Site-specific controlled-release nanoparticles for immune reprogramming via dual metabolic inhibition against triple-negative breast cancer

Signal-amplifying biosensors for miRNA detection and their extension in portable glucometer

Timely detection of breast cancer not only positively influences patient treatment and life quality, but also possesses far-reaching implications for public health and medical research. And miRNAs, as emerging breast cancer-related biomarkers, demonstrate heightened sensitivity to disease progression. In this study, the same precursor was utilized to prepare micromaterials with large and small cavities, this was the safeguard for sensing probes and signals. And the signal amplification process was accomplished with strand displacement assistance by target excitation. Encouragingly, it was successfully and accurately detected miRNA-21 and miRNA-155 within 10 fmol/L - 10 nmol/L. Due to the unique sensing design, the signal can be read out not only by small fluorescent devices, but also by portable glucometers. The biosensor features several excellent working performances and illuminates resource-poor areas by equipping the most common glucometers. So, it is a sensitive, portable and promising biosensor.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced DNA damage response activates DNA-PKcs to drive actin cytoskeleton disruption and cardiac microvascular dysfunction in endotoxemia

Rationale: Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy is characterized by microvascular injury, which is linked to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced DNA damage response (DDR). This study investigates the role of DNA-PKcs, a key enzyme in the DDR pathway, in driving actin disruption and microvascular dysfunction following LPS exposure. Methods: We analyzed diverse transcriptomic datasets from septic human and murine models using bioinformatics tools to assess DDR pathway activation, correlations, and prognosis. In vivo, LPS-challenged mice were treated with inhibitors of DNA-PKcs or mitochondrial fission, and we evaluated cardiac function, microvascular integrity, mitochondrial status, and actin polymerization. Results: Bioinformatic analyses consistently revealed significant activation of the DDR pathway and upregulation of key genes across diverse septic models. Notably, elevated DDR pathway activity was significantly correlated with poor 28-day survival in human sepsis patients. Single-cell analysis localized this DDR gene upregulation predominantly to cardiac endothelial cells (ECs), fibroblasts, and macrophages during sepsis. Within septic capillary ECs, DDR pathway activity scores strongly correlated spatially and functionally with heightened mitochondrial fission and cytoskeletal remodeling pathway activities. In vivo experiments confirmed that LPS induced severe systolic and diastolic dysfunction, microvascular damage, and mitochondrial fragmentation, as well as significant actin depolymerization. Inhibition of DNA-PKcs with NU7441 markedly attenuated all these LPS-induced pathologies, improving cardiac function, preserving microvascular structure, preventing mitochondrial fragmentation, and normalizing related gene expression and actin cytoskeleton stability. Additionally, inhibiting mitochondrial fission with Mdivi-1 significantly ameliorated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and microvascular injury. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that LPS triggers a DNA-PKcs-dependent DDR that promotes mitochondrial fragmentation and actin disruption, particularly in cardiac ECs, contributing to sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy. Targeting DNA-PKcs or mitochondrial fission may hold therapeutic potential for the treatment of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy.

Nuclear damage-induced DNA damage response coupled with IFI16-driven ECM remodeling underlies dilated cardiomyopathy

Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe cardiac condition characterized by ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction, often leading to heart failure. While the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway is increasingly implicated in DCM pathogenesis, the precise mechanisms linking DDR activation to specific pathological features like adverse extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and fibrosis remain poorly understood. Interferon-inducible protein 16 (IFI16), a known DNA sensor involved in DDR and inflammatory signaling, emerges as a potential mediator in this process. This study aimed to investigate the role of the DDR-IFI16 axis in DCM, specifically exploring its connection to ECM dysregulation and cardiac dysfunction, and to evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target. Methods: W This study integrated bioinformatics analyses of human cardiac transcriptomic datasets with experimental validation in a doxorubicin-induced murine DCM model. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Key molecular pathways were investigated using qPCR, ELISA, and enrichment analyses. Mechanistic roles were tested via pharmacological DDR inhibition in vivo and targeted IFI16 siRNA knockdown in vitro, followed by analysis of fibrosis, cell viability, and cytotoxicity markers. Results: Bioinformatic analyses consistently revealed activation of DDR and cytosolic DNA sensing pathways across human iPSC-CM models and ex vivo DCM heart tissue. WGCNA identified a key gene module strongly associated with DCM, co-enriched for DDR, DNA replication, and ECM/TGF-β signaling pathways. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis confirmed significant IFI16 upregulation in human DCM samples. High IFI16 expression strongly correlated with pathways governing 'Extracellular matrix organization' and key fibrotic genes. Experimental validation in the doxorubicin mouse model confirmed DDR activation. Crucially, in vivo treatment with the DDR inhibitor NU7441 significantly attenuated IFI16 upregulation, ameliorated cardiac dysfunction, and decreased cardiac fibrosis markers. Complementarily, in vitro knockdown of IFI16 significantly reduced pro-fibrotic markers, increased cell viability, and decreased cell injury. Conclusions: Our findings delineate a novel pathogenic axis in DCM where nuclear stress-induced DDR activation drives the upregulation of the DNA sensor IFI16. IFI16 acts as a critical mediator linking DDR signaling to pathological ECM remodeling and fibrosis. Pharmacological inhibition of the upstream DDR pathway effectively mitigates IFI16 induction, attenuates cardiac fibrosis, and improves cardiac function. This study identifies the DDR-IFI16-ECM remodeling axis as a crucial contributor to DCM pathogenesis and highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for mitigating adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction.

