1
|
Cecchi M, Anceschi C, Silvano A, Coniglio ML, Chinnici A, Magnelli L, Lapucci A, Laurenzana A, Parenti A. Unveiling the Role of Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase in the Angiogenic Process. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:558. [PMID: 38794128 PMCID: PMC11124529 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050558] [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: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) are the two principals enzymes involved in the catabolization of tryptophan (Trp) into kynurenine (Kyn). Despite their well-established role in the immune escape, their involvement in angiogenesis remains uncertain. We aimed to characterize TDO and IDO1 in human umbilical venular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs). METHODS qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used for TDO and IDO1 expression while their activity was measured using ELISA assays. Cell proliferation was examined via MTT tests and in in vitro angiogenesis by capillary morphogenesis. RESULTS HUVECs and ECFCs expressed TDO and IDO1. Treatment with the selective TDO inhibitor 680C91 significantly impaired HUVEC proliferation and 3D-tube formation in response to VEGF-A, while IDO1 inhibition showed no effect. VEGF-induced mTor phosphorylation and Kyn production were hindered by 680C91. ECFC morphogenesis was also inhibited by 680C91. Co-culturing HUVECs with A375 induced TDO up-regulation in both cell types, whose inhibition reduced MMP9 activity and prevented c-Myc and E2f1 upregulation. CONCLUSIONS HUVECs and ECFCs express the key enzymes of the kynurenine pathway. Significantly, TDO emerges as a pivotal player in in vitro proliferation and capillary morphogenesis, suggesting a potential pathophysiological role in angiogenesis beyond its well-known immunomodulatory effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cecchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA) Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Cecilia Anceschi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Angela Silvano
- Department of Health Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Coniglio
- Centre of Excellence, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Aurora Chinnici
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, (NEUROFARBA) Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (A.C.)
- Centre of Excellence, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Lucia Magnelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Andrea Lapucci
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, V. le G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (C.A.); (L.M.); (A.L.)
| | - Astrid Parenti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology Section, University of Florence, V. le G. Pieraccini, 6, 50139 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Teng Y, Fu X, Zhang Q, Wang F, Liu Y, Zou Z. Prognostic and clinicopathological significance of MMP12 in various cancers: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. Biomark Med 2023; 17:623-634. [PMID: 37812024 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2023-0231] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer is one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The matrix metalloproteinase MMP12 is highly expressed in some cancers, but there is a lack of meta-analyses proving the correlation between MMP12 and cancer. Materials & methods: A literature search was performed using Web of Science, PubMed and other databases. Quantitative meta-analysis of the data was carried out. The Cancer Genome Atlas was further used to validate our results. Results: High MMP12 expression was associated with poorer overall survival and poorer 5-year overall survival. Elevated expression of MMP12 predicted shorter overall survival in six cancers and worse disease-free survival in four malignancies based on validation using the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis online analysis tool. Conclusion: Elevated MMP12 expression is likely a marker of poor prognosis in various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangjing Teng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Fu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhong Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330031, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melanoma Tumour Vascularization and Tissue-Resident Endothelial Progenitor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174216. [PMID: 36077754 PMCID: PMC9454996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174216] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Melanoma is the most aggressive and potentially lethal form of skin cancer. Research over recent decades has highlighted the role of tumour vasculature in altering the metabolic function of cancer cells, infiltration of immune cells, and cancer cell dissemination. However, variations in the modes of vessel formation in melanoma have made this process difficult to target. In particular, the role of endothelial progenitor cells in melanoma vascularization-promoting vasculogenesis begins to be understood. Progenitor recruitment, vessel formation, and paracrine activity are among the steps contributing to tumour metastasis and affecting the impact of anti-angiogenic drugs, as detailed in this review. Abstract The aggressiveness of solid cancers, such as melanoma, relies on their metastatic potential. It has become evident that this key cause of mortality is largely conferred by the tumour-associated stromal cells, especially endothelial cells. In addition to their essential role in the formation of the tumour vasculature, endothelial cells significantly contribute to the establishment of the tumour microenvironment, thus enabling the dissemination of cancer cells. Melanoma tumour vascularization occurs through diverse biological processes. Vasculogenesis is the formation of de novo blood vessels from endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and recent research has shown the role of EPCs in melanoma tumour vascularization. A more detailed understanding of the complex role of EPCs and how they contribute to the abnormal vessel structures in tumours is of importance. Moreover, anti-angiogenic drugs have a limited effect on melanoma tumour vascularization, and the role of these drugs on EPCs remains to be clarified. Overall, targeting cancer vasculature remains a challenge, and the role of anti-angiogenic drugs and combination therapies in melanoma, a focus of this review, is an area of extensive exploration.
Collapse
|
4
|
The Transcriptional Landscape of BRAF Wild Type Metastatic Melanoma: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136898. [PMID: 35805902 PMCID: PMC9266837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136898] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a relatively rare disease worldwide; nevertheless, it has a great relevance in some countries, such as in Europe. In order to shed some light upon the transcriptional profile of skin melanoma, we compared the gene expression of six independent tumours (all progressed towards metastatic disease and with wild type BRAF) to the expression profile of non-dysplastic melanocytes (considered as a healthy control) in a pilot study. Paraffin-embedded samples were manually micro-dissected to obtain enriched samples, and then, RNA was extracted and analysed through a microarray-based approach. An exhaustive bioinformatics analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed transcripts between the two groups, as well as enriched functional terms. Overall, 50 up- and 19 downregulated transcripts were found to be significantly changed in the tumour compared to the control tissue. Among the upregulated transcripts, the majority belonged to the immune response group and to the proteasome, while most of the downregulated genes were related to cytosolic ribosomes. A Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), along with the RNA-Seq data retrieved from the TCGA/GTEx databases, confirmed the general trend of downregulation affecting cytoribosome proteins. In contrast, transcripts coding for mitoribosome proteins showed the opposite trend.
