scholarly journals Dual bioluminescence and near-infrared fluorescence monitoring to evaluate spherical nucleic acid nanoconjugate activity in vivo

2017 ◽  
Vol 114 (16) ◽  
pp. 4129-4134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy L. Sita ◽  
Fotini M. Kouri ◽  
Lisa A. Hurley ◽  
Timothy J. Merkel ◽  
Alexandra Chalastanis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Methylguanine Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Treatment Regimens ◽  
Optical Reporters ◽  
Spherical Nucleic Acids

RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene regulation platforms have shown promise as a novel class of therapeutics for the precision treatment of cancer. Techniques in preclinical evaluation of RNAi-based nanoconjugates have yet to allow for optimization of their gene regulatory activity. We have developed spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) as a blood–brain barrier-/blood–tumor barrier-penetrating nanoconjugate to deliver small interfering (si) and micro (mi)RNAs to intracranial glioblastoma (GBM) tumor sites. To identify high-activity SNA conjugates and to determine optimal SNA treatment regimens, we developed a reporter xenograft model to evaluate SNA efficacy in vivo. Engrafted tumors stably coexpress optical reporters for luciferase and a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent protein (iRFP670), with the latter fused to the DNA repair protein O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT). Using noninvasive imaging of animal subjects bearing reporter-modified intracranial xenografts, we quantitatively assessed MGMT knockdown by SNAs composed of MGMT-targeting siRNA duplexes (siMGMT-SNAs). We show that systemic administration of siMGMT-SNAs via single tail vein injection is capable of robust intratumoral MGMT protein knockdown in vivo, with persistent and SNA dose-dependent MGMT silencing confirmed by Western blotting of tumor tissue ex vivo. Analyses of SNA biodistribution and pharmacokinetics revealed rapid intratumoral uptake and significant intratumoral retention that increased the antitumor activity of coadministered temozolomide (TMZ). Our study demonstrates that dual noninvasive bioluminescence and NIR fluorescence imaging of cancer xenograft models represents a powerful in vivo strategy to identify RNAi-based nanotherapeutics with potent gene silencing activity and will inform additional preclinical and clinical investigations of these constructs.

scholarly journals Vemurafenib Sensitizes Melanoma Cells to Temozolomide by Downregulating MGMT Expression.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingjie Ren ◽  
Qiang Li ◽  
Jing Zhao ◽  
Xia Guo ◽  
Yingxi Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Protein Expression ◽  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Kinase Inhibitor ◽  
Mrna Level ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Mgmt Gene ◽  
Methylguanine Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Erk Activity

Abstract BackgroundThe alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is widely used to treat melanoma in clinical practice. However, cells expressing the DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) are highly resistant to this drug. Vemurafenib (vMF), a targeted BRAF kinase inhibitor, is applied to treat BRAF-V600 mutant metastatic melanoma. Studies have suggested that blocking this pathway prevents MGMT from affecting TMZ sensitization. However, reports of the use of the combination of vMF and TMZ in the treatment of melanoma are lacking.MethodsCell viability was detected by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, and the mRNA level of the MGMT gene was measured by RT-qPCR. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining were utilized to determine the expression of the protein. The pcDNA3.1-MGMT vector was transiently transfected to generate MGMT-overexpressing cells for experiments. A nude mouse malignant melanoma xenograft model was established for in vivo drug experiments.ResultsvMF increased TMZ-induced cytotoxicity by increasing DNA damage. vMF inhibited the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and the mRNA and protein expression of the MGMT gene. vMF did not inhibit MGMT protein expression in A375-MGMT OE cells, and the vMF-induced sensitization effect was attenuated. Moreover, TMZ exposure activated ERK activity in malignant melanoma. The expression of MGMT and p-ERK1/2 was positively correlated in melanoma tissues.ConclusionvMF sensitized melanoma to TMZ by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK-MGMT pathway, and the combination of vMF and TMZ is expected to improve the clinical treatment effect on malignant melanoma.

