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Gagliardi M, Kean R, Dai B, Augustine JJ, Roberts M, Fleming J, Hooper DC, Ashizawa AT. BP1003 Decreases STAT3 Expression and Its Pro-Tumorigenic Functions in Solid Tumors and the Tumor Microenvironment. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1901. [PMID: 39200368 PMCID: PMC11351911 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Overexpression and aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) contribute to tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and tumor-immune evasion, making it a potential cancer therapeutic target. BP1003 is a neutral liposome incorporated with a nuclease-resistant P-ethoxy antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASO) targeting the STAT3 mRNA. Its unique design enhances BP1003 stability, cellular uptake, and target affinity. BP1003 efficiently reduces STAT3 expression and enhances the sensitivity of breast cancer cells (HER2+, triple negative) and ovarian cancer cells (late stage, invasive ovarian cancer) to paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in both 2D and 3D cell cultures. Similarly, ex vivo and in vivo patient-derived models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) show reduced tissue viability and tumor volume with BP1003 and gemcitabine combination treatments. In addition to directly affecting tumor cells, BP1003 can modulate the tumor microenvironment. Unlike M1 differentiation, monocyte differentiation into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages is suppressed by BP1003, indicating its potential contribution to immunotherapy. The broad anti-tumor effect of BP1003 in numerous preclinical solid tumor models, such as breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer models shown in this work, makes it a promising cancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rhonda Kean
- Department of Cancer Biology, Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University, PA 19107, USA
| | - Bingbing Dai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Independent Researcher, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jithesh Jose Augustine
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Jason Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - D. Craig Hooper
- Department of Cancer Biology, Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University, PA 19107, USA
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2
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Roso-Mares A, Andújar I, Díaz Corpas T, Sun BK. Non-coding RNAs as skin disease biomarkers, molecular signatures, and therapeutic targets. Hum Genet 2024; 143:801-812. [PMID: 37580609 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02588-4] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as biomarkers, molecular signatures, and therapeutic tools and targets for diseases. In this review, we focus specifically on skin diseases to highlight how two classes of ncRNAs-microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs-are being used to diagnose medical conditions of unclear etiology, improve our ability to guide treatment response, and predict disease prognosis. Furthermore, we explore how ncRNAs are being used as both as drug targets and associated therapies have unique benefits, risks, and challenges to development, but offer a distinctive promise for improving patient care and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Roso-Mares
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Andújar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tania Díaz Corpas
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Dermatology, Hospital Dr Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Bryan K Sun
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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3
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Tarvirdipour S, Skowicki M, Maffeis V, Abdollahi SN, Schoenenberger CA, Palivan CG. Peptide nanocarriers co-delivering an antisense oligonucleotide and photosensitizer elicit synergistic cytotoxicity. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 664:338-348. [PMID: 38479270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.03.021] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Combination therapies demand co-delivery platforms with efficient entrapment of distinct payloads and specific delivery to cells and possibly organelles. Herein, we introduce the combination of two therapeutic modalities, gene and photodynamic therapy, in a purely peptidic platform. The simultaneous formation and cargo loading of the multi-micellar platform is governed by self-assembly at the nanoscale. The multi-micellar architecture of the nanocarrier and the positive charge of its constituent micelles offer controlled dual loading capacity with distinct locations for a hydrophobic photosensitizer (PS) and negatively charged antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). Moreover, the nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequence built-in the peptide targets PS + ASO-loaded nanocarriers to the nucleus. Breast cancer cells treated with nanocarriers demonstrated photo-triggered enhancement of radical oxygen species (ROS) associated with increased cell death. Besides, delivery of ASO payloads resulted in up to 90 % knockdown of Bcl-2, an inhibitor of apoptosis that is overexpressed in more than half of all human cancers. Simultaneous delivery of PS and ASO elicited synergistic apoptosis to an extent that could not be reached by singly loaded nanocarriers or the free form of the drugs. Both, the distinct location of loaded compounds that prevents them from interfering with each other, and the highly efficient cellular delivery support the great potential of this versatile peptide platform in combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Tarvirdipour
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Michal Skowicki
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, Basel 4058, Switzerland; NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Viviana Maffeis
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, Basel 4058, Switzerland; NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - S Narjes Abdollahi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | | | - Cornelia G Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 22, Basel 4058, Switzerland; NCCR-Molecular Systems Engineering, Mattenstrasse 24a, Basel 4058, Switzerland.
