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Constantin M, Chifiriuc MC, Bleotu C, Vrancianu CO, Cristian RE, Bertesteanu SV, Grigore R, Bertesteanu G. Molecular pathways and targeted therapies in head and neck cancers pathogenesis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1373821. [PMID: 38952548 PMCID: PMC11215092 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1373821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The substantial heterogeneity exhibited by head and neck cancer (HNC), encompassing diverse cellular origins, anatomical locations, and etiological contributors, combined with the prevalent late-stage diagnosis, poses significant challenges for clinical management. Genomic sequencing endeavors have revealed extensive alterations in key signaling pathways that regulate cellular proliferation and survival. Initiatives to engineer therapies targeting these dysregulated pathways are underway, with several candidate molecules progressing to clinical evaluation phases, including FDA approval for agents like the EGFR-targeting monoclonal antibody cetuximab for K-RAS wild-type, EGFR-mutant HNSCC treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), owing to their enhanced stability in biological fluids and their important roles in intracellular and intercellular signaling within HNC contexts, are now recognized as potent biomarkers for disease management, catalyzing further refined diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, edging closer to the personalized medicine desideratum. Enhanced comprehension of the genomic and immunological landscapes characteristic of HNC is anticipated to facilitate a more rigorous assessment of targeted therapies benefits and limitations, optimize their clinical deployment, and foster innovative advancements in treatment approaches. This review presents an update on the molecular mechanisms and mutational spectrum of HNC driving the oncogenesis of head and neck malignancies and explores their implications for advancing diagnostic methodologies and precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Constantin
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana-Elena Cristian
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Serban Vifor Bertesteanu
- ENT, Head& Neck Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Grigore
- ENT, Head& Neck Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gloria Bertesteanu
- ENT, Head& Neck Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Coltea Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Abdo AI, Kopecki Z. Comparing Redox and Intracellular Signalling Responses to Cold Plasma in Wound Healing and Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4885-4923. [PMID: 38785562 PMCID: PMC11120013 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cold plasma (CP) is an ionised gas containing excited molecules and ions, radicals, and free electrons, and which emits electric fields and UV radiation. CP is potently antimicrobial, and can be applied safely to biological tissue, birthing the field of plasma medicine. Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) produced by CP affect biological processes directly or indirectly via the modification of cellular lipids, proteins, DNA, and intracellular signalling pathways. CP can be applied at lower levels for oxidative eustress to activate cell proliferation, motility, migration, and antioxidant production in normal cells, mainly potentiated by the unfolded protein response, the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-activated antioxidant response element, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway, which also activates nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB). At higher CP exposures, inactivation, apoptosis, and autophagy of malignant cells can occur via the degradation of the PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-dependent and -independent activation of the master tumour suppressor p53, leading to caspase-mediated cell death. These opposing responses validate a hormesis approach to plasma medicine. Clinical applications of CP are becoming increasingly realised in wound healing, while clinical effectiveness in tumours is currently coming to light. This review will outline advances in plasma medicine and compare the main redox and intracellular signalling responses to CP in wound healing and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian I. Abdo
- Richter Lab, Surgical Specialties, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
- Department of Surgery, The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, SA 5011, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- Future Industries Institute, STEM Academic Unit, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095, Australia
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Perry JR, Genenger B, Thind AS, Ashford B, Ranson M. PIK Your Poison: The Effects of Combining PI3K and CDK Inhibitors against Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:370. [PMID: 38254859 PMCID: PMC10814950 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020370] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a very common skin malignancy with poor prognosis for patients with locally advanced or metastatic cSCC (mcSCC). PI3K/AKT/mTOR and cell cycle signalling pathways are often dysregulated in mcSCC. A combination drug approach has been theorised to overcome the underwhelming clinical performance of targeted inhibitors as single agents. This study investigates the potential of targeted inhibition of the p110α-subunit of PI3K with PIK-75 or BGT226 (P13Ki), and of CDK1/2/5/9 with dinaciclib (CDKi) as single agents and in combination. The patient-derived mcSCC cell lines, UW-CSCC1 and UW-CSCC2, were used to assess cell viability, migration, cell signalling, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis. PIK-75, BGT226, and dinaciclib exhibited strong cytotoxic potency as single agents. Notably, the non-malignant HaCaT cell line was unaffected. In 2D cultures, PIK-75 synergistically enhanced the cytotoxic effects of dinaciclib in UW-CSCC2, but not UW-CSCC1. Interestingly, this pattern was reversed in 3D spheroid models. Despite the combination of PIK-75 and dinaciclib resulting in an increase in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and reduced cell motility, these differences were largely negligible compared to their single-agent counterpart. The differential responses between the cell lines correlated with driver gene mutation profiles. These findings suggest that personalised medicine approaches targeting PI3K and CDK pathways in combination may yield some benefit for mcSCC, and that more complex 3D models should be considered for drug responsiveness studies in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay R. Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
| | - Benjamin Genenger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
| | - Amarinder Singh Thind
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia;
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia;
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, Molecular Horizon, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; (B.G.); (A.S.T.)
