scholarly journals Antimetastatic therapy targeting aberrant sialylation profiles in cancer cells

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Da Yong Lu ◽  
Ting Ren Lu ◽  
Hong-Ying Wu

Neoplasm metastases involve a fixed cascade of pathological processes, and are responsible for more than 60% cancer deaths worldwide and can only be controlled or inhibited by drugs now. Antimetastatic drugs targeting aberrantly sialylated in tumors have involved about a quarter of a century and might be a future therapeutic option apart from currently utilized antimetastatic drugs, such as antivascular and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors. Since neoplasm tissues often manifest high levels of sialic acids and sialyl antigens or glycoligands, and some types of sialic acid analogue, such as N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Nau5Gc) occurred in most tumor tissues, is absent in common humans, more attentions are needed to work with new therapeutic approaches to target these changes. Previously preliminary data have shown some compounds that inhibit some pathways of sialic acids can inhibit the tumor metastasis in vitro and tumor metastasis in experimental animal models. This type of pharmacological work can be helped by glycome investigations in order to deep understanding their mechanisms. As the central dogma of glycobiology is still unknown, some fundamental questions related to carbohydrate itself are even more welcoming and decisive to our understanding to nature of cancer. These types of work also need mathematical analysis of data. In this review, we will document and discuss the latest experimental therapeutic data and their clinical significance between cancer pathological profiles and therapeutics benefits.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maolin Wang ◽  
Xing-sheng Shu ◽  
Meiqi Li ◽  
Yilin Zhang ◽  
Youli Yao ◽  
...  

BackgroundModifying the structure of anti-tumor chemotherapy drug is of significance to enhance the specificity and efficacy of drug-delivery. A novel proteolysis resistant PD-L1-targeted peptide (PPA1) has been reported to bind to PD-L1 and disrupt the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, thus appearing as an outstanding tumor-targeting modification of synergistic drug conjugate for effective anti-tumor treatment. However, the combination regimen of coupling PD-L1 polypeptide with chemotherapeutic drug in tumoricidal treatment has not been reported thus far.MethodsWe developed a novel synergistic strategy by conjugating PPA1 to doxorubicin (DOX) with a pH sensitive linker that can trigger the release of DOX near acidic tumor tissues. The binding affinity of PPA1-DOX with PD-L1 and the acid-sensitive cleavage of PPA1-DOX were investigated. A mouse xenograft model of colon cancer was used to evaluate the biodistribution, cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity of PPA1-DOX.ResultsPPA1-DOX construct showed high binding affinity with PD-L1 in vitro and specifically enriched within tumor when administered in vivo. PPA1-DOX exhibited a significantly lower toxicity and a remarkably higher antitumor activity in vivo, as compared with free PPA1, random polypeptide-DOX conjugate, DOX, or 5-FU, respectively. Moreover, increased infiltration of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was found in tumors from PPA1-DOX treated mice.ConclusionsWe describe here for the first time that the dual-functional conjugate PPA1-DOX, which consist of the PD-L1-targeted polypeptide that renders both the tumor-specific drug delivery and inhibitory PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibition, and a cytotoxic agent that is released and kills tumor cells once reaching tumor tissues, thus representing a promising therapeutic option for colon cancer with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.



2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (22) ◽  
pp. 2610-2619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarique Hussain ◽  
Ghulam Murtaza ◽  
Huansheng Yang ◽  
Muhammad S. Kalhoro ◽  
Dildar H. Kalhoro

