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Neumaier EE, Rothhammer V, Linnerbauer M. The role of midkine in health and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1310094. [PMID: 38098484 PMCID: PMC10720637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1310094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic growth factor highly expressed during embryogenesis with important functions related to growth, proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, reproduction, and repair. Recent research has indicated that MDK functions as a key player in autoimmune disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of brain tumors, acute injuries, and other CNS disorders. This review summarizes the modes of action and immunological functions of MDK both in the peripheral immune compartment and in the CNS, particularly in the context of traumatic brain injury, brain tumors, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Moreover, we discuss the role of MDK as a central mediator of neuro-immune crosstalk, focusing on the interactions between CNS-infiltrating and -resident cells such as astrocytes, microglia, and oligodendrocytes. Finally, we highlight the therapeutic potential of MDK and discuss potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veit Rothhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Kam NW, Lau CY, Che CM, Lee VHF. Nasopharynx Battlefield: Cellular Immune Responses Mediated by Midkine in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and COVID-19. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4850. [PMID: 37835544 PMCID: PMC10571800 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence suggests that the severe respiratory illness coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often associated with a cytokine storm that results in dysregulated immune responses. Prolonged COVID-19 positivity is thought to disproportionately affect cancer patients. With COVID-19 disrupting the delivery of cancer care, it is crucial to gain momentum and awareness of the mechanistic intersection between these two diseases. This review discusses the role of the cytokine midkine (MK) as an immunomodulator in patients with COVID-19 and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), both of which affect the nasal cavity. We conducted a review and analysis of immunocellular similarities and differences based on clinical studies, research articles, and published transcriptomic datasets. We specifically focused on ligand-receptor pairs that could be used to infer intercellular communication, as well as the current medications used for each disease, including NPC patients who have contracted COVID-19. Based on our findings, we recommend close monitoring of the MK axis to maintain the desirable effects of therapeutic regimens in fighting both NPC and COVID-19 infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngar-Woon Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Cho-Yiu Lau
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
| | - Chi-Ming Che
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Ltd., Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China;
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.-W.K.); (C.-Y.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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Wang Y, Chang CC, Yuan F. Copy number of naked DNA delivered into nucleus of mammalian cells by electrotransfection. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108491. [PMID: 37356265 PMCID: PMC10527462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108491] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfection is a non-viral method for delivery of nucleic acids into cells. In our previous study, we have determined the minimal copy number of plasmid DNA (pDNA) per cell required for transgene expression post electrotransfection, and developed a statistical framework to predict the pDNA copy number in the nucleus. To experimentally verify the prediction, the current study was designed to quantify the average copy number of pDNA per nucleus post electrotransfection. To achieve it, we developed a novel approach to effectively obtain isolated nuclei with minimal contamination by extranuclear pDNA. This sample preparation method enabled us to accurately measure intranuclear pDNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that the copy number of pDNA per nucleus was dependent on the period of cell culture post pulsing and the pDNA dose for electrotransfection. Additionally, the data were used to improve the statistical framework for understanding kinetics of pDNA transport in cells, and predicting how the kinetics depended on different factors. It is expected that the framework and the methodology developed in the current study will be useful for evaluating factors that may affect kinetics and mechanisms of pDNA transport in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Chun-Chi Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
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Uehara N, Otsuki N, Kubo M, Kitamoto J, Kojima Y, Teshima M, Shinomiya H, Shirakawa T, Nibu KI. Oncolytic effect of Midkine promoter-based conditionally replicating adenoviruses expressing EGFR siRNA in head and neck squamous cancer cell line T891. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 3:e1231. [PMID: 32671980 PMCID: PMC7941548 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Midkine expression is restricted in adult tissues but is increased in several malignant tumors, including HNSCCs. Aim Here, we evaluated the antitumor effect of Midkine promoter–based conditionally replicative adenovirus expressing siRNA against EGFR for targeting HNSCCs expressing Midkine. Methods and results A conditionally replicative adenovirus vector controlled by the Midkine promoter, Ad‐MK‐siEGFR, was generated by integrating gene‐expressing siRNA against EGFR. Antitumor effect of Ad‐MK‐siEGFR was tested in vitro using established HNSCC cell line, T891 with strong Midkine expression. Expression of EGFR in T891 infected with Ad‐MK‐siEGFR was significantly lower than that of T891 infected with control. Cytotoxicity assays showed significant growth suppression of Ad‐MK‐siEGFR in T891 cells. Conclusions This study demonstrated the possibility of oncolytic therapy using the Midkine promoter–based conditional replication‐selective adenovirus containing siRNA against EGFR in HNSCC cell line T891. Further validation of the findings in more cell lines and in vivo should be performed to clarify the potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Uehara