Collapse
|
5
|
Lv T, Zhao Y, Jiang X, Yuan H, Wang H, Cui X, Xu J, Zhao J, Wang J. uPAR: An Essential Factor for Tumor Development. J Cancer 2021; 12:7026-7040. [PMID: 34729105 PMCID: PMC8558663 DOI: 10.7150/jca.62281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is closely related to the loss of control of many genes. Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a glycolipid-anchored protein on the cell surface, is controlled by many factors in tumorigenesis and is expressed in many tumor tissues. In this review, we summarize the regulatory effects of the uPAR signaling pathway on processes and factors related to tumor progression, such as tumor cell proliferation, adhesion, metastasis, glycolysis, tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis. Overall, the evidence accumulated to date suggests that uPAR induction by tumor progression may be one of the most important factors affecting therapeutic efficacy. An improved understanding of the interactions between uPAR and its coreceptors in cancer will provide critical biomolecular information that may help to better predict the disease course and response to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lv
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011.,Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province Universities of the Diversity and Ecological Adaptive Evolution for Animals and Plants on YunGui Plateau, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China 655011
| | - Ying Zhao
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Xinni Jiang
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China 610500
| | - Hemei Yuan
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Haibo Wang
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011.,Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province Universities of the Diversity and Ecological Adaptive Evolution for Animals and Plants on YunGui Plateau, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, China 655011
| | - Xuelin Cui
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jiashun Xu
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jingye Zhao
- College of Biological Resource and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| | - Jianlin Wang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Qujing Normal University, Qujing, Yunnan, China 655011
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peri S, Biagioni A, Versienti G, Andreucci E, Staderini F, Barbato G, Giovannelli L, Coratti F, Schiavone N, Cianchi F, Papucci L, Magnelli L. Enhanced Vasculogenic Capacity Induced by 5-Fluorouracil Chemoresistance in a Gastric Cancer Cell Line. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147698. [PMID: 34299320 PMCID: PMC8303918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147698] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is still widely used as a coadjutant in gastric cancer when surgery is not possible or in presence of metastasis. During tumor evolution, gatekeeper mutations provide a selective growth advantage to a subpopulation of cancer cells that become resistant to chemotherapy. When this phenomenon happens, patients experience tumor recurrence and treatment failure. Even if many chemoresistance mechanisms are known, such as expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH1) activity and activation of peculiar intracellular signaling pathways, a common and universal marker for chemoresistant cancer cells has not been identified yet. In this study we subjected the gastric cancer cell line AGS to chronic exposure of 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin or paclitaxel, thus selecting cell subpopulations showing resistance to the different drugs. Such cells showed biological changes; among them, we observed that the acquired chemoresistance to 5-fluorouracil induced an endothelial-like phenotype and increased the capacity to form vessel-like structures. We identified the upregulation of thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), which is one of the most commonly reported mutated genes leading to 5-fluorouracil resistance, as the cause of such enhanced vasculogenic ability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Peri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3-50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Giampaolo Versienti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Fabio Staderini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3-50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Barbato
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3-50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Lisa Giovannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Children’s Health, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6-50139 Firenze, Italy;
| | - Francesco Coratti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3-50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Nicola Schiavone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-055-275-1309 (N.S.); +39-055-412-029 (F.C.)
| | - Fabio Cianchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3-50134 Firenze, Italy; (S.P.); (F.S.); (G.B.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: (N.S.); (F.C.); Tel.: +39-055-275-1309 (N.S.); +39-055-412-029 (F.C.)
| | - Laura Papucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucia Magnelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50-50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.B.); (G.V.); (E.A.); (L.P.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Armani G, Pozzi E, Pagani A, Porta C, Rizzo M, Cicognini D, Rovati B, Moccia F, Pedrazzoli P, Ferraris E. The heterogeneity of cancer endothelium: The relevance of angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells in cancer microenvironment. Microvasc Res 2021; 138:104189. [PMID: 34062191 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated vessels constitution is the result of angiogenesis, the hallmark of cancer essential for tumor to develop in dimension and to spread throughout the organism. Tumor endothelium is configured as an active functioning organ capable of determine interaction with the immune response and all the other components of the variegate cancer microenvironment, determining reciprocal influence. Angiogenesis is here analyzed in its molecular and cellular mechanisms, multiple mediators and principal players, represented by Endothelial Cells. It is discussed the striking heterogeneity of cancer endothelium, due to morphological and molecular aberrations that it often presents and its multiple origin. Among the cells that participate to the composition of tumor vasculature, Endothelial Progenitor Cells represent an important source for physical sustain and paracrine signaling in the process of angiogenesis. Treatment options are reviewed, with particular focus on novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Armani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy..
