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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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2
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WADHWA KARAN, CHAUHAN PAYAL, KUMAR SHOBHIT, PAHWA RAKESH, VERMA RAVINDER, GOYAL RAJAT, SINGH GOVIND, SHARMA ARCHANA, RAO NEHA, KAUSHIK DEEPAK. Targeting brain tumors with innovative nanocarriers: bridging the gap through the blood-brain barrier. Oncol Res 2024; 32:877-897. [PMID: 38686045 PMCID: PMC11056000 DOI: 10.32604/or.2024.047278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is recognized as the most lethal and most highly invasive tumor. The high likelihood of treatment failure arises from the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and stem cells around GBM, which avert the entry of chemotherapeutic drugs into the tumor mass. Objective Recently, several researchers have designed novel nanocarrier systems like liposomes, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, and nanorobot approaches, allowing drugs to infiltrate the BBB more efficiently, opening up innovative avenues to prevail over therapy problems and radiation therapy. Methods Relevant literature for this manuscript has been collected from a comprehensive and systematic search of databases, for example, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and others, using specific keyword combinations, including "glioblastoma," "brain tumor," "nanocarriers," and several others. Conclusion This review also provides deep insights into recent advancements in nanocarrier-based formulations and technologies for GBM management. Elucidation of various scientific advances in conjunction with encouraging findings concerning the future perspectives and challenges of nanocarriers for effective brain tumor management has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- KARAN WADHWA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - PAYAL CHAUHAN
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - SHOBHIT KUMAR
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology (MIET) NH-58, Delhi-Roorkee Highway, Meerut, 250005, India
| | - RAKESH PAHWA
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, India
| | - RAVINDER VERMA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University, Bhiwani, 127021, India
| | - RAJAT GOYAL
- MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, 133207, India
| | - GOVIND SINGH
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
| | - ARCHANA SHARMA
- Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DIPSAR), Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University, New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - NEHA RAO
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 136119, India
| | - DEEPAK KAUSHIK
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, 124001, India
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3
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Pricl S. The Spicy Science of Dendrimers in the Realm of Cancer Nanomedicine: A Report from the COST Action CA17140 Nano2Clinic. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2013. [PMID: 37514199 PMCID: PMC10384593 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
COST Action CA17140 Cancer Nanomedicine-from the bench to the bedside (Nano2Clinic,) is the first, pan-European interdisciplinary network of representatives from academic institutions and small and medium enterprises including clinical research organizations (CROs) devoted to the development of nanosystems carrying anticancer drugs from their initial design, preclinical testing of efficacy, pharmacokinetics and toxicity to the preparation of detailed protocols needed for the first phase of their clinical studies. By promoting scientific exchanges, technological implementation, and innovative solutions, the action aims at providing a timely instrument to rationalize and focus research efforts at the European level in dealing with the grand challenge of nanomedicine translation in cancer, one of the major and societal-burdening human pathologies. Within CA17140, dendrimers in all their forms (from covalent to self-assembling dendrons) play a vital role as powerful nanotheranostic agents in oncology; therefore, the purpose of this review work is to gather and summarize the major results in the field stemming from collaborative efforts in the framework of the European Nano2Clinic COST Action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Pricl
- Molecular Biology and Nanotechnology Laboratory (MolBNL@UniTS), Department of Engineering and Architecture (DEA), University of Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy
- Department of General Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 141/143, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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Li D, Liu Q, Yang M, Xu H, Zhu M, Zhang Y, Xu J, Tian C, Yao J, Wang L, Liang Y. Nanomaterials for mRNA-based therapeutics: Challenges and opportunities. Bioeng Transl Med 2023; 8:e10492. [PMID: 37206219 PMCID: PMC10189457 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) holds great potential in developing immunotherapy, protein replacement, and genome editing. In general, mRNA does not have the risk of being incorporated into the host genome and does not need to enter the nucleus for transfection, and it can be expressed even in nondividing cells. Therefore, mRNA-based therapeutics provide a promising strategy for clinical treatment. However, the efficient and safe delivery of mRNA remains a crucial constraint for the clinical application of mRNA therapeutics. Although the stability and tolerability of mRNA can be enhanced by directly retouching the mRNA structure, there is still an urgent need to improve the delivery of mRNA. Recently, significant progress has been made in nanobiotechnology, providing tools for developing mRNA nanocarriers. Nano-drug delivery system is directly used for loading, protecting, and releasing mRNA in the biological microenvironment and can be used to stimulate the translation of mRNA to develop effective intervention strategies. In the present review, we summarized the concept of emerging nanomaterials for mRNA delivery and the latest progress in enhancing the function of mRNA, primarily focusing on the role of exosomes in mRNA delivery. Moreover, we outlined its clinical applications so far. Finally, the key obstacles of mRNA nanocarriers are emphasized, and promising strategies to overcome these obstacles are proposed. Collectively, nano-design materials exert functions for specific mRNA applications, provide new perception for next-generation nanomaterials, and thus revolution of mRNA technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- De‐feng Li
