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Safary A, Moniri R, Hamzeh-Mivehroud M, Dastmalchi S. Highly efficient novel recombinant L-asparaginase with no glutaminase activity from a new halo-thermotolerant Bacillus strain. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2019. [PMID: 30788256 DOI: 10.15171/2fbi.2019.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The bacterial enzyme has gained more attention in therapeutic application because of the higher substrate specificity and longer half-life. L-asparaginase is an important enzyme with known antineoplastic effect against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Methods: Novel L-asparaginase genes were identified from a locally isolated halo-thermotolerant Bacillus strain and the recombinant enzymes were overexpressed in modified E. coli strains, OrigamiTM B and BL21. In addition, the biochemical properties of the purified enzymes were characterized, and the enzyme activity was evaluated at different temperatures, pH, and substrate concentrations. Results: The concentration of pure soluble enzyme obtained from Origami strain was ~30 mg/L of bacterial culture, which indicates the significant improvement compared to L-asparaginase produced by E. coli BL21 strain. The catalytic activity assay on the identified L-asparaginases (ansA1 and ansA3 genes) from Bacillus sp. SL-1 demonstrated that only ansA1 gene codes an active and stable homologue (ASPase A1) with high substrate affinity toward L-asparagine. The Kcat and Km values for the purified ASPase A1 enzyme were 23.96s-1 and 10.66 µM, respectively. In addition, the recombinant ASPase A1 enzyme from Bacillus sp. SL-1 possessed higher specificity to L-asparagine than L-glutamine. The ASPase A1 enzyme was highly thermostable and resistant to the wide range of pH 4.5-10. Conclusion: The biochemical properties of the novel ASPase A1 derived from Bacillus sp. SL-l indicated a great potential for the identified enzyme in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Safary
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rezvan Moniri
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Hamzeh-Mivehroud
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University, POBOX:99138, Nicosia, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey
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2
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Lu X, Zhang K. PEGylation of therapeutic oligonucletides: From linear to highly branched PEG architectures. NANO RESEARCH 2018; 11:5519-5534. [PMID: 30740197 PMCID: PMC6366847 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-018-2131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
PEGylation, the attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), has been adopted to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of oligonucleotide therapeutics for nearly 30 years. Prior efforts mainly focused on the investigation of linear or slightly branched PEG having different molecular weights, terminal functional groups, and possible oligonucleotide sites for functionalization. Recent studies on highly branched PEG (including brush, star, and micellar structures) indicate superior properties in several areas including cellular uptake, gene regulation efficacy, reduction of side effects, and biodistribution. This review focuses on comparing the effects of PEG architecture on the physiochemical and biological properties of the PEGylated oligonucleotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueguang Lu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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3
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Safary A, Moniri R, Hamzeh-Mivehroud M, Dastmalchi S. Highly efficient novel recombinant L-asparaginase with no glutaminase activity from a new halo-thermotolerant Bacillus strain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 9:15-23. [PMID: 30788256 PMCID: PMC6378094 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2019.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: The bacterial enzyme has gained more attention in therapeutic application because of the higher substrate specificity and longer half-life. L-asparaginase is an important enzyme with known antineoplastic effect against acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Methods: Novel L-asparaginase genes were identified from a locally isolated halo-thermotolerant Bacillus strain and the recombinant enzymes were overexpressed in modified E. coli strains, OrigamiTM B and BL21. In addition, the biochemical properties of the purified enzymes were characterized, and the enzyme activity was evaluated at different temperatures, pH, and substrate concentrations.
Results: The concentration of pure soluble enzyme obtained from Origami strain was ~30 mg/L of bacterial culture, which indicates the significant improvement compared to L-asparaginase produced by E. coli BL21 strain. The catalytic activity assay on the identified L-asparaginases (ansA1 and ansA3 genes) from Bacillus sp. SL-1 demonstrated that only ansA1 gene codes an active and stable homologue (ASPase A1) with high substrate affinity toward L-asparagine. The Kcat and Km values for the purified ASPase A1 enzyme were 23.96s-1 and 10.66 µM, respectively. In addition, the recombinant ASPase A1 enzyme from Bacillus sp. SL-1 possessed higher specificity to L-asparagine than L-glutamine. The ASPase A1 enzyme was highly thermostable and resistant to the wide range of pH 4.5–10.
