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Kaur T, Sharma D. Self-propelling bacteria-based magnetic nanoparticles (BacMags) for targeted magnetic hyperthermia therapy against hypoxic tumors. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:7892-7907. [PMID: 38568096 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05082c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic hyperthermia-based cancer therapy (MHCT) holds great promise as a non-invasive approach utilizing heat generated by an alternating magnetic field for effective cancer treatment. For an efficacious therapeutic response, it is crucial to deliver therapeutic agents selectively at the depth of tumors. In this study, we present a new strategy using the naturally occurring tumor-colonizing bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a carrier to deliver magnetic nanoparticles to hypoxic tumor cores for effective MHCT. Self-propelling delivery agents, "nano-bacteriomagnets" (BacMags), were developed by incorporating anisotropic magnetic nanocubes into E. coli which demonstrated significantly improved hyperthermic performance, leading to an impressive 85% cell death in pancreatic cancer. The in vivo anti-cancer response was validated in a syngeneic xenograft model with a 50% tumor inhibition rate within 20 days and a complete tumor regression within 30 days. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the potential of utilizing anaerobic bacteria for the delivery of magnetic nanocarriers as a smart therapeutic approach for enhanced MHCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tashmeen Kaur
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
| | - Deepika Sharma
- Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Knowledge City, Sector 81, Mohali, Punjab-140306, India.
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2
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Hahn J, Ding S, Im J, Harimoto T, Leong KW, Danino T. Bacterial therapies at the interface of synthetic biology and nanomedicine. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2024; 2:120-135. [PMID: 38962719 PMCID: PMC11218715 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00119-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria are emerging as living drugs to treat a broad range of disease indications. However, the inherent advantages of these replicating and immunostimulatory therapies also carry the potential for toxicity. Advances in synthetic biology and the integration of nanomedicine can address this challenge through the engineering of controllable systems that regulate spatial and temporal activation for improved safety and efficacy. Here, we review recent progress in nanobiotechnology-driven engineering of bacteria-based therapies, highlighting limitations and opportunities that will facilitate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeseung Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suwan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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3
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Wu Z, Huang D, Wang J, Zhao Y, Sun W, Shen X. Engineering Heterogeneous Tumor Models for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304160. [PMID: 37946674 PMCID: PMC10767453 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor tissue engineering holds great promise for replicating the physiological and behavioral characteristics of tumors in vitro. Advances in this field have led to new opportunities for studying the tumor microenvironment and exploring potential anti-cancer therapeutics. However, the main obstacle to the widespread adoption of tumor models is the poor understanding and insufficient reconstruction of tumor heterogeneity. In this review, the current progress of engineering heterogeneous tumor models is discussed. First, the major components of tumor heterogeneity are summarized, which encompasses various signaling pathways, cell proliferations, and spatial configurations. Then, contemporary approaches are elucidated in tumor engineering that are guided by fundamental principles of tumor biology, and the potential of a bottom-up approach in tumor engineering is highlighted. Additionally, the characterization approaches and biomedical applications of tumor models are discussed, emphasizing the significant role of engineered tumor models in scientific research and clinical trials. Lastly, the challenges of heterogeneous tumor models in promoting oncology research and tumor therapy are described and key directions for future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuhao Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Danqing Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
| | - Weijian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325027China
| | - Xian Shen
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyNanjing Drum Tower HospitalSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSoutheast UniversityNanjing210096China
- Department of Gastrointestinal SurgeryThe First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325035China
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4
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Raman V, Deshpande CP, Khanduja S, Howell LM, Van Dessel N, Forbes NS. Build-a-bug workshop: Using microbial-host interactions and synthetic biology tools to create cancer therapies. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:1574-1592. [PMID: 37827116 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Many systemically administered cancer therapies exhibit dose-limiting toxicities that reduce their effectiveness. To increase efficacy, bacterial delivery platforms have been developed that improve safety and prolong treatment. Bacteria are a unique class of therapy that selectively colonizes most solid tumors. As delivery vehicles, bacteria have been genetically modified to express a range of therapies that match multiple cancer indications. In this review, we describe a modular "build-a-bug" method that focuses on five design characteristics: bacterial strain (chassis), therapeutic compound, delivery method, immune-modulating features, and genetic control circuits. We emphasize how fundamental research into gut microbe pathogenesis has created safe bacterial therapies, some of which have entered clinical trials. The genomes of gut microbes are fertile grounds for discovery of components to improve delivery and modulate host immune responses. Future work coupling these delivery vehicles with insights from gut microbes could lead to the next generation of microbial cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Raman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Ernest Pharmaceuticals, LLC, Hadley, MA, USA
| | - Chinmay P Deshpande
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Shradha Khanduja
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Lars M Howell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | | | - Neil S Forbes
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Molecular and Cell Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA; Institute for Applied Life Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA.
