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Abpeikar Z, Alizadeh AA, Rezakhani L, Ramezani V, Goodarzi A, Safaei M. Advantages of Material Biofunctionalization Using Nucleic Acid Aptamers in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1935-1953. [PMID: 37017917 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00737-8] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Material engineering is a fundamental issue in the applications of materials in the medical field. One of the aspects of material engineering is incorporating recognition sites on the surface of biomaterials, which plays an essential role in increasing the efficiency of tissue engineering scaffolds in various aspects. The application of peptides and antibodies to establish the recognition and adhesion sites has limitations, such as fragility and instability under physical and chemical processes. Therefore, synthetic ligands such as nucleic acid aptamers have received much attention for easy synthesis, minimal immunogenicity, high specificity, and stability under processing. Due to the effective role of these ligands in increasing the efficiency of engineered constructs in this study, the advantages of nucleic acid aptamers in tissue engineering will be reviewed. Aptamer-functionalized biomaterials can attract endogenous stem cells to wounded areas and organize their actions to facilitate tissue regeneration. This approach harnesses the body's inherent regeneration potential to treat many diseases. Also, increased efficacy in controlled release, slow and targeted drug delivery are important issues in drug delivery for tissue engineering approaches which can be achieved by incorporating aptamers in drug delivery systems. Aptamer-functionalized scaffolds have very applications, such as diagnosis of cancer, hematological infections, narcotics, heavy metals, toxins, controlled release from the scaffolds, and in vivo cell tracing. Aptasensors, as a result of many advantages over other traditional assay methods, can replace older methods. Furthermore, their unique targeting mechanism also targets compounds with no particular receptors. Targeting cell homing, local and targeted drug delivery, cell adhesion efficacy, cytocompatibility and bioactivity of scaffolds, aptamer-based biosensor, and aptamer-functionalized scaffolds are the topics that will be examined in this review study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Abpeikar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Leila Rezakhani
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Vahid Ramezani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Arash Goodarzi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohsen Safaei
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
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2
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Zhao X, Wu X, Wang H, Lai S, Wang J. Targeted therapy for cisplatin-resistant lung cancer via aptamer-guided nano-zinc carriers containing USP14 siRNA. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e237. [PMID: 37035133 PMCID: PMC10077057 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin (DDP) is a common therapeutic option for non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, some patients fail to respond to the DDP chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying novel biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC is important. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP14) is involved in various pathological conditions including cancer; however, the role of USP14 in NSCLC remains elusive. The SELEX technology was used to identify aptamers that specifically recognize DDP-resistant lung cancer cells and couple them with nano-zinc (zinc hydroxide, Zn(OH)2) carriers. USP14 levels were higher in DDP-resistant lung cancer compared to DDP-sensitive lung cancer. The survival rate of lung cancer patients with increased USP14 expression was significantly lower than the survival rate of patients with low USP14 expression. Silencing USP14 increased the tumor antagonistic action of DDP in A549 cisplatin-resistant (A549/DDP) cells, while USP14 overexpression decreased the antagonist effects. Aptamer-targeted nano-zinc carriers were loaded with USP14 siRNA to target DDP-resistant lung cancer cells. Aptamer-targeted nano-zinc carriers containing USP14 siRNA increased the antitumor effects of DDP in A549/DDP cells and mice bearing A549/DDP cells. These results indicate that aptamer-guided nano-zinc carriers may be a potent carrier for the precise treatment of drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmin Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xianghua Wu
- Department of Thoracic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Huijie Wang
- Department of Thoracic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Songtao Lai
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
- Department of Radiation OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation OncologyShanghaiChina
| | - Jialei Wang
- Department of Thoracic Medical OncologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiChina
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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3
