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Pitzanti G, Mohylyuk V, Corduas F, Byrne NM, Coulter JA, Lamprou DA. Urethane dimethacrylate-based photopolymerizable resins for stereolithography 3D printing: A physicochemical characterisation and biocompatibility evaluation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024; 14:177-190. [PMID: 37454029 PMCID: PMC10746761 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-023-01391-y] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Vat photopolymerisation (VP) three-dimensional printing (3DP) has attracted great attention in many different fields, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, biomedical devices and tissue engineering. Due to the low availability of biocompatible photocurable resins, its application in the healthcare sector is still limited. In this work, we formulate photocurable resins based on urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) combined with three different difunctional methacrylic diluents named ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), di(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (DEGDMA) or tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). The resins were tested for viscosity, thermal behaviour and printability. After printing, the 3D printed specimens were measured with a digital calliper in order to investigate their accuracy to the digital model and tested with FT-IR, TGA and DSC. Their mechanical properties, contact angle, water sorption and biocompatibility were also evaluated. The photopolymerizable formulations investigated in this work achieved promising properties so as to be suitable for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Pitzanti
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Valentyn Mohylyuk
- Laboratory of Finished Dosage Forms, Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradiņš University, 21 Konsula Street, Riga, 1007, Latvia
| | - Francesca Corduas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bio-Engineering Centre (NIBEC), Ulster University, Jordanstown Campus, Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB, UK
| | - Niall M Byrne
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
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2
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Villagomez-Bernabe B, Chan SW, Coulter JA, Roseman AM, Currell FJ. Fast Ion-Beam Inactivation of Viruses, Where Radiation Track Structure Meets RNA Structural Biology. Radiat Res 2022; 198:68-80. [PMID: 35436347 DOI: 10.1667/rade-21-00133.1] [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] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Here we show an interplay between the structures present in ionization tracks and nucleocapsid RNA structural biology, using fast ion-beam inactivation of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) virion as an example. This interplay could be a key factor in predicting dose-inactivation curves for high-energy ion-beam inactivation of virions. We also investigate the adaptation of well-established cross-section data derived from radiation interactions with water to the interactions involving the components of a virion, going beyond the density-scaling approximation developed previously. We conclude that solving one of the grand challenges of structural biology - the determination of RNA tertiary/quaternary structure - is linked to predicting ion-beam inactivation of viruses and that the two problems can be mutually informative. Indeed, our simulations show that fast ion beams have a key role to play in elucidating RNA tertiary/quaternary structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Villagomez-Bernabe
- The Dalton Cumbrian Facility and the Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HA, United Kingdom
| | - S W Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - J A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL
| | - A M Roseman
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - F J Currell
- The Dalton Cumbrian Facility and the Department of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HA, United Kingdom
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3
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Bennie LA, Feng J, Emmerson C, Hyland WB, Matchett KB, McCarthy HO, Coulter JA. Formulating RALA/Au nanocomplexes to enhance nanoparticle internalisation efficiency, sensitising prostate tumour models to radiation treatment. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:279. [PMID: 34538237 PMCID: PMC8451112 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01019-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are effective radiosensitisers, however, successful clinical translation has been impeded by short systemic circulation times and poor internalisation efficiency. This work examines the potential of RALA, a short amphipathic peptide, to enhance the uptake efficiency of negatively charged AuNPs in tumour cells, detailing the subsequent impact of AuNP internalisation on tumour cell radiation sensitivity. RESULTS RALA/Au nanoparticles were formed by optimising the ratio of RALA to citrate capped AuNPs, with assembly occurring through electrostatic interactions. Physical nanoparticle characteristics were determined by UV-vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Nano-complexes successfully formed at w:w ratios > 20:1 (20 µg RALA:1 µg AuNP) yielding positively charged nanoparticles, sized < 110 nm with PDI values < 0.52. ICP-MS demonstrated that RALA enhanced AuNP internalisation by more than threefold in both PC-3 and DU145 prostate cancer cell models, without causing significant toxicity. Importantly, all RALA-AuNP formulations significantly increased prostate cancer cell radiosensitivity. This effect was greatest using the 25:1 RALA-AuNP formulation, producing a dose enhancement effect (DEF) of 1.54 in PC3 cells. Using clinical radiation energies (6 MV) RALA-AuNP also significantly augmented radiation sensitivity. Mechanistic studies support RALA-AuNP nuclear accumulation resulting in increased DNA damage yields. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate meaningful radiosensitisation using low microgram AuNP treatment concentrations. This effect was achieved using RALA, providing functional evidence to support our previous imaging study indicating RALA-AuNP nuclear accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Bennie
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jie Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Christopher Emmerson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Wendy B Hyland
- Western Health & Social Care Trust, North West Cancer Centre, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Kyle B Matchett
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital Campus, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6SB, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
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4
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Jena LN, Bennie LA, McErlean EM, Pentlavalli S, Glass K, Burrows JF, Kett VL, Buckley NE, Coulter JA, Dunne NJ, McCarthy HO. Exploiting the anticancer effects of a nitrogen bisphosphonate nanomedicine for glioblastoma multiforme. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:127. [PMID: 33947409 PMCID: PMC8097796 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00856-x] [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] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an incurable aggressive brain cancer in which current treatment strategies have demonstrated limited survival benefit. In recent years, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) have demonstrated direct anticancer effects in a number of tumour types including GBM. In this study, a nano-formulation with the RALA peptide was used to complex the N-BP, alendronate (ALN) into nanoparticles (NPs) < 200 nm for optimal endocytic uptake. Fluorescently labelled AlexaFluor®647 Risedronate was used as a fluorescent analogue to visualise the intracellular delivery of N-BPs in both LN229 and T98G GBM cells. RALA NPs were effectively taken up by GBM where a dose-dependent response was evidenced with potentiation factors of 14.96 and 13.4 relative to ALN alone after 72 h in LN229 and T98G cells, respectively. Furthermore, RALA/ALN NPs at the IC50, significantly decreased colony formation, induced apoptosis and slowed spheroid growth in vitro. In addition, H-Ras membrane localisation was significantly reduced in the RALA/ALN groups compared to ALN or controls, indicative of prenylation inhibition. The RALA/ALN NPs were lyophilised to enhance stability without compromising the physiochemical properties necessary for functionality, highlighting the suitability of the NPs for scale-up and in vivo application. Collectively, these data show the significant potential of RALA/ALN NPs as novel therapeutics in the treatment of GBM. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn N Jena
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lindsey A Bennie
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Emma M McErlean
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Sreekanth Pentlavalli
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Kim Glass
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - James F Burrows
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Vicky L Kett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Niamh E Buckley
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nicholas J Dunne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Centre for Medical Engineering Research, School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (I-Form), School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Advanced Processing Technology Research Centre, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK. .,School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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5
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Byrne NM, Tambe P, Coulter JA. Radiation Response in the Tumour Microenvironment: Predictive Biomarkers and Future Perspectives. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11010053. [PMID: 33467153 PMCID: PMC7830490 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11010053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is a primary treatment modality for a number of cancers, offering potentially curative outcomes. Despite its success, tumour cells can become resistant to RT, leading to disease recurrence. Components of the tumour microenvironment (TME) likely play an integral role in managing RT success or failure including infiltrating immune cells, the tumour vasculature and stroma. Furthermore, genomic profiling of the TME could identify predictive biomarkers or gene signatures indicative of RT response. In this review, we will discuss proposed mechanisms of radioresistance within the TME, biomarkers that may predict RT outcomes, and future perspectives on radiation treatment in the era of personalised medicine.