Background: Inflammation is a complex response of the host defense system to different internal and external stimuli. It is believed that persistent inflammation may lead to chronic inflammatory diseases such as, inflammatory bowel disease, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress is the main factor responsible for the augmentation of inflammation via various molecular pathways. Therefore, alleviating oxidative stress is effective a therapeutic option against chronic inflammatory diseases. Methods: This review article extends the knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of flavonoids targeting inflammatory pathways in chronic diseases, which would be the best approach for the development of suitable therapeutic agents against chronic diseases. Results: Since the inflammatory response is initiated by numerous signaling molecules like NF-κB, MAPK, and Arachidonic acid pathways, their encountering function can be evaluated with the activation of Nrf2 pathway, a promising approach to inhibit/prevent chronic inflammatory diseases by flavonoids. Over the last few decades, flavonoids drew much attention as a potent alternative therapeutic agent. Recent clinical evidence has shown significant impacts of flavonoids on chronic diseases in different in-vivo and in-vitro models. Conclusion: Flavonoid compounds can interact with chronic inflammatory diseases at the cellular level and modulate the response of protein pathways. A promising approach is needed to overlook suitable alternative compounds providing more therapeutic efficacy and exerting fewer side effects than commercially available antiinflammatory drugs.



Author(s):  
Ekta Shirbhate ◽  
Preeti Patel ◽  
Vijay K Patel ◽  
Ravichandran Veerasamy ◽  
Prabodh C Sharma ◽  
...  

: The novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), a global pandemic that emerged from Wuhan, China has today travelled all around the world, so far 216 countries or territories with 21,732,472 people infected and 770,866 deaths globally (as per WHO COVID-19 update dated August 18, 2020). Continuous efforts are being made to repurpose the existing drugs and develop vaccines for combating this infection. Despite, to date, no certified antiviral treatment or vaccine prevails. Although, few candidates have displayed their efficacy in in vitro studies and are being repurposed for COVID-19 treatment. This article summarizes synthetic and semi-synthetic compounds displaying potent activity in their clinical experiences or studies against COVID-19 and also focuses on mode of action of drugs being repositioned against COVID-19.



2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 259-266 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuan Chen ◽  
Sumei Zhang ◽  
Peipei Shi ◽  
Yangli Su ◽  
Dong Zhang ◽  
...  

Objective: Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a pathological feature of ischemic stroke. This study investigated the regulatory role of miR-485-5p in I/R injury. Methods: SH-SY5Y cells were induced with oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to mimic I/R injury in vitro. Cells were transfected with designated constructs (miR-485- 5p mimics, miR-485-5p inhibitor, lentiviral vectors overexpressing Rac1 or their corresponding controls). Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay. The concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species were detected to indicate the degree of oxidative stress. Flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity assay were used for apoptosis assessment. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that Rac family small GTPase 1 (Rac1) was a downstream gene of miR-485-5p. Results: OGD/R resulted in decreased cell viability, elevated oxidative stress, increased apoptosis, and downregulated miR-485-5p expression in SH-SY5Y cells. MiR-485-5p upregulation alleviated I/R injury, evidenced by improved cell viability, decreased oxidative markers, and reduced apoptotic rate. OGD/R increased the levels of Rac1 and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 2 (Notch2) signaling-related proteins in cells with normal miR-485-5p expression, whereas miR- 485-5p overexpression successfully suppressed OGD/R-induced upregulation of these proteins. Furthermore, the delivery of vectors overexpressing Rac1 in miR-485-5p mimics-transfected cells reversed the protective effect of miR-485-5p in cells with OGD/R-induced injury. Conclusion: This study showed that miR-485-5p protected cells following I/R injury via targeting Rac1/Notch2 signaling suggest that targeted upregulation of miR-485-5p might be a promising therapeutic option for the protection against I/R injury.



