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Yang J, Zhang P, Mao Y, Chen R, Cheng R, Li J, Sun H, Deng C, Zhong Z. CXCR4-Mediated Codelivery of FLT3 and BCL-2 Inhibitors for Enhanced Targeted Combination Therapy of FLT3-ITD Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:4569-4580. [PMID: 38869359 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is often associated with poor prognosis and survival. Small molecule inhibitors, though widening the treatment landscape, have limited monotherapy efficacy. The combination therapy, however, shows suboptimal clinical outcomes due to low bioavailability, overlapping systemic toxicity and drug resistance. Here, we report that CXCR4-mediated codelivery of the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) and the FLT3 inhibitor sorafenib (SOR) via T22 peptide-tagged disulfide cross-linked polymeric micelles (TM) achieves synergistic treatment of FLT3-ITD AML. TM-VS with a VEN/SOR weight ratio of 1/4 and T22 peptide density of 20% exhibited an extraordinary inhibitory effect on CXCR4-overexpressing MV4-11 AML cells. TM-VS at a VEN/SOR dosage of 2.5/10 mg/kg remarkably reduced leukemia burden, prolonged mouse survival, and impeded bone loss in orthotopic MV4-11-bearing mice, outperforming the nontargeted M-VS and oral administration of free VEN/SOR. CXCR4-mediated codelivery of BCL-2 and FLT3 inhibitors has emerged as a prospective clinical treatment for FLT3-ITD AML.
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MESH Headings
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/genetics
- fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Animals
- Receptors, CXCR4/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, CXCR4/genetics
- Receptors, CXCR4/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Sulfonamides/administration & dosage
- Sorafenib/pharmacology
- Sorafenib/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/administration & dosage
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage
- Micelles
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiakun Yang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yumin Mao
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ran Chen
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Ru Cheng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- Soochow College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Jiaying Li
- Orthopedic Institute, Soochow University, Suzhou 215007, PR China
| | - Huanli Sun
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Chao Deng
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhong
- Biomedical Polymers Laboratory, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P. R. China
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Dakkak BE, Taneera J, El-Huneidi W, Abu-Gharbieh E, Hamoudi R, Semreen MH, Soares NC, Abu-Rish EY, Alkawareek MY, Alkilany AM, Bustanji Y. Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of BCL-2 Associated Protein Family: Exploring BCL-2 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2024; 32:267-280. [PMID: 38589288 PMCID: PMC11063480 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2023.149] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis, programmed cell death pathway, is a vital physiological mechanism that ensures cellular homeostasis and overall cellular well-being. In the context of cancer, where evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark, the overexpression of anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1 has been documented. Consequently, these proteins have emerged as promising targets for therapeutic interventions. The BCL-2 protein family is central to apoptosis and plays a significant importance in determining cellular fate serving as a critical determinant in this biological process. This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the BCL-2 protein family, emphasizing its dual nature. Specifically, certain members of this family promote cell survival (known as anti-apoptotic proteins), while others are involved in facilitating cell death (referred to as pro-apoptotic and BH3-only proteins). The potential of directly targeting these proteins is examined, particularly due to their involvement in conferring resistance to traditional cancer therapies. The effectiveness of such targeting strategies is also discussed, considering the tumor's propensity for anti-apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, the review highlights emerging research on combination therapies, where BCL-2 inhibitors are used synergistically with other treatments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. By understanding and manipulating the BCL-2 family and its associated pathways, we open doors to innovative and more effective cancer treatments, offering hope for resistant and aggressive cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisan El Dakkak
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jalal Taneera
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Human Genetics, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon 1649-016, Portugal
| | - Eman Y. Abu-Rish
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | | | | | - Yasser Bustanji
