1
|
Chen Y, Gong L, Cao Y, Liu Z, Wang Y, Cheng H, Feng Y, Yao S, Yin Y, Wu Z, Huang Z. Reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages by a dually targeted milk exosome system as a potent monotherapy for cancer. J Control Release 2024; 366:395-409. [PMID: 38184235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.058] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a key role in inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer immune escape. We previously revealed that PDL1 (a key immune checkpoint) was upregulated in TAMs and induced M2 polarization, highlighting PDL1 in TAMs as a promising cancer therapeutic target. In this study, we developed an engineered milk exosome (mExo) system decorated with M2pep (an M2 macrophage binding peptide) and 7D12 (an anti-EGFR nanobody) (7D12-mExo-M2pep-siPDL1) to specifically deliver siPDL1 into M2 TAMs. A series of in vitro and in vivo assays showed that the dually targeted engineered mExos efficiently delivered siPDL1 into M2 TAMs and repolarized them into M1 macrophages, restoring CD8+ T cell immune activity and remodeling TME. Importantly, systemically administered 7D12-mExo-M2pep-siPDL1 showed efficient single-agent antitumor activity, resulting in nearly 90% tumor growth inhibition in a mouse model of orthotopic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) cancer. Collectively, our study indicates that PDL1 is a promising target for TAM-based cancer immunotherapy, and our engineered mExo-based nanomedicine represents a novel tool for specifically targeting M2 TAMs, distinguishing this novel therapeutic method from other TAM-targeting therapies and highlighting its promising clinical potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Chen
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Liang Gong
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China; Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Yulin Cao
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhiang Liu
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yuanben Wang
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Han Cheng
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yuyang Feng
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Surui Yao
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Yuan Yin
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Zhimeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| | - Zhaohui Huang
- Wuxi Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214062, China.; Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang D, Gu W, Chen W, Zhou J, Yu L, Kook Kim B, Zhang X, Seung Kim J. Advanced nanovaccines based on engineering nanomaterials for accurately enhanced cancer immunotherapy. Coord Chem Rev 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2022.214788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
3
|
de Oliveira ACV, de Morais FAP, Campanholi KDSS, Bidóia DL, Balbinot RB, Nakamura CV, Caetano W, Hioka N, Monteiro ODS, da Rocha CQ, Gonçalves RS. Melanoma-targeted photodynamic therapy based on hypericin-loaded multifunctional P123-spermine/folate micelles. Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther 2022; 40:103103. [PMID: 36057363 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2022.103103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multifunctional P123 micelle linked covalently with spermine (SM) and folic acid (FA) was developed as a drug delivery system of hypericin (HYP). The chemical structures of the modified copolymers were confirmed by spectroscopy and spectrophotometric techniques (UV-vis, FTIR, and 1H NMR). The copolymeric micelles loading HYP were prepared by solid dispersion and characterized by UV-vis, fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS), ζ potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results provided a good level of stability for HYP-loaded P123-SM, P123-FA, and P123-SM/P123-FA in the aqueous medium. The morphology analysis showed that all copolymeric micelles are spherical. Well-defined regions of different contrast allow us to infer that SM and FA were localized on the surface of micelles, and the HYP molecules are located in the core region of micelles. The uptake potential of multifunctional P123 micelle was accessed by exposing the micellar systems loading HYP to two cell lines, B16-F10 and HaCaT. HYP-loaded P123 micelles reveal a low selectivity for melanoma cells, showing significant photodamage for HaCat cells. However, the exposition of B16-F10 cells to Hyp-loaded SM- and FA-functionalized P123 micelles under light irradiation revealed the lowest CC50 values. The interpretation of these results suggested that the combination of SM and FA on P123 micelles is the main factor in enhancing the HYP uptake by melanoma cells, consequently leading to its photoinactivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Danielle Lazarin Bidóia
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, 5790 Colombo Ave., 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Rodolfo Bento Balbinot
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, 5790 Colombo Ave., 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Celso Vataru Nakamura
- Department of Physics, State University of Maringá, 5790 Colombo Ave., 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Wilker Caetano
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, 5790 Colombo Ave., 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Noboru Hioka
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Maringá, 5790 Colombo Ave., 87020-900 Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Odair Dos Santos Monteiro
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Quintino da Rocha
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
| | - Renato Sonchini Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Products, Department of Chemistry, Center for Exact Sciences and Technology, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Targeting FOLR1 in high-risk CBF2AT3-GLIS2 pediatric AML with STRO-002 FOLR1-antibody-drug conjugate. Blood Adv 2022; 6:5933-5937. [PMID: 36149945 PMCID: PMC9701621 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
|
5
|
Folate Transport and One-Carbon Metabolism in Targeted Therapies of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010191. [PMID: 35008360 PMCID: PMC8750473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapies are urgently needed for epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. To identify new approaches for targeting EOC, metabolic vulnerabilities must be discovered and strategies for the selective delivery of therapeutic agents must be established. Folate receptor (FR) α and the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT) are expressed in the majority of EOCs. FRβ is expressed on tumor-associated macrophages, a major infiltrating immune population in EOC. One-carbon (C1) metabolism is partitioned between the cytosol and mitochondria and is important for the synthesis of nucleotides, amino acids, glutathione, and other critical metabolites. Novel inhibitors are being developed with the potential for therapeutic targeting of tumors via FRs and the PCFT, as well as for inhibiting C1 metabolism. In this review, we summarize these exciting new developments in targeted therapies for both tumors and the tumor microenvironment in EOC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Glycoprotein-based bioimaging of HeLa cancer cells by folate receptor and folate decorated graphene quantum dots. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
7
|
Shulpekova Y, Nechaev V, Kardasheva S, Sedova A, Kurbatova A, Bueverova E, Kopylov A, Malsagova K, Dlamini JC, Ivashkin V. The Concept of Folic Acid in Health and Disease. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26123731. [PMID: 34207319 PMCID: PMC8235569 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26123731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Folates have a pterine core structure and high metabolic activity due to their ability to accept electrons and react with O-, S-, N-, C-bounds. Folates play a role as cofactors in essential one-carbon pathways donating methyl-groups to choline phospholipids, creatine, epinephrine, DNA. Compounds similar to folates are ubiquitous and have been found in different animals, plants, and microorganisms. Folates enter the body from the diet and are also synthesized by intestinal bacteria with consequent adsorption from the colon. Three types of folate and antifolate cellular transporters have been found, differing in tissue localization, substrate affinity, type of transferring, and optimal pH for function. Laboratory criteria of folate deficiency are accepted by WHO. Severe folate deficiencies, manifesting in early life, are seen in hereditary folate malabsorption and cerebral folate deficiency. Acquired folate deficiency is quite common and is associated with poor diet and malabsorption, alcohol consumption, obesity, and kidney failure. Given the observational data that folates have a protective effect against neural tube defects, ischemic events, and cancer, food folic acid fortification was introduced in many countries. However, high physiological folate concentrations and folate overload may increase the risk of impaired brain development in embryogenesis and possess a growth advantage for precancerous altered cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Shulpekova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Vladimir Nechaev