Fluorescent proteins for in vivo imaging, where's the biliverdin?

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 2657-2667
Author(s):  
Felipe Montecinos-Franjola ◽  
John Y. Lin ◽  
Erik A. Rodriguez
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
In Vivo Imaging ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Fluorescent Proteins ◽  
Fluorescent Imaging ◽  
Infrared Light ◽  
Red Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Color Palette

Noninvasive fluorescent imaging requires far-red and near-infrared fluorescent proteins for deeper imaging. Near-infrared light penetrates biological tissue with blood vessels due to low absorbance, scattering, and reflection of light and has a greater signal-to-noise due to less autofluorescence. Far-red and near-infrared fluorescent proteins absorb light >600 nm to expand the color palette for imaging multiple biosensors and noninvasive in vivo imaging. The ideal fluorescent proteins are bright, photobleach minimally, express well in the desired cells, do not oligomerize, and generate or incorporate exogenous fluorophores efficiently. Coral-derived red fluorescent proteins require oxygen for fluorophore formation and release two hydrogen peroxide molecules. New fluorescent proteins based on phytochrome and phycobiliproteins use biliverdin IXα as fluorophores, do not require oxygen for maturation to image anaerobic organisms and tumor core, and do not generate hydrogen peroxide. The small Ultra-Red Fluorescent Protein (smURFP) was evolved from a cyanobacterial phycobiliprotein to covalently attach biliverdin as an exogenous fluorophore. The small Ultra-Red Fluorescent Protein is biophysically as bright as the enhanced green fluorescent protein, is exceptionally photostable, used for biosensor development, and visible in living mice. Novel applications of smURFP include in vitro protein diagnostics with attomolar (10−18 M) sensitivity, encapsulation in viral particles, and fluorescent protein nanoparticles. However, the availability of biliverdin limits the fluorescence of biliverdin-attaching fluorescent proteins; hence, extra biliverdin is needed to enhance brightness. New methods for improved biliverdin bioavailability are necessary to develop improved bright far-red and near-infrared fluorescent proteins for noninvasive imaging in vivo.

scholarly journals Applications of Vibrational Spectroscopy for Analysis of Connective Tissues

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 922
Author(s):  
William Querido ◽  
Shital Kandel ◽  
Nancy Pleshko
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Vibrational Spectroscopy ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Biological Tissues ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Connective Tissues ◽  
Bone Properties ◽  
Composition And Structure

Advances in vibrational spectroscopy have propelled new insights into the molecular composition and structure of biological tissues. In this review, we discuss common modalities and techniques of vibrational spectroscopy, and present key examples to illustrate how they have been applied to enrich the assessment of connective tissues. In particular, we focus on applications of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), near infrared (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy to assess cartilage and bone properties. We present strengths and limitations of each approach and discuss how the combination of spectrometers with microscopes (hyperspectral imaging) and fiber optic probes have greatly advanced their biomedical applications. We show how these modalities may be used to evaluate virtually any type of sample (ex vivo, in situ or in vivo) and how “spectral fingerprints” can be interpreted to quantify outcomes related to tissue composition and quality. We highlight the unparalleled advantage of vibrational spectroscopy as a label-free and often nondestructive approach to assess properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) associated with normal, developing, aging, pathological and treated tissues. We believe this review will assist readers not only in better understanding applications of FTIR, NIR and Raman spectroscopy, but also in implementing these approaches for their own research projects.

4-Acetylantrocamol LT3 Inhibits Glioblastoma Cell Growth and Downregulates DNA Repair Enzyme O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Shih-Yu Lee ◽  
I-Chuan Yen ◽  
Jang-Chun Lin ◽  
Min-Chieh Chung ◽  
Wei-Hsiu Liu
Keyword(s):  
Dna Repair ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Colony Formation ◽  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Repair Enzyme ◽  
U251 Cell ◽  
Methylguanine Dna Methyltransferase