Direct fibroblast reprogramming: an emerging strategy for treating organic fibrosis

Direct reprogramming has garnered considerable attention due to its capacity to directly convert differentiated cells into desired cells. Fibroblasts are frequently employed in reprogramming studies due to their abundance and accessibility. However, they are also the key drivers in the progression of fibrosis, a pathological condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and tissue scarring. Furthermore, the initial stage of reprogramming typically involves deactivating fibrotic pathways. Hence, direct reprogramming offers a valuable method to regenerate target cells for tissue repair while simultaneously reducing fibrotic tendencies. Understanding the link between reprogramming and fibrosis could help develop effective strategies to treat damaged tissue with a potential risk of fibrosis. This review summarizes the advances in direct reprogramming and reveals their anti-fibrosis effects in various organs such as the heart, liver, and skin. Furthermore, we dissect the mechanisms of reprogramming influenced by fibrotic molecules including TGF-β signaling, mechanical signaling, inflammation signaling, epigenetic modifiers, and metabolic regulators. Innovative methods for fibroblast reprogramming like small molecules, CRISPRa, modified mRNA, and the challenges of cellular heterogeneity and senescence faced by in vivo direct reprogramming, are also discussed.

Design of pH-Responsive Nanomaterials Based on the Tumor Microenvironment

The metabolic activity of tumor cells leads to the acidification of the surrounding microenvironment, which provides new strategies for the application of nanotechnology in cancer therapy. Researchers have developed various types of pH-responsive nanomaterials based on the tumor acidic microenvironment. This review provides an in-depth discussion on the design mechanisms, drug-loading strategies, and application pathways of tumor acidic microenvironment-responsive nanodrug delivery systems. These materials trigger drug release upon reaching the tumor microenvironment, enhancing therapeutic targeting and reducing toxicity to healthy cells. pH-responsive nanomaterials include organic nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, and composite nanomaterials. Additionally, this review outlines the drug-loading strategies, application prospects, and challenges of pH-responsive nanomaterials, aiming to promote the development and clinical translation of this field.

Harnessing Gene Editing Technology for Tumor Microenvironment Modulation: An Emerging Anticancer Strategy

Cancer is a multifaceted disease influenced by both intrinsic cellular traits and extrinsic factors, with the tumor microenvironment (TME) being crucial for cancer progression. To satisfy their high proliferation and aggressiveness, cancer cells always plunder large amounts of nutrients and release various signals to their surroundings, forming a dynamic TME with special metabolic, immune, microbial and physical characteristics. Due to the neglect of interactions between tumor cells and the TME, traditional cancer therapies often struggle with challenges such as drug resistance, low efficacy, and recurrence. Importantly, the development of gene editing technologies, particularly the CRISPR-Cas system, offers promising new strategies for cancer treatment. Combined with nanomaterial strategies, CRISPR-Cas technology exhibits precision, affordability, and user-friendliness with reduced side effects, which holds great promise for profoundly altering the TME at the genetic level, potentially leading to lasting anticancer outcomes. This review will delve into how CRISPR-Cas can be leveraged to manipulate the TME, examining its potential as a transformative anticancer therapy.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, an Alternative for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Within the field of nanomedicine, which is revolutionizing cancer treatment, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown advantages over conventional chemotherapy when tested on cancer cells in preclinical studies. SLNs have proven to be an innovative strategy for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer cells, providing greater efficiency than existing treatments in various studies. The encapsulation of antineoplastic drugs in SLNs has facilitated a sustained, controlled, and targeted release, which enhances therapeutic efficiency and reduces adverse effects. Moreover, the surface of SLNs can be modified to increase efficiency. For instance, the coating of these particles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) decreases their opsonization, resulting in a longer life in the circulatory system. The creation of positively charged cationic SLNs (cSLNs), achieved by the utilization of surfactants or ionic lipids with positively charged structural groups, increases their affinity for cell membranes and plasma proteins. Hyaluronic acid has been added to SLNs so that the distinct pH of tumor cells would stimulate the release of the drug and/or genetic material. The current review summarizes the recent research on SLNs, focusing on the encapsulation and transport of therapeutic agents with a cytotoxic effect on triple-negative breast cancer.

