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Nayak SPRR, Basty C, Boopathi S, Dhivya LS, Alarjani KM, Gawwad MRA, Hager R, Kathiravan MK, Arockiaraj J. Furan-based Chalcone Annihilates the Multi-Drug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Protects Zebra Fish Against its Infection. J Microbiol 2024; 62:75-89. [PMID: 38383881 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-024-00103-6] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multi-drug-resistant bacteria, is becoming a serious public health concern. This bacterium infects immunocompromised patients and has a high fatality rate. Both naturally and synthetically produced chalcones are known to have a wide array of biological activities. The antibacterial properties of synthetically produced chalcone were studied against P. aeruginosa. In vitro, study of the compound (chalcone derivative named DKO1), also known as (2E)-1-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl) prop-2-en-1-one, had substantial antibacterial and biofilm disruptive action. DKO1 effectively shielded against P. aeruginosa-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. In adult zebrafish, the treatment enhanced the chances of survivability and reduced the sickness-like behaviors. Gene expression, biochemical analysis, and histopathology studies found that proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS) were down regulated; antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels increased, and histoarchitecture was restored in zebrafish. The data indicate that DKO1 is an effective antibacterial agent against P. aeruginosa demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Pushpa Ramya Ranjan Nayak
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Catharine Basty
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Seenivasan Boopathi
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Loganathan Sumathi Dhivya
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Research Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Khaloud Mohammed Alarjani
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Ragab Abdel Gawwad
- Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, 71210, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Raghda Hager
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt
| | - Muthu Kumaradoss Kathiravan
- Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Research Lab, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Jesu Arockiaraj
- Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Humanities, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
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2
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Fontana CM, Van Doan H. Zebrafish xenograft as a tool for the study of colorectal cancer: a review. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:23. [PMID: 38195619 PMCID: PMC10776567 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06291-0] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death, mostly due to metastatic disease and the fact that many patients already show signs of metastasis at the time of first diagnosis. Current CRC therapies negatively impact patients' quality of life and have little to no effect on combating the tumor once the dissemination has started. Danio rerio (zebrafish) is a popular animal model utilized in cancer research. One of its main advantages is the ease of xenograft transplantation due to the fact that zebrafish larvae lack the adaptative immune system, guaranteeing the impossibility of rejection. In this review, we have presented the many works that choose zebrafish xenograft as a tool for the study of CRC, highlighting the methods used as well as the promising new therapeutic molecules that have been identified due to this animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Office of Research Administration, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Hien Van Doan
- Department of Animal and Aquatic Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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3
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Takahi M, Taira R, Onozuka J, Sunamura H, Kondow A, Nakade K, Nakashima K, Sato I, Hayashi Y, Patra C, Ohnuma K. Xenograft of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac lineage cells on zebrafish embryo heart. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 674:190-198. [PMID: 37532637 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.040] [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: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine and drug discovery. However, the use of animal models for studying human cardiomyocytes derived from hiPSCs in vivo is limited and challenging. Given the shared properties between humans and zebrafish, their ethical advantages over mammalian models, and their immature immune system that is rejection-free against xenografted human cells, zebrafish provide a suitable alternative model for xenograft studies. We microinjected fluorescence-labeled cardiac lineage cells derived from hiPSCs, specifically mesoderm or cardiac mesoderm cells, into the yolk and the area proximal to the outflow tract of the linear heart at 24 hours post-fertilization (hpf). The cells injected into the yolk survived and did not migrate to other tissues. In contrast, the cells injected contiguous with the outflow tract of the linear heart migrated into the pericardial cavity and heart. After 1 day post injection (1 dpi, 22-24 hpi), the injected cells migrated into the pericardial cavity and heart. Importantly, we observed heartbeat-like movements of some injected cells in the zebrafish heart after 1 dpi. These results suggested successful xenografting of hiPSC-derived cardiac lineage cells into the zebrafish embryo heart. Thus, we developed a valuable tool using zebrafish embryos as a model organism for investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the grafting process. This is essential in developing cell transplantation-based cardiac therapeutics as well as for drug testing, notably contributing to advancements in the field of cardio-medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Takahi
- Department of Science of Technology Innovation, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
| | - Riko Taira
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
| | - Jo Onozuka
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
| | - Haruka Sunamura
- Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
| | - Akiko Kondow
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, 2-21-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0003, Japan.
| | - Koji Nakade
- Gene Engineering Division, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Nakashima
- Gene Engineering Division, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| | - Iori Sato
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| | - Yohei Hayashi
- iPS Cell Advanced Characterization and Development Team, BioResource Research Center, RIKEN, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan.
| | - Chinmoy Patra
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, 411004, India.
| | - Kiyoshi Ohnuma
- Department of Science of Technology Innovation, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan; Department of Materials Science and Bioengineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, 1603-1 Kamitomioka, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188, Japan.