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6
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Armstrong CWD, Coulter JA, Ong CW, Maxwell PJ, Walker S, Butterworth KT, Lyubomska O, Berlingeri S, Gallagher R, O'Sullivan JM, Jain S, Mills IG, Prise KM, Bristow RG, LaBonte MJ, Waugh DJJ. Clinical and functional characterization of CXCR1/CXCR2 biology in the relapse and radiotherapy resistance of primary PTEN-deficient prostate carcinoma. NAR Cancer 2020; 2:zcaa012. [PMID: 32743555 PMCID: PMC7380483 DOI: 10.1093/narcan/zcaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional impairment of the tumour suppressor PTEN is common in primary prostate cancer and has been linked to relapse post-radiotherapy (post-RT). Pre-clinical modelling supports elevated CXC chemokine signalling as a critical mediator of PTEN-depleted disease progression and therapeutic resistance. We assessed the correlation of PTEN deficiency with CXC chemokine signalling and its association with clinical outcomes. Gene expression analysis characterized a PTEN LOW/CXCR1HIGH/CXCR2HIGH cluster of tumours that associates with earlier time to biochemical recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 5.87 and 2.65, respectively] and development of systemic metastasis (HR 3.51). In vitro, CXCL signalling was further amplified following exposure of PTEN-deficient prostate cancer cell lines to ionizing radiation (IR). Inhibition of CXCR1/2 signalling in PTEN-depleted cell-based models increased IR sensitivity. In vivo, administration of a CXCR1/2-targeted pepducin (x1/2pal-i3), or CXCR2-specific antagonist (AZD5069), in combination with IR to PTEN-deficient xenografts attenuated tumour growth and progression compared to control or IR alone. Post-mortem analysis confirmed that x1/2pal-i3 administration attenuated IR-induced CXCL signalling and anti-apoptotic protein expression. Interventions targeting CXC chemokine signalling may provide an effective strategy to combine with RT in locally advanced prostate cancer patients with known presence of PTEN-deficient foci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris W D Armstrong
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | | | - Chee Wee Ong
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Science, National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 169610
| | - Pamela J Maxwell
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Steven Walker
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Karl T Butterworth
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Oksana Lyubomska
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Silvia Berlingeri
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Rebecca Gallagher
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Joe M O'Sullivan
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Suneil Jain
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Ian G Mills
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Robert G Bristow
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Manchester CRUK Institute, Manchester, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Melissa J LaBonte
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - David J J Waugh
- Movember FASTMAN Centre of Excellence, Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
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7
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Anderson SD, Hobbs RJ, Gwenin VV, Ball P, Bennie LA, Coulter JA, Gwenin CD. Cell-Penetrating Peptides as a Tool for the Cellular Uptake of a Genetically Modified Nitroreductase for use in Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy. J Funct Biomater 2019; 10:E45. [PMID: 31581475 PMCID: PMC6963571 DOI: 10.3390/jfb10040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Directed enzyme prodrug therapy (DEPT) involves the delivery of a prodrug-activating enzyme to a solid tumour site, followed by the subsequent activation of an administered prodrug. One of the most studied enzyme-prodrug combinations is the nitroreductase from Escherichia coli (NfnB) with the prodrug CB1954 [5-(aziridin-1-yl)-2,4-dinitro-benzamide]. One of the major issues faced by DEPT is the ability to successfully internalize the enzyme into the target cells. NfnB has previously been genetically modified to contain cysteine residues (NfnB-Cys) which bind to gold nanoparticles for a novel DEPT therapy called magnetic nanoparticle directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MNDEPT). One cellular internalisation method is the use of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), which aid cellular internalization of cargo. Here the cell-penetrating peptides: HR9 and Pep-1 were tested for their ability to conjugate with NfnB-Cys. The conjugates were further tested for their potential use in MNDEPT, as well as conjugating with the delivery vector intended for use in MNDEPT and tested for the vectors capability to penetrate into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon D Anderson
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Robert J Hobbs
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Vanessa V Gwenin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Patrick Ball
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
| | - Lindsey A Bennie
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN Belfast, UK.
| | | | - Chris D Gwenin
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG Wales, UK.
