MRI-detectable pH nanosensors incorporated into hydrogels for in vivo sensing of transplanted-cell viability

Abstract Background Aberrant lipogenicity and deregulated autophagy are common in most advanced human cancer and therapeutic strategies to exploit these pathways are currently under consideration. Group III Phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-III/PLA2G3), an atypical secretory PLA2, is recognized as a regulator of lipid metabolism associated with oncogenesis. Though recent studies reveal that high PLA2G3 expression significantly correlates with poor prognosis in several cancers, however, role of PLA2G3 in ovarian cancer (OC) pathogenesis is still undetermined. Methods CRISPR-Cas9 and shRNA mediated knockout and knockdown of PLA2G3 in OC cells were used to evaluate lipid droplet (LD) biogenesis by confocal and Transmission electron microscopy analysis, and the cell viability and sensitization of the cells to platinum-mediated cytotoxicity by MTT assay. Regulation of primary ciliation by PLA2G3 downregulation both genetically and by metabolic inhibitor PFK-158 induced autophagy was assessed by immunofluorescence-based confocal analysis and immunoblot. Transient transfection with GFP-RFP-LC3B and confocal analysis was used to assess the autophagic flux in OC cells. PLA2G3 knockout OVCAR5 xenograft in combination with carboplatin on tumor growth and metastasis was assessed in vivo. Efficacy of PFK158 alone and with platinum drugs was determined in patient-derived primary ascites cultures expressing PLA2G3 by MTT assay and immunoblot analysis. Results Downregulation of PLA2G3 in OVCAR8 and 5 cells inhibited LD biogenesis, decreased growth and sensitized cells to platinum drug mediated cytotoxicity in vitro and in in vivo OVCAR5 xenograft. PLA2G3 knockdown in HeyA8MDR-resistant cells showed sensitivity to carboplatin treatment. We found that both PFK158 inhibitor-mediated and genetic downregulation of PLA2G3 resulted in increased number of percent ciliated cells and inhibited cancer progression. Mechanistically, we found that PFK158-induced autophagy targeted PLA2G3 to restore primary cilia in OC cells. Of clinical relevance, PFK158 also induces percent ciliated cells in human-derived primary ascites cells and reduces cell viability with sensitization to chemotherapy. Conclusions Taken together, our study for the first time emphasizes the role of PLA2G3 in regulating the OC metastasis. This study further suggests the therapeutic potential of targeting phospholipases and/or restoration of PC for future OC treatment and the critical role of PLA2G3 in regulating ciliary function by coordinating interface between lipogenesis and metastasis.

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EXTH-46. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE-BASED IDENTIFICATION OF COMBINED VANDETANIB AND EVEROLIMUS IN THE TREATMENT OF ACVR1-MUTANT DIFFUSE INTRINSIC PONTINE GLIOMA

Neuro-Oncology ◽

10.1093/neuonc/noaa215.400 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. ii97-ii97

Author(s):

Diana Carvalho ◽

Peter Richardson ◽

Nagore Gene Olaciregui ◽

Reda Stankunaite ◽

Cinzia Emilia Lavarino ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Intelligence ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Xenograft Model ◽

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma ◽

Pontine Glioma ◽

Serine Threonine Kinase ◽

Orthotopic Xenografts ◽

Extended Survival

Abstract Somatic mutations in ACVR1, encoding the serine/threonine kinase ALK2 receptor, are found in a quarter of children with the currently incurable brain tumour diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). Treatment of ACVR1-mutant DIPG patient-derived models with multiple inhibitor chemotypes leads to a reduction in cell viability in vitro and extended survival in orthotopic xenografts in vivo, though there are currently no specific ACVR1 inhibitors licensed for DIPG. Using an Artificial Intelligence-based platform to search for approved compounds which could be used to treat ACVR1-mutant DIPG, the combination of vandetanib and everolimus was identified as a possible therapeutic approach. Vandetanib, an approved inhibitor of VEGFR/RET/EGFR, was found to target ACVR1 (Kd=150nM) and reduce DIPG cell viability in vitro, but has been trialed in DIPG patients with limited success, in part due to an inability to cross the blood-brain-barrier. In addition to mTOR, everolimus inhibits both ABCG2 (BCRP) and ABCB1 (P-gp) transporter, and was synergistic in DIPG cells when combined with vandetanib in vitro. This combination is well-tolerated in vivo, and significantly extended survival and reduced tumour burden in an orthotopic ACVR1-mutant patient-derived DIPG xenograft model. Based on these preclinical data, three patients with ACVR1-mutant DIPG were treated with vandetanib and everolimus. These cases may inform on the dosing and the toxicity profile of this combination for future clinical studies. This bench-to-bedside approach represents a rapidly translatable therapeutic strategy in children with ACVR1 mutant DIPG.

