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Kumar S, Singh A, Pandey P, Khopade A, Sawant KK. Application of sphingolipid-based nanocarriers in drug delivery: an overview. Ther Deliv 2024:1-19. [PMID: 39072358 DOI: 10.1080/20415990.2024.2377066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SL) are well recognized for their cell signaling through extracellular and intracellular pathways. Based on chemistry different types of SL are biosynthesized in mammalian cells and have specific function in cellular activity. SL has an ampiphilic structure with have hydrophobic body attached to the polar head enables their use as a drug delivery agent in the form of nanocarriers. SL-based liposomes can improve the solubility of lipophilic drugs through host and drug complexes and are more stable than conventional liposomal formulations. Preclinical studies of SL nanocarriers are reported on topical delivery, oral delivery, ocular delivery, chemotherapeutic delivery, cardiovascular delivery and Alzheimer's disease. The commercial challenges and patents related to SL nanoformulations are highlighted in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samarth Kumar
- Formulation Research & Development-Non-Orals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, 390012, Gujarat, India
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390001, India
| | - Ajit Singh
- Formulation Research & Development-Non-Orals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, 390012, Gujarat, India
| | - Prachi Pandey
- Krishna School of Pharmacy & Research, KPGU, Vadodara, Gujarat, 391243, India
| | - Ajay Khopade
- Formulation Research & Development-Non-Orals, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, Vadodara, 390012, Gujarat, India
| | - Krutika K Sawant
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, 390001, India
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Wajapeyee N, Beamon TC, Gupta R. Roles and therapeutic targeting of ceramide metabolism in cancer. Mol Metab 2024; 83:101936. [PMID: 38599378 PMCID: PMC11031839 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramides are sphingolipids that act as signaling molecules involved in regulating cellular processes including apoptosis, proliferation, and metabolism. Deregulation of ceramide metabolism contributes to cancer development and progression. Therefore, regulation of ceramide levels in cancer cells is being explored as a new approach for cancer therapy. SCOPE OF THE REVIEW This review discusses the multiple roles of ceramides in cancer cells and strategies to modulate ceramide levels for cancer therapy. Ceramides attenuate cell survival signaling and metabolic pathways, while activating apoptotic mechanisms, making them tumor-suppressive. Approaches to increase ceramide levels in cancer cells include using synthetic analogs, inhibiting ceramide degradation, and activating ceramide synthesis. We also highlight combination therapies such as use of ceramide modulators with chemotherapies, immunotherapies, apoptosis inducers, and anti-angiogenics, which offer synergistic antitumor effects. Additionally, we also describe ongoing clinical trials evaluating ceramide nanoliposomes and analogs. Finally, we discuss the challenges of these therapeutic approaches including the complexity of ceramide metabolism, targeted delivery, cancer heterogeneity, resistance mechanisms, and long-term safety. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Ceramide-based therapy is a potentially promising approach for cancer therapy. However, overcoming hurdles in pharmacokinetics, specificity, and resistance is needed to optimize its efficacy and safety. This requires comprehensive preclinical/clinical studies into ceramide signaling, formulations, and combination therapies. Ceramide modulation offers opportunities for developing novel cancer treatments, but a deeper understanding of ceramide biology is vital to advance its clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Wajapeyee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
| | - Teresa Chiyanne Beamon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Romi Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
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Ciner A, Gourdin T, Davidson J, Parette M, Walker SJ, Fox TE, Jiang Y. A phase I study of the ceramide nanoliposome in patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 93:23-29. [PMID: 37736793 PMCID: PMC10796569 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04588-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Ceramide is a sphingolipid metabolite that deactivates multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and promotes cell death. In-vivo data demonstrate single-agent anti-cancer activity and enhanced efficacy with combination strategies. This phase I dose-escalation trial evaluated Ceramide nanoLiposomes (CNL) in patients with advanced solid tumors and no standard treatment option. METHODS The primary objective was to establish the maximum tolerated dose. Secondary objectives included determining the recommended phase II dose, the safety and tolerability, the pharmacokinetic profile and preliminary anti-tumor efficacy. RESULTS 15 patients with heavily pretreated metastatic disease enrolled. Safety data were analyzed for all patients, while pharmacokinetic data were available for 14 patients. There were no grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events. The maximum tolerated dose was not reached and there were no dose-limiting toxicities. The most common grade 1 or 2 treatment-related adverse events included headache, fatigue, constipation, nausea and transaminitis. The maximum concentration and area under the curve increased with dose. Clearance was consistent between doses and was observed mainly through the liver without significant hepatotoxicity. The half-life ranged from 20 to 30 h and the volume of distribution was consistent with a lipophilic drug. CONCLUSIONS CNL exhibited an encouraging safety profile and pharmacokinetic parameters, with some signals of efficacy including prolonged stable disease in 1 patient with refractory pancreatic cancer. Pre-clinical data indicate potential synergy between CNL and multiple systemic therapies including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Future studies are planned investigating CNL in combination strategies. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02834611.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Ciner
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Theodore Gourdin
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Susan J Walker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Todd E Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Yixing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Morris SNS, Deol KK, Lange M, Olzmann JA. A genome-wide CRISPR screen implicates plasma membrane asymmetry in exogenous C6-ceramide toxicity. Biol Open 2022; 11:283192. [PMID: 36409314 PMCID: PMC9793866 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide impacts diverse cellular processes (e.g. apoptosis and cell proliferation) through its effects on membrane dynamics and intracellular signaling pathways. The dysregulation of ceramide metabolism has been implicated in cancer evasion of apoptosis and targeting ceramide metabolism has potential therapeutic benefits as a strategy to kill cancer cells and slow tumor growth. However, the mechanisms of cancer cell resistance to ceramide-mediated cell death are vastly intertwined and incompletely understood. To shed light on this mystery, we performed a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen to systematically identify regulators of cancer resistance to the soluble short chain ceramide, C6 ceramide (C6-Cer). Our results reveal a complex landscape of genetic modifiers of C6-Cer toxicity, including genes associated with ceramide and sphingolipid metabolism, vesicular trafficking, and membrane biology. Furthermore, we find that loss of the phospholipid flippase subunit TMEM30A impairs the plasma membrane trafficking of its binding partner, the P4-type ATPase ATP11B, and depletion of TMEM30A or ATP11B disrupts plasma membrane asymmetry and promotes resistance to C6-Cer toxicity. Together, our findings provide a resource of genetic modifiers of C6-Cer toxicity and reveal an unexpected role of plasma membrane asymmetry in C6-Cer induced cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siti Nur Sarah Morris
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kirandeep K. Deol
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mike Lange
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - James A. Olzmann
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA,Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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Avula LR, Grodzinski P. Nanotechnology-aided advancement in the combating of cancer metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:383-404. [PMID: 35366154 PMCID: PMC8975728 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10025-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer, especially when it has metastasized to different locations in the body, is notoriously difficult to treat. Metastatic cancer accounts for most cancer deaths and thus remains an enormous challenge. During the metastasis process, cancer cells negotiate a series of steps termed the “metastatic cascadeˮ that offer potential for developing anti-metastatic therapy strategies. Currently available conventional treatment and diagnostic methods addressing metastasis come with their own pitfalls and roadblocks. In this contribution, we comprehensively discuss the potential improvements that nanotechnology-aided approaches are able to bring, either alone or in combination with the existing conventional techniques, to the identification and treatment of metastatic disease. We tie specific nanotechnology-aided strategies to the complex biology of the different steps of the metastatic cascade in order to open up new avenues for fine-tuned targeting and development of anti-metastatic agents designed specifically to prevent or mitigate the metastatic outgrowth of cancer. We also present a viewpoint on the progress of translation of nanotechnology into cancer metastasis patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leela Rani Avula
- Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch, Cancer Imaging Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA.
| | - Piotr Grodzinski
- Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch, Cancer Imaging Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
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Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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The unfolding role of ceramide in coordinating retinoid-based cancer therapy. Biochem J 2021; 478:3621-3642. [PMID: 34648006 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipid-mediated regulation in cancer development and treatment is largely ceramide-centered with the complex sphingolipid metabolic pathways unfolding as attractive targets for anticancer drug discovery. The dynamic interconversion of sphingolipids is tightly controlled at the level of enzymes and cellular compartments in response to endogenous or exogenous stimuli, such as anticancer drugs, including retinoids. Over the past two decades, evidence emerged that retinoids owe part of their potency in cancer therapy to modulation of sphingolipid metabolism and ceramide generation. Ceramide has been proposed as a 'tumor-suppressor lipid' that orchestrates cell growth, cell cycle arrest, cell death, senescence, autophagy, and metastasis. There is accumulating evidence that cancer development is promoted by the dysregulation of tumor-promoting sphingolipids whereas cancer treatments can kill tumor cells by inducing the accumulation of endogenous ceramide levels. Resistance to cancer therapy may develop due to a disrupted equilibrium between the opposing roles of tumor-suppressor and tumor-promoter sphingolipids. Despite the undulating effect and complexity of sphingolipid pathways, there are emerging opportunities for a plethora of enzyme-targeted therapeutic interventions that overcome resistance resulting from perturbed sphingolipid pathways. Here, we have revisited the interconnectivity of sphingolipid metabolism and the instrumental role of ceramide-biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, including bioactive sphingolipid products, how they closely relate to cancer treatment and pathogenesis, and the interplay with retinoid signaling in cancer. We focused on retinoid targeting, alone or in combination, of sphingolipid metabolism nodes in cancer to enhance ceramide-based therapeutics. Retinoid and ceramide-based cancer therapy using novel strategies such as combination treatments, synthetic retinoids, ceramide modulators, and delivery formulations hold promise in the battle against cancer.
