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Ferrucci V, Miceli M, Pagliuca C, Bianco O, Castaldo L, Izzo L, Cozzolino M, Zannella C, Oglio F, Polcaro A, Randazzo A, Colicchio R, Galdiero M, Berni Canani R, Salvatore P, Zollo M. Modulation of innate immunity related genes resulting in prophylactic antimicrobial and antiviral properties. J Transl Med 2024; 22:574. [PMID: 38886736 PMCID: PMC11184722 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05378-2] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The innate immunity acts during the early phases of infection and its failure in response to a multilayer network of co-infections is cause of immune system dysregulation. Epidemiological SARS-CoV-2 infections data, show that Influenza Virus (FLU-A-B-C) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are co-habiting those respiratory traits. These viruses, especially in children (mostly affected by 'multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children' [MIS-C] and the winter pandemic FLU), in the aged population, and in 'fragile' patients are causing alteration in immune response. Then, bacterial and fungal pathogens are also co-habiting the upper respiratory traits (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans), thus contributing to morbidity in those COVID-19 affected patients. METHODS Liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry using the quadrupole orbital ion trap analyser (i.e., UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS) was adopted to measure the polyphenols content of a new nutraceutical formula (Solution-3). Viral infections with SARS-CoV-2 (EG.5), FLU-A and RSV-A viruses (as performed in BLS3 authorised laboratory) and real time RT-PCR (qPCR) assay were used to test the antiviral action of the nutraceutical formula. Dilution susceptibility tests have been used to estimate the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC, respectively) of Solution-3 on a variety of microorganisms belonging to Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi. Transcriptomic data analyses and functional genomics (i.e., RNAseq and data mining), coupled to qPCR and ELISA assays have been used to investigate the mechanisms of action of the nutraceutical formula on those processes involved in innate immune response. RESULTS Here, we have tested the combination of natural products containing higher amounts of polyphenols (i.e., propolis, Verbascum thapsus L., and Thymus vulgaris L.), together with the inorganic long chain polyphosphates 'polyPs' with antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal behaviours, against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A, RSV-A, Gram positive/ negative bacteria and fungi (i.e., Candida albicans). These components synergistically exert an immunomodulatory action by enhancing those processes involved in innate immune response (e.g., cytokines: IFNγ, TNFα, IL-10, IL-6/12; chemokines: CXCL1; antimicrobial peptides: HBD-2, LL-37; complement system: C3). CONCLUSION The prophylactic antimicrobial success of this nutraceutical formula against SARS-CoV-2, FLU-A and RSV-A viruses, together with the common bacteria and fungi co-infections as present in human oral cavity, is expected to be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ferrucci
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Elysium Cell Bio Ita, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
| | - Marco Miceli
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Pagliuca
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Orazio Bianco
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Castaldo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luana Izzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marica Cozzolino
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Zannella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Franca Oglio
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Polcaro
- Polcaro Fitopreparazioni S.R.L, Via Sant Agnello, 9 D; 80030, Roccarainola, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Randazzo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Domenico Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Colicchio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Galdiero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
- UOC of Virology and Microbiology, University Hospital of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Berni Canani
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento Di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Salvatore
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Zollo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology (DMMBM), University of Naples 'Federico II', Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate 'Franco Salvatore', Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- Elysium Cell Bio Ita, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
- DAI Medicina di Laboratorio e Trasfusionale, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Rahimi A, Esmaeili Y, Dana N, Dabiri A, Rahimmanesh I, Jandaghain S, Vaseghi G, Shariati L, Zarrabi A, Javanmard SH, Cordani M. A comprehensive review on novel targeted therapy methods and nanotechnology-based gene delivery systems in melanoma. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023:106476. [PMID: 37236377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106476] [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: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma, a malignant form of skin cancer, has been swiftly increasing in recent years. Although there have been significant advancements in clinical treatment underlying a well-understanding of melanoma-susceptible genes and the molecular basis of melanoma pathogenesis, the permanency of response to therapy is frequently constrained by the emergence of acquired resistance and systemic toxicity. Conventional therapies, including surgical resection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, have already been used to treat melanoma and are dependent on the cancer stage. Nevertheless, ineffective side effects and the heterogeneity of tumors pose major obstacles to the therapeutic treatment of malignant melanoma through such