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Svetlana Kardasheva
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Alla Sedova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Anastasia Kurbatova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Elena Bueverova
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| | - Arthur Kopylov
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Kristina Malsagova
- Biobanking Group, Branch of Institute of Biomedical Chemistry “Scientific and Education Center”, 119121 Moscow, Russia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-499-764-9878
| | | | - Vladimir Ivashkin
- Department of Internal Diseases Propedeutics, Sechenov University, 119121 Moscow, Russia; (Y.S.); (V.N.); (S.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (E.B.); (V.I.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang DD, Zhang XN. Advances in receptor modulation strategies for flexible, efficient, and enhanced antitumor efficacy. J Control Release 2021; 333:418-447. [PMID: 33812919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-sensitivity, effective transport, and precise delivery to tumor cells of nano drug delivery systems (NDDs) have been great challenges to cancer therapy in recent years. The conventional targeting approach involves actively installing the corresponding ligand on the nanocarriers, which is prone to recognize the antigen blasts overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells. However, there are some probable limitations for the active tumor-targeting systems in vivo as follows: a. the limited ligand amount of modifications; b. possible steric hindrance, which was likely to prevent ligand-receptor interaction during the delivery process. c. the restrained antigen saturation highly expressed on the cell membrane, will definitely decrease the specificity and often lead to "off-target" effects of NDDs; and d. water insolubility of nanocarriers due to excess of ligands modification. Obviously, any regulation of receptors on surface of tumor cells exerted an important influence on the delivery of targeting systems. Herein, receptor upregulation was mostly desired for enhancing targeted therapy from the cellular level. This technique with the amplification of receptors has the potential to enhance tumor sensitivity towards corresponding ligand-modified nanoparticles, and thereby increasing the effective therapeutic concentration as well as improving the efficacy of chemotherapy. The enhancement of positively expressed receptors on tumor cells and receptor-dependent therapeutic agents or NDDs with an assembled "self-promoting" effect contributes to increasing cell sensitivity to NPs, and will provide a basic platform for clinical therapeutic practice. In this review, we highlight the significance of modulating various receptors on different types of cancer cells for drug delivery and therapeutic benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Nong Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang C, Wijerathne CUB, Tu GW, Woo CWH, Siow YL, Madduma Hewage S, Au-Yeung KKW, Zhu T, O K. Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Reduces Kidney Folate Transporter Expression and Plasma Folate Levels. Front Immunol 2021; 12:678914. [PMID: 34149715 PMCID: PMC8213029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute or chronic kidney disease can cause micronutrient deficiency. Patients with end-stage renal disease, kidney transplantation or on dialysis have reduced circulating levels of folate, an essential B vitamin. However, the molecular mechanism is not well understood. Reabsorption of folate in renal proximal tubules through folate transporters is an important process to prevent urinary loss of folate. The present study investigated the impact of acute kidney injury (AKI) on folate transporter expression and the underlying mechanism. AKI was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats that were subjected to kidney ischemia (45 min)-reperfusion (24 h). Both male and female rats displayed kidney injury and low plasma folate levels compared with sham-operated rats. The plasma folate levels were inversely correlated to plasma creatinine levels. There was a significant increase in neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and IL-6 mRNA expression in the kidneys of rats with ischemia-reperfusion, indicating kidney injury and increased inflammatory cytokine expression. Ischemia-reperfusion decreased mRNA and protein expression of folate transporters including folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) and reduced folate carrier (RFC); and inhibited transcription factor Sp1/DNA binding activity in the kidneys. Simulated ischemia-reperfusion through hypoxia-reoxygenation or Sp1 siRNA transfection in human proximal tubular cells inhibited folate transporter expression and reduced intracellular folate levels. These results suggest that ischemia-reperfusion injury downregulates renal folate transporter expression and decreases folate uptake by tubular cells, which may contribute to low folate status in AKI. In conclusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury can downregulate Sp1 mediated-folate transporter expression in tubular cells, which may reduce folate reabsorption and lead to low folate status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Yang
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Charith U. B. Wijerathne
- St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Guo-wei Tu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Connie W. H. Woo
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaw L. Siow
- St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Agriculture and Agri Food Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Susara Madduma Hewage
- St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kathy K. W. Au-Yeung
- St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Tongyu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Tongyu Zhu, ; Karmin O,
| | - Karmin O
- St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Tongyu Zhu, ; Karmin O,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alam C, Hoque MT, Sangha V, Bendayan R. Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) upregulates the expression and function of reduced folate carrier (RFC) at the blood-brain barrier. FASEB J 2020; 34:10516-10530. [PMID: 32543769 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000239rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Folates are important for neurodevelopment and cognitive function. Folate transport across biological membranes is mediated by three major pathways: folate receptor alpha (FRα), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and reduced folate carrier (RFC). Brain folate transport primarily occurs at the choroid plexus through FRα and PCFT; inactivation of these transport systems results in suboptimal folate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causing childhood neurological disorders. Our group has reported that upregulation of RFC at the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through interactions with specific transcription factors, that is, vitamin D receptor (VDR) could increase brain folate delivery. This study investigates the role of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1) in the regulation of RFC at the BBB. Activation of NRF-1/PGC-1α signaling through treatment with its specific ligand, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), significantly induced RFC expression and transport activity in hCMEC/D3 cells. In contrast, transfection with NRF-1 or PGC-1α targeting siRNA downregulated RFC functional expression in the same cell system. Applying chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, we further demonstrated that PQQ treatment increased NRF-1 binding to putative NRF-1 binding sites within the SLC19A1 promoter, which encodes for RFC. Additionally, in vivo treatment of wild type mice with PQQ-induced RFC expression in isolated mouse brain capillaries. Together, these findings demonstrate that NRF-1/PGC-1α activation by PQQ upregulates RFC functional expression at the BBB and could potentially enhance brain folate uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Md Tozammel Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vishal Sangha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Alam C, Kondo M, O'Connor DL, Bendayan R. Clinical Implications of Folate Transport in the Central Nervous System. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:349-361. [PMID: 32200980 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Folates are essential for key biosynthetic processes in mammalian cells and play a crucial role in the maintenance of central nervous system homeostasis. Mammals lack the metabolic capacity for folate biosynthesis; hence, folate requirements are largely met through dietary sources. To date, three major folate transport pathways have been characterized: the folate receptors (FRs), reduced folate carrier (RFC), and proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT). This article reviews current knowledge on the role of folate transport systems in mediating folate delivery to vital tissues, particularly the brain, and how these pathways are modulated by various regulatory mechanisms. We will also briefly highlight the clinical significance of cerebral folate transport in relation to neurodevelopmental disorders associated with folate deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Misaki Kondo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Translational Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tian L, Yang L, Zheng W, Hu Y, Ding P, Wang Z, Zheng D, Fu L, Chen B, Xiao T, Wang Y, Chen F, Liu J, Gao K, Shen S, Zhai R. RNA sequencing of exosomes revealed differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and benign esophagitis. Epigenomics 2020; 12:525-541. [PMID: 32043367 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the roles of exosomal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and benign esophagitis. Materials & methods: Exosomal lncRNAs were analyzed using RNA-seq and validated by quantitative real-time PCR, loss-of-function, co-culture and RNA pulldown assays. Results: Exosomal lncRNAs displayed tighter tissue-specificity, higher expression level and lower splicing efficiency than that of mRNAs. A total of 152 exosomal lncRNAs were differentially expressed between ESCC and controls. A total of 124 exosomal lncRNAs were dysregulated between ESCC and esophagitis. Knockdown of 13 ESCC-associated lncRNAs modified proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of ESCC cells. A novel lncRNA RP5-1092A11.2 was highly expressed in ESCC-derived exosomes, ESCC cells and tumor tissues. Exosomes released from RP5-1092A11.2-knockdown cells inhibited ESCC cell proliferation. Conclusion: Dysregulated exosomal lncRNAs were functionally associated with different disease status in esophagus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Tian
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Wenjing Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Yinqing Hu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518023, PR China
| | - Peikun Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518020, PR China
| | - Duo Zheng
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Li Fu
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518023, PR China
| | - Tian Xiao
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Yuejun Wang
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Digestive Endoscopy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518023, PR China
| | - Kaiping Gao
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| | - Sipeng Shen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rihong Zhai
- School of Public Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Carson Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Farran B, Albayrak S, Abrams J, Tainsky MA, Levin NK, Morris R, Matherly LH, Ratnam M, Winer I. Serum folate receptor α (sFR) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and surveillance. Cancer Med 2019. [PMID: 30761774 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1944] [] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Novelty and Impact Statement: Our findings suggest that soluble folate receptor (sFR) could be used in both the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer. Our cohort constitutes one of the largest comparison groups for sFR analyzed so far. We have defined the background level of sFR using healthy volunteers. This is also the first study to prospectively follow patients in the surveillance setting to concurrently identify differential changes in tumor markers CA-125 and sFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Samet Albayrak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Judith Abrams
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Michael A Tainsky
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nancy K Levin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Robert Morris
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Departments of Oncology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Manohar Ratnam
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ira Winer
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Farran B, Albayrak S, Abrams J, Tainsky MA, Levin NK, Morris R, Matherly LH, Ratnam M, Winer I. Serum folate receptor α (sFR) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and surveillance. Cancer Med 2019. [PMID: 30761774 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1944]+[] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Novelty and Impact Statement: Our findings suggest that soluble folate receptor (sFR) could be used in both the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer. Our cohort constitutes one of the largest comparison groups for sFR analyzed so far. We have defined the background level of sFR using healthy volunteers. This is also the first study to prospectively follow patients in the surveillance setting to concurrently identify differential changes in tumor markers CA-125 and sFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Farran
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Samet Albayrak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Judith Abrams
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Michael A Tainsky
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Nancy K Levin
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Robert Morris
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Larry H Matherly
- Departments of Oncology and Pharmacology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Manohar Ratnam
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Ira Winer
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Wayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Farran B, Albayrak S, Abrams J, Tainsky MA, Levin NK, Morris R, Matherly LH, Ratnam M, Winer I. Serum folate receptor α (sFR) in ovarian cancer diagnosis and surveillance. Cancer Med 2019; 8:920-927. [PMID: 30761774 PMCID: PMC6434204 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novelty and Impact Statement: Our findings suggest that soluble folate receptor (sFR) could be used in both the initial diagnosis and surveillance of patients with ovarian cancer. Our cohort constitutes one of the largest comparison groups for sFR analyzed so far. We have defined the background level of sFR using healthy volunteers. This is also the first study to prospectively follow patients in the surveillance setting to concurrently identify differential changes in tumor markers CA‐125 and sFR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Farran
- Department of OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Samet Albayrak
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyWayne State UniversityDetroitMichigan
| | - Judith Abrams
- Department of OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Michael A. Tainsky
- Department of OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer Institute and Center for Molecular Medicine and GeneticsDetroitMichigan
| | - Nancy K. Levin
- Department of OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Robert Morris
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Larry H. Matherly
- Departments of Oncology and PharmacologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Manohar Ratnam
- Department of OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| | - Ira Winer
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic OncologyWayne State University and Karmanos Cancer InstituteDetroitMichigan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stubbs FE, Birnie MT, Biddie SC, Lightman SL, Conway-Campbell BL. SKOV3 cells containing a truncated ARID1a protein have a restricted genome-wide response to glucocorticoids. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 461:226-235. [PMID: 28942102 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AT-rich interacting domain subunit 1a (ARID1a) is an essential SWI/SNF component frequently mutated in human cancers. ARID1a mutations have also been associated with glucocorticoid resistance, potentially related to the well-established role of the SWI/SNF complex in glucocorticoid target gene regulation. Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones important for regulating many physiological processes through the activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). As GR interacts directly with ARID1a, we hypothesized that a truncating ARID mutation would interfere with GR-dependent gene regulation. Using high throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-SEQ) we show a restricted glucocorticoid response in SKOV3 cells, which contain an inactivating ARID1a mutation. We also show a lack of GR binding at the GR-dependent regulatory site in the Period 1 gene, which has previously been shown to require chromatin remodelling. Taken together, our data suggests that ARID1a may be required for regulation of a subset of glucocorticoid responsive genes. In the case of SKOV3 cells, in which ARID1a is mutated, glucocorticoid-dependent transcriptional regulation of these genes is significantly impaired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F E Stubbs
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - M T Birnie
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - S C Biddie
- West Hertfordshire NHS Trust, Watford General Hospitals, Vicarage Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD18 0HB, UK.
