1
|
Savarin M, Kamensek U, Znidar K, Todorovic V, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Evaluation of a Novel Plasmid for Simultaneous Gene Electrotransfer-Mediated Silencing of CD105 and CD146 in Combination with Irradiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063069. [PMID: 33802812 PMCID: PMC8002395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063069] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor vasculature through specific endothelial cell markers represents a promising approach for cancer treatment. Here our aim was to construct an antibiotic resistance gene-free plasmid encoding shRNAs to simultaneously target two endothelial cell markers, CD105 and CD146, and to test its functionality and therapeutic potential in vitro when delivered by gene electrotransfer (GET) and combined with irradiation (IR). Functionality of the plasmid was evaluated by determining the silencing of the targeted genes using qRT-PCR. Antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects were determined by the cytotoxicity assay tube formation assay and wound healing assay in murine endothelial cells 2H-11. The functionality of the plasmid construct was also evaluated in malignant melanoma tumor cell line B16F10. Additionally, potential activation of immune response was measured by induction of DNA sensor STING and proinflammatory cytokines by qRT-PCR in endothelial cells 2H-11. We demonstrated that the plasmid construction was successful and can efficiently silence the expression of the two targeted genes. As a consequence of silencing, reduced migration rate and angiogenic potential was confirmed in 2H-11 endothelial cells. Furthermore, induction of DNA sensor STING and proinflammatory cytokines were determined, which could add to the therapeutic effectiveness when used in vivo. To conclude, we successfully constructed a novel plasmid DNA with two shRNAs, which holds a great promise for further in vivo testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Savarin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Vesna Todorovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (K.Z.); (V.T.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (M.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Todorovic V, Prevc A, Zakelj MN, Savarin M, Brozic A, Groselj B, Strojan P, Cemazar M, Sersa G. Mechanisms of different response to ionizing irradiation in isogenic head and neck cancer cell lines. Radiat Oncol 2019; 14:214. [PMID: 31775835 PMCID: PMC6882348 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-019-1418-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Treatment options for recurrent head and neck tumours in the previously irradiated area are limited, including re-irradiation due to radioresistance of the recurrent tumour and previous dose received by surrounding normal tissues. As an in vitro model to study radioresistance mechanisms, isogenic cells with different radiosensitivity can be used. However, they are not readily available. Therefore, our objective was to establish and characterize radioresistant isogenic human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma cells and to evaluate early radiation response in isogenic parental, radioresistant and radiosensitive cells. Methods Radioresistant cells were derived from parental FaDu cells by repeated exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiosensitivity of the established isogenic radioresistant FaDu-RR cells was evaluated by clonogenic assay and compared to isogenic parental FaDu and radiosensitive 2A3 cells. Additional phenotypic characterization of these isogenic cells with different radiosensitivity included evaluation of chemosensitivity, cell proliferation, cell cycle, radiation-induced apoptosis, resolution of DNA double-strand breaks, and DNA damage and repair signalling gene expression before and after irradiation. Results In the newly established radioresistant cells in response to 5 Gy irradiation, we observed no alteration in cell cycle regulation, but delayed induction and enhanced resolution of DNA double-strand breaks, lower induction of apoptosis, and pronounced over-expression of DNA damage signalling genes in comparison to parental cells. On the other hand, radiosensitive 2A3 cells were arrested in G2/M-phase in response to 5 Gy irradiation, had a prominent accumulation of and slower resolution of DNA double-strand breaks, and no change in DNA damage signalling genes expression. Conclusions We concluded that the emergence of the radioresistance in the established radioresistant isogenic cells can be at least partially attributed to the enhanced DNA double-strand break repair, altered expression of DNA damage signalling and repair genes. On the other hand, in radiosensitive isogenic cells the reduced ability to repair a high number of induced DNA double-strand breaks and no transcriptional response in DNA damage signalling genes indicate on a lack of adaptive response to irradiation. Altogether, our results confirmed that these isogenic cells with different radiosensitivity are an appropriate model to study the mechanisms of radioresistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Todorovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajda Prevc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martina Niksic Zakelj
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monika Savarin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Andreja Brozic