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Naoki Otsuki
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mie Kubo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Junko Kitamoto
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Kojima
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masanori Teshima
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shinomiya
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshiro Shirakawa
- Division of Infectious Disease Control, Center for Infectious Disease, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Nibu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Midkine (MDK) growth factor: a key player in cancer progression and a promising therapeutic target. Oncogene 2019; 39:2040-2054. [PMID: 31801970 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1124-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Midkine is a heparin-binding growth factor, originally reported as the product of a retinoic acid-responsive gene during embryogenesis, but currently viewed as a multifaceted factor contributing to both normal tissue homeostasis and disease development. Midkine is abnormally expressed at high levels in various human malignancies and acts as a mediator for the acquisition of critical hallmarks of cancer, including cell growth, survival, metastasis, migration, and angiogenesis. Several studies have investigated the role of midkine as a cancer biomarker for the detection, prognosis, and management of cancer, as well as for monitoring the response to cancer treatment. Moreover, several efforts are also being made to elucidate its underlying mechanisms in therapeutic resistance and immunomodulation within the tumor microenvironment. We hereby summarize the current knowledge on midkine expression and function in cancer development and progression, and highlight its promising potential as a cancer biomarker and as a future therapeutic target in personalized cancer medicine.
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Quantification of cellular and nuclear uptake rates of polymeric gene delivery nanoparticles and DNA plasmids via flow cytometry. Acta Biomater 2016; 37:120-30. [PMID: 27019146 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2016.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Non-viral, biomaterial-mediated gene delivery has the potential to treat many diseases, but is limited by low efficacy. Elucidating the bottlenecks of plasmid mass transfer can enable an improved understanding of biomaterial structure-function relationships, leading to next-generation rationally designed non-viral gene delivery vectors. As proof of principle, we transfected human primary glioblastoma cells using a poly(beta-amino ester) complexed with eGFP plasmid DNA. The polyplexes transfected 70.6±0.6% of the cells with 101±3% viability. The amount of DNA within the cytoplasm, nuclear envelope, and nuclei was assessed at multiple time points using fluorescent dye conjugated plasmid up to 24h post-transfection using a quantitative multi-well plate-based flow cytometry assay. Conversion to plasmid counts and degradation kinetics were accounted for via quantitative PCR (plasmid degradation rate constants were determined to be 0.62h(-1) and 0.084h(-1) for fast and slow phases respectively). Quantitative cellular uptake, nuclear association, and nuclear uptake rate constants were determined by using a four-compartment first order mass-action model. The rate limiting step for these poly(beta-amino ester)/DNA polyplex nanoparticles was determined to be cellular uptake (7.5×10(-4)h(-1)) and only 0.1% of the added dose was taken up by the human brain cancer cells, whereas 12% of internalized DNA successfully entered the nucleus (the rate of nuclear internalization of nuclear associated plasmid was 1.1h(-1)). We describe an efficient new method for assessing cellular and nuclear uptake rates of non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles using flow cytometry to improve understanding and design of polymeric gene delivery nanoparticles. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE In this work, a quantitative high throughput flow cytometry-based assay and computational modeling approach was developed for assessing cellular and nuclear uptake rates of non-viral gene delivery nanoparticles. This method is significant as it can be used to elucidate structure-function relationships of gene delivery nanoparticles and improve their efficiency. This method was applied to a particular type of biodegradable polymer, a poly(beta-amino ester), that transfected human brain cancer cells with high efficacy and without cytotoxicity. A four-compartment first order mass-action kinetics model was found to model the experimental transport data well without requiring external fitting parameters. Quantitative rate constants were identified for the intracellular transport, including DNA degradation rate from polyplexes, cellular uptake rate, and nuclear uptake rate, with cellular uptake identified as the rate-limiting step.