| | - S L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| | - B L Conway-Campbell
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Enhancing tumor response to targeted chemotherapy through up-regulation of folate receptor α expression induced by dexamethasone and valproic acid. J Control Release 2018; 269:36-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
18
|
Alam C, Hoque MT, Finnell RH, Goldman ID, Bendayan R. Regulation of Reduced Folate Carrier (RFC) by Vitamin D Receptor at the Blood-Brain Barrier. Mol Pharm 2017; 14:3848-3858. [PMID: 28885847 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Folates are essential for brain development and function. Folate transport in mammalian tissues is mediated by three major folate transport systems, i.e., reduced folate carrier (RFC), proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), and folate receptor alpha (FRα), known to be regulated by ligand-activated nuclear receptors, such as vitamin D receptor (VDR). Folate uptake at the choroid plexus, which requires the actions of both FRα and PCFT, is critical to cerebral folate delivery. Inactivating FRα or PCFT mutations cause severe cerebral folate deficiency resulting in early childhood neurodegeneration. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of RFC in folate uptake at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its potential regulation by VDR. We detected robust expression of RFC in different in vitro BBB model systems, particularly in immortalized cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and isolated mouse brain capillaries. [3H]-methotrexate uptake by hCMEC/D3 cells at pH 7.4 was inhibited by PT523 and pemetrexed, antifolates with high affinity for RFC. We also showed that activation of VDR through calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) exposure up-regulates RFC mRNA and protein expression as well as function in hCMEC/D3 cells and isolated mouse brain capillaries. We further demonstrated that RFC expression could be down-regulated by VDR-targeting siRNA, further confirming the role of VDR in the direct regulation of this folate transporter. Together, these data suggest that augmenting RFC functional expression could constitute a novel strategy for enhancing brain folate delivery for the treatment of neurometabolic disorders caused by loss of FRα or PCFT function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Alam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Md Tozammel Hoque
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - I David Goldman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx, New York 10461, United States
| | - Reina Bendayan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Siwowska K, Schmid RM, Cohrs S, Schibli R, Müller C. Folate Receptor-Positive Gynecological Cancer Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10030072. [PMID: 28809784 PMCID: PMC5620616 DOI: 10.3390/ph10030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The folate receptor alpha (FR) is expressed in a variety of gynecological cancer types. It has been widely used for tumor targeting with folic acid conjugates of diagnostic and therapeutic probes. The cervical KB tumor cells have evolved as the standard model for preclinical investigations of folate-based (radio) conjugates. In this study, a panel of FR-expressing human cancer cell lines—including cervical (HeLa, KB, KB-V1), ovarian (IGROV-1, SKOV-3, SKOV-3.ip), choriocarcinoma (JAR, BeWo) and endometrial (EFE-184) tumor cells—was investigated in vitro and for their ability to grow as xenografts in mice. FR-expression levels were compared in vitro and in vivo and the cell lines were characterized by determination of the sensitivity towards commonly-used chemotherapeutics and the expression of two additional, relevant tumor markers, HER2 and L1-CAM. It was found that, besides KB cells, its multiresistant KB-V1 subclone as well as the ovarian cancer cell lines, IGROV-1 and SKOV-3.ip, could be used as potentially more relevant preclinical models. They would allow addressing specific questions such as the therapeutic efficacy of FR-targeting agents in tumor (mouse) models of multi-resistance and in mouse models of metastases formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Siwowska
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI 5232, Switzerland.
| | - Raffaella M Schmid
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI 5232, Switzerland.
| | - Susan Cohrs
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI 5232, Switzerland.
| | - Roger Schibli
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI 5232, Switzerland.
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Cristina Müller
- Center for Radiopharmaceutical Sciences ETH-PSI-USZ, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen-PSI 5232, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Song DG, Ye Q, Poussin M, Chacon JA, Figini M, Powell DJ. Effective adoptive immunotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer by folate receptor-alpha redirected CAR T cells is influenced by surface antigen expression level. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:56. [PMID: 27439908 PMCID: PMC4955216 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The poor prognosis and the limited efficacy of targeted therapy in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have raised the need for alternative therapies. Recent studies have demonstrated that folate receptor-alpha (FRα) may represent an ideal tumor-associated marker for immunotherapy for TNBC. METHODS The aim of the present study was to apply a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approach for the targeting of FRα expressed on TNBC cells and evaluate the antitumor activity of CAR-engineered T cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found that human T cells expressing a FRα-specific CAR were potent and specific killers of TNBC cells that express moderate levels of FRα in vitro and significantly inhibited tumor outgrowth following infusion into immunodeficient mice bearing an MDA-MB-231 tumor xenograft. However, the antitumor activity of the FRα CAR T cells was modest when compared to the same CAR T cells applied in an ovarian tumor xenograft model where FRα expression is more abundant. Notably, FRα CAR T cells induced superior tumor regression in vivo against MDA-MB-231 that was engineered for overexpression of FRα. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results show that FRα CAR T cells can mediate antitumor activity against established TNBC tumor, particularly when FRα is expressed at higher levels. These results have significant implications for the pre-selection of patients with high antigen expression levels when utilizing CAR-based adoptive T cell therapies of cancer in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Gang Song
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Current address: Intrexon Corporation, 20358 Seneca Meadows Pkwy, Germantown, MD, 20876, USA
| | - Qunrui Ye
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mathilde Poussin
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jessica A Chacon
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mariangela Figini
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel J Powell
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Rm 8-103 Smilow CTR, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Desai A, Sequeira JM, Quadros EV. The metabolic basis for developmental disorders due to defective folate transport. Biochimie 2016; 126:31-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2016.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
22
|
Qiao J, Dong P, Mu X, Qi L, Xiao R. Folic acid-conjugated fluorescent polymer for up-regulation folate receptor expression study via targeted imaging of tumor cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 78:147-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
23
|