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4
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Sturtzel C, Grissenberger S, Bozatzi P, Scheuringer E, Wenninger-Weinzierl A, Zajec Z, Dernovšek J, Pascoal S, Gehl V, Kutsch A, Granig A, Rifatbegovic F, Carre M, Lang A, Valtingojer I, Moll J, Lötsch D, Erhart F, Widhalm G, Surdez D, Delattre O, André N, Stampfl J, Tomašič T, Taschner-Mandl S, Distel M. Refined high-content imaging-based phenotypic drug screening in zebrafish xenografts. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:44. [PMID: 37202469 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish xenotransplantation models are increasingly applied for phenotypic drug screening to identify small compounds for precision oncology. Larval zebrafish xenografts offer the opportunity to perform drug screens at high-throughput in a complex in vivo environment. However, the full potential of the larval zebrafish xenograft model has not yet been realized and several steps of the drug screening workflow still await automation to increase throughput. Here, we present a robust workflow for drug screening in zebrafish xenografts using high-content imaging. We established embedding methods for high-content imaging of xenografts in 96-well format over consecutive days. In addition, we provide strategies for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish xenografts including automated tumor cell detection and tumor size analysis over time. We also compared commonly used injection sites and cell labeling dyes and show specific site requirements for tumor cells from different entities. We demonstrate that our setup allows us to investigate proliferation and response to small compounds in several zebrafish xenografts ranging from pediatric sarcomas and neuroblastoma to glioblastoma and leukemia. This fast and cost-efficient assay enables the quantification of anti-tumor efficacy of small compounds in large cohorts of a vertebrate model system in vivo. Our assay may aid in prioritizing compounds or compound combinations for further preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sturtzel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - S Grissenberger
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - P Bozatzi
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - E Scheuringer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - A Wenninger-Weinzierl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Z Zajec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J Dernovšek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Pascoal
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - V Gehl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - A Kutsch
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Granig
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Rifatbegovic
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - M Carre
- Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, Timone Hospital, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - A Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Valtingojer
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Sanofi Research Center, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - J Moll
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Sanofi Research Center, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
- Renon Biotech and Pharma Consulting, Unterinn am Ritten (Bz), Italy
| | - D Lötsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Erhart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Widhalm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Surdez
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - O Delattre
- INSERM U830, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - N André
- Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, Timone Hospital, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - J Stampfl
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Tomašič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Taschner-Mandl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria.
| | - M Distel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria.
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Li X, Li M. The application of zebrafish patient-derived xenograft tumor models in the development of antitumor agents. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:212-236. [PMID: 36029178 DOI: 10.1002/med.21924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cost of antitumor drug development is enormous, yet the clinical outcomes are less than satisfactory. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop effective drug screening methods that enable accurate, rapid, and high-throughput discovery of lead compounds in the process of preclinical antitumor drug research. An effective solution is to use the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor animal models, which are applicable for the elucidation of tumor pathogenesis and the preclinical testing of novel antitumor compounds. As a promising screening model organism, zebrafish has been widely applied in the construction of the PDX tumor model and the discovery of antineoplastic agents. Herein, we systematically survey the recent cutting-edge advances in zebrafish PDX models (zPDX) for studies of pathogenesis mechanisms and drug screening. In addition, the techniques used in the construction of zPDX are summarized. The advantages and limitations of the zPDX are also discussed in detail. Finally, the prospects of zPDX in drug discovery, translational medicine, and clinical precision medicine treatment are well presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Minyong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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6
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Kwiatkowska I, Hermanowicz JM, Iwinska Z, Kowalczuk K, Iwanowska J, Pawlak D. Zebrafish—An Optimal Model in Experimental Oncology. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134223. [PMID: 35807468 PMCID: PMC9268704 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of cancer pathogenesis is a necessary step in the development of more effective and safer therapy. However, due to the complexity of the process and intricate interactions, studying tumor development is an extremely difficult and challenging task. In bringing this issue closer, different scientific models with various advancement levels are helpful. Cell cultures is a system that is too simple and does not allow for multidirectional research. On the other hand, rodent models, although commonly used, are burdened with several limitations. For this reason, new model organisms that will allow for the studying of carcinogenesis stages and factors reliably involved in them are urgently sought after. Danio rerio, an inconspicuous fish endowed with unique features, is gaining in importance in the world of scientific research. Including it in oncological research brings solutions to many challenges afflicting modern medicine. This article aims to illustrate the usefulness of Danio rerio as a model organism which turns out to be a powerful and unique tool for studying the stages of carcinogenesis and solving the hitherto incomprehensible processes that lead to the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iwona Kwiatkowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +48-8574-856-01
| | - Justyna Magdalena Hermanowicz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Zaneta Iwinska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
| | - Krystyna Kowalczuk
- Department of Integrated Medical Care, Medical University of Bialystok, ul. M Skłodowskiej-Curie 7A, 15-096 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Iwanowska
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
| | - Dariusz Pawlak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland; (J.M.H.); (Z.I.); (J.I.); (D.P.)