| | - Emma Pozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pagani
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Division of Translational Oncology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mimma Rizzo
- Division of Translational Oncology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Cicognini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bianca Rovati
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferraris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Biagioni A, Chillà A, Del Rosso M, Fibbi G, Scavone F, Andreucci E, Peppicelli S, Bianchini F, Calorini L, Li Santi A, Ragno P, Margheri F, Laurenzana A. CRISPR/Cas9 uPAR Gene Knockout Results in Tumor Growth Inhibition, EGFR Downregulation and Induction of Stemness Markers in Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines. Front Oncol 2021; 11:663225. [PMID: 34055629 PMCID: PMC8163229 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.663225] [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: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
uPAR is a globular protein, tethered to the cell membrane by a GPI-anchor involved in several cancer-related properties and its overexpression commonly correlates with poor prognosis and metastasis. We investigated the consequences of uPAR irreversible loss in human melanoma and colon cancer cell lines, knocking out its expression by CRISPR/Cas9. We analyzed through flow cytometry, western blotting and qPCR, the modulation of the most known cancer stem cells-associated genes and the EGFR while we observed the proliferation rate exploiting 2D and 3D cellular models. We also generated uPAR “rescue” expression cell lines as well as we promoted the expression of only its 3’UTR to demonstrate the involvement of uPAR mRNA in tumor progression. Knocking out PLAUR, uPAR-encoding gene, we observed an inhibited growth ratio unexpectedly coupled with a significant percentage of cells acquiring a stem-like phenotype. In vivo experiments demonstrated that uPAR loss completely abrogates tumorigenesis despite the gained stem-like profile. Nonetheless, we proved that the reintroduction of the 3’UTR of PLAUR gene was sufficient to restore the wild-type status validating the hypothesis that such a region may act as a “molecular sponge”. In particular miR146a, by binding PLAUR 3’ UTR region might be responsible for uPAR-dependent inhibition of EGFR expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Scavone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Li Santi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pia Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Armanetti P, Chillà A, Margheri F, Biagioni A, Menichetti L, Margheri G, Ratto F, Centi S, Bianchini F, Severi M, Traversi R, Bani D, Lulli M, Del Rosso T, Mocali A, Rovida E, Del Rosso M, Fibbi G, Laurenzana A. Enhanced Antitumoral Activity and Photoacoustic Imaging Properties of AuNP-Enriched Endothelial Colony Forming Cells on Melanoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2001175. [PMID: 33643785 PMCID: PMC7887578 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Near infrared (NIR)-resonant gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold great promise in cancer diagnostics and treatment. However, translating the theranostic potential of AuNPs into clinical applications still remains a challenge due to the difficulty to improve the efficiency and specificity of tumor delivery in vivo as well as the clearance from liver and spleen to avoid off target toxicity. In this study, endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) are exploited as vehicles to deliver AuNPs to tumors. It is first demonstrated that ECFCs display a great capability to intake AuNPs without losing viability, and exert antitumor activity per se. Using a human melanoma xenograft mouse model, it is next demonstrated that AuNP-loaded ECFCs retain their capacity to migrate to tumor sites in vivo 1 day after injection and stay in the tumor mass for more than 1 week. In addition, it is demonstrated that ECFC-loaded AuNPs are efficiently cleared by the liver over time and do not elicit any sign of damage to healthy tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Armanetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC)National Research CouncilPisa56124Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Luca Menichetti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC)National Research CouncilPisa56124Italy
| | - Giancarlo Margheri
- Institute for Complex SystemsNational Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Fulvio Ratto
- Institute of Applied Physics “N. Carrara”National Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Sonia Centi
- Institute of Applied Physics “N. Carrara”National Research CouncilSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”University of FlorenceSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Rita Traversi
- Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”University of FlorenceSesto Fiorentino50019Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Tommaso Del Rosso
- Department of PhysicsPontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro22451‐900Brazil
| | - Alessandra Mocali
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorence50134Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chillà A, Margheri F, Biagioni A, Del Rosso T, Fibbi G, Del Rosso M, Laurenzana A. Cell-Mediated Release of Nanoparticles as a Preferential Option for Future Treatment of Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071771. [PMID: 32630815 PMCID: PMC7408438 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted and immune therapies have unquestionably improved the prognosis of melanoma patients. However the treatment of this neoplasm still requires approaches with a higher therapeutic index, in order to reduce shortcomings related to toxic effects and aspecific targeting. This means developing therapeutic tools derived with high affinity molecules for tumor components differentially expressed in melanoma cells with respect to their normal counterpart. Nanomedicine has sought to address this problem owing to the high modulability of nanoparticles. This approach exploits not only the enhanced permeability and retention effect typical of the tumor microenvironment (passive targeting), but also the use of specific "molecular antennas" that recognize some tumor-overexpressed molecules (active targeting). This line of research has given rise to the so-called "smart nanoparticles," some of which have already passed the preclinical phase and are under clinical trials in melanoma patients. To further improve nanoparticles partition within tumors, for some years now a line of thought is exploiting the molecular systems that regulate the innate tumor-homing activity of platelets, granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, stem cells, endothelial-colony-forming cells, and red blood cells loaded with nanoparticles. This new vision springs from the results obtained with some of these cells in regenerative medicine, an approach called "cell therapy." This review takes into consideration the advantages of cell therapy as the only one capable of overcoming the limits of targeting imposed by the increased interstitial pressure of tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Tommaso Del Rosso
- Department of Physics, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, 22451-900 Rio de Janeiro-RJ, Brazil;
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.R.); (A.L.)