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Gayathri K, Bhaskaran M, Selvam C, Thilagavathi R. Nano formulation approaches for curcumin delivery- a review. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2023.104326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Zhang Y, Chen X, Qiao Y, Yang S, Wang Z, Ji M, Yin K, Zhao J, Liu K, Yuan B. DNA Aptamer Selected against Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Tissue Imaging and Targeted Therapy with Integrin β1 as a Molecular Target. Anal Chem 2022; 94:17212-17222. [PMID: 36459499 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer, especially esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), poses a serious threat to human health. It is urgently needed to develop recognition tools and discover molecular targets for early diagnosis and targeted therapy of esophageal cancer. Here, we developed several DNA aptamers that can bind to ESCC KYSE410 cells with a nanomolar range of dissociation constants by using cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (cell-SELEX). The selected A2 aptamer is found to strongly bind with multiple cancer cells, including several ESCC cell lines. Tissue imaging displayed that the A2 aptamer can specifically recognize clinical ESCC tissues but not the adjacent tissues. Moreover, we identified integrin β1 as the binding target of A2 through pull-down and RNA interference assays. Meanwhile, molecular docking and mutation assays suggested that A2 probably binds to integrin β1 through the nucleotides of DA16-DG21, and competitive binding and structural alignment assays indicated that A2 shares the overlapped binding sites with laminin and arginine-glycine-aspartate ligands. Furthermore, we engineered A2-induced targeted therapy for ESCC. By constructing A2-tethered DNA nanoassemblies carrying multiple doxorubicin (Dox) molecules as antitumor agents, inhibition of tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo was achieved. This work provides a useful targeting tool and a potential molecular target for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy and is helpful for understanding the integrin mechanism and developing integrin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Shuang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zhaoting Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Mengmeng Ji
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Kai Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.,Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China
| | - Baoyin Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
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5
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Yuan B, Xi Y, Qi C, Zhao M, Zhu X, Tang J. A sequentially triggered DNA nanocapsule for targeted drug delivery based on pH-responsive i-motif and tumor cell-specific aptamer. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:965337. [PMID: 36091462 PMCID: PMC9453301 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.965337] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted drug delivery with minor off-target effects is urgently needed for precise cancer treatments. Here, a sequentially triggered strategy based on double targeting elements is designed to meet this purpose. By using an acidic pH-responsive i-motif DNA and a tumor cell-specific aptamer as targeting elements, a smart dual-targeted DNA nanocapsule (ZBI5-DOX) was constructed. ZBI5-DOX can be firstly triggered by acidic pH, and then bind to target cells via aptamer recognition and thus targeted release of the carried DOX chemotherapeutics. With this smart DNA nanocapsule, the carried DOX could be precisely delivered to target SMMC-7721 tumor cells in acidic conditions. After drug treatments, selective cytotoxicity of the DNA nanocapsule was successfully achieved. Meanwhile, the DNA nanocapsule had a specific inhibition effect on target cell migration and invasion. Therefore, this sequentially triggered strategy may provide deep insight into the next generation of targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jinlu Tang
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyan Zhu, ; Jinlu Tang,
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Khairil Anwar NA, Mohd Nazri MN, Murtadha AH, Mohd Adzemi ER, Balakrishnan V, Mustaffa KMF, Tengku Din TADAA, Yahya MM, Haron J, Mokshtar NF. Prognostic prospect of soluble programmed cell death ligand-1 in cancer management. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:961-978. [PMID: 34180502 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive tissue biopsy is commonly unavoidable in the management of most suspected tumor cases to conclusively verify the presence of cancerous cells through histological assessment. The extracted tissue is also immunostained for detection of antigens (tissue tumor markers) of potential prognostic or therapeutic importance to assist in treatment decision. Although liquid biopsies can be a powerful tool for monitoring treatment response, they are still excluded from standard cancer diagnostics, and their utility is still being debated in the scientific community. With a myriad of soluble tissue tumor markers now being discovered, liquid biopsies could completely change the current paradigms of cancer management. Recently, soluble programmed cell death ligand-1 (sPD-L1), which is found in the peripheral blood, i.e. serum and plasma, has shown potential as a pre-therapeutic predictive marker as well as a prognostic biomarker to monitor treatment efficacy. Thus, this review focuses on the emergence of sPD-L1 and promising technologies for its detection in order to support liquid biopsies for future cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Amira Khairil Anwar
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Najmi Mohd Nazri
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Hafiz Murtadha
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Elis Rosliza Mohd Adzemi
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Venugopal Balakrishnan
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Khairul Mohd Fadzli Mustaffa
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | | | - Maya Mazuwin Yahya
- Breast Cancer Awareness & Research Unit (BestARi), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Juhara Haron
- Breast Cancer Awareness & Research Unit (BestARi), Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
| | - Noor Fatmawati Mokshtar
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan 16150, Malaysia