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a deadly malignant brain tumor that is resistant to most clinical treatments. Novel therapeutic agents that are effective against GBM are required. Antrodia cinnamomea has shown antiproliferative effects in GBM cells. However, the exact mechanisms and bioactive components remain unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of 4-acetylantrocamol LT3 (4AALT3), a new ubiquinone from Antrodia cinnamomeamycelium, in vitro. U87 and U251 cell lines were treated with the indicated concentration of 4AALT3. Cell viability, cell colony-forming ability, migration, and the expression of proteins in well-known signaling pathways involved in the malignant properties of glioblastoma were then analyzed by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and western blotting assays, respectively. We found that 4AALT3 significantly decreased cell viability, colony formation, and cell migration in both in vitro models. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Hippo/yes-associated protein (YAP), and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathways were suppressed by 4AALT3. Moreover, 4AALT3 decreased the level of DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase and showed a synergistic effect with temozolomide. Our findings provide the basis for exploring the beneficial effect of 4AALT3 on GBM in vivo.

scholarly journals Preclinical Evaluation of Discorhabdins in Antiangiogenic and Antitumor Models

Marine Drugs ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. 241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Harris ◽  
Jonathan Strope ◽  
Shaunna Beedie ◽  
Phoebe Huang ◽  
Andrew Goey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Aortic Ring ◽  
Therapeutic Benefit ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Endothelial Cell Proliferation ◽  
System A ◽  
Oncogenic Transcription Factor

Elements of the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) transcriptional system, a key regulator of the cellular hypoxic response, are up-regulated in a range of cancer cells. HIF is fundamentally involved in tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and energy metabolism. Inhibition of the transcriptional activity of HIF may be of therapeutic benefit to cancer patients. We recently described the identification of two marine pyrroloiminoquinone alkaloids with potent activity in inhibiting the interaction between the oncogenic transcription factor HIF-1α and the coactivator protein p300. Herein, we present further characterization data for these two screening hits: discorhabdin H (1) and discorhabdin L (2), with a specific focus on their anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor effects. We demonstrated that only discorhabdin L (2) possesses excellent anti-angiogenic activity in inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation and tube formation, as well as decreasing microvessel outgrowth in the ex vivo rat aortic ring assay. We further showed that discorhabdin L (2) significantly inhibits in vivo prostate tumor growth in a LNCaP xenograft model. In conclusion, our findings suggest that discorhabdin L (2) represents a promising HIF-1α inhibitor worthy of further drug development.

scholarly journals hPSC-Derived Enteric Ganglioids Model Human ENS Development and Function

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Homa Majd ◽  
Ryan M Samuel ◽  
Jonathan T Ramirez ◽  
Ali Kalantari ◽  
Kevin Barber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Developmental Relationships ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Effective Strategies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Functional Features ◽  
And Function

The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a central role in gut physiology and mediating the crosstalk between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and other organs. The human ENS has remained elusive, highlighting the need for an in vitro modeling and mapping blueprint. Here we map out the developmental and functional features of the human ENS, by establishing robust and scalable 2D ENS cultures and 3D enteric ganglioids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). These models recapitulate the remarkable neuronal and glial diversity found in primary tissue and enable comprehensive molecular analyses that uncover functional and developmental relationships within these lineages. As a salient example of the power of this system, we performed in-depth characterization of enteric nitrergic neurons (NO neurons) which are implicated in a wide range of GI motility disorders. We conducted an unbiased screen and identified drug candidates that modulate the activity of NO neurons and demonstrated their potential in promoting motility in mouse colonic tissue ex vivo. We established a high-throughput strategy to define the developmental programs involved in NO neuron specification and discovered that PDGFR inhibition boosts the induction of NO neurons in enteric ganglioids. Transplantation of these ganglioids in the colon of NO neuron-deficient mice results in extensive tissue engraftment, providing a xenograft model for the study of human ENS in vivo and the development of cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative GI disorders. These studies provide a framework for deciphering fundamental features of the human ENS and designing effective strategies to treat enteric neuropathies.  

scholarly journals MGMT genomic rearrangements contribute to chemotherapy resistance in gliomas