strategies. In light of this, advanced therapies including nucleic acid therapies (ncRNA, aptamers), suicide gene therapies, and gene therapy using tumor suppressor genes, have lately gained immense attention in the field of cancer treatment. Furthermore, nanomedicine and targeted therapy based on gene editing tools have been applied to the treatment of melanoma as potential cancer treatment approaches nowadays. Indeed, nanovectors enable delivery of the therapeutic agents into the tumor sites by passive or active targeting, improving therapeutic efficiency and minimizing adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarized the recent findings related to novel targeted therapy methods as well as nanotechnology-based gene systems in melanoma. We also discussed current issues along with potential directions for future research, paving the way for the next-generation of melanoma treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Rahimi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Nasim Dana
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Arezou Dabiri
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ilnaz Rahimmanesh
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Setareh Jandaghain
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Golnaz Vaseghi
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran; Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8158388994, Iran
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Department of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Shaghayegh Haghjooy Javanmard
- Applied Physiology Research Center, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Marco Cordani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Fan YF, Zhu SX, Hou FB, Zhao DF, Pan QS, Xiang YW, Qian XK, Ge GB, Wang P. Spectrophotometric Assays for Sensing Tyrosinase Activity and Their Applications. BIOSENSORS 2021; 11:290. [PMID: 34436092 PMCID: PMC8393227 DOI: 10.3390/bios11080290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosinase (TYR, E.C. 1.14.18.1), a critical enzyme participating in melanogenesis, catalyzes the first two steps in melanin biosynthesis including the ortho-hydroxylation of L-tyrosine and the oxidation of L-DOPA. Previous pharmacological investigations have revealed that an abnormal level of TYR is tightly associated with various dermatoses, including albinism, age spots, and malignant melanoma. TYR inhibitors can partially block the formation of pigment, which are always used for improving skin tone and treating dermatoses. The practical and reliable assays for monitoring TYR activity levels are very useful for both disease diagnosis and drug discovery. This review comprehensively summarizes structural and enzymatic characteristics, catalytic mechanism and substrate preference of TYR, as well as the recent advances in biochemical assays for sensing TYR activity and their biomedical applications. The design strategies of various TYR substrates, alongside with several lists of all reported biochemical assays for sensing TYR including analytical conditions and kinetic parameters, are presented for the first time. Additionally, the biomedical applications and future perspectives of these optical assays are also highlighted. The information and knowledge presented in this review offer a group of practical and reliable assays and imaging tools for sensing TYR activities in complex biological systems, which strongly facilitates high-throughput screening TYR inhibitors and further investigations on the relevance of TYR to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fan Fan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Si-Xing Zhu
- Institute of Science, Technology and Humanities, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Fan-Bin Hou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Dong-Fang Zhao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Qiu-Sha Pan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Yan-Wei Xiang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Xing-Kai Qian
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Guang-Bo Ge
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
| | - Ping Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center for Chinese Medicine Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (Y.-F.F.); (F.-B.H.); (D.-F.Z.); (Q.-S.P.); (X.-K.Q.); (G.-B.G.)
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Hida T, Kamiya T, Kawakami A, Ogino J, Sohma H, Uhara H, Jimbow K. Elucidation of Melanogenesis Cascade for Identifying Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approach of Pigmentary Disorders and Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176129. [PMID: 32854423 PMCID: PMC7503925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanogenesis is the biological and biochemical process of melanin and melanosome biosynthesis. Melanin is formed by enzymic reactions of tyrosinase family proteins that convert tyrosine to form brown-black eumelanin and yellow-red pheomelanin within melanosomal compartments in melanocytes, following the cascades of events interacting with a series of autocrine and paracrine signals. Fully melanized melanosomes are delivered to keratinocytes of the skin and hair. The symbiotic relation of a melanocyte and an associated pool of keratinocytes is called epidermal melanin unit (EMU). Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) plays a vital role in melanocyte development and differentiation. MITF regulates expression of numerous pigmentation genes for promoting melanocyte differentiation, as well as fundamental genes for maintaining cell homeostasis. Diseases involving alterations of EMU show various forms of pigmentation phenotypes. This review introduces four major topics of melanogenesis cascade that include (1) melanocyte development and differentiation, (2) melanogenesis and intracellular trafficking for melanosome biosynthesis, (3) melanin pigmentation and pigment-type switching, and (4) development of a novel therapeutic approach for malignant melanoma by elucidation of melanogenesis cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tokimasa Hida
- Department of Dermatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Hokkaido, Japan; (T.H.); (T.K.); (H.U.)