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Cruz AF, Caleiras MB, Fonseca NA, Gonçalves N, Mendes VM, Sampaio SF, Moura V, Melo JB, Almeida RD, Manadas B, Simões S, Moreira JN. The Enhanced Efficacy of Intracellular Delivery of Doxorubicin/C6-Ceramide Combination Mediated by the F3 Peptide/Nucleolin System Is Supported by the Downregulation of the PI3K/Akt Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13123052. [PMID: 34207464 PMCID: PMC8235382 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13123052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Targeted nanomedicine-based approaches that aim at the simultaneous delivery of synergistic drug combinations to multiple cellular populations are of high relevance for tackling heterogeneity on solid tumors. Considering that cancer stem cells (CSC) may originate from non-stem cancer cells, single-drug regimens targeting only one of these cell populations could enable tumors to evade treatments. As such, the identification of a common marker, such as nucleolin, might result in a therapeutic advantage. The results herein generated suggested a transversal role of nucleolin in the internalization of F3 peptide-targeted pegylated pH-sensitive liposomes into bulk ovarian cancer cells, including putative CSC-enriched ovarian cells. The intracellular delivery of a drug combination such as the one tested herein was relevant in the context of cell lines with higher intrinsic resistances to doxorubicin. The enhanced efficacy of the F3 peptide-targeted liposomal combination of doxorubicin/C6-ceramide was supported by the downregulation of the Akt pathway, within a specific range of basal level of expression. Abstract Targeting multiple cellular populations is of high therapeutic relevance for the tackling of solid tumors heterogeneity. Herein, the ability of pegylated and pH-sensitive liposomes, functionalized with the nucleolin-binding F3 peptide and containing doxorubicin (DXR)/C6-ceramide synergistic combination, to target, in vitro, ovarian cancer, including ovarian cancer stem cells (CSC), was assessed. The underlying molecular mechanism of action of the nucleolin-mediated intracellular delivery of C6-ceramide to cancer cells was also explored. The assessment of overexpression of surface nucleolin expression by flow cytometry was critical to dissipate differences identified by Western blot in membrane/cytoplasm of SKOV-3, OVCAR-3 and TOV-112D ovarian cancer cell lines. The former was in line with the significant extent of uptake into (bulk) ovarian cancer cells, relative to non-targeted and non-specific counterparts. This pattern of uptake was recapitulated with putative CSC-enriched ovarian SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 sub-population (EpCAMhigh/CD44high). Co-encapsulation of DXR:C6-ceramide into F3 peptide-targeted liposomes improved cytotoxic activity relative to liposomes containing DXR alone, in an extent that depended on the intrinsic resistance to DXR and on the incubation time. The enhanced cytotoxicity of the targeted combination was mechanistically supported by the downregulation of PI3K/Akt pathway by C6-ceramide, only among the nucleolin-overexpressing cancer cells presenting a basal p-Akt/total Akt ratio lower than 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana F. Cruz
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana B. Caleiras
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nuno A. Fonseca
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- TREAT U, SA—Parque Industrial de Taveiro, Lote 44, 3045-508 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nélio Gonçalves
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Vera M. Mendes
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Susana F. Sampaio
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Moura
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- TREAT U, SA—Parque Industrial de Taveiro, Lote 44, 3045-508 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana B. Melo
- iCBR—Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research, CIBB, Center of Investigation on Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ramiro D. Almeida
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Bruno Manadas
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Sérgio Simões
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João N. Moreira
- CNC—Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.F.C.); (M.B.C.); (N.A.F.); (N.G.); (V.M.M.); (S.F.S.); (V.M.); (R.D.A.); (B.M.); (S.S.)
- Univ Coimbra—University of Coimbra, CIBB, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Peter AE, Sandeep BV, Rao BG, Kalpana VL. Nanotechnology to the Rescue: Treatment Perspective for the Immune Dysregulation Observed in COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2021.644023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the use of nanotechnology for drug delivery has been extensive. Nanomedical approaches for therapeutics; drug delivery in particular is superior to conventional methods in that it allows for controlled targeted delivery and release, higher stability, extended circulation time, minimal side-effects, and improved pharmacokinetic clearance (of the drug) form the body, to name a few. The magnitude of COVID-19, the current ongoing pandemic has been severe; it has caused widespread the loss of human life. In individuals with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation and a rampant state of hyperinflammation is observed. This kind of an immunopathological response is detrimental and results in rapid disease progression, development of secondary infections, sepsis and can be fatal. Several studies have pin-pointed the reason for this immune dysregulation; deviations in the signaling pathways involved in the mediation and control of immune responses. In severe COVID-19 patients, many signaling cascades including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, TGF beta, VEGF, and Notch signaling were found to be either upregulated or inactivated. Targeting these aberrant signaling pathways in conjunction with antiviral therapy will effectuate mitigation of the hyperinflammation, hypercytokinemia, and promote faster recovery. The science of the use of nanocarriers as delivery agents to modulate these signaling pathways is not new; it has already been explored for other inflammatory diseases and in particular, cancer therapy. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy and potential of nanomedical approaches to modulate these signaling pathways and have been met with positive results. A treatment regime, that includes nanotherapeutics and antiviral therapies will prove effective and holds great promise for the successful treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we review different nanomedical approaches already studied for targeting aberrant signaling pathways, the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2, immunopathology and the dysregulated signaling pathways observed in severe COVID-19 and the current treatment methods in use for targeting signaling cascades in COVID-19. We then conclude by suggesting that the use of nanomedical drug delivery systems for targeting signaling pathways can be extended to effectively target the aberrant signaling pathways in COVID-19 for best treatment results.
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Abstract
The topical and transdermal routes of drug administration are long known to the field of pharmaceutics. These routes have been explored for the delivery of a wide range of therapeutic agents over centuries. However, the anatomy of the skin and the physicochemical properties of molecules limit their transport via these routes. To overcome these challenges, a nano-phospholipid carrier called liposome was developed in the 1960s. Liposomal delivery of drugs was reported to be limited to the upper layers of skin. This led to the development of self-regulating and self-adaptable vesicles known as transfersomes. This review critically evaluates the barriers in delivery across the skin, recent advancements in liposomes, transfersomes and their impact in the pharmaceutical field.
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Lipid metabolic Reprogramming: Role in Melanoma Progression and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113147. [PMID: 33121001 PMCID: PMC7692067 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is a devastating skin cancer characterized by an impressive metabolic plasticity. Melanoma cells are able to adapt to the tumor microenvironment by using a variety of fuels that contribute to tumor growth and progression. In this review, the authors summarize the contribution of the lipid metabolic network in melanoma plasticity and aggressiveness, with a particular attention to specific lipid classes such as glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols and eicosanoids. They also highlight the role of adipose tissue in tumor progression as well as the potential antitumor role of drugs targeting critical steps of lipid metabolic pathways in the context of melanoma. Abstract Metabolic reprogramming contributes to the pathogenesis and heterogeneity of melanoma. It is driven both by oncogenic events and the constraints imposed by a nutrient- and oxygen-scarce microenvironment. Among the most prominent metabolic reprogramming features is an increased rate of lipid synthesis. Lipids serve as a source of energy and form the structural foundation of all membranes, but have also emerged as mediators that not only impact classical oncogenic signaling pathways, but also contribute to melanoma progression. Various alterations in fatty acid metabolism have been reported and can contribute to melanoma cell aggressiveness. Elevated expression of the key lipogenic fatty acid synthase is associated with tumor cell invasion and poor prognosis. Fatty acid uptake from the surrounding microenvironment, fatty acid β-oxidation and storage also appear to play an essential role in tumor cell migration. The aim of this review is (i) to focus on the major alterations affecting lipid storage organelles and lipid metabolism. A particular attention has been paid to glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, sterols and eicosanoids, (ii) to discuss how these metabolic dysregulations contribute to the phenotype plasticity of melanoma cells and/or melanoma aggressiveness, and (iii) to highlight therapeutic approaches targeting lipid metabolism that could be applicable for melanoma treatment.
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Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer with a very high mortality rate. Early diagnosis of the disease, the utilization of more potent pharmacological agents, and more effective drug delivery systems are essential to achieve an optimal treatment plan. The applications of nanotechnology to improve therapeutic efficacy and early diagnosis for melanoma treatment have received great interest among researchers and clinicians. In this review, we summarize the recent progress of utilizing various nanomaterials for theranostics of melanoma. The key importance of using nanomaterials for theranostics of melanoma is to improve efficacy and reduce side effects, ensuring safe implementation in clinical use. As opposed to conventional in vitro diagnostic methods, in vivo medical imaging technologies have the advantages of being a type of non-invasive, real-time monitoring. Several common nanoparticles, including ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, and carbon-based nanoparticles, have been applied to deliver chemotherapeutic agents for the theranostics of melanoma. The application of nanomaterials for theranostics in molecular imaging (MRI, PET, US, OI, etc.) plays an important role in targeting drug delivery of melanoma, by monitoring the distribution site of the molecular imaging probe and the therapeutic drug in the body in real-time. Hence, it is worthwhile to anticipate the approval of these nanomaterials for theranostics in molecular imaging by the US Food and Drug Administration in clinical trials.