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Chen C, Wu Y, Wang ST, Berisha N, Manzari MT, Vogt K, Gang O, Heller DA. Fragment-based drug nanoaggregation reveals drivers of self-assembly. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8340. [PMID: 38097573 PMCID: PMC10721832 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43560-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug nanoaggregates are particles that can deleteriously cause false positive results during drug screening efforts, but alternatively, they may be used to improve pharmacokinetics when developed for drug delivery purposes. The structural features of molecules that drive nanoaggregate formation remain elusive, however, and the prediction of intracellular aggregation and rational design of nanoaggregate-based carriers are still challenging. We investigate nanoaggregate self-assembly mechanisms using small molecule fragments to identify the critical molecular forces that contribute to self-assembly. We find that aromatic groups and hydrogen bond acceptors/donors are essential for nanoaggregate formation, suggesting that both π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding are drivers of nanoaggregation. We apply structure-assembly-relationship analysis to the drug sorafenib and discover that nanoaggregate formation can be predicted entirely using drug fragment substructures. We also find that drug nanoaggregates are stabilized in an amorphous core-shell structure. These findings demonstrate that rational design can address intracellular aggregation and pharmacologic/delivery challenges in conventional and fragment-based drug development processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - You Wu
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Shih-Ting Wang
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Naxhije Berisha
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, 10065, USA
| | - Mandana T Manzari
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Kaleidoscope Technologies, Inc., New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Kristen Vogt
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Oleg Gang
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Daniel A Heller
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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4
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Nayak V, Patra S, Singh KR, Ganguly B, Kumar DN, Panda D, Maurya GK, Singh J, Majhi S, Sharma R, Pandey SS, Singh RP, Kerry RG. Advancement in precision diagnosis and therapeutic for triple-negative breast cancer: Harnessing diagnostic potential of CRISPR-cas & engineered CAR T-cells mediated therapeutics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 235:116573. [PMID: 37437865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, disrupted regulatory pathways, and the accumulation of genetic mutations. These mutations across different types of cancer lead to disruptions in signaling pathways and alterations in protein expression related to cellular growth and proliferation. This review highlights the AKT signaling cascade and the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) regulating cascade as promising for novel nanotheranostic interventions. Through synergizing state-of-the-art gene editing tools like the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas system with nanomaterials and targeting AKT, there is potential to enhance cancer diagnostics significantly. Furthermore, the integration of modified CAR-T cells into multifunctional nanodelivery systems offers a promising approach for targeted cancer inhibition, including the eradication of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within the context of highly aggressive and metastatic Triple-negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), this review specifically focuses on devising innovative nanotheranostics. For both pre-clinical and post-clinical TNBC detection, the utilization of the CRISPR-Cas system, guided by RNA (gRNA) and coupled with a fluorescent reporter specifically designed to detect TNBC's mutated sequence, could be promising. Additionally, a cutting-edge approach involving the engineering of TNBC-specific iCAR and syn-Notch CAR T-cells, combined with the co-delivery of a hybrid polymeric nano-liposome encapsulating a conditionally replicative adenoviral vector (CRAdV) against CSCs, could present an intriguing intervention strategy. This review thus paves the way for exciting advancements in the field of nanotheranostics for the treatment of TNBC and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak Nayak
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Institute on Foot and Mouth Disease- International Center for Foot and Mouth Disease, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sushmita Patra
- Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi-Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Kshitij Rb Singh
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Bristy Ganguly
- Fish Health Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Das Nishant Kumar
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Deepak Panda
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Ganesh Kumar Maurya
- Zoology Section, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jay Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sanatan Majhi
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rohit Sharma
- Department of Rasa Shastra and Bhaishajya Kalpana, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shyam S Pandey
- Graduate School of Life Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 2-4 Hibikino, Wakamatsu, Kitakyushu, Japan.
| | - Ravindra Pratap Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, India.
