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Branco F, Cunha J, Mendes M, Vitorino C, Sousa JJ. Peptide-Hitchhiking for the Development of Nanosystems in Glioblastoma. ACS NANO 2024; 18:16359-16394. [PMID: 38861272 PMCID: PMC11223498 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01790] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the epitome of aggressiveness and lethality in the spectrum of brain tumors, primarily due to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that hinders effective treatment delivery, tumor heterogeneity, and the presence of treatment-resistant stem cells that contribute to tumor recurrence. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to overcome these obstacles by attaching targeting ligands to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Among these ligands, peptides stand out due to their ease of synthesis and high selectivity. This article aims to review single and multiligand strategies critically. In addition, it highlights other strategies that integrate the effects of external stimuli, biomimetic approaches, and chemical approaches as nanocatalytic medicine, revealing their significant potential in treating GBM with peptide-functionalized NPs. Alternative routes of parenteral administration, specifically nose-to-brain delivery and local treatment within the resected tumor cavity, are also discussed. Finally, an overview of the significant obstacles and potential strategies to overcome them are discussed to provide a perspective on this promising field of GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Branco
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências
da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Cunha
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências
da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Mendes
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências
da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra
Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences − IMS, Faculty
of Sciences and Technology, University of
Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências
da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra
Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences − IMS, Faculty
of Sciences and Technology, University of
Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João J. Sousa
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências
da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra
Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences − IMS, Faculty
of Sciences and Technology, University of
Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
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Chirizzi C, Pellegatta S, Gori A, Falco J, Rubiu E, Acerbi F, Bombelli FB. Next-generation agents for fluorescence-guided glioblastoma surgery. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10608. [PMID: 38818124 PMCID: PMC11135154 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a fast-growing and aggressive form of brain cancer. Even with maximal treatment, patients show a low median survival and are often subjected to a high recurrence incidence. The currently available treatments require multimodal management, including maximal safe surgical resection, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Because of the infiltrative glioblastoma nature, intraoperative differentiation of cancer tissue from normal brain parenchyma is very challenging, and this accounts for the low rate of complete tumor resection. For these reasons, clinicians have increasingly used various intraoperative adjuncts to improve surgical results, such as fluorescent agents. However, most of the existing fluorophores show several limitations such as poor selectivity, photostability, photosensitization and high costs. This could limit their application to successfully improve glioblastoma resection. In the present perspective, we highlight the possibility to develop next-generation fluorescent tools able to more selectively label cancer cells during surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Chirizzi
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta”Politecnico di MilanoMilanoItaly
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain TumorsFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- Unit of NeuroncologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Alessandro Gori
- National Research Council of Italy, Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche (SCITEC‐CNR)MilanItaly
| | - Jacopo Falco
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Emanuele Rubiu
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Francesco Acerbi
- Neurosurgical Unit 2, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
- Experimental Microsurgical Laboratory, Department of NeurosurgeryFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanoItaly
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Fonseca M, Jarak I, Victor F, Domingues C, Veiga F, Figueiras A. Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:319. [PMID: 38255485 PMCID: PMC10817611 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging. The preparation methods of polymersomes can also impact their characteristics and the preservation of the encapsulated drugs. Many methods have been described, including direct hydration, thin film hydration, electroporation, the pH-switch method, solvent shift method, single and double emulsion method, flash nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic synthesis. Considering polymersome structure and composition, there are several types of polymersomes including theranostic polymersomes, polymersomes decorated with targeting ligands for selective delivery, stimuli-responsive polymersomes, or porous polymersomes with multiple promising applications. Due to the shortcomings related to the stability, efficacy, and safety of some therapeutics in the human body, polymersomes as drug delivery systems have been good candidates to improve the quality of therapies against a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be improved by using polymersomes to deliver the drugs, protecting and directing them to the exact site of action. Moreover, this approach is also promising for targeted delivery of biologics since they represent a class of drugs with poor stability and high susceptibility to in vivo clearance. However, the lack of a well-defined regulatory plan for polymersome formulations has hampered their follow-up to clinical trials and subsequent market entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fonseca