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8
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Brown JMC, Hanna GG, Lampe N, Villagomez-Bernabe B, Nicol JR, Coulter JA, Currell FJ. Towards photon radiotherapy treatment planning with high Z nanoparticle radiosensitisation agents: the Relative Biological Effective Dose (RBED) framework. Cancer Nanotechnol 2018; 9:9. [PMID: 30524511 PMCID: PMC6244633 DOI: 10.1186/s12645-018-0043-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel treatment planning framework, the Relative Biological Effective Dose (RBED), for high Z nanoparticle (NP)-enhanced photon radiotherapy is developed and tested in silico for the medical exemplar of neoadjuvant (preoperative) breast cancer MV photon radiotherapy. Two different treatment scenarios, conventional and high Z NP enhanced, were explored with a custom Geant4 application that was developed to emulate the administration of a single 2 Gy fraction as part of a 50 Gy radiotherapy treatment plan. It was illustrated that there was less than a 1% difference in the dose deposition throughout the standard and high Z NP-doped adult female phantom. Application of the RBED framework found that the extent of possible biological response with high Z NP doping was great than expected via the dose deposition alone. It is anticipated that this framework will assist the scientific community in future high Z NP-enhanced in-silico, pre-clinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M C Brown
- 1School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK.,2Department of Radiation Science and Technology, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands.,3Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Gerard G Hanna
- 4School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
| | - Nathanael Lampe
- 5Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS/IN2P3, LPC, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - James R Nicol
- 6School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- 6School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
| | - Fred J Currell
- 1School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland UK
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9
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Armstrong CW, Coulter JA, Ong CW, Maxwell PJ, Butterworth KT, Lyubomska O, LaBonte MJ, Berlingeri S, Gallagher R, Walker SM, O’Sullivan JM, Jain S, Mills IG, Salto-Tellez M, Illidge T, Kennedy RD, Prise KM, Waugh DJ. Abstract B035: Radio-resistance of PTEN-deficient prostate tumors is enhanced by treatment-induced chemokine signaling and is associated with biochemical recurrence and development of metastasis. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.prca2017-b035] [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
Copy number alterations of the tumor-suppressor gene PTEN occur frequently in primary prostate cancer and are prognostic for relapse post-radiotherapy (RT). Preclinical modelling supports elevated CXC-chemokine signaling as a critical mediator of PTEN-depleted disease progression, and therapeutic resistance. Our objective was to establish the correlation of PTEN-deficiency with CXC-chemokine signaling and its association with clinical outcome following RT. Techniques employed included gene cluster and survival analysis of prostate cancer datasets; in vitro biologic assays extending to RT-PCR, immunoblotting, clonogenic survival assays and flow cytometry; and the use of two in vivo PTEN-deficient xenograft models. Analysis of gene expression data from the MSKCC cohort characterized a PTENLOW/CXCR1HIGH/CXCR2HIGH cluster of tumors that associates with earlier time to biochemical recurrence (HR 5.87, p<0.001). Further analysis was conducted on a gene expression profile derived from the FASTMAN retrospective radiotherapy patient sample cohort (248 diagnostic biopsy samples with median follow-up data >90 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that PTENLOW/CXCR1HIGH/CXCR2HIGH tumors were associated with a significantly reduced time to biochemical recurrence (HR 2.65, p<0.001) and the development of metastasis (HR: 3.51, p<0.001) following RT treatment. In vitro, CXCL-signaling was further amplified following exposure of PTEN-deficient CaP cell lines to ionizing radiation (IR; 2-3 Gy). Inhibition of CXCR1/2-signaling in all PTEN-depleted cell-based models increased IR sensitivity (dose enhancement range 1.13 to 1.39), mediated by apoptosis induction in DU145 cells (p53-mutant) or senescence in 22RV1 cells (p53-WT). Reconstitution of PTEN in PTEN-null PC3 cells abrogated the radiosensitivity afforded by a CXCR1/2-signaling blockade. In vivo, administration of a CXCR1/2-targeted pepducin (x1/2pal-i3) in combination with IR to PTEN-null PC3 and PTEN-depleted DU145 xenografts attenuated tumor growth and progression compared to control or radiation alone (p<0.001). Post-mortem analysis confirmed that x1/2pal-i3 administration attenuated IR-induced CXCL-signaling and antiapoptotic protein expression (Bcl-2, c-FLIP). Our data confirm the clinical association of PTEN-deficiency with elevated CXC-chemokine signaling in human prostate cancer, the association of this cluster with adverse clinical outcomes, and demonstrates that IR exposure selectively potentiates this signaling pathway in PTEN-deficient tumor cells. Interventions targeting CXC-chemokine signaling may provide an effective strategy to combine with radiotherapy, especially in locally advanced prostate cancers with known presence of PTEN-deficient foci.
