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Sharma A, Virmani T, Kumar G, Sharma A, Virmani R, Gugulothu D, Singh K, Misra SK, Pathak K, Chitranshi N, Coutinho HDM, Jain D. Mitochondrial signaling pathways and their role in cancer drug resistance. Cell Signal 2024; 122:111329. [PMID: 39098704 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria, traditionally known as cellular powerhouses, now emerge as critical signaling centers influencing cancer progression and drug resistance. The review highlights the role that apoptotic signaling, DNA mutations, mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism play in the development of resistance mechanisms and the advancement of cancer. Targeted approaches are discussed, with an emphasis on managing mitophagy, fusion, and fission of the mitochondria to make resistant cancer cells more susceptible to traditional treatments. Additionally, metabolic reprogramming can be used to effectively target metabolic enzymes such GLUT1, HKII, PDK, and PKM2 in order to avoid resistance mechanisms. Although there are potential possibilities for therapy, the complex structure of mitochondria and their subtle role in tumor development hamper clinical translation. Novel targeted medicines are put forth, providing fresh insights on combating drug resistance in cancer. The study also emphasizes the significance of glutamine metabolism, mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and apoptotic pathways as potential targets to improve treatment effectiveness against drug-resistant cancers. Combining complementary and nanoparticle-based techniques to target mitochondria has demonstrated encouraging results in the treatment of cancer, opening doors to reduce resistance and enable individualized treatment plans catered to the unique characteristics of each patient. Suggesting innovative approaches such as drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery to enhance the efficacy of mitochondria-targeting therapies, presenting a pathway for advancements in cancer treatment. This thorough investigation is a major step forward in the treatment of cancer and has the potential to influence clinical practice and enhance patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwani Sharma
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Tarun Virmani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MVN University, Palwal, Haryana 121105, India.
| | - Girish Kumar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MVN University, Palwal, Haryana 121105, India.
| | - Anjali Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MVN University, Palwal, Haryana 121105, India
| | - Reshu Virmani
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MVN University, Palwal, Haryana 121105, India.
| | - Dalapathi Gugulothu
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi 110017, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shashi Kiran Misra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CSJM University Kanpur, Kanpur 208024, India
| | - Kamla Pathak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah 206130, India
| | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia; School of Science and Technology, the University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
| | | | - Divya Jain
- Department of Microbiology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
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Farruggia G, Anconelli L, Galassi L, Voltattorni M, Rossi M, Lodeserto P, Blasi P, Orienti I. Nano-fenretinide demonstrates remarkable activity in acute promyeloid leukemia cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13737. [PMID: 38877119 PMCID: PMC11178801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64629-w] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is characterized by rearrangements of the retinoic acid receptor, RARα, which makes all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) highly effective in the treatment of this disease, inducing promyelocytes differentiation. Current therapy, based on ATRA in combination with arsenic trioxide, with or without chemotherapy, provides high rates of event-free survival and overall survival. However, a decline in the drug activity, due to increased ATRA metabolism and RARα mutations, is often observed over long-term treatments. Furthermore, dedifferentiation can occur providing relapse of the disease. In this study we evaluated fenretinide, a semisynthetic ATRA derivative, encapsulated in nanomicelles (nano-fenretinide) as an alternative treatment to ATRA in APL. Nano-fenretinide was prepared by fenretinide encapsulation in a self-assembling phospholipid mixture. Physico-chemical characterization was carried out by dinamic light scattering and spectrophotometry. The biological activity was evaluated by MTT assay, flow cytometry and confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy. Nano-fenretinide induced apoptosis in acute promyelocytic leukemia cells (HL60) by an early increase of reactive oxygen species and a mitochondrial potential decrease. The fenretinide concentration that induced 90-100% decrease in cell viability was about 2.0 µM at 24 h, a concentration easily achievable in vivo when nano-fenretinide is administered by oral or intravenous route, as demonstrated in previous studies. Nano-fenretinide was effective, albeit at slightly higher concentrations, also in doxorubicin-resistant HL60 cells, while a comparison with TK6 lymphoblasts indicated a lack of toxicity on normal cells. The results indicate that nano-fenretinide can be considered an alternative therapy to ATRA in acute promyelocytic leukemia when decreased efficacy, resistance or recurrence of disease emerge after protracted treatments with ATRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, Via Delle Medaglie d'Oro 305, 00136, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Anconelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Galassi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Voltattorni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Rossi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Lodeserto
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Blasi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via San Donato 19/2, 40127, Bologna, Italy.
