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Merlin JPJ, Abrahamse H. Optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 precision: Mitigating off-target effects for safe integration with photodynamic and stem cell therapies in cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117516. [PMID: 39332185 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117516] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/29/2024] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 precision genome editing has revolutionized cancer treatment by introducing specific alterations to the cancer genome. But the therapeutic potential of CRISPR/Cas9 is limited by off-target effects, which can cause undesired changes to genomic regions and create major safety concerns. The primary emphasis lies in their implications within the realm of cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), where precision is paramount. PDT is a promising cancer treatment method; nevertheless, its effectiveness is severely limited and readily leads to recurrence due to the therapeutic resistance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). With a focus on targeted genome editing into cancer cells during PDT and stem cell treatment (SCT), the review aims to further the ongoing search for safer and more accurate CRISPR/Cas9-mediated methods. At the core of this exploration are recent advancements and novel techniques that offer promise in mitigating the risks associated with off-target effects. With a focus on cancer PDT and SCT, this review critically assesses the landscape of off-target effects in CRISPR/Cas9 applications, offering a comprehensive knowledge of their nature and prevalence. A key component of the review is the assessment of cutting-edge delivery methods, such as technologies based on nanoparticles (NPs), to optimize the distribution of CRISPR components. Additionally, the study delves into the intricacies of guide RNA design, focusing on advancements that bolster specificity and minimize off-target effects, crucial elements in ensuring the precision required for effective cancer PDT and SCT. By synthesizing insights from various methodologies, including the exploration of innovative genome editing tools and leveraging robust validation methods and bioinformatics tools, the review aspires to chart a course towards more reliable and precise CRISPR-Cas9 applications in cancer PDT and SCT. For safe PDT and SCT integration in cancer therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 precision optimization is essential. Utilizing sophisticated molecular and computational techniques to address off-target effects is crucial to realizing the therapeutic promise of these technologies, which will ultimately lead to the development of individualized and successful cancer treatment strategies. Our long-term goals are to improve precision genome editing for more potent cancer therapy approaches by refining the way CRISPR/Cas9 is integrated with photodynamic and stem cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Jose Merlin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Heidi Abrahamse
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, South Africa
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2
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Liu XM, Zhu ZZ, He XR, Zou YH, Chen Q, Wang XY, Liu HM, Qiao X, Wang X, Xu JY. NIR Light and GSH Dual-Responsive Upconversion Nanoparticles Loaded with Multifunctional Platinum(IV) Prodrug and RGD Peptide for Precise Cancer Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:40753-40766. [PMID: 39046129 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c08899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Platinum(II) drugs as a first-line anticancer reagent are limited by side effects and drug resistance. Stimuli-responsive nanosystems hold promise for precise spatiotemporal manipulation of drug delivery, with the aim to promote bioavailability and minimize side effects. Herein, a multitargeting octahedral platinum(IV) prodrug with octadecyl aliphatic chain and histone deacetylase inhibitor (phenylbutyric acid, PHB) at axial positions to improve the therapeutic effect of cisplatin was loaded on the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) through hydrophobic interaction. Followed attachment of DSPE-PEG2000 and arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) peptide endowed the nanovehicles with high biocompatibility and tumor specificity. The fabricated nanoparticles (UCNP/Pt(IV)-RGD) can be triggered by upconversion luminescence (UCL) irradiation and glutathione (GSH) reduction to controllably release Pt(II) species and PHB, inducing profound cytotoxicity. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that UCNP/Pt(IV)-RGD exhibited remarkable antitumor efficiency, high tumor-targeting specificity, and real-time UCL imaging capacity, presenting an intelligent platinum(IV) prodrug-loaded nanovehicle for UCL-guided dual-stimuli-responsive combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Meng Liu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zhu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xin-Rui He
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Yun-Hong Zou
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xiao-Ya Wang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Hui-Mei Liu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xin Qiao
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Xu
- Department of Chemical Biology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease of the Ministry of Education, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Zhan J, Li X, Mu Y, Yao H, Zhu JJ, Zhang J. A photoactivatable upconverting nanodevice boosts the lysosomal escape of PROTAC degraders for enhanced combination therapy. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:3686-3699. [PMID: 38873991 DOI: 10.1039/d4bm00548a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
PROteolysis TArgeting Chimeras have received increasing attention due to their capability to induce potent degradation of various disease-related proteins. However, the effective and controlled cytosolic delivery of current small-molecule PROTACs remains a challenge, primarily due to their intrinsic shortcomings, including unfavorable solubility, poor cell permeability, and limited spatiotemporal precision. Here, we develop a near-infrared light-controlled PROTAC delivery device (abbreviated as USDPR) that allows the efficient photoactivation of PROTAC function to achieve enhanced protein degradation. The nanodevice is constructed by encapsulating the commercial BRD4-targeting PROTACs (dBET6) in the hollow cavity of mesoporous silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles, followed by coating a Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitizer conjugated poly-L-lysine (PLL-RB). This composition enables NIR light-activatable generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species due to the energy transfer from the UCNPs to PLL-RB, which boosts the endo/lysosomal escape and subsequent cytosolic release of dBET6. We demonstrate that USDPR is capable of effectively degrading BRD4 in a NIR light-controlled manner. This in combination with NIR light-triggered photodynamic therapy enables an enhanced antitumor effect both in vitro and in vivo. This work thus presents a versatile strategy for controlled release of PROTACs and codelivery with photosensitizers using an NIR-responsive nanodevice, providing important insight into the design of effective PROTAC-based combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yueru Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Huiqin Yao
