1
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Nagesetti A, Dulikravich GS, Orlande HRB, Colaco MJ, McGoron AJ. Computational model of silica nanoparticle penetration into tumor spheroids: Effects of methoxy and carboxy PEG surface functionalization and hyperthermia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 37:e3504. [PMID: 34151543 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery to tumors suffers from poor solubility, specificity, diffusion through the tumor micro-environment and nonoptimal interactions with components of the extracellular matrix and cell surface receptors. Nanoparticles and drug-polymer complexes address many of these problems. However, large size exasperates the problem of slow diffusion through the tumor. Three-dimensional tumor spheroids are good models to evaluate approaches to mitigate these difficulties and aid in design strategies to improve the delivery of drugs to treat cancer effectively. Diffusion of drug carriers is highly dependent on cell uptake rate parameters (association/dissociation) and temperature. Hyperthermia increases molecular transport and is known to act synergistically with chemotherapy to improve treatment. This study presents a new inverse estimation approach based on Bayesian probability for estimating nanoparticle cell uptake rates from experiments. The parameters were combined with a finite element computational model of nanoparticle transport under hyperthermia conditions to explore its effect on tumor porosity, diffusion and particle binding (association and dissociation) at cell surfaces. Carboxy-PEG-silane (cPEGSi) nanoparticles showed higher cell uptake compared to methoxy-PEG-silane (mPEGSi) nanoparticles. Simulations were consistent with experimental results from Skov-3 ovarian cancer spheroids. Amorphous silica (cPEGSi) nanoparticles (58 nm) concentrated at the periphery of the tumor spheroids at 37°C but mild hyperthermia (43°C) increased nanoparticle penetration. Thus, hyperthermia may enhance cancer treatment by improving blood delivery to tumors, enhancing extravasation and penetration into tumors, trigger release of drug from the carrier at the tumor site and possibly lead to synergistic anti-cancer activity with the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhignyan Nagesetti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - George S Dulikravich
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Helcio R B Orlande
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcelo J Colaco
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anthony J McGoron
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
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2
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Trementozzi AN, Hufnagel S, Xu H, Hanafy MS, Rosero Castro F, Smyth HDC, Cui Z, Stachowiak JC. Gap Junction Liposomes for Efficient Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to Solid Tumors. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:4851-4857. [PMID: 33455217 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic delivery is limited by inefficient transport across cellular membranes. Here, we harness the cellular gap junction network to release therapeutic cargos directly into the cytosol. Specifically, cell-derived vesicles, termed connectosomes, contain gap junction transmembrane proteins that open a direct passageway to the cellular interior. Connectosomes were previously shown to substantially improve chemotherapeutic delivery in vitro. Here, we test connectosomes in vivo, using a murine breast tumor model. We demonstrate that connectosomes improve chemotherapeutic delivery to cellular targets within tumors by up to 16-fold, compared to conventional drug-loaded liposomes, suggesting an efficient alternative pathway for intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Trementozzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Stephanie Hufnagel
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Haiyue Xu
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mahmoud S Hanafy
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Felipe Rosero Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh D C Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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3
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Khosla K, Naus CC, Sin WC. Cx43 in Neural Progenitors Promotes Glioma Invasion in a 3D Culture System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155216. [PMID: 32717889 PMCID: PMC7432065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment that envelops the cancer cells intimately affects the malignancy of human cancers. In the case of glioma, an aggressive adult brain cancer, its high rate of recurrence after total resection is responsible for a poor prognosis. Connexin43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein with a prominent presence in glioma-associated normal brain cells, specifically in the reactive astrocytes. We previously demonstrated that elimination of Cx43 in these astrocytes reduces glioma invasion in a syngeneic mouse model. To further our investigation in human glioma cells, we developed a scaffold-free 3D platform that takes into account both the tumor and its interaction with the surrounding tissue. Using cell-tracking dyes and 3D laser scanning confocal microscopy, we now report that the elimination of Cx43 protein in neural progenitor spheroids reduced the invasiveness of human brain tumor-initiating cells, confirming our earlier observation in an intact mouse brain. By investigating the glioma invasion in a defined multicellular system with a tumor boundary that mimics the intact brain environment, our findings strengthen Cx43 as a candidate target for glioma control.