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences School of Health Sciences, University of Florence-Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50–50134 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (A.B.); (G.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.D.R.); (A.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang YL, Zhou TY, Ai J, Chen SQ, Chen F, Nie CH, Chen XH, Zhou GH, Wang HL, Zhu TY, Wang BQ, Yu ZN, Jing L, Wu LM, Zheng SS, Sun JH. Gene Therapy with Cytosine Deaminase and Endostatin Fusion Gene Mediated by Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Hepatomas. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:3023-3031. [PMID: 32431545 PMCID: PMC7198450 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s245998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Gene-targeting therapy provides a novel therapeutic approach for tumor treatment using genetically modified endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as cellular carriers. This study applied EPCs armed with cytosine deaminase (CD) and endostatin (ES) fusion gene in liver cancer to explore its therapeutic effect. Materials and Methods EPCs from heart blood of male BALB/c nude mice were cultured and transfected with CD and ES fusion gene. Subsequently, these genetically modified cells were injected into mice bearing hepatoma through their tail veins. The tumor volumes and cell apoptosis were followed up. Results Tumor volume in the group injected CD/ES-EPCs greatly decreased. The positive rate of VEGF and CD31 in the tumor tissue was lowest in the CD/ES-EPC group. Furthermore, the number of apoptotic cells was highest in the CD/ES-EPC group. Conclusion The EPCs transfected with CD/ES inhibited tumor growth and preferentially induced tumor cell apoptosis, providing a novel methodology for cancer-targeting therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Lin Zhang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tan-Yang Zhou
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Ai
- Eye Centre, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Qun Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hui Nie
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Hua Chen
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan-Hui Zhou
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Liang Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong-Yin Zhu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Quan Wang
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Niu Yu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Jing
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ming Wu
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Sen Zheng
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hui Sun
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Interventional Treatment Center, Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang L, Rossi A, Lange L, Meumann N, Koitzsch U, Christie K, Nesbit MA, Moore CBT, Hacker UT, Morgan M, Hoffmann D, Zengel J, Carette JE, Schambach A, Salvetti A, Odenthal M, Büning H. Capsid Engineering Overcomes Barriers Toward Adeno-Associated Virus Vector-Mediated Transduction of Endothelial Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2020; 30:1284-1296. [PMID: 31407607 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2019.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cells (EC) are targets in gene therapy and regenerative medicine, but they are inefficiently transduced with adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors of various serotypes. To identify barriers hampering efficient transduction and to develop an optimized AAV variant for EC transduction, we screened an AAV serotype 2-based peptide display library on primary human macrovascular EC. Using a new high-throughput selection and monitoring protocol, we identified a capsid variant, AAV-VEC, which outperformed the parental serotype as well as first-generation targeting vectors in EC transduction. AAV vector uptake was improved, resulting in significantly higher transgene expression levels from single-stranded vector genomes detectable within a few hours post-transduction. Notably, AAV-VEC transduced not only proliferating EC but also quiescent EC, although higher particle-per-cell ratios had to be applied. Also, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial progenitor cells, a novel tool in regenerative medicine and gene therapy, were highly susceptible toward AAV-VEC transduction. Thus, overcoming barriers by capsid engineering significantly expands the AAV tool kit for a wide range of applications targeting EC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Zhang
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A Rossi
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - L Lange
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - N Meumann
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - U Koitzsch
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - K Christie
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland
| | - M A Nesbit
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland
| | - C B T Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Ulster, Northern Ireland.,Avellino Labs USA, Menlo Park, California
| | - U T Hacker
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,1st Medical Department, University Cancer Center Leipzig, University Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - M Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Hoffmann
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - J Zengel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - J E Carette
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - A Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - A Salvetti
- International Center for Research in Infectiology (CIRI), INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - M Odenthal
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Pathology, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H Büning
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Sites Bonn-Cologne and Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
microRNA-378a-5p iS a novel positive regulator of melanoma progression. Oncogenesis 2020; 9:22. [PMID: 32060259 PMCID: PMC7021836 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-020-0203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Evaluating the expression levels of miR-378a-5p both in a large melanoma patient cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and in melanoma patients from our Institute, we found that miR-378a-5p is upregulated in metastatic melanoma specimens. miR-378a-5p expression was also increased in melanoma cells resistant to target therapy, and decreased in response to drug treatment. We also demonstrated that overexpression of miR-378a-5p enhances in vitro cell invasion and migration, and facilitates the ability of melanoma cells to form de novo vasculogenic structures. While performing downstream targeting studies, we confirmed the ability of miR-378a-5p to modulate the expression of known target genes, such as SUFU, FUS-1, and KLF9. Luciferase-3′UTR experiments also identified STAMBP and HOXD10 as new miR-378a-5p target genes. MMP2 and uPAR, two HOXD10 target genes, were positively regulated by miR-378a-5p. Genetic and pharmacologic approaches inhibiting uPAR expression and activity evidenced that the in vitro tumor-promoting functions of miR-378a-5p, were in part mediated by uPAR. Of note miR-378a-5p was also able to increase VEGF, as well as in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. Finally, genetic and pharmacologic modulation of Bcl-2 evidenced Bcl-2 ability to regulate miR-378a-5p expression. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating that miR-378a-5p acts as an oncogenic microRNA in melanoma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Jia J, Ma B, Wang S, Feng L. Therapeutic Potential of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells Derived from Human Umbilical Cord Blood. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 14:460-465. [PMID: 30767752 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x14666190214162453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are implicated in multiple biologic processes such as vascular homeostasis, neovascularization and tissue regeneration, and tumor angiogenesis. A subtype of EPCs is referred to as endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), which display robust clonal proliferative potential and can form durable and functional blood vessels in animal models. In this review, we provide a brief overview of EPCs' characteristics, classification and origins, a summary of the progress in preclinical studies with regard to the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord blood derived ECFCs (CB-ECFCs) for ischemia repair, tissue engineering and tumor, and highlight the necessity to select high proliferative CB-ECFCs and to optimize their recovery and expansion conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R., China
| | - Baitao Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P.R., China
| | - Shaoshuai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R., China
| | - Ling Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R., China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Biagioni A, Laurenzana A, Chillà A, Del Rosso M, Andreucci E, Poteti M, Bani D, Guasti D, Fibbi G, Margheri F. uPAR Knockout Results in a Deep Glycolytic and OXPHOS Reprogramming in Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma Cell Lines. Cells 2020; 9:E308. [PMID: 32012858 PMCID: PMC7072355 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA) Receptor (uPAR) is a well-known GPI-anchored three-domain membrane protein with pro-tumor roles largely shown in all the malignant tumors where it is over-expressed. Here we have exploited the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 gene knock out approach to investigate its role in the oxidative metabolism in human melanoma and colon cancer as the consequences of its irreversible loss. Knocking out PLAUR, a uPAR-encoding gene, in A375p, A375M6 and HCT116, which are two human melanoma and a colon carcinoma, respectively, we have observed an increased number of mitochondria in the two melanoma cell lines, while we evidenced an immature biogenesis of mitochondria in the colon carcinoma culture. Such biological diversity is, however, reflected in a significant enhancement of the mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity, fueled by an increased expression of GLS2, and in a decreased glycolysis paired with an increased secretion of lactate by all uPAR KO cells. We speculated that this discrepancy might be explained by an impaired ratio between LDHA and LDHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Martina Poteti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (D.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (D.B.); (D.G.)
