their Design and Applications

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a large family of epigenetic metalloenzymes that are involved in gene transcription and regulation, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death, as well as angiogenesis. Particularly, disorders of the HDACs expression are linked to the development of many types of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, making them interesting molecular targets for the design of new efficient drugs and imaging agents that facilitate an early diagnosis of these diseases. Thus, their selective inhibition or degradation are the basis for new therapies. This is supported by the fact that many HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) are currently under clinical research for cancer therapy, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved some of them. In this review, we will focus on the recent advances and latest discoveries of innovative strategies in the development and applications of compounds that demonstrate inhibitory or degradation activity against HDACs, such as PROteolysis-TArgeting Chimeras (PROTACs), tumor-targeted HDACis (e.g., folate conjugates and nanoparticles), and imaging probes (positron emission tomography (PET) and fluorescent ligands).

Advances in Hyaluronic-Acid-Based (Nano)Devices for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is the main cause of fatality all over the world with a considerable growth rate. Many biologically active nanoplatforms are exploited for tumor treatment. Of nanodevices, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based systems have shown to be promising candidates for cancer therapy due to their high biocompatibility and cell internalization. Herein, surface functionalization of different nanoparticles (NPs), e.g., organic- and inorganic-based NPs, is highlighted. Subsequently, HA-based nanostructures and their applications in cancer therapy are presented.

Recent advances in nanomedicine-based delivery of histone deacetylase inhibitors for cancer therapy

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are cancer therapeutics that operate at the epigenetic level and which have recently gained wide attention. However, the applications of HDACi are generally hindered by their poor physicochemical characteristics and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile. Inspired by the approved nanomedicine-based drugs in the market, nanocarriers could provide a resort to circumvent the limitations imposed by HDACi. Enhanced tumor targeting, improved cellular uptake and reduced toxicity are major advantages offered by HDACi-loaded nanoparticles. More importantly, site-specific drug delivery can be achieved via engineered stimuli-responsive nanosystems. In this review we elucidate the anticancer mechanisms of HDACi and their structure-activity relationships, with a special focus on their nanomedicine-based delivery, different drug loading concepts and their implications.

Polypseudorotaxane and polydopamine linkage-based hyaluronic acid hydrogel network with a single syringe injection for sustained drug delivery

Polypseudorotaxane structure and polydopamine bond-based crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels including donepezil-loaded microspheres were developed for subcutaneous injection. Both dopamine and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were covalently bonded to the HA polymer for catechol polymerization and inclusion complexation with alpha-cyclodextrin (α-CD), respectively. A PEG chain of HA-dopamine-PEG (HD-PEG) conjugate was threaded with α-CD to make a polypseudorotaxane structure and its pH was adjusted to 8.5 for dopamine polymerization. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/donepezil microsphere (PDM) was embedded into the HD-PEG network for its sustained release. The HD-PEG/α-CD/PDM 8.5 hydrogel system exhibited an immediate gelation pattern, injectability through single syringe, self-healing ability, and shear-thinning behavior. Donepezil was released from the HD-PEG/α-CD/PDM 8.5 hydrogel in a sustained pattern. Following subcutaneous injection, the weight of excised HD-PEG/α-CD/PDM 8.5 hydrogel was higher than the other groups on day 14. These findings support the clinical feasibility of the HD-PEG/α-CD/PDM 8.5 hydrogel for subcutaneous injection.

Triple negative breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer: Clinical challenges and nano-formulation approaches

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are amongst the most aggressive forms of solid tumors. TNBC is highlighted by absence of genetic components of progesterone receptor, HER2/neu and estrogen receptor in breast cancer. NSCLC is characterized by integration of malignant carcinoma into respiratory system. Both cancers are associated with poor median and overall survival rates with low progression free survival with high incidences of relapse. These cancers are characterized by tumor heterogeneity, genetic mutations, generation of cancer-stem cells, immune-resistance and chemoresistance. Further, these neoplasms have been reported for tumor cross-talk into second primary cancers for each other. Current chemotherapeutic regimens include usage of multiple agents in tandem to affect tumor cells through multiple mechanisms with various such combinations being clinically tested. However, lack of controlled delivery and effective temporospatial presence of chemotherapeutics has resulted in suboptimal therapeutic response. Consequently, passive targeted albumin bound paclitaxel and PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin have been clinically used and tested with newer drugs for improved therapeutic efficacy in these cancers. Active targeting of nanocarriers against surface overexpressed proteins in both neoplasms have been explored. However, use of single agent nanoparticulate formulations against both cancers have failed to elicit desired outcomes. This review aims to identify clinical unmet need in these cancers while establishing a correlation with tested nano-formulation approaches and issues with preclinical to clinical translation. Lipid and polymer-based drug-drug and drug-gene combinatorial nanocarriers delivering multiple chemotherapeutics simultaneously to desired site of action have been detailed. Finally, emerging opportunities such as pharmacological targets (immune check point and epigentic modulators) as well as gene-based modulation (siRNA/CRISPR/Cas9) and the nano-formulation challenges for effective treatment of both cancers have been explored.

