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Torres-Herrero B, Armenia I, Ortiz C, de la Fuente JM, Betancor L, Grazú V. Opportunities for nanomaterials in enzyme therapy. J Control Release 2024; 372:619-647. [PMID: 38909702 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.06.035] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, enzyme therapy strategies have rapidly evolved to catalyze essential biochemical reactions with therapeutic potential. These approaches hold particular promise in addressing rare genetic disorders, cancer treatment, neurodegenerative conditions, wound healing, inflammation management, and infectious disease control, among others. There are several primary reasons for the utilization of enzymes as therapeutics: their substrate specificity, their biological compatibility, and their ability to generate a high number of product molecules per enzyme unit. These features have encouraged their application in enzyme replacement therapy where the enzyme serves as the therapeutic agent to rectify abnormal metabolic and physiological processes, enzyme prodrug therapy where the enzyme initiates a clinical effect by activating prodrugs, and enzyme dynamic or starving therapy where the enzyme acts upon host substrate molecules. Currently, there are >20 commercialized products based on therapeutic enzymes, but approval rates are considerably lower than other biologicals. This has stimulated nanobiotechnology in the last years to develop nanoparticle-based solutions that integrate therapeutic enzymes. This approach aims to enhance stability, prevent rapid clearance, reduce immunogenicity, and even enable spatio-temporal activation of the therapeutic catalyst. This comprehensive review delves into emerging trends in the application of therapeutic enzymes, with a particular emphasis on the synergistic opportunities presented by incorporating enzymes into nanomaterials. Such integration holds the promise of enhancing existing therapies or even paving the way for innovative nanotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Torres-Herrero
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ilaria Armenia
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Cecilia Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Jesús Martinez de la Fuente
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena Betancor
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad ORT Uruguay, Mercedes 1237, 11100 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Valeria Grazú
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC/Universidad de Zaragoza, c/ Edificio I+D, Mariano Esquillor Gómez, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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2
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Sharrock AV, Mumm JS, Williams EM, Čėnas N, Smaill JB, Patterson AV, Ackerley DF, Bagdžiūnas G, Arcus VL. Structural Evaluation of a Nitroreductase Engineered for Improved Activation of the 5-Nitroimidazole PET Probe SN33623. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6593. [PMID: 38928299 PMCID: PMC11203732 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126593] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacterial nitroreductase enzymes capable of activating imaging probes and prodrugs are valuable tools for gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapies and targeted cell ablation models. We recently engineered a nitroreductase (E. coli NfsB F70A/F108Y) for the substantially enhanced reduction of the 5-nitroimidazole PET-capable probe, SN33623, which permits the theranostic imaging of vectors labeled with oxygen-insensitive bacterial nitroreductases. This mutant enzyme also shows improved activation of the DNA-alkylation prodrugs CB1954 and metronidazole. To elucidate the mechanism behind these enhancements, we resolved the crystal structure of the mutant enzyme to 1.98 Å and compared it to the wild-type enzyme. Structural analysis revealed an expanded substrate access channel and new hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, computational modeling of SN33623, CB1954, and metronidazole binding in the active sites of both the mutant and wild-type enzymes revealed key differences in substrate orientations and interactions, with improvements in activity being mirrored by reduced distances between the N5-H of isoalloxazine and the substrate nitro group oxygen in the mutant models. These findings deepen our understanding of nitroreductase substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms and have potential implications for developing more effective theranostic imaging strategies in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail V. Sharrock
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Jeff S. Mumm
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Elsie M. Williams
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Narimantas Čėnas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Jeff B. Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.B.S.); (A.V.P.)
| | - Adam V. Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (J.B.S.); (A.V.P.)
| | - David F. Ackerley
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington 6012, New Zealand; (A.V.S.)
| | - Gintautas Bagdžiūnas
- Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center at Vilnius University, Saulėtekio Av. 7, LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Vickery L. Arcus
- Te Aka Mātuatua School of Science, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand;
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3
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Carrera-Pacheco SE, Mueller A, Puente-Pineda JA, Zúñiga-Miranda J, Guamán LP. Designing cytochrome P450 enzymes for use in cancer gene therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1405466. [PMID: 38860140 PMCID: PMC11164052 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1405466] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a significant global socioeconomic burden, as millions of new cases and deaths occur annually. In 2020, almost 10 million cancer deaths were recorded worldwide. Advancements in cancer gene therapy have revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment. An approach with promising potential for cancer gene therapy is introducing genes to cancer cells that encode for chemotherapy prodrug metabolizing enzymes, such as Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which can contribute to the effective elimination of cancer cells. This can be achieved through gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). CYP enzymes can be genetically engineered to improve anticancer prodrug conversion to its active metabolites and to minimize chemotherapy side effects by reducing the prodrug dosage. Rational design, directed evolution, and phylogenetic methods are some approaches to developing tailored CYP enzymes for cancer therapy. Here, we provide a compilation of genetic modifications performed on CYP enzymes aiming to build highly efficient therapeutic genes capable of bio-activating different chemotherapeutic prodrugs. Additionally, this review summarizes promising preclinical and clinical trials highlighting engineered CYP enzymes' potential in GDEPT. Finally, the challenges, limitations, and future directions of using CYP enzymes for GDEPT in cancer gene therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica (CENBIO), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo, Universidad UTE, Quito, Ecuador
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4
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Khvorost D, Kendall B, Jazirehi AR. Immunotherapy of Hematological Malignancies of Human B-Cell Origin with CD19 CAR T Lymphocytes. Cells 2024; 13:662. [PMID: 38667277 PMCID: PMC11048755 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080662] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are hematological malignancies with high incidence rates that respond relatively well to conventional therapies. However, a major issue is the clinical emergence of patients with relapsed or refractory (r/r) NHL or ALL. In such circumstances, opportunities for complete remission significantly decline and mortality rates increase. The recent FDA approval of multiple cell-based therapies, Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel), Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel), Tecartus (Brexucabtagene autoleucel KTE-X19), and Breyanzi (Lisocabtagene Maraleucel), has provided hope for those with r/r NHL and ALL. These new cell-based immunotherapies use genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, whose success can be attributed to CAR's high specificity in recognizing B-cell-specific CD19 surface markers present on various B-cell malignancies and the subsequent initiation of anti-tumor activity. The efficacy of these treatments has led to promising results in many clinical trials, but relapses and adverse reactions such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity (NT) remain pervasive, leaving areas for improvement in current and subsequent trials. In this review, we highlight the current information on traditional treatments of NHL and ALL, the design and manufacturing of various generations of CAR T-cells, the FDA approval of Kymriah, Yescarta Tecartus, and Breyanzi, and a summary of prominent clinical trials and the notable disadvantages of treatments. We further discuss approaches to potentially enhance CAR T-cell therapy for these malignancies, such as the inclusion of a suicide gene and use of FDA-approved drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Khvorost
- Department of Life Sciences, Los Angeles City College (LACC), 855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA or (B.K.)
| | - Brittany Kendall
- Department of Life Sciences, Los Angeles City College (LACC), 855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA or (B.K.)
| | - Ali R. Jazirehi
- Department of Life Sciences, Los Angeles City College (LACC), 855 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, USA or (B.K.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Social Sciences, California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
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5
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Tatarūnas V, Čiapienė I, Giedraitienė A. Precise Therapy Using the Selective Endogenous Encapsidation for Cellular Delivery Vector System. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:292. [PMID: 38399346 PMCID: PMC10893373 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Interindividual variability in drug response is a major problem in the prescription of pharmacological treatments. The therapeutic effect of drugs can be influenced by human genes. Pharmacogenomic guidelines for individualization of treatment have been validated and used for conventional dosage forms. However, drugs can often target non-specific areas and produce both desired and undesired pharmacological effects. The use of nanoparticles, liposomes, or other available forms for drug formulation could help to overcome the latter problem. Virus-like particles based on retroviruses could be a potential envelope for safe and efficient drug formulations. Human endogenous retroviruses would make it possible to overcome the host immune response and deliver drugs to the desired target. PEG10 is a promising candidate that can bind to mRNA because it is secreted like an enveloped virus-like extracellular vesicle. PEG10 is a retrotransposon-derived gene that has been domesticated. Therefore, formulations with PEG10 may have a lower immunogenicity. The use of existing knowledge can lead to the development of suitable drug formulations for the precise treatment of individual diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vacis Tatarūnas
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.T.); (I.Č.)
| | - Ieva Čiapienė
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania; (V.T.); (I.Č.)
