Imaging UVC-induced DNA damage response in models of minimal cancer

Radiation-induced rescue effect on human breast carcinoma cells is regulated by macrophages

The susceptibility of cancer cells to DNA damages is influenced by their microenvironment. For example, unirradiated neighbors of irradiated cells can produce signals that reduce DNA damages. This phenomenon, known as Radiation-Induced Rescue Effect (RIRE), has profound implications on the efficacy of radiotherapy. Using bystander cells co-cultured with mock-irradiated cells as a control, we demonstrated, for the first time, two types of RIRE. Conditioned medium from naïve by stander cells, i.e., cells not exposed to irradiated cells, could mitigate UV-induced DNA damages in human breast carcinoma MCF7 cells, as judged by phospho-H2AX and 53BP1 immunostaining. This protective effect could be further enhanced by the prior treatment of bystander cells with factors from UV-irradiated cells. We named the former effect "basal RIRE" and the latter "active RIRE" which were cell type-dependent. As bystanders, MCF7 showed a significant active RIRE, whereas THP1-derived macrophages showed a strong basal RIRE but no active RIRE. Interestingly, RIRE of macrophages could further be modulated by polarisation. The basal RIRE of macrophages was abolished by M1 polarisation, while M2 and Tumour Associated Macrophages (TAM) demonstrated pronounced basal and active RIRE. When mixtures of MCF7 cells and polarised macrophages were used as bystanders, the overall RIRE was dictated by macrophage phenotypes: RIRE was suppressed by M1 macrophages but significantly enhanced by M2 and TAM. This study shows a previously unappreciated role of the innate immune system in RIRE. Depending on polarised phenotypes, macrophages in the tumour microenvironment can interfere with the effectiveness of radiotherapy by adjusting the RIRE magnitudes.

Impact of Defects for AlN Single Crystal Thin Film by Metal Nitride Vapor Phase Epitaxy

Herein, the defect-related properties of an AlN sample prepared based on the optimal process parameters by metal nitride vapor phase epitaxy (MNVPE) were investigated. The FWHM values of the (0002)/(101̅2) planes of the sample by MNVPE are 397/422 arcsec; the advantages of similar FWHM values of (0002) and (101̅2) planes will have a huge advantage over other preparation methods such as MOCVD. From the cross-sectional TEM images of the AlN sample, it is found that the fusion of a large number of a + c type dislocations occur at the interface of the low temperature buffer layer and the epitaxial layer, which affects the growth mode of the epitaxial layer. The lower FHWM value of the E ₂(high) peak of the Raman spectrum, the lower the point defect concentration, which made the sample gain higher energy defect emission bands in the PL spectra and higher transmittance in the UV-vis transmission spectrum.

Bright UV-C Phosphors with Excellent Thermal Stability-Y1-xScxPO4 Solid Solutions

The structural and luminescence properties of undoped Y_1-xSc_xPO₄ solid solutions have been studied. An intense thermally stable emission with fast decay (τ_1/e ~ 10^-7 s) and a band position varying from 5.21 to 5.94 eV depending on the Sc/Y ratio is detected and ascribed to the 2p O-3d Sc self-trapped excitons. The quantum yield of the UV-C emission, also depending on the Sc/Y ratio, reaches 34% for the solid solution with x = 0.5 at 300 K. It is shown by a combined analysis of theoretical and experimental data that the formation of Sc clusters occurs in the solid solutions studied. The clusters facilitate the creation of energy wells at the conduction band bottom, which enables deep localization of electronic excitations and the creation of luminescence centers characterized by high quantum yield and thermal stability of the UV-C emission.