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Carrié L, Virazels M, Dufau C, Montfort A, Levade T, Ségui B, Andrieu-Abadie N. New Insights into the Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:E1967. [PMID: 32858889 PMCID: PMC7565650 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer whose aggressiveness is directly linked to its metastatic potency. Despite remarkable breakthroughs in term of treatments with the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for metastatic patients remains uncertain mainly because of resistances. Better understanding the mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression is therefore essential to uncover new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, the sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in melanoma and is associated with melanoma progression and resistance to treatment. This review summarises the impact of the sphingolipid metabolism on melanoma from the initiation to metastatic dissemination with emphasis on melanoma plasticity, immune responses and resistance to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorry Carrié
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Mathieu Virazels
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Carine Dufau
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Anne Montfort
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Thierry Levade
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Ségui
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Nathalie Andrieu-Abadie
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
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Inhibitors of Ceramide- and Sphingosine-Metabolizing Enzymes as Sensitizers in Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082062. [PMID: 32722626 PMCID: PMC7463798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the treatment of advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including oral SCC, radiotherapy is a commonly performed therapeutic modality. The combined use of radiotherapy with chemotherapy improves therapeutic effects, but it also increases adverse events. Ceramide, a central molecule in sphingolipid metabolism and signaling pathways, mediates antiproliferative responses, and its level increases in response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, when ceramide is metabolized, prosurvival factors, such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), and glucosylceramide, are produced, reducing the antitumor effects of ceramide. The activities of ceramide- and sphingosine-metabolizing enzymes are also associated with radio- and chemo-resistance. Ceramide analogs and low molecular-weight compounds targeting these enzymes exert anticancer effects. Synthetic ceramides and a therapeutic approach using ultrasound have also been developed. Inhibitors of ceramide- and sphingosine-metabolizing enzymes and synthetic ceramides can function as sensitizers of radiotherapy and chemotherapy for HNSCC.
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Visentin S, Sedić M, Pavelić SK, Pavelić K. Targeting Tumour Metastasis: The Emerging Role of Nanotechnology. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:1367-1381. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666181220095343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The metastatic process has still not been completely elucidated, probably due to insufficient knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we provide an overview of the current findings that shed light on specific molecular alterations associated with metastasis and present novel concepts in the treatment of the metastatic process. In particular, we discuss novel pharmacological approaches in the clinical setting that target metastatic progression. New insights into the process of metastasis allow optimisation and design of new treatment strategies, especially in view of the fact that metastatic cells share common features with stem cells. Nano- and micro-technologies are herein elaborated in details as a promising therapeutic concept in targeted drug delivery for metastatic cancer. Progression in the field could provide a more efficient way to tackle metastasis and thus bring about advancements in the treatment and management of patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Visentin
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mirela Sedić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sandra Kraljević Pavelić
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Centre for High-Throughput Technologies, Radmile Matejcic 2, 51 000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Krešimir Pavelić
- Faculty of Medicine, Juraj Dobrila University of Pula, Zagrebacka 30, 52 100 Pula, Croatia
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Buechler C, Aslanidis C. Role of lipids in pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158658. [PMID: 32058031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive and widespread cancer. Patients with liver cirrhosis of different aetiologies are at a risk to develop HCC. It is important to know that in approximately 20% of cases primary liver tumors arise in a non-cirrhotic liver. Lipid metabolism is variable in patients with chronic liver diseases, and lipid metabolites involved therein do play a role in the development of HCC. Of note, lipid composition of carcinogenic tissues differs from non-affected liver tissues. High cholesterol and low ceramide levels in the tumors protect the cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis, and do also promote cell proliferation. So far, detailed characterization of the mechanisms by which lipids enable the development of HCC has received little attention. Evaluation of the complex roles of lipids in HCC is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of HCC, the later being of paramount importance for the development of urgently needed therapeutic interventions. Disturbed hepatic lipid homeostasis has systemic consequences and lipid species may emerge as promising biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCC. The challenge is to distinguish lipids specifically related to HCC from changes simply related to the underlying liver disease. This review article discusses aberrant lipid metabolism in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Charalampos Aslanidis
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
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Chen J, Khiste SK, Fu X, Roy KR, Dong Y, Zhang J, Liu M, Liu YY, Liu Z. Rubusoside-assisted solubilization of poorly soluble C 6-Ceramide for a pilot pharmacokinetic study. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 146:106402. [PMID: 31841664 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.106402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although C6-Ceramide has attracted much attention as a possible tumor suppressor, the delivery of C6-Ceramide is still challenging due to its inherent hydrophobicity and insolubility. In this study we explored the use of a natural compound rubusoside (RUB) as a solubilizer to enhance the solubility of a fluorescence-labeled C6-Ceramide (NBD C6-Ceramide) and to characterize its pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution in an animal model. RUB significantly enhanced the solubility of NBD C6-Ceramide by forming nanomicelles, and efficiently delivered NBD C6-Ceramide in rats by oral and intravenous administration. RUB loaded 1.96 % of NBD C6-Ceramide in the nanomicelles and solubilized it to a concentration of 3.6 mg/mL in water. NBD C6-Ceramide in nanomicelles remained stable in aqueous solutions, allowing intravenous administration without the use of any organic solvents or surfactants. After oral administration, NBD C6-Ceramide rapidly rose to peak plasma concentrations within the first 90 min, distributed to tissues, and remained in vivo for more than 24 h. Tissular levels of NBD C6-Ceramide from high to low were associated with heart, lung, cerebellum, testicle, spleen, liver, kidney, and brain. Altogether, our study demonstrated that RUB-assisted nanomicelles can serve as an efficient and convenient delivery system for short-chain C6-Ceramide and enable in vivo evaluation of potential new cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Chen
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Sachin K Khiste
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Xiaomei Fu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Kartik R Roy
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Yixuan Dong
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Perfume and Aroma Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China
| | - Mei Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA; School of Pharmacy, Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 330004, China
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, LSU Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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Khiste SK, Liu Z, Roy KR, Uddin MB, Hosain SB, Gu X, Nazzal S, Hill RA, Liu YY. Ceramide-Rubusoside Nanomicelles, a Potential Therapeutic Approach to Target Cancers Carrying p53 Missense Mutations. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:564-574. [PMID: 31645443 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide (Cer) is an active cellular sphingolipid that can induce apoptosis or proliferation-arrest of cancer cells. Nanoparticle-based delivery offers an effective approach for overcoming bioavailability and biopharmaceutics issues attributable to the pronounced hydrophobicity of Cer. Missense mutations of the protein p53, which have been detected in approximately 42% of cancer cases, not only lose the tumor suppression activity of wild-type p53, but also gain oncogenic functions promoting tumor progression and drug resistance. Our previous works showed that cellular Cer can eradicate cancer cells that carry a p53 deletion-mutation by modulating alternative pre-mRNA splicing, restoring wild-type p53 protein expression. Here, we report that new ceramide-rubusoside (Cer-RUB) nanomicelles considerably enhance Cer in vivo bioavailability and restore p53-dependent tumor suppression in cancer cells carrying a p53 missense mutation. Natural RUB encapsulated short-chain C6-Cer so as to form Cer-RUB nanomicelles (∼32 nm in diameter) that substantially enhanced Cer solubility and its levels in tissues and tumors of mice dosed intraperitoneally. Intriguingly, Cer-RUB nanomicelle treatments restored p53-dependent tumor suppression and sensitivity to cisplatin in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells and xenograft tumors carrying p53 R248Q mutation. Moreover, Cer-RUB nanomicelles showed no signs of significant nonspecific toxicity to noncancerous cells or normal tissues, including bone marrow. Furthermore, Cer-RUB nanomicelles restored p53 phosphorylated protein and downstream function to wild-type levels in p53 R172H/+ transgenic mice. Altogether, this study, for the first time, indicates that natural Cer-RUB nanomicelles offer a feasible approach for efficaciously and safely targeting cancers carrying p53 missense mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin K Khiste
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
| | - Kartik R Roy
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Mohammad B Uddin
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Salman B Hosain
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, Louisiana
| | - Sami Nazzal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ronald A Hill
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana
| | - Yong-Yu Liu
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, Louisiana.
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Praharaj PP, Naik PP, Panigrahi DP, Bhol CS, Mahapatra KK, Patra S, Sethi G, Bhutia SK. Intricate role of mitochondrial lipid in mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis: its implication in cancer therapeutics. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1641-1652. [PMID: 30539200 PMCID: PMC11105358 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2990-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of chemotherapy is mostly restricted by the drug resistance developed during the course of cancer treatment. Mitophagy, as a pro-survival mechanism, crucially maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and it is one of the mechanisms that cancer cells adopt for their progression. On the other hand, mitochondrial apoptosis, a precisely regulated form of cell death, acts as a tumor-suppressive mechanism by targeting cancer cells. Mitochondrial lipids, such as cardiolipin, ceramide, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, act as a mitophageal signal for the clearance of damaged mitochondria by interacting with mitophagic machinery as well as activate mitochondrial apoptosis via the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. In the recent time, the lipid-mediated lethal mitophagy has also been used as an alternative approach to abolish the survival role of lipid in cancer. Therefore, by targeting mitochondrial lipids in cancer cells, the detailed mechanism linked to drug resistance can be unraveled. In this review, we precisely discuss the current knowledge about the multifaceted role of mitochondrial lipid in regulating mitophagy and mitochondrial apoptosis and its application in effective cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash P Praharaj
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Prajna P Naik
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
- PG Department of Zoology, Vikram Deb (Auto) College, Jeypore, Odisha, 764001, India
| | - Debasna P Panigrahi
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Chandra S Bhol
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Kewal K Mahapatra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Srimanta Patra
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Sujit Kumar Bhutia
- Department of Life Science, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Rourkela, Odisha, 769008, India.