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Cai W, Geng C, Jiang L, Sun J, Chen B, Zhou Y, Yang B, Lu H. Encapsulation of gemcitabine in RGD-modified nanoliposomes improves breast cancer inhibitory activity. Pharm Dev Technol 2020; 25:640-648. [PMID: 32028816 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2020.1727920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, RGD coated GEM liposomes were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The in vitro and in vivo characterizations were done to evaluate the feasibility of application. The mean particle size of the prepared liposomes was found to be 165.6 ± 15.7 nm. The entrapment efficiency and drug loading of the formulation were 82.4% ± 7.2% and 10.1% ± 1.4%, respectively. The liposomes were negatively charged with a zeta potential of -25.8 mV. The surface morphology of RGD-GEM liposomes was spherical and smooth. After three months of storage at different conditions, lyophilized liposomes appeared to be stable since they showed no collapse or contraction. The Weibull model was the most appropriate kinetic model for RGD-GEM liposomes, showing that the release of GEM from the liposomes was in the manners of both dissolution and diffusion. In vivo, the additive cytotoxicity of RGD-GEM-LPs in our study was caused by the presence of RGD which is more effective in the treatment of breast cancer devoid of toxicity to normal cells. Liposomes could also significantly extend the role of GEM in vivo and showed higher bioavailability than solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cai
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Geng
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingping Sun
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Binfeng Yang
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Hailin Lu
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou, China
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5
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Tunneling Nanotubes and Tumor Microtubes in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040857. [PMID: 32244839 PMCID: PMC7226329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication among cancer cells and their microenvironment is crucial to disease progression. The mechanisms by which communication occurs between distant cells in a tumor matrix remain poorly understood. In the last two decades, experimental evidence from different groups proved the existence of thin membranous tubes that interconnect cells, named tunneling nanotubes, tumor microtubes, cytonemes or membrane bridges. These highly dynamic membrane protrusions are conduits for direct cell-to-cell communication, particularly for intercellular signaling and transport of cellular cargo over long distances. Tunneling nanotubes and tumor microtubes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cancer. They may contribute to the resistance of tumor cells against treatments such as surgery, radio- and chemotherapy. In this review, we present the current knowledge about the structure and function of tunneling nanotubes and tumor microtubes in cancer and discuss the therapeutic potential of membrane tubes in cancer treatment.
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6
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Inhibition of miR30a-3p by sulforaphane enhances gap junction intercellular communication in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 469:238-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Fatima M, Iqbal Ahmed MM, Batool F, Riaz A, Ali M, Munch-Petersen B, Mutahir Z. Recombinant deoxyribonucleoside kinase from Drosophila melanogaster can improve gemcitabine based combined gene/chemotherapy for targeting cancer cells. Bosn J Basic Med Sci 2019; 19:342-349. [PMID: 30903745 DOI: 10.17305/bjbms.2019.4136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A recombinant deoxyribonucleoside kinase from Drosophila melanogaster with a deletion of the last 20 amino acid residues (named DmdNKΔC20) was hypothesized as a potential therapeutic tool for gene therapy due to its broad substrate specificity and better catalytic efficiency towards nucleosides and nucleoside analogs. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of DmdNKΔC20 for sensitizing human cancer cell lines to gemcitabine and to further investigate its role in reversal of acquired drug resistance in gemcitabine-resistant cancer cell line. The DmdNKΔC20 gene was delivered to three different cancer cell lines, including breast, colon and liver cancer cells, using lipid-mediated transfection reagent. After transfection, gene expression of DmdNKΔC20 was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and the combined effect of DmdNKΔC20 and gemcitabine based cytotoxicity was observed by cell viability assay. We further evolved a gemcitabine-resistant breast cancer cell line (named MCF7-R) through directed evolution in the laboratory, which showed 375-fold more resistance compared with parental MCF7 cells. Upon transfection with DmdNKΔC20 gene, MCF7-R cells showed 83-fold higher sensitivity to gemcitabine compared with the control group of MCF7-R cells. Moreover, we observed 79% higher expression of p21 protein in transfected MCF7-R cells, which may indicate induction of apoptosis. Our findings highlight the importance and therapeutic potential of DmdNKΔC20 in combined gene/chemotherapy approach to target a wide range of cancers, particularly gemcitabine-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Fatima
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
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8
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Chekhonin IV, Chistiakov DA, Grinenko NF, Gurina OI. Glioma Cell and Astrocyte Co-cultures As a Model to Study Tumor–Tissue Interactions: A Review of Methods. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 38:1179-1195. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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9
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Glenn JD, Xue P, Whartenby KA. Gemcitabine directly inhibits effector CD4 T cell activation and prevents experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2017; 316:7-16. [PMID: 29274729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.12.002] [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: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory T cells are critical to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the potential for the anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic drug gemcitabine to affect development of MS-relevant effector TH1, TH17, and Treg cells. Gemcitabine directly suppressed proliferation, activation, and induced apoptosis of all effector subsets in subtype and dose-dependent fashion. This drug also prevented development of disease in the MS model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and significantly reduced the abundance of TH1 and TH17 cells. Our results indicate that pathogenic CD4+ T cells may be viable targets by gemcitabine for therapeutic benefit in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin D Glenn
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Patrick Xue
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Katharine A Whartenby
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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10
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Bastiancich C, Bastiat G, Lagarce F. Gemcitabine and glioblastoma: challenges and current perspectives. Drug Discov Today 2017; 23:416-423. [PMID: 29074439 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog currently used for the treatment of various solid tumors as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs. Its use against highly aggressive brain tumors (glioblastoma) has been evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials leading to controversial results. Gemcitabine can inhibit DNA chain elongation, is a potent radiosensitizer and it can enhance antitumor immune activity, but it also presents some drawbacks (e.g., short half-life, side effects, chemoresistance). The aim of this review is to discuss the challenges related to the use of gemcitabine for glioblastoma and to report recent studies that suggest overcoming these obstacles opening new perspectives for its use in the field (e.g., gemcitabine derivatives and/or nanomedicines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bastiancich
- MINT, UNIV Angers, INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, Université Bretagne Loire, Angers, France; Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Bastiat
- MINT, UNIV Angers, INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, Université Bretagne Loire, Angers, France
| | - Frederic Lagarce
- MINT, UNIV Angers, INSERM 1066, CNRS 6021, Université Bretagne Loire, Angers, France; Pharmacy Department, CHU Angers, Angers University Hospital, France.