Evaluation of UV-C Decontamination of Clinical Tissue Sections for Spatially Resolved Analysis by Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MSI)

Clinical tissue specimens are often unscreened, and preparation of tissue sections for analysis by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can cause aerosolization of particles potentially carrying an infectious load. We here present a decontamination approach based on ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light to inactivate clinically relevant pathogens such as herpesviridae, papovaviridae human immunodeficiency virus, or SARS-CoV-2, which may be present in human tissue samples while preserving the biodistributions of analytes within the tissue. High doses of UV-C required for high-level disinfection were found to cause oxidation and photodegradation of endogenous species. Lower UV-C doses maintaining inactivation of clinically relevant pathogens to a level of increased operator safety were found to be less destructive to the tissue metabolome and xenobiotics. These doses caused less alterations of the tissue metabolome and allowed elucidation of the biodistribution of the endogenous metabolites. Additionally, we were able to determine the spatially integrated abundances of the ATR inhibitor ceralasertib from decontaminated human biopsies using desorption electrospray ionization-MSI (DESI-MSI).

Imaging DNA Repair After UV Irradiation Damage of Cancer Cells in Gelfoam® Histoculture

DNA damage repair in response to UVC irradiation was imaged in cancer cells growing in Gelfoam^® histoculture. UVC-induced DNA damage repair was imaged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the DNA damage response (DDR)-related binding protein 53BP1 in MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic cancer cells. Three-dimensional Gelfoam^® histocultures and confocal imaging enabled 53BP1-GFP nuclear foci to be observed within 1 h after UVC irradiation, indicating the onset of DNA damage repair response. Induction of UV-induced 53BP1-GFP focus formation was limited up to a depth of 40 μm in Gelfoam^® histoculture of MiaPaCa-2 cells, indicating this was the depth limit of UVC irradiation.

Near infrared photoimmunotherapy with avelumab, an anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody

Near Infrared-Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly selective tumor treatment that employs an antibody-photo-absorber conjugate (APC). Programmed cell death protein-1 ligand (PD-L1) is emerging as a molecular target. Here, we describe the efficacy of NIR-PIT, using fully human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb), avelumab, conjugated to the photo-absorber, IR700DX, in a PD-L1 expressing H441 cell line, papillary adenocarcinoma of lung. Avelumab-IR700 showed specific binding and cell-specific killing was observed after exposure of the cells to NIR in vitro. In the in vivo study, avelumab-IR700 showed high tumor accumulation and high tumor-background ratio. Tumor-bearing mice were separated into 4 groups: (1) no treatment; (2) 100 μg of avelumab-IR700 i.v.; (3) NIR light exposure only, NIR light was administered; (4) 100 μg of avelumab-IR700 i.v., NIR light was administered. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by NIR-PIT treatment compared with the other groups (p < 0.001), and significantly prolonged survival was achieved (p < 0.01 vs other groups). In conclusion, the anti-PD-L1 antibody, avelumab, is suitable as an APC for NIR-PIT. Furthermore, NIR-PIT with avelumab-IR700 is a promising candidate of the treatment of PD-L1-expressing tumors that could be readily translated to humans.

Avoiding thermal injury during near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT): the importance of NIR light power density

Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly-established cancer treatment which employs the combination of an antibody-photoabsorber conjugate (APC) and NIR light. When NIR light is absorbed by APC-bound tissues, a certain amount of heat is generated locally. For the most part this results in a subclinical rise in skin temperature, however, excessive light exposure may cause non-specific thermal damage. In this study, we investigated the potential for thermal damage caused by NIR-PIT by measuring surface temperature. Two sources of light, laser and light emitting diode (LED), were compared in a mouse tumor model. First, we found that the skin was heated rapidly by NIR light regardless of whether laser or LED light sources were used. Air cooling at the surface reduced the rise in temperature. There were no associations between the rise of skin temperature and tumor volume of the treated tumor, or APC concentration. Second, we investigated the extent of thermal damage to the skin at various light doses. We detected burn injuries 1 day after NIR-PIT, when the NIR light was at a power density higher than 600 mW/cm². Successful treatments at lower power density could be achieved if the total light energy absorbed by the tumor was the same, i.e. by extending the duration of light exposure. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that thermal injury after NIR-PIT can be avoided by either employing a cooling system or by lowering the power density of the light source and prolonging the exposure time such that the total energy is constant. Thus, thermal damage is preventable side effect of NIR-PIT.