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4
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Kowalewski A, Borowczak J, Maniewski M, Gostomczyk K, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Targeting apoptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116805. [PMID: 38781868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116805] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent subtype of renal cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all renal cell cancers. Due to its exceptional inter- and intratumor heterogeneity, it is highly resistant to conventional systemic therapies. Targeting the evasion of cell death, one of cancer's hallmarks, is currently emerging as an alternative strategy for ccRCC. In this article, we review the current state of apoptosis-inducing therapies against ccRCC, including antisense oligonucleotides, BH3 mimetics, histone deacetylase inhibitors, cyclin-kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of apoptosis protein antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies. Although preclinical studies have shown encouraging results, these compounds fail to improve patients' outcomes significantly. Current evidence suggests that inducing apoptosis in ccRCC may promote tumor progression through apoptosis-induced proliferation, anastasis, and apoptosis-induced nuclear expulsion. Therefore, re-evaluating this approach is expected to enable successful preclinical-to-clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Center of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland.
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Clinical Department of Oncology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
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5
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Zhang Y, Zhang M, Song H, Dai Q, Liu C. Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Polymer-Based RNA Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400278. [PMID: 38803312 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapeutics offer a broad prospect in cancer treatment. However, their successful application requires overcoming various physiological barriers to effectively deliver RNAs to the target sites. Currently, a number of RNA delivery systems based on polymeric nanoparticles are developed to overcome these barriers in RNA delivery. This work provides an overview of the existing RNA therapeutics for cancer gene therapy, and particularly summarizes those that are entering the clinical phase. This work then discusses the core features and latest research developments of tumor microenvironment-responsive polymer-based RNA delivery carriers which are designed based on the pathological characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Finally, this work also proposes opportunities for the transformation of RNA therapies into cancer immunotherapy methods in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahan Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Haiqin Song
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Qiong Dai
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chaoyong Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
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Kim R, Kin T, Beck WT. Impact of Complex Apoptotic Signaling Pathways on Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:984. [PMID: 38473345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Anticancer drugs induce apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death in various cancer types. The signaling pathways for anticancer drug-induced apoptotic cell death have been shown to differ between drug-sensitive and drug-resistant cells. In atypical multidrug-resistant leukemia cells, the c-Jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1)/p53 signaling pathway leading to apoptotic death is altered. Cancer cells treated with anticancer drugs undergo c-Jun/AP-1-mediated apoptotic death and are involved in c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation and growth arrest- and DNA damage-inducible gene 153 (Gadd153)/CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein pathway induction, regardless of the p53 genotype. Gadd153 induction is associated with mitochondrial membrane permeabilization after anticancer drug treatment and involves a coupled endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The induction of apoptosis by anticancer drugs is mediated by the intrinsic pathway (cytochrome c, Cyt c) and subsequent activation of the caspase cascade via proapoptotic genes (e.g., Bax and Bcl-xS) and their interactions. Anticancer drug-induced apoptosis involves caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways and occurs via intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. The targeting of antiapoptotic genes such as Bcl-2 enhances anticancer drug efficacy. The modulation of apoptotic signaling by Bcl-xS transduction increases the sensitivity of multidrug resistance-related protein-overexpressing epidermoid carcinoma cells to anticancer drugs. The significance of autophagy in cancer therapy remains to be elucidated. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of cancer cell death-related signaling pathways and their alterations during anticancer drug treatment and discuss potential strategies to enhance treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungsa Kim
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, 1-4-3F, 2-Chome Ohte-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051, Japan
| | - Takanori Kin
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - William T Beck
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Sheng X, Liu H, Xu Y, Wang Z, Zhang W, Li C, Wang J. Functionalized biomimetic mineralized collagen promotes osseointegration of 3D-printed titanium alloy microporous interface. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100896. [PMID: 38162280 PMCID: PMC10755784 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Mineralized collagen (MC) is the fundamental unit of natural bone tissue and can induce bone regeneration. Unmodified MC has poor mechanical properties and a single component, making it unable to cope with complex physiological environment. In this study, we introduced sodium alginate (SA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) into the MC material to construct functionalized mineralized collagen (FMC) with good mechanical strength and the ability to continuously release growth factors. The FMC is filled into the pores of 3D printed titanium alloy scaffold to form a new organic-inorganic bioactive interface. With the continuous degradation of FMC, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in the surrounding environment are recruited to the surface of the scaffold to promote bone and vascular regeneration. After implanting the scaffold into the distal femoral defect of rabbits, Micro CT, histological, push-out, as well as immunohistochemical analysis showed that the composite interface can significantly promote osseointegration. These findings provide a new strategy for the development and application of mineralized collagen materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Sheng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yu Xu
- Department of Ophthalmologic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Zhonghan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Weimin Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, Jilin, China