| | - Agnė Giedraitienė
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, LT 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
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6
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Pathak S, Singh V, Kumar N, Jayandharan GR. Inducible caspase 9-mediated suicide gene therapy using AAV6 vectors in a murine model of breast cancer. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 31:101166. [PMID: 38149057 PMCID: PMC10750187 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.101166] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast carcinoma has one of the highest incidence rates (11.7%), with significant clinical heterogeneity. Although conventional chemotherapy and surgical resection are the current standard of care, the resistance and recurrence, after these interventions, necessitate alternate therapeutic approaches. Cancer gene therapy for breast cancer with the suicide gene is an attractive option due to their directed delivery into the tumor. In this study, we have developed a novel treatment strategy against breast cancer with recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotype 6 vectors carrying a suicide gene, inducible Caspase 9 (iCasp9). Upon treatment with AAV6-iCasp9 vectors and the chemical inducer of dimerizer, AP20187, the viability of murine breast cancer cells (4T1) was significantly reduced to ∼40%-60% (mock control 100%). Following intratumoral delivery of AAV6-iCasp9 vectors in an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model, we observed a significant increase in iCasp9 transgene expression and a significant reduction in tumor growth rate. At the molecular level, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated subsequent activation of the effector caspase 3 and cellular death. These data highlight the potential of AAV6-iCasp9-based suicide gene therapy for aggressive breast cancer in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhajit Pathak
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Vijayata Singh
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
| | - Giridhara R. Jayandharan
- Laurus Center for Gene Therapy, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering and Mehta Family Center for Engineering in Medicine and Gangwal School of Medical Sciences and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh 208016, India
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7
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Preitakaitė V, Barasa P, Aučynaitė A, Plakys G, Koplūnaitė M, Zubavičiūtė S, Meškys R. Bacterial amidohydrolases and modified 5-fluorocytidine compounds: Novel enzyme-prodrug pairs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294696. [PMID: 38032917 PMCID: PMC10688628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294696] [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] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is an emerging strategy for cancer treatment based on the delivery of a gene that encodes an enzyme that is able to convert a prodrug into a potent cytotoxin exclusively in target cancer cells. However, it is limited by the lack of suitable enzyme variants and a scarce choice of chemical bonds that could be activated. Therefore, this study is aimed to determine the capability of bacterial amidohydrolases YqfB and D8_RL to activate novel prodrugs and the effect such system has on the viability of eukaryotic cancer cells. We have established cancer cell lines that stably express the bacterial amidohydrolase genes and selected several N4-acylated cytidine derivatives as potential prodrugs. A significant decrease in the viability of HCT116 human colon cancer cell lines expressing either the YqfB or the D8_RL was observed after exposure to the novel prodrugs. The data we acquired suggests that bacterial YqfB and D8_RL amidohydrolases, together with the modified cytidine-based prodrugs, may serve as a promising enzyme-prodrug system for gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktorija Preitakaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Barasa
- Department of Biological Models, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Agota Aučynaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Gediminas Plakys
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Martyna Koplūnaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Simona Zubavičiūtė
- Department of Biological Models, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rolandas Meškys
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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8
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Michailidou F. Engineering of Therapeutic and Detoxifying Enzymes. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202308814. [PMID: 37433049 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic enzymes present excellent opportunities for the treatment of human disease, modulation of metabolic pathways and system detoxification. However, current use of enzyme therapy in the clinic is limited as naturally occurring enzymes are seldom optimal for such applications and require substantial improvement by protein engineering. Engineering strategies such as design and directed evolution that have been successfully implemented for industrial biocatalysis can significantly advance the field of therapeutic enzymes, leading to biocatalysts with new-to-nature therapeutic activities, high selectivity, and suitability for medical applications. This minireview highlights case studies of how state-of-the-art and emerging methods in protein engineering are explored for the generation of therapeutic enzymes and discusses gaps and future opportunities in the field of enzyme therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freideriki Michailidou
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 9, 8092, Zürich, Switzerland
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9
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Darrah K, Albright S, Kumbhare R, Tsang M, Chen JK, Deiters A. Antisense Oligonucleotide Activation via Enzymatic Antibiotic Resistance Mechanism. ACS Chem Biol 2023; 18:2176-2182. [PMID: 37326511 PMCID: PMC10592181 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00027] [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] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The structure and mechanism of the bacterial enzyme β-lactamase have been well-studied due to its clinical role in antibiotic resistance. β-Lactamase is known to hydrolyze the β-lactam ring of the cephalosporin scaffold, allowing a spontaneous self-immolation to occur. Previously, cephalosporin-based sensors have been developed to evaluate β-lactamase expression in both mammalian cells and zebrafish embryos. Here, we present a circular caged morpholino oligonucleotide (cMO) activated by β-lactamase-mediated cleavage of a cephalosporin motif capable of silencing the expression of T-box transcription factor Ta (tbxta), also referred to as no tail a (ntla), eliciting a distinct, observable phenotype. We explore the use of β-lactamase to elicit a biological response in aquatic embryos for the first time and expand the utility of cephalosporin as a cleavable linker beyond targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The addition of β-lactamase to the current suite of enzymatic triggers presents unique opportunities for robust, orthogonal control over endogenous gene expression in a spatially resolved manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie
E. Darrah
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Savannah Albright
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Rohan Kumbhare
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Michael Tsang
- Department
of Developmental Biology, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - James K. Chen
- Department
of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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10
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Moradbeygi F, Ghasemi Y, Farmani AR, Hemmati S. Glucarpidase (carboxypeptidase G2): Biotechnological production, clinical application as a methotrexate antidote, and placement in targeted cancer therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115292. [PMID: 37579696 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115292] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) for malignancies are exposed to diverse complications, including nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, mucositis, myelotoxicity, neurological symptoms, and death. Glucarpidase is a recombinant carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2) that converts MTX into nontoxic metabolites. In this study, the role of vector type, gene optimization, orientation, and host on the expression of CPG2 is investigated. The effectiveness of various therapeutic regimens containing glucarpidase is classified and perspectives on the dose adjustment based on precision medicine are provided. Conjugation with cell-penetrating peptides, human serum albumin, and polymers such as PEG and dextran for delivery, higher stability, and production of the biobetter variants of CPG2 is highlighted. Conjugation of CPG2 to F(ab՜)2 or scFv antibody fragments against tumor-specific antigens and the corresponding prodrugs for tumor-targeted drug delivery using the antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) is communicated. Trials to reduce the off-target effects and the possibility of repeated ADEPT cycles by adding pro-domains sensitive to tumor-overexpressed proteases, antiCPG2 antibodies, CPG2 mutants with immune-system-unrecognizable epitopes, and protective polymers are reported. Intracellular cpg2 gene expression by gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) and the concerns regarding the safety and transfection efficacy of the GDEPT vectors are described. A novel bifunctional platform using engineered CAR-T cell micropharmacies, known as Synthetic Enzyme-Armed KillER (SEAKER) cells, expressing CPG2 to activate prodrugs at the tumor niche is introduced. Taken together, integrated data in this review and recruiting combinatorial strategies in novel drug delivery systems define the future directions of ADEPT, GDEPT, and SEAKER cell therapy and the placement of CPG2 therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Moradbeygi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Farmani
- Tissue Engineering Department, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shiva Hemmati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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11
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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Expression of GFP and DsRed fluorescent proteins after gene electrotransfer of tumour cells in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108490. [PMID: 37356264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108490] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter genes are widely used to study the transfection of various types of primary cells and cell lines. The aim of our research was to investigate the expression dynamics of GFP and DsRed reporter genes individually and combined after gene electrotransfer of plasmids with two different electroporation protocols in B16F10 and CT26 cells in vitro. The cytotoxicity after gene electrotransfer of both plasmids was first determined. Second, the intensity of fluorescence and the percentage of cells transfected with both plasmids individually and in combination were monitored in real time. The results show that the percentage of viability after gene electrotransfer of plasmids using the EP2 pulses was significantly higher compared to the EP1 pulses. In contrast, the percentage of transfected cells and fluorescence intensity were higher after gene electrotransfer with the EP1 pulse protocol. Moreover, the percentage of transfected cells was higher and started earlier in the B16F10 cell line than in the CT26 cell line. However, fluorescence intensity was higher in CT26 cells. Co-expression of fluorescent proteins was achieved only in a small number of cells. In conclusion, this study elucidated some of the dynamics of reporter gene expression in cancer cell lines after gene electrotransfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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12
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Guo W, Li X, Fan J, Li H, Wen Y, Meng C, Chen H, Zhao Z, Zhang Y, Du Y, Wu B. Structural characterization of an isocytosine-specific deaminase VCZ reveals its application potential in the anti-cancer therapy. iScience 2023; 26:107672. [PMID: 37680460 PMCID: PMC10481359 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107672] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-natural nucleobase isocytosine (IC) is the isomer of cytosine; its chemical derivate 5-fluoroisocytosine (5-FIC) together with the isocytosine-specific deaminase (ICD) VCZ was suggested to be potential practical enzyme/prodrug pair for cancer therapy through gene-directed enzyme-prodrug therapy (GDEPT) method. In this study, we have determined the crystal structures of apo-VCZ and its complex with 5-FU. We identified the critical residues for substrate binding and catalytic reaction. We also captured the substrate-induced conformational changes of VCZ, then proposed the conjectural reaction procedures of VCZ for converting the IC into the uracil. Moreover, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of wildtype or the mutated VCZ protein in the colorectal cancer cell lines. Our studies will shed light on optimizing the ICD/5-FIC pairs by modifying either the enzyme or the prodrug based on the structural observations, thereby improving the possibility of applying the ICD/5-FIC pair in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xiaojia Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jingyu Fan
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yan Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Chunyan Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhao
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 318000, China
| | - Yuling Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Mechanism and Translation in Major Cardiovascular Disease, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yushen Du
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Baixing Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
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13
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Huang H, Qian M, Liu Y, Chen S, Li H, Han Z, Han ZC, Chen XM, Zhao Q, Li Z. Genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells as a nitric oxide reservoir for acute kidney injury therapy. eLife 2023; 12:e84820. [PMID: 37695201 PMCID: PMC10541176 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84820] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), as a gaseous therapeutic agent, shows great potential for the treatment of many kinds of diseases. Although various NO delivery systems have emerged, the immunogenicity and long-term toxicity of artificial carriers hinder the potential clinical translation of these gas therapeutics. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with the capacities of self-renewal, differentiation, and low immunogenicity, have been used as living carriers. However, MSCs as gaseous signaling molecule (GSM) carriers have not been reported. In this study, human MSCs were genetically modified to produce mutant β-galactosidase (β-GALH363A). Furthermore, a new NO prodrug, 6-methyl-galactose-benzyl-oxy NONOate (MGP), was designed. MGP can enter cells and selectively trigger NO release from genetically engineered MSCs (eMSCs) in the presence of β-GALH363A. Moreover, our results revealed that eMSCs can release NO when MGP is systemically administered in a mouse model of acute kidney injury (AKI), which can achieve NO release in a precise spatiotemporal manner and augment the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs. This eMSC and NO prodrug system provides a unique and tunable platform for GSM delivery and holds promise for regenerative therapy by enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyan Huang
- Nankai University School of MedicineTianjinChina
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, the College of Life SciencesTianjinChina
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Meng Qian
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, the College of Life SciencesTianjinChina