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Oldrini ◽  
Nuria Vaquero-Siguero ◽  
Quanhua Mu ◽  
Paula Kroon ◽  
Ying Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methyltransferase ◽  
Chemotherapy Resistance ◽  
Glioma Cells ◽  
Promoter Hypermethylation ◽  
Dna Adduct ◽  
Genomic Rearrangements ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Methylguanine Dna Methyltransferase

AbstractTemozolomide (TMZ) is an oral alkylating agent used for the treatment of glioblastoma and is now becoming a chemotherapeutic option in patients diagnosed with high-risk low-grade gliomas. The O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is responsible for the direct repair of the main TMZ-induced toxic DNA adduct, the O6-Methylguanine lesion. MGMT promoter hypermethylation is currently the only known biomarker for TMZ response in glioblastoma patients. Here we show that a subset of recurrent gliomas carries MGMT genomic rearrangements that lead to MGMT overexpression, independently from changes in its promoter methylation. By leveraging the CRISPR/Cas9 technology we generated some of these MGMT rearrangements in glioma cells and demonstrated that the MGMT genomic rearrangements contribute to TMZ resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Lastly, we showed that such fusions can be detected in tumor-derived exosomes and could potentially represent an early detection marker of tumor recurrence in a subset of patients treated with TMZ.

scholarly journals Efficient Photoacoustic Imaging With Biomimetic Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanoparticles

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuangjia Huang ◽  
Xiaoling Guan ◽  
Hui Lin ◽  
Lu Liang ◽  
Yingling Miao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mesoporous Silica ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Photoacoustic Imaging ◽  
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles ◽  
Good Biocompatibility ◽  
Targeting Ability ◽  
Body Clearance

Indocyanine green (ICG), a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been extensively used as a photoacoustic (PA) probe for PA imaging. However, its practical application is limited by poor photostability in water, rapid body clearance, and non-specificity. Herein, we fabricated a novel biomimetic nanoprobe by coating ICG-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles with the cancer cell membrane (namely, CMI) for PA imaging. This probe exhibited good dispersion, large loading efficiency, good biocompatibility, and homologous targeting ability to Hela cells in vitro. Furthermore, the in vivo and ex vivo PA imaging on Hela tumor-bearing nude mice demonstrated that CMI could accumulate in tumor tissue and display a superior PA imaging efficacy compared with free ICG. All these results demonstrated that CMI might be a promising contrast agent for PA imaging of cervical carcinoma.

scholarly journals A novel BCMA/CD3 bispecific T-cell engager for the treatment of multiple myeloma induces selective lysis in vitro and in vivo

Leukemia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1743-1751 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Hipp ◽  
Y-T Tai ◽  
D Blanset ◽  
P Deegen ◽  
J Wahl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Bone Marrow ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Selective Lysis ◽  
Bispecific T Cell Engager

Abstract B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is a highly plasma cell-selective protein that is expressed on malignant plasma cells of multiple myeloma (MM) patients and therefore is an ideal target for T-cell redirecting therapies. We developed a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) targeting BCMA and CD3ɛ (BI 836909) and studied its therapeutic impacts on MM. BI 836909 induced selective lysis of BCMA-positive MM cells, activation of T cells, release of cytokines and T-cell proliferation; whereas BCMA-negative cells were not affected. Activity of BI 836909 was not influenced by the presence of bone marrow stromal cells, soluble BCMA or a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). In ex vivo assays, BI 836909 induced potent autologous MM cell lysis in both, newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory patient samples. In mouse xenograft studies, BI 836909 induced tumor cell depletion in a subcutaneous NCI-H929 xenograft model and prolonged survival in an orthotopic L-363 xenograft model. In a cynomolgus monkey study, administration of BI 836909 led to depletion of BCMA-positive plasma cells in the bone marrow. Taken together, these results show that BI 836909 is a highly potent and efficacious approach to selectively deplete BCMA-positive MM cells and represents a novel immunotherapeutic for the treatment of MM.

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