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Pirollo KF, Moghe M, Guan M, Rait AS, Wang A, Kim SS, Chang EH, Harford JB. A Pralidoxime Nanocomplex Formulation Targeting Transferrin Receptors for Reactivation of Brain Acetylcholinesterase After Exposure of Mice to an Anticholinesterase Organophosphate. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:307-326. [PMID: 38229703 PMCID: PMC10790653 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s443498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Organophosphates are among the deadliest of known chemicals based on their ability to inactivate acetylcholinesterase in neuromuscular junctions and synapses of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The consequent accumulation of acetylcholine can produce severe acute toxicities and death. Oxime antidotes act by reactivating acetylcholinesterase with the only such reactivator approved for use in the United States being 2-pyridine aldoxime methyl chloride (a.k.a., pralidoxime or 2-PAM). However, this compound does not cross the blood-brain barrier readily and so is limited in its ability to reactivate acetylcholinesterase in the brain. Methods We have developed a novel formulation of 2-PAM by encapsulating it within a nanocomplex designed to cross the blood-brain barrier via transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. This nanocomplex (termed scL-2PAM) has been subjected to head-to-head comparisons with unencapsulated 2-PAM in mice exposed to paraoxon, an organophosphate with anticholinesterase activity. Results and Discussion In mice exposed to a sublethal dose of paraoxon, scL-2PAM reduced the extent and duration of cholinergic symptoms more effectively than did unencapsulated 2-PAM. The scL-2PAM formulation was also more effective than unencapsulated 2-PAM in rescuing mice from death after exposure to otherwise-lethal levels of paraoxon. Improved survival rates in paraoxon-exposed mice were accompanied by a higher degree of reactivation of brain acetylcholinesterase. Conclusion Our data indicate that scL-2PAM is superior to the currently used form of 2-PAM in terms of both mitigating paraoxon toxicity in mice and reactivating acetylcholinesterase in their brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Manish Moghe
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Miaoyin Guan
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Antonina S Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Aibing Wang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD, 20854, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Joe B Harford
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD, 20854, USA
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Kim SS, Harford JB, Moghe M, Doherty C, Chang EH. A Novel P53 Nanomedicine Reduces Immunosuppression and Augments Anti-PD-1 Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in Syngeneic Mouse Models. Cells 2022; 11:3434. [PMID: 36359830 PMCID: PMC9654894 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is among the most common and lethal cancers and warrants novel therapeutic approaches to improving patient outcomes. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated substantial clinical benefits, most patients remain unresponsive to currently approved ICIs or develop resistance after initial response. Many ongoing clinical studies are investigating combination therapies to address the limited efficacy of ICIs. Here, we have assessed whether p53 gene therapy via a tumor-targeting nanomedicine (termed SGT-53) can augment anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy to expand its use in non-responding patients. Using syngeneic mouse models of lung cancers that are resistant to anti-PD-1, we demonstrate that restoration of normal p53 function potentiates anti-PD-1 to inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival of tumor-bearing animals. Our data indicate that SGT-53 can restore effective immune responses against lung cancer cells by reducing immuno-suppressive cells (M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells) and by downregulating immunosuppressive molecules (e.g., galectin-1, a negative regulator of T cell activation and survival) while increasing activity of cytotoxic T cells. These results suggest that combining SGT-53 with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy could increase the fraction of lung cancer patients that responds to anti-PD-1 therapy and support evaluation of this combination particularly in patients with ICI-resistant lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | | | - Manish Moghe
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Caroline Doherty
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
- College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Esther H. Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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3
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Harford JB, Kim SS, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. TP53 Gene Therapy as a Potential Treatment for Patients with COVID-19. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040739. [PMID: 35458469 PMCID: PMC9027273 DOI: 10.3390/v14040739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
SGT-53 is a novel investigational agent that comprises an immunoliposome carrying a plasmid vector driving expression of the human TP53 gene that encodes wild-type human p53. SGT-53 is currently in phase II human trials for advanced pancreatic cancer. Although p53 is best known as a tumor suppressor, its participation in both innate and adaptive immune responses is well documented. It is now clear that p53 is an important component of the host response to various viral infections. To facilitate their viral life cycles, viruses have developed a diverse repertoire of strategies for counteracting the antiviral activities of host immune system by manipulating p53-dependent pathways in host cells. Coronaviruses reduce endogenous p53 levels in the cells they infect by enhancing the degradation of p53 in proteasomes. Thus, interference with p53 function is an important component in viral pathogenesis. Transfection of cells by SGT-53 has been shown to transiently produce exogenous p53 that is active as a pleiotropic transcription factor. We herein summarize the rationale for repurposing SGT-53 as a therapy for infection by SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Because p53 regulation was found to play a crucial role in different infection stages of a wide variety of viruses, it is rational to believe that restoring p53 function based on SGT-53 treatment may lead to beneficial therapeutic outcomes for infectious disease at large including heretofore unknown viral pathogens that may emerge in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe B. Harford
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sang Soo Kim
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA;
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (K.F.P.); (E.H.C.)
| | - Kathleen F. Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (K.F.P.); (E.H.C.)
| | - Esther H. Chang
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (K.F.P.); (E.H.C.)
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4
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Leung CP, Barve MA, Wu MS, Pirollo KF, Strauss JF, Liao WC, Yang SH, Nunan RA, Adams J, Harford JB, Chang EH. A phase II trial combining tumor-targeting TP53 gene therapy with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel as a second-line treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer. J Clin Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2021.39.15_suppl.4139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
4139 Background: Nearly all stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) patients progress after first-line treatment, and second-line options are limited. SGT-53 is an investigational product for tumor-targeted TP53 gene therapy that has completed phase Ia/Ib trials [Senser et al (2013), Mol Ther 21:1096; Pirollo et al (2016) Mol Ther 24:1697]. Methods: Here we provide an interim analysis of a Phase II trial (SGT53-02-1; NCT02340117) combining SGT-53 with gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GEM/ABX). Eligible were first-line patients or those who had progressed after FOLFIRINOX (FFX) and/or gemcitabine-based therapy (second-line). In a 7-week treatment cycle, SGT-53 (3.6 mg DNA) was given once or twice weekly with GEM/ABX (1000 mg/m2/wk and 125 mg/m2/wk, respectively, for 3 of 4 weeks). Progression-free survival (PFS) and objective response rate (ORR) are primary endpoints.Overall survival (OS) and PFS are estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Of all evaluable patients (n=20), best response in 7 patients was determined to be partial response (PR) and 13 had stable disease (SD); none had progressive disease. In the second-line patients (n=11) there were 5 PR and 6 SD after 9 had failed FFX treatment, 3 had failed gemcitabine-based treatment and 1 had failed both. For patients with elevated CA19-9, SGT-53 + GEM/ABX resulted in marked reductions in the tumor marker. Published data for patients with PAC after therapy failure [Mita et al (2019) J Clin Med 8: 761; Portal et al (2015) Br J Cancer 113:989; Wang-Gillam et al (2016) Lancet 387:545] are shown for comparison. Notably, mPFS in our second-line patients was 7.4 months versus 3.1 months for the approved second-line therapy [Wang-Gillam et al (2016)]. This improvement in PFS exceeds the benchmark proposed to predict a clinically meaningful Phase III trial [Rahib et al (2016) Lancet Oncol 2:1209]. Conclusions: Our data suggest a clinically meaningful benefit of adding SGT-53 to GEM/ABX particularly for second-line PAC patients, most of whom had failed prior FFX treatment. Clinical trial information: NCT02340117. [Table: see text]
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jana Adams
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center, Dallas, TX
| | | | - Esther H. Chang
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC
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Kim S, Harford JB, Moghe M, Slaughter T, Doherty C, Chang EH. A tumor-targeting nanomedicine carrying the p53 gene crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in mouse models of glioblastoma. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:2535-2546. [PMID: 31241175 PMCID: PMC6771527 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite its anticipated clinical potential, anti-PD-1 immunotherapy has only yielded poor outcomes in recent clinical trials for glioblastoma patients. Strategies combining anti-PD-1 antibody with other treatment modalities are being explored to alter the immunosuppressive microenvironment that appears to characterize these anti-PD-1-insensitive tumors. Here, we evaluated whether introducing wild-type p53 gene via a tumor-targeting nanomedicine (termed SGT-53) could provide immune stimulation and augment anti-PD-1 therapy in mouse syngeneic GL261 tumor models (either subcutaneous or intracranial). In both models, anti-PD-1 monotherapy had no demonstrable therapeutic effect. However, combining anti-PD-1 with our investigational nanomedicine SGT-53 was very effective in inhibiting tumor growth, inducing tumor cell apoptosis and increasing intratumoral T-cell infiltration. A significant survival benefit was observed in mice bearing intracranial glioblastoma receiving combination treatment. Importantly, SGT-53 upregulated PD-L1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome analysis revealed modulation of genes linked to either cancer progression or immune activation after combination treatment. Our data suggest that SGT-53 can boost antitumor immunity and sensitize glioblastoma to anti-PD-1 therapy by converting immunologically "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors. Combining SGT-53 with anti-PD-1 might benefit more patients from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and our data support evaluation of this combination in patients with glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang‐Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDC
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc.PotomacMD
| | | | - Manish Moghe
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDC
| | | | - Caroline Doherty
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDC
| | - Esther H. Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown University Medical CenterWashingtonDC
