Mitochondrial delivery of microRNA mimic let-7b to NSCLC cells by PAMAM-based nanoparticles

Guidelines for mitochondrial RNA analysis

Mitochondria are the energy-producing organelles of mammalian cells with critical involvement in metabolism and signaling. Studying their regulation in pathological conditions may lead to the discovery of novel drugs to treat, for instance, cardiovascular or neurological diseases, which affect high-energy-consuming cells such as cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, or neurons. Mitochondria possess both protein-coding and noncoding RNAs, such as microRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs, and piwi-interacting RNAs, encoded by the mitochondria or the nuclear genome. Mitochondrial RNAs are involved in anterograde-retrograde communication between the nucleus and mitochondria and play an important role in physiological and pathological conditions. Despite accumulating evidence on the presence and biogenesis of mitochondrial RNAs, their study continues to pose significant challenges. Currently, there are no standardized protocols and guidelines to conduct deep functional characterization and expression profiling of mitochondrial RNAs. To overcome major obstacles in this emerging field, the EU-CardioRNA and AtheroNET COST Action networks summarize currently available techniques and emphasize critical points that may constitute sources of variability and explain discrepancies between published results. Standardized methods and adherence to guidelines to quantify and study mitochondrial RNAs in normal and disease states will improve research outputs, their reproducibility, and translation potential to clinical application.

TPP-based conjugates: potential targeting ligands

Mitochondria are one of the major sources of energy as well as regulators of cancer cell metabolism. Thus, they are potential targets for the effective treatment and management of cancer. Research has explored triphenylphosphonium (TPP) derivatives as potent cancer-targeting ligands because of their lipophilic nature and mitochondrial affinity. In this review, we summarize the utility of TPP-based conjugates targeting mitochondria in different types of cancer and other diseases, such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders. Such conjugates offer versatile therapeutic potential by modulating membrane potential, influencing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and coupling of molecular modifications (such as ATP metabolism and energy metabolism). Thus, we highlight TPP conjugates as promising mitochondria-targeting agents for use in targeted drug delivery systems.

Decoding mitochondrial-nuclear (epi)genome interactions: the emerging role of ncRNAs

Bidirectional communication between the mitochondria and the nucleus is required for several physiological processes, and the nuclear epigenome is a key mediator of this relationship. ncRNAs are an emerging area of discussion for their roles in cellular function and regulation. In this review, we highlight the role of mitochondrial-encoded ncRNAs as mediators of communication between the mitochondria and the nuclear genome. We focus primarily on retrograde signaling, a process in which the mitochondrion relays ncRNAs to translate environmental stress signals to changes in nuclear gene expression, with implications on stress responses that may include disease(s). Other biological roles of mitochondrial-encoded ncRNAs, such as mitochondrial import of proteins and regulation of cell signaling, will also be discussed.

Functionalizing Dendrimers for Targeted Delivery of Bioactive Molecules to Macrophages: A Potential Treatment for Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection-A Review

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that replicates inside human alveolar macrophages. This disease causes significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization 1.4 million people died of this disease in 2021. This indicates that despite the progress of modern medicine, improvements in diagnostics, and the development of drug susceptibility tests, TB remains a global threat to public health. In this sense, host-directed therapy may provide a new approach to the cure of TB, and the expression of miRNAs has been correlated with a change in the concentration of various inflammatory mediators whose concentrations are responsible for the pathophysiology of M. tuberculosis infection. Thus, the administration of miRNAs may help to modulate the immune response of organisms. However, direct administration of miRNAs, without adequate encapsulation, exposes nucleic acids to the activity of cytosolic nucleases, limiting their application. Dendrimers are a family of highly branched molecules with a well-defined architecture and a branched conformation which gives rise to cavities that facilitate physical immobilization, and functional groups that allow chemical interaction with molecules of interest. Additionally, dendrimers can be easily functionalized to target different cells, macrophages among them. In this sense, various studies have proposed the use of different cell receptors as target molecules to aim dendrimers at macrophages and thus release drugs or nucleic acids in the cell of interest. Based on the considerations, the primary objective of this review is to comprehensively explore the potential of functionalized dendrimers as delivery vectors for miRNAs and other therapeutic agents into macrophages. This work aims to provide insights into the use of functionalized dendrimers as an innovative approach for TB treatment, focusing on their ability to target and deliver therapeutic cargo to macrophages.