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7
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Souto EP, Dobrolecki LE, Villanueva H, Sikora AG, Lewis MT. In Vivo Modeling of Human Breast Cancer Using Cell Line and Patient-Derived Xenografts. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2022; 27:211-230. [PMID: 35697909 PMCID: PMC9433358 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-022-09520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, human breast cancer has been modeled largely in vitro using long-established cell lines primarily in two-dimensional culture, but also in three-dimensional cultures of varying cellular and molecular complexities. A subset of cell line models has also been used in vivo as cell line-derived xenografts (CDX). While outstanding for conducting detailed molecular analysis of regulatory mechanisms that may function in vivo, results of drug response studies using long-established cell lines have largely failed to translate clinically. In an attempt to address this shortcoming, many laboratories have succeeded in developing clinically annotated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of human cancers, including breast, in a variety of host systems. While immunocompromised mice are the predominant host, the immunocompromised rat and pig, zebrafish, as well as the chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) have also emerged as potential host platforms to help address perceived shortcomings of immunocompromised mice. With any modeling platform, the two main issues to be resolved are criteria for "credentialing" the models as valid models to represent human cancer, and utility with respect to the ability to generate clinically relevant translational research data. Such data are beginning to emerge, particularly with the activities of PDX consortia such as the NCI PDXNet Program, EuroPDX, and the International Breast Cancer Consortium, as well as a host of pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations (CRO). This review focuses primarily on these important aspects of PDX-related research, with a focus on breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Souto
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Lacey E Dobrolecki
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hugo Villanueva
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Andrew G Sikora
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Lewis
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM-600; Room N1210, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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8
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Cascallar M, Alijas S, Pensado-López A, Vázquez-Ríos AJ, Sánchez L, Piñeiro R, de la Fuente M. What Zebrafish and Nanotechnology Can Offer for Cancer Treatments in the Age of Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092238. [PMID: 35565373 PMCID: PMC9099873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes millions of deaths each year and thus urgently requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based anticancer therapies are a promising approach, with several formulations already approved and in clinical use. The evaluation of these therapies requires efficient in vivo models to study their behavior and interaction with cancer cells, and to optimize their properties to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. In this way, zebrafish is an important candidate due to its high homology with the human genoma, its large offspring, and the ease in developing specific cancer models. The role of zebrafish as a model for anticancer therapy studies has been highly evidenced, allowing researchers not only to perform drug screenings but also to evaluate novel therapies such as immunotherapies and nanotherapies. Beyond that, zebrafish can be used as an “avatar” model for performing patient-derived xenografts for personalized medicine. These characteristics place zebrafish in an attractive position as a role model for evaluating novel therapies for cancer treatment, such as nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cascallar
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Abi Judit Vázquez-Ríos
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Preclinical Animal Models Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-704
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9
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Liu SH, Wang QZ, Liu T, Bai R, Ma MM, Liu QL, Zhou HG, Liu J, Wang M. Enhanced Glioblastoma Selectivity of Harmine via the Albumin Carrier. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2022; 18:1052-1063. [PMID: 35854453 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2022.3321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most common tumor in the brain, has witnessed very little clinical progress over the last decades. Exploring and discovering new therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma has become a critical problem. Harmine (HM), belonging to the beta-carboline alkaloid, is a natural product and isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala L., which own notable antitumor activity in vitro. However, the poor water solubility and less selectivity of HM severely limit its clinical use. For enhancing its selective ability to tumor cells, we fabricated a kind of protein nanoparticles (BSA-HM NPs), composed of the modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) and HM. It was substantiated through in vitro and in vivo experiment that BSA-HM NPs could predominantly accumulate in tumor tissues and exhibited remarkably enhanced antitumor efficacy. This study provides a promising strategy to improve the bioavailability and avoid side effects of HM as antitumor agents by choosing BSA as carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hui Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Zhen Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, P. R. China
