1
|
Liu J, He C, Tan W, Zheng JH. Path to bacteriotherapy: From bacterial engineering to therapeutic perspectives. Life Sci 2024; 352:122897. [PMID: 38971366 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
The major reason for the failure of conventional therapies is the heterogeneity and complexity of tumor microenvironments (TMEs). Many malignant tumors reprogram their surface antigens to evade the immune surveillance, leading to reduced antigen-presenting cells and hindered T-cell activation. Bacteria-mediated cancer immunotherapy has been extensively investigated in recent years. Scientists have ingeniously modified bacteria using synthetic biology and nanotechnology to enhance their biosafety with high tumor specificity, resulting in robust anticancer immune responses. To enhance the antitumor efficacy, therapeutic proteins, cytokines, nanoparticles, and chemotherapeutic drugs have been efficiently delivered using engineered bacteria. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of oncolytic bacterial therapies, covering bacterial design and the intricate interactions within TMEs. Additionally, it offers an in-depth comparison of the current techniques used for bacterial modification, both internally and externally, to maximize their therapeutic effectiveness. Finally, we outlined the challenges and opportunities ahead in the clinical application of oncolytic bacterial therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinling Liu
- The Affiliated Xiangtan Central Hospital of Hunan University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China; College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Chongsheng He
- College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Wenzhi Tan
- School of Food Science and Bioengineering, Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha, Hunan 410114, China.
| | - Jin Hai Zheng
- The Affiliated Xiangtan Central Hospital of Hunan University, School of Biomedical Sciences, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dehaen N, Van Hul M, Mignion L, Kouakou AN, Cani PD, Jordan BF. Luciferase transduction and selection protocol for reliable in vivo bioluminescent measurements in cancer research. Heliyon 2024; 10:e33356. [PMID: 39035528 PMCID: PMC11259842 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence imaging has become an essential non-invasive tool in cancer research for monitoring various cellular processes and tumor progression in vivo. In this article, we aimed to propose a transduction and selection protocol for reliable in vivo bioluminescent measurements in immunocompetent mouse models. Using two different heterogenous luciferase-expressing cell models, we underlined factors influencing transduction. The protocol was tested through an in vitro luciferase activity assay as well as using in vivo longitudinal monitoring of metastases formation (In Vivo Imaging System®). The data were cross validated with histological assessment. Our results demonstrated stable and proportional in vitro and in vivo bioluminescent signals correlating with actual metastatic burden. Furthermore, ex vivo analysis confirmed the accuracy of bioluminescent imaging in quantifying metastatic surface area. This protocol should ensure reliable and reproducible measurements in cancer research utilizing luciferase-positive cell lines, confirming the validity and accuracy of preclinical studies in immunocompetent models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Dehaen
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance group (REMA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group (MNUT), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthias Van Hul
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group (MNUT), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Lionel Mignion
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance group (REMA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axell-Natalie Kouakou
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance group (REMA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group (MNUT), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Bioanalysis and Pharmacology of Bioactive Lipids (BPBL), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrice D. Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group (MNUT), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO), WELBIO department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte F. Jordan
- Biomedical Magnetic Resonance group (REMA), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Nuclear and Electron Spin Technologies (NEST) Platform, Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yan T, Weng F, Ming Y, Zhu S, Zhu M, Wang C, Guo C, Zhu K. Luminescence Probes in Bio-Applications: From Principle to Practice. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:333. [PMID: 39056609 PMCID: PMC11274413 DOI: 10.3390/bios14070333] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Bioanalysis based on optical imaging has gained significant progress in the last few decades. Luminescence probes are capable of detecting, monitoring, and tracing particular biomolecules in complex biological systems to figure out the roles of these molecules in organisms. Considering the rapid development of luminescence probes for bio-applications and their promising future, we have attempted to explore the working principles and recent advances in bio-applications of luminescence probes, in the hope of helping readers gain a detailed understanding of luminescence probes developed in recent years. In this review, we first focus on the current widely used luminescence probes, including fluorescence probes, bioluminescence probes, chemiluminescence probes, afterglow probes, photoacoustic probes, and Cerenkov luminescence probes. The working principles for each type of luminescence probe are concisely described and the bio-application of the luminescence probes is summarized by category, including metal ions detection, secretion detection, imaging, and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (T.Y.); (F.W.); (Y.M.); (S.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Changfa Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (T.Y.); (F.W.); (Y.M.); (S.Z.); (M.Z.)