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Yoo MJ, Choi J, Jang YJ, Park SY, Seol JW. Anti-cancer effect of palmatine through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway in canine mammary gland tumor CMT-U27 cells. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:223. [PMID: 37880653 PMCID: PMC10601335 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03782-2] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine mammary gland tumors (CMTs) are the most common and lethal cancers in female dogs. Dysregulated phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K)/AKT pathway reportedly was involved in the growth and metastasis of CMTs. However, there are few studies on therapeutic strategies for targeting the PI3K pathway in CMTs. In this study, we aimed to determine whether palmatine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid with anti-cancer properties, could inhibit the growth of CMTs and whether the inhibitory effect was mediated through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our in vitro experiments on CMT-U27, a CMT cell line, showed that palmatine reduced cell proliferation and induced cell death. Western blotting results revealed that palmatine decreased the protein expression of PI3K, PTEN, AKT, and mechanistic target of rapamycin in the PI3K/AKT pathway, which was supported by the results of immunocytochemistry. Additionally, palmatine suppressed the migration and tube formation of canine aortic endothelial cells as well as the migration of CMT U27 cells. Our in vivo results showed that palmatine inhibited tumor growth in a CMT-U27 mouse xenograft model. We observed a decreased expression of proteins in the PI3K/AKT pathway in tumor tissues, similar to the in vitro results. Furthermore, palmatine significantly disrupted the tumor vasculature and inhibited metastasis to adjacent lymph nodes. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that palmatine exerts anti-cancer effects against CMTs by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that palmatine has potential as a canine-specific PI3K inhibitor for the treatment of CMTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jae Yoo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-Do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jawun Choi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-Do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye-Ji Jang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-Do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youel Park
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-Do, 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Won Seol
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-Do, 54596, Republic of Korea.