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Qi‐song Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious DiseasesShenzhen Third People's Hospital, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Mei‐feng Yang
- Department of HematologyYantian District People's HospitalShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Hao‐ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGuangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Min‐zheng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatologythe Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Medical AdministrationHuizhou Institute of Occupational Diseases Control and PreventionHuizhouGuangdongChina
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyGuangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of TechnologyGuangzhouChina
| | - Cheng‐mei Tian
- Department of EmergencyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Li‐sheng Wang
- Department of GastroenterologyShenzhen People's Hospital (the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology)ShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Yu‐jie Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryShenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health CenterShenzhenChina
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical UniversityJiningShandongChina
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5
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Kisakova LA, Apartsin EK, Nizolenko LF, Karpenko LI. Dendrimer-Mediated Delivery of DNA and RNA Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041106. [PMID: 37111593 PMCID: PMC10145063 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA and RNA vaccines (nucleic acid-based vaccines) are a promising platform for vaccine development. The first mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech) were approved in 2020, and a DNA vaccine (Zydus Cadila, India), in 2021. They display unique benefits in the current COVID-19 pandemic. Nucleic acid-based vaccines have a number of advantages, such as safety, efficacy, and low cost. They are potentially faster to develop, cheaper to produce, and easier to store and transport. A crucial step in the technology of DNA or RNA vaccines is choosing an efficient delivery method. Nucleic acid delivery using liposomes is the most popular approach today, but this method has certain disadvantages. Therefore, studies are actively underway to develop various alternative delivery methods, among which synthetic cationic polymers such as dendrimers are very attractive. Dendrimers are three-dimensional nanostructures with a high degree of molecular homogeneity, adjustable size, multivalence, high surface functionality, and high aqueous solubility. The biosafety of some dendrimers has been evaluated in several clinical trials presented in this review. Due to these important and attractive properties, dendrimers are already being used to deliver a number of drugs and are being explored as promising carriers for nucleic acid-based vaccines. This review summarizes the literature data on the development of dendrimer-based delivery systems for DNA and mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyubov A. Kisakova
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Kol’tsovo, Russia
| | - Evgeny K. Apartsin
- CBMN, UMR 5248, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, University Bordeaux, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Lily F. Nizolenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Kol’tsovo, Russia
| | - Larisa I. Karpenko
- State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, 630559 Kol’tsovo, Russia
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Knauer N, Meschaninova M, Muhammad S, Hänggi D, Majoral JP, Kahlert UD, Kozlov V, Apartsin EK. Effects of Dendrimer-microRNA Nanoformulations against Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030968. [PMID: 36986829 PMCID: PMC10056969 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a rapidly progressing tumor quite resistant to conventional treatment. These features are currently assigned to a self-sustaining population of glioblastoma stem cells. Anti-tumor stem cell therapy calls for a new means of treatment. In particular, microRNA-based treatment is a solution, which in turn requires specific carriers for intracellular delivery of functional oligonucleotides. Herein, we report a preclinical in vitro validation of antitumor activity of nanoformulations containing antitumor microRNA miR-34a and microRNA-21 synthetic inhibitor and polycationic phosphorus and carbosilane dendrimers. The testing was carried out in a panel of glioblastoma and glioma cell lines, glioblastoma stem-like cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. We have shown dendrimer-microRNA nanoformulations to induce cell death in a controllable manner, with cytotoxic effects being more pronounced in tumor cells than in non-tumor stem cells. Furthermore, nanoformulations affected the expression of proteins responsible for interactions between the tumor and its immune microenvironment: surface markers (PD-L1, TIM3, CD47) and IL-10. Our findings evidence the potential of dendrimer-based therapeutic constructions for the anti-tumor stem cell therapy worth further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda Knauer
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Mariya Meschaninova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Sajjad Muhammad
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Daniel Hänggi
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Medical Center Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jean-Pierre Majoral
- Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination, CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, CEDEX 04, 31077 Toulouse, France
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Clinic for General-, Visceral-, Vascular-, and Transplant-Surgery, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir Kozlov
- Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, 630099 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgeny K. Apartsin