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11
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Popescu RC, Andronescu E, Vasile BȘ, Truşcă R, Boldeiu A, Mogoantă L, Mogoșanu GD, Temelie M, Radu M, Grumezescu AM, Savu D. Fabrication and Cytotoxicity of Gemcitabine-Functionalized Magnetite Nanoparticles. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22071080. [PMID: 28657606 PMCID: PMC6152359 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22071080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 06/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has been successfully used for the fabrication of targeted anti-cancer drug carriers. This study aimed to obtain Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles functionalized with Gemcitabine to improve the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic substance on cancer cells. The (un) functionalized magnetite nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified co-precipitation method. The nanoconjugate characterization was performed by XRD, SEM, SAED and HRTEM; the functionalizing of magnetite with anti-tumor substances has been highlighted through TGA. The interaction with biologic media has been studied by means of stability and agglomeration tendency (using DLS and Zeta Potential); also, the release kinetics of the drug in culture media was evaluated. Cytotoxicity of free-Gemcitabine and the obtained nanoconjugate were evaluated on human BT 474 breast ductal carcinoma, HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma and MG 63 osteosarcoma cells by MTS. In parallel, cellular morphology of these cells were examined through fluorescence microscopy and SEM. The localization of the nanoparticles related to the cells was studied using SEM, EDX and TEM. Hemolysis assay showed no damage of erythrocytes. Additionally, an in vivo biodistribution study was made for tracking where Fe₃O₄@Gemcitabine traveled in the body of mice. Our results showed that the transport of the drug improves the cytotoxic effects in comparison with the one produced by free Gemcitabine for the BT474 and HepG2 cells. The in vivo biodistribution test proved nanoparticle accumulation in the vital organs, with the exception of spleen, where black-brown deposits have been found. These results indicate that our Gemcitabine-functionalized nanoparticles are a promising targeted system for applications in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Cristina Popescu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "Horia Hulubei" National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
| | - Ecaterina Andronescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Ștefan Vasile
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
| | - Roxana Truşcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
| | - Adina Boldeiu
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 12A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Bucharest 077190, Romania.
| | - Laurențiu Mogoantă
- Research Center for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareș Street, Craiova 200349, Romania.
| | - George Dan Mogoșanu
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 2 Petru Rareș Street, Craiova 200349, Romania.
| | - Mihaela Temelie
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "Horia Hulubei" National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "Horia Hulubei" National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Polizu Street, Bucharest 011061, Romania.
| | - Diana Savu
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, "Horia Hulubei" National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, Măgurele 077125, Romania.