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Chen X, Zhang Y, Shi Y, Niu T, Li B, Guo L, Qiao Y, Zhao J, Yuan B, Liu K. Evolution of DNA aptamers against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using cell-SELEX. Analyst 2021; 146:4180-4187. [PMID: 34105524 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00634g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer and the sixth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) subtype accounts for about 90% of all cases of esophageal cancer globally. Currently, ESCC is usually diagnosed in late stages, and targeted therapy is lacking. Therefore, the development of ESCC-specific recognition molecules for an early detection and targeted treatment of ESCC is urgently needed. Aptamers are an excellent molecular recognition tool with unique advantages. In this manuscript, three aptamers (S2, S3, and S8) specific to ESCC cells were successfully screened via cell-SELEX. The experimental results displayed the high affinities of the three aptamers for target KYSE150 cells with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range. The specificity evaluation showed that S2 only bound target KYSE150 cells, but S3 and S8 were capable of targeting a series of ESCC cells. Moreover, several truncated aptamers were generated through sequence optimization. In particular, an ultrashort aptamer S3-2-3 with only 18 bases was successfully obtained; after labeling with Cy5 dyes, it was feasible for the specific imaging of ESCC tissues. Furthermore, the target types of the selected aptamers were preliminarily identified as membrane proteins, and target proteins could be captured by S3-2-3, which may be useful for biomarker discovery. Therefore, the selected aptamers hold great potential for clinical diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and the targeted therapy of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhuan Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yanli Shi
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Tingting Niu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Linyan Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yan Qiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Baoyin Yuan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. and Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China and Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Jose J, Thomas AM, Mendonsa D, Al-Sanea MM, Uddin MS, Parambi DGT, Charyulu RN, Mathew B. Aptamers in Drug Design: An Emerging Weapon to Fight a Losing Battle. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1624-1635. [PMID: 31362673 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190729121747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Implementation of novel and biocompatible polymers in drug design is an emerging and rapidly growing area of research. Even though we have a large number of polymer materials for various applications, the biocompatibility of these materials remains as a herculean task for researchers. Aptamers provide a vital and efficient solution to this problem. They are usually small (ranging from 20 to 60 nucleotides, single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides which are capable of binding to molecules possessing high affinity and other properties like specificity. This review focuses on different aspects of Aptamers in drug discovery, starting from its preparation methods and covering the recent scenario reported in the literature regarding their use in drug discovery. We address the limitations of Aptamers and provide valuable insights into their future potential in the areas regarding drug discovery research. Finally, we explained the major role of Aptamers like medical imaging techniques, application as synthetic antibodies, and the most recent application, which is in combination with nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jobin Jose
- Department of Pharmaceutics, N.G.S.M. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India
| | - Aaron Mathew Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, N.G.S.M. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India
| | - Darewin Mendonsa
- Department of Pharmaceutics, N.G.S.M. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India
| | - Mohammad M Al-Sanea
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Della Grace Thomas Parambi
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Jouf University, Sakaka, Al Jouf-2014, Saudi Arabia
| | - R Narayana Charyulu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, N.G.S.M. Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, NITTE Deemed to be University, Mangalore, India
| | - Bijo Mathew
- Division of Drug Design and Medicinal Chemistry Research Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Ahalia School of Pharmacy, Palakkad 678557, Kerala, India
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Fu Z, Xiang J. Aptamers, the Nucleic Acid Antibodies, in Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082793. [PMID: 32316469 PMCID: PMC7215806 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The arrival of the monoclonal antibody (mAb) technology in the 1970s brought with it the hope of conquering cancers to the medical community. However, mAbs, on the whole, did not achieve the expected wonder in cancer therapy although they do have demonstrated successfulness in the treatment of a few types of cancers. In 1990, another technology of making biomolecules capable of specific binding appeared. This technique, systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX), can make aptamers, single-stranded DNAs or RNAs that bind targets with high specificity and affinity. Aptamers have some advantages over mAbs in therapeutic uses particularly because they have little or no immunogenicity, which means the feasibility of repeated use and fewer side effects. In this review, the general properties of the aptamer, the advantages and limitations of aptamers, the principle and procedure of aptamer production with SELEX, particularly the undergoing studies in aptamers for cancer therapy, and selected anticancer aptamers that have entered clinical trials or are under active investigations are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoying Fu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
| | - Jim Xiang
- Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SA S7N 4H4, Canada
- Correspondence: (Z.F.); (J.X.)