WWOX modulates the ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint response

For many decades genomic instability is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. Role of the tumor suppressor WWOX (WW domain-containing oxidoreductase) in DNA damage response upon double strand breaks has been recently revealed. Here we demonstrate unforeseen functions for WWOX upon DNA single strand breaks (SSBs) checkpoint activation. We found that WWOX levels are induced following SSBs and accumulate in the nucleus. WWOX deficiency is associated with reduced activation of ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) checkpoint proteins and increased chromosomal breaks. At the molecular level, we show that upon SSBs WWOX is modified at lysine 274 by ubiquitination mediated by the ubiquitin E3 ligase ITCH and interacts with ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM). Interestingly, ATM inhibition was associated with reduced activation of ATR checkpoint proteins suggesting that WWOX manipulation of ATR checkpoint proteins is ATM-dependent. Taken together, the present findings indicate that WWOX plays a key role in ATR checkpoint activation, while its absence might facilitate genomic instability.

Enhancement of near-infrared luminescence of ytterbium in triple-stranded binuclear helicates

A bis-β-diketone, bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)(2,2'-bithienyl) (BTT), which can be looked upon as coupling of two mono-β-diketones (2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone, TTA) at the 5,5'-position of thiophene ring, has been designed for exploring the advantages of binuclear helical structure in sensitizing the lanthanide NIR luminescence. The Yb(iii) ion was selected as the luminescent center, and its corresponding mono-β-diketone complex Yb(TTA)3(DMSO) () and bis-β-diketone complex Yb2(BTT)3(DMSO)4 () were synthesized and isolated. X-ray crystallographical analysis reveals that the bis-β-diketone complex Yb2(BTT)3(DMSO)4 adopts a triple-stranded dinuclear structure, in which the two Yb(iii) ions are helically wrapped by three ligands, and each Yb(iii) ion is eight-coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three ligands and two oxygen atoms from the coordinated DMSO molecules. Whereas, the mono-β-diketone complex Yb(TTA)3(DMSO) is a mononuclear structure, the central Yb(iii) ion is coordinated by seven oxygen atoms from three ligands and a DMSO molecule. The photophysical properties related to the electronic transition are characterized by the absorbance spectra, the emission spectra, the emission quantum yields, the emission lifetimes, and the radiative (kr) and nonradiative rate constants (knr). The luminescence quantum yield experiment reveals that the dinuclear complex has about 10 times luminescence enhancement compared with the mononuclear complex. This enhancement mainly benefits from its helical structure, which effectively depresses the nonradiative transition caused by high-energy oscillators in ligands, and the part-encapsulated structure decreases the probability of solvents entering the metal centers.

Insight into the roles of structures and energy levels of mono- and bis-β-diketones on sensitizing Nd(iii) NIR-luminescence

Three neodymium complexes Nd(TTA)3(DMSO)2 (1, TTA = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetone), Nd2(BDT)3(DMSO)6 (2, BDT = bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)thiophene) and Nd2(BTT)3(DMSO)4 (3, BTT = bis(4,4,4-trifluoro-1,3-dioxobutyl)(2,2'-bithiophene)) constructed from three thiophene-based β-diketonate ligands, were prepared for the purpose of building the relationships between the structures, energy levels of the complexes and NIR luminescence properties of Nd(iii) ions. X-ray crystallographical analysis reveals that complex 1 is a mononuclear structure, the central Nd(iii) ion is coordinated by eight oxygen atoms from three mono-β-diketones (TTA) and two DMSO, whereas, complexes 2 and 3 adopt triple-stranded dinuclear structures, in which the two Nd(iii) ions are wrapped by three bis-β-diketones, the central Nd(iii) ions are nine and eight coordinated by oxygen atoms from ligands and the coordinated DMSO molecules. The photophysical properties related to the electronic transition are characterized by the absorbance spectra, the excitation spectra, the phosphorescence spectra, the emission spectra, the emission quantum yields, and the emission lifetimes. The luminescence quantum yields experiment reveals that the dinuclear complexes (0.49% and 0.33% for 2 and 3) show higher luminescence efficiencies compared to the mononuclear complex 1 (0.22%). This enhancement is mainly attributed to their binuclear structures, which effectively represses the nonradiative transition caused by high-energy oscillators in ligands and/or solvents. On the other hand, the energy level matching also plays an important role in this enhancement.