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Birhanu G, Javar HA, Seyedjafari E, Zandi-Karimi A. Nanotechnology for delivery of gemcitabine to treat pancreatic cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:635-643. [PMID: 28142120 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 01/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most deadly and quickly fatal human cancers with a 5-year mortality rate close to 100%. Its prognosis is very poor, mainly because of its hostile biological behavior and late onset of symptoms for clinical diagnosis; these bring limitations on therapeutic interventions. Factors contributing for the difficulties in treating PC include: high rate of drug resistance, fast metastasis to different organs, poor prognosis and relapse of the tumor after therapy. After being approved by US FDA 1997, Gemcitabine (Gem) is the first line and the gold standard drug for all stages of advanced PC till now. However, its efficacy is unsatisfactory, mainly due to; its chemical instability and poor cellular uptake, resulting in an extremely short half-life and low bioavailability. To solve this drawbacks and increase the therapeutic outcome important progress has been achieved in the field of nanotechnology and offers a promising and effective alternative. This review mainly focus on the most commonly investigated nanoparticle (NP) delivery systems of Gem for PC treatment and the latest progresses achieved. Novel nanocarriers with better tumor targeting efficiencies and maximum treatment outcome to treat this deadly due are given much attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gebremariam Birhanu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, International Campus (TUMS-IC), Tehran, Iran; School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hamid Akbari Javar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Seyedjafari
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ali Zandi-Karimi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Öztürk K, Esendağlı G, Gürbüz MU, Tülü M, Çalış S. Effective targeting of gemcitabine to pancreatic cancer through PEG-cored Flt-1 antibody-conjugated dendrimers. Int J Pharm 2017; 517:157-167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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14
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Lou E, O'Hare P, Subramanian S, Steer CJ. Lost in translation: applying 2D intercellular communication via tunneling nanotubes in cell culture to physiologically relevant 3D microenvironments. FEBS J 2016; 284:699-707. [PMID: 27801976 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are membranous conduits for direct cell-to-cell communication. Until the past decade, little had been known about their composite structure, function, and mechanisms of action in both normal physiologic conditions as well as in disease states. Now TNTs are attracting increasing interest for their key role(s) in the pathogenesis of disease, including neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory and infectious diseases, and cancer. The field of TNT biology is still in its infancy, but inroads have been made in determining potential mechanisms and function of these remarkable structures. For example, TNTs function as critical conduits for cellular exchange of information; thus, in cancer, they may play an important role in critical pathophysiologic features of the disease, including cellular invasion, metastasis, and emergence of chemotherapy drug resistance. Although the TNT field is still in a nascent stage, we propose that TNTs can be investigated as novel targets for drug-based treatment of cancer and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Lou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patrick O'Hare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Clifford J Steer
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Cx43 Mediates Resistance against MPP⁺-Induced Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells via Modulating the Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111819. [PMID: 27809287 PMCID: PMC5133820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal apoptosis in the substantia nigra par compacta (SNpc) appears to play an essential role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. However, the mechanisms responsible for the death of dopaminergic neurons are not fully understood yet. To explore the apoptotic mechanisms, we used a well-known parkinsonian toxin, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+), to induce neuronal apoptosis in the human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cell line. The most common method of interaction between cells is gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by gap junctions (GJs) formed by transmembrane proteins called connexins (Cx). Modulation of GJIC affects cell viability or growth, implying that GJIC may have an important role in maintaining homeostasis in various organs. Here, we hypothesized that increasing the level of the gap junction protein Cx43 in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells could provide neuroprotection. First, our experiments demonstrated that knocking down Cx43 protein by using Cx43-specific shRNA in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells potentiated MPP+-induced neuronal apoptosis evident from decreased cell viability. In another experiment, we demonstrated that over-expression of Cx43 in the SH-SY5Y cell system decreased MPP+-induced apoptosis based on the MTT assay and reduced the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the release of cytochrome C based on Western blot analysis. Taken together, our results suggest that Cx43 could mediate resistance against MPP+-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells via modulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.
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Lee HG, Kim H, Kim EJ, Park PG, Dong SM, Choi TH, Kim H, Chong CR, Liu JO, Chen J, Ambinder RF, Hayward SD, Park JH, Lee JM. Targeted therapy for Epstein-Barr virus-associated gastric carcinoma using low-dose gemcitabine-induced lytic activation. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31018-29. [PMID: 26427042 PMCID: PMC4741585 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The constant presence of the viral genome in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated gastric cancers (EBVaGCs) suggests the applicability of novel EBV-targeted therapies. The antiviral nucleoside drug, ganciclovir (GCV), is effective only in the context of the viral lytic cycle in the presence of EBV-encoded thymidine kinase (TK)/protein kinase (PK) expression. In this study, screening of the Johns Hopkins Drug Library identified gemcitabine as a candidate for combination treatment with GCV. Pharmacological induction of EBV-TK or PK in EBVaGC-originated tumor cells were used to study combination treatment with GCV in vitro and in vivo. Gemcitabine was found to be a lytic inducer via activation of the ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM)/p53 genotoxic stress pathway in EBVaGC. Using an EBVaGC mouse model and a [125I] fialuridine (FIAU)-based lytic activation imaging system, we evaluated gemcitabine-induced lytic activation in an in vivo system and confirmed the efficacy of gemcitabine-GCV combination treatment. This viral enzyme-targeted anti-tumor strategy may provide a new therapeutic approach for EBVaGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Gyu Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyemi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Kim
