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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer SG, Sudarshan K, Orellana EA, Ozcan KE, dos Santos AP, Low PS, Kasinski AL. Selective targeting of chemically modified miR-34a to prostate cancer using a small molecule ligand and an endosomal escape agent. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102193. [PMID: 38745855 PMCID: PMC11091501 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Use of tumor-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) as anti-cancer agents is hindered by the lack of effective delivery vehicles, entrapment of the miRNA within endocytic compartments, and rapid degradation of miRNA by nucleases. To address these issues, we developed a miRNA delivery strategy that includes (1) a targeting ligand, (2) an endosomal escape agent, nigericin and (3) a chemically modified miRNA. The delivery ligand, DUPA (2-[3-(1,3-dicarboxy propyl) ureido] pentanedioic acid), was selected based on its specificity for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a receptor routinely upregulated in prostate cancer-one of the leading causes of cancer death among men. DUPA was conjugated to the tumor suppressive miRNA, miR-34a (DUPA-miR-34a) based on the ability of miR-34a to inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation. To mediate endosomal escape, nigericin was incorporated into the complex, resulting in DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a. Both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a specifically bound to, and were taken up by, PSMA-expressing cells in vitro and in vivo. And while both DUPA-miR-34a and DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a downregulated miR-34a target genes, only DUPA-nigericin-miR-34a decreased cell proliferation in vitro and delayed tumor growth in vivo. Tumor growth was further reduced using a fully modified version of miR-34a that has significantly increased stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S. Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Shreyas G. Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | | | - Esteban A. Orellana
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Kenan E. Ozcan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea P. dos Santos
- Department of Comparative Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Philip S. Low
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L. Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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2
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Murtaza B, Li X, Nawaz MY, Saleemi MK, Li G, Jin B, Wang L, Xu Y. Toxicodynamic of combined mycotoxins: MicroRNAs and acute-phase proteins as diagnostic biomarkers. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2024; 23:e13338. [PMID: 38629461 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Mycotoxins, ubiquitous contaminants in food, present a global threat to human health and well-being. Mitigation efforts, such as the implementation of sound agricultural practices, thorough food processing, and the advancement of mycotoxin control technologies, have been instrumental in reducing mycotoxin exposure and associated toxicity. To comprehensively assess mycotoxins and their toxicodynamic implications, the deployment of effective and predictive strategies is imperative. Understanding the manner of action, transformation, and cumulative toxic effects of mycotoxins, moreover, their interactions with food matrices can be gleaned through gene expression and transcriptome analyses at cellular and molecular levels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) govern the expression of target genes and enzymes that play pivotal roles in physiological, pathological, and toxicological responses, whereas acute phase proteins (APPs) exert regulatory control over the metabolism of therapeutic agents, both endogenously and posttranscriptionally. Consequently, this review aims to consolidate current knowledge concerning the regulatory role of miRNAs in the initiation of toxicological pathways by mycotoxins and explores the potential of APPs as biomarkers following mycotoxin exposure. The findings of this research highlight the potential utility of miRNAs and APPs as indicators for the detection and management of mycotoxins in food through biological processes. These markers offer promising avenues for enhancing the safety and quality of food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Murtaza
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Dalian SEM Bioengineering Technology Co., Ltd, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | | | | | - Gen Li
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Bowen Jin
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lili Wang
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yongping Xu
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
- Dalian SEM Bioengineering Technology Co., Ltd, Dalian, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bio-Intelligent Manufacturing, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, China
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Abdelaal AM, Sohal IS, Iyer S, Sudarshan K, Kothandaraman H, Lanman NA, Low PS, Kasinski AL. A first-in-class fully modified version of miR-34a with outstanding stability, activity, and anti-tumor efficacy. Oncogene 2023; 42:2985-2999. [PMID: 37666938 PMCID: PMC10541324 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered by defects in p53, epigenetic silencing, and genomic loss, the microRNA miR-34a represents one of the most clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs. Without question, a striking number of patients with cancer would benefit from miR-34a replacement, if poor miR-34a stability, non-specific delivery, and delivery-associated toxicity could be overcome. Here, we highlight a fully modified version of miR-34a (FM-miR-34a) that overcomes these hurdles when conjugated to a synthetically simplistic ligand. FM-miR-34a is orders of magnitude more stable than a partially modified version, without compromising its activity, leading to stronger repression of a greater number of miR-34a targets. FM-miR-34a potently inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced sustained downregulation of endogenous target genes for >120 h following in vivo delivery. In vivo targeting was achieved through conjugating FM-miR-34a to folate (FM-FolamiR-34a), which inhibited tumor growth leading to complete cures in some mice. These results have the ability to revitalize miR-34a as an anti-cancer agent, providing a strong rationale for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Abdelaal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ikjot S Sohal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
| | - Shreyas Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Kasireddy Sudarshan
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Harish Kothandaraman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Nadia A Lanman
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Philip S Low