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50, 50134 Firenze, Italy; (A.L.); (A.C.); (M.D.R.); (E.A.); (M.P.); (G.F.); (F.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Du C, Wu Y, Ju Y, Zhao J, Yang P, Mao Q, Xia H. The luciferase reporter system of the MMP12 endogenous promoter for investigating transcriptional regulation of the human MMP12 gene. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
17
|
MMP-12, Secreted by Pro-Inflammatory Macrophages, Targets Endoglin in Human Macrophages and Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20123107. [PMID: 31242676 PMCID: PMC6627183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20123107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon inflammation, monocyte-derived macrophages (MΦ) infiltrate blood vessels to regulate several processes involved in vascular pathophysiology. However, little is known about the mediators involved. Macrophage polarization is crucial for a fast and efficient initial response (GM-MΦ) and a good resolution (M-MΦ) of the inflammatory process. The functional activity of polarized MΦ is exerted mainly through their secretome, which can target other cell types, including endothelial cells. Endoglin (CD105) is a cell surface receptor expressed by endothelial cells and MΦ that is markedly upregulated in inflammation and critically involved in angiogenesis. In addition, a soluble form of endoglin with anti-angiogenic activity has been described in inflammation-associated pathologies. The aim of this work was to identify components of the MΦ secretome involved in the shedding of soluble endoglin. We find that the GM-MΦ secretome contains metalloprotease 12 (MMP-12), a GM-MΦ specific marker that may account for the anti-angiogenic activity of the GM-MΦ secretome. Cell surface endoglin is present in both GM-MΦ and M-MΦ, but soluble endoglin is only detected in GM-MΦ culture supernatants. Moreover, MMP-12 is responsible for the shedding of soluble endoglin in vitro and in vivo by targeting membrane-bound endoglin in both MΦ and endothelial cells. These data demonstrate a direct correlation between GM-MΦ polarization, MMP-12, and soluble endoglin expression and function. By targeting endothelial cells, MMP-12 may represent a novel mediator involved in vascular homeostasis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Biagioni A, Laurenzana A, Margheri F, Chillà A, Fibbi G, so M. Delivery systems of CRISPR/Cas9-based cancer gene therapy. J Biol Eng 2018; 12:33. [PMID: 30574185 PMCID: PMC6299643 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-018-0127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is today one of the most reliable method for gene-editing, supporting previous gene therapies technologies such as TALEN, Meganucleases and ZFNs. There is a growing up number of manuscripts reporting several successful gene-edited cancer cell lines, but the real challenge is to translate this technique to the clinical practice. While treatments for diseases based on a single gene mutation is closer, being possible to target and repair the mutant allele in a selective way generating specific guide RNAs (gRNAs), many steps need to be done to apply CRISPR to face cancer. In this review, we want to give a general overview to the recent advancements in the delivery systems of the CRISPR/Cas9 machinery in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Mario so
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni 50 –, 50134 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Poletto V, Rosti V, Biggiogera M, Guerra G, Moccia F, Porta C. The role of endothelial colony forming cells in kidney cancer's pathogenesis, and in resistance to anti-VEGFR agents and mTOR inhibitors: A speculative review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 132:89-99. [PMID: 30447930 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is highly dependent on angiogenesis, due to the overactivation of the VHL/HIF/VEGF/VEGFRs axis; this justifies the marked sensitivity of this neoplasm to antiangiogenic agents which, however, ultimately fail to control tumor growth. RCC also frequently shows alterations in the mTOR signaling pathway, and mTOR inhibitors have shown a similar pattern of initial activity/late failure as pure antiangiogenic agents. Understanding mechanisms of resistance to these agents would be key to improve the outcome of our patients. Circulating endothelial cells are a family of mainly bone marrow-derived progenitors, which have been postulated to be responsible of the reactivation of angiogenesis in different tumors. In this review, we shall discuss the complex nature and function of these cells, the evidence pro and contra their contribution to tumor vascularization, especially as far as RCC is concerned, and their possible role in determining resistance to presently available treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Poletto
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Research and Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory Area, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, Research and Experimental Biotechnology Laboratory Area, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Marco Biggiogera
- Laboratory of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Italy.