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, CBMN, UMR 5248, 33600 Pessac, France
- Correspondence:
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Kaurav M, Ruhi S, Al-Goshae HA, Jeppu AK, Ramachandran D, Sahu RK, Sarkar AK, Khan J, Ashif Ikbal AM. Dendrimer: An update on recent developments and future opportunities for the brain tumors diagnosis and treatment. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1159131. [PMID: 37006997 PMCID: PMC10060650 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A brain tumor is an uncontrolled cell proliferation, a mass of tissue composed of cells that grow and divide abnormally and appear to be uncontrollable by the processes that normally control normal cells. Approximately 25,690 primary malignant brain tumors are discovered each year, 70% of which originate in glial cells. It has been observed that the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits the distribution of drugs into the tumour environment, which complicates the oncological therapy of malignant brain tumours. Numerous studies have found that nanocarriers have demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in brain diseases. This review, based on a non-systematic search of the existing literature, provides an update on the existing knowledge of the types of dendrimers, synthesis methods, and mechanisms of action in relation to brain tumours. It also discusses the use of dendrimers in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours and the future possibilities of dendrimers. Dendrimers are of particular interest in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours because they can transport biochemical agents across the BBB to the tumour and into the brain after systemic administration. Dendrimers are being used to develop novel therapeutics such as prolonged release of drugs, immunotherapy, and antineoplastic effects. The use of PAMAM, PPI, PLL and surface engineered dendrimers has proven revolutionary in the effective diagnosis and treatment of brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kaurav
- Department of Pharmaceutics, KIET Group of Institutions (KIET School of Pharmacy), Delhi NCR, Ghaziabad, India
- Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sakina Ruhi
- Department of Biochemistry, IMS, Management and Science University, University Drive, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Husni Ahmed Al-Goshae
- Department of Anantomy, IMS, Management and Science University, University Drive, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Kumar Jeppu
- Department of Biochemistry, IMS, Management and Science University, University Drive, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dhani Ramachandran
- Department of Pathology, IMS, Management and Science University, University Drive, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ram Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Chauras Campus, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
- *Correspondence: Ram Kumar Sahu,
| | | | - Jiyauddin Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abu Md Ashif Ikbal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam University (A Central University), Silchar, Assam, India
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Effects of Cationic Dendrimers and Their Complexes with microRNAs on Immunocompetent Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010148. [PMID: 36678776 PMCID: PMC9862986 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Short regulatory oligonucleotides are considered prospective tools for immunotherapy. However, they require an adequate carrier to deliver potential therapeutics into immune cells. Herein, we explore the potential of polycationic dendrimers as carriers for microRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors. As an oligonucleotide cargo, we use a synthetic mimic and an inhibitor of miR-155, an important factor in the development and functioning of immunocompetent cells. Dendrimers bind microRNAs into low-cytotoxic polyelectrolyte complexes that are efficiently uptaken by immunocompetent cells. We have shown these complexes to affect the number of T-regulatory cells, CD14+ and CD19+ cell subpopulations in non-activated mononuclear cells. The treatment affected the expression of HLA-DR on T-cells and PD-1 expression on T- and B-lymphocytes. It also affected the production of IL-4 and IL-10, but not the perforin and granzyme B production. Our findings suggest the potential of dendrimer-mediated microRNA-155 treatment for immunotherapy, though the activity of microRNA-dendrimer constructions on distinct immune cell subsets can be further improved.
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Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Cationic Polymers on Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells. J Funct Biomater 2022; 14:jfb14010017. [PMID: 36662064 PMCID: PMC9862959 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14010017] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cationic polymers such as polyethylenimine (PEI) have found a pervasive place in laboratories across the world as gene delivery agents. However, their applications are not limited to this role, having found a place as delivery agents for drugs, in complexes known as polymer-drug conjugates (PDCs). Yet a potentially underexplored domain of research is in their inherent potential as anti-cancer therapeutic agents, which has been indicated by several studies. Even more interesting is the recent observation that certain polycations may present a significantly greater toxicity towards the clinically important cancer stem cell (CSC) niche than towards more differentiated bulk tumour cells. These cells, which possess the stem-like characteristics of self-renewal and differentiation, are highly implicated in cancer drug resistance, tumour recurrence and poor clinical prognosis. The search for compounds which may target and eliminate these cells is thus of great research interest. As such, the observation in our previous study on a PEI-based PDC which showed a considerably higher toxicity of PEI towards glioblastoma CSCs (GSCs) than on more differentiated glioma (U87) cells led us to investigate other cationic polymers for a similar effect. The evaluation of the toxicity of a range of different types of polycations, and an investigation into the potential source of GSC's sensitivity to such compounds is thus described.