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Ru Bai
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Man-Man Ma
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qiao-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Ge Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety and Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830054, P. R. China
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10
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Costa B, Estrada MF, Barroso MT, Fior R. Zebrafish Patient-Derived Avatars from Digestive Cancers for Anti-cancer Therapy Screening. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e415. [PMID: 35436037 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), also called "avatars," are generated by the implantation of human primary tumor cells or tissues into a host animal. Given the complexity and unique characteristics of each tumor, PDXs are models of choice in cancer research and precision medicine. In this context, the zebrafish PDX model (zPDX or zAvatar) has been recognized as a promising in vivo model to directly challenge patient cells with anti-cancer therapies in a personalized manner. The assay relies on the injection of tumor cells from patients into zebrafish embryos to then test and identify the best available drug combination for a particular patient. Compared to mouse PDXs, zAvatar assays take less time and do not require in vitro or in vivo cell expansion. The present article describes how to generate zAvatars from resected digestive cancer from surgeries and how to then use them for anti-cancer therapy screening. We describe the steps for tumor sample collection and cryopreservation, sample preparation and fluorescent labeling for microinjection into zebrafish embryos, drug administration, and analysis of tumor behavior by single-cell confocal imaging. We provide detailed protocols and helpful tips for performing this assay, and we address the technical challenges associated with the workflow. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Patient tumor sample collection and cryopreservation Basic Protocol 2: Generation of zAvatars and anti-cancer treatment Basic Protocol 3: Whole-mount immunofluorescence Basic Protocol 4: Confocal imaging and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Costa
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta F Estrada
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rita Fior
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
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11
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GDI2 is a target of paclitaxel that affects tumorigenesis of prostate cancer via the p75NTR signaling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 562:119-126. [PMID: 34051575 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) refers to malignant tumors derived from prostate epithelial cells, whose morbidity and mortality rates have been increasing every year. Although new drugs for treating prostate cancer continue to emerge, the unclear mechanism underlying drug targets limits this therapy, thereby constraining identification of effective therapeutic targets. Although GDP dissociation inhibitor 2(GDI2) is highly expressed and closely associated with occurrence and development of many tumors, its role in prostate cancer remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of GDI2 and elucidated its underlying mechanism of action in prostate cancer. Moreover, we screened chemotherapeutic drugs that affect GDI2 expression with a view of identifying novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS We performed sequence analyses and functional assays to precisely elucidate the GDI2 role in prostate cancer. Moreover, we induced tumorigenesis in nude mice to verify the role of GDI2 in vivo. Finally, we used the CCK8 assay to ascertain the most suitable IC50 across the three drugs and performed quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot to analyze the effects of drugs on expression of GDI2, p75NTR, and p-NFκB. RESULTS GDI2 was up-regulated in prostate cancer cells and tissues. Knocking down GDI2 suppressed cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis. Interestingly, knocking down GDI2 activated the p75NTR signaling pathway, indicating, for the first time, that p75NTR is negatively correlated with GDI2 expression. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicate that GDI2 is a therapeutic target of paclitaxel. Knocking down of GDI2 inhibits cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis via the p75NTR signaling pathway in prostate cancer. Notably, paclitaxel inhibits GDI2 expression, implying that GDI2 may be a promising therapeutic target in prostate cancer.