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Impact of RARα and miR-138 on retinoblastoma etoposide resistance

Tumor Biology ◽

10.3233/tub-200072 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 11-26

Author(s):

Maike Busch ◽

Natalia Miroschnikov ◽

Jaroslaw Thomas Dankert ◽

Marc Wiesehöfer ◽

Klaus Metz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Viability ◽

Cell Lines ◽

Cancer Progression ◽

Treated Patient ◽

Luciferase Reporter ◽

Luciferase Reporter Gene ◽

Gene Assay ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND: Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common childhood eye cancer. Chemotherapeutic drugs such as etoposide used in RB treatment often cause massive side effects and acquired drug resistances. Dysregulated genes and miRNAs have a large impact on cancer progression and development of chemotherapy resistances. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the involvement of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) in RB progression and chemoresistance as well as the impact of miR-138, a potential RARα regulating miRNA. METHODS: RARα and miR-138 expression in etoposide resistant RB cell lines and chemotherapy treated patient tumors compared to non-treated tumors was revealed by Real-Time PCR. Overexpression approaches were performed to analyze the effects of RARα on RB cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation and tumorigenesis. Besides, we addressed the effect of miR-138 overexpression on RB cell chemotherapy resistance. RESULTS: A binding between miR-138 and RARα was shown by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. The study presented revealed that RARα is downregulated in etoposide resistant RB cells, while miR-138 is endogenously upregulated. Opposing RARα and miR-138 expression levels were detectable in chemotherapy pre-treated compared to non-treated RB tumor specimen. Overexpression of RARα increases apoptosis levels and reduces tumor cell growth of aggressive etoposide resistant RB cells in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of miR-138 in chemo-sensitive RB cell lines partly enhances cell viability after etoposide treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that RARα acts as a tumor suppressor in retinoblastoma and is downregulated upon etoposide resistance in RB cells. Thus, RARα may contribute to the development and progression of RB chemo-resistance.

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β-elemene alleviates airway stenosis via the ILK/Akt pathway modulated by MIR143HG sponging miR-1275

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters ◽

10.1186/s11658-021-00261-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Guoying Zhang ◽

Cheng Xue ◽

Yiming Zeng

Keyword(s):

Cell Cycle ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cell Model ◽

Protective Efficacy ◽

Rabbit Model ◽

Akt Pathway ◽

Loss Of Function ◽

Airway Stenosis

Abstract Background We have previously found that β-elemene could inhibit the viability of airway granulation fibroblasts and prevent airway hyperplastic stenosis. This study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and protective efficacy of β-elemene in vitro and in vivo. Methods Microarray and bioinformatic analysis were used to identify altered pathways related to cell viability in a β-elemene-treated primary cell model and to construct a β-elemene-altered ceRNA network modulating the target pathway. Loss of function and gain of function approaches were performed to examine the role of the ceRNA axis in β-elemene's regulation of the target pathway and cell viability. Additionally, in a β-elemene-treated rabbit model of airway stenosis, endoscopic and histological examinations were used to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and further verify its mechanism of action. Results The hyperactive ILK/Akt pathway and dysregulated LncRNA-MIR143HG, which acted as a miR-1275 ceRNA to modulate ILK expression, were suppressed in β-elemene-treated airway granulation fibroblasts; β-elemene suppressed the ILK/Akt pathway via the MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis. Additionally, the cell cycle and apoptotic phenotypes of granulation fibroblasts were altered, consistent with ILK/Akt pathway activity. In vivo application of β-elemene attenuated airway granulation hyperplasia and alleviated scar stricture, and histological detections suggested that β-elemene's effects on the MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis and ILK/Akt pathway were in line with in vitro findings. Conclusions MIR143HG and ILK may act as ceRNA to sponge miR-1275. The MIR143HG/miR-1275/ILK axis mediates β-elemene-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of airway granulation fibroblasts by modulating the ILK/Akt pathway, thereby inhibiting airway granulation proliferation and ultimately alleviating airway stenosis.