Citation Format: Chris W.D. Armstrong, Jonathan A. Coulter, Chee Wee Ong, Pamela J. Maxwell, Karl T. Butterworth, Oksana Lyubomska, Melissa J. LaBonte, Silvia Berlingeri, Rebecca Gallagher, Steven M. Walker, Joe M. O’Sullivan, Suneil Jain, Ian G. Mills, Manuel Salto-Tellez, Timothy Illidge, Richard D. Kennedy, Kevin M. Prise, David J.J. Waugh. Radio-resistance of PTEN-deficient prostate tumors is enhanced by treatment-induced chemokine signaling and is associated with biochemical recurrence and development of metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Prostate Cancer: Advances in Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research; 2017 Dec 2-5; Orlando, Florida. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(16 Suppl):Abstract nr B035.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chee Wee Ong
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Pamela J. Maxwell
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | | | - Oksana Lyubomska
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | | | - Silvia Berlingeri
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Rebecca Gallagher
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Steven M. Walker
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Joe M. O’Sullivan
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Suneil Jain
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - Ian G. Mills
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | | | | | | | - Kevin M. Prise
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
| | - David J.J. Waugh
- 1Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom,
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10
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McCrudden CM, McBride JW, McCaffrey J, McErlean EM, Dunne NJ, Kett VL, Coulter JA, Robson T, McCarthy HO. Gene therapy with RALA/iNOS composite nanoparticles significantly enhances survival in a model of metastatic prostate cancer. Cancer Nanotechnol 2018; 9:5. [PMID: 29899810 PMCID: PMC5982451 DOI: 10.1186/s12645-018-0040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent approvals of gene therapies by the FDA and the EMA for treatment of inherited disorders have further opened the door for assessment of nucleic acid pharmaceuticals for clinical usage. Arising from the presence of damaged or inappropriate DNA, cancer is a condition particularly suitable for genetic intervention. The RALA peptide has been shown to be a potent non-viral delivery platform for nucleic acids. This study examines the use of RALA to deliver a plasmid encoding inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as an anti-cancer treatment. METHODS The physiochemical properties of the RALA/DNA nanoparticles were characterized via dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were labelled with fluorophores and tracked over time using confocal microscopy with orthogonal sections to determine cellular location. In vitro studies were employed to determine functionality of the nanoparticles both for pEGFP-N1 and CMV-iNOS. Nanoparticles were injected intravenously into C57/BL6 mice with blood and serum samples analysed for immune response. PC3-luc2M cells were injected into the left ventricle of SCID mice followed by treatment with RALA/CMV-iNOS nanoparticles to evaluate the tumour response in a metastatic model of prostate cancer. RESULTS Functional cationic nanoparticles were produced with gene expression in PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, repeated administrations of RALA/DNA nanoparticles into immunocompetent mice did not produce any immunological response: neutralization of the vector or release of inflammatory mediators. RALA/CMV-iNOS reduced the clonogenicity of PC-3 cells in vitro, and in an in vivo model of prostate cancer metastasis, systemically delivered RALA/CMV-iNOS significantly improved the survival of mice. CONCLUSION These studies further validate RALA as a genetic cargo delivery vehicle and iNOS as a potent therapy for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian M. McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - John W. McBride
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Joanne McCaffrey
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Emma M. McErlean
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Nicholas J. Dunne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vicky L. Kett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Jonathan A. Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Tracy Robson
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helen O. McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL Northern Ireland, UK
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11
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Chan KK, Matchett KB, Coulter JA, Yuen HF, McCrudden CM, Zhang SD, Irwin GW, Davidson MA, Rülicke T, Schober S, Hengst L, Jaekel H, Platt-Higgins A, Rudland PS, Mills KI, Maxwell P, El-Tanani M, Lappin TR. Erythropoietin drives breast cancer progression by activation of its receptor EPOR. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38251-38263. [PMID: 28418910 PMCID: PMC5503530 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Anemia is common in breast cancer patients and can be treated with blood transfusions or with recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) to stimulate red blood cell production. Clinical studies have indicated decreased survival in some groups of cancer patients treated with EPO. Numerous tumor cells express the EPO receptor (EPOR), posing a risk that EPO treatment would enhance tumor growth, but the mechanisms involved in breast tumor progression are poorly understood. Here, we have examined the functional role of the EPO-EPOR axis in pre-clinical models of breast cancer. EPO induced the activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in human breast cancer cell lines. EPOR knockdown abrogated human tumor cell growth, induced apoptosis through Bim, reduced invasiveness, and caused downregulation of MYC expression. EPO-induced MYC expression is mediated through the PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways, and overexpression of MYC partially rescued loss of cell proliferation caused by EPOR downregulation. In a xenotransplantation model, designed to simulate recombinant EPO therapy in breast cancer patients, knockdown of EPOR markedly reduced tumor growth. Thus, our experiments in vitro and in vivo demonstrate that functional EPOR signaling is essential for the tumor-promoting effects of EPO and underline the importance of the EPO-EPOR axis in breast tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Kui Chan
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK.,Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region 999077
| | - Kyle B Matchett
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | | | - Hiu-Fung Yuen
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Cian M McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Shu-Dong Zhang
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK.,Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Londonderry, BT47 6SB, UK
| | - Gareth W Irwin
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Matthew A Davidson
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Thomas Rülicke
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - Sophie Schober
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna A-1210, Austria
| | - Ludger Hengst
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Heidelinde Jaekel
- Division of Medical Biochemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck A-6020, Austria
| | - Angela Platt-Higgins
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Philip S Rudland
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
| | - Ken I Mills
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Perry Maxwell
- Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK.,Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Terence R Lappin
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
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12
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Collis J, Hill MR, Nicol JR, Paine PJ, Coulter JA. A hierarchical Bayesian approach to calibrating the linear-quadratic model from clonogenic survival assay data. Radiother Oncol 2017; 124:541-546. [PMID: 28870637 DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2017.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model applicable to the calibration of the linear-quadratic model of radiation dose-response. Experimental data used in model calibration were taken from a clonogenic survival assay conducted on human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) across a range of radiation doses (0-6Gy). Employing Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods, we calibrated the proposed Bayesian hierarchical model, computed posterior distributions for the model parameters and survival fraction dose-response probability densities. Key contributions include the proposal of a model that incorporates multiple sources of inter- and intra-experiment variability commonly neglected in the standard frequentist approach and its subsequent application to in vitro experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe Collis
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael R Hill
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - James R Nicol
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, UK
| | - Philip J Paine
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, UK.
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13
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McCrudden CM, McBride JW, McCaffrey J, Ali AA, Dunne NJ, Kett VL, Coulter JA, Robson T, McCarthy HO. Systemic RALA/iNOS Nanoparticles: A Potent Gene Therapy for Metastatic Breast Cancer Coupled as a Biomarker of Treatment. Mol Ther Nucleic Acids 2017; 6:249-258. [PMID: 28325291 PMCID: PMC5363505 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2016.12.010] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the therapeutic benefit of a nanoparticular formulation for the delivery of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene therapy in a model of breast cancer metastasis. Nanoparticles comprising a cationic peptide vector, RALA, and plasmid DNA were formulated and characterized using a range of physiochemical analyses. Nanoparticles complexed using iNOS plasmids and RALA approximated 60 nm in diameter with a charge of 25 mV. A vector neutralization assay, performed to determine the immunogenicity of nanoparticles in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, revealed that no vector neutralization was evident. Nanoparticles harboring iNOS plasmids (constitutively active cytomegalovirus [CMV]-driven or transcriptionally regulated human osteocalcin [hOC]-driven) evoked iNOS protein expression and nitrite accumulation and impaired clonogenicity in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer model. Micrometastases of MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H1 cells were established in female BALB/c SCID mice by intracardiac delivery. Nanoparticulate RALA/CMV-iNOS or RALA/hOC-iNOS increased median survival in mice bearing micrometastases by 27% compared with controls and also provoked elevated blood nitrite levels. Additionally, iNOS gene therapy sensitized MDA-MB-231-luc-D3H1 tumors to docetaxel treatment. Studies demonstrated that systemically delivered RALA-iNOS nanoparticles have therapeutic potential for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Furthermore, detection of nitrite levels in the blood serves as a reliable biomarker of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian M McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - John W McBride
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Joanne McCaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
| | - Ahlam A Ali
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Nicholas J Dunne
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Vicky L Kett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
| | - Tracy Robson
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland.