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5
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Arcidiacono S, Spangler JR, Litteral V, Doherty LA, Stamps B, Walper S, Goodson M, Soares JW. In Vitro Fermentation Evaluation of Engineered Sense and Respond Probiotics in Polymicrobial Communities. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5176-5185. [PMID: 37642529 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology provides a means of engineering tailored functions into probiotic bacteria. Of particular interest is introducing microbial sense and response functions; however, techniques for testing in physiologically relevant environments, such as those for the intended use, are still lacking. Typically, engineered probiotics are developed and tested in monoculture or in simplified cocultures still within ideal environments. In vitro fermentation models using simplified microbial communities now allow us to simulate engineered organism behavior, specifically organism persistence and intended functionality, within more physiologically relevant, tailored microbial communities. Here, probiotic bacteria Escherichia coli Nissle and Lactobacillus plantarum engineered with sense and response functionalities were evaluated for the ability to persist and function without adverse impact on commensal bacteria within simplified polymicrobial communities with increasing metabolic competition that simulate gut microbe community dynamics. Probiotic abundance and plasmid stability, measured by viability qPCR, decreased for engineered E. coli Nissle relative to monocultures as metabolic competition increased; functional output was not affected. For engineered L. plantarum, abundance and plasmid stability were not adversely impacted; however, functional output was decreased universally as metabolic competition was introduced. For both organisms, adverse effects on select commensals were not evident. Testing engineered probiotics in more physiologically relevant in vitro test beds can provide critical knowledge for circuit design feedback and functional validation prior to the transition to more costly and time-consuming higher-fidelity testing in animal or human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Arcidiacono
- Soldier Effectiveness Directorate, US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts 01760, United States
| | - Joseph R Spangler
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.20375, United States
| | - Vaughn Litteral
- UES Inc, US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Laurel A Doherty
- Soldier Effectiveness Directorate, US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts 01760, United States
| | - Blake Stamps
- 711th Human Performance Wing, US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Scott Walper
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C.20375, United States
| | - Michael Goodson
- 711th Human Performance Wing, US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio 45433, United States
| | - Jason W Soares
- Soldier Effectiveness Directorate, US Army DEVCOM Soldier Center, Natick, Massachusetts 01760, United States
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6
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Orlando LMR, Lara LDS, Lechuga GC, Rodrigues GC, Pandoli OG, de Sá DS, Pereira MCDS. Antitrypanosomal Activity of 1,2,3-Triazole-Based Hybrids Evaluated Using In Vitro Preclinical Translational Models. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1222. [PMID: 37759621 PMCID: PMC10525445 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease therapy still relies on two nitroderivatives, nifurtimox and benznidazole (Bz), which have important limitations and serious adverse effects. New therapeutic alternatives for this silent disease, which has become a worldwide public health problem, are essential for its control and elimination. In this study, 1,2,3-triazole analogues were evaluated for efficacy against T. cruzi. Three triazole derivatives, 1d (0.21 µM), 1f (1.23 µM), and 1g (2.28 µM), showed potent activity against trypomastigotes, reaching IC50 values 10 to 100 times greater than Bz (22.79 µM). Promising candidates are active against intracellular amastigotes (IC50 ≤ 6.20 µM). Treatment of 3D cardiac spheroids, a translational in vitro model, significantly reduced parasite load, indicating good drug diffusion and efficacy. Oral bioavailability was predicted for triazole derivatives. Although infection was significantly reduced without drug pressure in a washout assay, the triazole derivatives did not inhibit parasite resurgence. An isobologram analysis revealed an additive interaction when 1,2,3-triazole analogs and Bz were combined in vitro. These data indicate a strengthened potential of the triazole scaffold and encourage optimization based on an analysis of the structure-activity relationship aimed at identifying new compounds potentially active against T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Martins Rocha Orlando
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Leonardo da Silva Lara
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Guilherme Curty Lechuga
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
| | - Giseli Capaci Rodrigues
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino das Ciências, Unigranrio Rua Prof. José de Souza Herdy, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro 25071-970, Brazil;
| | - Omar Ginoble Pandoli
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Rua Marquês de São Vincente, 225, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil; (O.G.P.); (D.S.d.S.)