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Campos-Fernández E, Barcelos L, Souza AG, Goulart LR, Alonso-Goulart V. Post-SELEX Optimization and Characterization of a Prostate Cancer Cell-Specific Aptamer for Diagnosis. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:3533-3541. [PMID: 32118168 PMCID: PMC7045564 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b03855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The RNA aptamer A4 binds specifically to tumor prostate cells. A4 was modified (mA4) by adding deoxyribonucleotides to its ends to remove the reactive 2' hydroxyl groups of RNA's sugar at the ends of the aptamer and to make it more stable to widespread RNase contamination in laboratories. Thus, mA4 would be more suitable to use in the clinical settings of prostate cancer (PCa). We aimed to characterize this optimized oligonucleotide to verify its potential as a diagnostic tool. The sequences and structures of A4 and mA4 were compared through in silico approaches to corroborate their similarity. Then, the degradation of mA4 was measured in appropriate media and human plasma for in vitro tests. In addition, the binding abilities of A4 to prostate cells were contrasted with those of mA4. The effects of mA4 were assessed on the viability, proliferation, and migration of human prostate cell lines RWPE-1 and PC-3 in three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. mA4 showed configurational motifs similar to those of A4, displayed a half-life in plasma substantially higher than A4, and exhibited a comparable binding capacity to that of A4 and unaltered viability, proliferation, and migration of prostatic cells. Therefore, mA4 maintains the crucial 3D structures of A4 that would allow binding to its target, as suggested by in silico and binding analyses. mA4 may be a good PCa reporter as it does not change cellular parameters of prostate cells when incubated with it. Its additional deoxyribonucleotides make mA4 inherently more chemically stable than A4, avoiding its degradation and favoring its storage and handling for clinical applications. These characteristics support the potential of mA4 to be used in diagnostic systems for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Campos-Fernández
- Laboratory
of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Letícia
S. Barcelos
- Laboratory
of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Aline G. Souza
- Laboratory
of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luiz R. Goulart
- Laboratory
of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department
of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis 95616, California, United States
| | - Vivian Alonso-Goulart
- Laboratory
of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38408-100, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Yoon S, Huang KW, Andrikakou P, Vasconcelos D, Swiderski P, Reebye V, Sodergren M, Habib N, Rossi JJ. Targeted Delivery of C/EBPα-saRNA by RNA Aptamers Shows Anti-tumor Effects in a Mouse Model of Advanced PDAC. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:142-154. [PMID: 31546149 PMCID: PMC6796740 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies; it preferentially metastasizes to the liver and is the main cause of death from this disease. In previous studies, small activating RNA against CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα-saRNA) demonstrated efficacy of PDAC in a local subcutaneous tumor model. In this study, we focused on the efficacy of C/EBPα-saRNA in advanced stage PDAC. For targeted delivery, we selected a new anti-transferrin receptor aptamer (TR14), which demonstrated a high binding affinity to target proteins. The TR14 aptamer was internalized with clathrin-mediated endocytosis, distributed in early endosome, late endosome, and lysosome subcellularly. To investigate its anti-tumor effects to advanced PDAC, we conjugated C/EBPα-saRNA to TR14. Treatment of pancreatic cancer cells with the conjugates upregulated expression of C/EBPα and its downstream target p21, and inhibited cell proliferation. For in vivo assays, we established an advanced PDAC mouse model by engrafting luciferase reporter-PANC-1 cells directly into the livers of non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID) mice. After treatment of aptamer-C/EBPα conjugates, we observed significant reduction of tumor growth in this advanced PDAC mouse model. Combinational treatment of the conjugates with gemcitabine also demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor effects in advanced PDAC. This suggests that aptamer-C/EBPα conjugates could be used as an adjuvant, along with other conventional anti-cancer drugs in advanced PDAC. In conclusion, targeted delivery of C/EBPα-saRNAs by aptamers might have potential therapeutic effects in advanced PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorah Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kai-Wen Huang
- Department of Surgery and Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10051, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10051, Taiwan
| | - Pinelopi Andrikakou
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - Piotr Swiderski