- Orthopaedic Research Institute of Jilin Province, Changchun, 130041, China
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8
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Kulyar MFEA, Mo Q, Yao W, Li Y, Nawaz S, Loon KS, Ahmed AE, Alsaegh AA, Al Syaad KM, Akhtar M, Bhutta ZA, Li J, Qi D. Modulation of apoptosis and Inflammasome activation in chondrocytes: co-regulatory role of Chlorogenic acid. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:2. [PMID: 38169388 PMCID: PMC10759508 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01377-w] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein regulates programmed cell death throughout the disease conditions by upholding apoptotic pathways. However, the mechanism by which it's expressed in chondrocytes still needs to be studied in chondrocyte-related disorders. Additionally, exploring the potential therapeutic role of Chlorogenic acid (CGA) in confluence with Bcl-2 modulation is of significant interest. METHODS In vivo and in vitro studies were performed according to our previous methodologies. The chondrocytes were cultured in specific growth media under standard conditions after expression verification of different microRNAs through high-throughput sequencing and verification of Bcl-2 involvement in tibial growth plates. The effect of Bcl-2 expression was investigated by transfecting chondrocytes with miR-460a, siRNA, and their negative controls alone or in combination with CGA. The RNA was extracted and subjected to a reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays were performed to visualize the intracellular localization of Bcl-2 and associated proteins related to apoptotic and inflammasome pathways. Moreover, apoptosis through flow cytometry was also performed to understand the modulation of concerning pathways. RESULTS The suppression of Bcl-2 induced higher apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to IL-1β maturation and affecting the inflammasome during chondrocyte proliferation. Conversely, overexpression attenuated the activation, as evidenced by reduced caspase activity and IL-1β maturation. In parallel, CGA successfully reduced siRNA-induced apoptosis by decreasing Cytochrome C (Cyto C) release from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, which in turn decreased Caspase-3 and Caspase-7 cleavage with Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Furthermore, siBcl-2 transfection and CGA therapy increased chondrocyte proliferation and survival. The CGA also showed a promising approach to maintaining chondrocyte viability by inhibiting siRNA-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Targeting Bcl-2-mediated regulation might be a possible treatment for chondrocyte-related conditions. Moreover, these results add knowledge of the complicated processes underlying chondrocyte function and the pathophysiology of related diseases, highlighting the significance of target specific therapies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Fakhar-E-Alam Kulyar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Quan Mo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangyuan Yao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California-Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Yan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Shah Nawaz
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Kyein San Loon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Ahmed Ezzat Ahmed
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiman A Alsaegh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid M Al Syaad
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Akhtar
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zeeshan Ahmad Bhutta
- Laboratory of Veterinary Immunology and Biochemistry, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiakui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China.
| | - Desheng Qi
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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9
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Zeng Y, Liu H, Ma J, Li K, Chang P, Wang C, Li L, Chen D, Liu C, Li N, Zhan W, Zhan Y. Cobalt Ferrite-Gossypol Coordination Nanoagents with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency Sensitizing Chemotherapy against Bcl-2 to Induce Tumor Apoptosis. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300104. [PMID: 37186509 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Gossypol is a chemotherapeutic drug that can inhibit the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, but the existing gossypol-related nanocarriers cannot well solve the problem of chemotherapy resistance. Based on the observation that gossypol becomes black upon Fe3+ coordination, it is hypothesized that encasing gossypol in glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and making it coordinate cobalt ferrite will not only improve its photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) but also help it enter tumor cells. As the drug loading content and drug encapsulation efficiency of gossypol are 10.67% (w/w) and 96.20%, the PCE of cobalt ferrite rises from 14.71% to 36.00%. The synergistic therapeutic effect finally induces tumor apoptosis with a tumor inhibition rate of 96.56%, which is 2.99 and 1.47 times higher than chemotherapy or photothermal therapy (PTT) alone. PTT generated by the GMO nanocarriers under the irradiation of 808 nm laser can weaken tumor hypoxia, thereby assisting gossypol to inhibit Bcl-2. In addition, the efficacy of nanocarriers is also evaluated through T2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Observations of gossypol-induced apoptosis in tissue slices provide definitive proof of chemotherapy sensitization, indicating that such coordination nanocarriers can be used as an effective preclinical agent to enhance chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zeng
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Huifang Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Ma
- Radiology Department, CT and MRI Room, Ninth Hospital of Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Common Aging Diseases, Translational and Research Centre for Prevention and Therapy of Chronic Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710021, P. R. China
| | - Peng Chang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Chenying Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Lei Li
- Radiology Department, CT and MRI Room, Ninth Hospital of Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, P. R. China
| | - Dan Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
| | - Changhu Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, P. R. China
| | - Na Li
- Radiology Department, CT and MRI Room, Ninth Hospital of Xi'an, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710054, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Zhan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, 750004, P. R. China
| | - Yonghua Zhan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
- International Joint Research Center for Advanced Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment and Xi'an Key Laboratory of Intelligent Sensing and Regulation of trans-Scale Life Information, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, P. R. China
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10