| | - Yue Liu
- Nankai University School of MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shang Chen
- Nankai University School of MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Huifang Li
- Nankai University School of MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Zhibo Han
- Jiangxi Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell, ShangraoJiangxiChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Engineering Technologies for Cell Pharmaceutical, National Engineering Research Center of Cell Products, AmCellGene Co., LtdTianjinChina
| | - Zhong-Chao Han
- Jiangxi Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell, ShangraoJiangxiChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Engineering Technologies for Cell Pharmaceutical, National Engineering Research Center of Cell Products, AmCellGene Co., LtdTianjinChina
- Beijing Engineering Laboratory of Perinatal Stem Cells, Beijing Institute of Health and Stem Cells, Health & Biotech CoBeijingChina
| | - Xiang-Mei Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Qiang Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, the College of Life SciencesTianjinChina
| | - Zongjin Li
- Nankai University School of MedicineTianjinChina
- The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, the College of Life SciencesTianjinChina
- National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Human Development and Reproductive Regulation, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology Obstetrics, Nankai University Affiliated Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina
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14
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Choi Y, Lee HK, Ahn D, Nam MW, Go RE, Choi KC. Genetically engineered neural stem cells expressing cytosine deaminase and interferon-beta enhanced T cell-mediated antitumor immunity against gastric cancer in a humanized mouse model. Life Sci 2023; 328:121866. [PMID: 37331506 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gastric cancer (GC) is an invasive, fatal disease with a poor prognosis. Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy via genetically engineered neural stem cells (GENSTECs) has been widely studied in various malignancies, such as breast, ovarian, and renal cancer. In this study, the human neural stem cells expressing cytosine deaminase and interferon beta (HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β) cells were applied to convert non-toxic 5-fluorocytosine to cytotoxic 5-fluorouracil and secrete IFN-β. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAKs) were generated by stimulating human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by interleukin-2, and we evaluated the cytotoxic activity and migratory ability of LAKs co-cultured with GNESTECs or their conditioned media in vitro. A GC-bearing human immune system (HIS) mouse model was generated by transplanting human PBMCs followed by subcutaneous engraftment of MKN45 cells in NSG-B2m mice to evaluate the involvement of T cell-mediated anti-cancer immune activity of GENSTECs. KEY FINDINGS In vitro studies showed the presence of HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells facilitated the migration ability of LAKs to MKN45 cells and activated their cytotoxic potential. In MKN45-xenografted HIS mice, treatment with HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells resulted in increased cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration throughout the tumor, including the central area. Moreover, the group treated to HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β showed increased granzyme B expression in the tumor, eventually enhancing the tumor-killing potential of CTLs and significantly delaying tumor growth. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that the HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells exert anti-cancer effects on GC by facilitating the T cell-mediated immune response, and GENSTECs are a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngdong Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohee Ahn
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Woo Nam
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ryeo-Eun Go
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Biopolymeric Prodrug Systems as Potential Antineoplastic Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091773. [PMID: 36145522 PMCID: PMC9505808 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, cancer represents a major public health issue, a substantial economic issue, and a burden for society. Limited by numerous disadvantages, conventional chemotherapy is being replaced by new strategies targeting tumor cells. In this context, therapies based on biopolymer prodrug systems represent a promising alternative for improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacologic properties of drugs and reducing their toxicity. The polymer-directed enzyme prodrug therapy is based on tumor cell targeting and release of the drug using polymer–drug and polymer–enzyme conjugates. In addition, current trends are oriented towards natural sources. They are biocompatible, biodegradable, and represent a valuable and renewable source. Therefore, numerous antitumor molecules have been conjugated with natural polymers. The present manuscript highlights the latest research focused on polymer–drug conjugates containing natural polymers such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, dextran, pullulan, silk fibroin, heparin, and polysaccharides from Auricularia auricula.
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16
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Liu J, Hong S, Yang J, Zhang X, Wang Y, Wang H, Peng J, Hong L. Targeting purine metabolism in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2022; 15:93. [PMID: 35964092 PMCID: PMC9375293 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-022-01022-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Purine, an abundant substrate in organisms, is a critical raw material for cell proliferation and an important factor for immune regulation. The purine de novo pathway and salvage pathway are tightly regulated by multiple enzymes, and dysfunction in these enzymes leads to excessive cell proliferation and immune imbalance that result in tumor progression. Maintaining the homeostasis of purine pools is an effective way to control cell growth and tumor evolution, and exploiting purine metabolism to suppress tumors suggests interesting directions for future research. In this review, we describe the process of purine metabolism and summarize the role and potential therapeutic effects of the major purine-metabolizing enzymes in ovarian cancer, including CD39, CD73, adenosine deaminase, adenylate kinase, hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, dihydrofolate reductase and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Purinergic signaling is also described. We then provide an overview of the application of purine antimetabolites, comprising 6-thioguanine, 6-mercaptopurine, methotrexate, fludarabine and clopidogrel. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future opportunities for targeting purine metabolism in the treatment-relevant cellular mechanisms of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingchun Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shasha Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiaxin Peng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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17
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Li Y, Deng G, Hu X, Li C, Wang X, Zhu Q, Zheng K, Xiong W, Wu H. Recent advances in mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based targeted drug-delivery systems for cancer therapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1253-1279. [PMID: 36250937 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted drug-delivery systems are a growing research topic in tumor treatment. In recent years, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been extensively studied and applied in noninvasive and biocompatible drug-delivery systems for tumor therapy due to their outstanding advantages, which include high surface area, large pore volume, tunable pore size, easy surface modification and stable framework. The advances in the application of MSNs for anticancer drug targeting are covered and highlighted in this review, and the challenges and prospects of MSN-based targeted drug-delivery systems are discussed. This review provides new insights for researchers interested in targeted drug-delivery systems against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoxing Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China.,School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianlong Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinchang Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiqiang Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People's Republic of China
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18
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Sadeghi S, Masurkar ND, Vallerinteavide Mavelli G, Deshpande S, Kok Yong Tan W, Yee S, Kang SA, Lim YP, Kai-Hua Chow E, Drum CL. Bioorthogonal Catalysis for Treatment of Solid Tumors Using Thermostable, Self-Assembling, Single Enzyme Nanoparticles and Natural Product Conversion with Indole-3-acetic Acid. ACS NANO 2022; 16:10292-10301. [PMID: 35653306 PMCID: PMC9333347 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bioorthogonal catalysis (BC) generates chemical reactions not present in normal physiology for the purpose of disease treatment. Because BC catalytically produces the desired therapy only at the site of disease, it holds the promise of site-specific treatment with little or no systemic exposure or side effects. Transition metals are typically used as catalytic centers in BC; however, solubility and substrate specificity typically necessitate a coordinating enzyme and/or stabilizing superstructure for in vivo application. We report the use of self-assembling, porous exoshells (tESs) to encapsulate and deliver an iron-containing reaction center for the treatment of breast cancer. The catalytic center is paired with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), a natural product found in edible plants, which undergoes oxidative decarboxylation, via reduction of iron(III) to iron(II), to produce free radicals and bioactive metabolites. The tES encapsulation is critical for endocytic uptake of BC reaction centers and, when followed by administration of IAA, results in apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 triple negative cancer cells and complete regression of in vivo orthotopic xenograft tumors (p < 0.001, n = 8 per group). When Renilla luciferase (rLuc) is substituted for horseradish peroxidase (HRP), whole animal luminometry can be used to monitor in vivo activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Sadeghi
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Genome
Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for
Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Nihar D. Masurkar
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Girish Vallerinteavide Mavelli
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Siddharth Deshpande
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- NUS
Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Warren Kok Yong Tan
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- NUS
Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Sherman Yee
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Shin-Ae Kang
- Department
of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Yoon-Pin Lim
- Department
of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Edward Kai-Hua Chow
- Cancer Science
Institute of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Department
of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chester L. Drum
- Cardiovascular
Research Institute, Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of
Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road,
NUHS Tower Block,
Level 9, NUHCS, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Department
of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 117596, Singapore
- Department
of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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19
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Singleton DC, Mowday AM, Guise CP, Syddall SP, Bai SY, Li D, Ashoorzadeh A, Smaill JB, Wilson WR, Patterson AV. Bioreductive prodrug PR-104 improves the tumour distribution and titre of the nitroreductase-armed oncolytic adenovirus ONYX-411 NTR leading to therapeutic benefit. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1021-1032. [PMID: 34837065 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00409-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the field of cancer immunotherapy have stimulated renewed interest in adenoviruses as oncolytic agents. Clinical experience has shown that oncolytic adenoviruses are safe and well tolerated but possess modest single-agent activity. One approach to improve the potency of oncolytic viruses is to utilise their tumour selectivity to deliver genes encoding prodrug-activating enzymes. These enzymes can convert prodrugs into cytotoxic species within the tumour; however, these cytotoxins can interfere with viral replication and limit utility. In this work, we evaluated the activity of a nitroreductase (NTR)-armed oncolytic adenovirus ONYX-411NTR in combination with the clinically tested bioreductive prodrug PR-104. Both NTR-expressing cells in vitro and xenografts containing a minor population of NTR-expressing cells were highly sensitive to PR-104. Pharmacologically relevant prodrug exposures did not interfere with ONYX-411NTR replication in vitro. In vivo, prodrug administration increased virus titre and improved virus distribution within tumour xenografts. Colonisation of tumours with high ONYX-411NTR titre resulted in NTR expression and prodrug activation. The combination of ONYX-411NTR with PR-104 was efficacious against HCT116 xenografts, whilst neither prodrug nor virus were active as single agents. This work highlights the potential for future clinical development of NTR-armed oncolytic viruses in combination with bioreductive prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean C Singleton
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Alexandra M Mowday
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Chris P Guise
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sophie P Syddall
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sally Y Bai
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Dan Li
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amir Ashoorzadeh
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jeff B Smaill
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William R Wilson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adam V Patterson
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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20
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Mesenchymal stem cells: A living carrier for active tumor-targeted delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114300. [PMID: 35447165 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The strategy of using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a living carrier for active delivery of therapeutic agents targeting tumor sites has been attempted in a wide range of studies to validate the feasibility and efficacy for tumor treatment. This approach reveals powerful tumor targeting and tumor penetration. In addition, MSCs have been confirmed to actively participate in immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment. Thus, MSCs are not inert delivery vehicles but have a strong impact on the fate of tumor cells. In this review, these active properties of MSCs are addressed to highlight the advantages and challenges of using MSCs for tumor-targeted delivery. In addition, some of the latest examples of using MSCs to carry a variety of anti-tumor agents for tumor-targeted therapy are summarized. Recent technologies to improve the performance and safety of this delivery strategy will be introduced. The advances, applications, and challenges summarized in this review will provide a general understanding of this promising strategy for actively delivering drugs to tumor tissues.