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francis Victor
- Department of Pharmacy, University Chenab Gujarat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan;
| | - Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Cooper I, Last D, Ravid O, Rand D, Matsree E, Omesi L, Shemesh C, Liberman M, Zach L, Furman O, Daniels D, Liraz-Zaltsman S, Mardor Y, Sharabi S. BBB opening by low pulsed electric fields, depicted by delayed-contrast MRI, enables efficient delivery of therapeutic doxorubicin doses into mice brains. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:67. [PMID: 37737197 PMCID: PMC10515428 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00468-7] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacological treatment of CNS diseases is limited due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Recent years showed significant advancement in the field of CNS drug delivery enablers, with technologies such as MR-guided focused ultrasound reaching clinical trials. This have inspired researchers in the field to invent novel brain barriers opening (BBo) technologies that are required to be simple, fast, safe and efficient. One such technology, recently developed by us, is BDF (Barrier Disrupting Fields), based on low pulsed electric fields (L-PEFs) for opening the BBB in a controlled, safe, reversible and non-invasive manner. Here, we conducted an in vivo study to show that BDF is a feasible technology for delivering Doxorubicin (Doxo) into mice brain. Means for depicting BBBo levels were developed and applied for monitoring the treatment and predicting response. Overall, the goals of the presented study were to demonstrate the feasibility for delivering therapeutic Doxo doses into naïve and tumor-bearing mice brains and applying delayed-contrast MRI (DCM) for monitoring the levels of BBBo. METHODS L-PEFs were applied using plate electrodes placed on the intact skull of naïve mice. L-PEFs/Sham mice were scanned immediately after the procedure by DCM ("MRI experiment"), or injected with Doxo and Trypan blue followed by delayed (4 h) perfusion and brain extraction ("Doxo experiment"). Doxo concentrations were measured in brain samples using confocal microscopy and compared to IC50 of Doxo in glioma cell lines in vitro. In order to map BBBo extent throughout the brain, pixel by pixel MR image analysis was performed using the DCM data. Finally, the efficacy of L-PEFs in combination with Doxo was tested in nude mice bearing intracranial human glioma tumors. RESULTS Significant amount of Doxo was found in cortical regions of all L-PEFs-treated mice brains (0.50 ± 0.06 µg Doxo/gr brain) while in Sham brains, Doxo concentrations were below or on the verge of detection limit (0.03 ± 0.02 µg Doxo/gr brain). This concentration was x97 higher than IC50 of Doxo calculated in gl261 mouse glioma cells and x8 higher than IC50 of Doxo calculated in U87 human glioma cells. DCM analysis revealed significant BBBo levels in the cortical regions of L-PEFs-treated mice; the average volume of BBBo in the L-PEFs-treated mice was x29 higher than in the Sham group. The calculated BBBo levels dropped exponentially as a function of BBBo threshold, similarly to the electric fields distribution in the brain. Finally, combining non-invasive L-PEFs with Doxo significantly decreased brain tumors growth rates in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate significant BBBo levels induced by extra-cranial L-PEFs, enabling efficient delivery of therapeutic Doxo doses into the brain and reducing tumor growth. As BBBo was undetectable by standard contrast-enhanced MRI, DCM was applied to generate maps depicting the BBBo levels throughout the brain. These findings suggest that BDF is a promising technology for efficient drug delivery into the brain with important implications for future treatment of brain cancer and additional CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itzik Cooper
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
- School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel.
| | - David Last
- The Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Orly Ravid
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Daniel Rand
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Erez Matsree
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Liora Omesi
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Chen Shemesh
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Meir Liberman
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Leor Zach
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Oncology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Orit Furman
- Oncology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Dianne Daniels
- The Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Sigal Liraz-Zaltsman
- The Joseph Sagol Neuroscience Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
- Department of Pharmacology, The Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Institute for Health and Medical Professions, Department of Sports Therapy, Ono Academic College, Kiryat Ono, Israel
| | - Yael Mardor
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- The Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel
| | - Shirley Sharabi
- The Advanced Technology Center, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52621, Israel.
