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Singh RR, Mondal I, Janjua T, Popat A, Kulshreshtha R. Engineered smart materials for RNA based molecular therapy to treat Glioblastoma. Bioact Mater 2024; 33:396-423. [PMID: 38059120 PMCID: PMC10696434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.11.007] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive malignancy of the central nervous system (CNS) that remains incurable despite the multitude of improvements in cancer therapeutics. The conventional chemo and radiotherapy post-surgery have only been able to improve the prognosis slightly; however, the development of resistance and/or tumor recurrence is almost inevitable. There is a pressing need for adjuvant molecular therapies that can successfully and efficiently block tumor progression. During the last few decades, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have emerged as key players in regulating various hallmarks of cancer including that of GBM. The levels of many ncRNAs are dysregulated in cancer, and ectopic modulation of their levels by delivering antagonists or overexpression constructs could serve as an attractive option for cancer therapy. The therapeutic potential of several types of ncRNAs, including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, has been validated in both in vitro and in vivo models of GBM. However, the delivery of these RNA-based therapeutics is highly challenging, especially to the tumors of the brain as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) poses as a major obstacle, among others. Also, since RNA is extremely fragile in nature, careful considerations must be met while designing a delivery agent. In this review we have shed light on how ncRNA therapy can overcome the limitations of its predecessor conventional therapy with an emphasis on smart nanomaterials that can aide in the safe and targeted delivery of nucleic acids to treat GBM. Additionally, critical gaps that currently exist for successful transition from viral to non-viral vector delivery systems have been identified. Finally, we have provided a perspective on the future directions, potential pathways, and target areas for achieving rapid clinical translation of, RNA-based macromolecular therapy to advance the effective treatment of GBM and other related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Raj Singh
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- University of Queensland –IIT Delhi Academy of Research (UQIDAR)
| | - Indranil Mondal
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Taskeen Janjua
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Amirali Popat
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- Department of Functional Materials and Catalysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währinger Straße 42, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ritu Kulshreshtha
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Thenuwara G, Curtin J, Tian F. Advances in Diagnostic Tools and Therapeutic Approaches for Gliomas: A Comprehensive Review. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:9842. [PMID: 38139688 PMCID: PMC10747598 DOI: 10.3390/s23249842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas, a prevalent category of primary malignant brain tumors, pose formidable clinical challenges due to their invasive nature and limited treatment options. The current therapeutic landscape for gliomas is constrained by a "one-size-fits-all" paradigm, significantly restricting treatment efficacy. Despite the implementation of multimodal therapeutic strategies, survival rates remain disheartening. The conventional treatment approach, involving surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, grapples with substantial limitations, particularly in addressing the invasive nature of gliomas. Conventional diagnostic tools, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET), play pivotal roles in outlining tumor characteristics. However, they face limitations, such as poor biological specificity and challenges in distinguishing active tumor regions. The ongoing development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches represents a multifaceted and promising frontier in the battle against this challenging brain tumor. The aim of this comprehensive review is to address recent advances in diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches for gliomas. These innovations aim to minimize invasiveness while enabling the precise, multimodal targeting of localized gliomas. Researchers are actively developing new diagnostic tools, such as colorimetric techniques, electrochemical biosensors, optical coherence tomography, reflectometric interference spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and optical biosensors. These tools aim to regulate tumor progression and develop precise treatment methods for gliomas. Recent technological advancements, coupled with bioelectronic sensors, open avenues for new therapeutic modalities, minimizing invasiveness and enabling multimodal targeting with unprecedented precision. The next generation of multimodal therapeutic strategies holds potential for precision medicine, aiding the early detection and effective management of solid brain tumors. These innovations offer promise in adopting precision medicine methodologies, enabling early disease detection, and improving solid brain tumor management. This review comprehensively recognizes the critical role of pioneering therapeutic interventions, holding significant potential to revolutionize brain tumor therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathree Thenuwara
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman Lower, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland;
- Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka
| | - James Curtin
- Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Technological University Dublin, Bolton Street, D01 K822 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Furong Tian
- School of Food Science and Environmental Health, Technological University Dublin, Grangegorman Lower, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland;
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3
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Zeng J, Zeng XX. Systems Medicine for Precise Targeting of Glioblastoma. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:1565-1584. [PMID: 36859639 PMCID: PMC9977103 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00699-x] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant cancer that is fatal even after standard therapy and the effects of current available therapeutics are not promising due its complex and evolving epigenetic and genetic profile. The mysteries that lead to GBM intratumoral heterogeneity and subtype transitions are not entirely clear. Systems medicine is an approach to view the patient in a whole picture integrating systems biology and synthetic biology along with computational techniques. Since the GBM oncogenesis involves genetic mutations, various therapies including gene therapeutics based on CRISPR-Cas technique, MicroRNAs, and implanted synthetic cells endowed with synthetic circuits against GBM with neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells acting as potential vehicles carrying therapeutics via the intranasal route, avoiding the risks of invasive methods in order to reach the GBM cells in the brain are discussed and proposed in this review. Systems medicine approach is a rather novel strategy, and since the GBM of a patient is complex and unique, thus to devise an individualized treatment strategy to tailor personalized multimodal treatments for the individual patient taking into account the phenotype of the GBM, the unique body health profile of the patient and individual responses according to the systems medicine concept might show potential to achieve optimum effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zeng
- Benjoe Institute of Systems Bio-Engineering, High Technology Park, Xinbei District, Changzhou, 213022 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao Xue Zeng
- Department of Health Management, Centre of General Practice, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 28, Desheng Road Section, Liguan Road, Lishui Town, Nanhai District, Foshan, 528000 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
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4
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Kumari S, Gupta R, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Multiple therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma multiforme: From terminal to therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188913. [PMID: 37182666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer showing poor prognosis. Currently, treatment methods of GBM are limited with adverse outcomes and low survival rate. Thus, advancements in the treatment of GBM are of utmost importance, which can be achieved in recent decades. However, despite aggressive initial treatment, most patients develop recurrent diseases, and the overall survival rate of patients is impossible to achieve. Currently, researchers across the globe target signaling events along with tumor microenvironment (TME) through different drug molecules to inhibit the progression of GBM, but clinically they failed to demonstrate much success. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic targets and signaling cascades along with the role of the organoids model in GBM research. Moreover, we systematically review the traditional and emerging therapeutic strategies in GBM. In addition, we discuss the implications of nanotechnologies, AI, and combinatorial approach to enhance GBM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kumari
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India.