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21
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Miguel Cejalvo J, Falato C, Villanueva L, Tolosa P, González X, Pascal M, Canes J, Gavilá J, Manso L, Pascual T, Prat A, Salvador F. Oncolytic Viruses: a new immunotherapeutic approach for breast cancer treatment? Cancer Treat Rev 2022; 106:102392. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2022.102392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Hossain MS, Karuniawati H, Jairoun AA, Urbi Z, Ooi DJ, John A, Lim YC, Kibria KMK, Mohiuddin AM, Ming LC, Goh KW, Hadi MA. Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Carcinogenesis, Global Epidemiology, Current Challenges, Risk Factors, Preventive and Treatment Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071732. [PMID: 35406504 PMCID: PMC8996939 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer. Global incidence and mortality are likely to be increased in the coming decades. Although the deaths associated with CRC are very high in high-income countries, the incidence and fatalities related to CRC are growing in developing countries too. CRC detected early is entirely curable by surgery and subsequent medications. However, the recurrence rate is high, and cancer drug resistance increases the treatment failure rate. Access to early diagnosis and treatment of CRC for survival is somewhat possible in developed countries. However, these facilities are rarely available in developing countries. Highlighting the current status of CRC, its development, risk factors, and management is crucial in creating public awareness. Therefore, in this review, we have comprehensively discussed the current global epidemiology, drug resistance, challenges, risk factors, and preventive and treatment strategies of CRC. Additionally, there is a brief discussion on the CRC development pathways and recommendations for preventing and treating CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Sanower Hossain
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia
- Faculty of Science, Sristy College of Tangail, Tangail 1900, Bangladesh
- Correspondence: (M.S.H.); (L.C.M.); Tel.: +60-1169609649 (M.S.H.); +673-246-0922 (ext. 2202) (L.C.M.)
| | - Hidayah Karuniawati
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; (H.K.); (A.A.J.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Surakarta 57102, Indonesia
| | - Ammar Abdulrahman Jairoun
- Discipline of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; (H.K.); (A.A.J.)
- Health and Safety Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai 67, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zannat Urbi
- Department of Industrial Biotechnology, Faculty of Industrial Sciences & Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Kuantan 26300, Pahang, Malaysia;
| | - Der Jiun Ooi
- Department of Oral Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Jenjarom 42610, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Akbar John
- Institute of Oceanography and Maritime Studies (INOCEM), Kulliyyah of Science, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia;
| | - Ya Chee Lim
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei;
| | - K. M. Kaderi Kibria
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh; (K.M.K.K.); (A.K.M.M.)
| | - A.K. M. Mohiuddin
- Department of Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh; (K.M.K.K.); (A.K.M.M.)
| | - Long Chiau Ming
- PAP Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei;
- Correspondence: (M.S.H.); (L.C.M.); Tel.: +60-1169609649 (M.S.H.); +673-246-0922 (ext. 2202) (L.C.M.)
| | - Khang Wen Goh
- Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71800, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia;
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23
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Interrogation of the Structure–Activity Relationship of a Lipophilic Nitroaromatic Prodrug Series Designed for Cancer Gene Therapy Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020185. [PMID: 35215297 PMCID: PMC8877822 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PR-104A is a dual hypoxia/nitroreductase gene therapy prodrug by virtue of its ability to undergo either one- or two-electron reduction to its cytotoxic species. It has been evaluated extensively in pre-clinical GDEPT studies, yet off-target human aldo-keto reductase AKR1C3-mediated activation has limited its use. Re-evaluation of this chemical scaffold has previously identified SN29176 as an improved hypoxia-activated prodrug analogue of PR-104A that is free from AKR1C3 activation. However, optimization of the bystander effect of SN29176 is required for use in a GDEPT setting to compensate for the non-uniform distribution of therapeutic gene transfer that is often observed with current gene therapy vectors. A lipophilic series of eight analogues were synthesized from commercially available 3,4-difluorobenzaldehyde. Calculated octanol-water partition coefficients (LogD7.4) spanned > 2 orders of magnitude. 2D anti-proliferative and 3D multicellular layer assays were performed using isogenic HCT116 cells expressing E. coli NfsA nitroreductase (NfsA_Ec) or AKR1C3 to determine enzyme activity and measure bystander effect. A variation in potency for NfsA_Ec was observed, while all prodrugs appeared AKR1C3-resistant by 2D assay. However, 3D assays indicated that increasing prodrug lipophilicity correlated with increased AKR1C3 activation and NfsA_Ec activity, suggesting that metabolite loss from the cell of origin into media during 2D monolayer assays could mask cytotoxicity. Three prodrugs were identified as bono fide AKR1C3-negative candidates whilst maintaining activity with NfsA_Ec. These were converted to their phosphate ester pre-prodrugs before being taken forward into in vivo therapeutic efficacy studies. Ultimately, 2-(5-(bis(2-bromoethyl)amino)-4-(ethylsulfonyl)-N-methyl-2-nitrobenzamido)ethyl dihydrogen phosphate possessed a significant 156% improvement in median survival in mixed NfsA_Ec/WT tumors compared to untreated controls (p = 0.005), whilst still maintaining hypoxia selectivity comparable to PR-104A.