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Lazzaro Spallanzani", University of Pavia, via Forlanini 6, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Camillo Porta
- Medical Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (I.R.C.C.S.) Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100, Pavia, Italy; present address: Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, and Division of Translational Oncology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, via S. Maugeri 10, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rysenkova KD, Semina EV, Karagyaur MN, Shmakova AA, Dyikanov DT, Vasiluev PA, Rubtsov YP, Rubina KA, Tkachuk VA. CRISPR/Cas9 nickase mediated targeting of urokinase receptor gene inhibits neuroblastoma cell proliferation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:29414-29430. [PMID: 30034627 PMCID: PMC6047682 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a tumor arising from pluripotent sympathoadrenal precursor cells of neural cell origin. Neuroblastoma is one of the most aggressive childhood tumors with highly invasive and metastatic potential. The increased expression of urokinase and its receptor is often associated with a negative prognosis in neuroblastoma patients. We have shown that targeting of the Plaur gene in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro 2A cells by CRISPR/Cas9n results in ~60% decrease in cell proliferation (p<0.05), reduction in the number of Ki-67 positive cells, caspase 3 activation and PARP-1 cleavage. Knockout of uPAR leads to downregulation of mRNA encoding full-length TrkC receptor, which is involved in p38MAPK and Akt signalling pathways. This finding provides a rationale to study a role of uPAR in neuroblastoma progression, since uPAR could be considered a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karina D Rysenkova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina V Semina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Federal State Budgetary Organization National Cardiology Research Center Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, 121552, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Maxim N Karagyaur
- Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Anna A Shmakova
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Daniyar T Dyikanov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Petr A Vasiluev
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Yury P Rubtsov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Kseniya A Rubina
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vsevolod A Tkachuk
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Medicine, Laboratory of Gene and Cell Technologies, 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Federal State Budgetary Organization National Cardiology Research Center Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Institute of Experimental Cardiology, 121552, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Deng X, Zhao W, Song L, Ying W, Guo X. Pro-apoptotic effect of TRAIL-transfected endothelial progenitor cells on glioma cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:5004-5012. [PMID: 29545899 PMCID: PMC5840765 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common aggressive neuroepithelial malignant tumors in the central nervous system. It has a high recurrence rate and poor prognosis, primarily due to the fact that novel therapeutic agents cannot penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to move across the BBB and access the tumor site. However, whether EPCs expressing the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induce glioma cell apoptosis requires further investigation. In the present study, EPCs were transfected and stably expressed with TRAIL through lentiviral infection. The pro-apoptotic effect of these TRAIL-expressing EPCs on the SHG44 glioma cell line was investigated. The migration ability of TRAIL-expressing EPCs toward SHG44 cells through the Transwell culture system was investigated via a high-content screening assay. The apoptotic rate and the expression of cleaved caspase-8 and −3 in addition to the cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in SHG44 cells significantly increased in the TRAIL-overexpressing EPC treatment group compared with the controls. The increased apoptotic rate was reversed using a caspase inhibitor. The findings suggested that the TRAIL-expressing EPCs induced apoptosis in the SHG44 cells by activating the death receptor pathway, indicating that the TRAIL-expressing EPCs may be a useful strategy for glioma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Deng
- Department of Neuro-Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Wen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China.,Co-innovation Center of Henan for New Drug R & D and Preclinical Safety; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Laijun Song
- Department of Neuro-Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Wei Ying
- Department of Neuro-Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| | - Xinbin Guo
- Department of Neuro-Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Laurenzana A, Margheri F, Chillà A, Biagioni A, Margheri G, Calorini L, Fibbi G, Del Rosso M. Endothelial Progenitor Cells as Shuttle of Anticancer Agents. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 27:784-791. [PMID: 27502560 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2016.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapies are treatments in which stem or progenitor cells are stimulated to differentiate into specialized cells able to home to and repair damaged tissues. After their discovery, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) stimulated worldwide interest as possible vehicles to perform autologous cell therapy of tumors. Taking into account the tumor-homing properties of EPCs, two different approaches to control cancer progression have been pursued by combining cell-based therapy with gene therapy or with nanomedicine. The first approach is based on the possibility of engineering EPCs to express different transgenes, and the second is based on the capacity of EPCs to take up nanomaterials. Here we review the most important progress covering the following issues: the characterization of bona fide endothelial progenitor cells, their role in tumor vascularization and metastasis, and preclinical data about their use in cell-based tumor therapy, considering antiangiogenic, suicide, immune-stimulating, and oncolytic virus gene therapy. The mixed approach of EPC cell therapy and nanomedicine is discussed in terms of plasmonic-dependent thermoablation and molecular imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laurenzana
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Margheri
- 2 Institute for Complex Systems , National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy.,3 Center of Excellence for the Study at Molecular and Clinical Levels of Chronic, Degenerative, and Neoplastic Diseases to Develop Novel Therapies (DENOTHE) , Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- 1 Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence , Florence, Italy.,3 Center of Excellence for the Study at Molecular and Clinical Levels of Chronic, Degenerative, and Neoplastic Diseases to Develop Novel Therapies (DENOTHE) , Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Margheri G, Zoppi A, Olmi R, Trigari S, Traversi R, Severi M, Bani D, Bianchini F, Torre E, Margheri F, Chillà A, Biagioni A, Calorini L, Laurenzana A, Fibbi G, Del Rosso M. Tumor-tropic endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) loaded with near-infrared sensitive Au nanoparticles: A "cellular stove" approach to the photoablation of melanoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:39846-39860. [PMID: 27223433 PMCID: PMC5129975 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the photothermal treatments (PTs) of tumor, the localization of a high number of near-infrared (NIR) absorbing gold nanoparticles in the tumor mass is still a challenging issue. Here, we propose a promising strategy to deliver therapeutic chitosan-coated gold nanoparticles to tumor cells as hidden cargo of Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFCs) endowed with an innate tumor-tropism. Remarkably, ECFC gold enrichement doesn't affect cell viability and preserves the endothelial lineage characteristics such as capillary morphogenesis and cell migration. We demonstrate that heavily Au-doped ECFCs are able to efficiently warm up the tumor environment, and kill the cancer cells via hyperthermic heating both in vitro as well as in vivo. Thus, we show an excellent thermotransductive property of gold enriched ECFCs and their capability to kill melanoma cells at moderate NIR light intensities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Margheri