| | - Takafumi Kamiya
- Department of Dermatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Hokkaido, Japan; (T.H.); (T.K.); (H.U.)
| | - Akinori Kawakami
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Jiro Ogino
- Department of Pathology, JR Sapporo Hospital, Sapporo 060-0033, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Hitoshi Sohma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8556, Hokkaido, Japan;
| | - Hisashi Uhara
- Department of Dermatology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo 060-8543, Hokkaido, Japan; (T.H.); (T.K.); (H.U.)
| | - Kowichi Jimbow
- Institute of Dermatology & Cutaneous Sciences, Sapporo 060-0042, Hokkaido, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-11-887-8266
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Chen S, Liu Z, Li M, Huang Y, Wang M, Zeng W, Wei W, Zhang C, Gong Y, Guo L. Potential Prognostic Predictors and Molecular Targets for Skin Melanoma Screened by Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. Curr Gene Ther 2020; 20:5-14. [PMID: 32416689 DOI: 10.2174/1566523220666200516170832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES Among skin cancers, malignant skin melanoma is the leading cause of death. Identification of gene markers of malignant skin melanoma associated with survival may provide new clues for prognosis prediction and treatment. This research aimed to screen out potential prognostic predictors and molecular targets for malignant skin melanoma. INTRODUCTION Information regarding gene expression in skin melanoma and patients' clinical traits was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to build co-expression modules and investigate the association between the modules and clinical traits. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis was performed for clinically significant co-expression modules. Hub genes of these modules were validated via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas (http:// www.proteinatlas.org). METHODS First, using WGCNA, 9 co-expression modules were constructed by the top 25% differentially expressed genes (4406 genes) from 77 human melanoma samples. Two co-expression modules (magenta and blue modules) were significantly correlated with survival months (r = -0.27, p = 0.02; r = 0.27, p = 0.02, respectively). The results of functional enrichment analysis demonstrated that the magenta module was mainly enriched in the cell cycle process and the blue module was mainly enriched in the immune response process. Additionally, the GEPIA and Human Protein Atlas results suggested that the hub genes CCNB2, ARHGAP30, and SEMA4D were associated with relapse-free survival and overall survival (all p-values < 0.05) and were differentially expressed in melanoma tumors and normal skin. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results provided the framework of co-expression gene modules of skin melanoma and screened out CCNB2, ARHGAP30, and SEMA4D associated with survival as potential prognostic predictors and molecular targets of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichao Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zeming Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yihui Huang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pediatrics, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Oliveira Pinho J, Matias M, Gaspar MM. Emergent Nanotechnological Strategies for Systemic Chemotherapy against Melanoma. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 9:E1455. [PMID: 31614947 PMCID: PMC6836019 DOI: 10.3390/nano9101455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, being one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The current treatment options involve surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Although the last approach is the most used, the high toxicity and the lack of efficacy in advanced stages of the disease have demanded the search for novel bioactive molecules and/or efficient drug delivery systems. The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of potential targets for melanoma treatment, such as aquaporin-3 and tyrosinase. In addition, the role of nanotechnology as a valuable strategy to effectively deliver selective drugs is emphasized, either incorporating/encapsulating synthetic molecules or natural-derived compounds in lipid-based nanosystems such as liposomes. Nanoformulated compounds have been explored for their improved anticancer activity against melanoma and promising results have been obtained. Indeed, they displayed improved physicochemical properties and higher accumulation in tumoral tissues, which potentiated the efficacy of the compounds in pre-clinical experiments. Overall, these experiments opened new doors for the discovery and development of more effective drug formulations for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Oliveira Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