The Roles of MiRNAs (MicroRNAs) in Melanoma Immunotherapy

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, characterized by life-threatening and rapidly spreading progression. Traditional targeted therapy can alleviate tumors by inactivating hyperactive kinases such as BRAF or MEK but inevitably encounters drug resistance. The advent of immunotherapy has revolutionized melanoma treatment and significantly improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are intricately involved in innate and adaptive immunity and are implicated in melanoma immunotherapy. This systematic review describes the roles of miRNAs in regulating the functions of immune cells in skin and melanoma, as well as the involvement of miRNAs in pharmacology including the effect, resistance and immune-related adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, which are used for treating cutaneous, uveal and mucosal melanoma. The expressions and functions of miRNAs in immunotherapy employing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and Toll-like receptor 9 agonists are also discussed. The prospect of innovative therapeutic strategies such as the combined administration of miRNAs and immune checkpoint inhibitors and the nanotechnology-based delivery of miRNAs are also provided. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between miRNAs and immunotherapy is crucial for the discovery of reliable biomarkers and for the development of novel miRNA-based therapeutics against melanoma.

Polymeric Dendrimers as Nanocarrier Vectors for Neurotheranostics

Dendrimers are polymers with well-defined 3D branched structures that are vastly utilized in various neurotheranostics and biomedical applications, particularly as nanocarrier vectors. Imaging agents can be loaded into dendrimers to improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging processes. Likewise, combining pharmaceutical agents and anticancer drugs with dendrimers can enhance their solubility, biocompatibility, and efficiency. Practically, by modifying ligands on the surface of dendrimers, effective therapeutic and diagnostic platforms can be constructed and implemented for targeted delivery. Dendrimer-based nanocarriers also show great potential in gene delivery. Since enzymes can degrade genetic materials during their blood circulation, dendrimers exhibit promising packaging and delivery alternatives, particularly for central nervous system (CNS) treatments. The DNA and RNA encapsulated in dendrimers represented by polyamidoamine that are used for targeted brain delivery, via chemical-structural adjustments and appropriate generation, significantly improve the correlation between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. This article reports a comprehensive review of dendrimers' structures, synthesis processes, and biological applications. Recent progress in diagnostic imaging processes and therapeutic applications for cancers and other CNS diseases are presented. Potential challenges and future directions in the development of dendrimers, which provide the theoretical basis for their broader applications in healthcare, are also discussed.

Role of Nano-miRNAs in Diagnostics and Therapeutics

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are key regulators of gene expression, controlling different biological processes such as cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis. The relationships between miRNA expression and the onset and progression of different diseases, such as tumours, cardiovascular and rheumatic diseases, and neurological disorders, are well known. A nanotechnology-based approach could match miRNA delivery and detection to move beyond the proof-of-concept stage. Different kinds of nanotechnologies can have a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of miRNA-related diseases such as cancer. Developing novel methodologies aimed at clinical practice represents a big challenge for the early diagnosis of specific diseases. Within this context, nanotechnology represents a wide emerging area at the forefront of research over the last two decades, whose potential has yet to be fully attained. Nanomedicine, derived from nanotechnology, can exploit the unique properties of nanometer-sized particles for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Through nanomedicine, specific treatment to counteract only cancer-cell proliferation will be improved, while leaving healthy cells intact. In this review, we dissect the properties of different nanocarriers and their roles in the early detection and treatment of cancer.