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Alfei S, Zuccari G. Attempts to Improve Lipophilic Drugs' Solubility and Bioavailability: A Focus on Fenretinide. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:579. [PMID: 38794242 PMCID: PMC11125266 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of numerous drugs is often arrested at clinical testing stages, due to their unfavorable biopharmaceutical characteristics. It is the case of fenretinide (4-HPR), a second-generation retinoid, that demonstrated promising in vitro cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. Unfortunately, response rates in early clinical trials with 4-HPR did not confirm the in vitro findings, mainly due to the low bioavailability of the oral capsular formulation that was initially developed. Capsular 4-HPR provided variable and insufficient drug plasma levels attributable to the high hepatic first-pass effect and poor drug water solubility. To improve 4-HPR bioavailability, several approaches have been put forward and tested in preclinical and early-phase clinical trials, demonstrating generally improved plasma levels and minimal systemic toxicities, but also modest antitumor efficacy. The challenge is thus currently still far from being met. To redirect the diminished interest of pharmaceutical companies toward 4-HPR and promote its further clinical development, this manuscript reviewed the attempts made so far by researchers to enhance 4-HPR bioavailability. A comparison of the available data was performed, and future directions were proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Alfei
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Guendalina Zuccari
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Goldfarb RB, Atala Pleshinger MJ, Yan DF, Adams DJ. Lipid-Restricted Culture Media Reveal Unexpected Cancer Cell Sensitivities. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:896-907. [PMID: 38506663 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cell culture models frequently rely on fetal bovine serum as a source of protein and lipid factors that support cell survival and proliferation; however, serum-containing media imperfectly mimic the in vivo cancer environment. Recent studies suggest that typical serum-containing cell culture conditions can mask cancer dependencies, for example, on cholesterol biosynthesis enzymes, that exist in vivo and emerge when cells are cultured in media that provide more realistic levels of lipids. Here, we describe a high-throughput screen that identified fenretinide and ivermectin as small molecules whose cytotoxicity is greatly enhanced in lipid-restricted media formulations. The mechanism of action studies indicates that ivermectin-induced cell death involves oxidative stress, while fenretinide likely targets delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1, a lipid desaturase necessary for ceramide synthesis, to induce cell death. Notably, both fenretinide and ivermectin have previously demonstrated in vivo anticancer efficacy despite their low cytotoxicity under typical cell culture conditions. These studies suggest ceramide synthesis as a targetable vulnerability of cancer cells cultured under lipid-restricted conditions and reveal a general screening strategy for identifying additional cancer dependencies masked by the superabundance of medium lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralston B Goldfarb
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Chemical Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Matthew J Atala Pleshinger
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Chemical Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - David F Yan
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Chemical Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Drew J Adams
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
- Chemical Biology Program, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
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Ahmadi M, Singer D, Potlitz F, Nasri Z, von Woedtke T, Link A, Bekeschus S, Wende K. Cold Physical Plasma-Mediated Fenretinide Prodrug Activation Confers Additive Cytotoxicity in Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1271. [PMID: 37372001 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061271] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cold physical plasma is a partially ionized gas operated at body temperature and utilized for heat-sensitive technical and medical purposes. Physical plasma is a multi-component system consisting of, e.g., reactive species, ions and electrons, electric fields, and UV light. Therefore, cold plasma technology is an interesting tool for introducing biomolecule oxidative modifications. This concept can be extended to anticancer drugs, including prodrugs, which could be activated in situ to enhance local anticancer effects. To this end, we performed a proof-of-concept study on the oxidative prodrug activation of a tailor-made boronic pinacol ester fenretinide treated with the atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet kINPen operated with either argon, argon-hydrogen, or argon-oxygen feed gas. Fenretinide release from the prodrug was triggered via Baeyer-Villiger-type oxidation of the boron-carbon bond based on hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrite, which were generated by plasma processes and chemical addition using mass spectrometry. Fenretinide activation led to additive cytotoxic effects in three epithelial cell lines in vitro compared to the effects of cold plasma treatment alone regarding metabolic activity reduction and an increase in terminal cell death, suggesting that cold physical plasma-mediated prodrug activation is a new direction for combination cancer treatment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Ahmadi
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Debora Singer
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix Potlitz
- Institute of Pharmacy, Greifswald University, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Zahra Nasri
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Thomas von Woedtke
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald University Medical Center, Sauerbruchstr., 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Link
- Institute of Pharmacy, Greifswald University, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Sander Bekeschus
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology, Rostock University Medical Center, Strempelstr. 13, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Kristian Wende
- ZIK plasmatis, Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), Felix Hausdorff-Str. 2, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Dormancy, stemness, and therapy resistance: interconnected players in cancer evolution. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:197-215. [PMID: 36757577 PMCID: PMC10014678 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10092-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
The biological complexity of cancer represents a tremendous clinical challenge, resulting in the frequent failure of current treatment protocols. In the rapidly evolving scenario of a growing tumor, anticancer treatments impose a drastic perturbation not only to cancer cells but also to the tumor microenvironment, killing a portion of the cells and inducing a massive stress response in the survivors. Consequently, treatments can act as a double-edged sword by inducing a temporary response while laying the ground for therapy resistance and subsequent disease progression. Cancer cell dormancy (or quiescence) is a central theme in tumor evolution, being tightly linked to the tumor's ability to survive cytotoxic challenges, metastasize, and resist immune-mediated attack. Accordingly, quiescent cancer cells (QCCs) have been detected in virtually all the stages of tumor development. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the characterization of quiescent/therapy resistant cancer cells, unveiling QCCs core transcriptional programs, metabolic plasticity, and mechanisms of immune escape. At the same time, our partial understanding of tumor quiescence reflects the difficulty to identify stable QCCs biomarkers/therapeutic targets and to control cancer dormancy in clinical settings. This review focuses on recent discoveries in the interrelated fields of dormancy, stemness, and therapy resistance, discussing experimental evidences in the frame of a nonlinear dynamics approach, and exploring the possibility that tumor quiescence may represent not only a peril but also a potential therapeutic resource.