Conclusion: The biochemical properties of the novel ASPase A1 derived from Bacillus sp. SL-l indicated a great potential for the identified enzyme in pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Safary
- Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Rezvan Moniri
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Hamzeh-Mivehroud
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Siavoush Dastmalchi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Near East University, POBOX:99138, Nicosia, North Cyprus, Mersin 10, Turkey
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4
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Fathi M, Sahandi Zangabad P, Majidi S, Barar J, Erfan-Niya H, Omidi Y. Stimuli-responsive chitosan-based nanocarriers for cancer therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 7:269-277. [PMID: 29435435 PMCID: PMC5801539 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2017.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers offer unique advantages over the traditional drug delivery systems (DDSs) in terms of targeted drug delivery and on-demand release of cargo drug molecules. Of these, chitosan (CS)-based DDSs offer several advantages such as high compatibility with biological settings. Methods: In this study, we surveyed the literature in terms of the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers and discussed the most recent advancements in terms of CS-based nanosystems and their applications in cancer therapy and diagnosis. Results: These advanced DDSs are able to release the entrapped drugs in response to a specific endogenous stimulus (e.g., pH, glutathione concentration or certain enzymes) or exogenous stimulus (e.g., temperature, light, ultrasound, and magnetic field) at the desired time and target site. Dual-responsive nanocarriers by the combination of different stimuli have also been developed as efficient and improved DDSs. Among the stimuli-responsive nanocarriers, CS-based DDSs offer several advantages, including biocompatibility and biodegradability, antibacterial activity, ease of modification and functionalization, and non-immunogenicity. They are as one of the most ideal smart multifunction DDSs. Conclusion: The CS-based stimuli-responsive multifunctional nanosystems (NSs) offer unique potential for the targeted delivery of anticancer agents and provide great potential for on-demand and controlled-release of anticancer agents in response to diverse external/internal stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marziyeh Fathi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Parham Sahandi Zangabad
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sima Majidi
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamid Erfan-Niya
- Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Azimpouran M, Vazifekhah S, Moslemi F, Piri R, Naghavi-Behzad M. Immunohistochemical profile of uterine leiomyomas; a comparison between different subtypes. Niger Med J 2016; 57:54-8. [PMID: 27185980 PMCID: PMC4859115 DOI: 10.4103/0300-1652.180567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Of all Smooth muscle tumours originating from uterus are leiomyomas are the most common ones. Benign nature and smooth muscle origination of leiomyomas can be easily documented via histological examination. In present study it was tried to examine immunohistochemical profile of leiomyomas with different subtypes. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study 64 cases of smooth muscle tumors originating from uterus were included in study. As a control group 12 cases of conventional leiomyomas were selected. Then estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, p53 and ki-67 were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 16.0. RESULTS P 53 and ki-67 antibody status was diffusely positive in 12 out of 24 cases (50%) of leiomyosarcomas. Leiomyomas with bizzare nuclei were stained with Ki67 proliferative marker less than those in obviously malignant cases (P < 0.001). Estrogen and progesterone receptors had a reverse correlation with tumours malignancy potential. CONCLUSION Since p53 is known as an important inhibitory trigger for proliferative cycle of cells, in current study it was concluded that p53 inhibitory role decreases as malignancy potential increases, also tumors dependence on steroids via steroid receptors decreases as malignancy potential increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahzad Azimpouran
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shabnam Vazifekhah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Farnaz Moslemi
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Piri
- Medical Philosophy and History Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Naghavi-Behzad
- Students' Research Committee, Tabriz, Iran; Medical Education Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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6
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Progress and problems with the use of suicide genes for targeted cancer therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 99:113-128. [PMID: 26004498 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Among various gene therapy methods for cancer, suicide gene therapy attracts a special attention because it allows selective conversion of non-toxic compounds into cytotoxic drugs inside cancer cells. As a result, therapeutic index can be increased significantly by introducing high concentrations of cytotoxic molecules to the tumor environment while minimizing impact on normal tissues. Despite significant success at the preclinical level, no cancer suicide gene therapy protocol has delivered the desirable clinical significance yet. This review gives a critical look at the six main enzyme/prodrug systems that are used in suicide gene therapy of cancer and familiarizes readers with the state-of-the-art research and practices in this field. For each enzyme/prodrug system, the mechanisms of action, protein engineering strategies to enhance enzyme stability/affinity and chemical modification techniques to increase prodrug kinetics and potency are discussed. In each category, major clinical trials that have been performed in the past decade with each enzyme/prodrug system are discussed to highlight the progress to date. Finally, shortcomings are underlined and areas that need improvement in order to produce clinical significance are delineated.
