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Treccani S, Ferruti P, Alongi J, Monti E, Zizioli D, Ranucci E. Ecotoxicity Assessment of α-Amino Acid-Derived Polyamidoamines Using Zebrafish as a Vertebrate Model. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:2087. [PMID: 39065404 PMCID: PMC11280761 DOI: 10.3390/polym16142087] [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: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The aquatic ecotoxicity of three α-amino acid-derived polyamidoamines (PAAs) was studied using zebrafish embryos as a viable vertebrate model organism. The PAAs examined were water-soluble amphoteric polyelectrolytes with a primarily negative charge, which were efficient flame retardants for cotton. The fish embryo acute toxicity test performed with PAA water solutions using 1.5-500 mg L-1 concentrations showed that toxicity did not statistically differ from the control. The survival rates were indeed >90%, even at the highest concentration; the hatching rates were >80%; and the numbers of morphological defects were comparable to those of the control. Tests using transgenic zebrafish lines indicated that the numbers of microscopic vascular and musculoskeletal defects were comparable to the control, with one random concentration showing doubled alterations. Sensory-motor tests in response to visual and tactile stimuli were also performed. In the presence of PAAs, embryos exposed to alternating light/dark cycles showed an insignificant mobility reduction during the dark phase. Touch-evoked response tests revealed a mild effect of PAAs on the neuromotor system at concentrations > 10 mg L-1. The cystine/glycine copolymer at 100 mg L-1 exhibited the greatest effect. Overall, the studied PAAs showed a minimal impact on aquatic systems and should be further considered as promising ecofriendly materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Treccani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.T.); (P.F.); (J.A.)
| | - Paolo Ferruti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.T.); (P.F.); (J.A.)
| | - Jenny Alongi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.T.); (P.F.); (J.A.)
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Ranucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (S.T.); (P.F.); (J.A.)
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2
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Wu L, Hu Z, Song XF, Liao YJ, Xiahou JH, Li Y, Zhang ZH. Targeting Nrf2 signaling pathways in the role of bladder cancer: From signal network to targeted therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116829. [PMID: 38820972 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116829] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary system and often recurs after tumor removal and/or is resistant to chemotherapy. In cancer cells, the activity of the signaling pathway changes significantly, affecting a wide range of cell activities from growth and proliferation to apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in cellular defense responses to a variety of cellular stresses. There is increasing evidence that Nrf2 acts as a tumor driver and that it is involved in the maintenance of malignant cell phenotypes. Abnormal expression of Nrf2 has been found to be common in a variety of tumors, including bladder cancer. Over-activation of Nrf2 can lead to DNA damage and the development of bladder cancer, and is also associated with various pathological phenomena of bladder cancer, such as metastasis, angiogenesis, and reduced toxicity and efficacy of therapeutic anticancer drugs to provide cell protection for cancer cells. However, the above process can be effectively inhibited or reversed by inhibiting Nrf2. Therefore, Nrf2 signaling may be a potential targeting pathway for bladder cancer. In this review, we will characterize this signaling pathway and summarize the effects of Nrf2 and crosstalk with other signaling pathways on bladder cancer progression. The focus will be on the impact of Nrf2 activation on bladder cancer progression and current therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking the effects of Nrf2. To better determine how to promote new chemotherapy agents, develop new therapeutic agents, and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China.
| | - Zhao Hu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China
| | - Xiao-Fen Song
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China
| | - Yu-Jian Liao
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China
| | - Jiang-Huan Xiahou
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China
| | - Zhong-Hua Zhang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, Xinyu People's Hospital, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China; Department of Urinary Surgery, The Affiliated Xinyu Hospital of Nanchang University, 369 Xinxin North Road, Xinyu, Jiangxi Province 338000, PR China.