Vergote IB, Marth C, Coleman RL. Role of the folate receptor in ovarian cancer treatment: evidence, mechanism, and clinical implications. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 34:41-52. [PMID: 25564455 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-014-9539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Folate can be transported into the cell by the reduced folate carrier (RFC), the proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), or the folate receptor (FR), of which various isoforms exist. While the RFC and PCFT are expressed by many normal cells, the FR is present only in a small proportion of normal tissues. In these tissues, the FR expression level is often low and restricted to the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells. In contrast, FR is expressed on the blood-accessible basal and lateral membranes of many types of epithelial cancer. Considering that FR is expressed in few nonmalignant cell types on luminal membranes generally not accessible for molecules transported in the blood, FR is considered a promising antitumor target. As FR expression seems associated with tumor progression and prognosis, anticancer therapies targeting FR are currently being developed, such as farletuzumab (Morphotek, Exton, PA, USA), IMGN853 (ImmunoGen, Waltham, MA, USA), vintafolide, and EC1456 (both Endocyte Inc., West Lafayette, IN, USA). FR expression could be used as a response-predictive biomarker for these treatments. The ability to identify patients and treat them with an effective therapy based on the known expression of the tumor marker would, indeed, be the next step in predictive medicine for these patients. This review summarizes the role of FR in ovarian cancer and the value of FR as a prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer and a response-predictive biomarker for folate-targeted therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignace B Vergote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecolog, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospital Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Dong D, Gao W, Liu Y, Qi XR. Therapeutic potential of targeted multifunctional nanocomplex co-delivery of siRNA and low-dose doxorubicin in breast cancer. Cancer Lett 2015; 359:178-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
25
|
Kelemen LE, Brenton JD, Parkinson C, C. Whitaker H, Piskorz AM, Csizmadi I, Robson PJ. Conditions associated with circulating tumor-associated folate receptor 1 protein in healthy men and women. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96542. [PMID: 24810481 PMCID: PMC4014514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serum concentrations of the tumor-associated folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) protein may be a marker for early cancer detection, yet concentrations have also been detected in cancer-free women. We investigated the conditions associated with circulating FOLR1 protein in healthy individuals and sought to clarify the range of normal serum values. Methods Sera of cancer-free men and women (N = 60) enrolled in a population-based cohort study in Alberta, Canada were analyzed for FOLR1 protein using an electrochemical luminescence immunoassay. Dietary, lifestyle, medical and reproductive history information was collected by questionnaires. Differences in serum FOLR1 concentrations between groups were assessed by non-parametric tests, and predictors of serum FOLR1 concentrations were estimated using multivariable linear regression. Results Median serum FOLR1 concentration was higher in women (491 pg/ml, range = 327–693 pg/ml) than in men (404 pg/ml, range = 340–682 pg/ml), P = 0.001. FOLR1 concentration was also positively associated with vitamin A intake (P = 0.02), and showed positive trends with age and with oral contraceptive hormone use among women and an inverse trend with body mass index. All variables examined explained almost half of the variation in serum FOLR1 (model R2 = 0.44, P = 0.04); however, the retention of gender (P = 0.003) and vitamin A intake (P = 0.03) together explained 20% (P = 0.001) of serum FOLR1 variation. No other predictor was significant at P<0.05. Conclusions The positive association between serum FOLR1 concentration and female gender independent of an age effect suggests caution against statements to exploit serum FOLR1 for early cancer detection without further understanding the biological underpinnings of these observations. Serum FOLR1 concentrations may be influenced by the steroid retinoic acid (vitamin A) but do not appear to be associated with folate nutritional status. These findings require confirmation in larger independent studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda E. Kelemen
- Department of Population Health Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - James D. Brenton
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/Medical Research Council Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cambridge Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christine Parkinson
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley C. Whitaker
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/Medical Research Council Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. Piskorz
- Cancer Research United Kingdom Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ilona Csizmadi
- Department of Population Health Research, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paula J. Robson
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhang MZ, Yu Y, Yu RN, Wan M, Zhang RY, Zhao YD. Tracking the down-regulation of folate receptor-α in cancer cells through target specific delivery of quantum dots coupled with antisense oligonucleotide and targeted peptide. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:4183-4193. [PMID: 23828664 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201300994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Based on the multivalent binding capability of streptavidin (SA) to biotin, a multifunctional quantum dot probe (QD-(AS-ODN+p160)) coupled with antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) and peptide p160 is designed for real-time tracking of targeted delivery of AS-ODN and regulation of folate receptor-α (hFR-α) in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Fluorescence spectra, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used to characterize the conjugation of AS-ODN and p160 with quantum dots (QDs), DLS results confirm the well stability of the probe in aqueous media. Confocal imaging and quantitative flow cytometry show that QD-(AS-ODN+p160) is able to specifically target human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Low temperature and ATP depletion treatments reveal the cellular uptake of QD-(AS-ODN+p160) is energy-dependent, and the effects of inhibition agents and co-localization imaging further confirm the endocytic pathway is mainly receptor-mediated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows the intracellular delivery and endosomal escape of QD probe along with incubation time extended. Two transfection concentrations of QD probe (10 nM and 50 nM) below half inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value are chosen according to MTT assay. Real-time PCR shows at these two concentration cases the relative mRNA expression levels of hFR-α reduce to 72.5 ± 3.9% and 17.6 ± 1.0%, respectively. However, western blot and quantitative ELISA analysis show the expression level of hFR-α protein has a significant decrease only at 50 nM, indicating that gene silence is concentration-dependent. These results demonstrate that the QD-(AS-ODN+p160) probe not only achieves gene silence in a cell-specific manner but also achieves real-time tracking during AS-ODN intracellular delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Zhen Zhang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics at, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics-Hubei, Bioinformatics & Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuhan 430074, PR China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhao J, Zhu L, Guo C, Gao T, Zhu X, Li G. A new electrochemical method for the detection of cancer cells based on small molecule-linked DNA. Biosens Bioelectron 2013; 49:329-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2013.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
28
|
Enhanced uptake and cytotoxity of folate-conjugated mitoxantrone-loaded micelles via receptor up-regulation by dexamethasone. Int J Pharm 2013; 448:142-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
29
|