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Cembrano 4, 16126 Genova, Italy
| | - Druval Santos de Sá
- Departamento de Química, Pontifícia Universidade Católica, Rua Marquês de São Vincente, 225, Rio de Janeiro 22451-900, Brazil; (O.G.P.); (D.S.d.S.)
| | - Mirian Claudia de Souza Pereira
- Laboratório de Ultraestrutura Celular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil; (L.M.R.O.); (L.d.S.L.); (G.C.L.)
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7
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Garland GD, Patil KR, Turner SD, Willis AE. The Pioneer platform: A novel approach for selection of selective anti-cancer cytotoxic activity in bacteria through co-culturing with engineered human cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286741. [PMID: 37279202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the small-molecule drugs approved for the treatment of cancer over the past 40 years are based on natural compounds. Bacteria provide an extensive reservoir for the development of further anti-cancer therapeutics to meet the challenges posed by the diversity of these malignant diseases. While identifying cytotoxic compounds is often easy, achieving selective targeting of cancer cells is challenging. Here we describe a novel experimental approach (the Pioneer platform) for the identification and development of 'pioneering' bacterial variants that either show or are conduced to exhibit selective contact-independent anti-cancer cytotoxic activities. We engineered human cancer cells to secrete Colicin M that repress the growth of the bacterium Escherichia coli, while immortalised non-transformed cells were engineered to express Chloramphenicol Acetyltransferase capable of relieving the bacteriostatic effect of Chloramphenicol. Through co-culturing of E. coli with these two engineered human cell lines, we show bacterial outgrowth of DH5α E. coli is constrained by the combination of negative and positive selection pressures. This result supports the potential for this approach to screen or adaptively evolve 'pioneering' bacterial variants that can selectively eliminate the cancer cell population. Overall, the Pioneer platform demonstrates potential utility for drug discovery through multi-partner experimental evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin D Garland
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kiran R Patil
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne D Turner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- CEITEC, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Anne E Willis
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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8
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Kamperman T, Willemen NGA, Kelder C, Koerselman M, Becker M, Lins L, Johnbosco C, Karperien M, Leijten J. Steering Stem Cell Fate within 3D Living Composite Tissues Using Stimuli-Responsive Cell-Adhesive Micromaterials. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205487. [PMID: 36599686 PMCID: PMC10074101 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Engineered living microtissues such as cellular spheroids and organoids have enormous potential for the study and regeneration of tissues and organs. Microtissues are typically engineered via self-assembly of adherent cells into cellular spheroids, which are characterized by little to no cell-material interactions. Consequently, 3D microtissue models currently lack structural biomechanical and biochemical control over their internal microenvironment resulting in suboptimal functional performance such as limited stem cell differentiation potential. Here, this work report on stimuli-responsive cell-adhesive micromaterials (SCMs) that can self-assemble with cells into 3D living composite microtissues through integrin binding, even under serum-free conditions. It is demonstrated that SCMs homogeneously distribute within engineered microtissues and act as biomechanically and biochemically tunable designer materials that can alter the composite tissue microenvironment on demand. Specifically, cell behavior is controlled based on the size, stiffness, number ratio, and biofunctionalization of SCMs in a temporal manner via orthogonal secondary crosslinking strategies. Photo-based mechanical tuning of SCMs reveals early onset stiffness-controlled lineage commitment of differentiating stem cell spheroids. In contrast to conventional encapsulation of stem cell spheroids within bulk hydrogel, incorporating cell-sized SCMs within stem cell spheroids uniquely provides biomechanical cues throughout the composite microtissues' volume, which is demonstrated to be essential for osteogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kamperman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Niels G. A. Willemen
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Cindy Kelder
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Michelle Koerselman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Malin Becker
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Luanda Lins
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Castro Johnbosco
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineeringFaculty of Science and TechnologyTechnical Medical CentreUniversity of TwenteDrienerlolaan 5Enschede7522NBThe Netherlands
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9