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Chang EH, Sugiyama G, Smith MC, Nealon WH, Gross DJ, Apterbach G, Coppa GF, Alfonso AE, Chung PJ. Obesity and surgical complications of pancreaticoduodenectomy: An observation study utilizing ACS NSQIP. Am J Surg 2019; 220:135-139. [PMID: 31761298 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2019.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated 38% of US adults are obese. Obesity is associated with socioeconomic disparities and increased rates of comorbidities, and is a known risk factor for development of pancreatic cancer. As a fourth leading cause of death in the United States, pancreatic cancer is commonly treated with a pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD), or Whipple procedure. Data regarding the effects of obesity on post-operative complication rate primarily comes from specialized centers, however the results are mixed. Our aim is to elucidate the effects that obesity has on outcomes after PD for pancreatic head cancer using a national prospectively maintained clinical database. METHOD The 2010-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use Files (PUF) were used as the data source. We identified cases in which PD was performed (CPT code 48150) in the setting of a postoperative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (ICD9 code 157.0). We excluded cases that had emergency admissions, BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2, intraoperative wound classification of III or IV, and disseminated cancer. Cases with missing BMI, preoperative albumin, operative time, LOS data were also excluded. Multiple imputation for missing sex, race, functional status, and ASA classification using chained equations was performed.16 Patients that had BMI ≥30 kg/m2 were considered obese, and patients with BMI <30 kg/m2 were used as control. RESULTS 3484 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer. 860 patients were identified as obese. Propensity score analysis was performed matching age, sex, race, functional status, presence of dyspnea, diabetes, hypertension, acute renal failure, dialysis dependence, ascites, steroid use, bleeding disorders, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), weight loss, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and preoperative albumin levels. After matching, obese patients had higher risk of 30-day postoperative complications compared to control, including organ space wound infections (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.79, p = 0.0128), returning to the operating room (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.01-1.91, p = 0.0461), failure to extubate for greater than 48 h (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.09-2.34, p = 0.0153), death (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.01-2.78, p = 0.0453), septic shock (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.46-3.38, p = 0.0002), pulmonary embolism (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.07-5.45, p = 0.0332), renal insufficiency (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.33-5.38, p = 0.0058). Sensitivity analysis yielded similar results with the exception of risk for return to the operating room, death, and pulmonary embolism, P > .05. CONCLUSION In this large observational study using a national clinical database, obese patients undergoing PD for head of pancreas cancer had increased risk of postoperative complications and mortality in comparison to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Chang
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| | - G Sugiyama
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Surgery, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - M C Smith
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - W H Nealon
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Surgery, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - D J Gross
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - G Apterbach
- Hofstra University, Department of Psychology, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - G F Coppa
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Surgery, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - A E Alfonso
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Surgery, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - P J Chung
- State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Brooklyn, NY, USA; Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Department of Surgery, Hempstead, NY, USA
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7
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Gunaratne PH, Pan Y, Rao AK, Lin C, Hernandez‐Herrera A, Liang K, Rait AS, Venkatanarayan A, Benham AL, Rubab F, Kim SS, Rajapakshe K, Chan CK, Mangala LS, Lopez‐Berestein G, Sood AK, Rowat AC, Coarfa C, Pirollo KF, Flores ER, Chang EH. Activating p53 family member TAp63: A novel therapeutic strategy for targeting p53-altered tumors. Cancer 2019; 125:2409-2422. [PMID: 31012964 PMCID: PMC6617807 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.32053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 96% of high-grade ovarian carcinomas and 50% of all cancers are characterized by alterations in the p53 gene. Therapeutic strategies to restore and/or reactivate the p53 pathway have been challenging. By contrast, p63, which shares many of the downstream targets and functions of p53, is rarely mutated in cancer. METHODS A novel strategy is presented for circumventing alterations in p53 by inducing the tumor-suppressor isoform TAp63 (transactivation domain of tumor protein p63) through its direct downstream target, microRNA-130b (miR-130b), which is epigenetically silenced and/or downregulated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer. RESULTS Treatment with miR-130b resulted in: 1) decreased migration/invasion in HEYA8 cells (p53 wild-type) and disruption of multicellular spheroids in OVCAR8 cells (p53-mutant) in vitro, 2) sensitization of HEYA8 and OVCAR8 cells to cisplatin (CDDP) in vitro and in vivo, and 3) transcriptional activation of TAp63 and the B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-inhibitor B-cell lymphoma 2-like protein 11 (BIM). Overexpression of TAp63 was sufficient to decrease cell viability, suggesting that it is a critical downstream effector of miR-130b. In vivo, combined miR-130b plus CDDP exhibited greater therapeutic efficacy than miR-130b or CDDP alone. Mice that carried OVCAR8 xenograft tumors and were injected with miR-130b in 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) liposomes had a significant decrease in tumor burden at rates similar to those observed in CDDP-treated mice, and 20% of DOPC-miR-130b plus CDDP-treated mice were living tumor free. Systemic injections of scL-miR-130b plus CDDP in a clinically tested, tumor-targeted nanocomplex (scL) improved survival in 60% and complete remissions in 40% of mice that carried HEYA8 xenografts. CONCLUSIONS The miR-130b/TAp63 axis is proposed as a new druggable pathway that has the potential to uncover broad-spectrum therapeutic options for the majority of p53-altered cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi H. Gunaratne
- Department of Biochemistry and BiologyUniversity of HoustonHoustonTexas
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
- Human Genome Sequencing CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast CenterBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Yinghong Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and BiologyUniversity of HoustonHoustonTexas
- UPMC Genome CenterPittsburghPennsylvania
| | - Abhi K. Rao
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic ScienceThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | | | - Ke Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic ScienceThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Antonina S. Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Avinashnarayan Venkatanarayan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic ScienceThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Genentech, Inc.South San FranciscoCalifornia
| | - Ashley L. Benham
- Department of Biochemistry and BiologyUniversity of HoustonHoustonTexas
- 10X Genomics Inc.PleasantonCalifornia
| | | | - Sang Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc.PotomacMaryland
| | - Kimal Rajapakshe
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Clara K. Chan
- Department of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia
| | - Lingegowda S. Mangala
- Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive MedicineThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNAsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Gabriel Lopez‐Berestein
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNAsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Department of Experimental TherapeuticsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Anil K. Sood
- Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive MedicineThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Center for RNAi and Non-Coding RNAsThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Amy C. Rowat
- Department of Integrative Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of CaliforniaLos AngelesCalifornia
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cell BiologyBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexas
| | - Kathleen F. Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
| | - Elsa R. Flores
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Division of Basic ScienceThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
- Department of Molecular OncologyCancer Biology and Evolution Program, Moffitt Cancer CenterTampaFlorida
| | - Esther H. Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer CenterGeorgetown UniversityWashingtonDistrict of Columbia
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc.PotomacMaryland
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Kim SS, Harford JB, Moghe M, Rait A, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Targeted nanocomplex carrying siRNA against MALAT1 sensitizes glioblastoma to temozolomide. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:1424-1440. [PMID: 29202181 PMCID: PMC5815062 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic therapeutic resistance especially in cancer stem cells (CSCs) together with extensive tumor cell infiltration and restricted permeation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by drugs may all contribute to the treatment failure in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Accumulating evidence suggests that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) plays a role in tumor cell infiltration and therapeutic resistance of GBM. Using our tumor-targeted nanocomplex, we have modulated the expression of MALAT1 and investigated its impact on GBM cells. Importantly, our nanocomplex is able to target CSCs that are considered to be the prime culprits in therapeutic resistance and recurrence of GBM. Attenuation of MALAT1 by RNA interference significantly lowered the growth, motility and stemness of GBM cells. In addition, silencing of MALAT1 clearly improved the sensitivity of GBM cells to chemotherapeutic agents including the current first-line therapy of GBM [temozolomide (TMZ)]. In animal models of GBM, tumor involution with a modest but statistically significant survival benefit was achieved with concurrent treatment of TMZ and nanocomplex-mediated silencing of MALAT1. These results suggest that combining standard TMZ treatment with lncRNA-targeting therapies using our nanocomplex could substantially enhance the very poor prognosis for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.,SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Joe B Harford
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Manish Moghe
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Saleh AD, Cheng H, Martin SE, Si H, Ormanoglu P, Carlson S, Clavijo PE, Yang X, Das R, Cornelius S, Couper J, Chepeha D, Danilova L, Harris TM, Prystowsky MB, Childs GJ, Smith RV, Robertson AG, Jones SJM, Cherniack AD, Kim SS, Rait A, Pirollo KF, Chang EH, Chen Z, Van Waes C. Integrated Genomic and Functional microRNA Analysis Identifies miR-30-5p as a Tumor Suppressor and Potential Therapeutic Nanomedicine in Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:2860-2873. [PMID: 30723145 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify deregulated and inhibitory miRNAs and generate novel mimics for replacement nanomedicine for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We integrated miRNA and mRNA expression, copy number variation, and DNA methylation results from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), with a functional genome-wide screen. RESULTS We reveal that the miR-30 family is commonly repressed, and all 5 members sharing these seed sequence similarly inhibit HNSCC proliferation in vitro. We uncover a previously unrecognized inverse relationship with overexpression of a network of important predicted target mRNAs deregulated in HNSCC, that includes key molecules involved in proliferation (EGFR, MET, IGF1R, IRS1, E2F7), differentiation (WNT7B, FZD2), adhesion, and invasion (ITGA6, SERPINE1). Reexpression of the most differentially repressed family member, miR-30a-5p, suppressed this mRNA program, selected signaling proteins and pathways, and inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, a novel miR-30a-5p mimic formulated into a targeted nanomedicine significantly inhibited HNSCC xenograft tumor growth and target growth receptors EGFR and MET in vivo. Significantly decreased miR-30a/e family expression was related to DNA promoter hypermethylation and/or copy loss in TCGA data, and clinically with decreased disease-specific survival in a validation dataset. Strikingly, decreased miR-30e-5p distinguished oropharyngeal HNSCC with poor prognosis in TCGA (P = 0.002) and validation (P = 0.007) datasets, identifying a novel candidate biomarker and target for this HNSCC subset. CONCLUSIONS We identify the miR-30 family as an important regulator of signal networks and tumor suppressor in a subset of HNSCC patients, which may benefit from miRNA replacement nanomedicine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Saleh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,miRecule, Inc. Rockville, Maryland
| | - Hui Cheng
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Scott E Martin