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12
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Corsinovi D, Usai A, Sarlo MD, Giannaccini M, Ori M. Zebrafish Avatar to Develop Precision Breast Cancer Therapies. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 22:748-759. [PMID: 33797388 DOI: 10.2174/1871520621666210402111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a vertebrate that has become a popular alternative model for the cellular and molecular study of human tumors and for drug testing and validating approaches. Notably, zebrafish embryos, thanks to their accessibility, allow rapid collection of in vivo results prodromal to validation in the murine models in respect to the 3R principles. The generation of tumor xenograft in zebrafish embryos and larvae, or zebrafish avatar, represents a unique opportunity to study tumor growth, angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastatic dissemination, interaction between tumor and host in vivo avoiding immunogenic rejection, representing a promising platform for the translational research and personalized therapies. OBJECTIVE In this mini-review we report recent advances in breast cancer research and drug testing that took advantage of the zebrafish xenograft model using both breast cancer cell lines and patient's biopsy. CONCLUSION Patient derived xenograft, together with the gene editing, the omics biotechnology, the in vivo time lapse imaging and the high-throughput screening that are already set up and largely used in zebrafish, could represent a step forward towards precision and personalized medicine in the breast cancer research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Corsinovi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | - Alice Usai
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
| | | | | | - Michela Ori
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa. Italy
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13
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Koual M, Tomkiewicz C, Guerrera IC, Sherr D, Barouki R, Coumoul X. Aggressiveness and Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer Cells Co-Cultured with Preadipocytes and Exposed to an Environmental Pollutant Dioxin: An in Vitro and in Vivo Zebrafish Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:37002. [PMID: 33683140 PMCID: PMC7939125 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health concern, and its prognosis is very poor once metastasis occurs. The tumor microenvironment and chemical pollution have been suggested recently to contribute, independently, to the development of metastatic cells. The BC microenvironment consists, in part, of adipocytes and preadipocytes in which persistent organic pollutants (POPs) can be stored. OBJECTIVES We aimed to test the hypothesis that these two factors (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), an extensively studied, toxic POP and the microenvironment) may interact to increase tumor aggressiveness. METHODS We used a co-culture model using BC MCF-7 cells or MDA-MB-231 cells together with hMADS preadipocytes to investigate the contribution of the microenvironment and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin TCDD on BC cells. Global differences were characterized using a high-throughput proteomic assay. Subsequently we measured the BC stem cell-like activity, analyzed the cell morphology, and used a zebrafish larvae model to study the metastatic potential of the BC cells. RESULTS We found that coexposure to TCDD and preadipocytes modified BC cell properties; moreover, it induced the expression of ALDH1A3, a cancer stem cell marker, and the appearance of giant cancer cells with cell-in-cell structures (CICs), which are associated with malignant metastatic progression, that we demonstrated in vivo. DISCUSSION The results of our study using BC cell lines co-cultured with preadipocytes and a POP and an in vivo zebrafish model of metastasis suggest that the interactions between BC cells and their microenvironment could affect their invasive or metastatic potential. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7102.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meriem Koual
- UMR-S1124, Institut national de la santé et de la recherché médicale (Inserm), T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, Paris, France
- Service de Chirurgie Cancérologique Gynécologique et du Sein, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Céline Tomkiewicz
- UMR-S1124, Institut national de la santé et de la recherché médicale (Inserm), T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, Paris, France
| | - Ida Chiara Guerrera
- Plateforme protéomique 3P5-Necker, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Université de Paris, US24/CNRS UMS3633, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - David Sherr
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Barouki
- UMR-S1124, Institut national de la santé et de la recherché médicale (Inserm), T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Xavier Coumoul
- UMR-S1124, Institut national de la santé et de la recherché médicale (Inserm), T3S, Toxicologie Environnementale, Cibles thérapeutiques, Signalisation cellulaire et Biomarqueurs, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
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14
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Chen X, Li Y, Yao T, Jia R. Benefits of Zebrafish Xenograft Models in Cancer Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:616551. [PMID: 33644052 PMCID: PMC7905065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.616551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising in vivo tool for cancer research, zebrafish have been widely applied in various tumor studies. The zebrafish xenograft model is a low-cost, high-throughput tool for cancer research that can be established quickly and requires only a small sample size, which makes it favorite among researchers. Zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models provide promising evidence for short-term clinical treatment. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and advantages of zebrafish, such as their transparent and translucent features, the use of vascular fluorescence imaging, the establishment of metastatic and intracranial orthotopic models, individual pharmacokinetics measurements, and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we introduce how these characteristics and advantages are applied other in tumor studies. Finally, we discuss the future direction of the use of zebrafish in tumor studies and provide new ideas for the application of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengteng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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15