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Choi JK, Naffouje SA, Goto M, Wang J, Christov K, Rademacher DJ, Green A, Stecenko AA, Chakrabarty AM, Das Gupta TK, Yamada T. Cross-talk between cancer and Pseudomonas aeruginosa mediates tumor suppression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:16. [PMID: 36609683 PMCID: PMC9823004 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04395-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms living at many sites in the human body compose a complex and dynamic community. Accumulating evidence suggests a significant role for microorganisms in cancer, and therapies that incorporate bacteria have been tried in various types of cancer. We previously demonstrated that cupredoxin azurin secreted by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enters human cancer cells and induces apoptotic death1-4. However, the physiological interactions between P. aeruginosa and humans and their role in tumor homeostasis are largely unknown. Here, we show that P. aeruginosa upregulated azurin secretion in response to increasing numbers of and proximity to cancer cells. Conversely, cancer cells upregulated aldolase A secretion in response to increasing proximity to P. aeruginosa, which also correlated with enhanced P. aeruginosa adherence to cancer cells. Additionally, we show that cancer patients had detectable P. aeruginosa and azurin in their tumors and exhibited increased overall survival when they did, and that azurin administration reduced tumor growth in transgenic mice. Our results suggest host-bacterial symbiotic mutualism acting as a diverse adjunct to the host defense system via inter-kingdom communication mediated by the evolutionarily conserved proteins azurin and human aldolase A. This improved understanding of the symbiotic relationship of bacteria with humans indicates the potential contribution to tumor homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana K Choi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samer A Naffouje
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.,General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Masahide Goto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Konstantin Christov
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David J Rademacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Core Imaging Facility, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Albert Green
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Arlene A Stecenko
- Division of Pulmonary, Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Ananda M Chakrabarty
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tapas K Das Gupta
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Tohru Yamada
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA. .,Richard & Loan Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois College of Engineering, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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10
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Deb D, Wu Y, Coker C, Harimoto T, Huang R, Danino T. Design of combination therapy for engineered bacterial therapeutics in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21551. [PMID: 36513723 PMCID: PMC9748036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology enables the engineering of bacteria to safely deliver potent payloads to tumors for effective anti-cancer therapies. However, a central challenge for translation is determining ideal bacterial therapy candidates for specific cancers and integrating them with other drug treatment strategies to maximize efficacy. To address this, we designed a screening and evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. We screened 10 engineered bacterial toxins across 6 non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived cell lines and identified theta toxin as a promising therapeutic candidate. Using a bacteria-spheroid co-culture system (BSCC), analysis of differentially expressed transcripts and gene set enrichment revealed significant changes in at least 10 signaling pathways with bacteria-producing theta toxin. We assessed combinatorial treatment of small molecule pharmaceutical inhibitors targeting 5 signaling molecules and of 2 chemotherapy drugs along with bacterially-produced theta toxin and showed improved dose-dependent response. This combination strategy was further tested and confirmed, with AKT signaling as an example, in a mouse model of lung cancer. In summary, we developed a pipeline to rapidly characterize bacterial therapies and integrate them with current targeted therapies for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhruba Deb
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Yangfan Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Ruoqi Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
- Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
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11