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaz Groselj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primoz Strojan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Serša I, Bajd F, Savarin M, Jesenko T, Čemažar M, Serša G. Multiparametric High-Resolution MRI as a Tool for Mapping of Hypoxic Level in Tumors. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2019; 17:1533033818797066. [PMID: 30176769 PMCID: PMC6122235 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818797066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a condition, common to most malignant tumors, where oxygen tension in the tissue is below the physiological level. Among consequences of tumor hypoxia is also altered cancer cell metabolism that contributes to cancer therapy resistance. Therefore, precise assessment of tumor hypoxia is important for monitoring the tumor treatment progression. In this study, we propose a simple model for prediction of hypoxic level in tumors based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging. The study was performed on B16F1 murine melanoma tumors ex vivo that were first magnetic resonance scanned and then analyzed for hypoxic level using hypoxia-inducable factor 1-alpha antibody staining. Each tumor was analyzed in identical sections and in identical regions of interest for pairs of hypoxic level and magnetic resonance values (apparent diffusion coefficient and T2). This was followed by correlation analysis between hypoxic level and respective magnetic resonance values. A moderate correlation was found between hypoxic level and apparent diffusion coefficient (ρ = 0.56, P < .00001) and lower between hypoxic level and T2 (ρ = 0.38, P < .00001). The data were analyzed further to obtain simple predictive models based on the multiple linear regression analysis of the measured hypoxic level (dependent variable) and apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 (independent variables). Among the hypoxic level models, the most efficient was the 3-parameter model given by relation (HL = kADCADC + kT2T2 + b), where kADC = 26%/µm2/ms, kT2 = 0.8%/ms, and b = −32%. The model can be used for calculation of the predicted hypoxic level map based on magnetic resonance–measured apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 maps. Similar prediction models, based on tumor apparent diffusion coefficient and T2 maps, can be done also for other tumor types in vivo and can therefore help in assessment of tumor treatment as well as to better understand the role of hypoxia in cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Serša
- 1 Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,2 Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Franci Bajd
- 3 Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Tanja Jesenko
- 4 Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- 4 Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- 4 Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,5 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zakelj MN, Prevc A, Kranjc S, Cemazar M, Todorovic V, Savarin M, Scancar J, Kosjek T, Groselj B, Strojan P, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy of radioresistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells and tumor xenografts. Oncol Rep 2019; 41:1658-1668. [PMID: 30628709 PMCID: PMC6365705 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.6960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy is an established local ablative method used for the treatment of different tumor types, including tumors of the head and neck area. Clinical studies have demonstrated a lower response rate of tumors that recur in pre-irradiated area. The aim of the present study was to explore the response of experimentally induced radioresistant cells and tumors to electrochemotherapy with cisplatin or bleomycin. The radioresistant cells (FaDu-RR) were established by fractionated irradiation of parental human squamous cell carcinoma cell line, FaDu. We compared the 2 cell lines in response to chemotherapy and electrochemotherapy with cisplatin or bleomycin in vitro and in vivo. Using specific mass spectrometry-based analytical methods we determined the difference in the uptake of chemotherapeutics in tumors after electrochemotherapy. Additionally, we compared the capacity of the cells to repair DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) after exposure to the drugs used in electrochemotherapy with the γH2AX foci resolution determined by immunofluorescence microscopy. Our results indicate radio- and cisplatin cross-resistance, confirmed with the lower response rate of radioresistant tumors after electrochemotherapy with cisplatin. On the other hand, the sensitivity to electrochemotherapy with bleomycin was similar in both cell lines and tumors. While the uptake of chemotherapeutics after electrochemotherapy was comparable in both tumor models, there was a difference between the cell lines in capacity to repair DNA DSB-the radioresistant cells had a lower level of DSB and faster DNA repair rate after exposure to both, cisplatin or bleomycin. Due to the higher complete response rate after electrochemotherapy with bleomycin than with cisplatin, we conclude that the results favor bleomycin-over cisplatin-based electrochemotherapy for treatment of radioresistant tumors and/or tumors that regrow after radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Niksic Zakelj
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajda Prevc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Todorovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Monika Savarin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Scancar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Kosjek
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jozef Stefan Institute, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaz Groselj
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Primoz Strojan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, SI‑1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Savarin M, Prevc A, Rzek M, Bosnjak M, Vojvodic I, Cemazar M, Jarm T, Sersa G. Intravital Monitoring of Vasculature After Targeted Gene Therapy Alone or Combined With Tumor Irradiation. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2018; 17:1533033818784208. [PMID: 29969947 PMCID: PMC6048615 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818784208] [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] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular-targeted therapies exhibit radiosensitizing effects by remodeling tumor
vasculature, thus facilitating the increased oxygenation of the remaining tumor tissue. To
examine these phenomena, the effects of antiendoglin gene therapy alone and in combination
with irradiation were monitored for 5 consecutive days on a murine mammary adenocarcinoma
(TS/A) tumor model growing in a dorsal window chamber. The vascularization of the tumors
was assessed by the determination of the tumor vascular area and by measurement of tumor
perfusion by using laser Doppler flowmetry to provide insight into intratumoral gene
electrotransfer effects. The changes in the vascular area after this specific therapy
correlated with laser Doppler measurements, indicating that either of the methods can be
used to demonstrate the induced changes in the vascularization and perfusion of tumors.
