Dynamic regulation of drug biodistribution by turning tumors into decoys for biomimetic nanoplatform to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy of breast cancer with bone metastasis

A Nano-Strategy for Advanced Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Therapy by Regulating Intratumoral Microbiota

Intratumoral microbiota have been identified as a component of the tumor microenvironment that regulates the metastatic behavior of tumors. They serve not only as indicators of tumor pathology but also as potential drug targets in cancer therapy. Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (DD@FEL) is prepared by combining antibiotic doxycycline (DOXY) that can combat intratumoral microbiota and the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) in ergosterol-originated liposome. Specially, ergosterol is utilized as a substitute for cholesterol in liposomes to exert pharmacological activity. Mechanistically, DD@FEL leveraged DOXY to inhibit cancer metastasis based on the regulation of intratumoral microbiota, which synergizes with the chemotherapeutic effect of DOX, eventually inhibiting the progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Verified both in vitro and in vivo, DD@FEL effectively exerts a cytotoxic effect on TNBC cells, delays the growth of primary TNBC, and attenuates the development of its lung metastasis, providing a promising therapeutic strategy to control both orthotopic and metastatic TNBC.

TMTP1-modified nanocarrier boosts cervical cancer immunotherapy by eliciting pyroptosis

Rationale: Pyroptosis, an emerging form of programmed cell death, facilitates the release of tumor antigens and inflammatory factors, which can be leveraged to enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. However, achieving high-efficiency induction of pyroptosis in cancer cells while minimizing toxicity remains a significant challenge. Methods: In this study, we designed a tumor-targeting peptide TMTP1-modified nanostructured lipid carrier (referred to as TP-NLC) with high loading capacities for gambogic acid (GA) and indocyanine green (ICG). The TMTP1, identified by our research team for its tumor-targeting capabilities, was conjugated to the nanocarrier surface using "click chemistry" to improve the drug delivery efficiency to tumor tissues. The TP-NLC nanocarrier was thoroughly characterized with respect to its morphological attributes, photostability, tumor-targeting capabilities, ability to induce pyroptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive behavior, and anti-tumor efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Results: GA encapsulated within the TP-NLC nanocarrier, induced pyroptosis in tumor cells, and enhanced the efficacy of ICG-induced pyroptosis under laser irradiation by disrupting intracellular antioxidant systems, realizing that the combination of GA and ICG synergistically induced caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in a ROS-dependent manner. Tumor cells of pyroptosis released cellular contents and tumor antigens, which subsequently promoted the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), enhanced intratumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells, initiated systemic antitumor immune response, and augmented the efficiency of PD-1 blockade against both primary and metastatic tumors. Conclusion: The combination of GA and ICG therapy utilizing the constructed nanocarriers presents an attractive therapeutic strategy to trigger pyroptosis and potentiate PD-1 blockade therapy for cervical cancer chemo-immunotherapy.

Overcoming Biological Barriers in Cancer Therapy: Cell Membrane-Based Nanocarrier Strategies for Precision Delivery

Given the unique capabilities of natural cell membranes, such as prolonged blood circulation and homotypic targeting, extensive research has been devoted to developing cell membrane-inspired nanocarriers for cancer therapy, while most focused on overcoming one or a few biological barriers. In fact, the journey of nanosystems from systemic circulation to tumor cells involves intricate processes, encompassing blood circulation, tissue accumulation, cancer cell targeting, endocytosis, endosomal escape, intracellular trafficking to target sites, and therapeutic action, all of which pose limitations to their clinical translation. This underscores the necessity of meticulously considering these biological barriers in the design of cell membrane-mimetic nanocarriers. In this review, we delineate the functions and applications of diverse types of cell membranes in nanocarrier systems. We elaborate on the biological hurdles encountered at each stage of the biomimetic nanoparticle's odyssey to the target, and comprehensively discuss the obstacles imposed by the tumor microenvironment for precise delivery. Subsequently, we systematically review contemporary cell membrane-based strategies aimed at overcoming these multi-level biological barriers, encompassing hybrid cell membrane (HCM) camouflage, tumor microenvironment remodeling, endosomal/lysosomal escape, multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal, optimization of nanoparticle physicochemical properties, and so on. Finally, we outline potential strategies to accelerate the development of cell membrane-inspired precision nanocarriers and discuss the challenges that must be addressed to enhance their clinical applicability. This review serves as a guide for refining the study of cell membrane-mimetic nanosystems in surmounting in vivo delivery barriers, thereby significantly contributing to advancing the development and application of cell membrane-based nanoparticles in cancer delivery.