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Chen L, Alrbyawi H, Poudel I, Arnold RD, Babu RJ. Co-delivery of Doxorubicin and Ceramide in a Liposomal Formulation Enhances Cytotoxicity in Murine B16BL6 Melanoma Cell Lines. AAPS PharmSciTech 2019; 20:99. [PMID: 30719596 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-019-1316-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports co-delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and ceramide in a liposomal system in B16BL6 melanoma cell lines for enhanced cytotoxic effects. Different types of ceramides (C6-ceramide, C8-ceramide, and C8-glucosylceramide) and lipids (1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE)) were considered in the preparation of liposomes. DOX was encapsulated within liposome, and ceramide was used as the component of the lipid bilayer. The formulations were optimized for size and size distribution, zeta potential, and DOX encapsulation efficiency (EE). Cytotoxic effect on B16BL6 melanoma cell lines was measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The ceramide based liposome formulations generally provided a mean diameter < 181 nm, a zeta potential, + 35 mV, and EE > 90% DOX EE. Co-delivery of DOX and C8-ceramide with DOTAP liposomes demonstrated significantly higher cytotoxicity as compared to DOX liposomes without ceramide (P < 0.001), and also showed enhanced cellular uptake by B16BL6 cell lines. This study provides basis for developing a co-delivery system of DOX and ceramide for lowering the dose and dose-related side effects of DOX for the treatment of melanoma.
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Kreitzburg KM, van Waardenburg RCAM, Yoon KJ. Sphingolipid metabolism and drug resistance in ovarian cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 1:181-197. [PMID: 31891125 PMCID: PMC6936734 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2018.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite progress in understanding molecular aberrations that contribute to the development and progression of ovarian cancer, virtually all patients succumb to drug resistant disease at relapse. Emerging data implicate bioactive sphingolipids and regulation of sphingolipid metabolism as components of response to chemotherapy or development of resistance. Increases in cytosolic ceramide induce apoptosis in response to therapy with multiple classes of chemotherapeutic agents. Aberrations in sphingolipid metabolism that accelerate the catabolism of ceramide or that prevent the production and accumulation of ceramide contribute to resistance to standard of care platinum- and taxane-based agents. The aim of this review is to highlight current literature and research investigating the influence of the sphingolipids and enzymes that comprise the sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway on the progression of ovarian cancer. The focus of the review is on the utility of sphingolipid-centric therapeutics as a mechanism to circumvent drug resistance in this tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Kreitzburg
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Shaw J, Costa-Pinheiro P, Patterson L, Drews K, Spiegel S, Kester M. Novel Sphingolipid-Based Cancer Therapeutics in the Personalized Medicine Era. Adv Cancer Res 2018; 140:327-366. [PMID: 30060815 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids that participate in a wide variety of biological mechanisms, including cell death and proliferation. The myriad of pro-death and pro-survival cellular pathways involving sphingolipids provide a plethora of opportunities for dysregulation in cancers. In recent years, modulation of these sphingolipid metabolic pathways has been in the forefront of drug discovery for cancer therapeutics. About two decades ago, researchers first showed that standard of care treatments, e.g., chemotherapeutics and radiation, modulate sphingolipid metabolism to increase endogenous ceramides, which kill cancer cells. Strikingly, resistance to these treatments has also been linked to altered sphingolipid metabolism, favoring lipid species that ultimately lead to cell survival. To this end, many inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism have been developed to further define not only our understanding of these pathways but also to potentially serve as therapeutic interventions. Therefore, understanding how to better use these new drugs that target sphingolipid metabolism, either alone or in combination with current cancer treatments, holds great potential for cancer control. While sphingolipids in cancer have been reviewed previously (Hannun & Obeid, 2018; Lee & Kolesnick, 2017; Morad & Cabot, 2013; Newton, Lima, Maceyka, & Spiegel, 2015; Ogretmen, 2018; Ryland, Fox, Liu, Loughran, & Kester, 2011) in this chapter, we present a comprehensive review on how standard of care therapeutics affects sphingolipid metabolism, the current landscape of sphingolipid inhibitors, and the clinical utility of sphingolipid-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Shaw
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Pedro Costa-Pinheiro
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Logan Patterson
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Kelly Drews
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States; University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Zhang X, Kitatani K, Toyoshima M, Ishibashi M, Usui T, Minato J, Egiz M, Shigeta S, Fox T, Deering T, Kester M, Yaegashi N. Ceramide Nanoliposomes as a MLKL-Dependent, Necroptosis-Inducing, Chemotherapeutic Reagent in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:50-59. [PMID: 29079707 PMCID: PMC5752574 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive lipids that mediate cell death in cancer cells, and ceramide-based therapy is now being tested in dose-escalating phase I clinical trials as a cancer treatment. Multiple nanoscale delivery systems for ceramide have been proposed to overcome the inherent toxicities, poor pharmacokinetics, and difficult biophysics associated with ceramide. Using the ceramide nanoliposomes (CNL), we now investigate the therapeutic efficacy and signaling mechanisms of this nanoscale delivery platform in refractory ovarian cancer. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with CNL decreased the number of living cells through necroptosis but not apoptosis. Mechanistically, dying SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells exhibit activation of pseudokinase mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL) as evidenced by oligomerization and relocalization to the blebbing membranes, showing necroptotic characteristics. Knockdown of MLKL, but not its upstream protein kinases such as receptor-interacting protein kinases, with siRNA significantly abolished CNL-induced cell death. Monomeric MLKL protein expression inversely correlated with the IC50 values of CNL in distinct ovarian cancer cell lines, suggesting MLKL as a possible determinant for CNL-induced cell death. Finally, systemic CNL administration suppressed metastatic growth in an ovarian cancer cell xenograft model. Taken together, these results suggest that MLKL is a novel pronecroptotic target for ceramide in ovarian cancer models. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(1); 50-59. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Kitatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masafumi Toyoshima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Masumi Ishibashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Toshinori Usui
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Junko Minato
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mahy Egiz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shogo Shigeta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Todd Fox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Tye Deering
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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24
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STAT3 mediates C6-ceramide-induced cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2017; 2:17051. [PMID: 29263930 PMCID: PMC5661641 DOI: 10.1038/sigtrans.2017.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is poorly understood and it remains incurable with current therapies. We have previously shown that nanoliposomal C6-ceramide (CNL) is an effective therapy in an in vivo murine model of CLL. However, the key signaling pathways mediating CNL-induced cell death in CLL remains unknown. We hypothesized that CNL targets STAT3, a critical regulator of hematopoietic biology. We observed that CNL treatment reduced phosphorylated STAT3 at both Y705 and S727 residues in CLL cell lines and patient cells. This, in turn, reduced STAT3 transcriptional activity and expression of critical STAT3-dependent survival factors like Mcl-1 and survivin. The effect of CNL on STAT3 was further confirmed ex vivo as shown by reduced STAT3 phosphorylation in xenograft tumors obtained from mice treated with CNL. CNL suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705 and S727 through reduction in BTK activity and MEK1/2 kinase/PKC activities, respectively. Moreover, a synergistic reduction in CLL cell viability was observed on co-treatment with CNL and the BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib. Expression of an oncogenic form of STAT3 conferred partial resistance to CNL, providing confirmation that STAT3 mediates CNL-induced cell death. Taken together, these findings provide the first body of evidence demonstrating ceramide regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation. These results are also the first to demonstrate an effect of ceramide on BTK, a critical kinase mediating the B-cell receptor signaling in CLL cells and suggest a novel and synergistic combination of CNL and BTK inhibitors for CLL treatment.