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Gao D, Wang P, Zhi L, Sun S, Qiu X, Liu Y. Expression of TMEM59L associated with radiosensitive in glioblastoma. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2023; 64:833-841. [PMID: 37439405 PMCID: PMC10516732 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is one of the cornerstone of the glioblastoma treatment paradigm. However, the resistance of tumor cells to radiation results in poor survival. The mechanism of radioresistance has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to screen the differential expressed genes related with radiosensitivity. The differentially expressed genes were screened based on RNA sequencing in 15 pairs of primary and recurrent glioblastoma that have undergone radiotherapy. Candidate genes were validated in 226 primary and 134 recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) obtained from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) database. RNA and protein expression were verified by Quantitative Real-time PCR (qPCR) and western blot in irradiated GBM cell lines. The candidate gene was investigated to explore the relationship between mRNA levels and clinical characteristics in the CGGA and The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used for survival analysis. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis were used for bioinformatics analysis. Four genes (TMEM59L, Gelsolin, ZBTB7A and ATX) were screened. TMEM59L expression was significantly elevated in recurrent glioblastoma and lower in normal brain tissue. We selected TMEM59L as the target gene for further study. The increasing of TMEM59L expression induced by radiation was confirmed by mRNA and western blot in irradiated GBM cell. Further investigation revealed that high expression of TMEM59L was enriched in IDH mutant and MGMT methylated gliomas and associated with a better prognosis. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that TMEM59L was closely related to the DNA damage repair and oxidative stress respond process. We speculated that the high expression of TMEM59L might enhance radiotherapy sensitivity by increasing ROS-induced DNA damage and inhibiting DNA damage repair process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Gao
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Gamma-Knife Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Lin Zhi
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Shibin Sun
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Gamma-Knife Center, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Xiaoguang Qiu
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yanwei Liu
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 119 South Fourth Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
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Sun C, Wen K, Zhang B, Dong Y, Chen C, Neo SY, Leng B, Gao TT, Wu J. DSC2 suppresses the growth of gastric cancer through the inhibition of nuclear translocation of γ-catenin and PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:6380-6399. [PMID: 37421607 PMCID: PMC10373986 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204858] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, gastric cancer (GC) is still a major leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. Downregulated desmocollin2 (DSC2) is considered to be closely related to tumor progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of DSC2 in GC progression require further exploration. METHOD We initially constructed different GC cells based on DSC2 contents, established the mouse tumor xenografts, and subsequently performed clonal formation, MTT, Caspase-3 activity, and sperm DNA fragmentation assays to detect the functions of DSC2 in GC growth. Subsequently, we performed western blot, Co-IP, and immunofluorescence assays to investigate the underlying mechanisms through pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, and its activator, recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1). RESULT DSC2 could significantly inhibit the viability of GC cells at both in vitro and in vivo levels. The underlying mechanism may be that DSC2 binds the γ-catenin to decrease its nuclear level, thereby downregulating the anti-apoptotic factor BCL-2 expression and upregulating the pro-apoptotic factor P53 expression, which adjusts the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote the cancer cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our finding suggests that DSC2 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cancers, most especially GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Kun Wen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China
| | - Shi-Yong Neo
- Singapore Immunology Network, Singapore 138648, Singapore
| | - Bing Leng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Tian-Tian Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan 250014, China
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Gulati S, Choudhury A, Mohan G, Katiyar R, Kurikkal M P MA, Kumar S, Varma RS. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as effectual diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cancer. J Mater Chem B 2023. [PMID: 37377082 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00706e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of multifunctional organometallic compounds that include metal ions combined with assorted organic linkers. Recently, these compounds have received widespread attention in medicine, due to their exceptional qualities, including a wide surface area, high porosity, outstanding biocompatibility, non-toxicity, etc. Such characteristic qualities make MOFs superb candidates for biosensing, molecular imaging, drug delivery, and enhanced cancer therapies. This review illustrates the key attributes of MOFs and their importance in cancer research. The structural and synthetic aspects of MOFs are briefly discussed with primary emphasis on diagnostic and therapeutic features, as well as their performance and significance in modern therapeutic methods and synergistic theranostic strategies including biocompatibility. This review offers cumulative scrutiny of the widespread appeal of MOFs in modern-day oncological research, which may stimulate further explorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Gulati
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India.
| | - Akangkha Choudhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Gauravya Mohan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India
| | - Riya Katiyar
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India.
| | | | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, Delhi 110021, India.
| | - Rajender S Varma
- Centre of Excellence for Research in Sustainable Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Carlos, 13565 905 São Carlos - SP, Brazil.