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Naxitamab Activity in Neuroblastoma Cells Is Enhanced by Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020648. [PMID: 36839972 PMCID: PMC9966923 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma cells highly express the disialoganglioside GD2, a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen, which is also expressed in neurons, skin melanocytes, and peripheral nerve fibers. Immunotherapy with monoclonal anti-GD2 antibodies has a proven efficacy in clinical trials and is included in the standard treatment for children with high-risk neuroblastoma. However, the strong neuro-toxicity associated with anti-GD2 antibodies administration has hindered, until now, the possibility for dose-escalation and protracted use, thus restraining their therapeutic potential. Strategies to increase the efficacy of anti-GD2 antibodies are actively sought, with the aim to enable chronic treatments that could eradicate minimal residual disease and subsequent relapses, often occurring after treatment. Here, we report that Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine improved the expression of GD2 in neuroblastoma cells (CHP-134) and provided different effects in combination with the anti-GD2 antibody naxitamab. In particular, Nanofenretinide significantly increased the cytotoxic effect of naxitamab while Nanospermidine inhibited cell motility at extents proportional to naxitamab concentration. In neuroblastoma cells characterized by a low and heterogeneous basal expression of GD2, such as SH-SY5Y, which may represent the cell heterogeneity in tumors after chemotherapy, both Nanofenretinide and Nanospermidine increased GD2 expression in approximately 50% of cells, thus shifting the tumor population towards improved sensitivity to anti-GD2 antibodies.
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Cuccu A, Francescangeli F, De Angelis ML, Bruselles A, Giuliani A, Zeuner A. Analysis of Dormancy-Associated Transcriptional Networks Reveals a Shared Quiescence Signature in Lung and Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9869. [PMID: 36077264 PMCID: PMC9456317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Quiescent cancer cells (QCCs) are a common feature of solid tumors, representing a major obstacle to the long-term success of cancer therapies. We isolated QCCs ex vivo from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) xenografts with a label-retaining strategy and compared QCCs gene expression profiles to identify a shared "quiescence signature". Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a specific component neatly discriminating quiescent and replicative phenotypes in NSCLC and CRC. The discriminating component showed significant overlapping, with 688 genes in common including ZEB2, a master regulator of stem cell plasticity and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Gene set enrichment analysis showed that QCCs of both NSCLC and CRC had an increased expression of factors related to stemness/self renewal, EMT, TGF-β, morphogenesis, cell adhesion and chemotaxis, whereas proliferating cells overexpressed Myc targets and factors involved in RNA metabolism. Eventually, we analyzed in depth by means of a complex network approach, both the 'morphogenesis module' and the subset of differentially expressed genes shared by NCSLC and CRC. This allowed us to recognize different gene regulation network wiring for quiescent and proliferating cells and to underpin few genes central for network integration that may represent new therapeutic vulnerabilities. Altogether, our results highlight common regulatory pathways in QCCs of lung and colorectal tumors that may be the target of future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Cuccu
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bruselles
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Rossi R, De Angelis ML, Xhelili E, Sette G, Eramo A, De Maria R, Cesta Incani U, Francescangeli F, Zeuner A. Lung Cancer Organoids: The Rough Path to Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3703. [PMID: 35954367 PMCID: PMC9367558 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite significant advances in research and therapy, a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 10-20% urges the development of reliable preclinical models and effective therapeutic tools. Lung cancer is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity in its histology, a genomic landscape, and response to therapies that has been traditionally difficult to reproduce in preclinical models. However, the advent of three-dimensional culture technologies has opened new perspectives to recapitulate in vitro individualized tumor features and to anticipate treatment efficacy. The generation of lung cancer organoids (LCOs) has encountered greater challenges as compared to organoids derived from other tumors. In the last two years, many efforts have been dedicated to optimizing LCO-based platforms, resulting in improved rates of LCO production, purity, culture timing, and long-term expansion. However, due to the complexity of lung cancer, further advances are required in order to meet clinical needs. Here, we discuss the evolution of LCO technology and the use of LCOs in basic and translational lung cancer research. Although the field of LCOs is still in its infancy, its prospective development will likely lead to new strategies for drug testing and biomarker identification, thus allowing a more personalized therapeutic approach for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele Rossi
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
| | - Maria Laura De Angelis
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
| | - Eljona Xhelili
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Institute of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ursula Cesta Incani
- Division of Oncology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona (AOUI), Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (R.R.); (M.L.D.A.); (G.S.); (A.E.); (F.F.)