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A rapid screening platform to coculture bacteria within tumor spheroids. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2216-2239. [PMID: 35906291 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of tumor-colonizing bacteria along with advances in synthetic biology are leading to a new generation of living microbial cancer therapies. Because many bacterial systems can be engineered to recombinantly produce therapeutics within tumors, simple and high-throughput experimental platforms are needed to screen the large collections of bacteria candidates and characterize their interactions with cancer cells. Here, we describe a protocol to selectively grow bacteria within the core of tumor spheroids, allowing for their continuous and parallel profiling in physiologically relevant conditions. Specifically, tumor spheroids are incubated with bacteria in a 96-well low-adhesion plate followed by a series of washing steps and an antibiotic selection protocol to confine bacterial growth within the hypoxic and necrotic core of tumor spheroids. This bacteria spheroid coculture (BSCC) system is stable for over 2 weeks, does not require specialized equipment and is compatible with time-lapse microscopy, commercial staining assays and histology that uniquely enable analysis of growth kinetics, viability and spatial distribution of both cellular populations, respectively. We show that the procedure is applicable to multiple tumor cell types and bacterial species by varying protocol parameters and is validated by using animal models. The BSCC platform will allow the study of bacteria-tumor interactions in a continuous manner and facilitate the rapid development of engineered microbial therapies.
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12
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Omer R, Mohsin MZ, Mohsin A, Mushtaq BS, Huang X, Guo M, Zhuang Y, Huang J. Engineered Bacteria-Based Living Materials for Biotherapeutic Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:870675. [PMID: 35573236 PMCID: PMC9096031 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.870675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Future advances in therapeutics demand the development of dynamic and intelligent living materials. The past static monofunctional materials shall be unable to meet the requirements of future medical development. Also, the demand for precision medicine has increased with the progressively developing human society. Therefore, engineered living materials (ELMs) are vitally important for biotherapeutic applications. These ELMs can be cells, microbes, biofilms, and spores, representing a new platform for treating intractable diseases. Synthetic biology plays a crucial role in the engineering of these living entities. Hence, in this review, the role of synthetic biology in designing and creating genetically engineered novel living materials, particularly bacteria, has been briefly summarized for diagnostic and targeted delivery. The main focus is to provide knowledge about the recent advances in engineered bacterial-based therapies, especially in the treatment of cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, and infection. Microorganisms, particularly probiotics, have been engineered for synthetic living therapies. Furthermore, these programmable bacteria are designed to sense input signals and respond to disease-changing environments with multipronged therapeutic outputs. These ELMs will open a new path for the synthesis of regenerative medicines as they release therapeutics that provide in situ drug delivery with lower systemic effects. In last, the challenges being faced in this field and the future directions requiring breakthroughs have been discussed. Conclusively, the intent is to present the recent advances in research and biomedical applications of engineered bacteria-based therapies during the last 5 years, as a novel treatment for uncontrollable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabia Omer
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Zubair Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ali Mohsin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bilal Sajid Mushtaq
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xumeng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaofang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Jiaofang Huang,
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13
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Harimoto T, Hahn J, Chen YY, Im J, Zhang J, Hou N, Li F, Coker C, Gray K, Harr N, Chowdhury S, Pu K, Nimura C, Arpaia N, Leong KW, Danino T. A programmable encapsulation system improves delivery of therapeutic bacteria in mice. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:1259-1269. [PMID: 35301496 PMCID: PMC9371971 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Living bacteria therapies have been proposed as an alternative approach to treating a broad array of cancers. In this study, we developed a genetically encoded microbial encapsulation system with tunable and dynamic expression of surface capsular polysaccharides that enhances systemic delivery. Based on a small RNA screen of capsular biosynthesis pathways, we constructed inducible synthetic gene circuits that regulate bacterial encapsulation in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. These bacteria are capable of temporarily evading immune attack, whereas subsequent loss of encapsulation results in effective clearance in vivo. This dynamic delivery strategy enabled a ten-fold increase in maximum tolerated dose of bacteria and improved anti-tumor efficacy in murine models of cancer. Furthermore, in situ encapsulation increased the fraction of microbial translocation among mouse tumors, leading to efficacy in distal tumors. The programmable encapsulation system promises to enhance the therapeutic utility of living engineered bacteria for cancer. Transient capsule induction allows engineered bacteria to evade initial immune surveillance in a colorectal cancer model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuhiro Harimoto
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jaeseung Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yu-Yu Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joanna Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Hou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Courtney Coker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelsey Gray