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Li H, Du H, Zhang G, Wu Y, Qiu P, Liu J, Guo J, Liu X, Sun L, Du B, Tan Y. Curcumin plays a synergistic role in combination with HSV-TK/GCV in inhibiting growth of murine B16 melanoma cells and melanoma xenografts. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7760. [PMID: 31579620 PMCID: PMC6756137 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a global concern and accounts for the major mortality of skin cancers. Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase gene with ganciclovir (HSV-TK/GCV) is a promising gene therapy for melanoma. Despite its low efficiency, it is well known for its bystander effect which is mainly mediated by gap junction. In this study, we found that curcumin reduced B16 melanoma cell viability in both time- and dose-dependent manner. Further study showed that curcumin improved the gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) function, and upregulated the proteins essential to gap junction, such as connexin 32 and connexin 43, indicating the potential role in enhancing the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV. By co-culturing the B16TK cells, which stably expressed TK gene, with wildtype B16 (B16WT) cells, we found that co-treatment of curcumin and GCV synergistically inhibited B16 cell proliferation, but the effect could be eliminated by the gap junction inhibitor AGA. Moreover, curcumin markedly increased apoptosis rate of B16WT cells, suggesting its effect in enhancing the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV. In the in-vivo study, we established the xenografted melanoma model in 14 days by injecting mixture of B16TK and B16WT cell in a ratio of 3:7. The result demonstrated that, co-administration of curcumin and GCV significantly inhibited the xenograft growth, as indicated by the smaller size and less weight. The combinational effect was further confirmed as a synergistic effect. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that curcumin could enhance the killing effect and the bystander effect of HSV-TK/GCV in treating melanoma, which might be mediated by improved gap junction. Our data suggested that combination of HSV-TK/GCV with curcumin could be a potential chemosensitization strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangxian Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingya Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengxiang Qiu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xijuan Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingling Sun
- Integrative Cancer Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Biaoyan Du
- The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Tan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Kim GS, Hwang KA, Choi KC. A promising therapeutic strategy for metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease: Engineered anticancer gene-expressing stem cells to selectively target choriocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:2576-2582. [PMID: 30867726 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.9911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is an unusual disease occurring in pregnancy that originates from abnormal trophoblastic cells and comprises a group of diseases with different properties of invasion, metastasis and recurrence. The GTD group includes hydatidiform moles and gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (GTNs), with GTNs being divided into invasive moles, choriocarcinoma, placental site trophoblastic tumors and epithelioid trophoblastic tumors. The present review focuses on current effective treatments for GTD, including conventional and novel promising direct enzyme prodrug therapies (DEPTs). Conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy and hysterectomy, are currently used in a clinical setting; however, the use of diverse DEPTs, including antibody-DEPT and gene-DEPT is also being attempted to cure GTNs. In addition, gene delivery tools using genetically engineered neural stem cells (NSCs) are presently being examined for the treatment of GTNs. The tumor-tropism of NSCs by chemoattractant factors is a unique characteristic of these cells and can serve as a vehicle to deliver anticancer agents. Previous studies have demonstrated that injection with NSC-expressing suicide genes into xenograft animal models has a significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth. Stem cells can be genetically engineered to express anticancer genes, which migrate to the metastatic sites and selectively target cancer cells, and are considered to effectively target metastatic GTNs. However, the safety issue of stem cell therapy, such as tumorigenesis, remains a challenge. Novel therapies comprising a combination of conventional and novel promising treatments are anticipated to be definitive treatments for metastasized and/or recurrent patients with GTNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyu-Sik Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, North Chungcheong 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-A Hwang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, North Chungcheong 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, North Chungcheong 28644, Republic of Korea
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Heo JR, Hwang KA, Kim SU, Choi KC. A Potential Therapy Using Engineered Stem Cells Prevented Malignant Melanoma in Cellular and Xenograft Mouse Models. Cancer Res Treat 2018; 51:797-811. [PMID: 30213181 PMCID: PMC6473263 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2018.364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In the present study, human neural stem cells (hNSCs) with tumor-tropic behavior were used as drug delivery vehicle to selectively target melanoma. A hNSC line (HB1.F3) was transduced into two types: one expressed only the cytosine deaminase (CD) gene (HB1.F3. CD) and the other expressed both CD and human interferon-β (IFN-β) genes (HB1.F3.CD. IFN-β). Materials and Methods This study verified the tumor-tropic migratory competence of engineered hNSCs on melanoma (A375SM) using a modified Boyden chamber assay in vitro and CM-DiI staining in vivo. The antitumor effect of HB1.F3.CD and HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β on melanoma was also confirmed using an MTT assay in vitro and xenograft mouse models. RESULTS A secreted form of IFN-β from the HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells modified the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and metastasis of melanoma. 