- Department of of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Institute for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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Niccolini B, Palmieri V, De Spirito M, Papi M. Opportunities Offered by Graphene Nanoparticles for MicroRNAs Delivery for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 15:126. [PMID: 35009270 PMCID: PMC8745865 DOI: 10.3390/ma15010126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the degeneration and death of motor neurons. This neurodegenerative disease leads to muscle atrophy, paralysis, and death due to respiratory failure. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding ribonucleic acids (RNAs) with a length of 19 to 25 nucleotides, participating in the regulation of gene expression. Different studies have demonstrated that miRNAs deregulation is critical for the onset of a considerable number of neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS. Some studies have underlined how miRNAs are deregulated in ALS patients and for this reason, design therapies are used to correct the aberrant expression of miRNAs. With this rationale, delivery systems can be designed to target specific miRNAs. Specifically, these systems can be derived from viral vectors (viral systems) or synthetic or natural materials, including exosomes, lipids, and polymers. Between many materials used for non-viral vectors production, the two-dimensional graphene and its derivatives represent a good alternative for efficiently delivering nucleic acids. The large surface-to-volume ratio and ability to penetrate cell membranes are among the advantages of graphene. This review focuses on the specific pathogenesis of miRNAs in ALS and on graphene delivery systems designed for gene delivery to create a primer for future studies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Niccolini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Palmieri
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, CNR, Via dei Taurini 19, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Spirito
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Papi
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Host miRNA and immune cell interactions: relevance in nano-therapeutics for human health. Immunol Res 2021; 70:1-18. [PMID: 34716546 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Around 2200 miRNA (microRNA) genes were found in the human genome. miRNAs are arranged in clusters within the genome and share the same transcriptional regulatory units. It has been revealed that approximately 50% of miRNAs elucidated in the genome are transcribed from non-protein-coding genes, and the leftover miRNAs are present in the introns of coding sequences. We are now approaching a stage in which miRNA diagnostics and therapies can be established confidently, and several commercial efforts are underway to carry these innovations from the bench to the clinic. MiRNAs control many of the significant cellular activities such as production, differentiation, growth, and metabolism. Particularly in the immune system, miRNAs have emerged as a crucial biological component during diseased state and homeostasis. miRNAs have been found to regulate inflammatory responses and autoimmune disorders. Moreover, each miRNA targets multiple genes simultaneously, making miRNAs promising tools as diagnostic biomarkers and as remedial targets. Still, one of the major obstacles in miRNA-based approaches is the achievement of specific and efficient systemic delivery of miRNAs. To overcome these challenges, nanoformulations have been synthesized to protect miRNAs from degradation and enhance cellular uptake. The current review deals with the miRNA-mediated regulation of the recruitment and activation of immune cells, especially in the tumor microenvironment, viral infection, inflammation, and autoimmunity. The nano-based miRNA delivery modes are also discussed here, especially in the context of immune modulation.
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Cui D, Cheung ALM. Roles of microRNAs in tumorigenesis and metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:609-622. [PMID: 34513596 PMCID: PMC8394161 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i8.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the major subtype of esophageal cancer that is prevalent in Eastern Asia. Despite recent advances in therapy, the outcome of ESCC patients is still dismal. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs which can negatively modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The involvement and roles of miRNAs have become one of the hot topics of cancer research in recent years. In ESCC, genetic variations within miRNA coding genes were found to have distinct epidemiological significance in different populations. Dysregulated expression of several miRNAs was reported to be associated with therapeutic response. Functionally, miRNAs can act either in an oncogenic or a tumor-suppressive manner during tumorigenesis of ESCC by interrupting signaling pathways associated with cell proliferation, metabolism, cancer stemness, and resistance to chemo- or radiotherapy. Moreover, miRNAs modulate metastasis of ESCC by targeting genes that regulate cytoskeleton dynamics, extracellular matrix remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and tumor microenvironment. Most importantly, mounting evidence suggests that inhibiting oncogenic miRNAs or restoring the loss of tumor-suppressive miRNAs has therapeutic potential in the treatment of ESCC. Here, we review and discuss recent studies on the significance, biological functions, and therapeutic potential of miRNAs in tumorigenesis and metastasis of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Cui
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Annie LM Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Kasinski AL. Combatting PDAC with two tumor-targeting small RNAs. Oncotarget 2019; 10:5892-5893. [PMID: 31666921 PMCID: PMC6800264 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Kasinski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Orellana EA, Li C, Lisevick A, Kasinski AL. Identification and validation of microRNAs that synergize with miR-34a - a basis for combinatorial microRNA therapeutics. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1798-1811. [PMID: 31258013 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1634956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Efforts to search for better treatment options for cancer have been a priority, and due to these efforts, new alternative therapies have emerged. For instance, clinically relevant tumor-suppressive microRNAs that target key oncogenic drivers have been identified as potential anti-cancer therapeutics. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Aberrant microRNA expression, through misexpression of microRNA target genes, can have profound cellular effects leading to a variety of diseases, including cancer. While altered microRNA expression contributes to a cancerous state, restoration of microRNA expression has therapeutic benefits. For example, ectopic expression of microRNA-34a (miR-34a), a tumor suppressor gene that is a direct transcriptional target of p53 and thus is reduced in p53 mutant tumors, has clear effects on cell proliferation and survival in murine models of cancer. MicroRNA replacement therapies have recently been tested in combination with other agents, including other microRNAs, to simultaneously target multiple pathways to improve the therapeutic response. Thus, we reasoned that other microRNA combinations could collaborate to further improve treatment. To test this hypothesis miR-34a was used in an unbiased cell-based approach to identify combinatorial microRNA pairs with enhanced efficacy over miR-34a alone. This approach identified a subset of microRNAs that was able to enhance the miR-34a antiproliferative activity. These microRNA combinatorial therapeutics could offer superior tumor-suppressive abilities to suppress oncogenic properties compared to a monotherapeutic approach. Collectively these studies aim to address an unmet need of identifying, characterizing, and therapeutically targeting microRNAs for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban A Orellana
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA.,b Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Chennan Li
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
| | - Alexa Lisevick
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
| | - Andrea L Kasinski
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA.,c Purdue Center for Cancer Research , Purdue University , West Lafayette , IN , USA
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