- RNAi Screening Facility, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Han Si
- Molecular Characterization & Clinical Assay Development Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland
| | - Pinar Ormanoglu
- RNAi Screening Facility, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sophie Carlson
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Paul E Clavijo
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Xinping Yang
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Rita Das
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shaleeka Cornelius
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jamie Couper
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Douglas Chepeha
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ludmila Danilova
- Department of Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Thomas M Harris
- Department of Pathology, Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | | | - Geoffrey J Childs
- Department of Pathology, Einstein School of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Richard V Smith
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - A Gordon Robertson
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew D Cherniack
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sang S Kim
- Departments of Oncology and Otolaryngology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, Washington DC
| | - Antonina Rait
- Departments of Oncology and Otolaryngology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, Washington DC
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Departments of Oncology and Otolaryngology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, Washington DC
| | - Esther H Chang
- Departments of Oncology and Otolaryngology at the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Georgetown, Washington DC
| | - Zhong Chen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
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10
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Kim SS, Harford JB, Moghe M, Rait A, Chang EH. Combination with SGT-53 overcomes tumor resistance to a checkpoint inhibitor. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1484982. [PMID: 30288347 PMCID: PMC6169574 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1484982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p53 responds to genotoxic and oncogenic stresses by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Recent studies suggest that p53 also participates in the regulation of cellular immune responses. Here, we have investigated the potential of p53 gene therapy to augment immune checkpoint inhibition by combining an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) antibody with SGT-53, our investigational nanomedicine carrying a plasmid encoding human wild-type p53. In three syngeneic mouse tumor models examined including a breast cancer, a non-small cell lung carcinoma, and a glioblastoma, SGT-53 sensitized otherwise refractory tumors to anti-PD1 antibody. The involvement of p53 in enhancing anti-PD1 immunotherapy appears to be multifaceted, since SGT-53 treatment increased tumor immunogenicity, enhanced both innate and adaptive immune responses, and reduced tumor-induced immunosuppression in a 4T1 breast tumor model. In addition, SGT-53 alleviates a fatal xenogeneic hypersensitivity associated with the anti-PD1 antibody in this model. Our data suggest that restoring p53 function by SGT-53 is able to boost anti-tumor immunity to augment anti-PD1 therapy by sensitizing tumors otherwise insensitive to anti-PD1 immunotherapy while reducing immune-related adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD, USA
| | | | - Manish Moghe
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD, USA
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11
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Saleh AD, Place RF, Cheng H, Das R, Harris TM, Childs G, Robertson GA, Pirollo KF, Chang EH, Chen Z, Waes CV. Abstract 4401: Integrated genomic and functional microRNA analysis identifies miR-30-5p as a tumor suppressor and novel therapeutic nanomedicine in head and neck cancer. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-4401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
We have developed an integrative approach to elucidate the functional role of deregulated microRNAs (miRs) and identify candidates for miR replacement therapy in cancer, applied here to head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Our method involves integration of results from TCGA and other validation databases of genetic and expression data, including: miR expression, mRNA expression, copy number variation, DNA methylation. This data is then intersected with functional in vitro genome-wide miR screening for anti-proliferative miR mimics. We report that the miR-30-5p family is commonly repressed and correlates with overexpression of a broad network of proliferative and metastasis-related oncogenic mRNAs, including the growth receptors EGFR, MET and IGF1R. We show that re-expression of miR-30a-5p repressed this gene program, downstream signaling, proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. We have developed a chemically modified mimic of miR-30-5p with 50x improved stability in human serum, and 5X improvement in IC50 in vitro by XTT assay. We have formulated our novel miR-30a-5p mimic into Transferrin Receptor targeted nanoparticles which strongly inhibited HNSCC xenograft tumor growth, and regulated miR-30-5p family targets in vivo. Together with data linking decreased miR-30 family expression with DNA copy loss and promoter hypermethylation, and clinical disease-specific survival, for the first time, we have reported a more global picture of the function of this important tumor suppressor and identified a subset of patients that may benefit from miR replacement therapy with our novel miR-30-5p based nanomedicine.
This research was supported by NIDCD intramural projects ZIA-DC-000073, 74, and NCI grant U43CA22156701.
Citation Format: Anthony D. Saleh, Robert F. Place, Hui Cheng, Rita Das, Thomas M. Harris, Geoffrey Childs, Gordon A. Robertson, Kathleen F. Pirollo, Esther H. Chang, Zhong Chen, Carter Van Waes. Integrated genomic and functional microRNA analysis identifies miR-30-5p as a tumor suppressor and novel therapeutic nanomedicine in head and neck cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4401.
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12
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Moore EC, Sun L, Clavijo PE, Friedman J, Harford JB, Saleh AD, Van Waes C, Chang EH, Allen CT. Nanocomplex-based TP53 gene therapy promotes anti-tumor immunity through TP53- and STING-dependent mechanisms. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1404216. [PMID: 29900037 PMCID: PMC5993490 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1404216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss or mutation of TP53 has been linked to alterations in anti-tumor immunity as well as dysregulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. We explored immunologic effects and mechanisms following restoration of wild-type human TP53 cDNA in murine oral cancer cells using the therapeutic nanocomplex scL-53. We demonstrated scL-53 induces dose-dependent expression of TP53 and induction of apoptosis and immunogenic cell death. We further demonstrated both TP53-dependent and independent induction of tumor cell immunogenicity through the use of blocking mAbs, nanocomplex loaded with DNA plasmid with or without TP53 cDNA, empty nanocomplex and siRNA knockdown techniques. TP53-independent immune modulation was observed following treatment with nanocomplex loaded with DNA plasmid lacking TP53 cDNA and abrogated in STING-deficient tumor cells, supporting the presence of a cytoplasmic DNA sensing, STING-dependent type-I IFN response. Cooperatively, TP53- and STING-dependent alterations sensitized tumor cells to CTL-mediated lysis, which was further enhanced following reversal of adaptive immune resistance with PD-1 mAb. In vivo, combination scL-53 and PD-1 mAb resulted in growth control or rejection of established tumors that was abrogated in mice depleted of CD8+ cells or in STING deficient mice. Cumulatively, this work demonstrates 1) a direct anti-tumor effects of functional TP53; 2) non-redundant TP53- and STING-dependent induction of tumor cell immunogenicity following scL-53 treatment; and 3) that adaptive immune resistance following scL-53 treatment can be reversed with PD-based immune checkpoint blockade, resulting in the rejection or control of syngeneic murine tumors. These data strongly support the clinical combination of scL-53 and immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen C Moore
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lillian Sun
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul E Clavijo
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay Friedman
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Anthony D Saleh
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Potomac, MD, USA.,Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Clint T Allen
- Translational Tumor Immunology Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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13
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Chang EH, Fernando K, Yeung LWE, Barbari K, Chandon TSS, Malhotra AK. Single point mutation on the gene encoding dysbindin results in recognition deficits. Genes Brain Behav 2018; 17:e12449. [PMID: 29227583 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) gene is a candidate risk factor for schizophrenia and has been associated with cognitive ability in both patient populations and healthy controls. DTNBP1 encodes dysbindin protein, which is localized to synaptic sites and is reduced in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of patients with schizophrenia, indicating a potential role in schizophrenia etiology. Most studies of dysbindin function have focused on the sandy (sdy) mice that lack dysbindin protein and have a wide range of abnormalities. In this study, we examined dysbindin salt and pepper (spp) mice that possess a single point mutation on the Dtnbp1 gene predicted to reduce, but not eliminate, dysbindin expression. By western blot analysis, we found that spp homozygous (spp -/-) mutants had reduced dysbindin and synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) in the prefrontal cortex, but unaltered levels in hippocampus. Behaviorally, spp mutants performed comparably to controls on a wide range of tasks assessing locomotion, anxiety, spatial recognition and working memory. However, spp -/- mice had selective deficits in tasks measuring novel object recognition and social novelty recognition. Our results indicate that reduced dysbindin and SNAP-25 protein in the prefrontal cortex of spp -/- is associated with selective impairments in recognition processing. These spp mice may prove useful as a novel mouse model to study cognitive deficits linked to dysbindin alterations. Our findings also suggest that aspects of recognition memory may be specifically influenced by DTNBP1 single nucleotide polymorphisms or risk haplotypes in humans and this connection should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Chang
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
| | - K Fernando
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York
| | - L W E Yeung
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York
| | - K Barbari
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York
| | - T-S S Chandon
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York
| | - A K Malhotra
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York.,Division of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York.,Department of Psychiatry, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York
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14
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Kim SS, Rait A, Garrido-Sanabria ER, Pirollo KF, Harford JB, Chang EH. Nanotherapeutics for Gene Modulation that Prevents Apoptosis in the Brain and Fatal Neuroinflammation. Mol Ther 2017; 26:84-94. [PMID: 29103910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The failure of therapeutic agents to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been a major impediment in the treatment of neurological disorders and brain tumors. We have addressed this issue using an immunoliposome nanocomplex (designated scL) that delivers therapeutic nucleic acids across the BBB into the deep brain via transcytosis mediated by transferrin receptors. We validated brain delivery of payloads after systemic administration by monitoring uptake of fluorescently labeled payloads and by confirming up- or down-modulation of specific target gene expression in the brain, mainly in neuronal cells. As proof of concept for the therapeutic potential of our delivery system, we employed scL delivering an siRNA targeting tumor necrosis factor alpha to suppress neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis and to protect mice in lethal endotoxemia triggered by bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Brain delivery of therapeutic payloads via scL has major implications for the development of treatments for neurological disorders and brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | | | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Joe B Harford
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA.