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3
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Tabasi H, Mollazadeh S, Fazeli E, Abnus K, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M. Transitional Insight into the RNA-Based Oligonucleotides in Cancer Treatment. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:1685-1711. [PMID: 37402038 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04597-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Conventional cancer therapies with chemodrugs suffer from various disadvantages, such as irreversible side effects on the skin, heart, liver, and nerves with even fatal consequences. RNA-based therapeutic is a novel technology which offers great potential as non-toxic, non-infectious, and well-tolerable platform. Herein, we introduce different RNA-based platforms with a special focus on siRNA, miRNA, and mRNA applications in cancer treatment in order to better understand the details of their therapeutic effects. Of note, the co-delivery of RNAs with other distinct RNA or drugs has provided safe, efficient, and novel treatment modalities for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Tabasi
- Pharmaceutical 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
| | - Samaneh Mollazadeh
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Elham Fazeli
- Biomedicine Department, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Khalil Abnus
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- 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.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical 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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4
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Drago S, Utzeri MA, Mauro N, Cavallaro G. Polyamidoamine-Carbon Nanodot Conjugates with Bioreducible Building Blocks: Smart Theranostic Platforms for Targeted siRNA Delivery. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1191-1204. [PMID: 38178792 PMCID: PMC10865362 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
This study focuses on designing hybrid theranostic nanosystems, utilizing gadolinium-doped carbon nanodots decorated with bioreducible amphoteric polyamidoamines (PAAs). The objective is to synergize the exceptional theranostic properties of gadolinium-doped carbon nanodots (CDs) with the siRNA complexation capabilities of PAAs. Linear copolymeric polyamidoamines, based on N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine, arginine, and agmatine, were synthesized, resulting in three distinct amphoteric copolymers. Notably, sulfur bridges within the PAA repeating units confer pronounced susceptibility to glutathione-mediated degradation─a key attribute in the tumor microenvironment. This pathway enables controlled and stimuli-responsive siRNA release, theoretically providing precise spatiotemporal control over therapeutic interventions. The selected PAA, conjugated with CDs using the redox-sensitive spacer cystamine, formed the CDs-Cys-PAA conjugate with superior siRNA complexing capacity. Stable against polyanion exchange, the CDs-Cys-PAA/siRNA complex released siRNA in the presence of GSH. In vitro studies assessed cytocompatibility, internalization, and gene silencing efficacy on HeLa, MCF-7, and 16HBE cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore
Emanuele Drago
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mara Andrea Utzeri
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Nicolò Mauro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gennara Cavallaro
- Laboratory of Biocompatible
Polymers, Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Technologies (STEBICEF), University
of Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy
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Tang D, Liu Y, Wang C, Li L, Al-Farraj SA, Chen X, Yan Y. Invasion by exogenous RNA: cellular defense strategies and implications for RNA inference. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:573-584. [PMID: 38045546 PMCID: PMC10689678 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Exogenous RNA poses a continuous threat to genome stability and integrity across various organisms. Accumulating evidence reveals complex mechanisms underlying the cellular response to exogenous RNA, including endo-lysosomal degradation, RNA-dependent repression and innate immune clearance. Across a variety of mechanisms, the natural anti-sense RNA-dependent defensive strategy has been utilized both as a powerful gene manipulation tool and gene therapy strategy named RNA-interference (RNAi). To optimize the efficiency of RNAi silencing, a comprehensive understanding of the whole life cycle of exogenous RNA, from cellular entry to its decay, is vital. In this paper, we review recent progress in comprehending the recognition and elimination of foreign RNA by cells, focusing on cellular entrance, intracellular transportation, and immune-inflammatory responses. By leveraging these insights, we highlight the potential implications of these insights for advancing RNA interference efficiency, underscore the need for future studies to elucidate the pathways and fates of various exogenous RNA forms, and provide foundational information for more efficient RNA delivery methods in both genetic manipulation and therapy in different organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danxu Tang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education) and Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Yan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education) and Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Chundi Wang
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Lifang Li
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
| | - Saleh A. Al-Farraj
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Xiao Chen
- Laboratory of Marine Protozoan Biodiversity and Evolution, Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, 264209 China
- Suzhou Research Institute, Shandong University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Ying Yan
- Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity (Ministry of Education) and Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