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Angela Zoppi
- Department of Physics "Enrico Fermi", University of Pisa, Italy.,Present address: Plasmatech, Department of Physics "Enrico Fermi", University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Olmi
- Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara", National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Silvana Trigari
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Rita Traversi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Mirko Severi
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Daniele Bani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eugenio Torre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Anastasia Chillà
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Excellence Center for Research, Transfer and High Education 'Study at Molecular and Clinical Level of Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development on Novel Therapies', Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Excellence Center for Research, Transfer and High Education 'Study at Molecular and Clinical Level of Chronic, Inflammatory, Degenerative and Neoplastic Disorders for the Development on Novel Therapies', Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Banno K, Yoder MC. Tissue regeneration using endothelial colony-forming cells: promising cells for vascular repair. Pediatr Res 2018; 83:283-290. [PMID: 28915234 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Repairing and rebuilding damaged tissue in diseased human subjects remains a daunting challenge for clinical medicine. Proper vascular formation that serves to deliver blood-borne nutrients and adequate levels of oxygen and to remove wastes is critical for successful tissue regeneration. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC) represent a promising cell source for revascularization of damaged tissue. ECFCs are identified by displaying a hierarchy of clonal proliferative potential and by pronounced postnatal vascularization ability in vivo. In this review, we provide a brief overview of human ECFC isolation and characterization, a survey of a number of animal models of human disease in which ECFCs have been shown to have prominent roles in tissue repair, and a summary of current challenges that must be overcome before moving ECFC into human subjects as a cell therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimihiko Banno
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mervin C Yoder
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zuccolo E, Di Buduo C, Lodola F, Orecchioni S, Scarpellino G, Kheder DA, Poletto V, Guerra G, Bertolini F, Balduini A, Rosti V, Moccia F. Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1α Promotes Endothelial Colony-Forming Cell Migration Through the Ca2+-Dependent Activation of the Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 1/2 and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/AKT Pathways. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:23-34. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Estella Zuccolo
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Christian Di Buduo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Advanced Diagnosis, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Orecchioni
- Laboratory of Hematology–Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dlzar Ali Kheder
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zakho, Zakho, Kurdistan-Region of Iraq
| | - Valentina Poletto
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Advanced Diagnosis, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio,” University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertolini
- Laboratory of Hematology–Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Balduini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Advanced Diagnosis, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts
| | - Vittorio Rosti
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Advanced Diagnosis, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Lazzaro Spallanzani,” University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Merchant N, Nagaraju GP, Rajitha B, Lammata S, Jella KK, Buchwald ZS, Lakka SS, Ali AN. Matrix metalloproteinases: their functional role in lung cancer. Carcinogenesis 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgx063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
27
|
Lv FZ, Wang JL, Wu Y, Chen HF, Shen XY. Knockdown of MMP12 inhibits the growth and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2017; 28:77-84. [PMID: 25816409 DOI: 10.1177/0394632015572557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12) is involved in many pathological processes including cancer. The expression and function of MMP12 in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation of MMP12 expression with LAC patients and clarify its role in growth and invasion of LAC cells. The expression of MMP12 in human LAC was examined by immunohistochemical assay using a tissue microarray procedure. A loss-of-function experiment was used for observing the effects of lentiviral vector-mediated MMP12 shRNA (shMMP12) on cell growth and invasion in LAC cell lines (A549), indicated by MTT and Transwell assays. We found that the expression of MMP12 protein was significantly increased in LAC tissues compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) (57.69% vs. 32.69%, P = 0.019), and was closely correlated with the pathological stage and lymph node metastasis of LAC patients (P = 0.01; P = 0.003). Knockdown of MMP12 inhibited proliferation and invasion of LAC cells followed by the downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In conclusion, our findings show that high expression of MMP12 is correlated with the pathological stage and tumor metastasis of LAC patients, and knockdown of MMP12 suppresses the development of LAC cells, suggesting that MMP12 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of LAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F-Z Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - J-L Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Y Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - H-F Chen
- Department of Respiration medicine, The Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - X-Y Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Huadong Hospital, Shanghai Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Su SC, Lin CW, Yang WE, Fan WL, Yang SF. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system as a biomarker and therapeutic target in human malignancies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015; 20:551-66. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2016.1113260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
29
|
Co-treatment with therapeutic neural stem cells expressing carboxyl esterase and CPT-11 inhibit growth of primary and metastatic lung cancers in mice. Oncotarget 2015; 5:12835-48. [PMID: 25544747 PMCID: PMC4350335 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, neural stem cells (NSCs)-derived enzyme/prodrug therapy (NDEPT) was used to treat primary lung cancer or metastatic lung cancer in the brain. To confirm the anti-tumor effect of NSCs expressing carboxyl esterase (CE), A549 lung cancer cells were treated with HB1.F3.CE cells and CPT-11. A significant decrease in the viability/proliferation of lung cancer cells was observed compared to negative controls or cells treated with CPT-11 alone. To produce a mouse model of primary lung cancer or lung cancer metastasis to the brain, A549 cells were implanted in the dorsal area of the mouse or right hemisphere. CM-DiI pre-stained stem cells were implanted near the primary lung cancer tumor mass or in the contralateral brain. Two days after stem cells injection, mice were inoculated with CPT-11 (13.5 kg/mouse/day) via intraperitoneal injection. In the primary lung cancer mouse models, tumor mass was 80% lower in response to HB1.F3.CE in conjunction with CPT-11, while it was only reduced by 40% in the group treated with CPT-11 alone. Additionally, therapeutic efficacy of co-treatment with stem cells and CPT-11 was confirmed by detection of apoptosis and necrosis in primary and metastatic lung cancer tissues. By secreting VEGF, tumor cells modulate Erk1/2 and Akt signaling and migration of stem cells. This further increased tumor-selectivity of stem cell/prodrug co-therapy. Overall, these results indicate that NSCs expressing the therapeutic gene may be a powerful tool for treatment of primary lung cancer or metastasis of lung cancer to the brain.