| | - Rout George Kerry
- PG Department of Biotechnology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
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5
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Kotmayer L, László T, Mikala G, Kiss R, Lévay L, Hegyi LL, Gróf S, Nagy T, Barna G, Farkas P, Weisinger J, Nagy Z, Balogh A, Masszi T, Demeter J, Sulák A, Kohl Z, Alizadeh H, Egyed M, Pettendi P, Gergely L, Plander M, Pauker Z, Masszi A, Matolcsy A, Szász R, Bödör C, Alpár D. Landscape of BCL2 Resistance Mutations in a Real-World Cohort of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Treated with Venetoclax. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065802. [PMID: 36982875 PMCID: PMC10058128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The oral, highly selective Bcl2 inhibitor venetoclax has substantially improved the therapeutic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Despite the remarkable response rates in patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease, acquired resistance is the leading cause of treatment failure, with somatic BCL2 mutations being the predominant genetic drivers underpinning venetoclax resistance. To assess the correlation between disease progression and the most common BCL2 mutations G101V and D103Y, sensitive (10−4) screening for the most common BCL2 mutations G101V and D103Y was performed in 67 R/R CLL patients during venetoclax single-agent or venetoclax–rituximab combination therapy. With a median follow-up time of 23 months, BCL2 G101V and D103Y were detected in 10.4% (7/67) and 11.9% (8/67) of the cases, respectively, with four patients harboring both resistance mutations. Ten out of eleven patients carrying BCL2 G101V and/or D103Y experienced relapse during the follow-up period, representing 43.5% of the cases (10/23) showing clinical signs of disease progression. All BCL2 G101V or D103Y variants were detected in patients receiving venetoclax as a continuous single-agent treatment while these mutations were not observed during or after fixed-duration venetoclax therapy. Targeted ultra-deep sequencing of BCL2 uncovered three additional variants in four patient samples obtained at relapse, suggesting convergent evolution and implying a cooperating role of BCL2 mutations in driving venetoclax resistance. This cohort is the largest R/R CLL patient population reported to date in which BCL2 resistance mutations were investigated. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and clinical value of sensitive screening for BCL2 resistance mutations in R/R CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Kotmayer
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás László
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mikala
- South-Pest Central Hospital, National Institute of Hematology and Infectology, 1097 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Richárd Kiss
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Lévay
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lajos László Hegyi
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stefánia Gróf
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Nagy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Barna
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Farkas
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Júlia Weisinger
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Nagy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alexandra Balogh
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Masszi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Hematology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Judit Demeter
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Sulák
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology Center, University of Szeged, 6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Kohl
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Hussain Alizadeh
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Centre, University of Pécs, 7622 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Egyed
- Kaposi Mór University Teaching Hospital of County Somogy, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
| | - Piroska Pettendi
- Hetényi Géza Hospital, Clinic of County Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, 5000 Szolnok, Hungary
| | - Lajos Gergely
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Márk Plander
- Markusovszky University Teaching Hospital, 9700 Szombathely, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Pauker
- Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Hospital and University Teaching Hospital, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary
| | - András Masszi
- National Institute of Oncology, 1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
| | - Róbert Szász
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Bödör
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (D.A.); Tel.: +36-1-459-1500 (C.B. & D.A)
| | - Donát Alpár
- HCEMM-SE Molecular Oncohematology Research Group, Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (D.A.); Tel.: +36-1-459-1500 (C.B. & D.A)
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Baig MMFA, Ma J, Gao X, Khan MA, Ali A, Farid A, Zia AW, Noreen S, Wu H. Exploring the robustness of DNA nanotubes framework for anticancer theranostics toward the 2D/3D clusters of hypopharyngeal respiratory tumor cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 236:123988. [PMID: 36907299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123988] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a robust approach for the early diagnosis and treatment of tumors. Short circular DNA nanotechnology synthesized a stiff and compact DNA nanotubes (DNA-NTs) framework. TW-37, a small molecular drug, was loaded into DNA-NTs for BH3-mimetic therapy to elevate the intracellular cytochrome-c levels in 2D/3D hypopharyngeal tumor (FaDu) cell clusters. After anti-EGFR functionalization, the DNA-NTs were tethered with a cytochrome-c binding aptamer, which can be applied to evaluate the elevated intracellular cytochrome-c levels via in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The results showed that DNA-NTs were enriched within the tumor cells via anti-EGFR targeting with a pH-responsive controlled release of TW-37. In this way, it initiated the triple inhibition of "BH3, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1". The triple inhibition of these proteins caused Bax/Bak oligomerization, leading to the perforation of the mitochondrial membrane. This led to the elevation of intracellular cytochrome-c levels, which reacted with the cytochrome-c binding aptamer to produce FRET signals. In this way, we successfully targeted 2D/3D clusters of FaDu tumor cells and achieved the tumor-specific and pH-triggered release of TW-37, causing tumor cell apoptosis. This pilot study suggests that anti-EGFR functionalized, TW-37 loaded, and cytochrome-c binding aptamer tethered DNA-NTs might be the hallmark for early tumor diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Muhammad Faran Ashraf Baig