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24
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Taghbalout A, Jillette N, Cheng AW. TALE.Sense: A Versatile DNA Sensor Platform for Live Mammalian Cells. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:116-124. [PMID: 34931802 PMCID: PMC9202581 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Here we describe TALE.Sense, a versatile platform for sensing DNA sequences in live mammalian cells enabling programmable generation of a customable response that discerns cells containing specified sequence targets. The platform is based on the programmable DNA binding of transcription activator-like effector (TALE) coupled to conditional intein-reconstitution producing a trans-spliced ON-switch for a response circuit. TALE.Sense shows higher efficiency and dynamic range when compared to the reported zinc-finger based DNA-sensor in detecting same DNA sequences. Swapping transcriptional activation modules and introducing SunTag-based amplification loops to TALE.Sense circuits augment detection efficiency of the DNA sensor. The TALE.Sense platform shows versatility when applied to a range of target sites, indicating its suitability for applications to identify live cell variants with anticipated DNA sequences. TALE.Sense could be integrated with other cellular or synthetic circuits by using specified DNA sequences as control-switches, thus expanding the scope in connecting inducible modules for synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Taghbalout
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Albert Cheng or Aziz Taghbalout: or
| | | | - Albert W. Cheng
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA,The Jackson Laboratory Cancer Center, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA,Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA,Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health Science Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Albert Cheng or Aziz Taghbalout: or
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25
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Lou Z, Post A, Rodgers CE, Chamankhah M, Hong J, Ahuja CS, Khazaei M, Fehlings MG. Neural Progenitor Cells Expressing Herpes Simplex Virus-Thymidine Kinase for Ablation Have Differential Chemosensitivity to Brivudine and Ganciclovir. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:638021. [PMID: 34938162 PMCID: PMC8685296 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.638021] [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: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural progenitor cell (NPC) transplants are a promising therapy for treating spinal cord injury (SCI), however, their long-term role after engraftment and the relative contribution to ongoing functional recovery remains a key knowledge gap. Selective human cell ablation techniques, currently being developed to improve the safety of progenitor cell transplant therapies in patients, may also be used as tools to probe the regenerative effects attributable to individual grafted cell populations. The Herpes Simplex Virus Thymidine Kinase (HSV-TK) and ganciclovir (GCV) system has been extensively studied in the context of SCI and broader CNS disease. However, the efficacy of brivudine (BVDU), another HSV-TK prodrug with potentially reduced bystander cytotoxic effects and in vivo toxicity, has yet to be investigated for NPC ablation. In this study, we demonstrate successful generation and in vitro ablation of HSV-TK-expressing human iPSC-derived NPCs with a >80% reduction in survival over controls. We validated an HSV-TK and GCV/BVDU synergistic system with iPSC-NPCs using an efficient gene-transfer method and in vivo ablation in a translationally relevant model of SCI. Our findings demonstrate enhanced ablation efficiency and reduced bystander effects when targeting all rapidly dividing cells with combinatorial GCV and BVDU treatment. However, for use in loss of function studies, BVDU alone is optimal due to reduced nonselective cell ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Lou
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexander Post
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rodgers
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mahmood Chamankhah
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James Hong
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher S Ahuja
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mohamad Khazaei
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael G Fehlings
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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26
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Naseer F, Ahmad T, Kousar K, Anjum S. Advanced Therapeutic Options for Treatment of Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:728054. [PMID: 34899292 PMCID: PMC8660108 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.728054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The initial stage of prostatic adenocarcinoma (PaC) has been treated with surgery and radiation therapy, but the advanced stages need systemic novel treatment. Since 2010, several advanced therapeutic innovations have been introduced in various randomized clinical trials to improve survival and reduce morbidity and mortality. Several of these therapeutics have shown substantial survival assistance globally, even in the advanced stages of metastatic castration-resistant prostatic adenocarcinoma (mCRPC). This article describes advanced PaC therapy regimens including chemotherapeutic options, hormonal therapies (abiraterone, enzalutamide), immunotherapeutic agents, and bone-modifying agents. We discussed various pros and cons of gene therapy approaches including Crispr/Cas9 mediation, oncolytic viruses, suicidal genes, and micro-RNA based antitumor therapy. The mCRPC microenvironment is characterized by elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which ultimately trigger the androgen receptor (AR) and its dependent signaling pathways. The advanced therapeutics target these receptors and inhibit the steroidogenic enzymes that play an important role in increasing testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the body. These advanced therapeutic novelties also target AR-independent oncogenic signaling pathways by focusing on DNA damage repair (DDR) pathways and their mechanisms. Some of these options appear to be very attractive strategies for acute and chronic stages of PaC and mCRPC treatment by overcoming the mechanisms of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Naseer
- Industrial Biotechnology (IBT), Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Basic Medical Sciences, Shifa Tameer e Millat University (STMU), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tahir Ahmad
- Industrial Biotechnology (IBT), Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Kousain Kousar
- Industrial Biotechnology (IBT), Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Anjum
- Department of Biology, University of Hail, Ha'il, Saudi Arabia
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27
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Chis AA, Dobrea CM, Rus LL, Frum A, Morgovan C, Butuca A, Totan M, Juncan AM, Gligor FG, Arseniu AM. Dendrimers as Non-Viral Vectors in Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:5976. [PMID: 34641519 PMCID: PMC8512881 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) has been intensively studied as a promising new strategy of prodrug delivery, with its main advantages being represented by an enhanced efficacy and a reduced off-target toxicity of the active drug. In recent years, numerous therapeutic systems based on GDEPT strategy have entered clinical trials. In order to deliver the desired gene at a specific site of action, this therapeutic approach uses vectors divided in two major categories, viral vectors and non-viral vectors, with the latter being represented by chemical delivery agents. There is considerable interest in the development of non-viral vectors due to their decreased immunogenicity, higher specificity, ease of synthesis and greater flexibility for subsequent modulations. Dendrimers used as delivery vehicles offer many advantages, such as: nanoscale size, precise molecular weight, increased solubility, high load capacity, high bioavailability and low immunogenicity. The aim of the present work was to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advances regarding the use of dendrimers as non-viral carriers in the GDEPT therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Adina Frum
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.A.C.); (C.M.D.); (L.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.T.); (A.M.J.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.A.)
| | - Claudiu Morgovan
- Preclinical Department, Faculty of Medicine, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, 550169 Sibiu, Romania; (A.A.C.); (C.M.D.); (L.-L.R.); (A.B.); (M.T.); (A.M.J.); (F.G.G.); (A.M.A.)
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28
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Concepts in Oncolytic Adenovirus Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910522. [PMID: 34638863 PMCID: PMC8508870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic adenovirus therapy is gaining importance as a novel treatment option for the management of various cancers. Different concepts of modification within the adenovirus vector have been identified that define the mode of action against and the interaction with the tumour. Adenoviral vectors allow for genetic manipulations that restrict tumour specificity and also the expression of specific transgenes in order to support the anti-tumour effect. Additionally, replication of the virus and reinfection of neighbouring tumour cells amplify the therapeutic effect. Another important aspect in oncolytic adenovirus therapy is the virus induced cell death which is a process that activates the immune system against the tumour. This review describes which elements in adenovirus vectors have been identified for modification not only to utilize oncolytic adenovirus vectors into conditionally replicating adenoviruses (CRAds) that allow replication specifically in tumour cells but also to confer specific characteristics to these viruses. These advances in development resulted in clinical trials that are summarized based on the conceptual design.
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29
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Kolesarova A, Baldovska S, Roychoudhury S. The Multiple Actions of Amygdalin on Cellular Processes with an Emphasis on Female Reproduction. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:881. [PMID: 34577581 PMCID: PMC8468697 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the provenance and properties, metabolism and toxicity, mechanism of action, physiological, and therapeutic roles of amygdalin-a molecule present in the seeds of apricot and other plants-with an emphasis on the action of amygdalin on reproductive processes, particularly in the female. Amygdalin influences physiological processes including female reproduction at various regulatory levels via extra- and intracellular signaling pathways regulating secretory activity, cell viability, steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, while being metabolized in the body, amygdalin releases significant amounts of cyanide, which may lead to acute health hazard in those individuals who may be at risk. Despite some contradictions in the available data about benefits and toxic effects of amygdalin, its potential applicability at low doses may present a promising tool for regulation of various reproductive and other physiological processes including disease management primarily in cancer phytotherapy, animal production, medicine, and biotechnology. However, further research involving carefully designed dose-response studies is required to overcome the possible side effects of amygdalin and assure its safety as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Kolesarova
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Simona Baldovska
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 94976 Nitra, Slovakia;
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30
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Alekseenko I, Kuzmich A, Kondratyeva L, Kondratieva S, Pleshkan V, Sverdlov E. Step-by-Step Immune Activation for Suicide Gene Therapy Reinforcement. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179376. [PMID: 34502287 PMCID: PMC8430744 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene-directed enzyme prodrug gene therapy (GDEPT) theoretically represents a useful method to carry out chemotherapy for cancer with minimal side effects through the formation of a chemotherapeutic agent inside cancer cells. However, despite great efforts, promising preliminary results, and a long period of time (over 25 years) since the first mention of this method, GDEPT has not yet reached the clinic. There is a growing consensus that optimal cancer therapies should generate robust tumor-specific immune responses. The advent of checkpoint immunotherapy has yielded new highly promising avenues of study in cancer therapy. For such therapy, it seems reasonable to use combinations of different immunomodulators alongside traditional methods, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as GDEPT. In this review, we focused on non-viral gene immunotherapy systems combining the intratumoral production of toxins diffused by GDEPT and immunomodulatory molecules. Special attention was paid to the applications and mechanisms of action of the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM–CSF), a cytokine that is widely used but shows contradictory effects. Another method to enhance the formation of stable immune responses in a tumor, the use of danger signals, is also discussed. The process of dying from GDEPT cancer cells initiates danger signaling by releasing damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) that exert immature dendritic cells by increasing antigen uptake, maturation, and antigen presentation to cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. We hypothesized that the combined action of this danger signal and GM–CSF issued from the same dying cancer cell within a limited space would focus on a limited pool of immature dendritic cells, thus acting synergistically and enhancing their maturation and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte attraction potential. We also discuss the problem of enhancing the cancer specificity of the combined GDEPT–GM–CSF–danger signal system by means of artificial cancer specific promoters or a modified delivery system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Alekseenko
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.P.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.K.); (S.K.)
- Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (I.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Alexey Kuzmich
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.P.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Liya Kondratyeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Sofia Kondratieva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Victor Pleshkan
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.P.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (L.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Eugene Sverdlov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (V.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.A.); (E.S.)