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Xu H, Gong L, Xia Y, Qu L, Li Q, Pang L, Si J, Li Z. Frizzled-7 promoter is highly active in tumors and promoter-driven Shiga-like toxin I inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Oncotarget 2015; 6:39908-23. [PMID: 26498690 PMCID: PMC4741869 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Frizzled-7 protein plays a significant role in the formation of several malignant tumors. Up regulation of the Frizzled-7 in cancer cell lines is associated with nuclear accumulation of wild-type β-catenin from the Wnt/β-catenin pathway which is frequently activated in tumors. To analyze activity of the Frizzled-7 promoter in tumor cells, we constructed two recombinant plasmid vectors in which the Frizzled-7 promoter was used to drive the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Shiga-like toxin I (Stx1) (pFZD7-GFP/Stx1) genes. The Frizzled-7 protein was found to be expressed in the cancer cell lines but not in the normal cell lines. The GFP expression was restricted to the cancer cell lines and xenografts in the BALB/C mice but not to normal cell lines. Moreover, cell proliferation and tumor growth decreased significantly after transfection with the pFZD7-Stx1. Results from this study will help determine a highly effective strategy for gene therapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongpan Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lailing Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Yanyan Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lili Qu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Qiwen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lu Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Jin Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
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Conrad SJ, El-Aswad M, Kurban E, Jeng D, Tripp BC, Nutting C, Eversole R, Mackenzie C, Essani K. Oncolytic tanapoxvirus expressing FliC causes regression of human colorectal cancer xenografts in nude mice. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015; 34:19. [PMID: 25887490 PMCID: PMC4337313 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0131-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancers are significant causes of morbidity and mortality and existing therapies often perform poorly for individuals afflicted with advanced disease. Oncolytic virotherapy is an emerging therapeutic modality with great promise for addressing this medical need. Herein we describe the in vivo testing of recombinant variants of the tanapoxvirus (TPV). Recombinant viruses were made ablated for either the 66R gene (encoding a thymidine kinase), the 2L gene (encoding a TNF-binding protein), or both. Some of the recombinants were armed to express mouse chemotactic protein 1 (mCCL2/mMCP-1), mouse granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor (mGM-CSF), or bacterial flagellin (FliC). Tumors were induced in athymic nude mice by implantation of HCT 116 cells and subsequently treated by a single intratumoral injection of one of the recombinant TPVs. Histological examination showed a common neoplastic cell type and a range of immune cell infiltration, necrosis, and tumor cell organization. Significant regression was seen in tumors treated with virus TPV/Δ2L/Δ66R/fliC, and to a lesser extent the recombinants TPV/Δ2L and TPV/Δ66R. Our results suggest that oncolytic recombinants of the TPV armed with activators of the innate immune response may be effective virotherapeutic agents for colorectal cancers in humans and should be explored further to fully realize their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Conrad
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Mohamed El-Aswad
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Esaw Kurban
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - David Jeng
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Brian C Tripp
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Charles Nutting
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Robert Eversole
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
| | - Charles Mackenzie
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
| | - Karim Essani
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008, USA.
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Weber HL, Gidekel M, Werbajh S, Salvatierra E, Rotondaro C, Sganga L, Haab GA, Curiel DT, Cafferata EG, Podhajcer OL. A Novel CDC25B Promoter-Based Oncolytic Adenovirus Inhibited Growth of Orthotopic Human Pancreatic Tumors in Different Preclinical Models. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:1665-74. [PMID: 25573380 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-2316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We decided to construct a novel oncolytic adenovirus whose replication was driven by the CDC25B promoter for its use in preclinical models of pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We placed the essential E1A gene under control of the CDC25B promoter. Based on preliminary data, we pseudotyped the adenovirus with a chimeric fiber of serotypes 5/3. We investigated the in vitro lytic effect and the in vivo therapeutic efficacy in combination with gemcitabine on human pancreatic tumor xenografts orthotopically growing in nude mice and in tumors growing in Syrian hamsters. We also assessed biochemical markers of hepatic toxicity and CA19.9 levels. RESULTS AV25CDC exhibited a strong in vitro lytic effect on pancreatic cancer cells. In vivo administration of AV25CDC combined with gemcitabine in mice harboring subcutaneously growing SW1990 pancreatic tumors almost abrogated tumor growth. Nude mice harboring 15-day-old orthotopic tumors, treated intratumorally or systemically with AV25CDC combined with gemcitabine, exhibited 70% to 80% reduction in tumor size compared with control mice that lasted for at least 60 days. Chemovirotherapy treatment induced a return to normal levels of biochemical parameters of hepatic toxicity; these mice exhibited more than 90% reduction in CA19.9 serum levels compared with control. Chemovirotherapy efficacy was confirmed in mice harboring Mia PaCa-2 tumors and in Syrian hamster harboring HaP-T1 tumors. We observed that viral treatment disrupted tumor architecture and induced an increase in MMP-9 activity that might facilitate gemcitabine penetrability. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that AV25CDC is an effective oncolytic agent candidate for pancreatic cancer chemovirotherapy combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helga L Weber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina. Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Manuel Gidekel
- Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile. Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Santiago Werbajh
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Edgardo Salvatierra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Rotondaro
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Sganga
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Acosta Haab
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hospital de Oncología Marie Curie, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David T Curiel
- Division of Cancer Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Eduardo G Cafferata
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina
| | - Osvaldo L Podhajcer
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIBBA-CONICET, Argentina.