| | - Kai Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; (T.Y.); (F.W.); (Y.M.); (S.Z.); (M.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodgers LT, Schulz Pauly JA, Maloney BJ, Hartz AMS, Bauer B. Optimization, Characterization, and Comparison of Two Luciferase-Expressing Mouse Glioblastoma Models. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1997. [PMID: 38893116 PMCID: PMC11171217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain cancer. To model GBM in research, orthotopic brain tumor models, including syngeneic models like GL261 and genetically engineered mouse models like TRP, are used. In longitudinal studies, tumor growth and the treatment response are typically tracked with in vivo imaging, including bioluminescence imaging (BLI), which is quick, cost-effective, and easily quantifiable. However, BLI requires luciferase-tagged cells, and recent studies indicate that the luciferase gene can elicit an immune response, leading to tumor rejection and experimental variation. We sought to optimize the engraftment of two luciferase-expressing GBM models, GL261 Red-FLuc and TRP-mCherry-FLuc, showing differences in tumor take, with GL261 Red-FLuc cells requiring immunocompromised mice for 100% engraftment. Immunohistochemistry and MRI revealed distinct tumor characteristics: GL261 Red-FLuc tumors were well-demarcated with densely packed cells, high mitotic activity, and vascularization. In contrast, TRP-mCherry-FLuc tumors were large, invasive, and necrotic, with perivascular invasion. Quantifying the tumor volume using the HALO® AI analysis platform yielded results comparable to manual measurements, providing a standardized and efficient approach for the reliable, high-throughput analysis of luciferase-expressing tumors. Our study highlights the importance of considering tumor engraftment when using luciferase-expressing GBM models, providing insights for preclinical research design.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis T. Rodgers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Julia A. Schulz Pauly
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Bryan J. Maloney
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Anika M. S. Hartz
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Björn Bauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Connor K, Conroy E, White K, Shiels LP, Keek S, Ibrahim A, Gallagher WM, Sweeney KJ, Clerkin J, O'Brien D, Cryan JB, O'Halloran PJ, Heffernan J, Brett F, Lambin P, Woodruff HC, Byrne AT. A clinically relevant computed tomography (CT) radiomics strategy for intracranial rodent brain tumour monitoring. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2720. [PMID: 38302657 PMCID: PMC10834979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52960-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we establish a CT-radiomics based method for application in invasive, orthotopic rodent brain tumour models. Twenty four NOD/SCID mice were implanted with U87R-Luc2 GBM cells and longitudinally imaged via contrast enhanced (CE-CT) imaging. Pyradiomics was employed to extract CT-radiomic features from the tumour-implanted hemisphere and non-tumour-implanted hemisphere of acquired CT-scans. Inter-correlated features were removed (Spearman correlation > 0.85) and remaining features underwent predictive analysis (recursive feature elimination or Boruta algorithm). An area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve was implemented to evaluate radiomic features for their capacity to predict defined outcomes. Firstly, we identified a subset of radiomic features which distinguish the tumour-implanted hemisphere and non- tumour-implanted hemisphere (i.e, tumour presence from normal tissue). Secondly, we successfully translate preclinical CT-radiomic pipelines to GBM patient CT scans (n = 10), identifying similar trends in tumour-specific feature intensities (E.g. 'glszm Zone Entropy'), thereby suggesting a mouse-to-human species conservation (a conservation of radiomic features across species). Thirdly, comparison of features across timepoints identify features which support preclinical tumour detection earlier than is possible by visual assessment of CT scans. This work establishes robust, preclinical CT-radiomic pipelines and describes the application of CE-CT for in-depth orthotopic brain tumour monitoring. Overall we provide evidence for the role of pre-clinical 'discovery' radiomics in the neuro-oncology space.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Connor
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, York Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer Conroy
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kieron White
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, York Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam P Shiels
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, York Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simon Keek
- The D-Lab: Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Abdalla Ibrahim
- The D-Lab: Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - William M Gallagher
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - James Clerkin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David O'Brien
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jane B Cryan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Philip J O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, York Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Neurosurgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Francesca Brett
- Department of Neuropathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Philippe Lambin
- The D-Lab: Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Henry C Woodruff
- The D-Lab: Department of Precision Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Annette T Byrne
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, York Street, Dublin 2, Ireland.
- National Pre-Clinical Imaging Centre (NPIC), Dublin, Ireland.