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Rapid Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices for Biological Mimicking: A Survey of Materials and Biocompatibility

Micromachines ◽

10.3390/mi12030346 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 346

Author(s):

Hui Ling Ma ◽

Ana Carolina Urbaczek ◽

Fayene Zeferino Ribeiro de Souza ◽

Paulo Augusto Gomes Garrido Carneiro Leão ◽

Janice Rodrigues Perussi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Shear Stress ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Cellular Response ◽

Fluid Shear Stress ◽

Umbilical Vein ◽

Microfluidic Devices ◽

In Vitro Assays ◽

Stress Effect

Microfluidics is an essential technique used in the development of in vitro models for mimicking complex biological systems. The microchip with microfluidic flows offers the precise control of the microenvironment where the cells can grow and structure inside channels to resemble in vivo conditions allowing a proper cellular response investigation. Hence, this study aimed to develop low-cost, simple microchips to simulate the shear stress effect on the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Differentially from other biological microfluidic devices described in the literature, we used readily available tools like heat-lamination, toner printer, laser cutter and biocompatible double-sided adhesive tapes to bind different layers of materials together, forming a designed composite with a microchannel. In addition, we screened alternative substrates, including polyester-toner, polyester-vinyl, glass, Permanox® and polystyrene to compose the microchips for optimizing cell adhesion, then enabling these microdevices when coupled to a syringe pump, the cells can withstand the fluid shear stress range from 1 to 4 dyne cm2. The cell viability was monitored by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining to detect live and dead cells. As a result, our fabrication processes were cost-effective and straightforward. The materials investigated in the assembling of the microchips exhibited good cell viability and biocompatibility, providing a dynamic microenvironment for cell proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that these microchips could be available everywhere, allowing in vitro assays for daily laboratory experiments and further developing the organ-on-a-chip concept.

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In Vivo Tracking of Cell Viability for Adoptive Natural Killer Cell‐based Immunotherapy by Ratiometric NIR‐II Fluorescence Imaging

Angewandte Chemie ◽

10.1002/ange.202106730 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jibin Song ◽

Naishun Liao ◽

Lichao Su ◽

Youshi Zheng ◽

Bixing Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Natural Killer Cell ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Natural Killer ◽

Fluorescence Imaging ◽

Killer Cell

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Effect of Different Titanium Dental Implant Surfaces on Human Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Behavior. An In Vitro Comparative Study

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11146353 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (14) ◽

pp. 6353

Author(s):