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15
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Siefker-Radtke A, Zhang XQ, Pirollo KF, Chang EH, Leung CP, Guo C, Millikan RE, Benedict WF. Abstract CT059: Systemic administration using targeted gene delivery with SGT-RB94 shows evidence of tumor targeting and anticancer activity: a phase I first-in-man trial. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-ct059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Development of gene therapy has been limited by our inability to systemically administer treatment which selectively targets tumor tissue. We developed an SGT-RB94 nanocomplex composed of cationic liposome encapsulating plasmid DNA encoding the RB94 gene which had previously been shown to selectively kill cancer cells but not non-transformed human cells. The surface of the liposome is decorated with a single chain antibody fragment to the transferrin receptor to target the nanocomplex to cancer cells.
Methods: We performed a phase I trial of single agent SGT-RB94 in patients with previously treated metastatic cancer. Treatment with SGT-RB94 was administered twice a week for 3 weeks out of four using a fixed at a fixed DNA dose of 0.6, 1.2, or 2.4 mg pDNA. Radiographic imaging was performed every 2 cycles to evaluate for response. When possible, a biopsy of a metastatic site was performed, after beginning treatment to evaluate for targeting of the gene product. PCR was performed to show expression of SGT-94 in RB+ tumors, RB94 protein production was confirmed using Western blotting.
Results: Thirteen patients were treated with 11 clinically evaluable for response. Dose-limiting toxicity was not observed at the 2.4 mg dose. A total of 181 doses of SGT-94 were administered. The treatment was well tolerated with the most frequent treatment related toxicities being Grade 1-2 fever and chills (27%), thrombocytopenia (45%), neutropenia (18%), and hypotension (18%). The only grade 3-4 toxicity were lymphopenia (9%), and neutropenia (9%). The fever/chills and hypotension most typically occurred after the first dose, and responding with steroids. The neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were also transient and improved with continued dosing.
There was evidence of clinical activity with a complete response in a lung metastases; this patient was retreated upon progression, and had a partial response in his peritoneal implants. Two patients continued to have stable disease after 4-5 cycles of treatment. Two patients had RB- tumors by immunohistochemistry. One had a post-treatment biopsy showing evidence of cytoplasmic staining for the RB protein with extensive tumor necrosis following treatment, but this tumor ultimately progressed. One patient with stable disease had surgical consolidation with wedge resection of his lung metastases which showed RB94 expression by PCR, and protein production by Western blot in two separate tumors, but not in his normal lung tissue.
Conclusions: Systemic delivery of SGT-RB94 was well tolerated with evidence of clinical activity and selective targeting of tumor tissue, overcoming a major limitation to current gene therapy strategies. Further development of SGT-RB94 as a treatment modality is warranted.
Citation Format: Arlene Siefker-Radtke, Xin-qiao Zhang, Kathleen F. Pirollo, Esther H. Chang, Chris P. Leung, Charles Guo, Randall E. Millikan, William F. Benedict. Systemic administration using targeted gene delivery with SGT-RB94 shows evidence of tumor targeting and anticancer activity: a phase I first-in-man trial. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr CT059.
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16
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Pirollo KF, Nemunaitis J, Leung PK, Nunan R, Adams J, Chang EH. Safety and Efficacy in Advanced Solid Tumors of a Targeted Nanocomplex Carrying the p53 Gene Used in Combination with Docetaxel: A Phase 1b Study. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1697-706. [PMID: 27357628 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of p53 suppressor function, through mutations or inactivation of the p53 pathway, occurs in most human cancers. SGT-53 is a liposomal nanocomplex designed for systemic, tumor-targeting delivery of the wt p53 gene. In this nanodelivery system, an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment serves as the targeting moiety. In an initial phase 1 trial in patients with advanced solid tumors, SGT-53 demonstrated tumor-specific targeting, was shown to be well tolerated, and was associated with an antitumor effect in several patients. Our preclinical studies have also demonstrated enhanced antitumor activity with the combination of SGT-53 and docetaxel. Thus, this dose-escalation trial was undertaken to assess the combination of SGT-53 and docetaxel for safety and potential efficacy in 14 advanced cancer patients. Results reveal that the combination of SGT-53 (maximum dose, 3.6 mg DNA/infusion) and docetaxel (75 mg/m(2)/infusion) was well tolerated. Moreover, clinical activity involving 12 evaluable patients was observed. Three of these patients achieved RECIST-verified partial responses with tumor reductions of -47%, -51%, and -79%. Two others had stable disease with significant shrinkage (-25% and -16%). These results support phase 2 testing of SGT-53 in combination with docetaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Therapeutics Division, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - John Nemunaitis
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Gradalis, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Texas Oncology PA, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Medical City Dallas Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Po Ki Leung
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Potomac, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Nunan
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jana Adams
- Mary Crowley Cancer Research Centers, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Experimental Therapeutics Division, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.,SynerGene Therapeutics, Potomac, Maryland, USA
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17
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Siefker-Radtke A, Zhang XQ, Guo CC, Pirollo KF, Leung CP, Chang EH, Millikan RE, Benedict WF. 72. A Phase l Study of RB94 in Genitourinary Cancers Using a Tumor-Targeted Systemic Nanodelivery System. Mol Ther 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1525-0016(16)32881-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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18
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Chang EH, Harford JB, Eaton MAW, Boisseau PM, Dube A, Hayeshi R, Swai H, Lee DS. Nanomedicine: Past, present and future - A global perspective. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:511-7. [PMID: 26518648 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.10.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicine is an emerging and rapidly evolving field and includes the use of nanoparticles for diagnosis and therapy of a variety of diseases, as well as in regenerative medicine. In this mini-review, leaders in the field from around the globe provide a personal perspective on the development of nanomedicine. The focus lies on the translation from research to development and the innovation supply chain, as well as the current status of nanomedicine in industry. The role of academic professional societies and the importance of government funding are discussed. Nanomedicine to combat infectious diseases of poverty is highlighted along with other pertinent examples of recent breakthroughs in nanomedicine. Taken together, this review provides a unique and global perspective on the emerging field of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington D.C., USA.
| | | | - Michael A W Eaton
- European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine, c/o VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick M Boisseau
- European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine, c/o VDI/VDE Innovation + Technik GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Admire Dube
- CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers & Composites, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Rose Hayeshi
- CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers & Composites, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hulda Swai
- CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing, Polymers & Composites, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Dong Soo Lee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Kim SS, Rait A, Kim E, DeMarco J, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Encapsulation of temozolomide in a tumor-targeting nanocomplex enhances anti-cancer efficacy and reduces toxicity in a mouse model of glioblastoma. Cancer Lett 2015; 369:250-8. [PMID: 26325605 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although temozolomide (TMZ) is the current first-line chemotherapy for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), most patients either do not respond or ultimately fail TMZ treatment. Both intrinsic tumor resistance and limited access of TMZ to brain tumors as a result of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) contribute to poor response and ultimately to poor prognosis for GBM patients. We have developed a "dual-targeting" nanomedicine that both actively crosses the BBB and actively targets cancer cells once in the brain parenchyma. This nanomedicine (termed scL-TMZ) is sized ~40 nm and comprised of a cationic liposome (DOTAP:DOPE) encapsulating TMZ. The surface of liposome is decorated with anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragments to facilitate the crossing of the BBB by the scL-TMZ in addition to targeting GBM in the brain. This novel formulation was found to be markedly more effective than standard TMZ in both TMZ-resistant and TMZ-sensitive GBM. Encapsulation of TMZ also markedly enhanced its efficacy in killing a variety of non-GBM tumor cells. The scL-TMZ nanocomplex was shown to target cancer stem cells, which have been linked to both drug resistance and recurrence in GBM. Most significantly, systemically administered scL-TMZ significantly prolonged survival in mice bearing intracranial GBM tumors. The improved efficacy of scL-TMZ compared to standard TMZ was accompanied by reduced toxicity, so we conclude that the scL-TMZ nanomedicine holds great promise as a more effective therapy for GBM and other tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Eric Kim
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - James DeMarco
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD 20854, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, WA 20057, USA.