- DNA/RNA Synthesis Core Facility, Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Mikael Sodergren
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nagy Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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12
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Yu Q, Liu M, Wei S, Xiao H, Wu S, Ke K, Huang X, Qin Q, Li P. Identification of Major Capsid Protein as a Potential Biomarker of Grouper Iridovirus-Infected Cells Using Aptamers Selected by SELEX. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2684. [PMID: 31849862 PMCID: PMC6901930 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers have important roles in disease pathogenesis, and serve as important disease indicators for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Grouper iridovirus is a nucleocytoplasmic DNA virus, which not only causes great economic losses in mariculture but also seriously threatens the global biodiversity. However, a lack of biomarkers has limited the progress in clarifying iridovirus pathogenesis. Here, we report novel molecular probes, aptamers, for specific identification of biomarkers in grouper iridovirus-infected cells. Aptamers are selected by SELEX, which is a completely different approach from conventional antibody-based methods for biomarkers discovery. Aptamer-based technology is the unique efficient selection for cell-specific target molecules, and helps find out new biomarkers without the knowledge of characteristics of proteins expressed on virus-infected cell surface. With the implementation of a two-step strategy (aptamer selection and biomarker discovery), combined with mass spectrometry, grouper iridovirus major capsid protein was ultimately identified as a potential biomarker of aptamer Q5 for grouper iridovirus infection. The specific interactions of aptamer Q5 and MCP were experimentally validated by several assays, including EMSA, co-localization of fluorescence by LSCM, binding competition tests, and siRNA silencing tests by flow cytometry. This aptamer-based method for biomarkers discovery developed with grouper iridovirus-infected cells could be applicable to other types of virus infection, markedly improve our studies of biomarker discovery and virus pathogenesis, and further facilitate the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches to treat virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Marine Biotechnology, Guangxi Institute of Oceanography, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Mingzhu Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shina Wei
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Hehe Xiao
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Siting Wu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Ke Ke
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Marine Biotechnology, Guangxi Institute of Oceanography, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Qiwei Qin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Pengfei Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Marine Biotechnology, Guangxi Institute of Oceanography, Guangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanning, China.,College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Catuogno S, Di Martino MT, Nuzzo S, Esposito CL, Tassone P, de Franciscis V. An Anti-BCMA RNA Aptamer for miRNA Intracellular Delivery. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:981-990. [PMID: 31778956 PMCID: PMC6889555 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
B cell maturation antigen is highly expressed on malignant plasma cells in human multiple myeloma and has recently emerged as a very promising target for therapeutic interventions. Nucleic-acid-based aptamers are small oligonucleotides with high selective targeting properties and functional advantages over monoclonal antibodies, as both diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Here, we describe the generation of the first-ever-described nuclease resistant RNA aptamer selectively binding to B cell maturation antigen. We adopted a modified cell-based systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment approach allowing the enrichment for internalizing aptamers. The selected 2′Fluoro-Pyrimidine modified aptamer, named apt69.T, effectively and selectively bound B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells with rapid and efficient internalization. Interestingly, apt69.T inhibited APRIL-dependent nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway in vitro. Moreover, the aptamer was conjugated to microRNA-137 (miR-137) and anti-miR-222, demonstrating high potential against tumor cells. In conclusion, apt69.T is a novel tool suitable for direct targeting and delivery of therapeutics to B cell maturation antigen-expressing myeloma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Catuogno
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Di Martino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Carla Lucia Esposito
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Campus Salvatore Venuta, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- IEOS - Istituto per l'endocrinologia e l'oncologia "Gaetano Salvatore," CNR, Naples, Italy.