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Combined BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT Pathway Inhibition in KMT2A-Rearranged Acute B-Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021359. [PMID: 36674872 PMCID: PMC9865387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous hematologic neoplasms, including acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), are characterized by overexpression of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Despite the high clinical efficacy of the specific BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), dose limitation and resistance argue for the early exploration of rational combination strategies. Recent data indicated that BCL-2 inhibition in B-ALL with KMT2A rearrangements is a promising intervention option; however, combinatorial approaches have not been in focus so far. The PI3K/AKT pathway has emerged as a possible target structure due to multiple interactions with the apoptosis cascade as well as relevant dysregulation in B-ALL. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that combined BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT inhibition has synergistic anti-proliferative effects on B-ALL cell lines. Of note, all tested combinations (venetoclax + PI3K inhibitors idelalisib or BKM-120, as well as AKT inhibitors MK-2206 or perifosine) achieved comparable anti-leukemic effects. In a detailed analysis of apoptotic processes, among the PI3K/AKT inhibitors only perifosine resulted in an increased rate of apoptotic cells. Furthermore, the combination of venetoclax and perifosine synergistically enhanced the activity of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Subsequent gene expression studies identified the pro-apoptotic gene BBC3 as a possible player in synergistic action. All combinatorial approaches additionally modulated extrinsic apoptosis pathway genes. The present study provides rational combination strategies involving selective BCL-2 and PI3K/AKT inhibition in B-ALL cell lines. Furthermore, we identified a potential mechanistic background of the synergistic activity of combined venetoclax and perifosine application.
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EL-Ashmawy NE, EL-Zamarany EA, Khedr EG, Selim HM, Khedr NF. Blocking of The Prostaglandin E2 Receptor as a Therapeutic Strategy for Treatment of Breast Cancer: Promising Findings in a Mouse Model. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2022; 23:3763-3770. [PMID: 36444589 PMCID: PMC9930950 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2022.23.11.3763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of E-prostanoid receptor 1 (EP1) antagonist, SC19220, alone or in combination with the COX-2 inhibitor Celecoxob(CXB)® in mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC). METHODS The tumors were induced in 40 female mice, which were divided randomly into four equal groups (n= 10 in each group): Tumor control, CXB, EP1 antagonist, and co-treatment. CXB (10mg/kg) and EP1 antagonist (2mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally every three days, six times in total, then tissue was extracted and prepared for histopathology and measurement of weight, PGE2, and gene expression of EP1 and β 1 integrin. RESULTS Both inhibitors, alone or in combination, showed a significant (p<0.001) antitumorigenic effect by decreasing, significantly (p<0.001), each of the tumor weights, tumor volumes, PGE2 levels, EP1 and β1-integrin gene expression along with increasing, significantly (p<0.001), the P53 tumor suppressor protein. The survival rate was improved from 80% in the control group to reach 100% in the treated groups. The co-treatment by CXB and EP1 antagonist showed a marked decrease in tumor weights and volumes as compared with the single treatment. In parallel, the histopathological findings showed enhanced apoptosis and diminished necrosis in the co-treated group. CONCLUSION EP1 antagonist proved an antitumorigenic effect alone or combined with CXB and could play a new therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahla E EL-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Enas A EL-Zamarany
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Eman G Khedr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt.
| | - Hend M Selim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt. ,For Correspondence:
| | - Naglaa F Khedr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Egypt.
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CD44-fibrinogen binding promotes bleeding in acute promyelocytic leukemia by in situ fibrin(ogen) deposition. Blood Adv 2022; 6:4617-4633. [PMID: 35511736 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022006980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early haemorrhagic death is still the main obstacle for the successful treatment of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL). However, the mechanisms underlying haemostatic perturbations in APL have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that CD44 on the membrane of APL blasts and NB4 cells ligated bound fibrinogen, resulting in in situ deposition of fibrin and abnormal fibrin distribution. Clots formed by leukaemic cells in response to CD44 and fibrinogen interaction exhibited low permeability and resistance to fibrinolysis. Using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy, we found that CD44 was also involved in platelet and leukaemic cell adhesion. CD44 bound activated platelets but not resting platelets through interaction with P-selectin. APL cell-coated fibrinogen-activated platelets directly induce enhanced procoagulant activity of platelets. In vivo studies revealed that CD44 knockdown shortened bleeding time, increased the level of fibrinogen, and elevated the number of platelets by approximately 2-fold in an APL mouse model. Moreover, CD44 expression on leukaemic cells in an APL mouse model was not only associated with bleeding complications but was also related to the wound healing process and the survival time of APL mice. Collectively, our results suggest that CD44 may be a potential intervention target for preventing bleeding complications in APL.