Mironava T, Simon M, Rafailovich MH, Rigas B. Platinum folate nanoparticles toxicity: cancer vs. normal cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2013; 27:882-9. [PMID: 23318730 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 12/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Almost for two decades metallic nanoparticles are successfully used for cancer detection, imaging and treatment. Due to their high electron density they can be easily observed by electron microscopy and used in laser and radiofrequency therapy as energy releasing agents. However, the limitation for this practice is an inability to generate tumor-specific heating in a minimally invasive manner to the healthy tissue. To overcome this restraint we proposed to use folic acid coated metallic nanoparticles and determine whether they preferentially penetrate cancer cells. We developed technique for synthesizing platinum nanoparticles using folic acid as stabilizing agent which produced particles of relatively narrow size distribution, having d=2.3 ± 0.5 nm. High resolution TEM and zeta potential analysis indicated that the particles produced by this method had a high degree of crystalline order with no amorphous outer shell and a high degree of colloidal stability. The keratinocytes and mammary breast cells (cancer and normal) were incubated with platinum folate nanoparticles, and the results showed that the IC50 was significantly higher for the normal cells than the cancer cells in both cases, indicating that these nanoparticles preferentially target the cancer cells. TEM images of thin sections taken from the two types of cells indicated that the number of vacuoles and morphology changes after incubation with nanoparticles was also larger for the cancer cells in both types of tissue studied. No preferential toxicity was observed when folic acid receptors were saturated with free folic acid prior to exposure to nanoparticles. These results confirm our hypothesis regarding the preferential penetration of folic acid coated nanoparticles to cancer cells due to receptor mediated endocytosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana Mironava
- Department of Medicine, Stem Cell Facility, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gonen N, Assaraf YG. Antifolates in cancer therapy: Structure, activity and mechanisms of drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2012; 15:183-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 269] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2012] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
31
|
Targeted delivery of mutant tolerant anti-coxsackievirus artificial microRNAs using folate conjugated bacteriophage Phi29 pRNA. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21215. [PMID: 21698212 PMCID: PMC3115994 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 05/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myocarditis is the major heart disease in infants and young adults. It is very commonly caused by coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection; however, no specific treatment or vaccine is available at present. RNA interference (RNAi)-based anti-viral therapy has shown potential to inhibit viral replication, but this strategy faces two major challenges; viral mutational escape from drug suppression and targeted delivery of the reagents to specific cell populations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In this study, we designed artificial microRNAs (AmiRs) targeting the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) of CVB3 genome with mismatches to the central region of their targeting sites. Antiviral evaluation showed that AmiR-1 and AmiR-2 reduced CVB3 (Kandolf and CG strains) replication approximately 100-fold in both HeLa cells and HL-1 cardiomyocytes. To achieve specific delivery, we linked AmiRs to the folate-conjugated bacterial phage packaging RNA (pRNA) and delivered the complexes into HeLa cells, a folate receptor positive cancer cells widely used as an in vitro model for CVB3 infection, via folate-mediated specific internalization. We found that our designed pRNA-AmiRs conjugates were tolerable to target mutations and have great potential to suppress viral mutational escape with little effect on triggering interferon induction. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE This study provides important clues for designing AmiRs targeting the 3'UTR of viral genome. It also proves the feasibility of specific deliver of AmiRs using conjugated pRNA vehicles. These small AmiRs combined with pRNA-folate conjugates could form a promising system for antiviral drug development.
Collapse
|
32
|
Sivakumaran S, Zhang J, Kelley KMM, Gonit M, Hao H, Ratnam M. Androgen activation of the folate receptor α gene through partial tethering of the androgen receptor by C/EBPα. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 122:333-40. [PMID: 20817090 PMCID: PMC2964422 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2010.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 08/02/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The folate receptor α (FRα) is critical for normal embryonic and fetal development. The receptor has a relatively narrow tissue specificity which includes the visceral endoderm and the placenta and mediates delivery of folate, inadequacy of which results in termination of pregnancy or developmental defects. We have previously reported that the FRα gene is negatively and directly regulated by estrogen and positively but indirectly by progesterone and glucocorticoid. To further investigate hormonal control of this gene and in view of the growing evidence for the importance of the androgen receptor (AR) in endometrial and placental functions, we examined the response of the FRα gene to androgen. Here we demonstrate that the FRα gene is directly activated by androgen. The P4 promoter of the FRα gene is the target of hormone-dependent activation by the androgen receptor (AR) in a manner that is co-activator-dependent. The site of functional association of AR in the FRα gene maps to a 35bp region occurring ∼1500bp upstream of the target promoter. The functional elements within this region are an androgen response element (ARE) half-site and a non-canonical C/EBP element that cooperate to recruit AR in a manner that is dependent on the DNA-bound C/EBPα. Since the placenta is rich in C/EBPα, the findings underscore the multiplicity of mechanisms by which the FRα gene is under the exquisite control of steroid hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suneethi Sivakumaran
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, Medical University of Ohio, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Jansen G, van der Heijden JW, Dijkmans BAC. Folate receptor β: a novel target for therapeutic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.2217/ijr.09.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
34
|
Membrane transporters and folate homeostasis: intestinal absorption and transport into systemic compartments and tissues. Expert Rev Mol Med 2009; 11:e4. [PMID: 19173758 DOI: 10.1017/s1462399409000969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Members of the family of B9 vitamins are commonly known as folates. They are derived entirely from dietary sources and are key one-carbon donors required for de novo nucleotide and methionine synthesis. These highly hydrophilic molecules use several genetically distinct and functionally diverse transport systems to enter cells: the reduced folate carrier, the proton-coupled folate transporter and the folate receptors. Each plays a unique role in mediating folate transport across epithelia and into systemic tissues. The mechanism of intestinal folate absorption was recently uncovered, revealing the genetic basis for the autosomal recessive disorder hereditary folate malabsorption, which results from loss-of-function mutations in the proton-coupled folate transporter gene. It is therefore now possible to piece together how these folate transporters contribute, both individually and collectively, to folate homeostasis in humans. This review focuses on the physiological roles of the major folate transporters, with a brief consideration of their impact on the pharmacological activities of antifolates.