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Capolla S, Argenziano M, Bozzer S, D’Agaro T, Bittolo T, De Leo L, Not T, Busato D, Dal Bo M, Toffoli G, Cavalli R, Gattei V, Bomben R, Macor P. Targeted chitosan nanobubbles as a strategy to down-regulate microRNA-17 into B-cell lymphoma models. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200310. [PMID: 37359561 PMCID: PMC10285521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction MicroRNAs represent interesting targets for new therapies because their altered expression influences tumor development and progression. miR-17 is a prototype of onco-miRNA, known to be overexpressed in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) with peculiar clinic-biological features. AntagomiR molecules have been largely studied to repress the regulatory functions of up-regulated onco-miRNAs, but their clinical use is mainly limited by their rapid degradation, kidney elimination and poor cellular uptake when injected as naked oligonucleotides. Methods To overcome these problems, we exploited CD20 targeted chitosan nanobubbles (NBs) for a preferential and safe delivery of antagomiR17 to B-NHL cells. Results Positively charged 400 nm-sized nanobubbles (NBs) represent a stable and effective nanoplatform for antagomiR encapsulation and specific release into B-NHL cells. NBs rapidly accumulated in tumor microenvironment, but only those conjugated with a targeting system (antiCD20 antibodies) were internalized into B-NHL cells, releasing antagomiR17 in the cytoplasm, both in vitro and in vivo. The result is the down-regulation of miR-17 level and the reduction in tumor burden in a human-mouse B-NHL model, without any documented side effects. Discussion Anti-CD20 targeted NBs investigated in this study showed physico-chemical and stability properties suitable for antagomiR17 delivery in vivo and represent a useful nanoplatform to address B-cell malignancies or other cancers through the modification of their surface with specific targeting antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Capolla
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Monica Argenziano
- Department of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bozzer
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tiziana D’Agaro
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Tamara Bittolo
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Luigina De Leo
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Tarcisio Not
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy
| | - Davide Busato
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Department of Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bomben
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO)-Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Paolo Macor
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Argenziano M, Bessone F, Dianzani C, Cucci MA, Grattarola M, Pizzimenti S, Cavalli R. Ultrasound-Responsive Nrf2-Targeting siRNA-Loaded Nanobubbles for Enhancing the Treatment of Melanoma. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:341. [PMID: 35214073 PMCID: PMC8878772 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The siRNA-mediated inhibition of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) can be an attractive approach to overcome chemoresistance in various malignant tumors, including melanoma. This work aims at designing a new type of chitosan-shelled nanobubble for the delivery of siRNA against Nrf2 in combination with an ultrasound. A new preparation method based on a water-oil-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion was purposely developed for siRNA encapsulation in aqueous droplets within a nanobubble core. Stable, very small NB formulations were obtained, with sizes of about 100 nm and a positive surface charge. siRNA was efficiently loaded in NBs, reaching an encapsulation efficiency of about 90%. siNrf2-NBs downregulated the target gene in M14 cells, sensitizing the resistant melanoma cells to the cisplatin treatment. The combination with US favored NB cell uptake and transfection efficiency. Based on the results, nanobubbles have shown to be a promising US responsive tool for siRNA delivery, able to overcome chemoresistance in melanoma cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Argenziano
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Federica Bessone
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.D.)
| | - Marie Angèle Cucci
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Margherita Grattarola
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefania Pizzimenti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.C.); (M.G.); (S.P.)
| | - Roberta Cavalli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, 10125 Turin, Italy; (M.A.); (F.B.); (C.D.)
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Marcioni M, Alongi J, Ranucci E, Malinconico M, Laurienzo P, Ferruti P, Manfredi A. Semi-Crystalline Hydrophobic Polyamidoamines: A New Family of Technological Materials? Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:polym13071018. [PMID: 33806055 PMCID: PMC8036605 DOI: 10.3390/polym13071018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hitherto known polyamidoamines (PAAs) are not suitable as structural materials because they are usually water-soluble or swellable in water. This paper deals with the synthesis and characterization of semi-crystalline hydrophobic PAAs (H-PAAs) by combining different bis-sec-amines with bis-acrylamides obtained from C6–C12 bis-prim-amines. H-PAAs were initially obtained in a solution of benzyl alcohol, a solvent suitable for both monomers and polymers. Their number average molecular weights, M¯n, which were determined with 1H-NMR by evaluating the percentage of their terminal units, varied from 6000 to >10,000. The solubility, thermal properties, ignitability and water resistance of H-PAAs were determined. They were soluble in organic solvents, semi-crystalline and thermally stable. The most promising ones were also prepared using a bulk process, which has never been previously reported for PAA synthesis. In the form of films, these H-PAAs were apparently unaffected by water. The films underwent tensile and wettability tests. They showed similar Young moduli (260–263 MPa), whereas the maximum stress and the stress at break depended on the number of methylene groups of the starting bis-acrylamides. Their wettability was somewhat higher than that of common Nylons. Interestingly, none of the H-PAAs considered, either as films or powders, ignited after prolonged exposure to a methane flame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Marcioni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.M.); (J.A.); (E.R.)