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14
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Fechter P, Cruz Da Silva E, Mercier MC, Noulet F, Etienne-Seloum N, Guenot D, Lehmann M, Vauchelles R, Martin S, Lelong-Rebel I, Ray AM, Seguin C, Dontenwill M, Choulier L. RNA Aptamers Targeting Integrin α5β1 as Probes for Cyto- and Histofluorescence in Glioblastoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:63-77. [PMID: 31226519 PMCID: PMC6586995 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are often referred to as chemical antibodies. Because they possess several advantages, like their smaller size, temperature stability, ease of chemical modification, lack of immunogenicity and toxicity, and lower cost of production, aptamers are promising tools for clinical applications. Aptamers against cell surface protein biomarkers are of particular interest for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy. In this study, we identified and characterized RNA aptamers targeting cells expressing integrin α5β1. This αβ heterodimeric cell surface receptor is implicated in tumor angiogenesis and solid tumor aggressiveness. In glioblastoma, integrin α5β1 expression is associated with an aggressive phenotype and a decrease in patient survival. We used a complex and original hybrid SELEX (selective evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) strategy combining protein-SELEX cycles on the recombinant α5β1 protein, surrounded by cell-SELEX cycles using two different cell lines. We identified aptamer H02, able to differentiate, in cyto- and histofluorescence assays, glioblastoma cell lines, and tissues from patient-derived tumor xenografts according to their α5 expression levels. Aptamer H02 is therefore an interesting tool for glioblastoma tumor characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Fechter
- CNRS, UMR 7242, Biotechnologie et Signalisation Cellulaire, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Elisabete Cruz Da Silva
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Cécile Mercier
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Fanny Noulet
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Nelly Etienne-Seloum
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France; Département de Pharmacie, Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer Paul Strauss, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Guenot
- EA 3430, Progression Tumorale et Micro-environnement, Approches Translationnelles et Épidémiologie, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Maxime Lehmann
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Romain Vauchelles
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Sophie Martin
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle Lelong-Rebel
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Anne-Marie Ray
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Cendrine Seguin
- CNRS, UMR 7199, Laboratoire de Conception et Application de Molécules Bioactives, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Monique Dontenwill
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Laurence Choulier
- CNRS, UMR 7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Tumoral Signaling and Therapeutic Targets, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France.
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15
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Abstract
This chapter provides a brief introduction to followed by discussion of recent preclinical studies on potential aptamer drugs grouped into two broad categories, namely, “aptamer structures” and “non-ocular diseases.” Examples of aptamer-based targeting of drugs are then described. Next is an overview of the status of nearly 30 clinical trials of aptamer drugs currently listed in ClinicalTrials.gov, which is a registry and results database of publicly and privately supported clinical studies of human participants conducted around the world, and is a service of the US National Institutes of Health. This overview includes brief descriptions of each study sponsor, aptamer drug, disease(s), and type of study, as well as separate tables for completed studies, withdrawn or terminated studies, and active studies. The final section discusses Conclusions and Prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Zon
- TriLink BioTechnologies 9955 Mesa Rim Road San Diego 92121 USA
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16
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Özyurt C, Canbay ZÇ, Dinçkaya E, Evran S. A highly sensitive DNA aptamer-based fluorescence assay for sarcosine detection down to picomolar levels. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 129:91-97. [PMID: 30738156 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sarcosine is an amino acid derivative, which is considered as a key metabolite in various metabolic processes. Therefore, simple and sensitive detection methods are needed for further understanding its metabolic role and diagnostic value. In this study, we developed a novel method that meets the need for practical and sensitive detection in a complex medium mimicking urine conditions. For this aim, we selected sarcosine-specific DNA aptamers using graphene oxide-assisted systemic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (GO-SELEX). The candidate aptamers were labeled with 6-carboxyfluorescein (6-FAM) at their 5' ends. Two aptamers, namely 9S and 13S produced a significant fluorescence signal upon sarcosine binding. Both aptamers enabled a sensitive analysis with a detection limit of 0.5 pM. The linear detection ranged between 5 pM and 50 μM for 9S aptamer, while 13S aptamer enabled a wider linear detection range between 5 pM and 500 μM. The aptamer-based assay allowed rapid detection with no need for chemical derivatization of sarcosine and sophisticated instruments. Moreover, the aptamer-based assay was free of interference from urea and human serum albumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Özyurt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100 Bornova-İzmir, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Çelik Canbay
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100 Bornova-İzmir, Turkey
| | - Erhan Dinçkaya
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100 Bornova-İzmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Evran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Ege University, 35100 Bornova-İzmir, Turkey.