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Hasan I, Roy S, Guo B, Du S, Tao W, Chang C. Recent progress in nanomedicines for imaging and therapy of brain tumors. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:1270-1310. [PMID: 36648496 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01572b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, a malignant brain tumor is one of the most life-threatening diseases with poor prognosis, high risk of recurrence, and low survival rate for patients because of the existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the lack of efficient diagnostic and therapeutic paradigms. So far, many researchers have devoted their efforts to innovating advanced drugs to efficiently cross the BBB and selectively target brain tumors for optimal imaging and therapy outcomes. Herein, we update the most recent developments in nanomedicines for the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors in preclinical mouse models. The special focus is on burgeoning drug delivery carriers to improve the specificity of visualization and to enhance the efficacy of brain tumor treatment. Also, we highlight the challenges and perspectives for the future development of brain tumor theranostics. This review is expected to receive wide attention from researchers, professors, and students in various fields to participate in future advancements in preclinical research and clinical translation of brain tumor nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikram Hasan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
| | - Shubham Roy
- School of Science and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Bing Guo
- School of Science and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Shiwei Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, P. R. China
| | - Wei Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518116, P. R. China
| | - Chunqi Chang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518060, China.
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Zhang D, Tian S, Liu Y, Zheng M, Yang X, Zou Y, Shi B, Luo L. Near infrared-activatable biomimetic nanogels enabling deep tumor drug penetration inhibit orthotopic glioblastoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6835. [PMID: 36369424 PMCID: PMC9652403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34462-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most fatal malignancies due to the existence of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the difficulty to maintain an effective drug accumulation in deep GBM lesions. Here we present a biomimetic nanogel system that can be precisely activated by near infrared (NIR) irradiation to achieve BBB crossing and deep tumor penetration of drugs. Synthesized by crosslinking pullulan and poly(deca-4,6-diynedioic acid) (PDDA) and loaded with temozolomide and indocyanine green (ICG), the nanogels are inert to endogenous oxidative conditions but can be selectively disintegrated by ICG-generated reactive oxygen species upon NIR irradiation. Camouflaging the nanogels with apolipoprotein E peptide-decorated erythrocyte membrane further allows prolonged blood circulation and active tumor targeting. The precisely controlled NIR irradiation on tumor lesions excites ICG and deforms the cumulated nanogels to trigger burst drug release for facilitated BBB permeation and infiltration into distal tumor cells. These NIR-activatable biomimetic nanogels suppress the tumor growth in orthotopic GBM and GBM stem cells-bearing mouse models with significantly extended survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongya Zhang
- grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004 Kaifeng, Henan China
| | - Sidan Tian
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, China
| | - Yanjie Liu
- grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004 Kaifeng, Henan China
| | - Meng Zheng
- grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004 Kaifeng, Henan China
| | - Xiangliang Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zou
- grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004 Kaifeng, Henan China ,grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Bingyang Shi
- grid.256922.80000 0000 9139 560XHenan-Macquarie Uni Joint Centre for Biomedical Innovation, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Life Sciences, Henan University, 475004 Kaifeng, Henan China ,grid.1004.50000 0001 2158 5405Macquarie Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109 Australia
| | - Liang Luo
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074 Wuhan, China
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Zheng XJ, Chen WL, Yi J, Li W, Liu JY, Fu WQ, Ren LW, Li S, Ge BB, Yang YH, Zhang YZ, Yang H, Du GH, Wang Y, Wang JH. Apolipoprotein C1 promotes glioblastoma tumorigenesis by reducing KEAP1/NRF2 and CBS-regulated ferroptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2977-2992. [PMID: 35581292 PMCID: PMC9622891 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00917-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a malignant brain tumor, is a world-wide health problem because of its poor prognosis and high rates of recurrence and mortality. Apolipoprotein C1 (APOC1) is the smallest of apolipoproteins, implicated in many diseases. Recent studies have shown that APOC1 promotes tumorigenesis and development of several types of cancer. In this study we investigated the role of APOC1 in GBM tumorigenesis. Using in silico assays we showed that APOC1 was highly expressed in GBM tissues and its expression was closely related to GBM progression. We showed that APOC1 protein expression was markedly increased in four GBM cell lines (U251, U138, A172 and U87) compared to the normal brain glia cell lines (HEB, HA1800). In U251 cells, overexpression of APOC1 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion and colony information, which was reversed by APOC1 knockdown. APOC1 knockdown also markedly inhibited the growth of GBM xenografts in the ventricle of nude mice. We further demonstrated that APOC1 reduced ferroptosis by inhibiting KEAP1, promoting nuclear translocation of NRF2 and increasing expression of HO-1 and NQO1 in GBM cells. APOC1 also induced ferroptosis resistance by increasing cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) expression, which promoted trans-sulfuration and increased GSH synthesis, ultimately leading to an increase in glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPX4). Thus, APOC1 plays a key role in GBM tumorigenesis, conferring resistance to ferroptosis, and may be a promising therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Jin Zheng
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wen-Lin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jie Yi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wan Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Jin-Yi Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Wei-Qi Fu
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Li-Wen Ren
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Sha Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Bin-Bin Ge
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi-Hui Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Hong Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guan-Hua Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jin-Hua Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Beijing, 100050, China.
- Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Drug Screen, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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8
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Prostate Apoptosis Response-4 (Par-4): A Novel Target in Pyronaridine-Induced Apoptosis in Glioblastoma (GBM) Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133198. [PMID: 35804970 PMCID: PMC9264948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133198] [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: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary GBM treatment is an area of high unmet need due to the heterogeneous and anaplastic character of this cancer in turn leading to an extremely poor prognosis. Finding new molecular entities by traditional or de novo approaches to drug discovery is lengthy and expensive. Repurposing existing drugs can be attractive as the process is often less risky, more cost, and time-effective. Amongst potential drug-repurposing candidates, Pyronaridine (PYR), an antimalarial drug has shown anti-cancer effects against several cancers, however, its potential for the treatment of GBM has not been explored. In this study, we have identified a unique mechanism of action of PYR against GBM by upregulating a tumor suppressor protein, Par-4 along with the elucidation of the complex network of pathways mediated through Par-4 leading to GBM cell death. Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive form of brain tumor with a median survival of approximately 12 months. With no new drugs in the last few decades and limited success in clinics for known therapies, drug repurposing is an attractive choice for its treatment. Here, we examined the efficacy of pyronaridine (PYR), an anti-malarial drug in GBM cells. PYR induced anti-proliferative activity in GBM cells with IC50 ranging from 1.16 to 6.82 µM. Synergistic activity was observed when PYR was combined with Doxorubicin and Ritonavir. Mechanistically, PYR triggered mitochondrial membrane depolarization and enhanced the ROS levels causing caspase-3 mediated apoptosis. PYR significantly decreased markers associated with proliferation, EMT, hypoxia, and stemness and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin. Interestingly, PYR induced the expression of intracellular as well as secretory Par-4, a tumor suppressor in GBM cells, which was confirmed using siRNA. Notably, Par-4 levels in plasma samples of GBM patients were significantly lower than normal healthy volunteers. Thus, our study demonstrates for the first time that PYR can be repurposed against GBM with a novel mechanism of action involving Par-4. Herewith, we discuss the role of upregulated Par-4 in a highly interconnected signaling network thereby advocating its importance as a therapeutic target.
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Rawal SU, Patel BM, Patel MM. New Drug Delivery Systems Developed for Brain Targeting. Drugs 2022; 82:749-792. [PMID: 35596879 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01717-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSF) are two of the most complex and sophisticated concierges that defend the central nervous system (CNS) by numerous mechanisms. While they maintain the neuro-ecological homeostasis through the regulated entry of essential biomolecules, their conservative nature challenges the entry of most of the drugs intended for CNS delivery. Targeted delivery challenges for a diverse spectrum of therapeutic agents/drugs (non-small molecules, small molecules, gene-based therapeutics, protein and peptides, antibodies) are diverse and demand specialized delivery and disease-targeting strategies. This review aims to capture the trends that have shaped the current brain targeting research scenario. This review discusses the physiological, neuropharmacological, and etiological factors that participate in the transportation of various drug delivery cargoes across the BBB/BCSF and influence their therapeutic intracranial concentrations. Recent research works spanning various invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive brain- targeting approaches are discussed. While the pre-clinical outcomes from many of these approaches seem promising, further research is warranted to overcome the translational glitches that prevent their clinical use. Non-invasive approaches like intranasal administration, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibition, pro-drugs, and carrier/targeted nanocarrier-aided delivery systems (alone or often in combination) hold positive clinical prospects for brain targeting if explored further in the right direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti U Rawal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, L.J. Institute of Pharmacy, L J University, Sarkhej-Sanand Circle Off. S.G. Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382210, India
| | - Bhoomika M Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India
| | - Mayur M Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Chharodi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 382481, India.