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Kim SS, Harford JB, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Effective treatment of glioblastoma requires crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting tumors including cancer stem cells: The promise of nanomedicine. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 468:485-9. [PMID: 26116770 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.06.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and lethal type of brain tumor. Both therapeutic resistance and restricted permeation of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play a major role in the poor prognosis of GBM patients. Accumulated evidence suggests that in many human cancers, including GBM, therapeutic resistance can be attributed to a small fraction of cancer cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have been shown to have stem cell-like properties that enable them to evade traditional cytotoxic therapies, and so new CSC-directed anti-cancer therapies are needed. Nanoparticles have been designed to selectively deliver payloads to relevant target cells in the body, and there is considerable interest in the use of nanoparticles for CSC-directed anti-cancer therapies. Recent advances in the field of nanomedicine offer new possibilities for overcoming CSC-mediated therapeutic resistance and thus significantly improving management of GBM. In this review, we will examine the current nanomedicine approaches for targeting CSCs and their therapeutic implications. The inhibitory effect of various nanoparticle-based drug delivery system towards CSCs in GBM tumors is the primary focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Abstract
In many human cancers including malignant glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis and resistance to conventional anti-cancer therapies. Therefore, a CSC-targeted drug delivery strategy to eliminate CSCs is a desirable approach for developing a more effective therapeutic. Moreover, isolated CSCs will provide an invaluable tool for studying the underlying cellular mechanisms of tumor development and provide insight into therapeutic options for successful eradication of CSCs. This unit describes a method for the isolation and culture of CSCs from human GBM tumor tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
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Gendelman HE, Balogh LP, Bawa R, Bradbury M, Chang EH, Chiu W, Farokhzad O, Foldvari M, Lanza G, Wang K. The 4th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Nanomedicine. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 9 Suppl 1:S1-3. [PMID: 24573530 PMCID: PMC3951957 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-014-9526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Kim SS, Rait A, Kim E, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. A tumor-targeting p53 nanodelivery system limits chemoresistance to temozolomide prolonging survival in a mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme. Nanomedicine 2014; 11:301-11. [PMID: 25240597 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Development of temozolomide (TMZ) resistance contributes to the poor prognosis for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. It was previously demonstrated that delivery of exogenous wild-type tumor suppressor gene p53 via a tumor-targeted nanocomplex (SGT-53) which crosses the blood-brain barrier could sensitize highly TMZ-resistant GBM tumors to TMZ. Here we assessed whether SGT-53 could inhibit development of TMZ resistance. SGT-53 significantly chemosensitized TMZ-sensitive human GBM cell lines (U87 and U251), in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, in an intracranial GBM tumor model, two cycles of concurrent treatment with systemically administered SGT-53 and TMZ inhibited tumor growth, increased apoptosis and most importantly, significantly prolonged median survival. In contrast TMZ alone had no significant effect on median survival compared to a single cycle of TMZ. These results suggest that combining SGT-53 with TMZ appears to limit development of TMZ resistance, prolonging its anti-tumor effect and could be a more effective therapy for GBM. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR Using human glioblastoma multiforma cell lines, this research team demonstrated that the delivery of exogenous wild-type tumor suppressor gene p53 via a tumor-targeted nanocomplex limited the development of temozolomide resistance and prolonged its anti-tumor effect, which may enable future human application of this or similar techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eric Kim
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Esther H Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.
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Kim SS, Rait A, Kim E, Pirollo KF, Nishida M, Farkas N, Dagata JA, Chang EH. A nanoparticle carrying the p53 gene targets tumors including cancer stem cells, sensitizes glioblastoma to chemotherapy and improves survival. ACS Nano 2014; 8:5494-5514. [PMID: 24811110 PMCID: PMC4076028 DOI: 10.1021/nn5014484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Temozolomide (TMZ)-resistance in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has been linked to upregulation of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). Wild-type (wt) p53 was previously shown to down-modulate MGMT. However, p53 therapy for GBM is limited by lack of efficient delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB). We have developed a systemic nanodelivery platform (scL) for tumor-specific targeting (primary and metastatic), which is currently in multiple clinical trials. This self-assembling nanocomplex is formed by simple mixing of the components in a defined order and a specific ratio. Here, we demonstrate that scL crosses the BBB and efficiently targets GBM, as well as cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have been implicated in recurrence and treatment resistance in many human cancers. Moreover, systemic delivery of scL-p53 down-modulates MGMT and induces apoptosis in intracranial GBM xenografts. The combination of scL-p53 and TMZ increased the antitumor efficacy of TMZ with enhanced survival benefit in a mouse model of highly TMZ-resistant GBM. scL-p53 also sensitized both CSCs and bulk tumor cells to TMZ, increasing apoptosis. These results suggest that combining scL-p53 with standard TMZ treatment could be a more effective therapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Kim
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 20057, United States
| | - Antonina Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 20057, United States
| | - Eric Kim
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, Maryland 20854, United States
| | - Kathleen F. Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 20057, United States
| | - Maki Nishida
- SynerGene Therapeutics, Inc., Potomac, Maryland 20854, United States
| | - Natalia Farkas
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - John A. Dagata
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Esther H. Chang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. 20057, United States
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Camp ER, Wang C, Little EC, Watson PM, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Cole DJ, Chang EH, Watson DK. Transferrin receptor targeting nanomedicine delivering wild-type p53 gene sensitizes pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine therapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2013; 20:222-8. [PMID: 23470564 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2013.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
To overcome gene therapy barriers such as low transfection efficiency and nonspecific delivery, liposomal nanoparticles targeted by a single-chain antibody fragment to the transferrin receptor (TfRscFv) delivering wild-type (wt) human p53 (SGT-53) were developed for tumor-specific targeting. We hypothesize that SGT-53 in combination with gemcitabine will demonstrate enhanced therapeutic benefit in an in vivo metastatic pancreatic cancer model. Intrasplenic injection of 1 × 10(6) Panc02 murine pancreatic cancer cells was used to generate in vivo hepatic metastatic tumors. Nanoparticle localization was assessed by tail vein injection of TfRscFv with fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides (6-carboxyfluorescein phosphoramidite (6FAM) ODN) imaged by Xenogen IVIS 200 scan. SGT-53 (equivalent to 30 μg of p53 intravenously) and gemcitabine (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally) alone and in combination were administered biweekly and compared with untreated mice. Survival was determined by blinded daily assessment of morbidity. Human wtp53 expression and transferrin levels in the tumors were assessed by western blot analysis. Tumor burden was quantified by liver weight. Xenogen imaging demonstrated tumor-specific uptake of TfRscFv-6FAM ODN. Exogenous human wtp53 protein was detected in the SGT-53-treated tumors compared with control. Compared with untreated mice with metastatic tumors demonstrating median survival of 20 days, SGT-53, gemcitabine and the combination demonstrated improved median survival of 29, 30 and 37 days, respectively. The combination treatment prolonged median survival when compared with single drug treatment and decreased tumor burden. The tumor targeting liposomal-based SGT-53 nanoparticle is capable of sensitizing pancreatic cancer to conventional chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer models. This approach has the potential to be translated into a new, more effective therapy for pancreatic cancer. Further optimization is ongoing, moving towards a Phase 1B/2 clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Camp
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Pirollo KF, Nemunaitis JJ, Senzer NN, Sleer L, Chang EH. Abstract LB-172: Transgene presence in patients’ tumors following tumor-targeted nanodelivery. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am10-lb-172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Discussant: William F. Benedict, UT M. D. Anderson Center, Houston, TX.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-172.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Esther H. Chang
- 1Lombardi Comp. Cancer Center at Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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Chang EH. Materializing the Potential of Nanomedicine via a Tumor‐Targeting Nanodelivery Platform. FASEB J 2009. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.296.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther H Chang
- OncologyGeorgetown University Medical SchoolWashingtonDC
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Dagata JA, Farkas N, Dennis CL, Shull RD, Hackley VA, Yang C, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Physical characterization methods for iron oxide contrast agents encapsulated within a targeted liposome-based delivery system. Nanotechnology 2008; 19:305101. [PMID: 21828753 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/19/30/305101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Intact liposome-based targeted nanoparticle delivery systems (NDS) are immobilized by non-selective binding and characterized by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) in a fluid imaging environment. The size, size distribution, functionality, and stability of an NDS with a payload consisting of a super-paramagnetic iron oxide contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging are determined. SPM results are combined with information obtained by more familiar techniques such as superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, dynamic light scattering, and electron microscopy. By integrating the methods presented in this work into the NDS formulation and manufacturing process, size-dependent statistical properties of the complex can be obtained and the structure-function relationship of individual, multi-component nanoscale entities can be assessed in a reliable and reproducible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Dagata