Collapse
|
35
|
Cole PD, Beckwith KA, Vijayanathan V, Roychowdhury S, Smith AK, Kamen BA. Folate homeostasis in cerebrospinal fluid during therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pediatr Neurol 2009; 40:34-41. [PMID: 19068252 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2008.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2008] [Revised: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The neurotoxic effects of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia can result in leukoencephalopathy or measurable deficits in cognitive function. However, there are no validated biomarkers that allow the identification of those patients at greatest risk. With the objective of identifying such predictors, cerebrospinal fluid collected from 53 patients over 2.5 years of therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia was retrospectively studied. Cerebrospinal fluid folate, concentrated relative to serum folate prior to therapy, dropped during the first month of therapy and remained below baseline throughout treatment. Cerebrospinal fluid homocysteine was inversely related to cognitive function prior to treatment. Oral methotrexate was associated with decreased cerebrospinal fluid folate and increased cerebrospinal fluid homocysteine, but these changes were not seen with oral aminopterin. Of 36 patients who had imaging after completion of therapy, 9 had periventricular or subcortical white matter abnormalities consistent with leukoencephalopathy. Peak cerebrospinal fluid tau concentrations during therapy were higher among patients who had leukoencephalopathy after completion of therapy than among those with normal imaging studies at the end of therapy. If confirmed prospectively, these markers may allow the identification of those patients at greatest risk of developing treatment-induced neurocognitive dysfunction, thus guiding preventive interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Cole
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Targeted delivery via selective cellular markers can potentially increase the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of therapeutic agents. The folate receptor (FR) has two glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored isoforms, alpha and beta. FR-alpha expression is frequently amplified in epithelial cancers, whereas FR-beta expression is found in myeloid leukemia and activated macrophages associated with chronic inflammatory diseases. Conjugates of folic acid and anti-FR antibodies can be taken up by cancer cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, thus providing a mechanism for targeted delivery to FR+ cells. The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of applications of FR targeting in drug delivery, with an emphasis on the strategy of using folate as a targeting ligand. In order to do this, recent literature is surveyed on targeted delivery via both FR sub-types, as well as new findings on selective receptor upregulation in the targeted cells. A wide variety of molecules and drug carriers, including imaging agents, chemotherapeutic agents, oligonucleotides, proteins, haptens, liposomes, nanoparticles and gene transfer vectors have been conjugated to folate and evaluated for FR-targeted delivery. Substantial targeting efficacy has been found both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, mechanisms and methods for selective FR upregulation have been uncovered, which might enhance the effectiveness of the FR-targeted delivery strategy. FR-alpha serves as a useful marker for cancer, whereas FR-beta serves as a marker for myeloid leukemia and chronic inflammatory diseases. FR-targeted agents have shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and significant potential for future clinical application in a wide range of diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Zhao
- Abbott Laboratories, Global Pharmaceutics and Life Cycle Technology, Abbott Park, IL 60064, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Smith AE, Pinkney M, Piggott NH, Calvert H, Milton ID, Lunec J. A novel monoclonal antibody for detection of folate receptor alpha in paraffin-embedded tissues. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2008; 26:281-8. [PMID: 17979543 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2007.0512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Folate biochemical pathway components such as FR-alpha are determinants of response to novel antifolate drugs such as pemetrexed. Knowledge of their level of expression in tumors will enable their optimal use by identifying potentially responsive subgroups of patients. In spite of its importance in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, monoclonal antibodies to FR-alpha suitable for immunohistochemical analysis of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsy samples, or that can be used for Western blot analysis, are not available. The aim of this study was thus to generate a monoclonal antibody that could be used to detect specific expression of FR-alpha in paraffin-embedded tissues. A 189 amino acid region of the FR-alpha sequence was expressed as a recombinant fusion protein and used as antigen to generate monoclonal antibodies. Studies by ELISA and Western blot identified specific reactivity of the BN3.2 antibody to the recombinant protein and a single 40 kD protein in whole cell lysates from cell lines known to express FR-alpha. Immunohistochemical analysis of FR-alpha using hybridoma clone BN3.2 in a panel of normal tissues demonstrated expression limited to ovarian epithelia, placental trophoblasts, and proximal kidney tubules. Analysis of a panel of malignant and benign tissues demonstrated limited expression with variable intensities of staining and patterns of both membrane and cytoplasmic reactivity observed between cases. In the majority of malignant ovarian tumors, high intensity staining was observed, predominantly localized to the plasma membrane. Our results show that clone BN3.2 is a sensitive tool for detection of FR-alpha in paraffin-embedded tissues. This preliminary study also supports its use in immunohistochemical studies to determine the role of FR-alpha as a tumor prognostic marker and a possible therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Smith
- Novocastra Laboratories Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leamon CP, Jackman AL. Exploitation of the folate receptor in the management of cancer and inflammatory disease. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2008; 79:203-33. [PMID: 18804696 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(08)00407-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 25+ years, the folate receptor (FR) has emerged as an attractive tumor biomarker with the potential to be exploited for therapeutic purposes. Increasing evidence suggests that this endocytosing protein can functionally mediate the cellular uptake and retention of natural folates, certain antifolates, and folate-drug conjugates; the consequences of the latter two events could result in biological modulation, including (but not limited to) tumor-targeted cytotoxicity. Because its tissue expression profile appears to be somewhat limited to either tissues responsible for whole body retention of folates (e.g., kidney and placenta), or certain pathologic tissues (e.g., tumors or activated macrophages), the FR is believed to be a useful biological target for disease management. Indeed, recent years have been peppered with reports of novel FR-targeted therapies, and many have demonstrated impressive in vivo potency, particularly against tumor xenografts, without the undesirable toxicity that often accompanies nontargeted drug regimens. This chapter will provide essential details on the properties of the FR, including where it is expressed and how it has been successfully manipulated for therapeutic benefit.