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Rafi MA, Omidi Y. A prospective highlight on exosomal nanoshuttles and cancer immunotherapy and vaccination. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:117-22. [PMID: 26457248 PMCID: PMC4597158 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2015.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Exosomes (EXOs) and ectosomes (ECTOs) are nanoscale membranous extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from different cells mediating various cellular communications. EXOs are liberated based on the exocytosis of multivesicular bodies, while ECTOs are ubiquitously released from the plasma membranes.
Methods: Here, in this paper, we go over the extracellular vesicular machineries and concisely highlight their clinical importance in solid tumors and their possible applications in cancer immunotherapy/vaccination.
Results: In various types of cancers, these vesicles play central roles delivering cancer cell messages to the target cells, as a result both of them seem to provide a novel useful means for diagnosis and therapy of malignancies. Dendritic cell-derived exosomes (DEXOs) are able to activate the tumor antigen-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) and hence induce antitumor responses in vivo. Within the tumor microenvironment (TME), however, tumor cells seem to generate exosomes (the so-called oncosoems) that may act in favor of tumor progression.
Conclusions: As complex systems, these vesicular micro-/nano-machines convey important cellular messages dependent upon the cells/tissue setting(s). In addition to their potential in diagnosis of cancers, they have been exploited for cancer immunotherapy/vaccination. However, such treatment strategies need to be carefully designed to attain desired clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Rafi
- Department of Neurology, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvanian 19107, USA
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Barar J, Omidi Y. Personalized cell-mediated immunotherapy and vaccination: combating detrimental uprisings of malignancies. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:65-9. [PMID: 26191499 PMCID: PMC4492186 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2015.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A large number of researchers worldwide have conducted various investigations to advance the cell-based immunotherapies and to examine their clinical benefits as an ultimate prevention and/or treatment modalities against life-threatening malignancies. This dominion needs integration of science and technology to change the face of treatment of diseases towards much more personalized medicines. It is now plausible to reprogram the human cells for the prevention and treatment of diseases through various mechanisms such as modulation of immune system, nonetheless we should understand the complexity of biological functions of the cells in a holistic way to be able to manipulate the central dogma of the life to prevent any inadvertent mistake. We should, if not must, comprehend the interrelations of the cellular components (e.g., transport machineries) in the developmental processes of diseases. Still, we do not have a complete image of life, perhaps as expressive barcodes, and many pieces are missing. While completing this puzzle to picture the whole image and examine new treatment modalities, we should take extra caution upon unknown/little-known biological phenomena because trifling modulation/ alteration in the complex systems of the life may result in tremendous impacts. In short, it seems we need to consider malignancies as complex systems and treat them in a holistic manner by targeting its hallmarks. Taken all, the immune system reinforcement would be one of the main foundations in combating detrimental malignancy uprising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Saberian-Borujeni M, Johari-Ahar M, Hamzeiy H, Barar J, Omidi Y. Nanoscaled aptasensors for multi-analyte sensing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 4:205-15. [PMID: 25671177 PMCID: PMC4298712 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2014.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
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Introduction: Nanoscaled aptamers (Aps), as short single-stranded DNA or RNA oligonucleotides, are able to bind to their specific targets with high affinity, upon which they are considered as powerful diagnostic and analytical sensing tools (the so-called "aptasensors"). Aptamers are selected from a random pool of oligonucleotides through a procedure known as "systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment".