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31
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Hacıoğlu N, Güngör T, Tokay E, Gülhan ÜG, Çelik A, Ay M, Köçkar F. Prodrugs for Nitroreductase Based Cancer Therapy‐5: Development of Trinitroaniline Prodrugs/Ssap‐NtrB Combinations for Liver Cancer Using Intracellular and Extracellular Conditions. ChemistrySelect 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.202101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nelin Hacıoğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Faculty of Sciences and Arts Balıkesir University Balıkesir 10145 Turkey
| | - Tuğba Güngör
- Department of Chemistry Faculty of Sciences and Arts Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Çanakkale 17020 Turkey
| | - Esra Tokay
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Faculty of Sciences and Arts Balıkesir University Balıkesir 10145 Turkey
| | - Ünzile Güven Gülhan
- Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science Gebze Technical University Gebze-Kocaeli 41400 Turkey
| | - Ayhan Çelik
- Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science Gebze Technical University Gebze-Kocaeli 41400 Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ay
- Department of Chemistry Faculty of Sciences and Arts Natural Products and Drug Research Laboratory Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Çanakkale 17020 Turkey
| | - Feray Köçkar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetic Faculty of Sciences and Arts Balıkesir University Balıkesir 10145 Turkey
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32
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Ding Y, Wang C, Sun Z, Wu Y, You W, Mao Z, Wang W. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Engineered by Nonviral Vectors: A Powerful Tool in Cancer Gene Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13060913. [PMID: 34205513 PMCID: PMC8235299 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to their "tumor homing" and "immune privilege" characteristics, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been proposed as a novel tool against cancer. MSCs are genetically engineered in vitro and then utilized to deliver tumoricidal agents, including prodrugs and bioactive molecules, to tumors. The genetic modification of MSCs can be achieved by various vectors, and in most cases viral vectors are used; however, viruses may be associated with carcinogenesis and immunogenicity, restricting their clinical translational potential. As such, nonviral vectors have emerged as a potential solution to address these limitations and have gradually attracted increasing attention. In this review, we briefly revisit the current knowledge about MSC-based cancer gene therapy. Then, we summarize the advantages and challenges of nonviral vectors for MSC transfection. Finally, we discuss recent advances in the development of new nonviral vectors, which have provided promising strategies to overcome obstacles in the gene modulation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ding
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Chenyang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhongquan Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Yingsheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Wanlu You
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zhengwei Mao
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- MOE Key Laboratory, Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-15168215834 (Z.M.); +86-0571-87783820 (W.W.)
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China; (Y.D.); (C.W.); (Z.S.); (Y.W.); (W.Y.)
- Key Laboratory, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Research Center, Diagnosis and Treatment Technology for Hepatocellular Carcinoma of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Medicine Innovation Center, Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Clinical Research Center of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310009, China
- Correspondence: (Z.M.); (W.W.); Tel.: +86-15168215834 (Z.M.); +86-0571-87783820 (W.W.)
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Lai WH, Fang CY, Chou MC, Lin MC, Shen CH, Chao CN, Jou YC, Chang D, Wang M. Peptide-guided JC polyomavirus-like particles specifically target bladder cancer cells for gene therapy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11889. [PMID: 34088940 PMCID: PMC8178405 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91328-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The ultimate goal of gene delivery vectors is to establish specific and effective treatments for human diseases. We previously demonstrated that human JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) virus-like particles (VLPs) can package and deliver exogenous DNA into susceptible cells for gene expression. For tissue-specific targeting in this study, JCPyV VLPs were conjugated with a specific peptide for bladder cancer (SPB) that specifically binds to bladder cancer cells. The suicide gene thymidine kinase was packaged and delivered by SPB-conjugated VLPs (VLP-SPBs). Expression of the suicide gene was detected only in human bladder cancer cells and not in lung cancer or neuroblastoma cells susceptible to JCPyV VLP infection in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating the target specificity of VLP-SPBs. The gene transduction efficiency of VLP-SPBs was approximately 100 times greater than that of VLPs without the conjugated peptide. JCPyV VLPs can be specifically guided to target particular cell types when tagged with a ligand molecule that binds to a cell surface marker, thereby improving gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hong Lai
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yao Fang
- Department of Medical Research, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chieh Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan
| | - Mien-Chun Lin
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Huang Shen
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nun Chao
- Department of Pediatrics, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yeong-Chin Jou
- Department of Urology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation, Chiayi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Deching Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, 168, University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi, 621, Taiwan.
| | - Meilin Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University and Clinical Laboratory, Chung-Shan Medical University Hospital, No. 110, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan.
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Zhang X, Yang Y, Kang T, Wang J, Yang G, Yang Y, Lin X, Wang L, Li K, Liu J, Ni JS. NIR-II Absorbing Semiconducting Polymer-Triggered Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Cancer Treatment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2100501. [PMID: 33896106 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202100501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Exploration of facile strategies for precise regulation of target gene expression remains highly challenging in the development of gene therapies. Especially, a stimuli-responsive nanocarrier integrated with ability of noninvasive remote control for treating wide types of cancers is rarely developed. Herein, a NIR-II absorbing semiconducting polymer (PBDTQ) is employed to remotely activate the heat-inducible heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoter under laser irradiation, further realizing regulation of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) for cancer treatment in mild hyperthermia. In this multifunctional nanocomposite, the PBDTQ and double suicide gene plasmid (pSG) based on HSP70 promoter are incorporated into a lipid complex. Upon NIR-II laser excitation, the mild photothermal effect (≈43 °C) generated from PBDTQ can cause the release of pSG and activation of HSP70 promoter, and then upregulate suicide gene expression triggered by the HSP70 promoter which can further convert the nontoxic prodrug into its cytotoxic metabolites. Therefore, this work demonstrates a universal NIR-II laser-triggered GDEPT using semiconducting polymers as the photothermal generator for cancer treatment with minimized collateral damage and nontargeted side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yanqing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE), Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Tianyi Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yuming Yang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE), Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Xiangwei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 58057, China
| | - Lidai Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, 58057, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE), Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (Nanjing Tech), 30 South Puzhu Road, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Jen-Shyang Ni
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Photo-Sensitive Material Advanced Research and Technology Center (Photo-SMART), National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 80778, Taiwan
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Breijyeh Z, Karaman R. Enzyme Models-From Catalysis to Prodrugs. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26113248. [PMID: 34071328 PMCID: PMC8198240 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enzymes are highly specific biological catalysts that accelerate the rate of chemical reactions within the cell. Our knowledge of how enzymes work remains incomplete. Computational methodologies such as molecular mechanics (MM) and quantum mechanical (QM) methods play an important role in elucidating the detailed mechanisms of enzymatic reactions where experimental research measurements are not possible. Theories invoked by a variety of scientists indicate that enzymes work as structural scaffolds that serve to bring together and orient the reactants so that the reaction can proceed with minimum energy. Enzyme models can be utilized for mimicking enzyme catalysis and the development of novel prodrugs. Prodrugs are used to enhance the pharmacokinetics of drugs; classical prodrug approaches focus on alternating the physicochemical properties, while chemical modern approaches are based on the knowledge gained from the chemistry of enzyme models and correlations between experimental and calculated rate values of intramolecular processes (enzyme models). A large number of prodrugs have been designed and developed to improve the effectiveness and pharmacokinetics of commonly used drugs, such as anti-Parkinson (dopamine), antiviral (acyclovir), antimalarial (atovaquone), anticancer (azanucleosides), antifibrinolytic (tranexamic acid), antihyperlipidemia (statins), vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine), antihypertension (atenolol), antibacterial agents (amoxicillin, cephalexin, and cefuroxime axetil), paracetamol, and guaifenesin. This article describes the works done on enzyme models and the computational methods used to understand enzyme catalysis and to help in the development of efficient prodrugs.
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Development of LC-HRMS methods for evaluation of metabolic conversion of 5-fluorocytosine at GDEPT procedure. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2021; 203:114168. [PMID: 34089981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2021.114168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gene-directed enzyme/prodrug therapy represents one of the experimental treatment approaches. The system based on conversion of nontoxic prodrug 5-fluorocytosine to chemotherapeutic 5-fluorouracil by cytosine deaminase or fusion cytosine deaminase::uracil phosphoribosyl transferase belongs to the most frequently used. The detailed analysis of 5-fluorocytosine, 5-fluorouracil and its metabolites enables to understand various responses of tumour cells to treatment as well as mechanisms of resistance. A fast, sensitive and accurate methods based on liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) for the identification and quantification of 5-fluorocytosine, 5-fluorouracil and its major metabolites were developed. Two different hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometers sufficient for study of metabolic pathways were used. The LC-ESI IT-TOF MS method was successfully used for identification of 5-fluorocytosine, 5-fluorouracil and its metabolites in complex biological matrices (mesenchymal stromal cells and tumour cells media) and for confirmation of the metabolic conversion of 5-fluorocytosine even in chemoresistant tumour cells media samples. For quantification, the LC-HESI QExactive MS method was developed and validated. The developed method demonstrated a very good linear range for 5-fluorocytosine from 1 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL and for its major metabolites from 5 ng/mL to 1000 ng/mL. The limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 1.1 to 26 ng/mL and from 3.6 to 87 ng/mL, respectively. Both developed methods confirmed the ability of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy to metabolically convert 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil and its major metabolites in real samples of tumour cell media and mesenchymal stromal cells.