- Radiopharmaceutical Research Team, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Gu Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Myung Dong
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Choi
- Radiopharmaceutical Research Team, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunki Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Curtis R Chong
- Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, MA, USA
| | - Jun O Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jianmeng Chen
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard F Ambinder
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - S Diane Hayward
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeon Han Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Myun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Han NK, Shin DH, Kim JS, Weon KY, Jang CY, Kim JS. Hyaluronan-conjugated liposomes encapsulating gemcitabine for breast cancer stem cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2016; 11:1413-25. [PMID: 27103799 PMCID: PMC4827594 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s95850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of potential therapeutics for targeting breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) is important because these cells are regarded as culprit of breast cancer relapse. Accomplishing this kind of strategy requires a specific drug-delivery system using the distinct features of liposomes. Studies on targeted liposomal delivery systems have indicated the conjugation of hyaluronan (HA), a primary ligand for CD44 surface markers, as an appropriate method for targeting BCSCs. For this study, enriched BCSCs were obtained by culturing MCF-7 breast cancer cells in nonadherent conditions. The enriched BCSCs were challenged with HA-conjugated liposomes encapsulating gemcitabine (2, 2-difluoro-2-deoxycytidine, GEM). In vitro study showed that the HA-conjugated liposomes significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity, anti-migration, and anti-colony formation abilities of GEM through targeting of CD44 expressed on BCSCs. In pharmacokinetic study, area under the drug concentration vs time curve (AUC) of the immunoliposomal GEM was 3.5 times higher than that of free GEM, indicating that the HA-conjugated liposomes enhanced the stability of GEM in the bloodstream and therefore prolonged its half-life time. The antitumor effect of the immunoliposomal GEM was 3.3 times higher than that of free GEM in a xenograft mouse model, probably reflecting the unique targeting of the CD44 receptor by HA and the increased cytotoxicity and stability through the liposomal formulation. Furthermore, marginal change in body weight demonstrated that the use of liposomes considerably reduced the systemic toxicity of GEM on normal healthy cells. Taken together, this study demonstrates that HA-conjugated liposomes encapsulating GEM show promise for the therapy of breast cancer in vitro and in a xenograft model by targeting the BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Kyung Han
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control (RCCFC) and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Hwan Shin
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control (RCCFC) and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Seok Kim
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control (RCCFC) and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwon Yeon Weon
- College of Pharmacy, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - Chang-Young Jang
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control (RCCFC) and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Kim
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control (RCCFC) and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Moulard M, Ozoux ML. How validated receptor occupancy flow cytometry assays can impact decisions and support drug development. CYTOMETRY PART B-CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2015; 90:150-8. [PMID: 26332593 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.21320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Because of the pressure of significant attrition in drug development, demonstration of target engagement after drug administration enables dose and regimen optimization, patient selection, and stratification from the earliest stages of drug development. The determination of receptor occupancy (RO) can support these efforts. Flow cytometry is one of the preferred technologies to be used based on the important advances in the technology over the last years enabling the simultaneous determination on target cells, of multi intra or surface cell parameters with adequate precision in a regulated environment. Nevertheless, compared to other platforms using the same antigen-antibody binding concept, the flow cytometry approach has faced several challenges, not only due to the technology per se and the diversity of receptor occupancy approaches, but also related to the nature of the matrix where the determination is performed. To illustrate these points, three case studies (antibody-drug conjugate and naked antibody) are provided here to highlight the importance of the choice of the right antibody pair to measure both receptor density (RD) and occupancy by the drug on cancer cells in blood and in bone marrow and the possibility to circumvent the lack of a critical reagent with an innovative approach. In addition, the use of RO data to determine the minimum anticipated biological effect level (MABEL) with translational data from preclinical to human studies, selection of starting dose for the first in man study will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie-Laure Ozoux
- Sanofi-Aventis Recherche et Développement, DSAR, Head of Biomarkers and Biological Analyses, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
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19
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Uzu M, Sato H, Yamada R, Kashiba T, Shibata Y, Yamaura K, Ueno K. Effect of enhanced expression of connexin 43 on sunitinib-induced cytotoxicity in mesothelioma cells. J Pharmacol Sci 2015; 128:17-26. [PMID: 26003083 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) makes up a type of intercellular channel called gap junction (GJ). GJ plays a regulatory role in cellular physiology. The Cx expression level is often decreased in cancer cells compared to that in healthy ones, and the restoration of its expression has been shown to exert antiproliferative effects. This work aims to evaluate the effect of the restoration of connexin 43 (Cx43) (the most ubiquitous Cx subtype) expression on sunitinib (SU)-induced cytotoxicity in malignant mesothelioma (MM) cells. Increased Cx43 expression in an MM cell line (H28) improved the ability of SU to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling. Moreover, higher Cx43 expression promoted SU-induced apoptosis. The cell viability test revealed that Cx43 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of SU in a GJ-independent manner. The effect of Cx43 on a proapoptotic factor, Bax, was then investigated. The interaction between Cx43 and Bax was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, higher Cx43 expression increased the production of a cleaved (active) form of Bax during SU-induced apoptosis with no alteration in total Bax expression. These findings indicate that Cx43 most likely increases sensitivity to SU in H28 through direct interaction with Bax. In conclusion, we found that Cx43 overcame the chemoresistance of MM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaki Uzu
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sato
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan.