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Jin P, Jiang J, Zhou L, Huang Z, Nice EC, Huang C, Fu L. Mitochondrial adaptation in cancer drug resistance: prevalence, mechanisms, and management. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:97. [PMID: 35851420 PMCID: PMC9290242 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01313-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance represents a major obstacle in cancer management, and the mechanisms underlying stress adaptation of cancer cells in response to therapy-induced hostile environment are largely unknown. As the central organelle for cellular energy supply, mitochondria can rapidly undergo dynamic changes and integrate cellular signaling pathways to provide bioenergetic and biosynthetic flexibility for cancer cells, which contributes to multiple aspects of tumor characteristics, including drug resistance. Therefore, targeting mitochondria for cancer therapy and overcoming drug resistance has attracted increasing attention for various types of cancer. Multiple mitochondrial adaptation processes, including mitochondrial dynamics, mitochondrial metabolism, and mitochondrial apoptotic regulatory machinery, have been demonstrated to be potential targets. However, recent increasing insights into mitochondria have revealed the complexity of mitochondrial structure and functions, the elusive functions of mitochondria in tumor biology, and the targeting inaccessibility of mitochondria, which have posed challenges for the clinical application of mitochondrial-based cancer therapeutic strategies. Therefore, discovery of both novel mitochondria-targeting agents and innovative mitochondria-targeting approaches is urgently required. Here, we review the most recent literature to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial stress adaptation and their intricate connection with cancer drug resistance. In addition, an overview of the emerging strategies to target mitochondria for effectively overcoming chemoresistance is highlighted, with an emphasis on drug repositioning and mitochondrial drug delivery approaches, which may accelerate the application of mitochondria-targeting compounds for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, Department of Pharmacology and International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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Potenza RL, Lodeserto P, Orienti I. Fenretinide in Cancer and Neurological Disease: A Two-Face Janus Molecule. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137426. [PMID: 35806431 PMCID: PMC9266536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, several chemotherapeutic drugs have been repositioned in neurological diseases, based on common biological backgrounds and the inverse comorbidity between cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Fenretinide (all-trans-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide, 4-HPR) is a synthetic derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid initially proposed in anticancer therapy for its antitumor effects combined with limited toxicity. Subsequently, fenretinide has been proposed for other diseases, for which it was not intentionally designed for, due to its ability to influence different biological pathways, providing a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Here, we review the most relevant preclinical and clinical findings from fenretinide and discuss its therapeutic role towards cancer and neurological diseases, highlighting the hormetic behavior of this pleiotropic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-49902389
| | - Pietro Lodeserto
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
| | - Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (P.L.); (I.O.)
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12
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Lüke F, Harrer DC, Pantziarka P, Pukrop T, Ghibelli L, Gerner C, Reichle A, Heudobler D. Drug Repurposing by Tumor Tissue Editing. Front Oncol 2022; 12:900985. [PMID: 35814409 PMCID: PMC9270020 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.900985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The combinatory use of drugs for systemic cancer therapy commonly aims at the direct elimination of tumor cells through induction of apoptosis. An alternative approach becomes the focus of attention if biological changes in tumor tissues following combinatory administration of regulatorily active drugs are considered as a therapeutic aim, e.g., differentiation, transdifferentiation induction, reconstitution of immunosurveillance, the use of alternative cell death mechanisms. Editing of the tumor tissue establishes new biological 'hallmarks' as a 'pressure point' to attenuate tumor growth. This may be achieved with repurposed, regulatorily active drug combinations, often simultaneously targeting different cell compartments of the tumor tissue. Moreover, tissue editing is paralleled by decisive functional changes in tumor tissues providing novel patterns of target sites for approved drugs. Thus, agents with poor activity in non-edited tissue may reveal new clinically meaningful outcomes. For tissue editing and targeting edited tissue novel requirements concerning drug selection and administration can be summarized according to available clinical and pre-clinical data. Monoactivity is no pre-requisite, but combinatory bio-regulatory activity. The regulatorily active dose may be far below the maximum tolerable dose, and besides inhibitory active drugs stimulatory drug activities may be integrated. Metronomic scheduling often seems to be of advantage. Novel preclinical approaches like functional assays testing drug combinations in tumor tissue are needed to select potential drugs for repurposing. The two-step drug repurposing procedure, namely establishing novel functional systems states in tumor tissues and consecutively providing novel target sites for approved drugs, facilitates the systematic identification of drug activities outside the scope of any original clinical drug approvals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lüke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Dennis Christoph Harrer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Pan Pantziarka
- The George Pantziarka TP53 Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Pukrop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lina Ghibelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albrecht Reichle
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Heudobler
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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13