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Candela-Noguera V, Vivo-Llorca G, Díaz de Greñu B, Alfonso M, Aznar E, Orzáez M, Marcos MD, Sancenón F, Martínez-Máñez R. Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy by Dendrimer-Like Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles against Tumor Cells. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11051298. [PMID: 34069171 PMCID: PMC8156333 DOI: 10.3390/nano11051298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We report herein a gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) system using gated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) in an attempt to combine the reduction of side effects characteristic of GDEPT with improved pharmacokinetics promoted by gated MSNs. The system consists of the transfection of cancer cells with a plasmid controlled by the cytomegalovirus promoter, which promotes β-galactosidase (β-gal) expression from the bacterial gene lacZ (CMV-lacZ). Moreover, dendrimer-like mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs) are loaded with the prodrug doxorubicin modified with a galactose unit through a self-immolative group (DOXO-Gal) and modified with a disulfide-containing polyethyleneglycol gatekeeper. Once in tumor cells, the reducing environment induces disulfide bond rupture in the gatekeeper with the subsequent DOXO-Gal delivery, which is enzymatically converted by β-gal into the cytotoxic doxorubicin drug, causing cell death. The combined treatment of the pair enzyme/DMSNs-prodrug are more effective in killing cells than the free prodrug DOXO-Gal alone in cells transfected with β-gal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Candela-Noguera
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Gema Vivo-Llorca
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Borja Díaz de Greñu
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Alfonso
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Elena Aznar
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Universitat Politècnica de València, Avda Fernando Abril Martorell, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Orzáez
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Laboratorio de Péptidos y Proteínas, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Dolores Marcos
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Universitat Politècnica de València, Avda Fernando Abril Martorell, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Félix Sancenón
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Universitat Politècnica de València, Avda Fernando Abril Martorell, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ramón Martínez-Máñez
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain; (V.C.-N.); (G.V.-L.); (B.D.d.G.); (M.A.); (E.A.); (M.D.M.); (F.S.)
- Departamento de Química, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camino de Vera s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta UPV-CIPF de Investigación en Mecanismos de Enfermedades y Nanomedicina, Universitat Politècnica de València y Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, C/ Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012 Valencia, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 46022 Valencia, Spain
- Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Nanomedicina y Sensores, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IISLAFE), Universitat Politècnica de València, Avda Fernando Abril Martorell, 46026 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Chen KJ, Plaunt AJ, Leifer FG, Kang JY, Cipolla D. Recent advances in prodrug-based nanoparticle therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2021; 165:219-243. [PMID: 33979661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2021.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research into prodrug modification of active pharmaceutical ingredients and nanoparticle drug delivery systems has led to unprecedented levels of control over the pharmacological properties of drugs and resulted in the approval of many prodrug or nanoparticle-based therapies. In recent years, the combination of these two strategies into prodrug-based nanoparticle drug delivery systems (PNDDS) has been explored as a way to further advance nanomedicine and identify novel therapies for difficult-to-treat indications. Many of the PNDDS currently in the clinical development pipeline are expected to enter the market in the coming years, making the rapidly evolving field of PNDDS highly relevant to pharmaceutical scientists. This review paper is intended to introduce PNDDS to the novice reader while also updating those working in the field with a comprehensive summary of recent efforts. To that end, first, an overview of FDA-approved prodrugs is provided to familiarize the reader with their advantages over traditional small molecule drugs and to describe the chemistries that can be used to create them. Because this article is part of a themed issue on nanoparticles, only a brief introduction to nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems is provided summarizing their successful application and unfulfilled opportunities. Finally, the review's centerpiece is a detailed discussion of rationally designed PNDDS formulations in development that successfully leverage the strengths of prodrug and nanoparticle approaches to yield highly effective therapeutic options for the treatment of many diseases.
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Ruiz de Garibay G, García de Jalón E, Stigen E, Lund KB, Popa M, Davidson B, Safont MM, Rygh CB, Espedal H, Barrett TM, Haug BE, McCormack E. Repurposing 18F-FMISO as a PET tracer for translational imaging of nitroreductase-based gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:6044-6057. [PMID: 33897898 PMCID: PMC8058731 DOI: 10.7150/thno.55092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitroreductases (NTR) are a family of bacterial enzymes used in gene directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) that selectively activate prodrugs containing aromatic nitro groups to exert cytotoxic effects following gene transduction in tumours. The clinical development of NTR-based GDEPT has, in part, been hampered by the lack of translational imaging modalities to assess gene transduction and drug cytotoxicity, non-invasively. This study presents translational preclinical PET imaging to validate and report NTR activity using the clinically approved radiotracer, 18F-FMISO, as substrate for the NTR enzyme. Methods: The efficacy with which 18F-FMISO could be used to report NfsB NTR activity in vivo was investigated using the MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma xenograft model. For validation, subcutaneous xenografts of cells constitutively expressing NTR were imaged using 18F-FMISO PET/CT and fluorescence imaging with CytoCy5S, a validated fluorescent NTR substrate. Further, examination of the non-invasive functionality of 18F-FMISO PET/CT in reporting NfsB NTR activity in vivo was assessed in metastatic orthotopic NfsB NTR expressing xenografts and metastasis confirmed by bioluminescence imaging. 18F-FMISO biodistribution was acquired ex vivo by an automatic gamma counter measuring radiotracer retention to confirm in vivo results. To assess the functional imaging of NTR-based GDEPT with 18F-FMISO, PET/CT was performed to assess both gene transduction and cytotoxicity effects of prodrug therapy (CB1954) in subcutaneous models. Results:18F-FMISO retention was detected in NTR+ subcutaneous xenografts, displaying significantly higher PET contrast than NTR- xenografts (p < 0.0001). Substantial 18F-FMISO retention was evident in metastases of orthotopic xenografts (p < 0.05). Accordingly, higher 18F-FMISO biodistribution was prevalent ex vivo in NTR+ xenografts. 18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging proved useful for monitoring in vivo NTR transduction and the cytotoxic effect of prodrug therapy. Conclusions:18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging offered significant contrast between NTR+ and NTR- tumours and effective resolution of metastatic progression. Furthermore, 18F-FMISO NfsB NTR PET/CT imaging proved efficient in monitoring the two steps of GDEPT, in vivo NfsB NTR transduction and response to CB1954 prodrug therapy. These results support the repurposing of 18F-FMISO as a readily implementable PET imaging probe to be employed as companion diagnostic test for NTR-based GDEPT systems.
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Advancements in cancer chemotherapy. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2020-0206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Chemotherapy is in most cases a method of systemic treatment of malignant tumors with cytostatic drugs. Although modern methods such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy are used more and more often nowadays, the role of chemotherapy in oncology is still significant. It can be used as an independent treatment method or in combination with other oncological therapies. The action of chemotherapy is closely linked to the cell cycle of the tumor. Advances in technology allow the introduction of different pharmaceutical forms of the same drug. Worse prognosis of metastatic tumors justifies the need to search for new, more effective treatment methods. The main problem of chemotherapy is the occurrence of adverse events. Reducing the frequency and severity of side effects is possible primarily by changing the technique of implementation of chemotherapy administration. These principles are fulfilled by new, increasingly popular therapeutic methods, such as: Perioperative Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC), Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) or transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). The dynamic development of knowledge concerning cytostatic drugs, including targeting the tumor cell with the form of the drug, allows us to assume that in the future this direction will increase the effectiveness and safety of anticancer therapy.
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Sawdon AJ, Zhang J, Peng S, Alyami EM, Peng CA. Polymeric Nanovectors Incorporated with Ganciclovir and HSV- tk Encoding Plasmid for Gene-Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061759. [PMID: 33801024 PMCID: PMC8003905 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the area of gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT), using herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-tk) paired with prodrug ganciclovir (GCV) for cancer treatment has been extensively studied. It is a process involved with two steps whereby the gene (HSV-tk) is first delivered to malignant cells. Afterward, non-toxic GCV is administered to that site and activated to cytotoxic ganciclovir triphosphate by HSV-tk enzyme expressed exogenously. In this study, we presented a one-step approach that both gene and prodrug were delivered at the same time by incorporating them with polymeric micellar nanovectors. GCV was employed as an initiator in the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) to synthesize hydrophobic GCV-poly(caprolactone) (GCV-PCL), which was furthered grafted with hydrophilic chitosan to obtain amphiphilic polymer (GCV-PCL-chitosan) for the fabrication of self-assembled micellar nanoparticles. The synthesized amphiphilic polymer was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Micellar prodrug nanoparticles were analyzed by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, critical micelle concentration, and transmission electron microscopy. Polymeric prodrug micelles with optimal features incorporated with HSV-tk encoding plasmids were cultivated with HT29 colorectal cancer cells and anticancer effectiveness was determined. Our results showed that prodrug GCV and HSV-tk cDNA encoded plasmid incorporated in GCV-PCL-chitosan polymeric nanocarriers could be delivered in a one-step manner to HT-29 cells and triggered high cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia J. Sawdon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA;
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA; (J.Z.); (S.P.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Sarah Peng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA; (J.Z.); (S.P.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Esmael M. Alyami
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA; (J.Z.); (S.P.); (E.M.A.)
| | - Ching-An Peng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA; (J.Z.); (S.P.); (E.M.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-208-885-7461
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42
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Acosta J, Pérez E, Sánchez-Murcia PA, Fillat C, Fernández-Lucas J. Molecular Basis of NDT-Mediated Activation of Nucleoside-Based Prodrugs and Application in Suicide Gene Therapy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010120. [PMID: 33477716 PMCID: PMC7831932 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein we report the first proof for the application of type II 2′-deoxyribosyltransferase from Lactobacillus delbrueckii (LdNDT) in suicide gene therapy for cancer treatment. To this end, we first confirm the hydrolytic ability of LdNDT over the nucleoside-based prodrugs 2′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (dFUrd), 2′-deoxy-2-fluoroadenosine (dFAdo), and 2′-deoxy-6-methylpurine riboside (d6MetPRib). Such activity was significantly increased (up to 30-fold) in the presence of an acceptor nucleobase. To shed light on the strong nucleobase dependence for enzymatic activity, different molecular dynamics simulations were carried out. Finally, as a proof of concept, we tested the LdNDT/dFAdo system in human cervical cancer (HeLa) cells. Interestingly, LdNDT/dFAdo showed a pronounced reduction in cellular viability with inhibitory concentrations in the low micromolar range. These results open up future opportunities for the clinical implementation of nucleoside 2′-deoxyribosyltransferases (NDTs) in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Acosta
- Applied Biotechnology Group, European University of Madrid, c/ Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.); (E.P.)
