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Wang G, Zhang M, Lai W, Gao Y, Liao S, Ning Q, Tang S. Tumor Microenvironment Responsive RNA Drug Delivery Systems: Intelligent Platforms for Sophisticated Release. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 39056442 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant health concern, increasingly showing insensitivity to traditional treatments, highlighting the urgent need for safer and more practical treatment options. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) gene therapy drugs have demonstrated promising potential in preclinical and clinical trials for antitumor therapy by regulating tumor-related gene expression. However, RNA's poor membrane permeability and stability restrict its effectiveness in entering and being utilized in cells. An appropriate delivery system is crucial for achieving targeted tumor effects. The tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by acidity, hypoxia, enzyme overexpression, elevated glutathione (GSH) concentration, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), is essential for tumor survival. Furthermore, these distinctive features can also be harnessed to develop intelligent drug delivery systems. Various nanocarriers that respond to the TME have been designed for RNA drug delivery, showing the advantages of tumor targeting and low toxicity. This Review discusses the abnormal changes of components in TME, therapeutic RNAs' roles, underlying mechanisms, and the latest developments in utilizing vectors that respond to microenvironments for treating tumors. We hope it provides insight into creating and optimizing RNA delivery vectors to improve their effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guihua Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Mengxia Zhang
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Weiwei Lai
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Shuxian Liao
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
| | - Qian Ning
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Shengsong Tang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Antibody-Based Drug and Intelligent Delivery System, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hunan University of Medicine, Huaihua 418000, China
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
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Fan L, Tong W, Wei A, Mu X. Progress of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) delivery system in tumor treatment. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 275:133680. [PMID: 38971291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) can use the intrinsic protein degradation system in cells to degrade pathogenic target proteins, and are currently a revolutionary frontier of development strategy for tumor treatment with small molecules. However, the poor water solubility, low cellular permeability, and off-target side effects of most PROTACs have prevented them from passing the preclinical research stage of drug development. This requires the use of appropriate delivery systems to overcome these challenging hurdles and ensure precise delivery of PROTACs towards the tumor site. Therefore, the combination of PROTACs and multifunctional delivery systems will open up new research directions for targeted degradation of tumor proteins. In this review, we systematically reviewed the design principles and the most recent advances of various PROTACs delivery systems. Moreover, the constructive strategies for developing multifunctional PROTACs delivery systems were proposed comprehensively. This review aims to deepen the understanding of PROTACs drugs and promote the further development of PROTACs delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianlian Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China
| | - Weifang Tong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anhui Wei
- Jilin University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xupeng Mu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, China.
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de Castro KC, Coco JC, Dos Santos ÉM, Ataide JA, Martinez RM, do Nascimento MHM, Prata J, da Fonte PRML, Severino P, Mazzola PG, Baby AR, Souto EB, de Araujo DR, Lopes AM. Pluronic® triblock copolymer-based nanoformulations for cancer therapy: A 10-year overview. J Control Release 2023; 353:802-822. [PMID: 36521691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a review of the literature on the use of Pluronic® triblock copolymers for drug encapsulation over the last 10 years. A special focus is given to the progress of drug delivery systems (e.g., micelles, liposomes, micro/nanoemulsions, hydrogels and nanogels, and polymersomes and niosomes); the beneficial aspects of Pluronic® triblock copolymers as biological response modifiers and as pharmaceutical additives, adjuvants, and stabilizers, are also discussed. The advantages and limitations encountered in developing site-specific targeting approaches based on Pluronic-based nanostructures in cancer treatment are highlighted, in addition to innovative examples for improving tumor cytotoxicity while reducing side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julia Cedran Coco
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Janaína Artem Ataide
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | | | | | - João Prata
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Ricardo Martins Lopes da Fonte
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal; Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy at Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal; Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, Portugal; Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Severino
- Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology Laboratory (LNMed), Institute of Technology and Research (ITP) and Tiradentes University, Aracaju, Brazil
| | - Priscila Gava Mazzola
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - André Rolim Baby
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Eliana Barbosa Souto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; REQUIMTE/UCIBIO, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - André Moreni Lopes
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.