Potential of epithelial membrane protein 3 as a novel therapeutic target for human breast cancer

Amplification of human epidermal growth factor 2 receptor (HER2) and overexpression of estrogen receptor (ER) and/or progesterone receptor (PR) are key determinants in the treatment planning for human breast cancer (BC). Currently, targeted therapies for BC are focused mainly on these biomarkers. However, development of resistance to targeted drugs is almost unavoidable, emphasizing the importance of biochemical and pharmaceutical advances to improve treatment outcomes. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to show functional crosstalk in vitro between HER2 and epithelial membrane protein 3 (EMP3), a tetraspan membrane protein, in human BC. EMP3 overexpression significantly promoted BC cell proliferation, invasion and migration by Transwell assays via epithelial-mesenchymal transition and transactivated the HER family, resulting in increased ER and PR expression in vitro. Knocking down EMP3 notably suppressed cell proliferation and migration and was accompanied by decreased expression of HER1‑HER3 and p‑SRC proteins. Suppression of EMP3 expression enhanced sensitivity of BC cells to trastuzumab in vitro. Xenograft experiments revealed decreased expression of HER1 and HER2 in stable EMP3‑knockdown cells, resulting in decreased tumor weight and size. In patients with BC, EMP3 overexpression was detected in 72 of 166 cases (43.4%), with 18 of 43 (41.9%) HER2‑amplified BC samples co‑expressing EMP3. Co‑expression of EMP3 and HER2 was positively associated with ER expression (P=0.028) and tended to be associated with nodal metastasis (P=0.085), however this was not significant. Taken together, the present results supported the potential of targeting EMP3 as a novel therapeutic strategy for human BC via co‑expression of HER2 and EMP3.

Extracellular Vesicle-Inspired Therapeutic Strategies for the COVID-19

Emerging infectious diseases like coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) present significant challenges to global health, extensively affecting both human society and the economy. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have demonstrated remarkable potential as crucial biomedical tools for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. However, due to limitations in the performance and titer of natural vesicles, their clinical use remains limited. Nonetheless, EV-inspired strategies are gaining increasing attention. Notably, biomimetic vesicles, inspired by EVs, possess specific receptors that can act as "Trojan horses," preventing the virus from infecting host cells. Genetic engineering can enhance these vesicles by enabling them to carry more receptors, significantly increasing their specificity for absorbing the novel coronavirus. Additionally, biomimetic vesicles inherit numerous cytokine receptors from parent cells, allowing them to effectively mitigate the "cytokine storm" by adsorbing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, this EV-inspired strategy offers new avenues for the treatment of emerging infectious diseases. Herein, this review systematically summarizes the current applications of EV-inspired strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. The current status and challenges associated with the clinical implementation of EV-inspired strategies are also discussed. The goal of this review is to provide new insights into the design of EV-inspired strategies and expand their application in combating emerging infectious diseases.

Advances in Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a common and catastrophic hematological neoplasm with high mortality rates. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), immune therapy, and targeted agents, have unsatisfactory outcomes for AML patients due to drug toxicity, off-target effects, drug resistance, drug side effects, and AML relapse and refractoriness. These intrinsic limitations of current treatments have promoted the development and application of nanomedicine for more effective and safer leukemia therapy. In this review, the classification of nanoparticles applied in AML therapy, including liposomes, polymersomes, micelles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles, is reviewed. In addition, various strategies for enhancing therapeutic targetability in nanomedicine, including the use of conjugating ligands, biomimetic-nanotechnology, and bone marrow targeting, which indicates the potential to reverse drug resistance, are discussed. The application of nanomedicine for assisting immunotherapy is also involved. Finally, the advantages and possible challenges of nanomedicine for the transition from the preclinical phase to the clinical phase are discussed.

Nanomaterials for bone metastasis

Bone metastasis, a prevalent occurrence in primary malignant tumors, is often associated with a grim prognosis. The bone microenvironment comprises various coexisting cell types, working together in a coordinated manner. This dynamic microenvironment plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of bone metastases. While cancer therapies have made advancements, the available options for addressing bone metastases remain insufficient. The advent of nanotechnology has ushered in a new era for managing and preventing bone metastases because of the physicochemical and adaptable advantages of nanoplatforms. In this review, we make an introduction of the underlying mechanisms and the current clinical therapies of bone metastases, highlighting the advances of intelligent nanosystems that can stimulate vascular regeneration, promote bone regeneration, eliminate tumor cells, minimize bone damage, and expedite bone healing. The innovation surrounding bone-targeting nanoplatforms presents a fresh approach to the theranostics of bone metastases.