Trichostatin A promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell migration and EMT through BRD4/ERK1/2-dependent pathway

Background

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been demonstrated to be aberrantly activated in tumorigenesis and cancer development. Thus, HDAC inhibitors (HDACIs) are considered to be promising anti‐cancer therapeutics. However, recent studies have shown that HDACIs promote the migration of many cancer cells. Therefore, there is a need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HDACIs on cancer cell migration to establish a combination therapy that overcomes HDACI‐induced cell migration.

Methods

KYSE‐150 and EC9706 cells were treated differently. Effects of drugs and siRNA treatment on tumor cell migration and cell signaling pathways were investigated by transwell migration assy. Gene expression for SNAI2 was tested by RT‐qPCR. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the level of E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, vimentin,Slug，ERK1/2, H3, PAI‐1 and BRD4. The effect of drugs on cell morphology was evaluated through phase‐contrast microscopic images.

Results

TSA promotes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ESCC cells by downregulating the epithelial marker E‐cadherin and upregulating mesenchymal markers β‐catenin, vimentin, Slug, and PAI‐1. Knockdown of Slug by siRNA or inhibition of PAI‐1 clearly suppressed TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration and resulted in the reversal of TSA‐triggered E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, and vimentin expression. However, no crosstalk between Slug and PAI‐1 was observed in TSA‐treated ESCC cells. Blocking ERK1/2 activation also inhibited TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration, EMT, and upregulation of Slug and PAI‐1 levels in ESCC cells. Interestingly, inhibition of BRD4 suppressed TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration and attenuated TSA‐induced ERK1/2 activation and upregulation of Slug and PAI‐1 levels.

Conclusions

Our data indicate the existence of at least two separable ERK1/2‐dependent signaling pathways in TSA‐mediated ESCC cell migration: an ERK1/2–Slug branch and an ERK1/2‐PAI‐1 branch. Both branches of TSA‐induced ESCC cell migration appear to favor the EMT process, while BRD4 is responsible for two separable ERK1/2‐dependent signaling pathways in TSA‐mediated ESCC cell migration.

Nanoparticle-Based Therapies for Turning Cold Tumors Hot: How to Treat an Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment

Nanotechnologies are rapidly increasing their role in immuno-oncology in line with the need for novel therapeutic strategies to treat patients unresponsive to chemotherapies and immunotherapies. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has emerged as critical for tumor classification and patient stratification to design better treatments. Notably, the tumor infiltration of effector T cells plays a crucial role in antitumor responses and has been identified as the primary parameter to define hot, immunosuppressed, excluded, and cold tumors. Organic and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been applied as carriers of new targeted therapies to turn cold or altered (i.e., immunosuppressed or excluded) tumors into more therapeutically responsive hot tumors. This mini-review discusses the significant advances in NP-based approaches to turn immunologically cold tumors into hot ones.

Endogenous Enzyme-responsive Nanoplatforms for Anti-tumor Therapy

The emergency of responsive drug delivery systems has contributed to reduced cytotoxicity, improved permeability in tissues and extended circulation time of the active drug. In particular, enzyme-responsive nanoplatforms have attracted a lot of attention due to the specificity and efficiency of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction. In this review, enzyme-based mono responsive drug delivery systems designed in the past 5 years have been summarized. These drug delivery systems were introduced by different tumor-related enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinase, esterase, hyaluronidase, caspase and cathepsin. Moreover, the enzyme-sensitive nanoplatforms activated by dual-stimuli have been also described. Although great progress had been made in the past years, the translation into clinical practice is still difficult. Thus, three obstacles (enzyme heterogeneity, reaction environment, animal model) were also discussed. In short, enzyme-activated drug delivery systems offer great potential in treating cancers.

Construction of a tumor microenvironment pH-responsive cleavable PEGylated hyaluronic acid nano-drug delivery system for colorectal cancer treatment

In order to improve active tumor targeting, tumor cell uptake efficiency and circulation time of doxorubicin (DOX) in vivo, we constructed a cleavable PEGylated hyaluronic acid nano-drug delivery system (HA-mPEG2k-DOX) based on a tumor microenvironment pH-responsive imine bond. In this study, HA-mPEG2k-DOX can self-assemble into stable nanoparticles (HA-mPEG2k-DOX NPs) with a particle size of 50 nm. And the NPs can efficiently target CD44 positive CT26 cells and the pH-responsive cleavable PEG shell can be detached under weakly acidic environments and effectively promote the cellular uptake of HA-DOX NPs. Compared with DOX·HCl, the HA-mPEG2k-DOX NPs can significantly increase the DOX circulation time by 12.5 times, efficiently target the tumor tissues of CT26 tumor-bearing mice and remain for 72 hours. Therefore, the antitumor results in vivo indicated that the HA-mPEG2k-DOX NPs have the best anti-tumor effect while reducing the toxicity of the DOX. Overall, the cleavable PEGylated HA-mPEG2k-DOX NPs responding to pH-sensitive imine bonds, while actively targeting CD44-positive tumor cells, improve the dilemma of cellular uptake and delivery by the PEGylated nano delivery system.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Hype or Hope?