| | - Ryota Yamada
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Kashiba
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Shibata
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yamaura
- Department of Geriatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
| | - Koichi Ueno
- Center for Preventive Medical Science, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ward, Chiba-city, Chiba 260-8675, Japan
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20
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Poulin P, Chen YH, Ding X, Gould SE, Hop CE, Messick K, Oeh J, Liederer BM. Prediction of Drug Distribution in Subcutaneous Xenografts of Human Tumor Cell Lines and Healthy Tissues in Mouse: Application of the Tissue Composition-Based Model to Antineoplastic Drugs. J Pharm Sci 2015; 104:1508-21. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.24336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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21
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Forster T, Rausch V, Zhang Y, Isayev O, Heilmann K, Schoensiegel F, Liu L, Nessling M, Richter K, Labsch S, Nwaeburu CC, Mattern J, Gladkich J, Giese N, Werner J, Schemmer P, Gross W, Gebhard MM, Gerhauser C, Schaefer M, Herr I. Sulforaphane counteracts aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer driven by dysregulated Cx43-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication. Oncotarget 2015; 5:1621-34. [PMID: 24742583 PMCID: PMC4039235 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The extreme aggressiveness of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has been
associated with blocked gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and the
presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We examined whether disturbed GJIC is
responsible for a CSC phenotype in established and primary cancer cells and patient
tissue of PDA using interdisciplinary methods based in physiology, cell and molecular
biology, histology and epigenetics. Flux of fluorescent dyes and gemcitabine through
gap junctions (GJs) was intact in less aggressive cells but not in highly malignant
cells with morphological dysfunctional GJs. Among several connexins, only Cx43 was
expressed on the cell surface of less aggressive and GJIC-competent cells, whereas
Cx43 surface expression was absent in highly malignant, E-cadherin-negative and
GJIC-incompetent cells. The levels of total Cx43 protein and Cx43 phosphorylated at
Ser368 and Ser279/282 were high in normal tissue but low to absent in malignant
tissue. si-RNA-mediated inhibition of Cx43 expression in GJIC-competent cells
prevented GJIC and induced colony formation and the expression of stem cell-related
factors. The bioactive substance sulforaphane enhanced Cx43 and E-cadherin levels,
inhibited the CSC markers c-Met and CD133, improved the functional morphology of GJs
and enhanced GJIC. Sulforaphane altered the phosphorylation of several kinases and
their substrates and inhibition of GSK3, JNK and PKC prevented sulforaphane-induced
CX43 expression. The sulforaphane-mediated expression of Cx43 was not correlated with
enhanced Cx43 RNA expression, acetylated histone binding and Cx43 promoter
de-methylation, suggesting that posttranslational phosphorylation is the dominant
regulatory mechanism. Together, the absence of Cx43 prevents GJIC and enhances
aggressiveness, whereas sulforaphane counteracts this process, and our findings
highlight dietary co-treatment as a viable treatment option for PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Forster
- General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Ady JW, Desir S, Thayanithy V, Vogel RI, Moreira AL, Downey RJ, Fong Y, Manova-Todorova K, Moore MAS, Lou E. Intercellular communication in malignant pleural mesothelioma: properties of tunneling nanotubes. Front Physiol 2014; 5:400. [PMID: 25400582 PMCID: PMC4215694 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive and locally invasive malignancy with a poor prognosis despite advances in understanding of cancer cell biology and development of new therapies. At the cellular level, cultured mesothelioma cells present a mesenchymal appearance and a strong capacity for local cellular invasion. One important but underexplored area of mesothelioma cell biology is intercellular communication. Our group has previously characterized in multiple histological subtypes of mesothelioma a unique cellular protrusion known as tunneling nanotubes (TnTs). TnTs are long, actin filament-based, narrow cytoplasmic extensions that are non-adherent when cultured in vitro and are capable of shuttling cellular cargo between connected cells. Our prior work confirmed the presence of nanotube structures in tumors resected from patients with human mesothelioma. In our current study, we quantified the number of TnTs/cell among various mesothelioma subtypes and normal mesothelial cells using confocal microscopic techniques. We also examined changes in TnT length over time in comparison to cell proliferation. We further examined potential approaches to the in vivo study of TnTs in animal models of cancer. We have developed novel approaches to study TnTs in aggressive solid tumor malignancies and define fundamental characteristics of TnTs in malignant mesothelioma. There is mounting evidence that TnTs play an important role in intercellular communication in mesothelioma and thus merit further investigation of their role in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Ady
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY, USA
| | - Snider Desir
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA ; Integrative Biology and Physiology Program, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Venugopal Thayanithy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachel I Vogel
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - André L Moreira
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert J Downey
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuman Fong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Malcolm A S Moore
- Department of Cell Biology, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY, USA
| | - Emil Lou
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN, USA
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23