Methods: In this work, the most recent studies in the field of aptasensors are reviewed and discussed with a main focus on the potential of aptasensors for the multianalyte detection(s).
Results: Due to the specific folding capability of aptamers in the presence of analyte, aptasensors have substantially successfully been exploited for the detection of a wide range of small and large molecules (e.g., drugs and their metabolites, toxins, and associated biomarkers in various diseases) at very low concentrations in the biological fluids/samples even in presence of interfering species.
Conclusion: Biological samples are generally considered as complexes in the real biological media. Hence, the development of aptasensors with capability to determine various targets simultaneously within a biological matrix seems to be our main challenge. To this end, integration of various key scientific dominions such as bioengineering and systems biology with biomedical researches are inevitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Saberian-Borujeni
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Johari-Ahar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Hamzeiy
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Omidi Y, Barar J. Targeting tumor microenvironment: crossing tumor interstitial fluid by multifunctional nanomedicines. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2014; 4:55-67. [PMID: 25035848 PMCID: PMC4097973 DOI: 10.5681/bi.2014.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The genesis of cancer appears to be a complex matter, which is not simply based upon few genetic abnormalities/alteration. In fact, irregular microvasculature and aberrant interstitium of solid tumors impose significant pathophysiologic barrier functions against cancer treatment modalities, hence novel strategies should holistically target bioelements of tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we provide some overview and insights on TME and important strategies used to control the impacts of such pathophysiologic barriers.
Methods: We reviewed all relevant literature for the impacts of tumor interstitium and microvasculature within the TME as well as the significance of the implemented strategies.
Results: While tumorigenesis initiation seems to be in close relation with an emergence of hypoxia and alterations in epigenetic/genetic materials, large panoplies of molecular events emerge as intricate networks during oncogenesis to form unique lenient TME in favor of tumor progression. Within such irregular interstitium, immune system displays defective surveillance functionalities against malignant cells. Solid tumors show multifacial traits with coadaptation and self-regulation potentials, which bestow profound resistance against the currently used conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy agents that target solely one face of the disease.
Conclusion: The cancerous cells attain unique abilities to form its permissive microenvironment, wherein (a) extracellular pH is dysregulated towards acidification, (b) extracellular matrix (ECM) is deformed, (c) stromal cells are cooperative with cancer cells, (d) immune system mechanisms are defective, (e) non-integrated irregular microvasculature with pores (120-1200 nm) are formed, and (h) interstitial fluid pressure is high. All these phenomena are against cancer treatment modalities. As a result, to control such abnormal pathophysiologic traits, novel cancer therapy strategies need to be devised using multifunctional nanomedicines and theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadollah Omidi
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Matthaiou EI, Barar J, Sandaltzopoulos R, Li C, Coukos G, Omidi Y. Shikonin-loaded antibody-armed nanoparticles for targeted therapy of ovarian cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:1855-70. [PMID: 24790428 PMCID: PMC3998853 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s51880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapy of ovarian cancer often fails because of initiation of drug resistance and/or side effects and trace of untouched remaining cancerous cells. This highlights an urgent need for advanced targeted therapies for effective remediation of the disease using a cytotoxic agent with immunomodulatory effects, such as shikonin (SHK). Based on preliminary experiments, we found SHK to be profoundly toxic in ovarian epithelial cancer cells (OVCAR-5 and ID8 cells) as well as in normal ovarian IOSE-398 cells, endothelial MS1 cells, and lymphocytes. To limit its cytotoxic impact solely to tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), we aimed to engineer SHK as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with targeting moiety toward tumor microvasculature. To this end, using single/double emulsion solvent evaporation/diffusion technique with sonication, we formulated