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14
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Butterworth KT, Nicol JR, Ghita M, Rosa S, Chaudhary P, McGarry CK, McCarthy HO, Jimenez-Sanchez G, Bazzi R, Roux S, Tillement O, Coulter JA, Prise KM. Preclinical evaluation of gold-DTDTPA nanoparticles as theranostic agents in prostate cancer radiotherapy. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:2035-47. [PMID: 27463088 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2016-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [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: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Gold nanoparticles have attracted significant interest in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Herein, we evaluated the theranostic potential of dithiolated diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTDTPA) conjugated AuNPs (Au@DTDTPA) for CT-contrast enhancement and radiosensitization in prostate cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS In vitro assays determined Au@DTDTPA uptake, cytotoxicity, radiosensitizing potential and DNA damage profiles. Human PC3 xenograft tumor models were used to determine CT enhancement and radiation modulating effects in vivo. RESULTS Cells exposed to nanoparticles and radiation observed significant additional reduction in survival compared with radiation only. Au@DTDTPA produced a CT enhancement of 10% and a significant extension in tumor growth delay from 16.9 days to 38.3 compared with radiation only. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of Au@DTDTPA to enhance CT-image contrast and simultaneously increases the radiosensitivity of prostate tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl T Butterworth
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - James R Nicol
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Mihaela Ghita
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Soraia Rosa
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Pankaj Chaudhary
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Conor K McGarry
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Gloria Jimenez-Sanchez
- UTINAM Institute, UMR 6213 CNRS - UFC, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon 25030, France
| | - Rana Bazzi
- UTINAM Institute, UMR 6213 CNRS - UFC, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon 25030, France
| | - Stéphane Roux
- UTINAM Institute, UMR 6213 CNRS - UFC, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon 25030, France
| | - Olivier Tillement
- The Institute of Light and Matter, UMR 5306 CNRS - UCBL, University of Lyon, Villeurbanne 69622, France
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Kevin M Prise
- Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AE, UK
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15
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Harrison E, Nicol JR, Macias–Montero M, Burke GA, Coulter JA, Meenan BJ, Dixon D. A comparison of gold nanoparticle surface co-functionalization approaches using Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and the effect on stability, non-specific protein adsorption and internalization. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2016; 62:710-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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16
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Harrison E, Coulter JA, Dixon D. Gold nanoparticle surface functionalization: mixed monolayer versus hetero bifunctional peg linker. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 11:851-65. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm.16.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
To create a clinically relevant gold nanoparticle (AuNP) treatment, the surface must be functionalized with multiple ligands such as drugs, antifouling agents and targeting moieties. However, attaching several ligands of differing chemistries and lengths, while ensuring they all retain their biological functionality remains a challenge. This review compares the two most widely employed methods of surface co-functionalization, namely mixed monolayers and hetero-bifunctional linkers. While there are numerous in vitro studies successfully utilizing both surface arrangements, there is little consensus regarding their relative merits. Animal and preclinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of mixed monolayer functionalization and while some promising in vitro results have been reported for PEG linker capped AuNPs, any potential benefits of the approach are not yet fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Harrison
- Nanotechnology & Integrated BioEngineering Centre, University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Dorian Dixon
- Nanotechnology & Integrated BioEngineering Centre, University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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17
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McBride JW, Massey AS, McCaffrey J, McCrudden CM, Coulter JA, Dunne NJ, Robson T, McCarthy HO. Development of TMTP-1 targeted designer biopolymers for gene delivery to prostate cancer. Int J Pharm 2016; 500:144-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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18
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McCaffrey J, McCrudden CM, Ali AA, Massey AS, McBride JW, McCrudden MT, Vicente-Perez EM, Coulter JA, Robson T, Donnelly RF, McCarthy HO. Transcending epithelial and intracellular biological barriers; a prototype DNA delivery device. J Control Release 2016; 226:238-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2016.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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19
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Nicol JR, Dixon D, Coulter JA. Gold nanoparticle surface functionalization: a necessary requirement in the development of novel nanotherapeutics. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2016; 10:1315-26. [PMID: 25955125 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With several gold nanoparticle-based therapies currently undergoing clinical trials, these treatments may soon be in the clinic as novel anticancer agents. Gold nanoparticles are the subject of a wide ranging international research effort with preclinical studies underway for multiple applications including photoablation, diagnostic imaging, radiosensitization and multifunctional drug-delivery vehicles. These applications require an increasingly complex level of surface modification in order to achieve efficacy and limit off-target toxicity. This review will discuss the main obstacles in relation to surface functionalization and the chemical approaches commonly utilized. Finally, we review a range of recent preclinical studies that aim to advance gold nanoparticle treatments toward the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Nicol
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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20
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McQuaid HN, Muir MF, Taggart LE, McMahon SJ, Coulter JA, Hyland WB, Jain S, Butterworth KT, Schettino G, Prise KM, Hirst DG, Botchway SW, Currell FJ. Imaging and radiation effects of gold nanoparticles in tumour cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19442. [PMID: 26787230 PMCID: PMC4726169 DOI: 10.1038/srep19442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticle radiosensitization represents a novel technique in enhancement of ionising radiation dose and its effect on biological systems. Variation between theoretical predictions and experimental measurement is significant enough that the mechanism leading to an increase in cell killing and DNA damage is still not clear. We present the first experimental results that take into account both the measured biodistribution of gold nanoparticles at the cellular level and the range of the product electrons responsible for energy deposition. Combining synchrotron-generated monoenergetic X-rays, intracellular gold particle imaging and DNA damage assays, has enabled a DNA damage model to be generated that includes the production of intermediate electrons. We can therefore show for the first time good agreement between the prediction of biological outcomes from both the Local Effect Model and a DNA damage model with experimentally observed cell killing and DNA damage induction via the combination of X-rays and GNPs. However, the requirement of two distinct models as indicated by this mechanistic study, one for short-term DNA damage and another for cell survival, indicates that, at least for nanoparticle enhancement, it is not safe to equate the lethal lesions invoked in the local effect model with DNA damage events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold N. McQuaid