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
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Pirollo KF, Rait A, Zhou Q, Zhang XQ, Zhou J, Kim CS, Benedict WF, Chang EH. Tumor-targeting nanocomplex delivery of novel tumor suppressor RB94 chemosensitizes bladder carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 14:2190-8. [PMID: 18381961 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE RB94, a truncated form of RB110, has enhanced tumor suppressor potency and activity against all tumor types tested to date including bladder carcinoma. However, efficient, systemic delivery of the gene encoding RB94 specifically to tumors, is an obstacle to clinical application as an anticancer therapeutic. We have developed a systemically given, nanosized liposome DNA delivery system that specifically targets primary and metastatic disease. The ability of RB94, delivered via this nanocomplex, to sensitize bladder carcinoma to chemotherapy in vitro and in vivo was assessed. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The nanocomplex is an RB94 plasmid encapsulated by a cationic liposome, the surface of which is decorated with a tumor-targeting moiety, either transferrin (Tf/Lip/RB94) or an antitransferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRScFv/Lip/RB94). The ability of the complex to sensitize human bladder carcinoma HTB-9 cells to chemotherapeutics was assessed in vitro by XTT assay. In vivo tumor specificity and efficacy were tested in mice carrying HTB-9 tumors by PCR and tumor growth inhibition, respectively. RESULTS Transfection with Tf/Lip/RB94 significantly sensitized HTB-9 cells to chemotherapeutic agents in vitro. Tumor specificity of the complex was shown in an orthotopic bladder tumor model by immunohistochemistry and PCR. Moreover, in mice bearing subcutaneous HTB-9 tumors, the combination of systemically given Tf/Lip/RB94 or TfRScFv/Lip/RB94 plus gemcitabine resulted in significant (P<0.0005) tumor growth inhibition/regression and induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Use of our tumor-targeting nanocomplex to specifically deliver the potent tumor suppressor RB94 efficiently to tumors has potential as a more effective treatment modality for genitourinary and other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20057-1469, USA
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Hwang SH, Rait A, Pirollo KF, Zhou Q, Yenugonda VM, Chinigo GM, Brown ML, Chang EH. Tumor-targeting nanodelivery enhances the anticancer activity of a novel quinazolinone analogue. Mol Cancer Ther 2008; 7:559-68. [PMID: 18347143 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-07-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
GMC-5-193 (GMC) is a novel anticancer small-molecule quinazolinone analogue with properties that include antimicrotubule activity and inherent fluorescence. The aim of this study was to produce and optimize a systemically administered liposomal formulation for tumor-targeting delivery of GMC to enhance the anticancer effect of this compound and evaluate its bioefficacy. GMC was encapsulated within a cationic liposome, which was decorated on the surface with an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv) as the tumor-targeting moiety to form a nanoscale complex (scL/GMC). Confocal imaging of fluorescent GMC uptake in a human melanoma cell line, MDA-MB-435, showed higher cellular uptake of GMC when delivered via the liposome complex compared with free GMC. Delivery of GMC by the tumor-targeting liposome nanoimmunocomplex also resulted in a 3- to 4-fold decrease in IC(50) values in human cancer cells [DU145 (prostate) and MDA-MB-435] compared with the effects of GMC administered as free GMC. In addition, the GMC nanoimmunocomplex increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to doxorubicin, docetaxel, or mitoxantrone by approximately 3- to 30-fold. In the MDA435/LCC6 athymic nude mice xenograft lung metastases model, GMC was specifically delivered to tumors by the nanoimmunocomplex. These data show that incorporation of small-molecule therapeutic GMC within the tumor-targeting liposome nanocomplex enhances its anticancer effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hee Hwang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057-1469, USA
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Pirollo KF, Rait A, Zhou Q, Hwang SH, Dagata JA, Zon G, Hogrefe RI, Palchik G, Chang EH. Materializing the potential of small interfering RNA via a tumor-targeting nanodelivery system. Cancer Res 2007; 67:2938-43. [PMID: 17409398 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The field of small interfering RNA (siRNA) as potent sequence-selective inhibitors of transcription is rapidly developing. However, until now, low transfection efficiency, poor tissue penetration, and nonspecific immune stimulation by in vivo administered siRNAs have delayed their therapeutic application. Their potential as anticancer therapeutics hinges on the availability of a vehicle that can be systemically administered, safely and repeatedly, and will deliver the siRNA specifically and efficiently to the tumor, both primary tumors and metastases. We have developed a nanosized immunoliposome-based delivery complex (scL) that, when systemically administered, will preferentially target and deliver molecules useful in gene medicine, including plasmid DNA and antisense oligonucleotides, to tumor cells wherever they occur in the body. This tumor-targeting nanoparticle delivery vehicle can also deliver siRNA to both primary and metastatic disease. We have also enhanced the efficiency of this complex by the inclusion of a pH-sensitive histidine-lysine peptide in the complex (scL-HoKC) and by delivery of a modified hybrid (DNA-RNA) anti-HER-2 siRNA molecule. Scanning probe microscopy confirms that this modified complex maintains its nanoscale size. More importantly, we show that this nanoimmunoliposome anti-HER-2 siRNA complex can sensitize human tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, silence the target gene and affect its downstream pathway components in vivo, and significantly inhibit tumor growth in a pancreatic cancer model. Thus, this complex has the potential to help translate the potent effects of siRNA into a clinically viable anticancer therapeutic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Hogrefe RI, Lebedev AV, Zon G, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Zhou Q, Yu W, Chang EH. Chemically modified short interfering hybrids (siHYBRIDS): nanoimmunoliposome delivery in vitro and in vivo for RNAi of HER-2. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids 2006; 25:889-907. [PMID: 16901821 DOI: 10.1080/15257770600793885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A blunt-ended 19-mer short interfering hybrid (siHybrid) (H) comprised of sense-DNA/antisense-RNA targeting HER-2 mRNA was encapsulated in a liposomal nanoplex with anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv) as the targeting moiety for clinically relevant tumor-specific delivery. In vitro delivery to a human pancreatic cell line (PANC-1) was shown to exhibit sequence-specific inhibition of 48-h cell growth with an IC50 value of 37 nM. The inhibitory potency of this siHybrid was increased (IC50 value of 7.8 nM) using a homologous chemically modified siHybrid (mH) in which the 19-mer sense strand had the following pattern of 2 '-deoxyinosine (dI) and 2 '-O-methylribonucleotide (2 '-OMe) residues: 5'-d(TITIT)-2'OMe(GCGGUGGUU)-d(GICIT). These modifications were intended to favor antisense strand-mediated RNAi while mitigating possible sense strand-mediated off-target effects and RNase H-mediated cleavage of the antisense RNA strand. The presently reported immunoliposomal delivery system was successfully used in vivo to inhibit HER-2 expression, and thus induce apoptosis in human breast carcinoma tumors (MDA-MB-435) in mice upon repeated i.v. treatment at a dose of 3 mg/kg of H or mH. The in vivo potency of modified siHybrid mH appeared to be qualitatively greater than that of H, as was the case in vitro.
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Pirollo KF, Dagata J, Wang P, Freedman M, Vladar A, Fricke S, Ileva L, Zhou Q, Chang EH. A Tumor-Targeted Nanodelivery System to Improve Early MRI Detection of Cancer. Mol Imaging 2006. [DOI: 10.2310/7290.2006.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - John Dagata
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qi Zhou
- Georgetown University Medical Center
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Abstract
The potential of short interfering RNA (siRNA) to be developed for therapeutic use against cancer depends on the availability of an efficient tumor-specific delivery vehicle. We have previously shown that a nanoscale nonviral liposome-based complex that includes an anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment as the targeting moiety can, when systemically administered, specifically and efficiently target primary and metastatic tumors and deliver molecules useful in gene medicine, including plasmid DNA and antisense oligonucleotides. Here we explore the ability of this complex to deliver a fluorescein-labeled siRNA to tumor cells in vivo and examine the intracellular localization in vitro by confocal microscopy. We show that the immunoliposome--siRNA complex maintains its nanoscale size and, using three separate tumor models, can efficiently and specifically deliver siRNA to both primary and metastatic disease after systemic delivery, thus increasing the possibility for translating the potent effects of siRNA observed in vitro into clinically useful therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Pirollo KF, Dagata J, Wang P, Freedman M, Vladar A, Fricke S, Ileva L, Zhou Q, Chang EH. A tumor-targeted nanodelivery system to improve early MRI detection of cancer. Mol Imaging 2006; 5:41-52. [PMID: 16779969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of improvements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that would enhance sensitivity, leading to earlier detection of cancer and visualization of metastatic disease, is an area of intense exploration. We have devised a tumor-targeting, liposomal nanodelivery platform for use in gene medicine. This systemically administered nanocomplex has been shown to specifically and efficiently deliver both genes and oligonucleotides to primary and metastatic tumor cells, resulting in significant tumor growth inhibition and even tumor regression. Here we examine the effect on MRI of incorporating conventional MRI contrast agent Magnevist into our anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody (TfRscFv) liposomal complex. Both in vitro and in an in vivo orthotopic mouse model of pancreatic cancer, we show increased resolution and image intensity with the complexed Magnevist. Using advanced microscopy techniques (scanning electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy), we also established that the Magnevist is in fact encapsulated by the liposome in the complex and that the complex still retains its nanodimensional size. These results demonstrate that this TfRscFv-liposome-Magnevist nanocomplex has the potential to become a useful tool in early cancer detection.