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, Alessandria Campus, Viale T. Michel, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Jenny Alongi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.M.); (J.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisabetta Ranucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.M.); (J.A.); (E.R.)
| | - Mario Malinconico
- Istituto Polimeri, Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Paola Laurienzo
- Istituto Polimeri, Compositi e Biomateriali (IPCB), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche, via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, Italy; (M.M.); (P.L.)
| | - Paolo Ferruti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.M.); (J.A.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: (P.F.); (A.M.); Tel.: +39-02-50314128 (P.F.); +39-02-50314181 (A.M.)
| | - Amedea Manfredi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università Degli Studi di Milano, via C. Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.M.); (J.A.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: (P.F.); (A.M.); Tel.: +39-02-50314128 (P.F.); +39-02-50314181 (A.M.)
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9
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Carbosilane Dendrimers Loaded with siRNA Targeting Nrf2 as a Tool to Overcome Cisplatin Chemoresistance in Bladder Cancer Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9100993. [PMID: 33066634 PMCID: PMC7602517 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered as the master regulator of antioxidant and cytoprotective gene expressions. Moreover, it plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. Nrf2 mediates the adaptive response which contributes to the resistance to chemotherapeutic pro-oxidant drugs, such as cisplatin (CDDP), in various tumors, including bladder cancers. For this reason, Nrf2 could be a promising target to overcome chemoresistance. There are several known Nrf2 pharmacological inhibitors; however, most of them are not specific. The use of a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the Nrf2 gene (siNrf2) loaded into nanovehicles is an attractive alternative, since it can increase specificity. This study aimed to evaluate the biological activity of siNrf2 loaded on guanidine-terminated carbosilane dendrimers (GCDs) in overcoming CDDP resistance in bladder cancer cells with a high level of Nrf2. Parameters such as viability, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and oxidative stress level were taken into account. Results demonstrated that siNrf2-GCD treatment sensitized CDDP-resistant cells to CDDP treatment. Moreover, data obtained by treating the non-cancerous human kidney HK-2 cell line strongly suggest a good safety profile of the carbosilane dendrimers loaded with siNrf2. In conclusion, we suggest that siNrf2-GCD is a promising drug delivery system for gene therapy to be used in vivo; and it may represent an important tool in the therapy of CDDP-resistant cancer.