Real-time fluorescence imaging of the DNA damage repair response during mitosis

The response to DNA damage during mitosis was visualized using real-time fluorescence imaging of focus formation by the DNA-damage repair (DDR) response protein 53BP1 linked to green fluorescent protein (GFP) (53BP1-GFP) in the MiaPaCa-2(Tet-On) pancreatic cancer cell line. To observe 53BP1-GFP foci during mitosis, MiaPaCa-2(Tet-On) 53BP1-GFP cells were imaged every 30 min by confocal microscopy. Time-lapse imaging demonstrated that 11.4 ± 2.1% of the mitotic MiaPaCa-2(Tet-On) 53BP1-GFP cells had increased focus formation over time. Non-mitotic cells did not have an increase in 53BP1-GFP focus formation over time. Some of the mitotic MiaPaCa-2(Tet-On) 53BP1-GFP cells with focus formation became apoptotic. The results of the present report suggest that DNA strand breaks occur during mitosis and undergo repair, which may cause some of the mitotic cells to enter apoptosis in a phenomenon possibly related to mitotic catastrophe.

Inhibition of the RhoA GTPase Activity Increases Sensitivity of Melanoma Cells to UV Radiation Effects

Ultraviolet radiation is the main cause of DNA damage to melanocytes and development of melanoma, one of the most lethal human cancers, which leads to metastasis due to uncontrolled cell proliferation and migration. These phenotypes are mediated by RhoA, a GTPase overexpressed or overactivated in highly aggressive metastatic tumors that plays regulatory roles in cell cycle progression and cytoskeleton remodeling. This work explores whether the effects of UV on DNA damage, motility, proliferation, and survival of human metastatic melanoma cells are mediated by the RhoA pathway. Mutant cells expressing dominant-negative (MeWo-RhoA-N19) or constitutively active RhoA (MeWo-RhoA-V14) were generated and subjected to UV radiation. A slight reduction in migration and invasion was observed in MeWo and MeWo-RhoA-V14 cells but not in MeWo-RhoA-N19 cells, which presented inefficient motility and invasiveness associated with stress fibers fragmentation. Proliferation and survival of RhoA-deficient cells were drastically reduced by UV compared to cells displaying normal or high RhoA activity, suggesting increased sensitivity to UV. Loss of RhoA activity also caused less efficient DNA repair, with elevated levels of DNA lesions such as strand breaks and cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). Thus, RhoA mediates genomic stability and represents a potential target for sensitizing metastatic tumors to genotoxic agents.

Tumour-associated macrophages act as a slow-release reservoir of nano-therapeutic Pt(IV) pro-drug

Therapeutic nanoparticles (TNPs) aim to deliver drugs more safely and effectively to cancers, yet clinical results have been unpredictable owing to limited in vivo understanding. Here we use single-cell imaging of intratumoral TNP pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to better comprehend their heterogeneous behaviour. Model TNPs comprising a fluorescent platinum(IV) pro-drug and a clinically tested polymer platform (PLGA-b-PEG) promote long drug circulation and alter accumulation by directing cellular uptake toward tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs). Simultaneous imaging of TNP vehicle, its drug payload and single-cell DNA damage response reveals that TAMs serve as a local drug depot that accumulates significant vehicle from which DNA-damaging Pt payload gradually releases to neighbouring tumour cells. Correspondingly, TAM depletion reduces intratumoral TNP accumulation and efficacy. Thus, nanotherapeutics co-opt TAMs for drug delivery, which has implications for TNP design and for selecting patients into trials.