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Polyethylenimine, an Autophagy-Inducing Platinum-Carbene-Based Drug Carrier with Potent Toxicity towards Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205057. [PMID: 36291841 PMCID: PMC9599868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The difficulty involved in the treatment of many tumours due to their recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy is tightly linked to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). This CSC sub-population is distinct from the majority of cancer cells of the tumour bulk. Indeed, CSCs have increased mitochondrial mass that has been linked to increased sensitivity to mitochondrial targeting compounds. Thus, a platinum-based polyethylenimine (PEI) polymer-drug conjugate (PDC) was assessed as a potential anti-CSC therapeutic since it has previously displayed mitochondrial accumulation. Our results show that CSCs have increased specific sensitivity to the PEI carrier and to the PDC. The mechanism of cell death seems to be necrotic in nature, with an absence of apoptotic markers. Cell death is accompanied by the induction of a protective autophagy. The interference in the balance of this pathway, which is highly important for CSCs, may be responsible for a partial reversion of the stem-like phenotype observed with prolonged PEI and PDC treatment. Several markers also indicate the cell death mode to be capable of inducing an anti-cancer immune response. This study thus indicates the potential therapeutic perspectives of polycations against CSCs.
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11
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Nayak A, Warrier NM, Kumar P. Cancer Stem Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment: Targeting the Critical Crosstalk through Nanocarrier Systems. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2022; 18:2209-2233. [PMID: 35876959 PMCID: PMC9489588 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10426-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The physiological state of the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in cancer development due to multiple universal features that transcend heterogeneity and niche specifications, like promoting cancer progression and metastasis. As a result of their preponderant involvement in tumor growth and maintenance through several microsystemic alterations, including hypoxia, oxidative stress, and acidosis, TMEs make for ideal targets in both diagnostic and therapeutic ventures. Correspondingly, methodologies to target TMEs have been investigated this past decade as stratagems of significant potential in the genre of focused cancer treatment. Within targeted oncotherapy, nanomedical derivates-nanocarriers (NCs) especially-have emerged to present notable prospects in enhancing targeting specificity. Yet, one major issue in the application of NCs in microenvironmental directed therapy is that TMEs are too broad a spectrum of targeting possibilities for these carriers to be effectively employed. However, cancer stem cells (CSCs) might portend a solution to the above conundrum: aside from being quite heavily invested in tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, CSCs also show self-renewal and fluid clonogenic properties that often define specific TME niches. Further scrutiny of the relationship between CSCs and TMEs also points towards mechanisms that underly tumoral characteristics of metastasis, malignancy, and even resistance. This review summarizes recent advances in NC-enabled targeting of CSCs for more holistic strikes against TMEs and discusses both the current challenges that hinder the clinical application of these strategies as well as the avenues that can further CSC-targeting initiatives. Central role of CSCs in regulation of cellular components within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aadya Nayak
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Neerada Meenakshi Warrier
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Tewari AK, Upadhyay SC, Kumar M, Pathak K, Kaushik D, Verma R, Bhatt S, Massoud EES, Rahman MH, Cavalu S. Insights on Development Aspects of Polymeric Nanocarriers: The Translation from Bench to Clinic. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:3545. [PMID: 36080620 PMCID: PMC9459741 DOI: 10.3390/polym14173545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientists are focusing immense attention on polymeric nanocarriers as a prominent delivery vehicle for several biomedical applications including diagnosis of diseases, delivery of therapeutic agents, peptides, proteins, genes, siRNA, and vaccines due to their exciting physicochemical characteristics which circumvent degradation of unstable drugs, reduce toxic side effects through controlled release, and improve bioavailability. Polymers-based nanocarriers offer numerous benefits for in vivo drug delivery such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, active drug targeting via surface modification, and controlled release due to their pH-and thermosensitive characteristics. Despite their potential for medicinal use, regulatory approval has been achieved for just a few. In this review, we discuss the historical development of polymers starting from their initial design to their evolution as nanocarriers for therapeutic delivery of drugs, peptides, and genes. The review article also expresses the applications of polymeric nanocarriers in the pharmaceutical and medical industry with a special emphasis on oral, ocular, parenteral, and topical application of drugs, peptides, and genes over the last two decades. The review further examines the practical, regulatory, and clinical considerations of the polymeric nanocarriers, their safety issues, and directinos for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhilesh Kumar Tewari
- M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Satish Chandra Upadhyay
- Formulation Research and Development, Mankind Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram 122050, Haryana, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Kamla Pathak
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah 206130, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepak Kaushik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak 124001, Haryana, India
| | - Ravinder Verma
- Department of Pharmacy, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna Road, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacy, G.D. Goenka University, Sohna Road, Gurugram 122103, Haryana, India
| | - Ehab El Sayed Massoud
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science and Arts in Dahran Aljnoub, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
- Agriculture Research Centre, Soil, Water and Environment Research Institute, Giza 3725004, Egypt
| | - Md. Habibur Rahman
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, Gangwon-do, Korea
| | - Simona Cavalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, P-ta 1 Decembrie 10, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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