Epigenetic modulation, including acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination, plays a pivotal role in regulation of gene expression. Histone acetylation-a balance between the activities of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs)-is one of the key epigenetic events. Our understanding of the role of HDACs in cancer is evolving. A number of HDAC isoenzymes are overexpressed in a variety of malignancies. Aberrant histone acetylation is associated with dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes leading to development of several solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that HDAC-1 gene expression is associated with lung cancer progression. Histone hypoacetylation is associated with more aggressive phenotype in adenocarcinoma of the lung. HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have pleiotropic cellular effects and induce the expression of pro-apoptotic genes/proteins, cause cellular differentiation and/or cell cycle arrest, inhibit angiogenesis, and inhibit transition to a mesenchymal phenotype. Consequently, treatment with HDACi has shown anti-proliferative activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Despite promising results in pre-clinical studies, HDACi have shown only modest single agent activity in lung cancer clinical trials. HDAC activation has been implicated as one of the mechanisms causing resistance to chemotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibition. Therefore, there is a growing interest in combining HDACi with these agents to enhance their efficacy or reverse resistance. In this paper, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence for the use of HDACi in NSCLC. We also review the challenges precluding widespread clinical utility of HDACi as a cancer therapy and future directions.

Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of nanocarriers in vivo and their influences

As one of the most promising and effective delivery systems for targeted controlled-release drugs, nanocarriers (NCs) have been widely studied. Although the development of nanoparticle preparations is very prosperous, the safety and effectiveness of NCs are not guaranteed and cannot be precisely controlled due to the unclear processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME), as well as the drug release mechanism of NCs in the body. Thus, the approval of NCs for clinical use is extremely rare. This paper reviews the research progress and challenges of using NCs in vivo based on a review of several hundred closely related publications. First, the ADME of NCs under different administration routes is summarized; second, the influences of the physical, chemical, and biosensitive properties, as well as targeted modifications of NCs on their disposal process, are systematically analyzed; third, the tracer technology related to the in vivo study of NCs is elaborated; and finally, the challenges and perspectives of nanoparticle research in vivo are introduced. This review may help readers to understand the current research progress and challenges of nanoparticles in vivo, as well as of tracing technology in nanoparticle research, to help researchers to design safer and more efficient NCs. Furthermore, this review may aid researchers in choosing or exploring more suitable tracing technologies to further advance the development of nanotechnology.

Hyaluronic Acid-Coated Camptothecin Nanocrystals for Targeted Drug Delivery to Enhance Anticancer Efficacy

Tumor-targeted drug delivery via chemotherapy is very effective on cancer treatment. For potential anticancer agent such as Camptothecin (CPT), high chemotherapeutic efficacy and accurate tumor targeting are equally crucial. Inspired by special CD44 binding capability from hyaluronic acid (HA), in this study, novel HA-coated CPT nanocrystals were successfully prepared by an antisolvent precipitation method for tumor-targeted delivery of hydrophobic drug CPT. These HA-coated CPT nanocrystals demonstrated high drug loading efficiency, improved aqueous dispersion, prolonged circulation, and enhanced stability resulting from their nanoscaled sizes and hydrophilic HA layer. Moreover, as compared to crude CPT and naked CPT nanocrystals, HA-coated CPT nanocrystals displayed dramatically enhanced in vitro anticancer activity, apoptosis-inducing potency against CD44 overexpressed cancer cells, and lower toxic effect toward normal cells due to pH-responsive drug release behavior and specific HA-CD44 mediated endocytosis. Additionally, HA-coated CPT nanocrystals performed fairly better antimigration activity and biocompatibility. The possible molecular mechanism regarding this novel drug formulation might be linked to intrinsic mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by an increase of Bax to Bcl-2 ratio and upregulation of P53. Consequently, HA-coated CPT nanocrystals are expected to be an effective nanoplatform in drug delivery for cancer therapy.

Nanotechnology-Based Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been approved and achieved success in hematologic malignancies. But its application in solid tumors still confronts big challenges and is hampered by low treatment efficacy. Nanotechnology has been widely applied in cancer therapy, and nanomedicine could improve drug stability, prolong the circulation half-life, and increase intratumoral drug accumulation. Therefore, nanomedicine is a promising strategy to enhance HDACi therapy efficacy. The review provides a summary of the advances of HDACi nanomedicines with a focus on the design principles of the targeting delivery systems for HDACi.