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Nanoparticle-Mediated Delivery of STAT3 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Lung Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122787. [PMID: 36559280 PMCID: PMC9781630 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a common malignancy worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important transcription factor that not only regulates different hallmarks of cancer, such as tumorigenesis, cell proliferation, and metastasis but also regulates the occurrence and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Abnormal STAT3 activity has been found in a variety of cancers, including lung cancer, and its phosphorylation level is associated with a poor prognosis of lung cancer. Therefore, the STAT3 pathway may represent a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of lung cancer. To date, various types of STAT3 inhibitors, including natural compounds, small molecules, and gene-based therapies, have been developed through direct and indirect strategies, although most of them are still in the preclinical or early clinical stages. One of the main obstacles to the development of STAT3 inhibitors is the lack of an effective targeted delivery system to improve their bioavailability and tumor targetability, failing to fully demonstrate their anti-tumor effects. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in STAT3 targeting strategies, as well as the applications of nanoparticle-mediated targeted delivery of STAT3 inhibitors in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Teng XQ, Qu J, Li GH, Zhuang HH, Qu Q. Small Interfering RNA for Gliomas Treatment: Overcoming Hurdles in Delivery. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:824299. [PMID: 35874843 PMCID: PMC9304887 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.824299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are central nervous system tumors originating from glial cells, whose incidence and mortality rise in coming years. The current treatment of gliomas is surgery combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, developing therapeutic resistance is one of the significant challenges. Recent research suggested that small interfering RNA (siRNA) has excellent potential as a therapeutic to silence genes that are significantly involved in the manipulation of gliomas’ malignant phenotypes, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune escape. However, it is challenging to deliver the naked siRNA to the action site in the cells of target tissues. Therefore, it is urgent to develop delivery strategies to transport siRNA to achieve the optimal silencing effect of the target gene. However, there is no systematic discussion about siRNAs’ clinical potential and delivery strategies in gliomas. This review mainly discusses siRNAs’ delivery strategies, especially nanotechnology-based delivery systems, as a potential glioma therapy. Moreover, we envisage the future orientation and challenges in translating these findings into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hai-Hui Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Qiang Qu,
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Singla P, Garg S, McClements J, Jamieson O, Peeters M, Mahajan RK. Advances in the therapeutic delivery and applications of functionalized Pluronics: A critical review. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 299:102563. [PMID: 34826745 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2021.102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pluronic (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymers can form nano-sized micelles with a structure composed of a hydrophobic PPO core and hydrophilic PEO shell layer. Pluronics are U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved polymers, which are widely used for solubilization of drugs and their delivery, gene/therapeutic delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering applications due to their non-ionic properties, non-toxicity, micelle forming ability, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Although Pluronics have been employed as drug carrier systems for several decades, numerous issues such as rapid dissolution, shorter residence time in biological media, fast clearance and weak mechanical strength have hindered their efficacy. Pluronics have been functionalized with pH-sensitive, biological-responsive moieties, antibodies, aptamers, folic acid, drugs, different nanoparticles, and photo/thermo-responsive hydrogels. These functionalization strategies enable Pluronics to act as stimuli responsive and targeted drug delivery vehicles. Moreover, Pluronics have emerged in nano-emulsion formulations and have been utilized to improve the properties of cubosomes, dendrimers and nano-sheets, including their biocompatibility and aqueous solubility. Functionalization of Pluronics results in the significant improvement of target specificity, loading capacity, biocompatibility of nanoparticles and stimuli responsive hydrogels for the promising delivery of a range of drugs. Therefore, this review presents an overview of all advancements (from the last 15 years) in functionalized Pluronics, providing a valuable tool for industry and academia in order to optimize their use in drug or therapeutic delivery, in addition to several other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Singla
- School of Engineering, Merz Court, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Saweta Garg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India
| | - Jake McClements
- School of Engineering, Merz Court, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Oliver Jamieson
- School of Engineering, Merz Court, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Marloes Peeters
- School of Engineering, Merz Court, Claremont Road, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
| | - Rakesh Kumar Mahajan
- Department of Chemistry, UGC-Centre for Advanced Studies-I, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 143005, India.
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Conte C, Dal Poggetto G, Schiano Di Cola V, Russo A, Ungaro F, Russo G, Laurienzo P, Quaglia F. PEGylated cationic nanoassemblies based on triblock copolymers to combine siRNA therapeutics with anticancer drugs. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:6251-6265. [PMID: 34369494 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00909e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, the clinical administration of siRNA therapeutics is still challenging due to the need of safe and efficient delivery carriers. In this context, biodegradable and amphiphilic triblock copolymers (ABC) containing amine-based cationic segments could be a powerful tool for siRNA delivery. Herein, we propose a range of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-poly(2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate) (pDMAEMA)-polycaprolactone (PCL) copolymers with different lengths of the blocks and hydrophilic/lipophilic balance to deliver siRNA alone or in association with a conventional anticancer drug. mPEG-pDMAEMA-PCL copolymers were synthesized by a combination of techniques and characterized by NMR analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Copolymers were then employed to prepare NPs through nanoprecipitation. NPs based on copolymers with long PCL chains (SSL-NPs and LLL-NPs) showed the best colloidal properties and a highly stable core-shell structure with a better orientation of the PEG fringe on the surface. Concerning siRNA delivery, SSL-NPs based on copolymers with short PEG and pDMAEMA chains showed optimized ability to complex and then deliver siRNA at the cell level. The strong interaction between the nucleic acid and the cationic pDMAEMA blocks of NPs was then confirmed by release studies that showed a sustained release of siRNA within 48 h. The transfection efficiency of NPs was assessed in human melanoma cells. NPs were complexed with a therapeutic siRNA against TUBB3 (TUB-siRNA). We observed the best results with SSL-NPs, probably due to the higher preserved buffer capacity of the pDMAEMA blocks. Finally, in order to give a proof of concept of a possible application in the combined chemo/gene-therapy of cancer, SSL-NPs complexed with TUB-siRNA were loaded with docetaxel (DTX) and then cytotoxicity was evaluated in the same cell line. The co-delivery of TUB-siRNA into NPs appeared to strongly potentiate the anti-proliferative activity of DTX, thus highlighting the combinatory activity of the NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Conte
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Dal Poggetto
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Viola Schiano Di Cola
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Annapina Russo
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ungaro
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Giulia Russo
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Paola Laurienzo
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Quaglia
- Drug Delivery Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy. and Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Napoli, Italy.
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