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Sommariva S, Caviglia G, Ravera S, Frassoni F, Benvenuto F, Tortolina L, Castagnino N, Parodi S, Piana M. Computational quantification of global effects induced by mutations and drugs in signaling networks of colorectal cancer cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19602. [PMID: 34599254 PMCID: PMC8486743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99073-7] [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: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most deadly and commonly diagnosed tumors worldwide. Several genes are involved in its development and progression. The most frequent mutations concern APC, KRAS, SMAD4, and TP53 genes, suggesting that CRC relies on the concomitant alteration of the related pathways. However, with classic molecular approaches, it is not easy to simultaneously analyze the interconnections between these pathways. To overcome this limitation, recently these pathways have been included in a huge chemical reaction network (CRN) describing how information sensed from the environment by growth factors is processed by healthy colorectal cells. Starting from this CRN, we propose a computational model which simulates the effects induced by single or multiple concurrent mutations on the global signaling network. The model has been tested in three scenarios. First, we have quantified the changes induced on the concentration of the proteins of the network by a mutation in APC, KRAS, SMAD4, or TP53. Second, we have computed the changes in the concentration of p53 induced by up to two concurrent mutations affecting proteins upstreams in the network. Third, we have considered a mutated cell affected by a gain of function of KRAS, and we have simulated the action of Dabrafenib, showing that the proposed model can be used to determine the most effective amount of drug to be delivered to the cell. In general, the proposed approach displays several advantages, in that it allows to quantify the alteration in the concentration of the proteins resulting from a single or multiple given mutations. Moreover, simulations of the global signaling network of CRC may be used to identify new therapeutic targets, or to disclose unexpected interactions between the involved pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sommariva
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 35, 16146, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Caviglia
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 35, 16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravera
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Via De Toni 14, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesco Frassoni
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 35, 16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Benvenuto
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 35, 16146, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tortolina
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Castagnino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvio Parodi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, via Leon Battista Alberti 2, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michele Piana
- Dipartimento di Matematica, Università di Genova, via Dodecaneso 35, 16146, Genoa, Italy
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Alemi F, Raei Sadigh A, Malakoti F, Elhaei Y, Ghaffari SH, Maleki M, Asemi Z, Yousefi B, Targhazeh N, Majidinia M. Molecular mechanisms involved in DNA repair in human cancers: An overview of PI3k/Akt signaling and PIKKs crosstalk. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:313-328. [PMID: 34515349 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cellular genome is frequently subjected to abundant endogenous and exogenous factors that induce DNA damage. Most of the Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinases (PIKKs) family members are activated in response to DNA damage and are the most important DNA damage response (DDR) proteins. The DDR system protects the cells against the wrecking effects of these genotoxicants and repairs the DNA damage caused by them. If the DNA damage is severe, such as when DNA is the goal of chemo-radiotherapy, the DDR drives cells toward cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Some intracellular pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, which is overactivated in most cancers, could stimulate the DDR process and failure of chemo-radiotherapy with the increasing repair of damaged DNA. This signaling pathway induces DNA repair through the regulation of proteins that are involved in DDR like BRCA1, HMGB1, and P53. In this review, we will focus on the crosstalk of the PI3K/Akt and PIKKs involved in DDR and then discuss current achievements in the sensitization of cancer cells to chemo-radiotherapy by PI3K/Akt inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Alemi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aydin Raei Sadigh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faezeh Malakoti
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yusuf Elhaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hamed Ghaffari