- Centre for Plasma Physics, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mark F. Muir
- Camlin Technologies Ltd. Lisburn, BT28 2EX, N.Ireland, UK
| | - Laura E. Taggart
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Stephen J. McMahon
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Wendy B. Hyland
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, UK
| | - Suneil Jain
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, UK
| | - Karl T. Butterworth
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | - Kevin M. Prise
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - David G. Hirst
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Stanley W. Botchway
- Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Fred J. Currell
- Centre for Plasma Physics, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK
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21
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Belhout SA, Kim JY, Hinds DT, Owen NJ, Coulter JA, Quinn SJ. Multifunctional and robust composite materials comprising gold nanoparticles at a spherical polystyrene particle surface. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:14388-14391. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc07947d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The preparation of composite particles comprising gold nanoparticles (4.5–26 nm) assembled at a polystyrene (PS) surface with tunable loading is reported with wide ranging potentials from cellular studies to catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ji Yoon Kim
- School of Chemistry
- University College Dublin
- Dublin 4
- Ireland
| | - David T. Hinds
- School of Chemistry
- University College Dublin
- Dublin 4
- Ireland
| | | | | | - Susan J. Quinn
- School of Chemistry
- University College Dublin
- Dublin 4
- Ireland
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22
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Abstract
Nanoparticles offer alternative options in cancer therapy both as drug delivery carriers and as direct therapeutic agents for cancer cell inactivation. More recently, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as promising radiosensitizers achieving significantly elevated radiation dose enhancement factors when irradiated with both kilo-electron-volt and mega-electron-volt X-rays. Use of AuNPs in radiobiology is now being intensely driven by the desire to achieve precise energy deposition in tumours. As a consequence, there is a growing demand for efficient and simple techniques for detection, imaging and characterization of AuNPs in both biological and tumour samples. Spatially accurate imaging on the nanoscale poses a serious challenge requiring high- or super-resolution imaging techniques. In this mini review, we discuss the challenges in using AuNPs as radiosensitizers as well as various current and novel imaging techniques designed to validate the uptake, distribution and localization in mammalian cells. In our own work, we have used multiphoton excited plasmon resonance imaging to map the AuNP intracellular distribution. The benefits and limitations of this approach will also be discussed in some detail. In some cases, the same “excitation” mechanism as is used in an imaging modality can be harnessed to make it also a part of therapy modality (e.g. phototherapy)—such examples are discussed in passing as extensions to the imaging modality concerned.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Botchway
- 1 Science and Technology Facility Council, Research Complex at Harwell, CLF, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, Didcot, UK
| | - J A Coulter
- 2 School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - F J Currell
- 3 School of Mathematics and Physics, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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23
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Coulter JA, Butterworth KT, Jain S. Prostate cancer radiotherapy: potential applications of metal nanoparticles for imaging and therapy. Br J Radiol 2015; 88:20150256. [PMID: 26051659 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20150256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males. There have been dramatic technical advances in radiotherapy delivery, enabling higher doses of radiotherapy to primary cancer, involved lymph nodes and oligometastases with acceptable normal tissue toxicity. Despite this, many patients relapse following primary radical therapy, and novel treatment approaches are required. Metal nanoparticles are agents that promise to improve diagnostic imaging and image-guided radiotherapy and to selectively enhance radiotherapy effectiveness in CaP. We summarize current radiotherapy treatment approaches for CaP and consider pre-clinical and clinical evidence for metal nanoparticles in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Coulter
- 1 School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - K T Butterworth
- 2 Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - S Jain
- 2 Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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24
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Coulter JA, Jain S, Butterworth KT, Taggart LE, Dickson GR, McMahon SJ, Hyland WB, Muir MF, Trainor C, Hounsell AR, O'Sullivan JM, Schettino G, Currell FJ, Hirst DG, Prise KM. Cell type-dependent uptake, localization, and cytotoxicity of 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2012; 7:2673-85. [PMID: 22701316 PMCID: PMC3373299 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s31751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This follow-up study aims to determine the physical parameters which govern the differential radiosensitization capacity of two tumor cell lines and one immortalized normal cell line to 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles. In addition to comparing the uptake potential, localization, and cytotoxicity of 1.9 nm gold nanoparticles, the current study also draws on comparisons between nanoparticle size and total nanoparticle uptake based on previously published data. Methods We quantified gold nanoparticle uptake using atomic emission spectroscopy and imaged intracellular localization by transmission electron microscopy. Cell growth delay and clonogenic assays were used to determine cytotoxicity and radiosensitization potential, respectively. Mechanistic data were obtained by Western blot, flow cytometry, and assays for reactive oxygen species. Results Gold nanoparticle uptake was preferentially observed in tumor cells, resulting in an increased expression of cleaved caspase proteins and an accumulation of cells in sub G1 phase. Despite this, gold nanoparticle cytotoxicity remained low, with immortalized normal cells exhibiting an LD50 concentration approximately 14 times higher than tumor cells. The surviving fraction for gold nanoparticle-treated cells at 3 Gy compared with that of untreated control cells indicated a strong dependence on cell type in respect to radiosensitization potential. Conclusion Gold nanoparticles were most avidly endocytosed and localized within cytoplasmic vesicles during the first 6 hours of exposure. The lack of significant cytotoxicity in the absence of radiation, and the generation of gold nanoparticle-induced reactive oxygen species provide a potential mechanism for previously reported radiosensitization at megavoltage energies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, Ireland.