2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryo Yokomizo ◽  
Yukiko Fujiki ◽  
Harue Kishigami ◽  
Hiroshi Kishi ◽  
Tohru Kiyono ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Thin endometrium adversely affects reproductive success rates with fertility treatment. Autologous transplantation of exogenously prepared endometrium can be a promising therapeutic option for thin endometrium; however, endometrial epithelial cells have limited expansion potential, which needs to be overcome in order to make regenerative medicine a therapeutic strategy for refractory thin endometrium. Here, we aimed to perform long-term culture of endometrial epithelial cells in vitro. Methods We prepared primary human endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells and investigated whether endometrial stromal cells and human embryonic stem cell-derived feeder cells could support proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. We also investigated whether three-dimensional culture can be achieved using thawed endometrial epithelial cells and endometrial stromal cells. Results Co-cultivation with the feeder cells dramatically increased the proliferation rate of the endometrial epithelial cells. We serially passaged the endometrial epithelial cells on mouse embryonic fibroblasts up to passage 6 for 4 months. Among the human-derived feeder cells, endometrial stromal cells exhibited the best feeder activity for proliferation of the endometrial epithelial cells. We continued to propagate the endometrial epithelial cells on endometrial stromal cells up to passage 5 for 81 days. Furthermore, endometrial epithelium and stroma, after the freeze-thaw procedure and sequential culture, were able to establish an endometrial three-dimensional model. Conclusions We herein established a model of in vitro cultured endometrium as a potential therapeutic option for refractory thin endometrium. The three-dimensional culture model with endometrial epithelial and stromal cell orchestration via cytokines, membrane-bound molecules, extracellular matrices, and gap junction will provide a new framework for exploring the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of implantation. Additionally, modified embryo culture, so-called “in vitro implantation”, will be possible therapeutic approaches in fertility treatment.



Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3532
Author(s):  
Ibrahim M. El-Deeb ◽  
Valeria Pittala ◽  
Diab Eltayeb ◽  
Khaled Greish

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a heterogeneous subtype of tumors that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. The mainstay of treatment remains chemotherapy, but the therapeutic outcome remains inadequate. This paper investigates the potential of a duocarmycin derivative, tafuramycin A (TFA), as a new and more effective chemotherapy agent in TNBC treatment. To this extent, we optimized the chemical synthesis of TFA, and we encapsulated TFA in a micellar system to reduce side effects and increase tumor accumulation. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that both TFA and SMA–TFA possess high anticancer effects in TNBC models. Finally, the encapsulation of TFA offered a preferential avenue to tumor accumulation by increasing its concentration at the tumor tissues by around four times in comparison with the free drug. Overall, the results provide a new potential strategy useful for TNBC treatment.



2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 1875
Author(s):  
Celine Leon ◽  
Marion Bouchecareilh

The maintenance of proteome homeostasis, or proteostasis, is crucial for preserving cellular functions and for cellular adaptation to environmental challenges and changes in physiological conditions. The capacity of cells to maintain proteostasis requires precise control and coordination of protein synthesis, folding, conformational maintenance, and clearance. Thus, protein degradation by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) or the autophagy–lysosomal system plays an essential role in cellular functions. However, failure of the UPS or the autophagic process can lead to the development of various diseases (aging-associated diseases, cancer), thus both these pathways have become attractive targets in the treatment of protein conformational diseases, such as alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). The Z alpha 1-antitrypsin (Z-AAT) misfolded variant of the serine protease alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is caused by a structural change that predisposes it to protein aggregation and dramatic accumulation in the form of inclusion bodies within liver hepatocytes. This can lead to clinically significant liver disease requiring liver transplantation in childhood or adulthood. Treatment of mice with autophagy enhancers was found to reduce hepatic Z-AAT aggregate levels and protect them from AATD hepatotoxicity. To date, liver transplantation is the only curative therapeutic option for patients with AATD-mediated liver disease. Therefore, the development and discovery of new therapeutic approaches to delay or overcome disease progression is a top priority. Herein, we review AATD-mediated liver disease and the overall process of autophagy. We highlight the role of this system in the regulation of Z-variant degradation and its implication in AATD-medicated liver disease, including some open questions that remain challenges in the field and require further elucidation. Finally, we discuss how manipulation of autophagy could provide multiple routes of therapeutic benefit in AATD-mediated liver disease.



2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haoting Sun ◽  
Chaoqun Wang ◽  
Beiyuan Hu ◽  
Xiaomei Gao ◽  
Tiantian Zou ◽  
...  

