1
|
Kumar J, Karim A, Sweety UH, Sarma H, Nurunnabi M, Narayan M. Bioinspired Approaches for Central Nervous System Targeted Gene Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:4975-4997. [PMID: 38100377 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00842] [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: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) which include a wide range of neurodegenerative and neurological conditions have become a serious global issue. The presence of CNS barriers poses a significant challenge to the progress of designing effective therapeutic delivery systems, limiting the effectiveness of drugs, genes, and other therapeutic agents. Natural nanocarriers present in biological systems have inspired researchers to design unique delivery systems through biomimicry. As natural resource derived delivery systems are more biocompatible, current research has been focused on the development of delivery systems inspired by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mammalian cells. Despite their structural potential and extensive physiological function, making them an excellent choice for biomaterial engineering, the delivery of nucleic acids remains challenging due to their instability in biological systems. Similarly, the efficient delivery of genetic material within the tissues of interest remains a hurdle due to a lack of selectivity and targeting ability. Considering that gene therapies are the holy grail for intervention in diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Huntington's disease, this review centers around recent advances in bioinspired approaches to gene delivery for the prevention of CNS disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyotish Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Afroz Karim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Ummy Habiba Sweety
- Environmental Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Hemen Sarma
- Bioremediation Technology Research Group, Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Rangalikhata, Deborgaon, 783370, Kokrajhar (BTR), Assam, India
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| | - Mahesh Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), El Paso, Texas 79968, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xiao H, Amarsaikhan O, Zhao Y, Yu X, Hu X, Han S, Chaolumen, Baigude H. Astrocyte-targeted siRNA delivery by adenosine-functionalized LNP in mouse TBI model. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 34:102065. [PMID: 38028196 PMCID: PMC10661454 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) induces pro-inflammatory polarization of astrocytes and causes secondary disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain damage. Herein, we report a successful astrocyte-targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) by ligand functionalized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated from adenosine-conjugated lipids and a novel ionizable lipid (denoted by Ad4 LNPs). Systemic administration of Ad4 LNPs carrying siRNA against TLR4 to the mice TBI model resulted in the specific internalization of the LNPs by astrocytes in the vicinity of damaged brain tissue. A substantial knockdown of TLR4 at both mRNA and protein levels in the brain was observed, which led to a significant decrease of key pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase of key anti-inflammatory cytokines in serum. Dye leakage measurement suggested that the Ad4-LNP-mediated knockdown of TLR4 attenuated the TBI-induced BBB disruption. Together, our data suggest that Ad4 LNP is a promising vehicle for astrocyte-specific delivery of nucleic acid therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai Xiao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Odmaa Amarsaikhan
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Yunwang Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Yu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Xin Hu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Shuqin Han
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Chaolumen
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| | - Huricha Baigude
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Medicinal Chemistry, School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia 010020, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hussen BM, Abdullah KH, Abdullah SR, Majeed NM, Mohamadtahr S, Rasul MF, Dong P, Taheri M, Samsami M. New insights of miRNA molecular mechanisms in breast cancer brain metastasis and therapeutic targets. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:645-660. [PMID: 37818447 PMCID: PMC10560790 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases in breast cancer (BC) patients are often associated with a poor prognosis. Recent studies have uncovered the critical roles of miRNAs in the initiation and progression of BC brain metastasis, highlighting the disease's underlying molecular pathways. miRNA-181c, miRNA-10b, and miRNA-21, for example, are all overexpressed in BC patients. It has been shown that these three miRNAs help tumors grow and metastasize by targeting genes that control how cells work. On the other hand, miRNA-26b5p, miRNA-7, and miRNA-1013p are all downregulated in BC brain metastasis patients. They act as tumor suppressors by controlling the expression of genes related to cell adhesion, angiogenesis, and invasion. Therapeutic miRNA targeting has considerable promise in treating BC brain metastases. Several strategies have been proposed to modulate miRNA expression, including miRNA-Mimics, antagomirs, and small molecule inhibitors of miRNA biogenesis. This review discusses the aberrant expression of miRNAs and metastatic pathways that lead to the spread of BC cells to the brain. It also explores miRNA therapeutic target molecular mechanisms and BC brain metastasis challenges with advanced strategies. The targeting of certain miRNAs opens a new door for the development of novel therapeutic approaches for this devastating disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Cihan University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, 44001, Iraq