- Department of Chemistry and the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jinwei Ma
- Department of Chemistry and the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiuli Gao
- Microbiological and Biochemical Pharmaceutical Engineering Research Center of Guizhou Province, State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Muhammad Ajmal Khan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Atif Ali
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Awais Farid
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Abdul Wasy Zia
- Institute of Mechanical, Process, and Energy Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - Sobia Noreen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Hongkai Wu
- Department of Chemistry and the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Centre for Tissue Restoration, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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7
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Kong S, Moharil P, Handly-Santana A, Boehnke N, Panayiotou R, Gomerdinger V, Covarrubias G, Pires IS, Zervantonakis I, Brugge J, Hammond PT. Synergistic combination therapy delivered via layer-by-layer nanoparticles induces solid tumor regression of ovarian cancer. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10429. [PMID: 36925689 PMCID: PMC10013771 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) develop recurrent disease and chemotherapy resistance. To identify drug combinations that would be effective in treatment of chemotherapy resistant disease, we examined the efficacy of drug combinations that target the three antiapoptotic proteins most commonly expressed in HGSOC-BCL2, BCL-XL, and MCL1. Co-inhibition of BCL2 and BCL-XL (ABT-263) with inhibition of MCL1 (S63845) induces potent synergistic cytotoxicity in multiple HGSOC models. Since this drug combination is predicted to be toxic to patients due to the known clinical morbidities of each drug, we developed layer-by-layer nanoparticles (LbL NPs) that co-encapsulate these inhibitors in order to target HGSOC tumor cells and reduce systemic toxicities. We show that the LbL NPs can be designed to have high association with specific ovarian tumor cell types targeted in these studies, thus enabling a more selective uptake when delivered via intraperitoneal injection. Treatment with these LbL NPs displayed better potency than free drugs in vitro and resulted in near-complete elimination of solid tumor metastases of ovarian cancer xenografts. Thus, these results support the exploration of LbL NPs as a strategy to deliver potent drug combinations to recurrent HGSOC. While these findings are described for co-encapsulation of a BCL2/XL and a MCL1 inhibitor, the modular nature of LbL assembly provides flexibility in the range of therapies that can be incorporated, making LbL NPs an adaptable vehicle for delivery of additional combinations of pathway inhibitors and other oncology drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Kong
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
| | - Pearl Moharil
- Harvard Medical School Harvard University Boston Massachusetts United States
| | | | - Natalie Boehnke
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
| | - Richard Panayiotou
- Harvard Medical School Harvard University Boston Massachusetts United States
| | - Victoria Gomerdinger
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
| | - Gil Covarrubias
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
| | - Ivan S Pires
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
| | - Ioannis Zervantonakis
- Harvard Medical School Harvard University Boston Massachusetts United States.,Department of Bioengineering University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania United States
| | - Joan Brugge
- Harvard Medical School Harvard University Boston Massachusetts United States
| | - Paula T Hammond
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States.,Department of Chemical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge Massachusetts United States
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8
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The Roles of Exosomes in the Diagnose, Development and Therapeutic Resistance of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031968. [PMID: 36768288 PMCID: PMC9916286 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, of which more than half of patients are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage with poor prognosis due to recurrence, metastasis and resistant to treatment. Thus, it is imperative to further explore the potential mechanism of development and drug resistance of oral cancer. Exosomes are small endosome-derived lipid nanoparticles that are released by cells. Since the cargoes of exosomes were inherited from their donor cells, the cargo profiles of exosomes can well recapitulate that of their donor cells. This is the theoretical basis of exosome-based liquid biopsy, providing a tool for early diagnosis of oral cancer. As an important intracellular bioactive cargo delivery vector, exosomes play a critical role in the development of oral cancer by transferring their cargoes to receipt cells. More importantly, recent studies have revealed that exosomes could induce therapy-resistance in oral cancer through multiple ways, including exosome-mediated drug efflux. In this review, we summarize and compare the role of exosomes in the diagnosis, development and therapy-resistant of oral cancer. We also highlight the clinical application of exosomes, and discuss the advantages and challenges of exosomes serving as predictive biomarker, therapy target and therapy vector in oral cancer.