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25
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Øverbye A, Holsæter AM, Markus F, Škalko-Basnet N, Iversen TG, Torgersen ML, Sønstevold T, Engebraaten O, Flatmark K, Mælandsmo GM, Skotland T, Sandvig K. Ceramide-containing liposomes with doxorubicin: time and cell-dependent effect of C6 and C12 ceramide. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76921-76934. [PMID: 29100358 PMCID: PMC5652752 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapeutic drug, has several potential high-risk side effects including cardiomyopathy. Furthermore, cellular resistance to this drug develops with time. By using liposomes as carrier vesicles both the side effects and drug resistance might be avoided. In this study we have investigated the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin encapsulated in liposomes with and without ceramides containing 6 or 12 carbon atoms in the N-amidated fatty acyl chains. The short-chain ceramide species were included in the liposomal compositions due to their pro-apoptotic properties, which might cause a synergistic anticancer effect. We demonstrate that the ceramide species enhance the liposomal doxorubicin toxicity in a cell-specific manner. The C6-ceramide effect is most pronounced in cervical cancer cells (HeLa) and colon cancer cells (HCT116), whereas the C12-ceramide effect is strongest in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Moreover, the study reveals the importance of investigating cell toxicity at several time points and in different cell-lines, to assess drug-and formulation-induced cytotoxic effects in vitro. Furthermore, our data show that the cytotoxicity obtained with the nanocarriers in vitro, does not necessarily reflect their ability to inhibit tumor growth in vivo. We speculate that the larger effect of Caelyx® than our liposomes in vivo is due to a greater in vivo stability of Caelyx®.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Øverbye
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann Mari Holsæter
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Fusser Markus
- Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nataša Škalko-Basnet
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Tore-Geir Iversen
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Maria Lyngaas Torgersen
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tonje Sønstevold
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Engebraaten
- Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjersti Flatmark
- Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunhild Mari Mælandsmo
- Drug Transport and Delivery Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Tumour Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tore Skotland
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Sandvig
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty Division Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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26
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Singh MS, Tammam SN, Shetab Boushehri MA, Lamprecht A. MDR in cancer: Addressing the underlying cellular alterations with the use of nanocarriers. Pharmacol Res 2017; 126:2-30. [PMID: 28760489 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is associated with a wide range of pathological changes at different cellular and intracellular levels. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively exploited as the carriers of MDR reversing payloads to resistant tumor cells. However, when properly formulated in terms of chemical composition and physicochemical properties, NPs can serve as beyond delivery systems and help overcome MDR even without carrying a load of chemosensitizers or MDR reversing molecular cargos. Whether serving as drug carriers or beyond, a wise design of the nanoparticulate systems to overcome the cellular and intracellular alterations underlying the resistance is imperative. Within the current review, we will initially discuss the cellular changes occurring in resistant cells and how such changes lead to chemotherapy failure and cancer cell survival. We will then focus on different mechanisms through which nanosystems with appropriate chemical composition and physicochemical properties can serve as MDR reversing units at different cellular and intracellular levels according to the changes that underlie the resistance. Finally, we will conclude by discussing logical grounds for a wise and rational design of MDR reversing nanoparticulate systems to improve the cancer therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu S Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmceutics, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Salma N Tammam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmceutics, University of Bonn, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, German University of Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmceutics, University of Bonn, Germany; Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering (EA4267), University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
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27
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Antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors in colorectal cancer: is there a path to making them more effective? Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2017; 80:661-671. [PMID: 28721456 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-017-3389-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Antiangiogenic therapy has a proven survival benefit in metastatic colorectal cancer. Inhibition of the VEGF pathway using a variety of extracellular antibody approaches has clear benefit in combination with chemotherapy, while intracellular blockade using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sorafenib and regorafenib has had more limited success. Pharmacodynamic modeling using modalities such as DCE-MRI indicates potent antiangiogenic effects of these TKIs, yet numerous combination therapies, primarily with chemotherapy, have failed to demonstrate an additive benefit. The sole comparative study of a single agent TKI against placebo showed a survival benefit of regorafenib in patients with advanced, refractory disease. Preclinical data demonstrate synergy between antiantiogenic TKIs and targeted interventions including autophagy inhibition, and together with a renewed effort to define markers of susceptibility, such combinations may be a way to improve the limited efficacy of this once-promising drug class.
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28
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Zulfiqar B, Mahroo A, Nasir K, Farooq RK, Jalal N, Rashid MU, Asghar K. Nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy: focus on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:463-476. [PMID: 28176942 PMCID: PMC5268369 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s119362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine application in cancer immunotherapy is currently one of the most challenging areas in cancer therapeutic intervention. Innovative solutions have been provided by nanotechnology to deliver cytotoxic agents to the cancer cells partially affecting the healthy cells of the body during the process. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery is an emerging approach to stimulate the immune responses against cancer. The inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is a pivotal area of research in cancer immunotherapy. IDO is a heme-containing immunosuppressive enzyme, which is responsible for the degradation of tryptophan while increasing the concentration of kynurenine metabolites. Various preclinical studies showed that IDO inhibition in certain diseases may result in significant therapeutic effects. Here, we provide a review of the natural and synthetic inhibitors of IDO. These inhibitors are classified according to their source, inhibitory concentrations, the chemical structure, and the mechanism of action. Tumor-targeted chemotherapy is an advanced technique and has more advantages as compared to the conventional chemotherapy. Search for more efficient and less toxic nanoparticles in conjunction with compounds to inhibit IDO is still an area of interest for several research groups worldwide, especially revealing to be an extensive and a promising area in cancer therapeutic innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Zulfiqar
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
| | - Amnah Mahroo
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
| | - Kaenat Nasir
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad
| | - Rai Khalid Farooq
- Department of Physiology, Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Nasir Jalal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Health Sciences Platform, Tianjin University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China
| | - Muhammad Usman Rashid
- Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Asghar
- Healthcare Biotechnology Department, Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad; Basic Sciences Research, Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC), Lahore, Pakistan
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29
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Madhunapantula SV, Robertson GP. Targeting protein kinase-b3 (akt3) signaling in melanoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:273-290. [PMID: 28064546 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1279147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deregulated Akt activity leading to apoptosis inhibition, enhanced proliferation and drug resistance has been shown to be responsible for 35-70% of advanced metastatic melanomas. Of the three isoforms, the majority of melanomas have elevated Akt3 expression and activity. Hence, potent inhibitors targeting Akt are urgently required, which is possible only if (a) the factors responsible for the failure of Akt inhibitors in clinical trials is known; and (b) the information pertaining to synergistically acting targeted therapeutics is available. Areas covered: This review provides a brief introduction of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and its role in melanoma development. In addition, the functional role of key Akt pathway members such as PRAS40, GSK3 kinases, WEE1 kinase in melanoma development are discussed together with strategies to modulate these targets. Efficacy and safety of Akt inhibitors is also discussed. Finally, the mechanism(s) through which Akt leads to drug resistance is discussed in this expert opinion review. Expert opinion: Even though Akt play key roles in melanoma tumor progression, cell survival and drug resistance, many gaps still exist that require further understanding of Akt functions, especially in the (a) metastatic spread; (b) circulating melanoma cells survival; and
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Affiliation(s)
- SubbaRao V Madhunapantula
- a Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CEMR), Department of Biochemistry , JSS Medical College, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara University (Accredited 'A' Grade by NAAC and Ranked 35 by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)-2015, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India) , Mysuru , India
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- b Department of Pharmacology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,c Department of Pathology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,d Department of Dermatology , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,e Department of Surgery , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,f The Melanoma Center , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA.,g The Melanoma Therapeutics Program , The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine , Hershey , PA , USA
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30
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Stefanovic M, Tutusaus A, Martinez-Nieto GA, Bárcena C, de Gregorio E, Moutinho C, Barbero-Camps E, Villanueva A, Colell A, Marí M, García-Ruiz C, Fernandez-Checa JC, Morales A. Targeting glucosylceramide synthase upregulation reverts sorafenib resistance in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:8253-67. [PMID: 26811497 PMCID: PMC4884990 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Evasive mechanisms triggered by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib reduce its efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. Drug-resistant cancer cells frequently exhibit sphingolipid dysregulation, reducing chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity via the induction of ceramide-degrading enzymes. However, the role of ceramide in sorafenib therapy and resistance in HCC has not been clearly established. Our data reveals that ceramide-modifying enzymes, particularly glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), are upregulated during sorafenib treatment in hepatoma cells (HepG2 and Hep3B), and more importantly, in sorafenib-resistant cell lines. GCS silencing or pharmacological GCS inhibition sensitized hepatoma cells to sorafenib exposure. GCS inhibition, combined with sorafenib, triggered cytochrome c release and ATP depletion in sorafenib-treated hepatoma cells, leading to mitochondrial cell death after energetic collapse. Conversely, genetic GCS overexpression increased sorafenib resistance. Of interest, GCS inhibition improved sorafenib effectiveness in a xenograft mouse model, recovering drug sensitivity of sorafenib-resistant tumors in mice. In conclusion, our results reveal GCS induction as a mechanism of sorafenib resistance, suggesting that GCS targeting may be a novel strategy to increase sorafenib efficacy in HCC management, and point to target the mitochondria as the subcellular location where sorafenib therapy could be potentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Stefanovic
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Cristina Bárcena
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Estefania de Gregorio
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Catia Moutinho
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Elisabet Barbero-Camps
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alberto Villanueva
- Translational Research Laboratory, Catalan Institute of Oncology - Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anna Colell
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carmen García-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jose C Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Research Center for Alcoholic Liver and Pancreatic Diseases, Keck School of Medicine of The University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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31