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Yusubalieva GM, Baklaushev VP, Gurina OI, Zorkina YA, Gubskii IL, Kobyakov GL, Golanov AV, Goryainov SA, Gorlachev GE, Konovalov AN, Potapov AA, Chekhonin VP. Treatment of Poorly Differentiated Glioma Using a Combination of Monoclonal Antibodies to Extracellular Connexin-43 Fragment, Temozolomide, and Radiotherapy. Bull Exp Biol Med 2014; 157:510-5. [DOI: 10.1007/s10517-014-2603-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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24
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Shin DH, Xuan S, Kim WY, Bae GU, Kim JS. CD133 antibody-conjugated immunoliposomes encapsulating gemcitabine for targeting glioblastoma stem cells. J Mater Chem B 2014; 2:3771-3781. [DOI: 10.1039/c4tb00185k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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25
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Gielen PR, Aftab Q, Ma N, Chen VC, Hong X, Lozinsky S, Naus CC, Sin WC. Connexin43 confers Temozolomide resistance in human glioma cells by modulating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:539-48. [PMID: 23688923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive astrocytoma, and therapeutic options are generally limited to surgical resection, radiotherapy, and Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. TMZ is a DNA alkylating agent that causes DNA damage and induces cell death. Unfortunately, glioma cells often develop resistance to TMZ treatment, with DNA de-methylation of the MGMT promoter identified as the primary reason. However, the contributions from proteins that normally protect cells against cytotoxic stress in TMZ-induced apoptosis have not been extensively explored. Here, we showed that increasing the level of the gap junction protein, Cx43, in human LN18 and LN229 glioma cells enhances resistance to TMZ treatment while knockdown of Cx43 in these same cells sensitizes them to TMZ treatment. By expressing a channel-dead or a C-terminal truncation mutant of Cx43, we show that Cx43-mediated TMZ resistance involves both channel dependent and independent functions. Expression of Cx43 in LN229 cells decreases TMZ-induced apoptosis, as determined by Annexin V staining. Cx43-mediated chemoresistance appears to be acting via a mitochondrial apoptosis pathway as manifested by the reduction in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and the release of cytochrome C. Our findings highlight additional mechanisms and proteins that contribute to TMZ resistance, and raise the possibility of increasing TMZ efficiency by targeting Cx43 protein. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Gielen
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6500 HB Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Qurratulain Aftab
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Noreen Ma
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Vincent C Chen
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Xiaoting Hong
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Shannon Lozinsky
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Science Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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26
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Ardiani A, Johnson AJ, Ruan H, Sanchez-Bonilla M, Serve K, Black ME. Enzymes to die for: exploiting nucleotide metabolizing enzymes for cancer gene therapy. Curr Gene Ther 2012; 12:77-91. [PMID: 22384805 DOI: 10.2174/156652312800099571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Suicide gene therapy is an attractive strategy to selectively destroy cancer cells while minimizing unnecessary toxicity to normal cells. Since this idea was first introduced more than two decades ago, numerous studies have been conducted and significant developments have been made to further its application for mainstream cancer therapy. Major limitations of the suicide gene therapy strategy that have hindered its clinical application include inefficient directed delivery to cancer cells and the poor prodrug activation capacity of suicide enzymes. This review is focused on efforts that have been and are currently being pursued to improve the activity of individual suicide enzymes towards their respective prodrugs with particular attention to the application of nucleotide metabolizing enzymes in suicide cancer gene therapy. A number of protein engineering strategies have been employed and our discussion here will center on the use of mutagenesis approaches to create and evaluate nucleotide metabolizing enzymes with enhanced prodrug activation capacity and increased thermostability. Several of these studies have yielded clinically important enzyme variants that are relevant for cancer gene therapy applications because their utilization can serve to maximize cancer cell killing while minimizing the prodrug dose, thereby limiting undesirable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Ardiani
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, 99164-7520, USA
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27
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Elhassan MO, Christie J, Duxbury MS. Homo sapiens systemic RNA interference-defective-1 transmembrane family member 1 (SIDT1) protein mediates contact-dependent small RNA transfer and microRNA-21-driven chemoresistance. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:5267-77. [PMID: 22174421 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.318865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Locally initiated RNA interference (RNAi) has the potential for spatial propagation, inducing posttranscriptional gene silencing in distant cells. In Caenorhabditis elegans, systemic RNAi requires a phylogenetically conserved transmembrane channel, SID-1. Here, we show that a human SID-1 orthologue, SIDT1, facilitates rapid, contact-dependent, bidirectional small RNA transfer between human cells, resulting in target-specific non-cell-autonomous RNAi. Intercellular small RNA transfer can be both homotypic and heterotypic. We show SIDT1-mediated intercellular transfer of microRNA-21 to be a driver of resistance to the nucleoside analog gemcitabine in human adenocarcinoma cells. Documentation of a SIDT1-dependent small RNA transfer mechanism and the associated phenotypic effects on chemoresistance in human cancer cells raises the possibility that conserved systemic RNAi pathways contribute to the acquisition of drug resistance. Mediators of non-cell-autonomous RNAi may be tractable targets for novel therapies aimed at improving the efficacy of current cytotoxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed O Elhassan
- Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SA, Scotland, United Kingdom
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28
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Suicide gene therapy using reducible poly (oligo-D-arginine) for the treatment of spinal cord tumors. Biomaterials 2011; 32:9766-75. [PMID: 21924768 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.08.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Suicide gene therapy based on a combination of herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) and ganciclovir (GCV) has obstacles to achieving a success in clinical use for the treatment of cancer due to inadequate thymidine kinase (TK) expression. The primary concern for improving anticancer efficacy of the suicide gene therapy is to develop an appropriate carrier that highly expresses TK in vivo. Despite great advances in the development of non-viral vectors, none has been used in cancer suicide gene therapy, not even in experimental challenge. Reducible poly (oligo-D-arginine) (rPOA), one of the effective non-viral carriers working in vivo, was chosen to deliver HSV-tk to spinal cord tumors which are appropriate targets for suicide gene therapy. Since the system exerts toxicity only in dividing cells, cells in the central nervous system, which are non-proliferative, are not sensitive to the toxic metabolites. In the present study, we demonstrated that the locomotor function of the model rat was maintained through the tumor suppression resulting from the tumor-selective suicide activity by co-administration of rPOA/HSV-tk and GCV. Thus, rPOA plays a crucial role in suicide gene therapy for cancer, and an rPOA/HSV-tk and GCV system could help promote in vivo trials of suicide gene therapy.
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Abstract
Glioblastoma is a very aggressive astrocytic tumor and most patients have 1-year survival time after diagnosis. A promising therapeutic strategy is the local delivery of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene in the tumor bed followed by ganciclovir treatment. The presence of functional gap junctions is highly relevant for the success of suicide gene therapy. Connexins are expressed in practically all tissues and form gap junctions that allow intercellular communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major connexin member being expressed in astrocytes but its status in glioblastoma is not well defined. We have investigated by immunofluorescence the presence of Cx43 in 74 human glioblastoma samples; its expression was detected in 77% of the samples analyzed. We report here that glioblastoma is a heterogenous disease as regards Cx43 expression with presentations, in which Cx43 expression is unaltered, reduced or totally lost. A predominant Cx43 cytoplasmic localization was observed in four out of eight primary glioblastoma cultures that we have established. This aberrant localization reduced gap junctionnal intercellular communication by 50 to 75% as compared with primary cell cultures displaying gap junctional plaques. However, the bystander effect evaluated after lentiviral delivery of the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene and ganciclovir treatment was detected in all Cx43-positive primary cell cultures, and it was independant of the Cx43 localization. These findings may have important clinical implications for the design of anticancer cytotoxic therapies that rely on the gap junction-mediated bystander effect for their success.
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Garcia-Rodríguez L, Pérez-Torras S, Carrió M, Cascante A, García-Ribas I, Mazo A, Fillat C. Connexin-26 is a key factor mediating gemcitabine bystander effect. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:505-17. [PMID: 21388975 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-10-0693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analogue with anticancer activity. Inside the cell, it is sequentially phosphorylated to generate the active drug. Phosphorylated nucleoside analogues have been shown to traffic through gap junctions. We investigated the participation of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) as a possible mechanism spreading gemcitabine cytotoxicity in pancreatic tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of pancreatic cancer biopsies revealed increased connexin 26 (Cx26) content but loss of connexins 32 (Cx32) and 43 (Cx43) expression. Cx26 abundance in neoplastic areas was confirmed by Cx26 mRNA in situ hybridization. Heterogeneity on the expression levels and the localization of Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43 were identified in pancreatic cancer cells and found to be associated with the extent of GJIC, and correlated with gemcitabine bystander cytotoxic effect. The abundance of Cx26 at the contact points in tumoral regions prompted us to study the involvement of Cx26 in the GJIC of gemcitabine toxic metabolites and their influence on the antitumoral effects of gemcitabine. Knockdown of Cx26 led to decreased GJIC and reduced gemcitabine bystander killing whereas overexpression of Cx26 triggered increased GJIC and enhanced the gemcitabine cytotoxic bystander effect. Gemcitabine treatment of mice bearing tumors, with a high GJIC capacity, resulted in a significant delay in tumor progression. Interestingly, gemcitabine administration in mice bearing tumors that overexpress Cx26 triggered a dramatic tumor regression of 50% from the initial volume. This study shows that Cx26 participates in the gap junction-mediated bystander cytoxic effect of gemcitabine and provides evidence that upregulation of Cx26 improves gemcitabine anticancer efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Garcia-Rodríguez
- Programa Gens i Malaltia, Centre de Regulació Genòmica. Dr. Aiguader, 88. 08003-Barcelona, Spain
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