5-Fluorouracil treatment also accelerated the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX and decelerated the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL on melanoma cell line. CONCLUSION Our results illustrate that engineered hNSCs prevented malignant melanoma cells from proliferating in the presence of the prodrug, and the form that secreted IFN-β intervened in the EMT process and melanoma metastasis. Hence, neural stem cell-directed enzyme/prodrug therapy is a plausible treatment for malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Rim Heo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Kyung-A Hwang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Seung U Kim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.,Institute of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, TheraCell Bio & Science, Cheongju, Korea
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Heo JR, Kim SM, Hwang KA, Kang JH, Choi KC. Resveratrol induced reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress‑mediated apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in the A375SM malignant melanoma cell line. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1427-1435. [PMID: 29916532 PMCID: PMC6089775 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol, a dietary product present in grapes, vegetables and berries, regulates several signaling pathways that control cell division, cell growth, apoptosis and metastasis. Malignant melanoma proliferates more readily in comparison with any other types of skin cancer. In the present study, the anti‑cancer effect of resveratrol on melanoma cell proliferation was evaluated. Treating A375SM cells with resveratrol resulted in a decrease in cell growth. The alteration in the levels of cell cycle‑associated proteins was also examined by western blot analysis. Treatment with resveratrol was observed to increase the gene expression levels of p21 and p27, as well as decrease the gene expression of cyclin B. In addition, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were confirmed at the cellular and protein levels using a 2',7'‑dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, TUNEL assay and western blot analysis. Resveratrol induced the ROS‑p38‑p53 pathway by increasing the gene expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen‑activated protein kinase, while it induced the p53 and ER stress pathway by increasing the gene expression levels of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2α and C/EBP homologous protein. The enhanced ROS‑p38‑p53 and ER stress pathways promoted apoptosis by downregulating B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2) expression and upregulating Bcl‑2‑associated X protein expression. In conclusion, resveratrol appears to be an inducer of ROS generation and ER stress, and may be responsible for growth inhibition and cell cycle arrest of A375SM melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ji-Houn Kang
- Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Veterinary Medical Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
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Heo JR, Lee GA, Kim GS, Hwang KA, Choi KC. Phytochemical-induced reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis and differentiation in malignant melanoma cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2018; 39:100-110. [PMID: 29433671 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phytochemicals are derived from plants, vegetables and daily products and exert chemopreventive effects. Malignant melanoma is highly metastatic, and melanoma patients can develop chemotherapeutic resistance against conventional melanoma therapies. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of the phytochemicals kaempferol (Kaem), genistein (Gen), and 3'3-diindolylmethane (DIM) on melanoma cell viability. We also evaluated the altered expression of cell cycle-related genes. We verified the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress at both the protein and cellular level using a western blot, TUNEL assay, and Dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay. RESULTS Treatment of A375SM melanoma cells with phytochemicals resulted in inhibition of cell growth. Treatment with phytochemicals increased the gene expression of p21 and decreased the gene expression of cyclin E and/or cyclin B. The three phytochemicals activated the ROS-p38-p53 apoptotic pathway by increasing the level of phosphorylated p38 MAPK and p53, and they activated the ER stress-mediated apoptotic pathway by increasing the level of phosphorylated eIF2α and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Both the ROS-p38-p53 and ER stress-mediated pathway induced the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by attenuating Bcl-2 expression and upregulating BAX. Detection of morphological changes demonstrated that Kaem and Gen can induce differentiation in A375SM cell line. CONCLUSION These results indicate that phytochemicals are potentially useful in treatments for melanoma due to their ability to inhibit melanoma cell growth and division via the ROS and ER stress pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Rim Heo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Geum-A Lee
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Sik Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-A Hwang
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk 28644, Republic of Korea.