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17
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Yoon S, Rossi JJ. Therapeutic Potential of Small Activating RNAs (saRNAs) in Human Cancers. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2018; 19:604-610. [PMID: 29804529 PMCID: PMC6204660 DOI: 10.2174/1389201019666180528084059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background: RNA is increasingly recognized as a powerful molecule that can be used to control gene expression. Sophisticated, well-engineered RNA-based regulators are being developed as oligotherapeutics. Methods: In particular, small activating RNAs (saRNAs) are promising therapeutic options for targeting human diseases. Numerous saRNAs targeting multiple cancers have been developed in preclinical models. One saRNA targeting C/EBPα is currently undergoing clinical trials in liver cancer. Results and Conclusion: In this review, we describe the current working model of the intracellular mechanism of saRNA, discuss the recent progress of saRNA therapeutics in preclinical and clinical trials, and current advances in targeted delivery using aptamers in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorah Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States.,Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, United States
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18
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Yoon S, Wu X, Armstrong B, Habib N, Rossi JJ. An RNA Aptamer Targeting the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase PDGFRα Induces Anti-tumor Effects through STAT3 and p53 in Glioblastoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:131-141. [PMID: 30594071 PMCID: PMC6307106 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Human glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive malignancy of the CNS, with less than 5% survival. Despite great efforts to find effective therapeutics, current options remain very limited. To develop a targeted cancer therapeutic, we selected RNA aptamers against platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα), which is a receptor tyrosine kinase. One RNA aptamer (PDR3) with high affinity (0.25 nM) showed PDGFRα specificity and was internalized in U251-MG cells. Following treatment with the PDR3 aptamer, expression of the transcription factor STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) was inhibited, whereas the expression of the histone demethylase JMJD3 and the tumor suppressor p53 were upregulated. PDR3 also upregulated serine phosphorylation of p53, which subsequently mediated apoptosis through the death receptors: tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptors 1/2 (TRAIL-R1/R2), Fas-associated via death domain (FADD), and Fas. PDR3 significantly decreased cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, translocation of PDR3 into the nucleus induced hypomethylation at the promoters of cyclin D2. To assess the feasibility of targeted delivery, we conjugated PDR3 aptamer with STAT3-siRNA for a chimera. The PDR3-siSTAT3 chimera successfully inhibited the expression of target genes and showed significant inhibition of cell viability. In summary, our results show that well-tailored RNA aptamers targeting the PDGFRα-STAT3 axis have the potential to act as anti-cancer therapeutics in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorah Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomic Core, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | | | - Nagy Habib
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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19
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Yoon S, Rossi JJ. Aptamers: Uptake mechanisms and intracellular applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018; 134:22-35. [PMID: 29981799 PMCID: PMC7126894 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The structural flexibility and small size of aptamers enable precise recognition of cellular elements for imaging and therapeutic applications. The process by which aptamers are taken into cells depends on their targets but is typically clathrin-mediated endocytosis or macropinocytosis. After internalization, most aptamers are transported to endosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and occasionally mitochondria and autophagosomes. Intracellular aptamers, or “intramers,” have versatile functions ranging from intracellular RNA imaging, gene regulation, and therapeutics to allosteric modulation, which we discuss in this review. Immune responses to therapeutic aptamers and the effects of G-quadruplex structure on aptamer function are also discussed.