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Puglisi C, Giuffrida R, Borzì G, Illari S, Caronia F, Di Mattia P, Colarossi C, Ferini G, Martorana E, Sette G, Eramo A, Lorico A, Di Grazia A, Forte S. Ex Vivo Irradiation of Lung Cancer Stem Cells Identifies the Lowest Therapeutic Dose Needed for Tumor Growth Arrest and Mass Reduction In Vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:837400. [PMID: 35646627 PMCID: PMC9133629 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.837400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy represents a first-line treatment for many inoperable lung tumors. New technologies offer novel opportunities for the treatment of lung cancer with the administration of higher doses of radiation in smaller volumes. Because both therapeutic and toxic treatment effects are dose-dependent, it is important to identify a minimal dose protocol for each individual patient that maintains efficacy while decreasing toxicity. Cancer stem cells sustain tumor growth, promote metastatic dissemination, and may give rise to secondary resistance. The identification of effective protocols targeting these cells may improve disease-free survival of treated patients. In this work, we evaluated the existence of individual profiles of sensitivity to radiotherapy in patient-derived cancer stem cells (CSCs) using both in vitro and in vivo models. Both CSCs in vitro and mice implanted with CSCs were treated with radiotherapy at different dose intensities and rates. CSC response to different radiation doses greatly varied among patients. In vitro radiation sensitivity of CSCs corresponded to the therapeutic outcome in the corresponding mouse tumor model. On the other side, the dose administration rate did not affect the response. These findings suggest that in vitro evaluation of CSCs may potentially predict patients’ response, thus guiding clinical decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Puglisi
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppina Borzì
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Paolo Caronia
- Unit of Thoracic Surgery, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale ad Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Civico, Palermo, Italy
| | - Paolo Di Mattia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Cristina Colarossi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Gianluca Ferini
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Sette
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriana Eramo
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurelio Lorico
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
- Department of Basic Sciences, Touro University Nevada College of Medicine, Henderson, NV, United States
| | - Alfio Di Grazia
- Operative Unit of Radiotherapy, Rem Radioterapia, Viagrande, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Genomics and Experimental oncology unit, IOM Ricerca, Viagrande, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefano Forte,
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14
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Hou Y, Jin J, Duan H, Liu C, Chen L, Huang W, Gao Z, Jin M. Targeted therapeutic effects of oral inulin-modified double-layered nanoparticles containing chemotherapeutics on orthotopic colon cancer. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Companioni O, Mir C, Garcia-Mayea Y, LLeonart ME. Targeting Sphingolipids for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:745092. [PMID: 34737957 PMCID: PMC8560795 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.745092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are an extensive class of lipids with different functions in the cell, ranging from proliferation to cell death. Sphingolipids are modified in multiple cancers and are responsible for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis. Several inhibitors or activators of sphingolipid signaling, such as fenretinide, safingol, ABC294640, ceramide nanoliposomes (CNLs), SKI-II, α-galactosylceramide, fingolimod, and sonepcizumab, have been described. The objective of this review was to analyze the results from preclinical and clinical trials of these drugs for the treatment of cancer. Sphingolipid-targeting drugs have been tested alone or in combination with chemotherapy, exhibiting antitumor activity alone and in synergism with chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo. As a consequence of treatments, the most frequent mechanism of cell death is apoptosis, followed by autophagy. Aslthough all these drugs have produced good results in preclinical studies of multiple cancers, the outcomes of clinical trials have not been similar. The most effective drugs are fenretinide and α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). In contrast, minor adverse effects restricted to a few subjects and hepatic toxicity have been observed in clinical trials of ABC294640 and safingol, respectively. In the case of CNLs, SKI-II, fingolimod and sonepcizumab there are some limitations and absence of enough clinical studies to demonstrate a benefit. The effectiveness or lack of a major therapeutic effect of sphingolipid modulation by some drugs as a cancer therapy and other aspects related to their mechanism of action are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osmel Companioni
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Mir
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yoelsis Garcia-Mayea
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Matilde E LLeonart
- Biomedical Research in Cancer Stem Cells Group, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Network Center in Oncology, CIBERONC, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Retinoids Delivery Systems in Cancer: Liposomal Fenretinide for Neuroectodermal-Derived Tumors. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090854. [PMID: 34577553 PMCID: PMC8466194 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoids are a class of natural and synthetic compounds derived from vitamin A. They are involved in several biological processes like embryogenesis, reproduction, vision, growth, inflammation, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. In light of their important functions, retinoids have been widely investigated for their therapeutic applications. Thus far, their use for the treatment of several types of cancer and skin disorders has been reported. However, these therapeutic agents present several limitations for their widespread clinical translatability, i.e., poor solubility and chemical instability in water, sensitivity to light, heat, and oxygen, and low bioavailability. These characteristics result in internalization into target cells and tissues only at low concentration and, consequently, at an unsatisfactory therapeutic dose. Furthermore, the administration of retinoids causes severe side-effects. Thus, in order to improve their pharmacological properties and circulating half-life, while minimizing their off-target uptake, various retinoids delivery systems have been recently developed. This review intends to provide examples of retinoids-loaded nano-delivery systems for cancer treatment. In particular, the use and the therapeutic results obtained by using fenretinide-loaded liposomes against neuroectodermal-derived tumors, such as melanoma, in adults, and neuroblastoma, the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood, will be discussed.