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McMahon SJ, Hyland WB, Muir MF, Coulter JA, Jain S, Butterworth KT, Schettino G, Dickson GR, Hounsell AR, O’Sullivan JM, Prise KM, Hirst DG, Currell FJ. Nanodosimetric effects of gold nanoparticles in megavoltage radiation therapy. Radiother Oncol 2011; 100:412-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2011.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2011] [Revised: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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McMahon SJ, Hyland WB, Muir MF, Coulter JA, Jain S, Butterworth KT, Schettino G, Dickson GR, Hounsell AR, O'Sullivan JM, Prise KM, Hirst DG, Currell FJ. Biological consequences of nanoscale energy deposition near irradiated heavy atom nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2011; 1:18. [PMID: 22355537 PMCID: PMC3216506 DOI: 10.1038/srep00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [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: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are being proposed as contrast agents to enhance X-ray imaging and radiotherapy, seeking to take advantage of the increased X-ray absorption of gold compared to soft tissue. However, there is a great discrepancy between physically predicted increases in X-ray energy deposition and experimentally observed increases in cell killing. In this work, we present the first calculations which take into account the structure of energy deposition in the nanoscale vicinity of GNPs and relate this to biological outcomes, and show for the first time good agreement with experimentally observed cell killing by the combination of X-rays and GNPs. These results are not only relevant to radiotherapy, but also have implications for applications of heavy atom nanoparticles in biological settings or where human exposure is possible because the localised energy deposition high-lighted by these results may cause complex DNA damage, leading to mutation and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J McMahon
- Centre for Plasma Physics, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK.
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Coulter JA, Page NL, Worthington J, Robson T, Hirst DG, McCarthy HO. Transcriptional regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase gene therapy: targeting early stage and advanced prostate cancer. J Gene Med 2010; 12:755-65. [PMID: 20821746 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using the tumour type specific human osteocalcin (hOC) promoter, we have previously reported strong promoter activation in hormone independent prostate cancer cells in vitro. In the present study, we present a comparative study of the tissue specific promoter prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and the tumour-type specific hOC promoter driving the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transgene using both in vitro and in vivo models. METHODS In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed by clonogenic assay. Quantification of nitric oxide expression was determined by the Griess test. In vivo anti-tumour efficacy was determined by tumour growth delay following direct intra-tumoural injection of the constructs into PC3 xenografts. In addition, tumours were dissected post mortem and examined for morphological differences as well as changes in apoptotic protein expression. RESULTS PSMA/iNOS produced cytotoxicity in both androgen dependant and independent cell lines. Nitric oxide quantification confirmed that increased cytotoxicity was directly associated with nitric oxide production. Tumour growth delays were observed in all groups treated with the iNOS-expressing constructs ranging from 10.7 days for the hOC/iNOS single dose treatment group to a maximum of 52.2 days for the hOC/iNOS multiple dose group. Intra-tumoural assessment of iNOS and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase protein expression demonstrated a significant up-regulation of both proteins, indicating cytotoxicity mediated through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. CONCLUSIONS Highly significant tumour growth delay coupled with no detrimental side-effects were observed following treatment with the PSMA/iNOS and hOC/iNOS constructs. We consider that these findings provide a basis for the development of systemically delivered PSMA/iNOS or hOC/iNOS targeting early stage and advanced prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Coulter
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University, Belfast, Ireland, UK
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Jain S, Coulter JA, Hounsell AR, Butterworth KT, McMahon SJ, Hyland WB, Muir MF, Dickson GR, Prise KM, Currell FJ, O'Sullivan JM, Hirst DG. Cell-specific radiosensitization by gold nanoparticles at megavoltage radiation energies. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2010; 79:531-9. [PMID: 21095075 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2010.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [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: 05/12/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been shown to cause sensitization with kilovoltage (kV) radiation. Differences in the absorption coefficient between gold and soft tissue, as a function of photon energy, predict that maximum enhancement should occur in the kilovoltage (kV) range, with almost no enhancement at megavoltage (MV) energies. Recent studies have shown that GNPs are not biologically inert, causing oxidative stress and even cell death, suggesting a possible biological mechanism for sensitization. The purpose of this study was to assess GNP radiosensitization at clinically relevant MV X-ray energies. METHODS AND MATERIALS Cellular uptake, intracellular localization, and cytotoxicity of GNPs were assessed in normal L132, prostate cancer DU145, and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells. Radiosensitization was measured by clonogenic survival at kV and MV photon energies and MV electron energies. Intracellular DNA double-strand break (DSB) induction and DNA repair were determined and GNP chemosensitization was assessed using the radiomimetic agent bleomycin. RESULTS GNP uptake occurred in all cell lines and was greatest in MDA-MB-231 cells with nanoparticles accumulating in cytoplasmic lysosomes. In MDA-MB-231 cells, radiation sensitizer enhancement ratios (SERs) of 1.41, 1.29, and 1.16 were achieved using 160 kVp, 6 MV, and 15 MV X-ray energies, respectively. No significant effect was observed in L132 or DU145 cells at kV or MV energies (SER 0.97-1.08). GNP exposure did not increase radiation-induced DSB formation or inhibit DNA repair; however, GNP chemosensitization was observed in MDA-MB-231 cells treated with bleomycin (SER 1.38). CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated radiosensitization in MDA-MB-231 cells at MV X-ray energies. The sensitization was cell-specific with comparable effects at kV and MV energies, no increase in DSB formation, and GNP chemopotentiation with bleomycin, suggesting a possible biological mechanism of radiosensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suneil Jain
- Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
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Butterworth KT, Coulter JA, Jain S, Forker J, McMahon SJ, Schettino G, Prise KM, Currell FJ, Hirst DG. Evaluation of cytotoxicity and radiation enhancement using 1.9 nm gold particles: potential application for cancer therapy. Nanotechnology 2010; 21:295101. [PMID: 20601762 PMCID: PMC3016629 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/29/295101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