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Calabretta MM, Gregucci D, Michelini E. New synthetic red- and orange-emitting luciferases to upgrade in vitro and 3D cell biosensing. Analyst 2023; 148:5642-5649. [PMID: 37791570 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01251d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Bioluminescence (BL), i.e., the emission of light in living organisms, has become an indispensable tool for a plethora of applications including bioassays, biosensors, and in vivo imaging. Current efforts are focused on the obtainment of new luciferases having optimized properties, such as improved thermostability at 37 °C, pH-insensitive emission, high quantum yield, extended kinetics and red-shifted emission. To address these issues we have obtained two new synthetic luciferases, an orange and a red-emitting luciferase, which were designed to achieve high sensitivity (BoLuc) and multiplexing capability (BrLuc) for in vitro and in vivo biosensing using as a starting template a recently developed thermostable synthetic luciferase (BgLuc). Both luciferases were characterized in terms of emission behaviour and thermal and pH stability showing promising features as reporter proteins and BL probes. As proof-of-principle application, an inflammation assay based on Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293T) 3D cell cultures was developed using either the orange or the red-emitting mutant. The assay provided good analytical performance, with limits of detection for Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα) of 0.06 and 0.12 ng mL-1 for BoLuc and BrLuc, respectively. Moreover, since these luciferases require the same substrate, D-luciferin, they can be easily implemented in dual-color assays with a significant reduction of total cost per assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maddalena Calabretta
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orso-la-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Denise Gregucci
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orso-la-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Michelini
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico S. Orso-la-Malpighi, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HSTICIR), University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xing YL, Panovska D, Petritsch CK. Successes and challenges in modeling heterogeneous BRAF V600E mutated central nervous system neoplasms. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223199. [PMID: 37920169 PMCID: PMC10619673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223199] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are difficult to treat due to their sensitive location. Over the past two decades, the availability of patient tumor materials facilitated large scale genomic and epigenomic profiling studies, which have resulted in detailed insights into the molecular underpinnings of CNS tumorigenesis. Based on results from these studies, CNS tumors have high molecular and cellular intra-tumoral and inter-tumoral heterogeneity. CNS cancer models have yet to reflect the broad diversity of CNS tumors and patients and the lack of such faithful cancer models represents a major bottleneck to urgently needed innovations in CNS cancer treatment. Pediatric cancer model development is lagging behind adult tumor model development, which is why we focus this review on CNS tumors mutated for BRAFV600E which are more prevalent in the pediatric patient population. BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors exhibit high inter-tumoral heterogeneity, encompassing clinically and histopathological diverse tumor types. Moreover, BRAFV600E is the second most common alteration in pediatric low-grade CNS tumors, and low-grade tumors are notoriously difficult to recapitulate in vitro and in vivo. Although the mutation predominates in low-grade CNS tumors, when combined with other mutations, most commonly CDKN2A deletion, BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors are prone to develop high-grade features, and therefore BRAFV600E-mutated CNS are a paradigm for tumor progression. Here, we describe existing in vitro and in vivo models of BRAFV600E-mutated CNS tumors, including patient-derived cell lines, patient-derived xenografts, syngeneic models, and genetically engineered mouse models, along with their advantages and shortcomings. We discuss which research gaps each model might be best suited to answer, and identify those areas in model development that need to be strengthened further. We highlight areas of potential research focus that will lead to the heightened predictive capacity of preclinical studies, allow for appropriate validation, and ultimately improve the success of "bench to bedside" translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia K. Petritsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Van Court B, Neupert B, Nguyen D, Ross R, Knitz MW, Karam SD. Measurement of mouse head and neck tumors by automated analysis of CBCT images. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12033. [PMID: 37491456 PMCID: PMC10368694 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39159-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal experiments are often used to determine effects of drugs and other biological conditions on cancer progression, but poor accuracy and reproducibility of established tumor measurement methods make results unreliable. In orthotopic mouse models of head and neck cancer, tumor volumes approximated from caliper measurements are conventionally used to compare groups, but geometrical challenges make the procedure imprecise. To address this, we developed software to better measure these tumors by automated analysis of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. This allows for analyses of tumor shape and growth dynamics that would otherwise be too inaccurate to provide biological insight. Monitoring tumor growth by calipers and imaging in parallel, we find that caliper measurements of small tumors are weakly correlated with actual tumor volume and highly susceptible to experimenter bias. The method presented provides a unique window to sources of error in a foundational aspect of preclinical head and neck cancer research and a valuable tool to mitigate them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Brooke Neupert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Diemmy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Richard Ross
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Michael W Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA.
| |
Collapse
|