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Khozga Hazhar Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Snur Rasool Abdullah
- Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq
| | | | - Sayran Mohamadtahr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammed Fatih Rasul
- Department of Pharmaceutical Basic Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Peixin Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sakibuzzaman M, Mahmud S, Afroze T, Fathma S, Zakia UB, Afroz S, Zafar F, Hossain M, Barua A, Akter S, Chowdhury HI, Ahsan E, Eshan SH, Fariza TT. Pathology of breast cancer metastasis and a view of metastasis to the brain. Int J Neurosci 2023; 133:544-554. [PMID: 34044732 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2021.1935929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advances in diagnosis and management of breast cancer, metastasis has been responsible for the staggering percentage of breast cancer-related death. Mortality threat can be explained mostly by the lack of proper understanding of the diversity of pathological features and underlying mechanism of breast cancer metastasis and effective targeted therapy. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) are the potential source of tumor cells spread to distant organs. BCSCs targeted therapy can suppress the breast cancer progression to metastasis. Spreading of tumor cells to the bone, lung, liver, and brain occurs through a distinct non-random process; called metastasis organotropism. Recently, brain metastasis in breast cancer patients has been detected more frequently, causing a significant clinical burden. BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated breast cancers carry a remarkably higher propensity of CNS metastasis. BRCA1 and BRCA2 associated breast cancers commonly have the propensity to be the triple-negative (TN) and hormone receptors (HR)-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative molecular subtypes, respectively. Regardless of molecular subtypes, metastasis is most commonly evident at the bone. Heterogeneity is a critical pathological feature, leads to therapeutic resistance. BCSCs, biomarkers expression patterns, and mutations contribute to heterogeneity. In this paper, we discuss crucial pathological features of breast cancer metastasis, emphasizing metastasis organotropism and heterogeneity; and mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis, highlighting the pathways of metastasis to the brain. We consider that this paper reinforces future research areas and benefits the general readers, physicians, and researchers to identify potential areas to develop targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Sakibuzzaman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Shahriar Mahmud
- Sher-E-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sawsan Fathma
- Bangladesh Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Sabrina Afroz
- Faridpur Medical College and Hospital, Faridpur, Bangladesh
| | - Farzina Zafar
- Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maksuda Hossain
- Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Amit Barua
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sabiha Akter
- Sher-E-Bangla Medical College and Hospital, Barisal, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eram Ahsan
- Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shayet Hossain Eshan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Amita Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wessels PH, Boelens MC, Monkhorst K, Sonke GS, van den Broek D, Brandsma D. A review on genetic alterations in CNS metastases related to breast cancer treatment. Is there a role for liquid biopsies in CSF? J Neurooncol 2023; 162:1-13. [PMID: 36820955 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-023-04261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Acquired mutations or altered gene expression patterns in brain metastases (BM) and/or leptomeningeal metastases (LM) of breast cancer may play a role in therapy-resistance and offer new molecular targets and treatment options. Despite expanding knowledge of genetic alterations in breast cancer and their metastases, clinical applications for patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases are currently limited. An emerging tool are DNA-techniques that may detect genetic alterations of the CNS metastases in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this review we discuss genetic studies in breast cancer and CNS metastases and the role of liquid biopsies in CSF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter H Wessels
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neurology, St. Antonius Hospital, Utrecht, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam C Boelens
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Monkhorst
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabe S Sonke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan van den Broek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dieta Brandsma