Monitoring the Activation of the DNA Damage Response Pathway in a 3D Spheroid Model

Monitoring the DNA-Damage Response (DDR) activated pathway in multicellular tumor spheroid models is an important challenge as these 3D models have demonstrated their major relevance in pharmacological evaluation. Herein we present DDR-Act-FP, a fluorescent biosensor that allows detection of DDR activation through monitoring of the p21 promoter p53-dependent activation. We show that cells expressing the DDR-Act-FP biosensor efficiently report activation of the DDR pathway after DNA damage and its pharmacological manipulation using ATM kinase inhibitors. We also report the successful use of this assay to screen a small compound library in order to identify activators of the DDR response. Finally, using multicellular spheroids expressing the DDR-Act-FP we demonstrate that DDR activation and its pharmacological manipulation with inhibitory and activatory compounds can be efficiently monitored in live 3D spheroid model. This study paves the way for the development of innovative screening and preclinical evaluation assays.

Proteomic studies of pediatric medulloblastoma tumors with 17p deletion

CNS tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related death in children. Medulloblastoma is the commonest pediatric CNS malignancy, wherein, despite multimodal therapy with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, 5 year survival rates merely approach 60%. Until present, gene expression and cytogenetic studies have produced contradicting findings regarding the molecular background of the specific disease. Through integration of genomics, bioinformatics, and proteomics, the current study aims to shed light at the proteomic-related molecular events responsible for MBL pathophysiology, as well as to provide molecular/protein/pathway answers concerning tumor-onset. Experiments were performed on tissues collected at surgery. With 17p loss being the commonest chromosomal aberrance observed in our sample set, array-CGH were employed to first distinguish for 17p-positive cases. 2-DE coupled to mass spectrometry identification exposed the MBL-specific protein profile. Protein profiles of malignant tissues were compared against profiles of normal cerebellar tissues, and quantitative protein differences were determined. Bioinformatics, functional and database analyses, characterization, and subnetwork profiling generated information on MBL protein interactions. Key molecules of the PI3K/mTOR signaling network were identified via the techniques applied herein. Among the findings IGF2, PI3K, Rictor, MAPKAP1, S6K1, 4EBP1, and ELF4A, as part of the IGF network (implicating PI3K/mTOR), were founded to be deregulated.

Fluorescence-guided surgery in combination with UVC irradiation cures metastatic human pancreatic cancer in orthotopic mouse models

The aim of this study is to determine if ultraviolet light (UVC) irradiation in combination with fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) can eradicate metastatic human pancreatic cancer in orthotopic nude–mouse models. Two weeks after orthotopic implantation of human MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells, expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), in nude mice, bright-light surgery (BLS) was performed on all tumor-bearing mice (n = 24). After BLS, mice were randomized into 3 treatment groups; BLS-only (n = 8) or FGS (n = 8) or FGS-UVC (n = 8). The residual tumors were resected using a hand-held portable imaging system under fluorescence navigation in mice treated with FGS and FGS-UVC. The surgical resection bed was irradiated with 2700 J/m² UVC (254 nm) in the mice treated with FGS-UVC. The average residual tumor area after FGS (n = 16) was significantly smaller than after BLS only (n = 24) (0.135±0.137 mm² and 3.338±2.929 mm², respectively; p = 0.007). The BLS treated mice had significantly reduced survival compared to FGS- and FGS-UVC-treated mice for both relapse-free survival (RFS) (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and overall survival (OS) (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). FGS-UVC-treated mice had increased RFS and OS compared to FGS-only treated mice (p = 0.008 and p = 0.025, respectively); with RFS lasting at least 150 days indicating the animals were cured. The results of the present study suggest that UVC irradiation in combination with FGS has clinical potential to increase survival.