Vittoria D’Esposito ◽

Josè Camilla Sammartino ◽

Pietro Formisano ◽

Alessia Parascandolo ◽

Domenico Liguoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Viability ◽

Dental Implant ◽

In Vivo Studies ◽

Implant Surface ◽

Cytokines And Chemokines ◽

Titanium Dental Implant ◽

Adhesive Ability ◽

Stimulating Factor

Background: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of three different titanium (Ti) implant surfaces on the viability and secretory functions of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from a Bichat fat pad (BFP-MSCs). Methods: Four different Ti disks were used as substrate: (I) D1: smooth Ti, as control; (II) D2: chemically etched, resembling the Kontact S surface; (III) D3: sandblasted, resembling the Kontact surface; (IV) D4: blasted/etched, resembling the Kontact N surface. BFP-MSCs were plated on Ti disks for 72 h. Cell viability, adhesion on disks and release of a panel of cytokines, chemokines and growth factor were evaluated. Results: BFP-MSCs plated in wells with Ti surface showed a viability rate (~90%) and proliferative rate comparable to cells plated without disks and to cells plated on D1 disks. D2 and D4 showed the highest adhesive ability. All the Ti surfaces did not interfere with the release of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors by BFP-MSCs. However, BFP-MSCs cultured on D4 surface released a significantly higher amount of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) compared either to cells plated without disks and to cells plated on D1 and D2. Conclusions: The implant surfaces examined do not impair the BFP-MSCs cell viability and preserve their secretion of cytokines and chemokines. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to define the implant surface parameters able to assure the chemokines’ optimal release for a real improvement of dental implant osseointegration.

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Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids Induce Cell Death in Human HepaRG Cells in a Structure-Dependent Manner

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22010202 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 202

Author(s):

Josephin Glück ◽

Julia Waizenegger ◽

Albert Braeuning ◽

Stefanie Hessel-Pras

Keyword(s):

Cell Death ◽

Cell Viability ◽

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ◽

Defense Mechanism ◽

Hepatoma Cell ◽

Hepatoma Cell Line ◽

Dependent Manner ◽

Human Hepatoma Cell

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of secondary metabolites produced in various plant species as a defense mechanism against herbivores. PAs consist of a necine base, which is esterified with one or two necine acids. Humans are exposed to PAs by consumption of contaminated food. PA intoxication in humans causes acute and chronic hepatotoxicity. It is considered that enzymatic PA toxification in hepatocytes is structure-dependent. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the induction of PA-induced cell death associated with apoptosis activation. Therefore, 22 structurally different PAs were analyzed concerning the disturbance of cell viability in the metabolically competent human hepatoma cell line HepaRG. The chosen PAs represent the main necine base structures and the different esterification types. Open-chained and cyclic heliotridine- and retronecine-type diesters induced strong cytotoxic effects, while treatment of HepaRG with monoesters did not affect cell viability. For more detailed investigation of apoptosis induction, comprising caspase activation and gene expression analysis, 14 PA representatives were selected. The proapoptotic effects were in line with the potency observed in cell viability studies. In vitro data point towards a strong structure–activity relationship whose effectiveness needs to be investigated in vivo and can then be the basis for a structure-associated risk assessment.

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Long Non-coding RNA FEZF1-AS1 Promotes Growth and Reduces Apoptosis Through Regulation of miR-363-3p/PAX6 Axis in Retinoblastoma

Biochemical Genetics ◽

10.1007/s10528-020-10026-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiuming Liu ◽

Xiaofeng Li ◽

Jianchang Li

Keyword(s):

Cell Viability ◽

Antisense Rna ◽

Tumor Formation ◽

Retinoblastoma Cell ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

High Incidence ◽

Non Coding Rnas ◽

Long Non Coding Rna ◽

Common Malignancy

AbstractRetinoblastoma is the most common malignancy in children's eyes with high incidence. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the progression of retinoblastoma. LncRNA FEZF1 antisense RNA 1 (FEZF1-AS1) has been found to stimulate retinoblastoma. However, the mechanism of FEZF1-AS1 underlying progression of retinoblastoma is still unclear. In current study, FEZF1-AS1 was up-regulated in retinoblastoma tissues and cells. FEZF1-AS1 overexpression enhanced retinoblastoma cell viability, promoted cell cycle, and inhibited apoptosis. Conversely, FEZF1-AS1 knockdown reduced cell viability, cycle, and elevated apoptosis. The interaction between FEZF1-AS1 and microRNA-363-3p (miR-363-3p) was confirmed. FEZF1-AS1 down-regulated miR-363-3p and up-regulated PAX6. PAX6 was a target gene of miR-363-3p. EZF1-AS1 promoted retinoblastoma cell viability and suppressed apoptosis via PAX6. Further, we demonstrated that FEZF1-AS1 contribute to tumor formation in vivo. In conclusion, FEZF1-AS1 elevated growth and inhibited apoptosis by regulating miR-363-3p/PAX6 in retinoblastoma, which provide a new target for retinoblastoma treatment.

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