Exercise-augmented THSD7B exhibited a positive prognostic implication and tumor-suppressed functionality in pan-cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies among women worldwide, has rising incidence rates. Physical activity, particularly exercise, has emerged as a significant modifier of cancer prognosis, influencing both tumor biology and patient outcomes.

METHODS

In this study, we utilized a murine breast cancer model, dividing mice into a control group and an exercise group; the latter underwent 21 days of voluntary running. We conducted RNA sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, pan-cancer analysis, and cellular experiments to investigate the underlying mechanisms influenced by exercise.

RESULTS

Exercise led to a significant reduction in tumor size and weight. Post-exercise mRNA sequencing indicated a notable upregulation of THSD7B in the exercised mice, with significant alterations observed in pathways such as MicroRNAs in cancers and the Calcium signaling pathway. In a broader cancer context, THSD7B showed considerable expression variability, being significantly downregulated in several cancers, correlating with positive prognostic outcomes in PRAD, LAML, KIRC, and GBM and highlighting its potential role as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. THSD7B expression was also negatively associated with processes of breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the dual role of exercise in modulating gene expression relevant to tumor growth and highlights the potential of THSD7B as a therapeutic target in cancer. Future research should further explore the specific mechanisms by which exercise and THSD7B influence cancer progression and develop immunotherapy-enhanced strategies to change patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Exercise-downregulated CD300E acted as a negative prognostic implication and tumor-promoted role in pan-cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer ranks as one of the most prevalent malignancies among women globally, with increasing incidence rates. Physical activity, particularly exercise, has emerged as a potentially significant modifier of cancer prognosis, influencing tumor biology and patient outcomes.

METHODS

Using a murine breast cancer model, we established a control and an exercise group, where the latter was subjected to 21 days of voluntary running. RNA Sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, pan-cancer analysis, and cell experiments were performed to validate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

We observed that exercise significantly reduced tumor size and weight, without notable changes in body weight, suggesting that physical activity can modulate tumor dynamics. mRNA sequencing post-exercise revealed substantial downregulation of CD300E in the exercise group, accompanied by alterations in critical pathways such as MicroRNAs in cancers and the Calcium signaling pathway. Expanding our analysis to a broader cancer spectrum, CD300E demonstrated significant expression variability across multiple cancer types, with pronounced upregulation in myeloma, ovarian, lung, and colorectal cancers. This upregulation was correlated with poorer prognostic outcomes, emphasizing CD300E's potential role as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Moreover, CD300E expression was associated with cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the dual role of exercise in modulating gene expression relevant to tumor growth and the potential of CD300E as a target in cancer therapeutics. Further research is encouraged to explore the mechanisms by which exercise and CD300E influence cancer progression and to develop targeted strategies that could enhance patient outcomes in clinical settings.

Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Bone Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Recent Advances and Challenges

Although the frequency of bone metastases from breast cancer has increased, effective treatment is lacking, prompting the development of nanomedicine, which involves the use of nanotechnology for disease diagnosis and treatment. Nanocarrier drug delivery systems offer several advantages over traditional drug delivery methods, such as higher reliability and biological activity, improved penetration and retention, and precise targeting and delivery. Various nanoparticles that can selectively target tumor cells without causing harm to healthy cells or organs have been synthesized. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the diagnosis and prevention of metastatic diseases as well as the ability to deliver complex molecular "cargo" particles to metastatic regions. Nanoparticles can modulate systemic biodistribution and enable the targeted accumulation of therapeutic agents. Several delivery strategies are used to treat bone metastases, including untargeted delivery, bone-targeted delivery, and cancer cell-targeted delivery. Combining targeted agents with nanoparticles enhances the selective delivery of payloads to breast cancer bone metastatic lesions, providing multiple delivery advantages for treatment. In this review, we describe recent advances in nanoparticle development for treating breast cancer bone metastases.

Specific interaction based drug loading strategies

Drug carriers have been commonly used for drug control release, enhancing drug efficacy and/or minimizing side-effects. However, it is still difficult to get a high loading efficiency when encapsulating super hydrophilic drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, such as many neurotoxins. Increasing the carrier proportion can improve drug loading to a certain degree, while the burst released drug when the formulation enters the body may cause overdose side-effects. Moreover, high-dose carriers themselves may increase the metabolic burden of the body. Hence, new drug carriers and/or loading strategies are urgently needed to promote the applications of these drugs. This minireview will introduce drug loading strategies based on specific interactions (between drugs and carriers) and will discuss the challenges and perspectives of these strategies. This work is expected to provide alternative inspiration for the delivery of hydrophilic drugs.