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17
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Orienti I, Armida M, Dobrowolny G, Pepponi R, Sollazzini G, Pezzola A, Casola I, Musarò A, Popoli P, Potenza RL. Fenretinide Beneficial Effects on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-associated SOD1 G93A Mutant Protein Toxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidences. Neuroscience 2021; 473:1-12. [PMID: 34363869 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most frequent motor neuron disease for which effective treatment options are still lacking. ALS occurs in sporadic and familial forms which are clinically indistinguishable; about 20% of familial ALS cases are linked to mutations of the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene. Fenretinide (FEN), a cancer chemopreventive and antiproliferative agent currently used in several clinical trials, is a multi-target drug which also exhibits redox regulation activities. We analyzed the effects of FEN on mutant SOD1 (mSOD1) toxicity in motoneuronal (NSC34) and a muscle (C2C12) cell lines and evaluated the impacts of chronic administration of a new nanomicellar fenretinide formulation (NanoMFen) on ALS disease progression in the SOD1G93A mouse model. The results showed that FEN significantly prevents the toxicity of mSOD1 expression in NSC34 motor neuron; furthermore, FEN is able to partially overcome the toxic effect of mSOD1 on the myogenic program of C2C12 muscle cells. Administration of NanoMFen ameliorates the disease progression and increases median survival of mSOD1G93A ALS mice, even when given after disease onset; beneficial effects in ALS mice, however, is restricted to female sex. Our data support the therapeutic potential of FEN against ALS-associated SOD1G93A mutant protein toxicity and promote further studies to elucidate specific cellular targets of the drug in ALS. Furthermore, the sex-related efficacy of NanoMFen in mSOD1G93A ALS mice strengthens the importance, in the perspective of a precision medicine approach, of gender pharmacology in ALS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica Armida
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Dobrowolny
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Pepponi
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Sollazzini
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Pezzola
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Casola
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Musarò
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Popoli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Luisa Potenza
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Tratnjek L, Jeruc J, Romih R, Zupančič D. Vitamin A and Retinoids in Bladder Cancer Chemoprevention and Treatment: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, Challenges and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:3510. [PMID: 33805295 PMCID: PMC8036787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most common cancer worldwide with a high recurrence rate, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, chemoprevention and improved treatment of BC are of paramount importance. Epidemiological studies suggest that adequate vitamin A intake may be associated with reduced BC risk. In addition, retinoids, natural and synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, are intensively studied in cancer research due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to regulate cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. Findings from in vivo and in vitro models of BC show great potential for the use of retinoids in the chemoprevention and treatment of BC. However, translation to the clinical practice is limited. In this narrative review we discuss: (i) vitamin A and retinoid metabolism and retinoic acid signalling, (ii) the pathobiology of BC and the need for chemoprevention, (iii) the epidemiological evidence for the role of dietary vitamin A in BC, (iv) mechanistic insights obtained from in vivo and in vitro models, (v) clinical trials of retinoids and the limitations of retinoid use, (vi) novel systems of retinoid delivery, and (vii) components of retinoid signalling pathways as potential novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Tratnjek
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.T.); (R.R.)
| | - Jera Jeruc
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Rok Romih
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.T.); (R.R.)
| | - Daša Zupančič
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (L.T.); (R.R.)
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4-Hydroxyphenyl Retinamide Preferentially Targets FLT3 Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia via ROS Induction and NF-κB Inhibition. Curr Med Sci 2020; 40:810-816. [PMID: 33123895 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-020-2259-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation is strongly associated with poor prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Though many FLT3 inhibitors have been developed for clinical application with 34%-56% complete remission rate, patients would develop resistance sooner or later after initial response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gilteritinib. And increasing studies have shown that several resistance related mutations of FLT3 emerged during the AML progression. Thus, further investigation is warranted for these FLT3mut AML patients to achieve a better treatment outcome. 4-Hydroxyphenyl retinamide (4-HPR) has been investigated extensively in animal models and clinical trials as an anticancer/chemopreventive agent and is currently used for protection against cancer development/recurrence, with minimal side effects. In this study, we performed gene-set enrichment analysis and found that down-regulated genes induced by 4-HPR were associated with FLT3-ITD gene sets. CD34+ AML stem/progenitor cells separated from 32 AML samples were treated with 4-HPR. Correlation analysis showed that AML cells with FLT3-ITD genetic alteration were more sensitive to 4-HPR treatment than those without FLT3-ITD. Next, we treated 22 primary AML cells with 4-HPR and found that 4-HPR was more toxic to AML cells with FLT3-ITD. These results indicated that 4-HPR was preferentially cytotoxic to all FLT3-ITD AML+ cells irrespective of stem/progenitor cells or blast cells. 4-HPR-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and NF-κB inhibition might be the reason of 4-HPR selectivity on FLT3 mutated AML cells.
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20
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Hawkins CC, Ali T, Ramanadham S, Hjelmeland AB. Sphingolipid Metabolism in Glioblastoma and Metastatic Brain Tumors: A Review of Sphingomyelinases and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1357. [PMID: 32977496 PMCID: PMC7598277 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary malignant brain tumor with a dismal prognosis, partially due to our inability to completely remove and kill all GBM cells. Rapid tumor recurrence contributes to a median survival of only 15 months with the current standard of care which includes maximal surgical resection, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ), a blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetrant chemotherapy. Radiation and TMZ cause sphingomyelinases (SMase) to hydrolyze sphingomyelins to generate ceramides, which induce apoptosis. However, cells can evade apoptosis by converting ceramides to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P has been implicated in a wide range of cancers including GBM. Upregulation of S1P has been linked to the proliferation and invasion of GBM and other cancers that display a propensity for brain metastasis. To mediate their biological effects, SMases and S1P modulate signaling via phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD). In addition, both SMase and S1P may alter the integrity of the BBB leading to infiltration of tumor-promoting immune populations. SMase activity has been associated with tumor evasion of the immune system, while S1P creates a gradient for trafficking of innate and adaptive immune cells. This review will explore the role of sphingolipid metabolism and pharmacological interventions in GBM and metastatic brain tumors with a focus on SMase and S1P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyntanna C. Hawkins
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Birmingham at Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.C.H.); (S.R.)
| | - Tomader Ali
- Research Department, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 48338, UAE;
| | - Sasanka Ramanadham
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Birmingham at Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.C.H.); (S.R.)
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center, University of Birmingham at Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Anita B. Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Birmingham at Alabama, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (C.C.H.); (S.R.)