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun Q, Du J, Dong J, Pan S, Jin H, Han X, Zhang J. Systematic Investigation of the Multifaceted Role of SOX11 in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246103. [PMID: 36551589 PMCID: PMC9776339 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY-box transcription factor 11 (SOX11), as a member of the SOX family, is a transcription factor involved in the regulation of specific biological processes and has recently been found to be a prognostic marker for certain cancers. However, the roles of SOX11 in cancer remain controversial. Our study aimed to explore the various aspects of SOX11 in pan-cancer. The expression of SOX11 was investigated by the Genotype Tissue-Expression (GTEX) dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The protein level of SOX11 in tumor tissues and tumor-adjacent tissues was verified by human pan-cancer tissue microarray. Additionally, we used TCGA pan-cancer data to analyze the correlations among SOX11 expression and survival outcomes, clinical features, stemness, microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutation burden (TMB), mismatch repair (MMR) related genes and the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the cBioPortal database was applied to investigate the gene alterations of SOX11. The main biological processes of SOX11 in cancers were analyzed by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). As a result, aberrant expression of SOX11 has been implicated in 27 kinds of cancer types. Aberrant SOX11 expression was closely associated with survival outcomes, stage, tumor recurrence, MSI, TMB and MMR-related genes. In addition, the most frequent alteration of the SOX11 genome was mutation. Our study also showed the correlations of SOX11 with the level of immune infiltration in various cancers. In summary, our findings underline the multifaceted role and prognostic value of SOX11 in pan-cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jun Du
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Shuaikang Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Hongwei Jin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xinghua Han
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230001, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- Correspondence: (X.H.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jinguo Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230001, China
- Correspondence: (X.H.); (J.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lim M, Nguyen TH, Niland C, Reid LE, Jat PS, Saunus JM, Lakhani SR. Landscape of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Heterodimers in Brain Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030533. [PMID: 35158800 PMCID: PMC8833370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030533] [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: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary HER2+ breast cancer patients are treated with agents that tag HER2+ tumour cells for elimination by the immune system, down-modulate HER2 activity and/or block the formation of HER2 dimers, including the neuregulin-1 receptor, HER2-HER3. HER2-targeted therapies prolong survival by lowering the risk of relapse, but do not prevent brain metastases. The reasons for this are not fully understood. We quantified HER2-HER3 dimers in 203 brain metastases, and 34 primary breast tumour samples. Dimer frequency was relatively high in brain metastases from breast, ovarian, lung and kidney cancers, and in brain metastases compared to patient-matched breast tumours; but did not reliably correlate with HER2/HER3 expression or activation. In in vitro experiments, pertuzumab failed to suppress HER2-HER3 dimers in HER2+ breast cancer cells provided with a saturating concentration of neuregulin-1. These findings may provide insights about the differences in intracranial versus extracranial efficacy of HER2-targeted therapies. Abstract HER2+ breast cancer patients have an elevated risk of developing brain metastases (BM), despite adjuvant HER2-targeted therapy. The mechanisms underpinning this reduced intracranial efficacy are unclear. We optimised the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) for detection of the high-affinity neuregulin-1 receptor, HER2-HER3 (a key target of pertuzumab), in archival tissue samples and developed a pipeline for high throughput extraction of PLA data from fluorescent microscope image files. Applying this to a large BM sample cohort (n = 159) showed that BM from breast, ovarian, lung and kidney cancers have higher HER2-HER3 levels than other primary tumour types (melanoma, colorectal and prostate cancers). HER2 status, and tumour cell membrane expression of pHER2(Y1221/1222) and pHER3(Y1222) were positively, but not exclusively, associated with HER2-HER3 frequency. In an independent cohort (n = 78), BM had significantly higher HER2-HER3 levels than matching primary tumours (p = 0.0002). For patients who had two craniotomy procedures, HER2-HER3 dimer levels were lower in the consecutive lesion (n = 7; p = 0.006). We also investigated the effects of trastuzumab and pertuzumab on five different heterodimers in vitro: HER2-EGFR, HER2-HER4, HER2-HER3, HER3-HER4, HER3-EGFR. Treatment significantly altered the absolute frequencies of individual complexes in SKBr3 and/or MDA-MB-361 cells, but in the presence of neuregulin-1, the overall distribution was not markedly altered, with HER2-HER3 and HER2-HER4 remaining predominant. Together, these findings suggest that markers of HER2 and HER3 expression are not always indicative of dimerization, and that pertuzumab may be less effective at reducing HER2-HER3 dimerization in the context of excess neuregulin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.L.); (C.N.); (L.E.R.)
| | - Tam H. Nguyen
- Flow Cytometry and Imaging Facility, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4006, Australia;
| | - Colleen Niland
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.L.); (C.N.); (L.E.R.)
| | - Lynne E. Reid
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.L.); (C.N.); (L.E.R.)
| | - Parmjit S. Jat
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and MRC Prion Unit, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK;
| | - Jodi M. Saunus
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.L.); (C.N.); (L.E.R.)
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (S.R.L.)
| | - Sunil R. Lakhani
- Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; (M.L.); (C.N.); (L.E.R.)
