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Liguori GL. Challenges and Promise for Glioblastoma Treatment through Extracellular Vesicle Inquiry. Cells 2024; 13:336. [PMID: 38391949 PMCID: PMC10886570 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040336] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is a rare but extremely aggressive brain tumor that significantly impacts patient outcomes, affecting both duration and quality of life. The protocol established by Stupp and colleagues in 2005, based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy with Temozolomide, following maximum safe surgical resection remains the gold standard for GB treatment; however, it is evident nowadays that the extreme intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, as well as the invasiveness and tendency to recur, of GB are not compatible with a routine and unfortunately ineffective treatment. This review article summarizes the main challenges in the search for new valuable therapies for GB and focuses on the impact that extracellular vesicle (EV) research and exploitation may have in the field. EVs are natural particles delimited by a lipidic bilayer and filled with functional cellular content that are released and uptaken by cells as key means of cell communication. Furthermore, EVs are stable in body fluids and well tolerated by the immune system, and are able to cross physiological, interspecies, and interkingdom barriers and to target specific cells, releasing inherent or externally loaded functionally active molecules. Therefore, EVs have the potential to be ideal allies in the fight against GB and to improve the prognosis for GB patients. The present work describes the main preclinical results obtained so far on the use of EVs for GB treatment, focusing on both the EV sources and molecular cargo used in the various functional studies, primarily in vivo. Finally, a SWOT analysis is performed, highlighting the main advantages and pitfalls of developing EV-based GB therapeutic strategies. The analysis also suggests the main directions to explore to realize the possibility of exploiting EVs for the treatment of GB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna L Liguori
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics (IGB) "Adriano Buzzati-Traverso", National Research Council (CNR) of Italy, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Jayanti S, Vitek L, Verde CD, Llido JP, Sukowati C, Tiribelli C, Gazzin S. Role of Natural Compounds Modulating Heme Catabolic Pathway in Gut, Liver, Cardiovascular, and Brain Diseases. Biomolecules 2024; 14:63. [PMID: 38254662 PMCID: PMC10813662 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The crucial physiological process of heme breakdown yields biliverdin (BV) and bilirubin (BR) as byproducts. BV, BR, and the enzymes involved in their production (the "yellow players-YP") are increasingly documented as endogenous modulators of human health. Mildly elevated serum bilirubin concentration has been correlated with a reduced risk of multiple chronic pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory diseases, especially in the elderly. BR and BV per se have been demonstrated to protect against neurodegenerative diseases, in which heme oxygenase (HMOX), the main enzyme in the production of pigments, is almost always altered. HMOX upregulation has been interpreted as a tentative defense against the ongoing pathologic mechanisms. With the demonstration that multiple cells possess YP, their propensity to be modulated, and their broad spectrum of activity on multiple signaling pathways, the YP have assumed the role of an adjustable system that can promote health in adults. Based on that, there is an ongoing effort to induce their activity as a therapeutic option, and natural compounds are an attractive alternative to the goal, possibly requiring only minimal changes in the life style. We review the most recent evidence of the potential of natural compounds in targeting the YP in the context of the most common pathologic condition of adult and elderly life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Jayanti
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
- Eijkman Research Centre for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Libor Vitek
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, and 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital and 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 12000 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Camilla Dalla Verde
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - John Paul Llido
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34139 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines
| | - Caecilia Sukowati
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
- Eijkman Research Centre for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong 16915, Indonesia
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Liver brain Unit “Rita Moretti”, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, ss14, Km 163,5, Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy or (S.J.); (C.D.V.); (J.P.L.); or (C.S.); (C.T.)
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Marangon D, Lecca D. Exosomal non-coding RNAs in glioma progression: insights into tumor microenvironment dynamics and therapeutic implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1275755. [PMID: 38020906 PMCID: PMC10646304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1275755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most common and deadly types of brain tumors, known for their extensive genetic and epigenetic variability, which poses considerable challenges for pharmacological treatment. Glioma heterogeneity is also related to their intricate and dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME), which comprises a diverse array of cell types, including immune cells, vascular cells, glial cells, and neural precursors, collectively influencing tumor behavior and progression. A pivotal aspect of this intercellular communication relies on the exchange of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contain and transfer complex molecular cargoes typical of their cells of origin, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, metabolites, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), that encompass microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Glioma cells actively release EVs loaded with specific ncRNAs that can target genes and other ncRNAs in recipient cells residing within the TME. Among these recipient cells, prominent players include tumor-associated macrophages and microglia (TAMs), non-neoplastic astrocytes and endothelial cells. The intricate interplay between EVs derived from glioma cells and these recipient cells significantly contributes to the establishment of a tumor-permissive microenvironment, promoting tumor cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and invasion, by targeting various downstream pathways. This review critically examines the current understanding of the intricate interplay between glioma, exosomal ncRNAs, and various components of the glioma TME. By shedding light on the roles of ncRNAs in mediating intercellular communication, this review underscores their significance in orchestrating TME transformation and highlights their potential as novel therapeutic targets for effectively tackling glioma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Marangon
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology of Purinergic Transmission, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Tao JC, Yu D, Shao W, Zhou DR, Wang Y, Hou SQ, Deng K, Lin N. Interactions between microglia and glioma in tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1236268. [PMID: 37700840 PMCID: PMC10493873 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1236268] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas, the most prevalent primary tumors in the central nervous system, are marked by their immunosuppressive properties and consequent poor patient prognosis. Current evidence emphasizes the pivotal role of the tumor microenvironment in the progression of gliomas, largely attributed to tumor-associated macrophages (brain-resident microglia and bone marrow-derived macrophages) that create a tumor microenvironment conducive to the growth and invasion of tumor cells. Yet, distinguishing between these two cell subgroups remains a challenge. Thus, our review starts by analyzing the heterogeneity between these two cell subsets, then places emphasis on elucidating the complex interactions between microglia and glioma cells. Finally, we conclude with a summary of current attempts at immunotherapy that target microglia. However, given that independent research on microglia is still in its initial stages and has many shortcomings at the present time, we express our related concerns and hope that further research will be carried out to address these issues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Cheng Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Dong-Rui Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Shi-Qiang Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Deng
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ning Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Chuzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, The First People’s Hospital of Chuzhou, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
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