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Kim GS, Heo JR, Kim SU, Choi KC. Cancer-Specific Inhibitory Effects of Genetically Engineered Stem Cells Expressing Cytosine Deaminase and Interferon-β Against Choriocarcinoma in Xenografted Metastatic Mouse Models. Transl Oncol 2017; 11:74-85. [PMID: 29202279 PMCID: PMC5723382 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatments using stem cells expressing therapeutic genes have been identified for various types of cancers. In this study, we investigated inhibitory effects of HB1.F3.CD and HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells expressing Escherichia coli cytosine deaminase (CD) and human interferon-β (IFN-β) genes in intravenously (i.v.) injected mice with a metastasis model. In this treatment, pro-drug 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) is converted to cytotoxic drug 5-fluorouracil by hNSCs expressing the CD gene, which inhibits DNA synthesis in cancer cells. Moreover, IFN-β induces apoptosis and reduces the growth of cancer cells. Upon MTT assay, proliferation of choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cells decreased when co-cultured with hNSCs expressing CD and IFN-β genes. To confirm the cancer-tropic effect of these stem cells, chemoattractant factors (VEGF, CXCR4, and C-kit) secreted from JEG-3 cells were identified by polymerase chain reaction. hNSCs migrate toward JEG-3 cells due to ligand-receptor interactions of these factors. Accordingly, the migration capability of hNSCs toward JEG-3 cells was confirmed using an in vitro Trans-well assay, in vivo subcutaneously (s.c.) injected mice groups (xenograft model), and metastasis model. Intravenously injected hNSCs migrated freely to other organs when compared to s.c. injected hNSCs. Thus, we confirmed the inhibition of lung and ovarian metastasis of choriocarcinoma by i.v. injected HB1.F3.CD or HB1.F3.CD.IFN-β cells in the presence of 5-FC. Treatment of these stem cells also increased the survival rates of mice. In conclusion, this study showed that metastatic cancer was diminished by genetically engineered hNSCs and noncytotoxic drug 5-FC. This is the first report of the therapeutic potential of i.v. injected hNSCs in a metastasis model; therefore, the results indicate that this stem cell therapy can be used as an alternative novel tool to treat metastatic choriocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyu-Sik Kim
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Rim Heo
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung U Kim
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kyung-Chul Choi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea; Institute of Life Science and Bio-Engineering, TheraCell Bio & Science, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
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Wang H, Yang YF, Wang W, Guan B, Xun M, Zhang H, Wang ZL, Zhao Y. [Construction and verification of anti-MM scFv-tP fusion protein expression vector]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2017; 37:1149-1155. [PMID: 28951354 PMCID: PMC6765493 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2017.09.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct an expression vector of anti-MM scFv-tP fusion protein and test its expression efficiency and function. METHODS The truncated protamine (tP) gene sequence was added to the gene of single chain antibody against the specific antigen on the surface of malignant melanoma tumor cells using PCR. A GST-fusion expression vector was constructed and the soluable protein was expressed in the E.coli system. After cleavage and purification, the purified fusion protein was obtained. The binding activity of Anti-MM scFv-tP and siRNA was detected by EMSA. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy were used to detect the cell surface antigen binding activity of the fusion protein. RESULTS The expression vector of Anti-MM scFv-tP fusion protein was successfully constructed. The soluable protein could be expressed in the E.coli system, and the purified fusion protein was obtained. The anti-MM scFv-tP fusion protein retained siRNA binding ability and could directly target malignant melanoma (MM) LiBr cells. CONCLUSION The recombinant GST- Anti-MM-scFv-tp expression vector was successfully constructed. The fusion protein retains siRNA binding ability and can directly target LiBr cells to provide a reliable tool for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.E-mail:
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