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Jiang S, Wang Q, Feng M, Li J, Guan Z, An D, Dong M, Peng Y, Kuerban K, Ye L. C2-ceramide enhances sorafenib-induced caspase-dependent apoptosis via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk signaling pathways in HCC cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 101:1535-1546. [PMID: 27807662 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7930-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sorafenib as an effective multikinase inhibitor has been approved for the clinical treatment against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC treatment requires usually combined therapy because of its complex pathogenesis. Ceramide has been confirmed to induce remarkable apoptosis in human tumor cells and has attracted increasing attention in investigations on combination therapy. In this paper, the anti-HCC effect of sorafenib combined with C2-ceramide was investigated on cell vitality, apoptosis, and migration, and the underlying mechanism was examined using flow cytometry and western blot. Bel7402 cells coincubated with sorafenib and C2-ceramide exhibited lower cell vitality and more irregular cellular morphology and cell cycle arrest. Sorafenib plus C2-ceramide stimulated significantly the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial depolarization, which promoted caspases-dependent cell apoptosis as illustrated by related protein expression including caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax, Bcl-2, and cytochrome c. Combination treatment of sorafenib and C2-ceramide inhibited obviously cell growth and proliferation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and Erk signaling pathways. Furthermore, the combination treatment was proved to inhibit cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These findings indicated that the combination of C2-ceramide and sorafenib provided synergistic inhibitory effects on HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Jiang
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiqing Feng
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiyang Li
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongbin Guan
- Shanghai Institute For Food And Drug Control, Shanghai, China
| | - Duopeng An
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengxue Dong
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzhe Peng
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kudelaidi Kuerban
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Ye
- Department of Biosynthesis and Key Laboratory of Smart Drug Delivery, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Jiang F, Jin K, Huang S, Bao Q, Shao Z, Hu X, Ye J. Liposomal C6 Ceramide Activates Protein Phosphatase 1 to Inhibit Melanoma Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159849. [PMID: 27631768 PMCID: PMC5025141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one common skin cancer. In the present study, the potential anti-melanoma activity by a liposomal C6 ceramide was tested in vitro. We showed that the liposomal C6 (ceramide) was cytotoxic and anti-proliferative against a panel of human melanoma cell lines (SK-Mel2, WM-266.4 and A-375 and WM-115). In addition, liposomal C6 induced caspase-dependent apoptotic death in the melanoma cells. Reversely, its cytotoxicity was attenuated by several caspase inhibitors. Intriguingly, liposomal C6 was non-cytotoxic to B10BR mouse melanocytes and primary human melanocytes. Molecularly, liposomal C6 activated protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to inactivate Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in melanoma cells. On the other hand, PP1 shRNA knockdown or exogenous expression of constitutively activate Akt1 (CA-Akt1) restored Akt-mTOR activation and significantly attenuated liposomal C6-mediated cytotoxicity and apoptosis in melanoma cells. Our results suggest that liposomal C6 activates PP1 to inhibit melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangzhen Jiang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Kai Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Shenyu Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Qi Bao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zheren Shao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Xueqing Hu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Juan Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China
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33
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Zhao X, Sun B, Zhang J, Zhang R, Zhang Q. Short-chain C6 ceramide sensitizes AT406-induced anti-pancreatic cancer cell activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 479:166-172. [PMID: 27562715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.08.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study has shown that AT406, a first-in-class small molecular antagonist of IAPs (inhibitor of apoptosis proteins), inhibits pancreatic cancer cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this research is to increase AT406's sensitivity by adding short-chain C6 ceramide. We show that co-treatment of C6 ceramide dramatically potentiated AT406-induced caspase/apoptosis activation and cytotoxicity in established (Panc-1 and Mia-PaCa-2 lines) and primary human pancreatic cancer cells. Reversely, caspase inhibitors largely attenuated C6 ceramide plus AT406-induced above cancer cell death. Molecularly, C6 ceramide downregulated Bcl-2 to increase AT406's sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells. Intriguingly, C6 ceramide-mediated AT406 sensitization was nullified with Bcl-2 shRNA knockdown or pretreatment of the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737. In vivo, liposomal C6 ceramide plus AT406 co-administration dramatically inhibited Panc-1 xenograft tumor growth in severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. The combined anti-tumor activity was significantly more potent than either single treatment. Expressions of IAPs (cIAP1/XIAP) and Bcl-2 were downregulated in Panc-1 xenografts with the co-administration. Together, we demonstrate that C6 ceramide sensitizes AT406-mediated anti-pancreatic cancer cell activity possibly via downregulating Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoguang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, CPLA Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Baoyou Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery III, The Chest Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ruishen Zhang
- Hospital of China Railway Electric Bureau Group First Engineering Company, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Chest Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Morad SAF, Ryan TE, Neufer PD, Zeczycki TN, Davis TS, MacDougall MR, Fox TE, Tan SF, Feith DJ, Loughran TP, Kester M, Claxton DF, Barth BM, Deering TG, Cabot MC. Ceramide-tamoxifen regimen targets bioenergetic elements in acute myelogenous leukemia. J Lipid Res 2016; 57:1231-42. [PMID: 27140664 PMCID: PMC4918852 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m067389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of our study was to determine the mechanism of action of the short-chain ceramide analog, C6-ceramide, and the breast cancer drug, tamoxifen, which we show coactively depress viability and induce apoptosis in human acute myelogenous leukemia cells. Exposure to the C6-ceramide-tamoxifen combination elicited decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential and complex I respiration, increases in reactive oxygen species (ROS), and release of mitochondrial proapoptotic proteins. Decreases in ATP levels, reduced glycolytic capacity, and reduced expression of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins also resulted. Cytotoxicity of the drug combination was mitigated by exposure to antioxidant. Cells metabolized C6-ceramide by glycosylation and hydrolysis, the latter leading to increases in long-chain ceramides. Tamoxifen potently blocked glycosylation of C6-ceramide and long-chain ceramides. N-desmethyltamoxifen, a poor antiestrogen and the major tamoxifen metabolite in humans, was also effective with C6-ceramide, indicating that traditional antiestrogen pathways are not involved in cellular responses. We conclude that cell death is driven by mitochondrial targeting and ROS generation and that tamoxifen enhances the ceramide effect by blocking its metabolism. As depletion of ATP and targeting the "Warburg effect" represent dynamic metabolic insult, this ceramide-containing combination may be of utility in the treatment of leukemia and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samy A F Morad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Terence E Ryan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - P Darrell Neufer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Tonya N Zeczycki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Traci S Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Matthew R MacDougall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Todd E Fox
- Cancer Center, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Su-Fern Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - David J Feith
- Cancer Center, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | - Thomas P Loughran
- Cancer Center, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mark Kester
- Cancer Center, Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine
| | - David F Claxton
- Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, Hershey, PA
| | - Brian M Barth
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH
| | - Tye G Deering
- East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
| | - Myles C Cabot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
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Morad SA, Bridges LC, Almeida Larrea AD, Mayen AL, MacDougall MR, Davis TS, Kester M, Cabot MC. Short-chain ceramides depress integrin cell surface expression and function in colorectal cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2016; 376:199-204. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ma YY, Mou XZ, Ding YH, Zou H, Huang DS. Delivery systems of ceramide in targeted cancer therapy: ceramide alone or in combination with other anti-tumor agents. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2016; 13:1397-406. [PMID: 27168034 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2016.1188803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yu Ma
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Medical School and Jiangsu Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiao-Zhou Mou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Hui Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hai Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, China
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Gadaleta-Caldarola G, Infusino S, Divella R, Ferraro E, Mazzocca A, De Rose F, Filippelli G, Abbate I, Brandi M. Sorafenib: 10 years after the first pivotal trial. Future Oncol 2016; 11:1863-80. [PMID: 26161924 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Sorafenib is an oral multikinase inhibitor with anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of cancers. It is currently approved for the treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, advanced renal cell carcinoma or progressive, locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In this review, we present a number of studies that investigated the efficacy and safety of sorafenib in these settings. We also discuss the perspectives on the use of this molecule, including the role of sorafenib as comparator for the development of new drugs, the combination of sorafenib with additional therapies (such as transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma) and the use of this treatment in several other advanced refractory solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennaro Gadaleta-Caldarola
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R Dimiccoli' Hospital, Viale Ippocrate, 15, 76121 Barletta, Asl BAT, Italy
| | - Stefania Infusino
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'S Francesco di Paola' Hospital, Via Promintesta, 87027 Paola, ASP, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Rosa Divella
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology - National Cancer Institute 'Giovanni Paolo II', Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ferraro
- Department of Internal Medicine & Clinical Specialties, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Policlinico Umberto I, Viale del Policlinico, 155, 00161 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzocca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari School of Medicine, Piazza G Cesare, 11,70124 Bari, Italy, National Institute for Digestive Diseases, IRCCS 'Saverio De Bellis', Via Turi 27, 70013, Castellana Grotte, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Gianfranco Filippelli
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'S Francesco di Paola' Hospital, Via Promintesta, 87027 Paola, ASP, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Ines Abbate
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Pathology - National Cancer Institute 'Giovanni Paolo II', Viale Orazio Flacco 65, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Brandi
- Medical Oncology Unit, 'Mons. R Dimiccoli' Hospital, Viale Ippocrate, 15, 76121 Barletta, Asl BAT, Italy
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Development of edge-activated liposomes for siRNA delivery to human basal epidermis for melanoma therapy. J Control Release 2016; 228:150-158. [PMID: 26965957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Delivery of macromolecules such as siRNA into cells that reside in the basal epidermis of the skin is a major challenge due to the transport barriers that need to be overcome. siRNAs have potential therapeutic applications in various dermatological diseases such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and cancer. Unfortunately, a low permeability of siRNA through the stratum corneum and epidermis has significantly limited its use for topical application. The objective of this study was to develop a topical siRNA delivery system that can permeate through the stratum corneum and viable epidermis and efficiently deposit therapeutic levels of siRNA to the basal epidermis/upper dermis where melanoma cells reside. To achieve this objective, a series of liposome compositions that contained various concentrations of edge activator in their structures were prepared and then complexed with siRNA at different ratios to generate a small library of liposome-siRNA complexes (lipoplexes) with different physicochemical properties. In this study we used melanoma as a disease model. Through use of quantitative imaging analysis, we identified the necessary design parameters for effective permeation of lipoplexes through the skin layers and deposition at the upper dermis. The ability of the formulated lipoplexes to internalize into melanoma cells, knockdown the expression of the BRAF protein and induce cell death in melanoma cells was studied by fluorescent microscopy, in-cell immunofluorescence assay and WST-1 cell proliferation assay. By providing direct quantitative and qualitative microscopy evidence, the results of this study demonstrate for the first time that the passive delivery of an edge-activated liposomal formulation can effectively carry siRNA through the stratum corneum and deposit it at the lower epidermis/upper dermis.