- Department of Orthopedics, Shohada Medical Research & Training Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masomeh Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zatollah Asemi
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Niloufar Targhazeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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Integrative Bioinformatics Study of Tangeretin Potential Targets for Preventing Metastatic Breast Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:2234554. [PMID: 34335799 PMCID: PMC8294962 DOI: 10.1155/2021/2234554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Agents that target metastasis are important to improve treatment efficacy in patients with breast cancer. Tangeretin, a citrus flavonoid, exhibits antimetastatic effects on breast cancer cells, but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Tangeretin targets were retrieved from PubChem, whereas metastatic breast cancer regulatory genes were downloaded from PubMed. In total, 58 genes were identified as potential therapeutic target genes of tangeretin (PTs). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of PTs were performed using WebGestalt (WEB-based Gene SeT AnaLysis Toolkit). The PPI network was analyzed using STRING-DB v11.0 and visualized by Cytoscape software. Hub genes were selected on the basis of the highest degree score as calculated by the CytoHubba plugin. Genetic alterations of the PTs were analyzed using cBioPortal. The prognostic values of the PTs were evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier plot. The expression of PTs across breast cancer samples was confirmed using GEPIA. The reliability of the PTs in metastatic breast cancer cells was validated using ONCOMINE. Molecular docking was performed to foresee the binding sites of tangeretin with PIK3Cα, MMP9, PTGS2, COX-2, and IKK. GO analysis showed that PTs participate in the biological process of stimulus response, are the cellular components of the nucleus and the membrane, and play molecular roles in enzyme regulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that PTs regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway. Genetic alterations for each target gene were MTOR (3%), NOTCH1 (4%), TP53 (42%), MMP9 (4%), NFKB1 (3%), PIK3CA (32%), PTGS2 (15%), and RELA (5%). The Kaplan-Meier plot showed that patients with low mRNA expression levels of MTOR, TP53, MMP9, NFKB1, PTGS2, and RELA and high expression of PIK3CA had a significantly better prognosis than their counterparts. Further validation of gene expression by using GEPIA revealed that the mRNA expression of MMP9 was significantly higher in breast cancer tissues than in normal tissues, whereas the mRNA expression of PTGS2 showed the opposite. Analysis with ONCOMINE demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of MMP9 and NFKB1 were significantly higher in metastatic breast cancer cells than in normal tissues. The results of molecular docking analyses revealed the advantage of tangeretin as an inhibitor of PIK3CA, MMP9, PTGS2, and IKK. Tangeretin inhibits metastasis in breast cancer cells by targeting TP53, PTGS2, MMP9, and PIK3CA and regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Further investigation is needed to validate the results of this study.
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Redox Control in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: From Physiology to Pathology and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051218. [PMID: 34067520 PMCID: PMC8155968 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051218] [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: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy originating from B- or T-lymphoid progenitor cells. Recent studies have shown that redox dysregulation caused by overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has an important role in the development and progression of leukemia. The application of pro-oxidant therapy, which targets redox dysregulation, has achieved satisfactory results in alleviating the conditions of and improving the survival rate for patients with ALL. However, drug resistance and side effects are two major challenges that must be addressed in pro-oxidant therapy. Oxidative stress can activate a variety of antioxidant mechanisms to help leukemia cells escape the damage caused by pro-oxidant drugs and develop drug resistance. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are extremely sensitive to oxidative stress due to their low levels of differentiation, and the use of pro-oxidant drugs inevitably causes damage to HSCs and may even cause severe bone marrow suppression. In this article, we reviewed research progress regarding the generation and regulation of ROS in normal HSCs and ALL cells as well as the impact of ROS on the biological behavior and fate of cells. An in-depth understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of redox homeostasis in normal and malignant HSCs is conducive to the formulation of rational targeted treatment plans to effectively reduce oxidative damage to normal HSCs while eradicating ALL cells.