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9
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Tailored Functionalized Protein Nanocarriers for Cancer Therapy: Recent Developments and Prospects. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010168. [PMID: 36678796 PMCID: PMC9861211 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, the potential use of nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents has garnered increased interest. Several nanoparticle drug delivery systems have been developed for cancer treatment. Typically, protein-based nanocarriers offer several advantages, including biodegradability and biocompatibility. Using genetic engineering or chemical conjugation approaches, well-known naturally occurring protein nanoparticles can be further prepared, engineered, and functionalized in their self-assembly to meet the demands of clinical production efficiency. Accordingly, promising protein nanoparticles have been developed with outstanding tumor-targeting capabilities, ultimately overcoming multidrug resistance issues, in vivo delivery barriers, and mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Bioinspired by natural nanoparticles, advanced computational techniques have been harnessed for the programmable design of highly homogenous protein nanoparticles, which could open new routes for the rational design of vaccines and drug formulations. The current review aims to present several significant advancements made in protein nanoparticle technology, and their use in cancer therapy. Additionally, tailored construction methods and therapeutic applications of engineered protein-based nanoparticles are discussed.
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10
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Erazo T, Evans CM, Zakheim D, Chu EL, Refermat AY, Asgari Z, Yang X, Da Silva Ferreira M, Mehta S, Russo MV, Knezevic A, Zhang XP, Chen Z, Fennell M, Garippa R, Seshan V, de Stanchina E, Barbash O, Batlevi CL, Leslie CS, Melnick AM, Younes A, Kharas MG. TP53 mutations and RNA-binding protein MUSASHI-2 drive resistance to PRMT5-targeted therapy in B-cell lymphoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5676. [PMID: 36167829 PMCID: PMC9515221 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify drivers of sensitivity and resistance to Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) inhibition, we perform a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen. We identify TP53 and RNA-binding protein MUSASHI2 (MSI2) as the top-ranked sensitizer and driver of resistance to specific PRMT5i, GSK-591, respectively. TP53 deletion and TP53R248W mutation are biomarkers of resistance to GSK-591. PRMT5 expression correlates with MSI2 expression in lymphoma patients. MSI2 depletion and pharmacological inhibition using Ro 08-2750 (Ro) both synergize with GSK-591 to reduce cell growth. Ro reduces MSI2 binding to its global targets and dual treatment of Ro and PRMT5 inhibitors result in synergistic gene expression changes including cell cycle, P53 and MYC signatures. Dual MSI2 and PRMT5 inhibition further blocks c-MYC and BCL-2 translation. BCL-2 depletion or inhibition with venetoclax synergizes with a PRMT5 inhibitor by inducing reduced cell growth and apoptosis. Thus, we propose a therapeutic strategy in lymphoma that combines PRMT5 with MSI2 or BCL-2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Erazo
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chiara M Evans
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Zakheim
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eren L Chu
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alice Yunsi Refermat
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zahra Asgari
- Lymphoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xuejing Yang
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mariana Da Silva Ferreira
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjoy Mehta
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marco Vincenzo Russo
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Knezevic
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xi-Ping Zhang
- Epigenetics Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Myles Fennell
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ralph Garippa
- Gene Editing and Screening Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Venkatraman Seshan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olena Barbash
- Epigenetics Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA
| | - Connie Lee Batlevi
- Lymphoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christina S Leslie
- Computational Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ari M Melnick
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anas Younes
- Lymphoma Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Michael G Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Experimental Therapeutics Center and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Yadav P, Ambudkar SV, Rajendra Prasad N. Emerging nanotechnology-based therapeutics to combat multidrug-resistant cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:423. [PMID: 36153528 PMCID: PMC9509578 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer often develops multidrug resistance (MDR) when cancer cells become resistant to numerous structurally and functionally different chemotherapeutic agents. MDR is considered one of the principal reasons for the failure of many forms of clinical chemotherapy. Several factors are involved in the development of MDR including increased expression of efflux transporters, the tumor microenvironment, changes in molecular targets and the activity of cancer stem cells. Recently, researchers have designed and developed a number of small molecule inhibitors and derivatives of natural compounds to overcome various mechanisms of clinical MDR. Unfortunately, most of the chemosensitizing approaches have failed in clinical trials due to non-specific interactions and adverse side effects at pharmacologically effective concentrations. Nanomedicine approaches provide an efficient drug delivery platform to overcome the limitations of conventional chemotherapy and improve therapeutic effectiveness. Multifunctional nanomaterials have been found to facilitate drug delivery by improving bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs to overcome MDR. In this review article, we discuss the major factors contributing to MDR and the limitations of existing chemotherapy- and nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems to overcome clinical MDR mechanisms. We critically review recent nanotechnology-based approaches to combat tumor heterogeneity, drug efflux mechanisms, DNA repair and apoptotic machineries to overcome clinical MDR. Recent successful therapies of this nature include liposomal nanoformulations, cRGDY-PEG-Cy5.5-Carbon dots and Cds/ZnS core–shell quantum dots that have been employed for the effective treatment of various cancer sub-types including small cell lung, head and neck and breast cancers.