| | - Elena Pérez
- Applied Biotechnology Group, European University of Madrid, c/ Tajo s/n, Villaviciosa de Odón, 28670 Madrid, Spain; (J.A.); (E.P.)
| | - Pedro A. Sánchez-Murcia
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Otto-Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/III, A-8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Cristina Fillat
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Fernández-Lucas
- Division of Physiological Chemistry, Otto-Loewi Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstraße 6/III, A-8010 Graz, Austria;
- Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Naturales y Exactas, GICNEX, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66 Barranquilla, Colombia
- Correspondence:
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43
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Molecular Imaging of Gene Therapy. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00064-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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44
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Ximenis M, Sampedro A, Martínez-Crespo L, Ramis G, Orvay F, Costa A, Rotger C. Introducing a squaramide-based self-immolative spacer for controlled drug release. Chem Commun (Camb) 2021; 57:2736-2739. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cc07683j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Herein we report the design, synthesis and assessment of the first example of a squaramide-based self-immolative system triggered by an enzymatic reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ximenis
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
| | - Angel Sampedro
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Crespo
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
| | - Guillem Ramis
- Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS)
- Universitat de les Illes Balears, and Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa)
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma
- Spain
| | - Francisca Orvay
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
| | - Antonio Costa
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
| | - Carmen Rotger
- Universitat de les Illes Balears
- Cra. Valldemossa Km 7.5
- Palma de Mallorca 07122
- Spain
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45
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Hartzell EJ, Lieser RM, Sullivan MO, Chen W. Modular Hepatitis B Virus-like Particle Platform for Biosensing and Drug Delivery. ACS NANO 2020; 14:12642-12651. [PMID: 32924431 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b08756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus-like particle (HBV VLP) is an attractive protein nanoparticle platform due to the availability of 240 modification sites for engineering purposes. Although direct protein insertion into the surface loop has been demonstrated, this decoration strategy is restricted by the size of the inserted protein moieties. Meanwhile, larger proteins can be decorated using chemical conjugations; yet these approaches perturb the integrity of more delicate proteins and can unfavorably orient the proteins, impairing active surface display. Herein, we aim to create a robust and highly modular method to produce smart HBV-based nanodevices by using the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system, which allows a wide range of peptides and proteins to be conjugated directly and simply onto the modified HBV capsids in a controlled and biocompatible manner. Our technology allows the modular surface modification of HBV VLPs with multiple components, which provides signal amplification, increased targeting avidity, and high therapeutic payload incorporation. We have achieved a yield of over 200 mg/L for these engineered HBV VLPs and demonstrated the flexibility of this platform in both biosensing and drug delivery applications. The ability to decorate over 200 nanoluciferases per VLP improved detection signal by over 1500-fold, such that low nanomolar levels of thrombin could be detected by the naked eye. Meanwhile, a dimeric prodrug-activating enzyme was loaded without cross-linking particles by coexpressing orthogonally labeled monomers. This along with a epidermal growth factor receptor-binding peptide enabled tunable uptake of HBV VLPs into inflammatory breast cancer cells, leading to efficient suicide enzyme delivery and cell killing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Hartzell
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Rachel M Lieser
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Millicent O Sullivan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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46
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Gaynor AS, Chen W. Conditional Protein Rescue by Binding-Induced Protective Shielding. ACS Synth Biol 2020; 9:2639-2647. [PMID: 33025786 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.0c00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic protein-level circuits offer an extra layer of cellular control on top of conventional gene-level circuits. Here, we describe a technology that allows conditional protein rescue (CPR) from proteasomal degradation using different protein inputs as masking agents. A target protein is fused to a degron tag and an affinity sensor domain. The use of nanobodies as the sensor domain offers a generalizable strategy to execute a wide range of protein-level circuits with ease. The utility of this new strategy was successfully demonstrated to distinguish cancer cells out of a healthy population using the HPV-specific E7 protein as a cellular marker. Because CPR can be programmed to execute more complex Boolean logic designs using cell-specific proteomes, this platform offers a highly modular and scalable framework for a wide range of applications based on synthetic protein circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Gaynor
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Wilfred Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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47
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Sawant SS, Patil SM, Gupta V, Kunda NK. Microbes as Medicines: Harnessing the Power of Bacteria in Advancing Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207575. [PMID: 33066447 PMCID: PMC7589870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional anti-cancer therapy involves the use of chemical chemotherapeutics and radiation and are often non-specific in action. The development of drug resistance and the inability of the drug to penetrate the tumor cells has been a major pitfall in current treatment. This has led to the investigation of alternative anti-tumor therapeutics possessing greater specificity and efficacy. There is a significant interest in exploring the use of microbes as potential anti-cancer medicines. The inherent tropism of the bacteria for hypoxic tumor environment and its ability to be genetically engineered as a vector for gene and drug therapy has led to the development of bacteria as a potential weapon against cancer. In this review, we will introduce bacterial anti-cancer therapy with an emphasis on the various mechanisms involved in tumor targeting and tumor suppression. The bacteriotherapy approaches in conjunction with the conventional cancer therapy can be effective in designing novel cancer therapies. We focus on the current progress achieved in bacterial cancer therapies that show potential in advancing existing cancer treatment options and help attain positive clinical outcomes with minimal systemic side-effects.
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48
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Targeted anticancer prodrug therapy using dextran mediated enzyme–antibody conjugate and β-cyclodextrin-curcumin inclusion complex. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 160:1029-1041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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49
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Sagara T, Debeljak M, Wright CM, Anders NM, Liang H, Rudek MA, Ostermeier M, Eshleman JR, Matsushita Y. Successful gene therapy requires targeting the vast majority of cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:946-953. [PMID: 32997949 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1809912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide gene therapy using gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) is based on delivering a gene-encoded enzyme to cells that converts a nontoxic prodrug into its toxic metabolite. The bystander effect is thought to compensate for inefficiencies in delivery and expression because the produced toxic metabolite can spread to adjacent non-expressing cells. The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of bystander effect in GDEPT over the long term in vivo. We performed experiments using mixtures of yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD) expressing and empty vector (EV) containing cells. First, the bystander effect was assessed in various ratios of colon cancer cell lines RKO with yCD/EV in 2D and 3D culture. Next, tumors raised from RKO with yCD/EV in mice were treated with the prodrug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) for 42 days to assess bystander effect in vivo. Cell types constituting relapsed tumors were determined by 5-FC treatment and PCR. We were able to demonstrate bystander effect in both 2D and 3D. In mice, tumors initially regressed, but they all eventually recurred including those produced from 80% yCD expressing cells. Cells explanted from the recurrent tumors demonstrated that suicide gene expressing cells had been selected against during in vivo treatment with 5-FC. We conclude that gene therapy of malignant tumors in patients using the yCD/5-FC system will require targeting well over 80% of the malignant cells, and therefore will likely require improved bystander effect or repeated treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Sagara
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marija Debeljak
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chapman M Wright
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nicole M Anders
- Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hong Liang
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michelle A Rudek
- Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marc Ostermeier
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - James R Eshleman
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA.,Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yoshihisa Matsushita
- Departments of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions , Baltimore, MD, USA
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50
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Golinelli G, Mastrolia I, Aramini B, Masciale V, Pinelli M, Pacchioni L, Casari G, Dall'Ora M, Soares MBP, Damasceno PKF, Silva DN, Dominici M, Grisendi G. Arming Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells Against Cancer: Has the Time Come? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:529921. [PMID: 33117154 PMCID: PMC7553050 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.529921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Since mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) were discovered, researchers have been drawn to study their peculiar biological features, including their immune privileged status and their capacity to selectively migrate into inflammatory areas, including tumors. These properties make MSCs promising cellular vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic molecules in the clinical setting. In recent decades, the engineering of MSCs into biological vehicles carrying anticancer compounds has been achieved in different ways, including the loading of MSCs with chemotherapeutics or drug functionalized nanoparticles (NPs), genetic modifications to force the production of anticancer proteins, and the use of oncolytic viruses. Recently, it has been demonstrated that wild-type and engineered MSCs can release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that contain therapeutic agents. Despite the enthusiasm for MSCs as cyto-pharmaceutical agents, many challenges, including controlling the fate of MSCs after administration, must still be considered. Preclinical results demonstrated that MSCs accumulate in lung, liver, and spleen, which could prevent their engraftment into tumor sites. For this reason, physical, physiological, and biological methods have been implemented to increase MSC concentration in the target tumors. Currently, there are more than 900 registered clinical trials using MSCs. Only a small fraction of these are investigating MSC-based therapies for cancer, but the number of these clinical trials is expected to increase as technology and our understanding of MSCs improve. This review will summarize MSC-based antitumor therapies to generate an increasing awareness of their potential and limits to accelerate their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Golinelli
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mastrolia
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimo Pinelli
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Pacchioni
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Casari
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Dall'Ora
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil.,Health Institute of Technology, SENAI-CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Kauanna Fonseca Damasceno
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil.,Health Institute of Technology, SENAI-CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniela Nascimento Silva
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Salvador, Brazil.,Health Institute of Technology, SENAI-CIMATEC, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Rigenerand srl, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Rigenerand srl, Modena, Italy
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