High atomic number (Z) materials such as gold preferentially absorb kilovoltage x-rays compared to soft tissue and may be used to achieve local dose enhancement in tumours during treatment with ionizing radiation. Gold nanoparticles have been demonstrated as radiation dose enhancing agents in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, we used multiple endpoints to characterize the cellular cytotoxic response of a range of cell lines to 1.9 nm gold particles and measured dose modifying effects following transient exposure at low concentrations. Gold nanoparticles caused significant levels of cell type specific cytotoxicity, apoptosis and increased oxidative stress. When used as dose modifying agents, dose enhancement factors varied between the cell lines investigated with the highest enhancement being 1.9 in AGO-1522B cells at a nanoparticle concentration of 100 microg ml(-1). This study shows exposure to 1.9 nm gold particles to induce a range of cell line specific responses including decreased clonogenic survival, increased apoptosis and induction of DNA damage which may be mediated through the production of reactive oxygen species. This is the first study involving 1.9 nm nanometre sized particles to report multiple cellular responses which impact on the radiation dose modifying effect. The findings highlight the need for extensive characterization of responses to gold nanoparticles when assessing dose enhancing potential in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Butterworth
- Radiation Biology Group, Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Adams C, McCarthy HO, Coulter JA, Worthington J, Murphy C, Robson T, Hirst DG. Nitric oxide synthase gene therapy enhances the toxicity of cisplatin in cancer cells. J Gene Med 2009; 11:160-8. [PMID: 19062185 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO.) derived from donor drugs has been shown to be an effective chemosensitizer in vitro. We investigated the combination of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene transfer, driven by a strong constitutive promoter (cytomegalovirus; CMV) with the DNA cross-linking agent cisplatin in mouse and human tumour cell lines. METHODS Proof of principal experiments were performed in the radiation-induced fibrosarcoma-1 (RIF-1) murine cell line. Cells were transfected with constitutively expressed CMV/iNOS plasmid DNA using a cationic lipid vector, before exposure to cisplatin. In vivo efficacy was determined in an intradermal RIF-1 tumour model, with intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin. Additionally, treatment potential was investigated in various human tumour cell lines including human prostate (DU145 and PC3) and human colon (HT29 and HCT116) cancer cell lines. Experimental endpoints were established using western blot, Greiss test, clonogenic assay and tumour growth delay. RESULTS Transfection of RIF-1 tumour cells in vitro with the CMV/iNOS significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of cisplatin (0.2-1.0 microM). In vivo transfer of CMV/iNOS by direct injection into established RIF-1 tumours caused a significant (p = 0.0027) delay in tumour growth. CMV/iNOS gene transfer in vitro resulted in the strong expression of iNOS DNA in all cell lines, and significantly increased levels of NO. in all cell lines except HCT116. CONCLUSIONS Significant chemosensitization of cisplatin cytotoxicity was observed in the presence of NO. derived from the overexpression iNOS. We conclude that p53 status of the various cell lines was unlikely to be responsible for cisplatin-induced apoptosis.
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McCarthy HO, Coulter JA, Robson T, Hirst DG. Gene therapy via inducible nitric oxide synthase: a tool for the treatment of a diverse range of pathological conditions. J Pharm Pharmacol 2008; 60:999-1017. [PMID: 18644193 DOI: 10.1211/jpp.60.8.0007] [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: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO(.)) is a reactive nitrogen radical produced by the NO synthase (NOS) enzymes; it affects a plethora of downstream physiological and pathological processes. The past two decades have seen an explosion in the understanding of the role of NO(.) biology, highlighting various protective and damaging modes of action. Much of the controversy surrounding the role of NO(.) relates to the differing concentrations generated by the three isoforms of NOS. Both calcium-dependent isoforms of the enzyme (endothelial and neuronal NOS) generate low-nanomolar/picomolar concentrations of NO(.). By contrast, the calcium-independent isoform (inducible NOS (iNOS)) generates high concentrations of NO(.), 2-3 orders of magnitude greater. This review summarizes the current literature in relation to iNOS gene therapy for the therapeutic benefit of various pathological conditions, including various states of vascular disease, wound healing, erectile dysfunction, renal dysfunction and oncology. The available data provide convincing evidence that manipulation of endogenous NO(.) using iNOS gene therapy can provide the basis for future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University, Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT9 7BL, UK.
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Coulter JA, McCarthy HO, Worthington J, Robson T, Scott S, Hirst DG. The radiation-inducible pE9 promoter driving inducible nitric oxide synthase radiosensitizes hypoxic tumour cells to radiation. Gene Ther 2008; 15:495-503. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2008.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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McCarthy HO, Coulter JA, Worthington J, Robson T, Hirst DG. Human osteocalcin: a strong promoter for nitric oxide synthase gene therapy, with specificity for hormone refractory prostate cancer. J Gene Med 2007; 9:511-20. [PMID: 17471586 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene therapy has been identified as a promising treatment strategy for hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). We report, for the first time, the use of the human osteocalcin (hOC) promoter to control inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) transgene expression in HRPC. METHODS Human prostate carcinoma cells (PC3, DU145, LNCaP), colon cancer cells (HT29) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were transfected in vitro with constitutively driven CMV/iNOS or hOC/iNOS plasmid DNA by cationic lipid vector. End points of these experiments were Western blotting, NO(.) generation using the Greiss test to measure accumulated nitrite, and clonogenic assay. RESULTS Transfection of the hOC/iNOS plasmid increased iNOS protein and total nitrite levels in PC3 and DU145 cells, but not LNCaP or HT29. Transfection with CMV/iNOS or hOC/iNOS resulted in no additional cytotoxicity in androgen-dependent LNCaP cells or in the non-prostate cell lines. However, transfection with either construct resulted in a greatly reduced cell survival (to 10-20%) in the androgen-independent PC3 and DU145 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS Utilising the tumour-type specific properties of the hOC promoter in tandem with the iNOS gene, we have demonstrated target cell specificity, and transgene activation, in the androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines (PC3 and DU145), an effect absent in normal and androgen-dependent cells. Furthermore, the levels of NO(.) generated are comparable with those seen generated with constitutively (CMV)-driven iNOS. The data obtained from this study provide a basis for future development of hOC/iNOS gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, McClay Research Centre, Queen's University, Lisburn Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
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