Collapse
|
39
|
Wollack JB, Makori B, Ahlawat S, Koneru R, Picinich SC, Smith A, Goldman ID, Qiu A, Cole PD, Glod J, Kamen B. Characterization of folate uptake by choroid plexus epithelial cells in a rat primary culture model. J Neurochem 2007; 104:1494-503. [PMID: 18086128 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Reduced derivatives of folic acid (folates) play a critical role in the development, function and repair of the CNS. However, the molecular systems regulating folate uptake and homeostasis in the central nervous system remain incompletely defined. Choroid plexus epithelial cells express high levels of folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) suggesting that the choroid plays an important role in CNS folate trafficking and maintenance of CSF folate levels. We have characterized 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) uptake and metabolism by primary rat choroid plexus epithelial cells in vitro. Two distinct processes are apparent; one that is FRalpha dependent and one that is independent of the receptor. FRalpha binds 5-MTHF with high affinity and facilitates efficient uptake of 5-MTHF at low extracellular folate concentrations; a lower affinity FRalpha independent system accounts for increased folate uptake at higher concentrations. Cellular metabolism of 5-MTHF depends on the route of folate entry into the cell. 5-MTHF taken up via a non-FRalpha -mediated process is rapidly metabolized to folylpolyglutamates, whereas 5-MTHF that accumulates via FRalpha remains non-metabolized, supporting the hypothesis that FRalpha may be part of a pathway for transcellular movement of the vitamin. The proton-coupled folate transporter, proton-coupled folate transporter (PCFT), mRNA was also shown to be expressed in choroid plexus epithelial cells. This is consistent with the role we have proposed for proton-coupled folate transporter in FRalpha-mediated transport as the mechanism of export of folates from the endocytic compartment containing FRalpha.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan B Wollack
- Department of Pediatrics, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
For over a decade the folate receptor has been intensively investigated as a means for tumor-specific delivery of a broad range of experimental therapies including several conceptually new treatments. Despite a few set backs in clinical trials, the literature is replete with encouraging in vitro and pre-clinical studies of gynecological and other tumors and more therapeutic approaches are ready for clinical testing. Recent studies have added myelogenous leukemias to the list of candidate cancers for FR-targeted therapies. Each approach faces unique challenges in translation that could be addressed through a mechanistic understanding of the function and expression of the receptor in the appropriate experimental systems and by improvements in the technology. This review discusses FR in the context of positive recent developments in broad areas of FR-targeted therapy and attempts to highlight its potential and the anticipated challenges.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
Folates play a key role in one-carbon metabolism essential for the biosynthesis of purines, thymidylate and hence DNA replication. The antifolate methotrexate has been rationally-designed nearly 60 years ago to potently block the folate-dependent enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) thereby achieving temporary remissions in childhood acute leukemia. Recently, the novel antifolates raltitrexed and pemetrexed that target thymidylate synthase (TS) and glycineamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GARTF) were introduced for the treatment of colorectal cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma. (Anti)folates are divalent anions which predominantly use the reduced folate carrier (RFC) for their cellular uptake. (Anti)folates are retained intracellularly via polyglutamylation catalyzed by folylpoly-gamma-glutamate synthetase (FPGS). As the intracellular concentration of antifolates is critical for their pharmacologic activity, polyglutamylation is a key determinant of antifolate cytotoxicity. However, anticancer drug resistance phenomena pose major obstacles towards curative cancer chemotherapy. Pre-clinical and clinical studies have identified a plethora of mechanisms of antifolate-resistance; these are frequently associated with qualitative and/or quantitative alterations in influx and/or efflux transporters of (anti)folates as well as in folate-dependent enzymes. These include inactivating mutations and/or down-regulation of the RFC and various alterations in the target enzymes DHFR, TS and FPGS. Furthermore, it has been recently shown that members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily including multidrug resistance proteins (MRP/ABCC) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2) are low affinity, high capacity ATP-driven (anti)folate efflux transporters. This transport activity is in addition to their established facility to extrude multiple cytotoxic agents. Hence, by actively extruding antifolates, overexpressed MRPs and/or BCRP confer antifolate resistance. Moreover, down-regulation of MRPs and/or BCRP results in decreased folate efflux thereby leading to expansion of the intracellular folate pool and antifolate resistance. This chapter reviews and discusses the panoply of molecular modalities of antifolate-resistance in pre-clinical tumor cell systems in vitro and in vivo as well as in cancer patients. Currently emerging novel strategies for the overcoming of antifolate-resistance are presented. Finally, experimental evidence is provided that the identification and characterization of the molecular mechanisms of antifolate-resistance may prove instrumental in the future development of rationally-based novel antifolates and strategies that could conceivably overcome drug-resistance phenomena.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda G Assaraf
- The Fred Wyszkowski Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kelemen LE. The role of folate receptor alpha in cancer development, progression and treatment: cause, consequence or innocent bystander? Int J Cancer 2006; 119:243-50. [PMID: 16453285 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.21712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Folate receptor alpha (FRalpha) is a membrane-bound protein with high affinity for binding and transporting physiologic levels of folate into cells. Folate is a basic component of cell metabolism and DNA synthesis and repair, and rapidly dividing cancer cells have an increased requirement for folate to maintain DNA synthesis, an observation supported by the widespread use of antifolates in cancer chemotherapy. FRalpha levels are high in specific malignant tumors of epithelial origin compared to normal cells, and are positively associated with tumor stage and grade, raising questions of its role in tumor etiology and progression. It has been suggested that FRalpha might confer a growth advantage to the tumor by modulating folate uptake from serum or by generating regulatory signals. Indeed, cell culture studies show that expression of the FRalpha gene, FOLR1, is regulated by extracellular folate depletion, increased homocysteine accumulation, steroid hormone concentrations, interaction with specific transcription factors and cytosolic proteins, and possibly genetic mutations. Whether FRalpha in tumors decreases in vivo among individuals who are folate sufficient, or whether the tumor's machinery sustains FRalpha levels to meet the increased folate demands of the tumor, has not been studied. Consequently, the significance of carrying a FRalpha-positive tumor in the era of folic acid fortification and widespread vitamin supplement use in countries such as Canada and the United States is unknown. Epidemiologic and clinical studies using human tumor specimens are lacking and increasingly needed to understand the role of environmental and genetic influences on FOLR1 expression in tumor etiology and progression. This review summarizes the literature on the complex nature of FOLR1 gene regulation and expression, and suggests future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda E Kelemen
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Emmer PM, van der Vlag J, Adema GJ, Hilbrands LB. Dendritic Cells Activated by Lipopolysaccharide after Dexamethasone Treatment Induce Donor-Specific Allograft Hyporesponsiveness. Transplantation 2006; 81:1451-9. [PMID: 16732184 DOI: 10.1097/01.tp.0000208801.51222.bd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immature dendritic cells (imDC) can prolong allograft survival in murine transplantation models. Recent data indicate that semi-mature or alternatively activated DC (aaDC) may be even more tolerogenic. METHODS We compared the phenotype and regulatory capacity of: a) imDC, cultured in the presence of dexamethasone (DEX), b) mature DC (matDC), activated with LPS, and c) aaDC, activated with LPS after pretreatment with DEX. RESULTS As compared to imDC, aaDCs displayed a slight upregulation of CD40 while expression levels of MHC-II and CD86 remained low. The production of proinflammatory cytokines, in particular IL-12, by aaDC was much lower than by matDC while both produced similar amounts of the regulatory cytokine IL-10 leading to an increased IL-10/IL-12 ratio for aaDC. After infusion of donor type aaDCs, responder cells isolated from the recipient mice showed donor-specific hyporesponsiveness to restimulation by matDC. Infusion of matDC was immunogenic, while imDC induced partial hyporesponsiveness. Importantly, pretreatment with donor type aaDC (but not imDC) resulted in prolonged survival of a completely MHC-mismatched heart allograft. CONCLUSIONS Alternatively activated DC are more efficacious than the classical imDC in the regulation of the alloimmune response, which may be related to a distinct cytokine profile characterized by an increased IL-10/IL12 ratio.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Emmer
- Department of Nephrology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|