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Tupini C, Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Lodi I, Finotti A, Scattolin T, Visentin F, Gambari R, Lampronti I. Combined Treatment of Cancer Cells Using Allyl Palladium Complexes Bearing Purine-Based NHC Ligands and Molecules Targeting MicroRNAs miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p: Synergistic Effects on Apoptosis. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15051332. [PMID: 37242574 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15051332] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined treatments employing lower concentrations of different drugs are used and studied to develop new and more effective anticancer therapeutic approaches. The combination therapy could be of great interest in the controlling of cancer. Regarding this, our research group has recently shown that peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) that target miR-221 are very effective and functional in inducing apoptosis of many tumor cells, including glioblastoma and colon cancer cells. Moreover, in a recent paper, we described a series of new palladium allyl complexes showing a strong antiproliferative activity on different tumor cell lines. The present study was aimed to analyze and validate the biological effects of the most active compounds tested, in combination with antagomiRNA molecules targeting two miRNAs, miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p. The obtained results show that a "combination therapy", produced by combining the antagomiRNAs targeting miR-221-3p, miR-222-3p and the palladium allyl complex 4d, is very effective in inducing apoptosis, supporting the concept that the combination treatment of cancer cells with antagomiRNAs targeting a specific upregulated oncomiRNAs (in this study miR-221-3p and miR-222-3p) and metal-based compounds represents a promising therapeutic strategy to increase the efficacy of the antitumor protocol, reducing side effects at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tupini
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irene Lodi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Thomas Scattolin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Fabiano Visentin
- Dipartimento di Scienze Molecolari e Nanosistemi, University Ca' Foscari, 30174 Venezia-Mestre, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lampronti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Innovative Therapies for Cystic Fibrosis (InnThera4CF), University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Zurlo M, Gasparello J, Cosenza LC, Breveglieri G, Papi C, Zuccato C, Gambari R, Finotti A. Production and Characterization of K562 Cellular Clones Hyper-Expressing the Gene Encoding α-Globin: Preliminary Analysis of Biomarkers Associated with Autophagy. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:556. [PMID: 36980829 PMCID: PMC10048432 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030556] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most relevant pathophysiological hallmarks of β-thalassemia is the accumulation of toxic α-globin chains inside erythroid cells, which is responsible for their premature death (hemolysis). In this context, the availability of an experimental model system mimicking the excess in α-globin chain production is still lacking. The objective of the present study was to produce and characterize K562 cellular clones forced to produce high amounts of α-globin, in order to develop an experimental model system suitable for studies aimed at the reduction of the accumulation of toxic α-globin aggregates. In the present study, we produced and characterized K562 cellular clones that, unlike the original K562 cell line, stably produced high levels of α-globin protein. As expected, the obtained clones had a tendency to undergo apoptosis that was proportional to the accumulation of α-globin, confirming the pivotal role of α-globin accumulation in damaging erythroid cells. Interestingly, the obtained clones seemed to trigger autophagy spontaneously, probably to overcome the accumulation/toxicity of the α-globin. We propose this new model system for the screening of pharmacological agents able to activate the full program of autophagy to reduce α-globin accumulation, but the model may be also suitable for new therapeutical approaches targeted at the reduction of the expression of the α-globin gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giulia Breveglieri
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Papi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Center ‘Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago’ for the Research on Thalassemia, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Mc Cormack BA, González-Cantó E, Tomás-Pérez S, Aghababyan C, Marí-Alexandre J, Götte M, Gilabert-Estellés J. Special Issue "miRNAs in the Era of Personalized Medicine: From Biomarkers to Therapeutics 2.0". Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031951. [PMID: 36768275 PMCID: PMC9916445 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine has become a new paradigm in the management of a variety of diseases [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Andrea Mc Cormack
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva González-Cantó
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Sarai Tomás-Pérez
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Aghababyan
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep Marí-Alexandre
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pathology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence: (J.M.-A.); (M.G.)
| | - Martin Götte
- Research Laboratory, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Münster University Hospital, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Correspondence: (J.M.-A.); (M.G.)
| | - Juan Gilabert-Estellés
- Research Laboratory in Biomarkers in Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Research Foundation of the General University Hospital of Valencia, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, General University Hospital of Valencia Consortium, 46014 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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