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Combined Application of Pan-AKT Inhibitor MK-2206 and BCL-2 Antagonist Venetoclax in B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052771. [PMID: 33803402 PMCID: PMC7967241 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant PI3K/AKT signaling is a hallmark of acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) resulting in increased tumor cell proliferation and apoptosis deficiency. While previous AKT inhibitors struggled with selectivity, MK-2206 promises meticulous pan-AKT targeting with proven anti-tumor activity. We herein, characterize the effect of MK-2206 on B-ALL cell lines and primary samples and investigate potential synergistic effects with BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax to overcome limitations in apoptosis induction. MK-2206 incubation reduced AKT phosphorylation and influenced downstream signaling activity. Interestingly, after MK-2206 mono application tumor cell proliferation and metabolic activity were diminished significantly independently of basal AKT phosphorylation. Morphological changes but no induction of apoptosis was detected in the observed cell lines. In contrast, primary samples cultivated in a protective microenvironment showed a decrease in vital cells. Combined MK-2206 and venetoclax incubation resulted in partially synergistic anti-proliferative effects independently of application sequence in SEM and RS4;11 cell lines. Venetoclax-mediated apoptosis was not intensified by addition of MK-2206. Functional assessment of BCL-2 inhibition via Bax translocation assay revealed slightly increased pro-apoptotic signaling after combined MK-2206 and venetoclax incubation. In summary, we demonstrate that the pan-AKT inhibitor MK-2206 potently blocks B-ALL cell proliferation and for the first time characterize the synergistic effect of combined MK-2206 and venetoclax treatment in B-ALL.
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Basu A, Upadhyay P, Ghosh A, Bose A, Gupta P, Chattopadhyay S, Chattopadhyay D, Adhikary A. Hyaluronic acid engrafted metformin loaded graphene oxide nanoparticle as CD44 targeted anti-cancer therapy for triple negative breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129841. [PMID: 33412224 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2020.129841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer with limited treatment modalities. It is associated with high propensity of cancer recurrence. METHODS UV Spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS, Zeta potential, TEM and SEM were employed to characterize nanoparticles. MTT assay, Wound healing assay, SEM, Immunocytochemistry analysis, Western blot, RT-PCR, mammosphere formation assay were employed to study apoptosis, cell migration and stemness. Tumor regression was studied in chick embryo xenograft and BALB/c mice model. RESULTS Hylaluronic acid engrafted metformin loaded graphene oxide (HA-GO-Met) nanoparticles exhibited an anti-cancer efficacy at much lower dosage as compared to metformin alone. HA-GO-Met nanoparticles induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration of TNBC cells by targeting miR-10b/PTEN axis via NFkB-p65. Upregulation of PTEN affected pAKT(473) expression that induced apoptosis. Cell migration was inhibited by reduction of pFAK/integrinβ1 expressions. Treatment inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced stemness as evident from the increase in E-cadherin expression, inhibition of mammosphere formation and low expression levels of stemness markers including nanog, oct4 and sox2 as compared to control. Moreover, tumor regression was studied in chick embryo xenograft and BALB/c mice model. HA-GO-Met nanoparticle treatment reduced tumor load and nullified toxicity in peripheral organs imparted by tumor. CONCLUSIONS HA-GO-Met nanoparticles exhibited an enormous anti-cancer efficacy in TNBC in vitro and in vivo. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE HA-GO-Met nanoparticles induced apoptosis and attenuated cell migration in TNBC. It nullified overall toxicity imparted by tumor load. It inhibited EMT and reduced stemness and thereby addressed the issue of cancer recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijita Basu
- Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Sector III, Salt lake, Kolkata 700098, India
| | - Priyanka Upadhyay
- Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Sector III, Salt lake, Kolkata 700098, India
| | - Avijit Ghosh
- Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Sector III, Salt lake, Kolkata 700098, India
| | - Aparajita Bose
- Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Payal Gupta
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Sreya Chattopadhyay
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, India
| | - Dipankar Chattopadhyay
- Department of Polymer Science and Technology, University of Calcutta, 92 A.P.C Road, Kolkata 700009, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Sector III, Salt lake, Kolkata 700098, India.
| | - Arghya Adhikary
- Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of Calcutta, JD-2, Sector III, Salt lake, Kolkata 700098, India.
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