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21
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Orienti I, Farruggia G, Nguyen F, Guan P, Calonghi N, Kolla V, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. Nanomicellar Lenalidomide-Fenretinide Combination Suppresses Tumor Growth in an MYCN Amplified Neuroblastoma Tumor. Int J Nanomedicine 2020; 15:6873-6886. [PMID: 32982239 PMCID: PMC7502401 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s262032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In a previous study, we demonstrated that the combination of fenretinide with lenalidomide, administered by a novel nanomicellar formulation (FLM), provided a strong antitumor effect in a neuroblastoma TrkB-expressing tumor. In this study, we tested the nanomicellar combination in an MYCN amplified neuroblastoma xenograft to assess its efficacy in different tumor genotypes and evaluate the interactions of the nanomicelles with the tumor cells. Experimental Design FLM was administered to mice bearing human NLF xenografts to evaluate its efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FM). Confocal laser-scanning fluorescence microscopy images of the NLF cells treated with FLM and FM allowed us to estimate the nanomicelle ability to transport the encapsulated drugs inside the tumor cells. Flow cytometric analysis of the cells from treated tumors was performed to assess the effect of treatment on GD2 expression and NK cell infiltration. Results FLM and FM decreased the growth of NLF xenografts at comparable extents during the treatment period. Afterwards, FLM induced a progressive tumor regression without regrowth, while FM treatment was followed by regrowth within 15-20 days after the end of treatment. Both FLM and FM were able to penetrate the tumor cells transporting the encapsulated drugs. FLM transported higher amount of fenretinide inside the cells. Also, FLM treatment strongly increased GD2 expression in treated tumors and slightly decreased the NK infiltration compared to FM. Conclusion FLM treatment induced a superior antitumor response than FM in NLF xenografts, presumably due to the combined effects of fenretinide cytotoxicity and lenalidomide antiangiogenic activity. The ability of FLM to penetrate tumor cells, transporting the encapsulated drugs, substantially improved the therapeutic efficiency of this system. Moreover, the enhancement of GD2 expression in FLM treated tumors offers the possibility to further increase the antitumor effect by the use of anti-GD2 CAR-T cells and anti-GD2 antibodies in combination with FLM in multimodal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology and Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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22
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Patruno I, Thompson D, Dall'Angelo S, Windhorst AD, Vugts DJ, Poot AJ, Mody N, Zanda M. Design, Synthesis, Radiosynthesis and Biological Evaluation of Fenretinide Analogues as Anticancer and Metabolic Syndrome-Preventive Agents. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1579-1590. [PMID: 32497314 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fenretinide (4-HPR) is a synthetic derivative of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) characterised by improved therapeutic properties and toxicological profile relative to ATRA. 4-HPR has been mostly investigated as an anti-cancer agent, but recent studies showed its promising therapeutic potential for preventing metabolic syndrome. Several biological targets are involved in 4-HPR's activity, leading to the potential use of this molecule for treating different pathologies. However, although 4-HPR displays quite well-understood multitarget promiscuity with regards to pharmacology, interpreting its precise physiological role remains challenging. In addition, despite promising results in vitro, the clinical efficacy of 4-HPR as a chemotherapeutic agent has not been satisfactory so far. Herein, we describe the preparation of a library of 4-HPR analogues, followed by the biological evaluation of their anti-cancer and anti-obesity/diabetic properties. The click-type analogue 3 b showed good capacity to reduce the amount of lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes during differentiation. Furthermore, it showed an IC50 of 0.53±0.8 μM in cell viability tests on breast cancer cell line MCF-7, together with a good selectivity (SI=121) over noncancerous HEK293 cells. Thus, 3 b was selected as a potential PET tracer to study retinoids in vivo, and the radiosynthesis of [18 F]3b was successfully developed. Unfortunately, the stability of [18 F]3b turned out to be insufficient to pursue imaging studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Patruno
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Dawn Thompson
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Sergio Dall'Angelo
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Albert D Windhorst
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle J Vugts
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex J Poot
- Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nimesh Mody
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Matteo Zanda
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.,C.N.R.-SCITEC, via Mancinelli 7, 20131, Milan, Italy.,Current address: Loughborough University School of Science, Centre for Sensing and Imaging Science Sir David Davies Building, Loughborough, LE11 3TU, UK
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Zhang H, Xu H, Zhang R, Zhao X, Liang M, Wei F. Chemosensitization by 4-hydroxyphenyl retinamide-induced NF-κB inhibition in acute myeloid leukemia cells. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2020; 86:257-266. [PMID: 32696214 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04115-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Inherent and/or acquired multi-drug resistance might be the instigator of treatment failure for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the current study, we aimed to explored the chemosensitizing effect of 4-HPR on AML therapy. METHODS Luciferase reporter assays were used to test the effect of 4-HPR on transcriptional signaling pathways. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblots were used to confirm the role of 4-HPR in NF-κB inhibition, apoptosis, and drug resistance. MTT and flow cytometry assays were applied to test the drug response and chemosensitizing effect of 4-HPR with AML cell lines and primary AML samples. RESULTS 4-HPR suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α- and daunorubin-induced NF-κB activation in AML cell lines. The expression of anti-apoptotic gene, BCL2, was downregulated, while expressions of pro-apoptotic genes, cIAP, XIAP, and BID, were increased after 4-HPR treatment. Immunoblots showed decreased p65-NF-κB, IκBα, and MDR1, but increased cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and BIM. A low concentration of 4-HPR chemosensitized AML cells to daunorubin treatment in vitro. CONCLUSION 4-HPR-induced NF-κB inhibition was the main driver of the chemosensitizing effect observed in AML cell lines and primary AML samples. These results highlight that 4-HPR might be a promising chemosensitizing agent in AML therapy.