SAHA potentiates the activity of repurposed drug promethazine loaded PLGA nanoparticles in triple-negative breast cancer cells

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered the most aggressive form of breast cancer owing to the negative expression of targetable bioreceptors. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) associated with metastatic abilities is its critical feature. As an attempt to target TNBC, nanotechnology was utilised to augment the effects of drug repurposing. Concerning that, a combination therapeutic module was structured with one of the aspects being a repurposed antihistamine, promethazine hydrochloride loaded PLGA nanoparticles. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were 217 nm in size and fluoresced at 522 nm, rendering them suitable for theranostic applications too. The second feature of the module was a common histone deacetylase inhibitor, suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), used as a form of pre-treatment. Experimental studies demonstrated efficient cellular internalisation and significant innate anti-proliferative potential. The use of SAHA sensitised the cells to the drug loaded nanoparticle treatment. Mechanistic studies showed increase in ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction followed by apoptosis. Investigations into protein expression also revealed reduction of mesenchymal proteins like vimentin by 1.90 fold; while increase in epithelial marker like E-Cadherin by 1.42 fold, thus indicating an altered EMT dynamics. Further findings also provided better insight into the benefits of SAHA potentiated targeting of tumor spheroids that mimic solid tumors of TNBC. Thus, this study paves the avenue to a more rational translational validation of combining nanotherapeutics with drug repurposing.

Recent advances in biomimetic cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles for cancer therapy

The emerging strategy of biomimetic nanoparticles (NPs) via cellular membrane camouflage holds great promise in cancer therapy. This scholarly review explores the utilization of cellular membranes derived from diverse cellular entities; blood cells, immune cells, cancer cells, stem cells, and bacterial cells as examples of NP coatings. The camouflaging strategy endows NPs with nuanced tumor-targeting abilities such as self-recognition, homotypic targeting, and long-lasting circulation, thus also improving tumor therapy efficacy overall. The comprehensive examination encompasses a variety of cell membrane camouflaged NPs (CMCNPs), elucidating their underlying targeted therapy mechanisms and delineating diverse strategies for anti-cancer applications. Furthermore, the review systematically presents the synthesis of source materials and methodologies employed in order to construct and characterize these CMCNPs, with a specific emphasis on their use in cancer treatment.

Strategic disruption of cancer's powerhouse: precise nanomedicine targeting of mitochondrial metabolism

Mitochondria occupy a central role in the biology of most eukaryotic cells, functioning as the hub of oxidative metabolism where sugars, fats, and amino acids are ultimately oxidized to release energy. This crucial function fuels a variety of cellular activities. Disruption in mitochondrial metabolism is a common feature in many diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Targeting tumor cell mitochondrial metabolism with multifunctional nanosystems emerges as a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic efficacy against cancer. This review comprehensively outlines the pathways of mitochondrial metabolism, emphasizing their critical roles in cellular energy production and metabolic regulation. The associations between aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and the initiation and progression of cancer are highlighted, illustrating how these metabolic disruptions contribute to oncogenesis and tumor sustainability. More importantly, innovative strategies employing nanomedicines to precisely target mitochondrial metabolic pathways in cancer therapy are fully explored. Furthermore, key challenges and future directions in this field are identified and discussed. Collectively, this review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current state and future potential of nanomedicine in targeting mitochondrial metabolism, offering insights for developing more effective cancer therapies.