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
- Correspondence: (J.M.S.); (S.R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nie H, Luo C, Liao K, Xu J, Cheng XX, Wang X. Seven Glycolysis-Related Genes Predict the Prognosis of Patients With Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:647106. [PMID: 33912561 PMCID: PMC8074862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.647106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To identify the key glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) in the occurrence and development of pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC), and to construct a glycolysis-related gene model for predicting the prognosis of PDAC patients. Methodology Pancreatic ductal carcinoma (PDAC) data and that of normal individuals were downloaded from the TCGA database and Genotype-Tissue Expression database, respectively. GSEA analysis of glycolysis-related pathways was then performed on PDAC data to identify significantly enriched GRGs. The genes were combined with other patient’s clinical information and used to construct a glycolysis-related gene model using cox regression analysis. The model was further evaluated using data from the validation group. Mutations in the model genes were subsequently identified using the cBioPortal. In the same line, the expression levels of glycolysis related model genes in PDAC were analyzed and verified using immunohistochemical images. Model prediction for PDAC patients with different clinical characteristics was then done and the relationship between gene expression level, clinical stage and prognosis further discussed. Finally, a nomogram map of the predictive model was constructed to evaluate the prognosis of patients with PDAC. Results GSEA results of the training set revealed that genes in the training set were significantly related to glycolysis pathway and iconic glycolysis pathway. There were 108 differentially expressed GRGs. Among them, 29 GRGs were closely related to prognosis based on clinical survival time. Risk regression analysis further revealed that there were seven significantly expressed glycolysis related genes. The genes were subsequently used to construct a predictive model. The model had an AUC value of more than 0.85. It was also significantly correlated with survival time. Further expression analysis revealed that CDK1, DSC2, ERO1A, MET, PYGL, and SLC35A3 were highly expressed in PDAC and CHST12 was highly expressed in normal pancreatic tissues. These results were confirmed using immunohistochemistry images of normal and diseases cells. The model could effectively evaluate the prognosis of PDAC patients with different clinical characteristics. Conclusion The constructed glycolysis-related gene model effectively predicts the occurrence and development of PDAC. As such, it can be used as a prognostic marker to diagnose patients with PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Nie
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Cancan Luo
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kaili Liao
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiasheng Xu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue-Xin Cheng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Current Status and Challenges Associated with CNS-Targeted Gene Delivery across the BBB. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12121216. [PMID: 33334049 PMCID: PMC7765480 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12121216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The era of the aging society has arrived, and this is accompanied by an increase in the absolute numbers of patients with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Such neurological disorders are serious costly diseases that have a significant impact on society, both globally and socially. Gene therapy has great promise for the treatment of neurological disorders, but only a few gene therapy drugs are currently available. Delivery to the brain is the biggest hurdle in developing new drugs for the central nervous system (CNS) diseases and this is especially true in the case of gene delivery. Nanotechnologies such as viral and non-viral vectors allow efficient brain-targeted gene delivery systems to be created. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive review of the current status of the development of successful drug delivery to the CNS for the treatment of CNS-related disorders especially by gene therapy. We mainly address three aspects of this situation: (1) blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions; (2) adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, currently the most advanced gene delivery vector; (3) non-viral brain targeting by non-invasive methods.
Collapse
|
10
|
Tsang SM, Oliemuller E, Howard BA. Regulatory roles for SOX11 in development, stem cells and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 67:3-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
11
|
The Tumor Microenvironment of Primitive and Metastatic Breast Cancer: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218102. [PMID: 33143050 PMCID: PMC7662409 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer evolves thanks to a dense and close interaction with the surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME). Fibroblasts, leukocytes, blood and lymphatic endothelial cells and extracellular matrix are the constituents of this entity, and they synergistically play a pivotal role in all of the stages of breast cancer development, from its onset to its metastatic spread. Moreover, it has been widely demonstrated that variations to the TME can correspond to prognosis variations. Breast cancer not only modulates the transformation of the environment within the mammary gland, but the same process is observed in metastases as well. In this minireview, we describe the features of TME within the primitive breast cancer, throughout its evolution and spread into the main metastatic sites.