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MESH Headings
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/antagonists & inhibitors
- ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B/metabolism
- Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Cell Proliferation
- Daunorubicin/pharmacology
- Drug Synergism
- Fenretinide/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- NF-kappa B/antagonists & inhibitors
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Haoyu Xu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinying Zhao
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Ming Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Fenggui Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Orienti I, Nguyen F, Guan P, Kolla V, Calonghi N, Farruggia G, Chorny M, Brodeur GM. A Novel Nanomicellar Combination of Fenretinide and Lenalidomide Shows Marked Antitumor Activity in a Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:4305-4319. [PMID: 31908416 PMCID: PMC6930389 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s221909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Currently >50% of high-risk neuroblastoma (NB) patients, despite intensive therapy and initial partial or complete response, develop recurrent NB due to the persistence of minimal residual disease (MRD) that is resistant to conventional antitumor drugs. Indeed, their low therapeutic index prevents drug-dose escalation and protracted administration schedules, as would be required for MRD treatment. Thus, more effective and less toxic therapies are urgently needed for the management of MRD. To address this aim, we evaluated a new combination of fenretinide and lenalidomide, both endowed with antitumor activity and low-toxicity profiles. New nanomicelles were prepared as carriers for this combination to maximize bioavailability and accumulation at the tumor site because of the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Experimental design New nanomicelles containing the fenretinide–lenalidomide combination (FLnMs) were prepared by a one-step method, providing high drug encapsulation and micelle dimensions suitable for tumor accumulation. Their administration to mice bearing human NB xenografts allowed us to evaluate their efficacy in comparison with the nanomicelles containing fenretinide alone (FnMs). Results Treatment by FLnMs significantly decreased the tumor growth of NB xenografts. FLnMs were more active than FnMs despite comparable fenretinide concentrations in tumors, and lenalidomide alone did not show cytotoxic activity in vitro against NB cells. The tumor mass at the end of treatment with FLnMs was predominantly necrotic, with a decreased Ki-67 proliferation index. Conclusion FLnMs provided superior antitumor efficacy in NB xenografts compared to FnMs. The enhanced efficacy of the combination was likely due to the antiangiogenic effect of lenalidomide added to the cytotoxic effect of fenretinide. This new nanomicellar combination is characterized by a low-toxicity profile and offers a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of high-risk tumors where the persistence of MRD requires repeated administrations of therapeutic agents over long periods of time to avoid recurrent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Orienti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Ferro Nguyen
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peng Guan
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Venkatadri Kolla
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Farruggia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna 40127, Italy
| | - Michael Chorny
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Garrett M Brodeur
- Divisions of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Breast Cancer Stem Cells as Drivers of Tumor Chemoresistance, Dormancy and Relapse: New Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101569. [PMID: 31619007 PMCID: PMC6826533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat metastatic disease are still inadequate although great progress has been made in treating early-stage breast cancer. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that are endowed with high plasticity and self-renewal properties have been shown to play a key role in breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis. A subpopulation of CSCs that combines tumor-initiating capacity and a dormant/quiescent/slow cycling status is present throughout the clinical history of breast cancer patients. Dormant/quiescent/slow cycling CSCs are a key component of tumor heterogeneity and they are responsible for chemoresistance, tumor migration, and metastatic dormancy, defined as the ability of CSCs to survive in target organs and generate metastasis up to two decades after diagnosis. Understanding the strategies that are used by CSCs to resist conventional and targeted therapies, to interact with their niche, to escape immune surveillance, and finally to awaken from dormancy is of key importance to prevent and treat metastatic cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of mechanisms involved in CSCs chemoresistance, dissemination, and metastasis in breast cancer, with a particular focus on dormant cells. Finally, we discuss how advancements in the detection, molecular understanding, and targeting of dormant CSCs will likely open new therapeutic avenues for breast cancer treatment.
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Oliveira Pinho J, Matias M, Gaspar MM. Emergent Nanotechnological Strategies for Systemic Chemotherapy against Melanoma. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E1455. [PMID: 31614947 PMCID: PMC6836019 DOI: 10.3390/nano9101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, being one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The current treatment options involve surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Although the last approach is the most used, the high toxicity and the lack of efficacy in advanced stages of the disease have demanded the search for novel bioactive molecules and/or efficient drug delivery systems. The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of potential targets for melanoma treatment, such as aquaporin-3 and tyrosinase. In addition, the role of nanotechnology as a valuable strategy to effectively deliver selective drugs is emphasized, either incorporating/encapsulating synthetic molecules or natural-derived compounds in lipid-based nanosystems such as liposomes. Nanoformulated compounds have been explored for their improved anticancer activity against melanoma and promising results have been obtained. Indeed, they displayed improved physicochemical properties and higher accumulation in tumoral tissues, which potentiated the efficacy of the compounds in pre-clinical experiments. Overall, these experiments opened new doors for the discovery and development of more effective drug formulations for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Oliveira Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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