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Pirollo KF, Zon G, Rait A, Zhou Q, Yu W, Hogrefe R, Chang EH. Tumor-Targeting Nanoimmunoliposome Complex for Short Interfering RNA Delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2005. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2005.17.ft-155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Jhaveri MS, Rait AS, Chung KN, Trepel JB, Chang EH. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the human alpha folate receptor inhibit breast cancer cell growth and sensitize the cells to doxorubicin treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2004; 3:1505-12. [PMID: 15634643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Folates are essential for cell survival and are required for numerous biochemical processes. The human alpha isoform folate receptor (alphahFR) has a very high affinity for folic acid and is considered an essential component in the cellular accumulation of folates and folate analogues used in chemotherapy. The expression of alphahFR is not detected inmost normal tissues. In contrast, high levels of the expression of alphahFR have been reported in a variety of cancer cells. The significance of alphahFR overexpression in malignant tissues has not been elucidated, but it is possible that it promotes cell proliferation not only by mediating folate uptake but also by generating other regulatory signals. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate alphahFR as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer. Initial studies were done in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KB) cells, which express high levels of alphahFR. In KB cells, antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) complementary to the alphahFR gene sequences were found to reduce newly synthesized alphahFR protein up to 60%. To examine the effect of alphahFR antisense ODNs in a panel of cultured human breast cancer cell lines, we used a tumor cell-targeted, transferrin-liposome-mediated delivery system. The data show that alphahFR antisense ODNs induced a dose-dependent decrease in cell survival. Finally, we determined that alphahFR antisense ODNs sensitized MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells by 5-fold to treatment with doxorubicin. The data support the application of alphahFR antisense ODNs as a potential anticancer agent in combination with doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona S Jhaveri
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20007-2197, USA
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Jhaveri MS, Rait AS, Chung KN, Trepel JB, Chang EH. Antisense oligonucleotides targeted to the human α folate receptor inhibit breast cancer cell growth and sensitize the cells to doxorubicin treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2004. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.1505.3.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Folates are essential for cell survival and are required for numerous biochemical processes. The human α isoform folate receptor (αhFR) has a very high affinity for folic acid and is considered an essential component in the cellular accumulation of folates and folate analogues used in chemotherapy. The expression of αhFR is not detected inmost normal tissues. In contrast, high levels of the expression of αhFR have been reported in a variety of cancer cells. The significance of αhFR overexpression in malignant tissues has not been elucidated, but it is possible that it promotes cell proliferation not only by mediating folate uptake but also by generating other regulatory signals. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate αhFR as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer. Initial studies were done in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (KB) cells, which express high levels of αhFR. In KB cells, antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODN) complementary to the αhFR gene sequences were found to reduce newly synthesized αhFR protein up to 60%. To examine the effect of αhFR antisense ODNs in a panel of cultured human breast cancer cell lines, we used a tumor cell–targeted, transferrin-liposome–mediated delivery system. The data show that αhFR antisense ODNs induced a dose-dependent decrease in cell survival. Finally, we determined that αhFR antisense ODNs sensitized MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells by 5-fold to treatment with doxorubicin. The data support the application of αhFR antisense ODNs as a potential anticancer agent in combination with doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona S. Jhaveri
- 1Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Antonina S. Rait
- 1Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Koong-Nah Chung
- 2Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Jane B. Trepel
- 3Medical Oncology Clinical Research Unit, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Esther H. Chang
- 1Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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Yu W, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Yu B, Xiang LM, Huang WQ, Zhou Q, Ertem G, Chang EH. A sterically stabilized immunolipoplex for systemic administration of a therapeutic gene. Gene Ther 2004; 11:1434-40. [PMID: 15229629 DOI: 10.1038/sj.gt.3302304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A sterically stabilized immunolipoplex (TsPLP), containing an antitransferrin receptor single-chain antibody fragment (TfRscFv)-PEG molecule, has been developed to specifically and efficiently deliver a therapeutic gene to tumor cells. A postcoating preparation strategy was employed in which a DNA/lipid complex (lipoplex) was formed first and then sequentially conjugated with PEG and TfRscFv. The complex prepared by this method was shown to be superior in ability to deliver genes to tumor cells than when prepared by a common precoating strategy, in which DNA is mixed with TfRscFv-PEG conjugated liposome. Using prostate cancer cell line DU145, a comparison was made between the in vitro and in vivo gene delivery efficiencies of four complexes, Lipoplex (LP), PEG-Lipoplex (PLP), TfRscFv-PEG-Lipoplex (TsPLP) and our standard TfRscFv-Lipoplex (TsLP). In vitro, the order of transfection efficiency was TsLP>LP approximately TsPLP>PLP. However, in vivo the order of transfection efficiency, after systemic administration via the tail vein, was TsPLP>TsLP>LP or PLP with TsPLP-mediated exogenous gene expression in tumor being two-fold higher than when mediated by TsLP. This suggests that the in vitro transfection efficiency of TsPLP was not indicative of its in vivo efficiency. In addition, it was found that the level of exogenous gene expression in the tumor mediated by TsPLP was higher than that mediated by TsLP and did not decrease over the time. More importantly, high exogenous gene expression in tumor, but low expression in liver, was observed after an i.v. delivery of TsPLP carrying either the GFP reporter gene or the p53 gene, indicating that tumor preferential targeting was maintained by this complex in the presence of PEG. These findings show that incorporation of PEG into our targeted lipoplex results in a more efficient delivery of the complex to the tumor cells, possibly by inhibiting the first pass clearance observed with non-PEG containing liposomes. Therefore, these data demonstrate that TsPLP is a improvement over our previously established tumor targeted gene delivery complex for systemic gene therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Yu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, NW, Washington, DC, USA
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Rait AS, Pirollo KF, Ulick D, Cullen K, Chang EH. HER-2-targeted antisense oligonucleotide results in sensitization of head and neck cancer cells to chemotherapeutic agents. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 1002:78-89. [PMID: 14751825 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1281.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Existing HER-2 targeted therapies for human head and neck cancers, usually administered in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs or irradiation, include monoclonal antibodies to HER-2, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and HER-2 specific immunotoxins. Instead of targeting the existing protein, interference with HER-2 mRNA translation by antisense oligonucleotides may be a more efficient method to downregulate levels of HER-2 protein for combination therapy. To test this hypothesis we have used a phosphorothioate pentadecamer, complementary to the HER-2 mRNA initiation codon region (AS HER-2 ODN), to increase sensitivity to four chemotherapeutic agents in human head and neck cancer cell lines, all of which express low levels of the HER-2 protein. To improve delivery into tumor cells, the AS HER-2 ODN was complexed with our previously established folate-liposome delivery system. Cell survival assays and Western blot analysis data demonstrated that folate-liposome mediated AS HER-2 oligonucleotide treatment inhibited cell growth and HER-2 expression, and induced apoptosis in SCC-25CP cells. Moreover, there was a synergistic effect on the percent of apoptotic cells. Additionally, the combination of folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and CDDP had a synergistic effect on the induction of apoptosis. Using confocal microscopy, FITC labeled ODN (FITC-ODN) in complex with folate-liganded, rhodamine (Rh) labeled, cationic liposomes was observed to enter SCC-25CP head and neck tumor cells within 3 to 6 h. Intracellularly, the FITC-ODN separated from the Rh-folate-liposomes, and FITC-ODN accumulated in the nucleus while Rh-liposomes remained in punctate cytoplasmic structures. Thus, folate-liposome-mediated delivery of AS HER-2 ODN has potential as a new means of increasing the responsiveness of head and neck cancer to conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina S Rait
- Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Yu W, Pirollo KF, Yu B, Rait A, Xiang L, Huang W, Zhou Q, Ertem G, Chang EH. Enhanced transfection efficiency of a systemically delivered tumor-targeting immunolipoplex by inclusion of a pH-sensitive histidylated oligolysine peptide. Nucleic Acids Res 2004; 32:e48. [PMID: 15026537 PMCID: PMC390349 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gnh049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful cancer gene therapy depends on the development of non-toxic, efficient, tumor cell- specific systemic gene delivery systems. Our laboratory has developed a systemically administered, ligand-liposome complex that can effectively and preferentially deliver its therapeutic payload to both primary and metastatic tumors. To further improve the transfection efficiency of this targeting complex, a synthetic pH-sensitive histidylated oligolysine K[K(H)KKK]5-K(H)KKC (HoKC), designed to aid in endosomal escape and condensation of DNA, was included in the complex. The presence of HoKC increased the in vitro transfection efficiency over that of the original complex. Moreover, no increase in cytotoxicity was observed due to the presence of the HoKC peptide. In a DU145 human prostate cancer xenograft tumor model in athymic nude mice, inclusion of the HoKC peptide did not interfere with the tumor targeting specificity of the i.v. administered ligand/liposome/DNA complex. Most importantly, the level of transgene expression was significantly elevated in the tumors, but not in the normal tissue in those animals receiving the complex incorporating HoKC. The in vivo enhancement of transfection efficiency by this modified gene delivery vehicle could lead to a reduction in the number of administrations required for antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University, The Research Building/E420, 3970 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC 20057-1469, USA
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Abstract
The use of antisense (AS) oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents was proposed as far back as the 1960s/1970s when the AS strategy was initially developed. However, it has taken almost a quarter of a century for this potential to be realized. The last few years has seen a rapid increase in the number of AS molecules progressing past Phase I in clinical trials, due in part to our increased knowledge of their structure and chemistry. Here, we describe the most prominent of these modifications with respect to clinical applicability. However, the main focus of this review is clinical application, with a focus on cancer. We will discuss in detail both the status of the current AS clinical trials and the molecules that are likely to be the targets of the next group of AS molecules entering the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Pirollo