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Fillat C, Jose A, Bofill-Deros X, Mato-Berciano A, Maliandi MV, Sobrevals L. Pancreatic cancer gene therapy: from molecular targets to delivery systems. Cancers (Basel) 2011; 3:368-95. [PMID: 24212620 PMCID: PMC3756366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers3010368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous identification of molecular changes deregulating critical pathways in pancreatic tumor cells provides us with a large number of novel candidates to engineer gene-targeted approaches for pancreatic cancer treatment. Targets—both protein coding and non-coding—are being exploited in gene therapy to influence the deregulated pathways to facilitate cytotoxicity, enhance the immune response or sensitize to current treatments. Delivery vehicles based on viral or non-viral systems as well as cellular vectors with tumor homing characteristics are a critical part of the design of gene therapy strategies. The different behavior of tumoral versus non-tumoral cells inspires vector engineering with the generation of tumor selective products that can prevent potential toxic-associated effects. In the current review, a detailed analysis of the different targets, the delivery vectors, the preclinical approaches and a descriptive update on the conducted clinical trials are presented. Moreover, future possibilities in pancreatic cancer treatment by gene therapy strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fillat
- Programa Gens i Malaltia, Centre de Regulació Genòmica-CRG, UPF, Parc de Recerca Biomèdica de Barcelona-PRBB and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain.
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Muramatsu T. Midkine: a promising molecule for drug development to treat diseases of the central nervous system. Curr Pharm Des 2011; 17:410-23. [PMID: 21375488 PMCID: PMC3267162 DOI: 10.2174/138161211795164167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Midkine (MK) is a heparin-binding cytokine, and promotes growth, survival, migration and other activities of target cells. After describing the general properties of MK, this review focuses on MK and MK inhibitors as therapeutics for diseases in the central nervous system. MK is strongly expressed during embryogenesis especially at the midgestation period, but is expressed only at restricted sites in adults. MK expression is induced upon tissue injury such as ischemic brain damage. Since exogenously administered MK or the gene transfer of MK suppresses neuronal cell death in experimental systems, MK has the potential to treat cerebral infarction. MK might become important also in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. MK is involved in inflammatory diseases by enhancing migration of leukocytes, inducing chemokine production and suppressing regulatory T cells. Since an aptamer to MK suppresses experimental autoimmune encephalitis, MK inhibitors are promising for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. MK is overexpressed in most malignant tumors including glioblastoma, and is involved in tumor invasion. MK inhibitors may be of value in the treatment of glioblastoma. Furthermore, an oncolytic adenovirus, whose replication is under the control of the MK promoter, inhibits the growth of glioblastoma xenografts. MK inhibitors under development include antibodies, aptamers, glycosaminoglycans, peptides and low molecular weight compounds. siRNA and antisense oligoDNA have proved effective against malignant tumors and inflammatory diseases in experimental systems. Practical information concerning the development of MK and MK inhibitors as therapeutics is described in the final part of the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Muramatsu
- Department of Health Science, Faculty of Psychological and Physical Science, Aichi Gakuin University, 12 Araike, Iwasaki-cho, Nisshin, Aichi 470-0195, Japan.
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12
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Jono H, Ando Y. Midkine: a novel prognostic biomarker for cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:624-41. [PMID: 24281085 PMCID: PMC3835095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2020624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since diagnosis at an early stage still remains a key issue for modern oncology and is crucial for successful cancer therapy, development of sensitive, specific, and non-invasive tumor markers, especially, in serum, is urgently needed. Midkine (MK), a plasma secreted protein, was initially identified in embryonal carcinoma cells at early stages of retinoic acid-induced differentiation. Multiple studies have reported that MK plays important roles in tumor progression, and is highly expressed in various malignant tumors. Because increased serum MK concentrations also have been reported in patients with various tumors, serum MK may have the potential to become a very useful tumor marker. Here, we review and discuss the possibility and usefulness of MK as a novel tumor marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Jono
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
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