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Ma S, Barr T, Yu J. Recent Advances of RNA m 6A Modifications in Cancer Immunoediting and Immunotherapy. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:49-94. [PMID: 38112999 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, which modulates immune responses against tumors using immune-checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell transfer, has emerged as a novel and promising therapy for tumors. However, only a minority of patients demonstrate durable responses, while the majority of patients are resistant to immunotherapy. The immune system can paradoxically constrain and promote tumor development and progression. This process is referred to as cancer immunoediting. The mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy seem to be that cancer cells undergo immunoediting to evade recognition and elimination by the immune system. RNA modifications, specifically N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, have emerged as a key regulator of various post-transcriptional gene regulatory processes, such as RNA export, splicing, stability, and degradation, which play unappreciated roles in various physiological and pathological processes, including immune system development and cancer pathogenesis. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which RNA modifications impact the cancer immunoediting process can provide insight into the mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapies and the strategies that can be used to overcome such resistance. In this chapter, we briefly introduce the background of cancer immunoediting and immunotherapy. We also review and discuss the roles and mechanisms of RNA m6A modifications in fine-tuning the innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as in regulating tumor escape from immunosurveillance. Finally, we summarize the current strategies targeting m6A regulators for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tasha Barr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
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Bartolucci D, Pession A, Hrelia P, Tonelli R. Precision Anti-Cancer Medicines by Oligonucleotide Therapeutics in Clinical Research Targeting Undruggable Proteins and Non-Coding RNAs. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071453. [PMID: 35890348 PMCID: PMC9315662 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer incidence and mortality continue to increase, while the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs confer limited efficacy and relevant toxic side effects. Novel strategies are urgently needed for more effective and safe therapeutics in oncology. However, a large number of proteins are considered undruggable by conventional drugs, such as the small molecules. Moreover, the mRNA itself retains oncological functions, and its targeting offers the double advantage of blocking the tumorigenic activities of the mRNA and the translation into protein. Finally, a large family of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) has recently emerged that are also dysregulated in cancer, but they could not be targeted by drugs directed against the proteins. In this context, this review describes how the oligonucleotide therapeutics targeting RNA or DNA sequences, are emerging as a new class of drugs, able to tackle the limitations described above. Numerous clinical trials are evaluating oligonucleotides for tumor treatment, and in the next few years some of them are expected to reach the market. We describe the oligonucleotide therapeutics targeting undruggable proteins (focusing on the most relevant, such as those originating from the MYC and RAS gene families), and for ncRNAs, in particular on those that are under clinical trial evaluation in oncology. We highlight the challenges and solutions for the clinical success of oligonucleotide therapeutics, with particular emphasis on the peculiar challenges that render it arduous to treat tumors, such as heterogeneity and the high mutation rate. In the review are presented these and other advantages offered by the oligonucleotide as an emerging class of biotherapeutics for a new era of precision anti-cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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Matasariu DR, Lozneanu L, Dumitraşcu I, Grigore M, Cristofor AE, Mandici CE, Bujor IE, Ursache A, Brăila AD, Bauşic A, Micu R. Hormonal, apoptotic, proliferative and inflammatory markers' expression in Desogestrel-treated women with ovarian endometriosis. ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY AND EMBRYOLOGY = REVUE ROUMAINE DE MORPHOLOGIE ET EMBRYOLOGIE 2022; 63:137-144. [PMID: 36074677 PMCID: PMC9593118 DOI: 10.47162/rjme.63.1.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a relatively frequent pathology in gynecological practice. We performed an analysis to demonstrate the molecular changes that occur in endometriosis synthetic progestin-treated patients, hoping to sketch a possible pathophysiological pathway that will help us to better understand and treat this debilitating disease. We conducted a prospective study that included a group of 40 women, evaluated in our hospital between 2020-2021. We evaluated immunohistochemical tissue expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, Ki-67, and serum levels of osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with ovarian endometrioma with and without progestin treatment. Our study revealed that Desogestrel treatment increases OPN serum levels, PR and Bcl-2 tissue expression and reduces VEGF serum levels and Ki-67 tissue expression. The results we have obtained are very interesting because the serum levels of OPN seem to be more influenced by progestin treatment, than by endometriosis itself. The study we have conducted gives a molecular complex view of what endometriosis represents and on how Desogestrel treatment works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela-Roxana Matasariu
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cuza Vodă Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Ludmila Lozneanu
- Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I – Histology, Pathology, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Pathology, Sf. Spiridon Emergency County Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Irina Dumitraşcu
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cuza Vodă Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Grigore
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cuza Vodă Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Elena Cristofor
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cuza Vodă Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Cristina Elena Mandici
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Iuliana-Elena Bujor
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cuza Vodă Hospital, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ursache
- Department of Mother and Child, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Anca Daniela Brăila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital, Craiova, Romania
| | - Alexandra Bauşic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prof. Dr. Panait Sîrbu Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Romeo Micu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Regina Maria Maternity, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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