Three-dimensional CRISPR screening reveals epigenetic interaction with anti-angiogenic therapy

Synergistic therapeutic strategies and engineered nanoparticles for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in cancer

Angiogenesis is one of the defining characteristics of cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for the development of angiogenesis. A growing interest in cancer therapy is being caused by the widespread use of antiangiogenic drugs in treating several types of human cancer. However, this therapeutic approach can worsen resistance, invasion, and overall survival. As we proceed, refining combination strategies and addressing the constraint of targeted treatments are paramount. Therefore, major challenges in using novel combinations of antiangiogenic agents with cytotoxic treatments are currently focused on illustrating the potential of synergistic therapeutic strategies, alongside advancements in nanomedicine and gene therapy, present opportunities for more precise interference with angiogenesis pathways and tumor environments. Nanoparticles have the potential to regulate several crucial activities and improve several drug limitations such as lack of selectivity, non-targeted cytotoxicity, insufficient drug delivery at tumor sites, and multi-drug resistance based on their unique features. The goal of this updated review is to illustrate the enormous potential of novel synergistic therapeutic strategies and the targeted nanoparticles as an alternate strategy for t treating a variety of tumors employing antiangiogenic therapy.

CRISPR screening in cardiovascular research

The recent advent and widespread application of CRISPR-based genome editing tools have revolutionized biomedical research and beyond. Taking advantage of high perturbation efficiency and scalability, CRISPR screening has been regarded as one of the most powerful technologies in functional genomics which allows investigation of different genetic subjects at a large scale in parallel. Significant progress has been made using various CRISPR screening tools especially in cancer research, however, fewer attempts and less success are reported in other contexts. In this mini-review, we discuss how CRISPR screening has been implemented in studies on cardiovascular research and related metabolic disorders, highlight the scientific progress utilizing CRISPR screening, and further envision how to fully unleash the power of this technique to expedite scientific discoveries in these fields.

The cellular and molecular mediators of metastasis to the lung

Organ-specific metastasis to secondary organs is dependent on the formation of a supportive pre-metastatic niche. This tissue-specific microenvironmental response is thought to be mediated by mutational and epigenetic changes to primary tumour cells resulting in altered cross-talk between cell types. This response is augmented through the release of tumour and stromal signalling mediators including cytokines, chemokines, exosomes and growth factors. Although researchers have elucidated some of the cancer-promoting features that are bespoke to organotropic metastasis to the lungs, it remains unclear if these are organ-specific or generic between organs. Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the metastasis-promoting synergy between the host microenvironment, immunity, and pulmonary structures may elucidate predictive, prognostic and therapeutic markers that could be targeted to reduce the metastatic burden of disease. Herein, we give an updated summary of the known cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of the lung pre-metastatic niche and tissue-specific metastasis.

Brain Vascular Microenvironments in Cancer Metastasis

Primary tumours, particularly from major solid organs, are able to disseminate into the blood and lymphatic system and spread to distant sites. These secondary metastases to other major organs are the most lethal aspect of cancer, accounting for the majority of cancer deaths. The brain is a frequent site of metastasis, and brain metastases are often fatal due to the critical role of the nervous system and the limited options for treatment, including surgery. This creates a need to further understand the complex cell and molecular biology associated with the establishment of brain metastasis, including the changes to the environment of the brain to enable the arrival and growth of tumour cells. Local changes in the vascular network, immune system and stromal components all have the potential to recruit and foster metastatic tumour cells. This review summarises our current understanding of brain vascular microenvironments, fluid circulation and drainage in the context of brain metastases, as well as commenting on current cutting-edge experimental approaches used to investigate changes in vascular environments and alterations in specialised subsets of blood and lymphatic vessel cells during cancer spread to the brain.