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Mascheroni L, Francia V, Rossotti B, Ranucci E, Ferruti P, Maggioni D, Salvati A. Light-Triggered Trafficking to the Cell Nucleus of a Cationic Polyamidoamine Functionalized with Ruthenium Complexes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:34576-34587. [PMID: 32643926 PMCID: PMC7404250 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c08033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Strategies for endosomal escape and access to the cell nucleus are highly sought for nanocarriers to deliver their load efficiently following endocytosis. In this work, we have studied the uptake and intracellular trafficking of a polycationic polyamidoamine (PAA) endowed with a luminescent Ru complex, Ru-PhenAN, that shows unique trafficking to the cell nucleus. Live cell imaging confirmed the capacity of this polymer to access the nucleus, excluding artifacts due to cell fixation, and clarified that the mechanism of escape is light-triggered and relies on the presence of the Ru complexes and their capacity to absorb light and act as photosensitizers for singlet oxygen production. These results open up the possibility to use PAA-ruthenium complexes for targeted light-triggered delivery of genetic material or drugs to the cytosol and nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mascheroni
- Dipartimento di
Chimica, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Nanomedicine and Drug Targeting, Groningen Research
Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Valentina Francia
- Department of Nanomedicine and Drug Targeting, Groningen Research
Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Beatrice Rossotti
- Dipartimento di
Chimica, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Department of Nanomedicine and Drug Targeting, Groningen Research
Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabetta Ranucci
- Dipartimento di
Chimica, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ferruti
- Dipartimento di
Chimica, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Maggioni
- Dipartimento di
Chimica, Università degli Studi di
Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Salvati
- Department of Nanomedicine and Drug Targeting, Groningen Research
Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, A. Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
- a.salvati.@rug.nl
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11
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Bloise N, Massironi A, Della Pina C, Alongi J, Siciliani S, Manfredi A, Biggiogera M, Rossi M, Ferruti P, Ranucci E, Visai L. Extra-Small Gold Nanospheres Decorated With a Thiol Functionalized Biodegradable and Biocompatible Linear Polyamidoamine as Nanovectors of Anticancer Molecules. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:132. [PMID: 32195232 PMCID: PMC7065572 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles are elective candidate for cancer therapy. Current efforts are devoted to developing innovative methods for their synthesis. Besides, understanding their interaction with cells have become increasingly important for their clinical application. This work aims to describe a simple approach for the synthesis of extra-small gold nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy. In brief, a biocompatible and biodegradable polyamidoamine (named AGMA1-SH), bearing 20%, on a molar basis, thiol-functionalized repeat units, is employed to stabilize and coat extra-small gold nanospheres of different sizes (2.5, 3.5, and 5 nm in gold core), and to generate a nanoplatform for the link with Trastuzumab monoclonal antibody for HER2-positive breast cancer targeting. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, circular dichroism, protein quantification assays are used for the characterization. The targeting properties of the nanosystems are explored to achieve enhanced and selective uptake of AGMA1-SH-gold nanoparticles by in vitro studies against HER-2 overexpressing cells, SKBR-3 and compared to HER-2 low expressing cells, MCF-7, and normal fibroblast cell line, NIH-3T3. In vitro physicochemical characterization demonstrates that gold nanoparticles modified with AGMA1-SH are more stable in aqueous solution than the unmodified ones. Additionally, the greater gold nanoparticles size (5-nm) is associated with a higher stability and conjugation efficiency with Trastuzumab, which retains its folding and anticancer activity after the conjugation. In particular, the larger Trastuzumab functionalized nanoparticles displays the highest efficacy (via the pro-apoptotic protein increase, anti-apoptotic components decrease, survival-proliferation pathways downregulation) and internalization (via the activation of the classical clathrin-mediated endocytosis) in HER-2 overexpressing SKBR-3 cells, without eliciting significant effects on the other cell lines. The use of biocompatible AGMA1-SH for producing covalently stabilized gold nanoparticles to achieve selective targeting, cytotoxicity and uptake is completely novel, offering an important advancement for developing new anticancer conjugated-gold nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Bloise
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), Biochemistry Unit, Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Toxicology and Environmental Risks, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri S.p.A, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessio Massironi
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, UdR INSTM PISA, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Della Pina
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano e CNR-ISTM, Milan, Italy
| | - Jenny Alongi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stella Siciliani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Amedea Manfredi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Michele Rossi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano e CNR-ISTM, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ferruti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Livia Visai
- Department of Molecular Medicine (DMM), Biochemistry Unit, Center for Health Technologies (CHT), UdR INSTM University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Toxicology and Environmental Risks, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri S.p.A, IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
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12
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Mascheroni L, Dozzi MV, Ranucci E, Ferruti P, Francia V, Salvati A, Maggioni D. Tuning Polyamidoamine Design To Increase Uptake and Efficacy of Ruthenium Complexes for Photodynamic Therapy. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:14586-14599. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mascheroni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Vittoria Dozzi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ranucci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ferruti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Francia
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Salvati
- Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela Maggioni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
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13
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Ranucci E, Manfredi A. Polyamidoamines: Versatile Bioactive Polymers with Potential for Biotechnological Applications. CHEMISTRY AFRICA-A JOURNAL OF THE TUNISIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s42250-019-00046-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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