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C6 ceramide sensitizes the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) activity by AZD-8055, a novel mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:11039-48. [PMID: 26897748 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4598-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays pivotal roles in promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Here, we tested the potential anti-HCC activity by a novel mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2) dual inhibitor AZD-8055 and, more importantly, the potential AZD-8055 sensitization effect by a cell-permeable short-chain ceramide (C6). We showed that AZD-8055 mainly exerted moderate cytotoxic effect against a panel of HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B, and SMMC-7721). Co-treatment of C6 ceramide remarkably augmented AZD-8055-induced HCC cytotoxicity. Meanwhile, C6 ceramide dramatically potentiated AZD-8055-induced HCC cell apoptotic death. Further studies demonstrated that AZD-8055 and C6 ceramide synergistically induced anti-survival and pro-apoptotic activity in primary cultured human HCC cells, but not in the non-cancerous human hepatocytes. Signaling studies showed that AZD-8055 and C6 ceramide synergistically suppressed Akt-mTOR complex 1/2 cascade activation. In vivo, AZD-8055 oral administration suppressed HepG2 hepatoma xenograft growth in nude mice, while moderately improving mice survival. Its anti-tumor activity was dramatically potentiated with co-administration of a liposome-packed C6 ceramide. Together, these results demonstrate that concurrent targeting mTORC1/2 by AZD-8055 exerts anti-tumor ability in preclinical HCC models, and its activity is further sensitized with co-administration of C6 ceramide.
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Kester M, Bassler J, Fox TE, Carter CJ, Davidson JA, Parette MR. Preclinical development of a C6-ceramide NanoLiposome, a novel sphingolipid therapeutic. Biol Chem 2016; 396:737-47. [PMID: 25838296 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2015-0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the therapeutic potential of sphingolipids, the ability to develop this class of compounds as active pharmaceutical ingredients has been hampered by issues of solubility and delivery. Beyond these technical hurdles, significant challenges in completing the necessary preclinical studies to support regulatory review are necessary for commercialization. This review seeks to identify the obstacles and potential solutions in the translation of a novel liposomal technology from the academic bench to investigational new drug (IND) stage by discussing the preclinical development of the Ceramide NanoLiposome (CNL), which is currently being developed as an anticancer drug for the initial indication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Brys AK, Gowda R, Loriaux DB, Robertson GP, Mosca PJ. Nanotechnology-based strategies for combating toxicity and resistance in melanoma therapy. Biotechnol Adv 2016; 34:565-577. [PMID: 26826558 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Drug toxicity and resistance remain formidable challenges in cancer treatment and represent an area of increasing attention in the case of melanoma. Nanotechnology represents a paradigm-shifting field with the potential to mitigate drug resistance while improving drug delivery and minimizing toxicity. Recent clinical and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated how a diverse array of nanoparticles may be harnessed to circumvent known mechanisms of drug resistance in melanoma to improve therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss known mechanisms of resistance to various melanoma therapies and possible nanotechnology-based strategies that could be used to overcome these barriers and improve the pharmacologic arsenal available to combat advanced stage melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam K Brys
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Raghavendra Gowda
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Daniel B Loriaux
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Gavin P Robertson
- Department of Pharmacology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, United States
| | - Paul J Mosca
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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Sriraman SK, Pan J, Sarisozen C, Luther E, Torchilin V. Enhanced Cytotoxicity of Folic Acid-Targeted Liposomes Co-Loaded with C6 Ceramide and Doxorubicin: In Vitro Evaluation on HeLa, A2780-ADR, and H69-AR Cells. Mol Pharm 2016; 13:428-37. [PMID: 26702994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Current research in cancer therapy is beginning to shift toward the use of combinational drug treatment regimens. However, the efficient delivery of drug combinations is governed by a number of complex factors in the clinical setting. Therefore, the ability to synchronize the pharmacokinetics of the individual therapeutic agents present in combination not only to allow for simultaneous tumor accumulation but also to allow for a synergistic relationship at the intracellular level could prove to be advantageous. In this work, we report the development of a novel folic acid-targeted liposomal formulation simultaneously co-loaded with C6 ceramide and doxorubicin [FA-(C6+Dox)-LP]. In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that the FA-(C6+Dox)-LP was able to significantly reduce the IC50 of Dox when compared to that after the treatment with the doxorubicin-loaded liposomes (Dox-LP) as well as the untargeted drug co-loaded (C6+Dox)-LP on HeLa, A2780-ADR, and H69-AR cells. The analysis of the cell cycle distribution showed that while the C6 liposomes (C6-LP) did not cause cell cycle arrest, all the Dox-containing liposomes mediated cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells in the G2 phase at Dox concentrations of 0.3 and 1 μM and in the S phase at the higher concentrations. It was also found that this arrest in the S phase precedes the progression of the cells to apoptosis. The targeted FA-(C6+Dox)-LP were able to significantly enhance the induction of apoptotic events in HeLa cell monolayers as compared to the other treatment groups. Next, using time-lapse phase holographic imaging microscopy, it was found that upon treatment with the FA-(C6+Dox)-LP, the HeLa cells underwent rapid progression to apoptosis after 21 h as evidenced by a drastic drop in the average area of the cells after loss of cell membrane integrity. Finally, upon evaluation in a HeLa spheroid cell model, treatment with the FA-(C6+Dox)-LP showed significantly higher levels of cell death compared to those with C6-LP and Dox-LP. Overall, this study clearly shows that the co-delivery of C6 ceramide and Dox using a liposomal platform significantly correlates with an antiproliferative effect due to cell cycle regulation and subsequent induction of apoptosis and thus warrants its further evaluation in preclinical animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Kumar Sriraman
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Jiayi Pan
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Can Sarisozen
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ed Luther
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Vladimir Torchilin
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University , Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University , Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Lv H, Zhang Z, Wu X, Wang Y, Li C, Gong W, Gui L, Wang X. Preclinical Evaluation of Liposomal C8 Ceramide as a Potent anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Agent. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0145195. [PMID: 26727592 PMCID: PMC4699687 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health threat. The search for novel anti-HCC agents is urgent. In the current study, we synthesized a liposomal C8 ceramide, and analyzed its anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical HCC models. The liposomal C8 (ceramide) potently inhibited HCC cell (HepG2, SMMC-7721 and Huh-7 lines) survival and proliferation, more efficiently than free C8 ceramide. Yet, non-cancerous HL7702 human hepatocytes were resistant to the liposomal C8 treatment. Liposomal C8 activated caspase-dependent apoptosis in HCC cells, and HCC cytotoxicity by liposomal C8 was significantly attenuated with co-treatment of caspase inhibitors. At the molecular level, we showed that liposomal C8 activated ASK1 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1)-JNK (Jun N-terminal protein kinase) signaling in HCC cells. On the other hand, JNK pharmacological inhibition or dominant negative mutation, as well as ASK1 shRNA-knockdown remarkably inhibited liposomal C8-induced apoptosis in HCC cells. Further studies showed that liposomal C8 inhibited AKT-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) activation in HCC cells. Restoring AKT-mTOR activation by introducing a constitutively-active AKT alleviated HepG2 cytotoxicity by liposomal C8. In vivo, intravenous (i.v.) injection of liposomal C8 significantly inhibited HepG2 xenograft growth in severe combined immuno-deficient (SCID) mice, and mice survival was significantly improved. These preclinical results suggest that liposomal C8 could be further studied as a valuable anti-HCC agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqing Lv
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
| | - Zhongmin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Nanjing, China
| | - Yaoxia Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
| | - Chenglin Li
- Department of Oncology, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
| | - Weihong Gong
- Department of Oncology, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
| | - Liang Gui
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (LG); (XW)
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lin Yi People's Hospital, Lin Yi, China
- * E-mail: (LG); (XW)
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Abstract
Studies over the past two decades have identified ceramide as a multifunctional central molecule in the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway. Given its diverse tumor suppressive activities, molecular understanding of ceramide action will produce fundamental insights into processes that limit tumorigenesis and may identify key molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Ceramide can be activated by a diverse array of stresses such as heat shock, genotoxic damage, oxidative stress and anticancer drugs. Ceramide triggers a variety of tumor suppressive and anti-proliferative cellular programs such as apoptosis, autophagy, senescence, and necroptosis by activating or repressing key effector molecules. Defects in ceramide generation and metabolism in cancer contribute to tumor cell survival and resistance to chemotherapy. The potent and versatile anticancer activity profile of ceramide has motivated drug development efforts to (re-)activate ceramide in established tumors. This review focuses on our current understanding of the tumor suppressive functions of ceramide and highlights the potential downstream targets of ceramide which are involved in its tumor suppressive action.