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhang Z, Zhu S, Yang Y, Ma X, Guo S. Matrix metalloproteinase-12 expression is increased in cutaneous melanoma and associated with tumor aggressiveness. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:8593-600. [PMID: 26040769 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3622-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is the most malignant form of skin cancer characterized by aggressive invasion. Matrix metalloproteinases play essential roles in tumor invasion due to their ECM degrading capacity. However, the clinical significance of matrix metalloproteinasis (MMP)-12 in human cutaneous melanoma has not been addressed yet. In the present study, we investigated MMP-12 expression level in 298 patients with cutaneous melanoma and 60 normal skin tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry assay. Appropriate statistical analysis was utilized to determine the association of MMP-12 with clinical features and prognosis of melanoma. Results showed that MMP-12 expression was increased in cutaneous melanoma compared with that in normal skin. It was also found that MMP-12 expression in melanoma was significantly associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. Univariate survival analysis indicated that patients with melanoma of high MMP-12 expression had unfavorable overall survival compared with those of low MMP-12 expression. Cox's proportional hazards analysis showed that MMP-12 expression was an independent prognostic marker of overall survival for patients with cutaneous melanoma. These results proved that MMP-12 expression was increased in cutaneous melanoma and associated with tumor progression. It also provided the first evidence that MMP-12 level could be an independent prognostic marker for patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zixi Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shaojun Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xianjie Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuzhong Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Endothelial progenitor cells in tumor angiogenesis: another brick in the wall. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:832649. [PMID: 26000021 PMCID: PMC4427119 DOI: 10.1155/2015/832649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Until 15 years ago, vasculogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from undifferentiated cells, was thought to occur only during embryonic development. The discovery of circulating cells that are able to promote vascular regeneration and repair—the so-called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs)—changed that, and EPCs have since been studied extensively. It is already known that EPCs include many subtypes of cells that play a variety of roles in promoting vascular growth. Some EPCs are destined to differentiate into endothelial cells, whereas others are capable of promoting and sustaining angiogenesis through paracrine mechanisms. Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis might constitute complementary mechanisms for postnatal neovascularization, and EPCs could be at the core of this process. Although the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting vasculature plays a beneficial role in many physiological processes, such as wound healing, it also contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. However, many aspects of the role played by EPCs in tumor angiogenesis remain unclear. This review aims to address the main aspects of EPCs differentiation and certain characteristics of their main function, especially in tumor angiogenesis, as well as the potential clinical applications.
Collapse
|
32
|
Laurenzana A, Biagioni A, Bianchini F, Peppicelli S, Chillà A, Margheri F, Luciani C, Pimpinelli N, Del Rosso M, Calorini L, Fibbi G. Inhibition of uPAR-TGFβ crosstalk blocks MSC-dependent EMT in melanoma cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2015; 93:783-94. [PMID: 25694039 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-015-1266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The capacity of cancer cells to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is now considered a hallmark of tumor progression, and it is known that interactions between cancer cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of tumor microenvironment may promote this program. Herein, we demonstrate that MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) is a potent inducer of EMT in melanoma cells. The EMT profile acquired by MSC-CM-exposed melanoma cells is characterized by an enhanced level of mesenchymal markers, including TGFβ/TGFβ-receptors system upregulation, by increased invasiveness and uPAR expression, and in vivo tumor growth. Silencing TGFβ in MSC is found to abrogate ability of MSC to promote EMT characteristics in melanoma cells, together with uPAR expression, and this finding is strengthened using an antagonist peptide of TGFβRIII, the so-called P17. Finally, we demonstrate that the uPAR antisense oligonucleotide (uPAR aODN) may inhibit EMT of melanoma cells either stimulated by exogenous TGFβ or MSC-CM. Thus, uPAR upregulation in melanoma cells exposed to MSC-medium drives TGFβ-mediated EMT. On the whole, TGFβ/uPAR dangerous liaison in cancer cell/MSC interactions may disclose a new strategy to abrogate melanoma progression. KEY MESSAGE Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-conditioned medium induces EMT-like profile in melanoma. MSC-derived TGFβ promotes uPAR and TGFβ/TGFβ-receptor upregulation in melanoma. TGFβ gene silencing in MSCs downregulates uPAR expression and EMT in melanoma. uPAR downregulation prevents MSC-induced EMT-like profile in melanoma cells. Inhibition of the dangerous TGFβ/uPAR relationship might abrogate melanoma progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Science, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|