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Amawi H, Aljabali AAA, Boddu SHS, Amawi S, Obeid MA, Ashby CR, Tiwari AK. The use of zebrafish model in prostate cancer therapeutic development and discovery. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2021; 87:311-325. [PMID: 33392639 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-020-04211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is now among the leading in vivo model for cancer research, including prostate cancer. They are an alternative economic model being used to study cancer development, proliferation, and metastasis. They can also be effectively utilized for the development of cancer drugs at all levels, including target validation, and high-throughput screening for possible lead molecules. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of zebrafish as an in vivo model in prostate cancer research. Globally, prostate cancer is a leading cause of death in men. Although many molecular mechanisms have been identified as playing a role in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer, there is still a significant need to understand the initial events of the disease. Furthermore, current treatments are limited by the emergence of severe toxicities and multidrug resistance. There is an essential need for economical and relevant research tools to improve our understanding and overcome these problems. This review provides a comprehensive summary of studies that utilized zebrafish for different aims in prostate cancer research. We discuss the use of zebrafish in prostate cancer cell proliferation and metastasis, defining signaling pathways, drug discovery and therapeutic development against prostate cancer, and toxicity studies. Finally, this review highlights limitations in this field and future directions to efficiently use zebrafish as a robust model for prostate cancer therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haneen Amawi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O.BOX 566, Irbid, 21163, Jordan.
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sai H S Boddu
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE
| | - Sadam Amawi
- Department of Urology and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdullah University Hospital, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Charles R Ashby
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
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16
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Busonero C, Leone S, Bianchi F, Maspero E, Fiocchetti M, Palumbo O, Cipolletti M, Bartoloni S, Acconcia F. Ouabain and Digoxin Activate the Proteasome and the Degradation of the ERα in Cells Modeling Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123840. [PMID: 33352737 PMCID: PMC7766733 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123840] [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: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer (BC) treatment relies on the detection of the estrogen receptor α (ERα). ERα-expressing BC patients are treated with anti-estrogen drugs (i.e., tamoxifen and fulvestrant). Despite their proven efficacy, these drugs cause serious side effects in a significant fraction of the patients, including both tumor insurgence in secondary organs, and resistant phenotypes, which result in a relapsing disease with scarce treatment options. Thus, new drugs for treatment of primary and metastatic BC (MBC) are needed. Here, we report the characterization of two cardiac glycosides (CGs) (i.e., ouabain and digoxin), approved by the FDA for treatment of heart disease, as novel ‘anti-estrogen’-like drugs. We found that these drugs induce ERα degradation, and prevent the proliferation of cellular models of primary and metastatic BC cells. Remarkably, we discovered that these CGs are activators of the proteasome, and therefore may be repurposed for treatment not only of BC, but also for other proteasome-based diseases. Abstract Estrogen receptor α expressing breast cancers (BC) are classically treated with endocrine therapy. Prolonged endocrine therapy often results in a metastatic disease (MBC), for which a standardized effective therapy is still lacking. Thus, new drugs are required for primary and metastatic BC treatment. Here, we report that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs, ouabain and digoxin, induce ERα degradation and prevent proliferation in cells modeling primary and metastatic BC. Ouabain and digoxin activate the cellular proteasome, instigating ERα degradation, which causes the inhibition of 17β-estradiol signaling, induces the cell cycle blockade in the G2 phase, and triggers apoptosis. Remarkably, these effects are independent of the inhibition of the Na/K pump. The antiproliferative effects of ouabain and digoxin occur also in diverse cancer models (i.e., tumor spheroids and xenografts). Additionally, gene profiling analysis reveals that these drugs downregulate the expression of genes related to endocrine therapy resistance. Therefore, ouabain and digoxin behave as ‘anti-estrogen’-like drugs, and are appealing candidates for the treatment of primary and metastatic BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Busonero
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy;
| | - Elena Maspero
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare (IFOM), 20139 Milan, Italy;
| | - Marco Fiocchetti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Orazio Palumbo
- Division of Medical Genetics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy;
| | - Manuela Cipolletti
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefania Bartoloni
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Filippo Acconcia
- Department of Sciences, Section Biomedical Sciences and Technology, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi, 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (S.L.); (M.F.); (M.C.); (S.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-065-733-6320; Fax: +39-065-733-6321