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12
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Thus YJ, Eldering E, Kater AP, Spaargaren M. Tipping the balance: toward rational combination therapies to overcome venetoclax resistance in mantle cell lymphoma. Leukemia 2022; 36:2165-2176. [PMID: 35725771 PMCID: PMC9418002 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01627-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), an aggressive, but incurable B-cell lymphoma, is genetically characterized by the t(11;14) translocation, resulting in the overexpression of Cyclin D1. In addition, deregulation of the B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) family proteins BCL-2, B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL), and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) is highly common in MCL. This renders these BCL-2 family members attractive targets for therapy; indeed, the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199), which already received FDA approval for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), shows promising results in early clinical trials for MCL. However, a significant subset of patients show primary resistance or will develop resistance upon prolonged treatment. Here, we describe the underlying mechanisms of venetoclax resistance in MCL, such as upregulation of BCL-XL or MCL-1, and the recent (clinical) progress in the development of inhibitors for these BCL-2 family members, followed by the transcriptional and (post-)translational (dys)regulation of the BCL-2 family proteins, including the role of the lymphoid organ microenvironment. Based upon these insights, we discuss how rational combinations of venetoclax with other therapies can be exploited to prevent or overcome venetoclax resistance and improve MCL patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne J Thus
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Cancer Biology and Immunology, Target & Therapy Discovery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Cancer Biology and Immunology, Target & Therapy Discovery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Cancer Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Cancer Biology and Immunology, Target & Therapy Discovery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Spaargaren
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), Cancer Biology and Immunology, Target & Therapy Discovery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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13
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Mitochondrial targeting theranostic nanomedicine and molecular biomarkers for efficient cancer diagnosis and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113451. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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14
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Foglizzo V, Marchiò S. Nanoparticles as Physically- and Biochemically-Tuned Drug Formulations for Cancers Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102473. [PMID: 35626078 PMCID: PMC9139219 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional antitumor drugs have limitations, including poor water solubility and lack of targeting capability, with consequent non-specific distribution, systemic toxicity, and low therapeutic index. Nanotechnology promises to overcome these drawbacks by exploiting the physical properties of diverse nanocarriers that can be linked to moieties with binding selectivity for cancer cells. The use of nanoparticles as therapeutic formulations allows a targeted delivery and a slow, controlled release of the drug(s), making them tunable modules for applications in precision medicine. In addition, nanoparticles are also being developed as cancer vaccines, offering an opportunity to increase both cellular and humoral immunity, thus providing a new weapon to beat cancer. Abstract Malignant tumors originate from a combination of genetic alterations, which induce activation of oncogenes and inactivation of oncosuppressor genes, ultimately resulting in uncontrolled growth and neoplastic transformation. Chemotherapy prevents the abnormal proliferation of cancer cells, but it also affects the entire cellular network in the human body with heavy side effects. For this reason, the ultimate aim of cancer therapy remains to selectively kill cancer cells while sparing their normal counterparts. Nanoparticle formulations have the potential to achieve this aim by providing optimized drug delivery to a pathological site with minimal accumulation in healthy tissues. In this review, we will first describe the characteristics of recently developed nanoparticles and how their physical properties and targeting functionalization are exploited depending on their therapeutic payload, route of delivery, and tumor type. Second, we will analyze how nanoparticles can overcome multidrug resistance based on their ability to combine different therapies and targeting moieties within a single formulation. Finally, we will discuss how the implementation of these strategies has led to the generation of nanoparticle-based cancer vaccines as cutting-edge instruments for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Foglizzo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
| | - Serena Marchiò
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01199333239
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15
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Zehnle PMA, Wu Y, Pommerening H, Erlacher M. Stayin‘ alive: BCL-2 proteins in the hematopoietic system. Exp Hematol 2022; 110:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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16