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45
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Realini N, Palese F, Pizzirani D, Pontis S, Basit A, Bach A, Ganesan A, Piomelli D. Acid Ceramidase in Melanoma: EXPRESSION, LOCALIZATION, AND EFFECTS OF PHARMACOLOGICAL INHIBITION. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:2422-34. [PMID: 26553872 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.666909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid ceramidase (AC) is a lysosomal cysteine amidase that controls sphingolipid signaling by lowering the levels of ceramides and concomitantly increasing those of sphingosine and its bioactive metabolite, sphingosine 1-phosphate. In the present study, we evaluated the role of AC-regulated sphingolipid signaling in melanoma. We found that AC expression is markedly elevated in normal human melanocytes and proliferative melanoma cell lines, compared with other skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) and non-melanoma cancer cells. High AC expression was also observed in biopsies from human subjects with Stage II melanoma. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that the subcellular localization of AC differs between melanocytes (where it is found in both cytosol and nucleus) and melanoma cells (where it is primarily localized to cytosol). In addition to having high AC levels, melanoma cells generate lower amounts of ceramides than normal melanocytes do. This down-regulation in ceramide production appears to result from suppression of the de novo biosynthesis pathway. To test whether AC might contribute to melanoma cell proliferation, we blocked AC activity using a new potent (IC50 = 12 nM) and stable inhibitor. AC inhibition increased cellular ceramide levels, decreased sphingosine 1-phosphate levels, and acted synergistically with several, albeit not all, antitumoral agents. The results suggest that AC-controlled sphingolipid metabolism may play an important role in the control of melanoma proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Realini
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Francesca Palese
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Daniela Pizzirani
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Silvia Pontis
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Abdul Basit
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Anders Bach
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy, the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark, and
| | | | - Daniele Piomelli
- From the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy, Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California 92617
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Mendes TFS, Kluskens LD, Rodrigues LR. Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Nanosolutions for a Big Challenge. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2015; 2:1500053. [PMID: 27980912 PMCID: PMC5115335 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201500053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particular immunopathological subtype of breast cancer that lacks expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR) and amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene. Characterized by aggressive and metastatic phenotypes and high rates of relapse, TNBC is the only breast cancer subgroup still lacking effective therapeutic options, thus presenting the worst prognosis. The development of targeted therapies, as well as early diagnosis methods, is vital to ensure an adequate and timely therapeutic intervention in patients with TNBC. This review intends to discuss potentially emerging approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC patients, with a special focus on nano-based solutions that actively target these particular tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leon D Kluskens
- Centre of Biological Engineering University of Minho 4710-057 Braga Portugal
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Zhai L, Sun N, Han Z, Jin HC, Zhang B. Liposomal short-chain C6 ceramide induces potent anti-osteosarcoma activity in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:274-80. [PMID: 26505795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) remains one deadly disease for many affected patients. The search for novel and more efficient anti-OS agents is urgent. In the current study, we demonstrated that liposome-packed C6 ceramide exerted potent cytotoxic effect against established (U2OS and MG-63 lines) and primary human OS cells. Meanwhile, the liposomal C6 (ceramide) induced caspase-mediated apoptotic death in OS cells. Liposomal C6 was significantly more potent than conventional free C6 in inhibiting OS cells, yet it was safe to non-cancerous bone cells (primary murine osteoblasts or human MLO-Y4 osteocytic cells). At the signaling level, we showed that liposomal C6 potently inhibited Akt activation in OS cells. Further studies revealed that a low dose of liposomal C6 dramatically sensitized the in vitro anti-OS activity of two conventional chemodrugs: methotrexate (MTX) and doxorubicin. In vivo, intravenous injection of liposomal C6 inhibited Akt activation and suppressed U2OS xenograft growth in nude mice without causing apparent toxicities. Meanwhile, when given at a low-dose (5 mg/kg body weight), liposomal C6 dramatically sensitized MTX's anti-U2OS activity in vivo. Collectively, our data demonstrate that liposomal C6 exerts potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical OS models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Sun
- Department of Nephropathy, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Han
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tianjin Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hai-chao Jin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Kitatani K, Usui T, Sriraman SK, Toyoshima M, Ishibashi M, Shigeta S, Nagase S, Sakamoto M, Ogiso H, Okazaki T, Hannun YA, Torchilin VP, Yaegashi N. Ceramide limits phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase C2β-controlled cell motility in ovarian cancer: potential of ceramide as a metastasis-suppressor lipid. Oncogene 2015; 35:2801-12. [PMID: 26364609 PMCID: PMC4791218 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cell motility, which is required for dissemination and metastasis, has therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer metastasis, and regulatory mechanisms of cell motility need to be uncovered for developing novel therapeutics. Invasive ovarian cancer cells spontaneously formed protrusions, such as lamellipodia, which are required for generating locomotive force in cell motility. Short interfering RNA screening identified class II phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase C2β (PI3KC2β) as the predominant isoform of PI3K involved in lamellipodia formation of ovarian cancer cells. The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide has emerged as an antitumorigenic lipid, and treatment with short-chain C6-ceramide decreased the number of ovarian cancer cells with PI3KC2β-driven lamellipodia. Pharmacological analysis demonstrated that long-chain ceramide regenerated from C6-ceramide through the salvage/recycling pathway, at least in part, mediated the action of C6-ceramide. Mechanistically, ceramide was revealed to interact with the PIK-catalytic domain of PI3KC2β and affect its compartmentalization, thereby suppressing PI3KC2β activation and its driven cell motility. Ceramide treatment also suppressed cell motility promoted by epithelial growth factor, which is a prometastatic factor. To examine the role of ceramide in ovarian cancer metastasis, ceramide liposomes were employed and confirmed to suppress cell motility in vitro. Ceramide liposomes had an inhibitory effect on peritoneal metastasis in a murine xenograft model of human ovarian cancer. Metastasis of PI3KC2β knocked-down cells was insensitive to treatment with ceramide liposomes, suggesting specific involvement of ceramide interaction with PI3KC2β in metastasis suppression. Our study identified ceramide as a bioactive lipid that limits PI3KC2β-governed cell motility, and ceramide is proposed to serve as a metastasis-suppressor lipid in ovarian cancer. These findings could be translated into developing ceramide-based therapy for metastatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kitatani
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - T Usui
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - S K Sriraman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Toyoshima
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - M Ishibashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - S Shigeta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - S Nagase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
| | - M Sakamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - H Ogiso
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - T Okazaki
- Department of Life Science, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Y A Hannun
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - V P Torchilin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - N Yaegashi
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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49
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Linton SS, Sherwood SG, Drews KC, Kester M. Targeting cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment: opportunities and challenges in combinatorial nanomedicine. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2015; 8:208-22. [PMID: 26153136 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer therapies of the future will rely on synergy between drugs delivered in combination to achieve both maximum efficacy and decreased toxicity. Nanoscale drug delivery vehicles composed of highly tunable nanomaterials ('nanocarriers') represent the most promising approach to achieve simultaneous, cell-selective delivery of synergistic ratios of combinations of drugs within solid tumors. Nanocarriers are currently being used to co-encapsulate and deliver synergistic ratios of multiple anticancer drugs to target cells within solid tumors. Investigators exploit the unique environment associated with solid tumors, termed the tumor microenvironment (TME), to make 'smart' nanocarriers. These sophisticated nanocarriers exploit the pathological conditions in the TME, thereby creating highly targeted nanocarriers that release their drug payload in a spatially and temporally controlled manner. The translational and commercial potential of nanocarrier-based combinatorial nanomedicines in cancer therapy is now a reality as several companies have initiated human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel S Linton
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Samantha G Sherwood
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kelly C Drews
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mark Kester
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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50
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Chen MB, Jiang Q, Liu YY, Zhang Y, He BS, Wei MX, Lu JW, Ji Y, Lu PH. C6 ceramide dramatically increases vincristine sensitivity both in vivo and in vitro, involving AMP-activated protein kinase-p53 signaling. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36:1061-70. [PMID: 26116623 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of the conventional cancer chemotherapy (i.e. vincristine) is limited in tumor cells exhibiting pre-existing or acquired resistance. Here, we found that C6 ceramide (C6) dramatically sensitized vincristine's activity. In vitro, C6 and vincristine coadministration induced substantial necrosis and apoptosis in multiple human cancer cell lines, which were accompanied by a profound AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, subsequent p53 activation, mTORC1 inactivation and Bcl-2/HIF-1α downregulation. Such synergistic effects were attenuated by AMPK inactivation through genetic mutation or short hairpin RNA silencing. Coadministration-activated p53 translocated to mitochondria, and formed a complex with cyclophilin-D, leading to mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and cell necrosis. Disrupting p53-Cyp-D complexation through pharmacological or genetic means reduced costimulation-induced cytotoxicity. In vivo, a liposomal C6 was synthesized, which dramatically enhanced the antiproliferative activity of vincristine on HCT-116 or A2780 xenografts. Together, C6 sensitizes vincristine-induced anticancer activity in vivo and in vitro, involving activating AMPK-p53 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Bin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, No.91, Qianjin Road, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, China, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China, Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China, Department of Medical Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China, Department of Thoracic Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, China and Department of Medical Oncology Center, Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, No.91, Qianjin Road, Kunshan, Jiangsu 215300, China, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China, Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215021, China, Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China, Department of Medical Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China, Department of Thoracic Surgery and Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, China and Department of Medical Oncology Center, Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Bang-shun He
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210006, China
| | - Mu-Xin Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jian-Wei Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Baiziting 42, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China, Department of Thoracic Surgery and
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, China and
| | - Pei-Hua Lu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Wuxi People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, No. 299, Qingyang Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214023, China and Department of Medical Oncology Center, Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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