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Rait AS, Pirollo KF, Xiang L, Ulick D, Chang EH. Tumor-targeting, systemically delivered antisense HER-2 chemosensitizes human breast cancer xenografts irrespective of HER-2 levels. Mol Med 2002; 8:475-86. [PMID: 12435858 PMCID: PMC2040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The failure to respond to chemotherapy is a major obstacle in the successful treatment of breast cancer. We have previously shown that anti-HER-2 antisense oligonucleotide (AS HER-2 ODN) treatment was able to sensitize breast cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents in vitro irrespective of their HER-2 status, indicating that the use of AS HER-2 ODN therapy for breast cancer is not limited to tumors overexpressing the protein. One of the main drawbacks to the use of antisense therapy in the clinical setting is the lack of an efficient, tumor-targeting, systemic delivery method. We have developed a tumor-specific, ligand-targeting, cationic liposome delivery system designed for systemic gene therapy of cancer. In this study we employ this ligand-liposome strategy to enhance the delivery of the AS Her-2 ODN to breast cancer cells, including those that do not overexpress HER-2, in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cationic liposome complex that includes folate as the targeting ligand was designed and optimized for more efficient delivery of AS HER-2 ODN to breast tumors cells in vitro, and more significantly, for systemic delivery with tumor-specific targeting in vivo. Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435, which does not overexpress HER-2, was used to compare the degree of chemosensitization to the taxanes of AS HER-2 ODN delivered via the optimized folate-liposome versuscommercial Lipofectin. MDA-MB-435 xenograft tumors were also used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of the combination of systemically delivered folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and docetaxel (Taxotere). RESULTS The optimized folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN complex significantly increases the response of breast tumor cell lines to conventional chemotherapeutic agents in vitro as compared to AS HER-2 delivered via an unliganded commercially available reagent, Lipofectin. In vivo, the folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN complex has prolonged stability in blood and increased uptake in tumors. More significantly, the combination of intravenously administered ligand-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and docetaxel resulted in a marked inhibition of xenograft growth in an aggressive breast cancer model that does not overexpress HER-2, even after treatment ended. CONCLUSIONS Although there are other reports of liposomal delivery of AS ODNs, this is the first report of in vivo efficacy against human cancer cells using a tumor-targeting liposome delivery system for systemic AS therapy. Moreover, the increased stability in circulation and anti-tumor efficacy observed were obtained without the need for continuous intravenous infusion. HER-2 is an integral component within a network of cell growth pathways that can affect many different types of tumors where HER-2 may be a contributing factor, such as ovarian, esophageal, and GI malignancies including colon and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, the effectiveness of this therapy with xenograft tumors that do not overexpress HER-2 has the potential to expand the clinical usefulness of this efficacious form of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina S Rait
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
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Xu L, Huang CC, Huang W, Tang WH, Rait A, Yin YZ, Cruz I, Xiang LM, Pirollo KF, Chang EH. Systemic tumor-targeted gene delivery by anti-transferrin receptor scFv-immunoliposomes. Mol Cancer Ther 2002; 1:337-46. [PMID: 12489850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
An ideal therapeutic for cancer would be one that selectively targets to tumor cells, is nontoxic to normal cells, and that could be systemically delivered, thereby reaching metastases as well as primary tumor. Immunoliposomes directed by monoclonal antibody or its fragments are promising vehicles for tumor-targeted drug delivery. However, there is currently very limited data on gene delivery using these vehicles. We have recently described a cationic immunoliposome system directed by a lipid-tagged, single-chain antibody Fv fragment (scFv) against the human transferrin receptor (TfR) that shows promising efficacy for systemic p53 tumor suppressor gene therapy in a human breast cancer metastasis model. However, the extremely low yield of this lipid-tagged scFv limited further downstream development and studies. Here we report a different expression strategy for the anti-TfR scFv, which produces high levels of protein without any tags, and a different approach for complexing the targeting scFv to the liposomes. This approach entails covalently conjugating the scFv to the liposome via a cysteine at the 3'-end of the protein and a maleimide group on the liposome. Our results show that this conjugation does not impair the immunological activity or targeting ability of the scFv. The scFv-cys targets the cationic liposome-DNA complex (lipoplex) to tumor cells and enhances the transfection efficiencies both in vitro and in vivo in a variety of human tumor models. This scFv-immunoliposome can deliver the complexed gene systemically to tumors in vivo, where it is efficiently expressed. In comparison with the whole antibody or transferrin molecule itself, the scFv has a much smaller size for better penetration into solid tumors. It is also a recombinant protein rather than a blood product; thus, large scale production and strict quality control are feasible. This new approach provides a promising system for tumor-targeted gene delivery that may have potential for systemic gene therapy of various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Xu L, Frederik P, Pirollo KF, Tang WH, Rait A, Xiang LM, Huang W, Cruz I, Yin Y, Chang EH. Self-assembly of a virus-mimicking nanostructure system for efficient tumor-targeted gene delivery. Hum Gene Ther 2002; 13:469-81. [PMID: 11860713 DOI: 10.1089/10430340252792594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular therapy, including gene therapy, is a promising strategy for the treatment of human disease. However, delivery of molecular therapeutics efficiently and specifically to the target tissue remains a significant challenge. A human transferrin (Tf)-targeted cationic liposome-DNA complex, Tf-lipoplex, has shown high gene transfer efficiency and efficacy with human head and neck cancer in vitro and in vivo (Xu, L., Pirollo, K.F., Tang, W.H., Rait, A., and Chang, E.H. Hum. Gene Ther. 1999;10:2941-2952). Here we explore the structure, size, formation process, and structure-function relationships of Tf-lipoplex. We have observed Tf-lipoplex to have a highly compact structure, with a relatively uniform size of 50-90 nm. This nanostructure is novel in that it resembles a virus particle with a dense core enveloped by a membrane coated with Tf molecules spiking the surface. More importantly, compared with unliganded lipoplex, Tf-lipoplex shows enhanced stability, improved in vivo gene transfer efficiency, and long-term efficacy for systemic p53 gene therapy of human prostate cancer when used in combination with conventional radiotherapy. On the basis of our observations, we propose a multistep self-assembly process and Tf-facilitated DNA cocondensation model that may provide an explanation for the resultant small size and effectiveness of our nanostructural Tf-lipoplex system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Xu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20007, USA
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Rait AS, Pirollo KF, Rait V, Krygier JE, Xiang L, Chang EH. Inhibitory effects of the combination of HER-2 antisense oligonucleotide and chemotherapeutic agents used for the treatment of human breast cancer. Cancer Gene Ther 2001; 8:728-39. [PMID: 11687896 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Poor response to chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer is often associated with overexpression of HER-2/neu. Interference with HER-2 mRNA translation by means of antisense oligonucleotides might improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. To test this hypothesis, eight breast cancer cell lines and a normal human fibroblast cell line were examined for their level of HER-2 expression, their sensitivity to phosphorothioate antisense oligonucleotides (AS HER-2 ODN), and to various chemotherapeutic agents, and the combination of the two. No correlation was found between the intrinsic HER-2 level and either the sensitivity to a particular chemotherapeutic agent alone, or the amount of growth inhibition observed with a specific AS HER-2 ODN concentration. Although sequence specificity and extent of AS HER-2 ODN inhibition of HER-2 synthesis were somewhat higher in the HER-2 overexpressing MDA-MB-453 and SK-BR-3 cells, we found that antisense treatment significantly sensitized all of the breast cancer cells, even MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435 cells, with approximately basal levels of HER-2, to various chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, the combination of AS HER-2 ODN and taxol was shown to synergistically induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-435. These results demonstrate that overexpression of HER-2 would not be a prerequisite for the effective use of AS HER-2 ODN as a combination treatment modality for breast cancer and suggest that the use of AS HER-2 ODN, as part of a combination treatment modality, need not be limited to breast tumors that display elevated levels of HER-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Rait
- Departments of Oncology and Otolaryngology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Xu L, Tang WH, Huang CC, Alexander W, Xiang LM, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Chang EH. Systemic p53 gene therapy of cancer with immunolipoplexes targeted by anti-transferrin receptor scFv. Mol Med 2001; 7:723-34. [PMID: 11713371 PMCID: PMC1949994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A long-standing goal in genetic therapy for cancer is a systemic gene delivery system that selectively targets tumor cells, including metastases. Here we describe a novel cationic immunolipoplex system that shows high in vivo gene transfer efficiency and anti- tumor efficacy when used for systemic p53 gene therapy of cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cationic immunolipoplex incorporating a biosynthetically lipid-tagged, anti-transferrin receptor single-chain antibody (TfRscFv), was designed to target tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. A human breast cancer metastasis model was employed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of systemically administered, TfRscFv-immunolipoplex-mediated, p53 gene therapy in combination with docetaxel. RESULTS The TfRscFv-targeting cationic immunolipoplex had a size of 60-100 nm, showed enhanced tumor cell binding, and improved targeted gene delivery and transfection efficiencies, both in vitro and in vivo. The p53 tumor suppressor gene was not only systemically delivered by the immunolipoplex to human tumor xenografts in nude mice but also functionally expressed. In the nude mouse breast cancer metastasis model, the combination of the p53 gene delivered by the systemic administration of the TfRscFv-immunolipoplex and docetaxel resulted in significantly improved efficacy with prolonged survival. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report using scFv-targeting immunolipoplexes for systemic gene therapy. The TfRscFv has a number of advantages over the transferrin (Tf) molecule itself: (1) scFv has a much smaller size than Tf producing a smaller immunolipoplex giving better penetration into solid tumors; (2) unlike Tf, the scFv is a recombinant protein, not a blood product; (3) large scale production and strict quality control of the recombinant scFv, as well as scFv-immunolipoplex, are feasible. The sensitization of tumors to chemotherapy by this tumor-targeted and efficient p53 gene delivery method could lower the effective dose of the drug, correspondingly lessening the severe side effects, while decreasing the possibility of recurrence. Moreover, this approach is applicable to both primary and recurrent tumors, and more significantly, metastatic disease. The TfRscFv-targeting of cationic immunolipoplexes is a promising method of tumor targeted gene delivery that can be used for systemic gene therapy of cancer with the potential to critically impact the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Xu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 2007, USA
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Sherif ZA, Nakai S, Pirollo KF, Rait A, Chang EH. Downmodulation of bFGF-binding protein expression following restoration of p53 function. Cancer Gene Ther 2001; 8:771-82. [PMID: 11687900 DOI: 10.1038/sj.cgt.7700361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2001] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a requirement for solid tumor growth. Therefore, inhibition of this neovascularization is one mechanism by which restoration of wtp53 function may lead to tumor regression. Here we report that adenoviral vector-mediated wild-type p53 transduction results in growth inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck tumor cells both in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. This growth inhibition is associated with the down-regulation of the expression of fibroblast growth factor binding protein, a secreted protein required for the activation of angiogenic factor basic FGF. These findings suggest that wtp53-induced tumor regression is due, at least in part, to antiangiogenesis mediated by the downmodulation of fibroblast growth factor binding protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z A Sherif
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA
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Abstract
A long-standing goal in gene therapy for cancer is a stable, low toxic, systemic gene delivery system that selectively targets tumor cells, including metastatic disease. Progress has been made toward developing non-viral, pharmaceutical formulations of genes for in vivo human therapy, particularly cationic liposome-mediated gene transfer systems. Ligand-directed tumor targeting of cationic liposome-DNA complexes (lipoplexes) is showing promise for targeted gene delivery and systemic gene therapy. Lipoplexes directed by ligands such as folate, transferrin or anti-transferrin receptor scFv, showed tumor-targeted gene delivery and expression in human breast, prostate, head and neck cancers. The two elements, ligand/receptor and liposome composition, work together to realize the goal of functional tumor targeting of gene therapeutics. The tumor suppressor gene, p53, has been shown to be involved in the control of DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Loss or malfunction of this p53-mediated apoptotic pathway has been proposed as one mechanism by which tumors become resistant to chemotherapy or radiation. The systemically delivered ligand-liposome-p53 gene therapeutics resulted in efficient expression of functional wild-type p53, sensitizing the tumors to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This is a novel strategy combining current molecular medicine with conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. The systemic delivery of normal tumor suppressor gene p53 by a non-viral, tumor-targeted delivery system as a new therapeutic intervention has the potential to critically impact the clinical management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Xu
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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