biodegradable NPs of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with SHK. The surface of NPs was further decorated with solubilizing agent polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1)/endosialin-targeting antibody (Ab) through carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry. Having characterized the physicochemical and morphological properties of NPs, we studied their drug-release profiles using various kinetic models. The biological impact of NPs was also evaluated in tumor-associated endothelial MS1 cells, primary lymphocytes, and epithelial ovarian cancer OVCAR-5 cells. Based on particle size analysis and electron microscopy, the engineered NPs showed a smooth spherical shape with size range of 120 to 250 nm and zeta potential value of -30 to -40 mV. Drug entrapment efficiency was ~80%-90%, which was reduced to ~50%-60% upon surface decoration with PEG and Ab. The liberation of SHK from NPs showed a sustained-release profile that was best fitted with Wagner log-probability model. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis showed active interaction of Ab-armed NPs with TEM1-positive MS1 cells, but not with TEM1-negative MS1 cells. While exposure of the PEGylated NPs for 2 hours was not toxic to lymphocytes, long-term exposure of the Ab-armed and PEGylated NPs was significantly toxic to TEM1-positive MS1 cells and OVCAR-5 cells. Based on these findings, we propose SHK-loaded Ab-armed PEGylated PLGA NPs as a novel nanomedicine for targeted therapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia-Iliana Matthaiou
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Jaleh Barar
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Raphael Sandaltzopoulos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Chunsheng Li
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George Coukos
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Barar J, Omidi Y. Intrinsic bio-signature of gene delivery nanocarriers may impair gene therapy goals. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2013; 3:105-9. [PMID: 24163801 DOI: 10.5681/bi.2013.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Non-viral lipid/polymeric vectors have widely been used as nanocarriers (NCs) for gene delivery. They possess large surface area to volume ratio and are able to interact with biomolecules through functional moieties, resulting in inadvertent biological impacts, in particular at genomic level. Thus, their genomic bio-signature needs to be investigated prior to use in vivo. Using high-throughput microarray and qPCR gene expression profiling techniques, we have reported the genomic impacts of lipid/polymeric NCs. Given the fact that the ultimate objectives of gene therapy may inevitably be impaired by nonspecific intrinsic genomic impacts of these NCs, here, we highlight their nonspecific genomic bio-signature. We envision that better understanding on the genotoxicity of gene delivery NCs, as guiding premise, will help us to develop much safer NCs and also to accelerate their translation into clinical use and to provide pivotal information on safety liabilities early in discovery and developments process prior to its inevitable consequences in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaleh Barar
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Barar J, Omidi Y. Targeted Gene Therapy of Cancer: Second Amendment toward Holistic Therapy. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2013; 3:49-51. [PMID: 23878787 DOI: 10.5681/bi.2013.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It seems solid tumors are developing smart organs with specialized cells creating specified bio-territory, the so called "tumor microenvironment (TME)", in which there is reciprocal crosstalk among cancer cells, immune system cells and stromal cells. TME as an intricate milieu also consists of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that can resist against chemotherapies. In solid tumors, metabolism and vascularization appears to be aberrant and tumor interstitial fluid (TIF) functions as physiologic barrier. Thus, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy often fail to provide cogent clinical outcomes. It looms that it is the time to accept the fact that initiation of cancer could be generation of another form of life that involves a cluster of thousands of genes, while we have failed to observe all aspects of it. Hence, the current treatment modalities need to be re-visited to cover all key aspects of disease using combination therapy based on the condition of patients. Perhaps personalized cluster of genes need to be simultaneously targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaleh Barar
- Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Translational Research Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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