Gene electrotransfer with an endothelial-specific promoter resulted in a vascular-targeted
effect on tumor vasculature within the first 24 hours and did not restore within 5 days.
The combination with the irradiation did not result in a more pronounced vascular effect,
and irradiation alone only abrogated the formation of new vessels and prevented an
increase in the tumor perfusion over time. The results indicate that tumors grown in a
dorsal window chamber facilitate intravital measurements of the vascularization of tumors
and blood perfusion, enabling the monitoring of the antiangiogenic or vascular disruptive
effects of different therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Savarin
- 1 Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ajda Prevc
- 1 Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Rzek
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- 1 Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ilija Vojvodic
- 3 Division of Radiotherapy, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- 1 Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,4 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Tomaz Jarm
- 2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- 1 Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,5 Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Savarin M, Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Heller R, Sersa G. Electrotransfer of plasmid DNA radiosensitizes B16F10 tumors through activation of immune response. Radiol Oncol 2017; 51:30-39. [PMID: 28265230 PMCID: PMC5330176 DOI: 10.1515/raon-2017-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor irradiation combined with adjuvant treatments, either vascular targeted or immunomodulatory, is under intense investigation. Gene electrotransfer of therapeutic genes is one of these approaches. The aim of this study was to determine, whether gene electrotransfer of plasmid encoding shRNA for silencing endoglin, with vascular targeted effectiveness, can radiosensitize melanoma B16F10 tumors. Materials and methods The murine melanoma B16F10 tumors, growing on the back of C57Bl/6 mice, were treated by triple gene electrotransfer and irradiation. The antitumor effect was evaluated by determination of tumor growth delay and proportion of tumor free mice. Furthermore, histological analysis of tumors (necrosis, apoptosis, proliferation, vascularization, presence of hypoxia and infiltration of immune cells,) was used to evaluate the therapeutic mechanisms. Results Gene electrotransfer of plasmid silencing endoglin predominantly indicated vascular targeted effects of the therapy, since significant tumor growth delay and 44% of tumor free mice were obtained. In addition, irradiation had minor effects on radioresistant melanoma, with 11% of mice tumor free. The combined treatment resulted in excellent effectiveness with 88% of mice tumor free, with more than half resistant to secondary tumor challenge, which was observed also with the plasmid devoid of the therapeutic gene. Histological analysis of tumors in the combined treatment group, demonstrated similar mode of action of the gene electrotransfer of plasmid encoding shRNA for silencing endoglin and devoid of it, both through the induction of an immune response. Conclusions The results of this study indicate that irradiation can in radioresistant melanoma tumors, by release of tumor associated antigens, serve as activator of the immune response, besides directly affecting tumor cells and vasculature. The primed antitumor immune response can be further boosted by gene electrotransfer of plasmid, regardless of presence of the therapeutic gene, which was confirmed by the high radiosensitization, resulting in prolonged tumor growth delay and 89% of tumor free mice that were up to 63% resistant to secondary challenge of tumor. In addition, gene electrotransfer of therapeutic plasmid for silencing endoglin has also a direct effect on tumor vasculature and tumors cells; however in combination with radiotherapy this effect was masked by pronounced immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Savarin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Urska Kamensek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Izola, Slovenia
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, USA
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Glorio R, Allevato M, De Pablo A, Abbruzzese M, Carmona L, Savarin M, Ibarra M, Busso C, Mordoh A, Llopis C, Haas R, Bello M, Woscoff A. Prevalence of cutaneous manifestations in 200 patients with eating disorders. Int J Dermatol 2000; 39:348-53. [PMID: 10849124 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-4362.2000.00924.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders are increasing and show a variety of symptoms. They mainly include anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorders not specified (EDNOS). They predominate in females and represent an important danger, especially in teenagers. In serious cases, they may be life-threatening. Objective To determine the prevalence of cutaneous findings in patients with eating disorders and to compare the results with those found in the literature. METHODS An observational, transverse, and prospective study was performed. Two hundred patients of recent admission to ALUBA (association that fights against BN and AN), a psychiatric unit for eating disorders, were included: 122 BN; 62 AN; 16 EDNOS. RESULTS Patients with eating disorders show dermatologic manifestations (alopecia, xerosis, hypertrichosis, caries, nail fragility) that are secondary to starvation. Russell's sign, seen as calluses on the dorsal aspect of the hands, is a consequence of self-induced vomiting and the local trauma of the superior incisors. This sign represents a compensatory behavior to overeating and predominates in the BN group. CONCLUSION The recognition of dermatologic signs could be of immense value and could lead to the early diagnosis and treatment of these eating disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Glorio
- Division Dermatologic, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín," Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|