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17
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Targen S, Kaya T, Avci ME, Gunes D, Keskus AG, Konu O. ZenoFishDb v1.1: A Database for Xenotransplantation Studies in Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2020; 17:305-318. [PMID: 32931381 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly accumulating literature has proven feasibility of the zebrafish xenograft models in cancer research. Nevertheless, online databases for searching the current zebrafish xenograft literature are in great demand. Herein, we have developed a manually curated database, called ZenoFishDb v1.1 (https://konulab.shinyapps.io/zenofishdb), based on R Shiny platform aiming to provide searchable information on ever increasing collection of zebrafish studies for cancer cell line transplantation and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). ZenoFishDb v1.1 user interface contains four modules: DataTable, Visualization, PDX Details, and PDX Charts. The DataTable and Visualization pages represent xenograft study details, including injected cell lines, PDX injections, molecular modifications of cell lines, zebrafish strains, as well as technical aspects of the xenotransplantation procedures in table, bar, and/or pie chart formats. The PDX Details module provides comprehensive information on the patient details in table format and can be searched and visualized. Overall, ZenoFishDb v1.1 enables researchers to effectively search, list, and visualize different technical and biological attributes of zebrafish xenotransplantation studies particularly focusing on the new trends that make use of reporters, RNA interference, overexpression, or mutant gene constructs of transplanted cancer cells, stem cells, and PDXs, as well as distinguished host modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seniye Targen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuğberk Kaya
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M Ender Avci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Damla Gunes
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gokce Keskus
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlen Konu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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18
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Zebrafish Xenografts Unveil Sensitivity to Olaparib beyond BRCA Status. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071769. [PMID: 32630796 PMCID: PMC7408583 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition in BRCA-mutated cells results in an incapacity to repair DNA damage, leading to cell death caused by synthetic lethality. Within the treatment options for advanced triple negative breast cancer, the PARP inhibitor olaparib is only given to patients with BRCA1/2 mutations. However, these patients may show resistance to this drug and BRCA1/2 wild-type tumors can show a striking sensitivity, making BRCA status a poor biomarker for treatment choice. Aiming to investigate if the zebrafish model can discriminate sensitivities to olaparib, we developed zebrafish xenografts with different BRCA status and measured tumor response to treatment, as well as its impact on angiogenesis and metastasis. When challenged with olaparib, xenografts revealed sensitivity phenotypes independent of BRCA. Moreover, its combination with ionizing radiation increased the cytotoxic effects, showing potential as a combinatorial regimen. In conclusion, we show that the zebrafish xenograft model may be used as a sensitivity profiling platform for olaparib in monotherapy or in combinatorial regimens. Hence, this model presents as a promising option for the future establishment of patient-derived xenografts for personalized medicine approaches beyond BRCA status.
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19
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Rubbini D, Cornet C, Terriente J, Di Donato V. CRISPR Meets Zebrafish: Accelerating the Discovery of New Therapeutic Targets. SLAS DISCOVERY 2020; 25:552-567. [PMID: 32462967 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220926920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Bringing a new drug to the market costs an average of US$2.6 billion and takes more than 10 years from discovery to regulatory approval. Despite the need to reduce cost and time to increase productivity, pharma companies tend to crowd their efforts in the same indications and drug targets. This results in the commercialization of drugs that share the same mechanism of action (MoA) and, in many cases, equivalent efficacies among them-an outcome that helps neither patients nor the balance sheet of the companies trying to bring therapeutics to the same patient population. Indeed, the discovery of new therapeutic targets, based on a deeper understanding of the disease biology, would likely provide more innovative MoAs and potentially greater drug efficacies. It would also bring better chances for identifying appropriate treatments according to the patient's genetic stratification. Nowadays, we count with an enormous amount of unprocessed information on potential disease targets that could be extracted from omics data obtained from patient samples. In addition, hundreds of pharmacological and genetic screenings have been performed to identify innovative drug targets. Traditionally, rodents have been the animal models of choice to perform functional genomic studies. The high experimental cost, combined with the low throughput provided by those models, however, is a bottleneck for discovering and validating novel genetic disease associations. To overcome these limitations, we propose that zebrafish, in conjunction with the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing tools, could streamline functional genomic processes to bring biologically relevant knowledge on innovative disease targets in a shorter time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Rubbini
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Cornet
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Terriente
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vincenzo Di Donato
- ZeClinics SL, IGTP (Germans Trias I Pujol Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
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