Exosomal MicroRNA-325 Enhances Trophoblast Migration and Invasion Through Downregulation of Lethal-7b and Upregulation of Forkhead Box Protein O1 Expression in Preeclampsia

We aimed to explore the mechanism by how microRNA (miRNA)-325 derived from marrow mesenchymal stem cell exosomes (MSC-exos) affects the trophoblast progression in preeclampsia (PE). RT-qPCR detected the level of miRNA let-7b and FOXO1 in the placenta tissue of PE patients. Functional experiment was performed to analyze the effect of FOXO1 inhibitor and let-7b mimics on cell migration, invasion and apoptosis through Transwell assay and TUNEL staining. The trophoblast cell was co-cultured with overexpressed-miR-325 MSC-exos to measure gene expression and cell progression. let-7b was highly and FOXO1 was lowly expressed in PE placenta tissue. let-7b directly targeted and inhibited FOXO1 expression. Importantly, as miR-325 was internalized by trophoblast cells through MSC-exos, MSC-exos overexpressing miR-325 inhibited let-7b expression in trophoblasts, up-regulated FOXO1 and activated AKT signaling pathway. Further, MSC-exos treatment promoted invasion and migration of trophoblast cell and inhibited apoptosis. In conclusion, miR-325 derived from MSC-exos promotes the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells in PE through inhibition of let7b and upregulation of FOXO1.

Effective Antitumor of Orally Intestinal Targeting Penetrating Peptide-Loaded Tyroserleutide/PLGA Nanoparticles in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor that seriously threatens human life and health. Currently, the majority of antitumor drugs are administered in an injectable manner, which can cause pain and side effects to patients. Objective of this study is to establish an effective oral drug delivery system for anti hepatoma drugs.

Methods

In this study, intestinal targeting cell penetrating peptide (R6LRVG) was obtained by binding cell penetrating peptide (R6) with the polypeptide of LRVG (targeting intestinal epithelial cells). Next, R6LRVG-modified tyroserleutide-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs) were prepared. After that, the nanoparticles were characterized and their stability was evaluated. The cellular uptake, in vitro bioactivity and in vivo antitumor activity of the nanoparticles were investigated. In addition, the mechanism, including the endocytic pathway and respiratory rate detection of mitochondria, was further investigated.

Results

YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs were successfully prepared. Characterization revealed YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs to be globular particles with smooth surfaces and an average diameter of 222.6 nm. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of tyroserleutide were 70.27% and 19.69%, respectively. Furthermore, the YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs group exhibited the largest amount of YSL uptake. We also found that cell uptake of YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs could be related to the endocytosis pathways mediated by reticulin and caveolae/lipid rafts. Additionally, the YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs could interfere with mitochondrial function. In vivo experiments revealed that orally administered YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs exerted excellent anticancer effects in tumor-bearing mice. Hematoxylin-eosin staining did not show any histological changes in the major organs.

Conclusion

To summarize, YSL-PLGA/R6LRVG NPs could be a useful oral delivery system of YSL and may provide a new platform for the oral delivery of anticancer drugs.

Nanomaterials for cancer therapy: current progress and perspectives

Cancer is a disease with complex pathological process. Current chemotherapy faces problems such as lack of specificity, cytotoxicity, induction of multi-drug resistance and stem-like cells growth. Nanomaterials are materials in the nanorange 1–100 nm which possess unique optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. Nanomaterials used in cancer therapy can be classified into several main categories. Targeting cancer cells, tumor microenvironment, and immune system, these nanomaterials have been modified for a wide range of cancer therapies to overcome toxicity and lack of specificity, enhance drug capacity as well as bioavailability. Although the number of studies has been increasing, the number of approved nano-drugs has not increased much over the years. To better improve clinical translation, further research is needed for targeted drug delivery by nano-carriers to reduce toxicity, enhance permeability and retention effects, and minimize the shielding effect of protein corona. This review summarizes novel nanomaterials fabricated in research and clinical use, discusses current limitations and obstacles that hinder the translation from research to clinical use, and provides suggestions for more efficient adoption of nanomaterials in cancer therapy.