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20
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Yoon S, Rossi JJ. Targeted Molecular Imaging Using Aptamers in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11030071. [PMID: 30029472 PMCID: PMC6160950 DOI: 10.3390/ph11030071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging is not only seeing, but also believing. For targeted imaging modalities, nucleic acid aptamers have features such as superior recognition of structural epitopes and quick uptake in target cells. This explains the emergence of an evolved new class of aptamers into a wide spectrum of imaging applications over the last decade. Genetically encoded biosensors tagged with fluorescent RNA aptamers have been developed as intracellular imaging tools to understand cellular signaling and physiology in live cells. Cancer-specific aptamers labeled with fluorescence have been used for assessment of clinical tissue specimens. Aptamers conjugated with gold nanoparticles have been employed to develop innovative mass spectrometry tissue imaging. Also, use of chemically conjugated cancer-specific aptamers as probes for non-invasive and high-resolution imaging has been transformative for in vivo imaging in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sorah Yoon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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21
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Matters GL, Harms JF. Utilizing Peptide Ligand GPCRs to Image and Treat Pancreatic Cancer. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6020065. [PMID: 29865257 PMCID: PMC6027158 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is estimated that early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) could increase long-term patient survival by as much as 30% to 40% (Seufferlein, T. et al., Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol.2016, 13, 74–75). There is an unmet need for reagents that can reliably identify early cancerous or precancerous lesions through various imaging modalities or could be employed to deliver anticancer treatments specifically to tumor cells. However, to date, many PDAC tumor-targeting strategies lack selectivity and are unable to discriminate between tumor and nontumor cells, causing off-target effects or unclear diagnoses. Although a variety of approaches have been taken to identify tumor-targeting reagents that can effectively direct therapeutics or imaging agents to cancer cells (Liu, D. et al., J. Controlled Release2015, 219, 632–643), translating these reagents into clinical practice has been limited, and it remains an area open to new methodologies and reagents (O’Connor, J.P. et al., Nat. Rev. Clin. Oncol. 2017, 14, 169–186). G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are key target proteins for drug discovery and comprise a large proportion of currently marketed therapeutics, hold significant promise for tumor imaging and targeted treatment, particularly for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail L Matters
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - John F Harms
- Department of Biological Sciences, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, USA.
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22
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Hori SI, Herrera A, Rossi JJ, Zhou J. Current Advances in Aptamers for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10010009. [PMID: 29301363 PMCID: PMC5789359 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that interact with target molecules with high affinity and specificity in unique three-dimensional structures. Aptamers are generally isolated by a simple selection process called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) and then can be chemically synthesized and modified. Because of their high affinity and specificity, aptamers are promising agents for biomarker discovery, as well as cancer diagnosis and therapy. In this review, we present recent progress and challenges in aptamer and SELEX technology and highlight some representative applications of aptamers in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin-Ichiro Hori
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Drug Discovery & Disease Research Laboratory, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan.
| | - Alberto Herrera
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - John J Rossi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jiehua Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, 1500 E. Duarte Rd, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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23
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Challenging cancer targets for aptamer delivery. Biochimie 2017; 145:45-52. [PMID: 28962871 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The extraordinary boost in the understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the development and progression of different types of cancer, is offering an unprecedented hope for the development of precise therapeutics able to interfere or replace the expression of target genes. In the last decade, the design of stable, safe and effective RNA-based therapeutics has been significantly improved increasing the number of molecules now in preclinical or in clinical trials for cancer gene therapy. However, with few exclusions as liver and hematological malignancies which are easy accessible to drugs, the development of effective systemic approaches for the delivery of RNA therapeutics to target cells is still unmet. To be effective, targeting carriers must be able to overcome both functional and physical barriers to safely carry and accumulate the therapeutic through the organism selectively to the tumor site, penetrate the target cancer mass, promote the uptake and localization in the appropriate intracellular compartment ultimately leading to the effective modulation of gene expression. Nucleic acid aptamers are folded single stranded oligonucleotides that bind at high affinity and high specificity their targets (proteins, lipids, small molecules etc), coupling the advantages of binding specificity proper of antibodies to the chemical nature of nucleic acids, sometimes also termed "nucleic acid antibodies". In several cases, aptamers targeting cell surface receptors are recycled into the cell together with the bound receptor enabling to drive conjugated therapeutics to cancer cells in a receptor-dependent manner. Therefore, besides other in vivo delivery strategies, the use of aptamers as precise and effective targeting moieties for anticancer RNA-based therapeutics has rapidly emerged and has been successfully addressed by several laboratories. In this Review, we will focus on the most recent and challenging progresses in the field that highlights the precision and flexibility of aptamer-based chimeras paving the way to the development of safe and effective carriers for cancer gene therapeutics.
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