AbstractIntercellular cross-talk plays important roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Yet how these cancer cells interact with each other is still largely unknown. Exosomes released by tumor cells have been proved to be effective cell-to-cell signal mediators. We explored the functional roles of exosomes in metastasis and the potential prognostic values for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Exosomes were extracted from HCC cells of different metastatic potentials. The metastatic effects of exosomes derived from highly metastatic HCC cells (HMH) were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Exosomal proteins were identified with iTRAQ mass spectrum and verified in cell lines, xenograft tumor samples, and functional analyses. Exosomes released by HMH significantly enhanced the in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of low metastatic HCC cells (LMH). S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4) was identified as a functional factor in exosomes derived from HMH. S100A4rich exosomes significantly promoted tumor metastasis both in vitro and in vivo compared with S100A4low exosomes or controls. Moreover, exosomal S100A4 could induce expression of osteopontin (OPN), along with other tumor metastasis/stemness-related genes. Exosomal S100A4 activated OPN transcription via STAT3 phosphorylation. HCC patients with high exosomal S100A4 in plasma also had a poorer prognosis. In conclusion, exosomes from HMH could promote the metastatic potential of LMH, and exosomal S100A4 is a key enhancer for HCC metastasis, activating STAT3 phosphorylation and up-regulating OPN expression. This suggested exosomal S100A4 to be a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target for HCC metastasis.



2010 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 244-253 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Reid MacPherson ◽  
Patricia Molina ◽  
Serhiy Souchelnytskyi ◽  
Christer Wernstedt ◽  
Jorge Martin-Pérez ◽  
...  

Snail1 is a major factor for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an important event in tumor metastasis and in other pathologies. Snail1 is tightly regulated at transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Control of Snail1 protein stability and nuclear export by GSK3β phosphorylation is important for Snail1 functionality. Stabilization mechanisms independent of GSK3β have also been reported, including interaction with LOXL2 or regulation of the COP9 signalosome by inflammatory signals. To get further insights into the role of Snail1 phosphorylation, we have performed an in-depth analysis of in vivo human Snail1 phosphorylation combined with mutational studies. We identify new phosphorylation sites at serines 11, 82, and 92 and confirmed previously suggested phosphorylations at serine 104 and 107. Serines 11 and 92 participate in the control of Snail1 stability and positively regulate Snail1 repressive function and its interaction with mSin3A corepressor. Furthermore, serines 11 and 92 are required for Snail1-mediated EMT and cell viability, respectively. PKA and CK2 have been characterized as the main kinases responsible for in vitro Snail1 phosphorylation at serine 11 and 92, respectively. These results highlight serines 11 and 92 as new players in Snail1 regulation and suggest the participation of CK2 and PKA in the modulation of Snail1 functionality.



2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roghieh Bayrami ◽  
Roksana Janghorban ◽  
Fatemeh Effati-Daryani ◽  
Masoumeh Hajshafiha

Abstract Objective Infertile couples perceive some needs and expectations during treatment. Most studies have focused on infertile women’s needs. The study was done to explore the expectations of men who undergoing in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Participants were men whose wives undergo IVF treatment in the IVF clinic of Shahid Motahhri hospital in Urmia. Purposive sampling was performed and data collection was done through in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation. Results “Supportive care” was emerged as the main theme consisted of two categories. The first category was “to be treated with attention in healthcare setting” which included three subcategories: Receiving couple based care, establishing counseling centers, and continuous care. The second category was “to be welcomed in the society” which included two subcategories: Financial support from community and close family, and changing community views about IVF treatment. Expectations of men undergoing IVF focuses on supportive care. They seek to receive the kind of care from health care setting and society. A deep understanding of the needs could help practitioners to consider men’s expectations, and assist policy makers and researchers to design and implement interventions and programs in infertility clinics which enhance the partnership of infertile men and fulfill their expectations.



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