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Choi H, Choi K, Kim DH, Oh BK, Yim H, Jo S, Choi C. Strategies for Targeted Delivery of Exosomes to the Brain: Advantages and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14030672. [PMID: 35336049 PMCID: PMC8948948 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14030672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system (CNS) is difficult because of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Therapeutic delivery across the tight junctions of the BBB can be achieved through various endogenous transportation mechanisms. Receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) is one of the most widely investigated and used methods. Drugs can hijack RMT by expressing specific ligands that bind to receptors mediating transcytosis, such as the transferrin receptor (TfR), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and insulin receptor (INSR). Cell-penetrating peptides and viral components originating from neurotropic viruses can also be utilized for the efficient BBB crossing of therapeutics. Exosomes, or small extracellular vesicles, have gained attention as natural nanoparticles for treating CNS diseases, owing to their potential for natural BBB crossing and broad surface engineering capability. RMT-mediated transport of exosomes expressing ligands such as LDLR-targeting apolipoprotein B has shown promising results. Although surface-modified exosomes possessing brain targetability have shown enhanced CNS delivery in preclinical studies, the successful development of clinically approved exosome therapeutics for CNS diseases requires the establishment of quantitative and qualitative methods for monitoring exosomal delivery to the brain parenchyma in vivo as well as elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the BBB crossing of surface-modified exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojun Choi
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Kyungsun Choi
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Dae-Hwan Kim
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Byung-Koo Oh
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Hwayoung Yim
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Soojin Jo
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
| | - Chulhee Choi
- ILIAS Biologics Inc., Daejeon 34014, Korea; (H.C.); (K.C.); (D.-H.K.); (B.-K.O.); (H.Y.); (S.J.)
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-863-4450
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Ottonelli I, Caraffi R, Tosi G, Vandelli MA, Duskey JT, Ruozi B. Tunneling Nanotubes: A New Target for Nanomedicine? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042237. [PMID: 35216348 PMCID: PMC8878036 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), discovered in 2004, are thin, long protrusions between cells utilized for intercellular transfer and communication. These newly discovered structures have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in homeostasis, but also in the spreading of diseases, infections, and metastases. Gaining much interest in the medical research field, TNTs have been shown to transport nanomedicines (NMeds) between cells. NMeds have been studied thanks to their advantageous features in terms of reduced toxicity of drugs, enhanced solubility, protection of the payload, prolonged release, and more interestingly, cell-targeted delivery. Nevertheless, their transfer between cells via TNTs makes their true fate unknown. If better understood, TNTs could help control NMed delivery. In fact, TNTs can represent the possibility both to improve the biodistribution of NMeds throughout a diseased tissue by increasing their formation, or to minimize their formation to block the transfer of dangerous material. To date, few studies have investigated the interaction between NMeds and TNTs. In this work, we will explain what TNTs are and how they form and then review what has been published regarding their potential use in nanomedicine research. We will highlight possible future approaches to better exploit TNT intercellular communication in the field of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Ottonelli
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy;
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Riccardo Caraffi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
| | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I., Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (R.C.); (G.T.); (M.A.V.); (B.R.)
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The Evolution and Future of Targeted Cancer Therapy: From Nanoparticles, Oncolytic Viruses, and Oncolytic Bacteria to the Treatment of Solid Tumors. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11113018. [PMID: 34835785 PMCID: PMC8623458 DOI: 10.3390/nano11113018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While many classes of chemotherapeutic agents exist to treat solid tumors, few can generate a lasting response without substantial off-target toxicity despite significant scientific advancements and investments. In this review, the paths of development for nanoparticles, oncolytic viruses, and oncolytic bacteria over the last 20 years of research towards clinical translation and acceptance as novel cancer therapeutics are compared. Novel nanoparticle, oncolytic virus, and oncolytic bacteria therapies all start with a common goal of accomplishing therapeutic drug activity or delivery to a specific site while avoiding off-target effects, with overlapping methodology between all three modalities. Indeed, the degree of overlap is substantial enough that breakthroughs in one therapeutic could have considerable implications on the progression of the other two. Each oncotherapeutic modality has accomplished clinical translation, successfully overcoming the potential pitfalls promising therapeutics face. However, once studies enter clinical trials, the data all but disappears, leaving pre-clinical researchers largely in the dark. Overall, the creativity, flexibility, and innovation of these modalities for solid tumor treatments are greatly encouraging, and usher in a new age of pharmaceutical development.
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