Collapse
|
12
|
Oliemuller E, Newman R, Tsang SM, Foo S, Muirhead G, Noor F, Haider S, Aurrekoetxea-Rodríguez I, Vivanco MDM, Howard BA. SOX11 promotes epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state and alters tropism of invasive breast cancer cells. eLife 2020; 9:58374. [PMID: 32909943 PMCID: PMC7518891 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX11 is an embryonic mammary epithelial marker that is normally silenced prior to birth. High SOX11 levels in breast tumours are significantly associated with distant metastasis and poor outcome in breast cancer patients. Here, we show that SOX11 confers distinct features to ER-negative DCIS.com breast cancer cells, leading to populations enriched with highly plastic hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal cells, which display invasive features and alterations in metastatic tropism when xenografted into mice. We found that SOX11+DCIS tumour cells metastasize to brain and bone at greater frequency and to lungs at lower frequency compared to cells with lower SOX11 levels. High levels of SOX11 leads to the expression of markers associated with mesenchymal state and embryonic cellular phenotypes. Our results suggest that SOX11 may be a potential biomarker for breast tumours with elevated risk of developing metastases and may require more aggressive therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oliemuller
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Newman
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siu Man Tsang
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shane Foo
- Translational Immunotherapy Team, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Muirhead
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farzana Noor
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Haider
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maria dM Vivanco
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Beatrice A Howard
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Seiler A, Sood AK, Jenewein J, Fagundes CP. Can stress promote the pathophysiology of brain metastases? A critical review of biobehavioral mechanisms. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 87:860-880. [PMID: 31881262 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress can promote tumor growth and progression through immunosuppressive effects and bi-directional interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment. β-Adrenergic receptor signaling plays a critical role in mediating stress-related effects on tumor progression. Stress-related mechanisms that modulate the dissemination of tumor cells to the brain have received scant attention. Brain metastases are highly resistant to chemotherapy and contribute considerably to morbidity and mortality in various cancers, occurring in up to 20% of patients in some cancer types. Understanding the mechanisms promoting brain metastasis could help to identify interventions that improve disease outcomes. In this review, we discuss biobehavioral, sympathetic, neuroendocrine, and immunological mechanisms by which chronic stress can impact tumor progression and metastatic dissemination to the brain. The critical role of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and metastatic dissemination to the brain, and its association with stress pathways are delineated. We also discuss translational implications for biobehavioral and pharmacological interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annina Seiler
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Josef Jenewein
- Clinic Zugersee, Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Oberwil-Zug, Switzerland
| | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Department of Psychology, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
SCD1 activity promotes cell migration via a PLD-mTOR pathway in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Breast Cancer 2020; 27:594-606. [PMID: 31993937 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-020-01053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Despite high survival rates in Western countries, treatments are less effective in metastatic cases and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patient survival is the shortest across breast cancer subtypes. High expression levels of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) have been reported in breast cancer. The SCD1 enzyme catalyzes the formation of oleic acid (OA), a lipid stimulating the migration of metastatic breast cancer cells. Phospholipase activity is also implicated in breast cancer metastasis, notably phospholipase D (PLD). METHODS Kaplan-Meier survival plots generated from gene expression databases were used to analyze the involvement of SCD1 and PLD in several cancer subtypes. SCD1 enzymatic activity was modulated with a pharmaceutical inhibitor or by OA treatment (to mimic SCD1 over-activity) in three breast cancer cell lines: TNBC-derived MDA-MB-231 cells as well as non-TNBC MCF-7 and T47D cells. Cell morphology and migration properties were characterized by various complementary methods. RESULTS Our survival analyses suggest that SCD1 and PLD2 expression in the primary tumor are both associated to metastasis-related morbid outcomes in breast cancer patients. We show that modulation of SCD1 activity is associated with the modification of TNBC cell migration properties, including changes in speed, direction and cell morphology. Cell migration properties are regulated by SCD1 activity through a PLD-mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. These effects are not observed in non-TNBC cell lines. CONCLUSION Our results establish a key role for the lipid desaturase SCD1 and delineate an OA-PLD-mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in TNBC-derived MDA-MB-231 cell migration.