- Department of Medical Chemistry, College of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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Luo R, Le H, Wu Q, Gong C. Nanoplatform-Based In Vivo Gene Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2312153. [PMID: 38441386 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202312153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy uses modern molecular biology methods to repair disease-causing genes. As a burgeoning therapeutic, it has been widely applied for cancer therapy. Since 1989, there have been numerous clinical gene therapy cases worldwide. However, a few are successful. The main challenge of clinical gene therapy is the lack of efficient and safe vectors. Although viral vectors show high transfection efficiency, their application is still limited by immune rejection and packaging capacity. Therefore, the development of non-viral vectors is overwhelming. Nanoplatform-based non-viral vectors become a hotspot in gene therapy. The reasons are mainly as follows. 1) Non-viral vectors can be engineered to be uptaken by specific types of cells or tissues, providing effective targeting capability. 2) Non-viral vectors can protect goods that need to be delivered from degradation. 3) Nanoparticles can transport large-sized cargo such as CRISPR/Cas9 plasmids and nucleoprotein complexes. 4) Nanoparticles are highly biosafe, and they are not mutagenic in themselves compared to viral vectors. 5) Nanoparticles are easy to scale preparation, which is conducive to clinical conversion and application. Here, an overview of the categories of nanoplatform-based non-viral gene vectors, the limitations on their development, and their applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Le
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qinjie Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Changyang Gong
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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Yang Y, Liu L, Tian Y, Gu M, Wang Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Reza Aref A, Cañadas I, Klionsky DJ, Goel A, Reiter RJ, Wang Y, Tambuwala M, Zou J. Autophagy-driven regulation of cisplatin response in human cancers: Exploring molecular and cell death dynamics. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216659. [PMID: 38367897 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216659] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Despite the challenges posed by drug resistance and side effects, chemotherapy remains a pivotal strategy in cancer treatment. A key issue in this context is macroautophagy (commonly known as autophagy), a dysregulated cell death mechanism often observed during chemotherapy. Autophagy plays a cytoprotective role by maintaining cellular homeostasis and recycling organelles, and emerging evidence points to its significant role in promoting cancer progression. Cisplatin, a DNA-intercalating agent known for inducing cell death and cell cycle arrest, often encounters resistance in chemotherapy treatments. Recent studies have shown that autophagy can contribute to cisplatin resistance or insensitivity in tumor cells through various mechanisms. This resistance can be mediated by protective autophagy, which suppresses apoptosis. Additionally, autophagy-related changes in tumor cell metastasis, particularly the induction of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), can also lead to cisplatin resistance. Nevertheless, pharmacological strategies targeting the regulation of autophagy and apoptosis offer promising avenues to enhance cisplatin sensitivity in cancer therapy. Notably, numerous non-coding RNAs have been identified as regulators of autophagy in the context of cisplatin chemotherapy. Thus, therapeutic targeting of autophagy or its associated pathways holds potential for restoring cisplatin sensitivity, highlighting an important direction for future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Lixia Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yu Tian
- School of Public Health, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL, USA
| | - Miaomiao Gu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Key Laboratory of Precise Imaging of Inflammation Related Tumors, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 440 Ji Yan Road, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc, 6, Tide Street, Boston, MA, 02210, USA
| | - Israel Cañadas
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul Goel
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Murtaza Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Jianyong Zou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 510080, Guangzhou, China.
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Du P, Wei Y, Liang Y, An R, Liu S, Lei P, Zhang H. Near-Infrared-Responsive Rare Earth Nanoparticles for Optical Imaging and Wireless Phototherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305308. [PMID: 37946706 PMCID: PMC10885668 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Near-infrared (NIR) light is well-suited for the optical imaging and wireless phototherapy of malignant diseases because of its deep tissue penetration, low autofluorescence, weak tissue scattering, and non-invasiveness. Rare earth nanoparticles (RENPs) are promising NIR-responsive materials, owing to their excellent physical and chemical properties. The 4f electron subshell of lanthanides, the main group of rare earth elements, has rich energy-level structures. This facilitates broad-spectrum light-to-light conversion and the conversion of light to other forms of energy, such as thermal and chemical energies. In addition, the abundant loadable and modifiable sites on the surface offer favorable conditions for the functional expansion of RENPs. In this review, the authors systematically discuss the main processes and mechanisms underlying the response of RENPs to NIR light and summarize recent advances in their applications in optical imaging, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, photoimmunotherapy, optogenetics, and light-responsive drug release. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the application of RENPs in optical imaging and wireless phototherapy under NIR activation are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengye Du
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
- School of Applied Chemistry and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Yi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
| | - Yuan Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
- Ganjiang Innovation AcademyChinese Academy of SciencesGanzhouJiangxi341000China
| | - Ran An
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
| | - Shuyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
- School of Applied Chemistry and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
| | - Pengpeng Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
| | - Hongjie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource UtilizationChangchun Institute of Applied ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesChangchunJilin130022China
- School of Applied Chemistry and EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230026China
- Department of ChemistryTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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Park D, Lee SJ, Park JW. Aptamer-Based Smart Targeting and Spatial Trigger-Response Drug-Delivery Systems for Anticancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2024; 12:187. [PMID: 38255292 PMCID: PMC10813750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010187] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsik Park
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Lee
- Drug Manufacturing Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Woong Park
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation (K-MEDI Hub), Daegu 41061, Republic of Korea
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