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Diepstraten ST, Anderson MA, Czabotar PE, Lessene G, Strasser A, Kelly GL. The manipulation of apoptosis for cancer therapy using BH3-mimetic drugs. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:45-64. [PMID: 34663943 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apoptosis is a form of programmed cell death that is regulated by the balance between prosurvival and proapoptotic BCL-2 protein family members. Evasion of apoptosis is a hallmark of cancer that arises when this balance is tipped in favour of survival. One form of anticancer therapeutic, termed 'BH3-mimetic drugs', has been developed to directly activate the apoptosis machinery in malignant cells. These drugs bind to and inhibit specific prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins, thereby mimicking their interaction with the BH3 domains of proapoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. The BCL-2-specific inhibitor venetoclax is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and many regulatory authorities worldwide for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and acute myeloid leukaemia. BH3-mimetic drugs targeting other BCL-2 prosurvival proteins have been tested in preclinical models of cancer, and drugs targeting MCL-1 or BCL-XL have advanced into phase I clinical trials for certain cancers. As with all therapeutics, efficacy and tolerability need to be carefully balanced to achieve a therapeutic window whereby there is significant anticancer activity with an acceptable safety profile. In this Review, we outline the current state of BH3-mimetic drugs targeting various prosurvival BCL-2 family proteins and discuss emerging data regarding primary and acquired resistance to these agents and approaches that may overcome this. We highlight issues that need to be addressed to further advance the clinical application of BH3-mimetic drugs, both alone and in combination with additional anticancer agents (for example, standard chemotherapeutic drugs or inhibitors of oncogenic kinases), for improved responses in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah T Diepstraten
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mary Ann Anderson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter E Czabotar
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Nanomedicine in Pancreatic Cancer: Current Status and Future Opportunities for Overcoming Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246175. [PMID: 34944794 PMCID: PMC8699181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite access to a vast arsenal of anticancer agents, many fail to realise their full therapeutic potential in clinical practice. One key determinant of this is the evolution of multifaceted resistance mechanisms within the tumour that may either pre-exist or develop during the course of therapy. This is particularly evident in pancreatic cancer, where limited responses to treatment underlie dismal survival rates, highlighting the urgent need for new therapeutic approaches. Here, we discuss the major features of pancreatic tumours that contribute to therapy resistance, and how they may be alleviated through exploitation of the mounting and exciting promise of nanomedicines; a unique collection of nanoscale platforms with tunable and multifunctional capabilities that have already elicited a widespread impact on cancer management. Abstract The development of drug resistance remains one of the greatest clinical oncology challenges that can radically dampen the prospect of achieving complete and durable tumour control. Efforts to mitigate drug resistance are therefore of utmost importance, and nanotechnology is rapidly emerging for its potential to overcome such issues. Studies have showcased the ability of nanomedicines to bypass drug efflux pumps, counteract immune suppression, serve as radioenhancers, correct metabolic disturbances and elicit numerous other effects that collectively alleviate various mechanisms of tumour resistance. Much of this progress can be attributed to the remarkable benefits that nanoparticles offer as drug delivery vehicles, such as improvements in pharmacokinetics, protection against degradation and spatiotemporally controlled release kinetics. These attributes provide scope for precision targeting of drugs to tumours that can enhance sensitivity to treatment and have formed the basis for the successful clinical translation of multiple nanoformulations to date. In this review, we focus on the longstanding reputation of pancreatic cancer as one of the most difficult-to-treat malignancies where resistance plays a dominant role in therapy failure. We outline the mechanisms that contribute to the treatment-refractory nature of these tumours, and how they may be effectively addressed by harnessing the unique capabilities of nanomedicines. Moreover, we include a brief perspective on the likely future direction of nanotechnology in pancreatic cancer, discussing how efforts to develop multidrug formulations will guide the field further towards a therapeutic solution for these highly intractable tumours.
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18
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Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation
- Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
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19
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It's time to die: BH3 mimetics in solid tumors. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2021; 1868:118987. [PMID: 33600840 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.118987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The removal of cells by apoptosis is an essential process regulating tissue homeostasis. Cancer cells acquire the ability to circumvent apoptosis and survive in an unphysiological tissue context. Thereby, the Bcl-2 protein family plays a key role in the initiation of apoptosis, and overexpression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins is one of the molecular mechanisms protecting cancer cells from apoptosis. Recently, small molecules targeting the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins have been identified, and with venetoclax the first of these BH3 mimetics has been approved for the treatment of leukemia. In solid tumors the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL are frequently overexpressed or genetically amplified. In this review, we summarize the role of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL in solid tumors and compare the different BH3 mimetics targeting Mcl-1 or Bcl-xL.
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