Collapse
|
15
|
Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Effective Treatment of Brain Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061280. [PMID: 30875730 PMCID: PMC6471202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are the most prevalent of intracranial malignancies. They are associated with a very poor prognosis and near 100% mortality. This has been the case for decades, largely because we lack effective therapeutics to augment surgery and radiotherapy. Notwithstanding improvements in the precision and efficacy of these life-prolonging treatments, with no reliable options for adjunct systemic therapy, brain recurrences are virtually inevitable. The factors limiting intracranial efficacy of existing agents are both physiological and molecular in nature. For example, heterogeneous permeability, abnormal perfusion and high interstitial pressure oppose the conventional convective delivery of circulating drugs, thus new delivery strategies are needed to achieve uniform drug uptake at therapeutic concentrations. Brain metastases are also highly adapted to their microenvironment, with complex cross-talk between the tumor, the stroma and the neural compartments driving speciation and drug resistance. New strategies must account for resistance mechanisms that are frequently engaged in this milieu, such as HER3 and other receptor tyrosine kinases that become induced and activated in the brain microenvironment. Here, we discuss molecular and physiological factors that contribute to the recalcitrance of these tumors, and review emerging therapeutic strategies, including agents targeting the PI3K axis, immunotherapies, nanomedicines and MRI-guided focused ultrasound for externally controlling drug delivery.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mintz RL, Gao MA, Lo K, Lao YH, Li M, Leong KW. CRISPR Technology for Breast Cancer: Diagnostics, Modeling, and Therapy. ADVANCED BIOSYSTEMS 2018; 2:1800132. [PMID: 32832592 PMCID: PMC7437870 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201800132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Molecularly, breast cancer represents a highly heterogenous family of neoplastic disorders, with substantial interpatient variations regarding genetic mutations, cell composition, transcriptional profiles, and treatment response. Consequently, there is an increasing demand for alternative diagnostic approaches aimed at the molecular annotation of the disease on a patient-by-patient basis and the design of more personalized treatments. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) technology enables the development of such novel approaches. For instance, in diagnostics, the use of the RNA-specific C2c2 system allows ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection and could be used to characterize the mutational repertoire and transcriptional breast cancer signatures. In disease modeling, CRISPR/Cas9 technology can be applied to selectively engineer oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes involved in disease pathogenesis. In treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can be used to develop gene-therapy, while its catalytically-dead variant (dCas9) can be applied to reprogram the epigenetic landscape of malignant cells. As immunotherapy becomes increasingly prominent in cancer treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 can engineer the immune cells to redirect them against cancer cells and potentiate antitumor immune responses. In this review, CRISPR strategies for the advancement of breast cancer diagnostics, modeling, and treatment are highlighted, culminating in a perspective on developing a precision medicine-based approach against breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Mintz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Madeleine A. Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kahmun Lo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Yeh-Hsing Lao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mingqiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wilhelm I, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Végh AG, Haskó J, Krizbai IA. Foe or friend? Janus-faces of the neurovascular unit in the formation of brain metastases. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2018; 38:563-587. [PMID: 28920514 PMCID: PMC5888855 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17732025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite the potential obstacle represented by the blood-brain barrier for extravasating malignant cells, metastases are more frequent than primary tumors in the central nervous system. Not only tightly interconnected endothelial cells can hinder metastasis formation, other cells of the brain microenvironment (like astrocytes and microglia) can also be very hostile, destroying the large majority of metastatic cells. However, malignant cells that are able to overcome these harmful mechanisms may benefit from the shielding and even support provided by cerebral endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia, rendering the brain a sanctuary site against anti-tumor strategies. Thus, cells of the neurovascular unit have a Janus-faced attitude towards brain metastatic cells, being both destructive and protective. In this review, we present the main mechanisms of brain metastasis formation, including those involved in extravasation through the brain vasculature and survival in the cerebral environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila G Végh
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Thuringer D, Solary E, Garrido C. The Microvascular Gap Junction Channel: A Route to Deliver MicroRNAs for Neurological Disease Treatment. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:246. [PMID: 28824376 PMCID: PMC5543088 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) separate the peripheral blood from the brain. These cells, which are surrounded by basal lamina, pericytes and glial cells, are highly interconnected through tight and gap junctions. Their permeability properties restrict the transfer of potentially useful therapeutic agents. In such a hermetic system, the gap junctional exchange of small molecules between cerebral endothelial and non-endothelial cells is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis. MicroRNA were shown to cross gap junction channels, thereby modulating gene expression and function of the recipient cell. It was also shown that, when altered, BMEC could be regenerated by endothelial cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we discuss the transfer of microRNA through gap junctions between BMEC, the regeneration of BMEC from induced pluripotent stem cells that could be engineered to express specific microRNA, and how such an innovative approach could benefit to the treatment of glioblastoma and other neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Solary
- INSERM U1170, Institut Gustave RoussyVillejuif, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM U1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche ComtéDijon, France
| |
Collapse
|