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Harr
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sreyan Chowdhury
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kelly Pu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clare Nimura
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas Arpaia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tal Danino
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. .,Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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14
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Heavey MK, Durmusoglu D, Crook N, Anselmo AC. Discovery and delivery strategies for engineered live biotherapeutic products. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:354-369. [PMID: 34481657 PMCID: PMC8831446 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2021.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Genetically engineered microbes that secrete therapeutics, sense and respond to external environments, and/or target specific sites in the gut fall under an emergent class of therapeutics, called live biotherapeutic products (LBPs). As live organisms that require symbiotic host interactions, LBPs offer unique therapeutic opportunities, but also face distinct challenges in the gut microenvironment. In this review, we describe recent approaches (often demonstrated using traditional probiotic microorganisms) to discover LBP chassis and genetic parts utilizing omics-based methods and highlight LBP delivery strategies, with a focus on addressing physiological challenges that LBPs encounter after oral administration. Finally, we share our perspective on the opportunity to apply an integrated approach, wherein discovery and delivery strategies are utilized synergistically, towards tailoring and optimizing LBP efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mairead K. Heavey
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Deniz Durmusoglu
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Nathan Crook
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Aaron C. Anselmo
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA,Correspondence: (A.C. Anselmo), (N. Crook)
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15
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Khan A, Ostaku J, Aras E, Safak Seker UO. Combating Infectious Diseases with Synthetic Biology. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:528-537. [PMID: 35077138 PMCID: PMC8895449 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Over
the past decades, there have been numerous outbreaks, including
parasitic, fungal, bacterial, and viral infections, worldwide. The
rate at which infectious diseases are emerging is disproportionate
to the rate of development for new strategies that could combat them.
Therefore, there is an increasing demand to develop novel, specific,
sensitive, and effective methods for infectious disease diagnosis
and treatment. Designed synthetic systems and devices are becoming
powerful tools to treat human diseases. The advancement in synthetic
biology offers efficient, accurate, and cost-effective platforms for
detecting and preventing infectious diseases. Herein we focus on the
latest state of living theranostics and its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anooshay Khan
- UNAM − National Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Julian Ostaku
- UNAM − National Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ebru Aras
- UNAM − National Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
- UNAM − National Nanotechnology Research Center, Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
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16
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Law AMK, Rodriguez de la Fuente L, Grundy TJ, Fang G, Valdes-Mora F, Gallego-Ortega D. Advancements in 3D Cell Culture Systems for Personalizing Anti-Cancer Therapies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:782766. [PMID: 34917509 PMCID: PMC8669727 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.782766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 90% of potential anti-cancer drug candidates results in translational failures in clinical trials. The main reason for this failure can be attributed to the non-accurate pre-clinical models that are being currently used for drug development and in personalised therapies. To ensure that the assessment of drug efficacy and their mechanism of action have clinical translatability, the complexity of the tumor microenvironment needs to be properly modelled. 3D culture models are emerging as a powerful research tool that recapitulates in vivo characteristics. Technological advancements in this field show promising application in improving drug discovery, pre-clinical validation, and precision medicine. In this review, we discuss the significance of the tumor microenvironment and its impact on therapy success, the current developments of 3D culture, and the opportunities that advancements that in vitro technologies can provide to improve cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M K Law
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura Rodriguez de la Fuente
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Epigenetic Biology and Therapeutics Lab, Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas J Grundy
- Life Sciences, Inventia Life Science Pty Ltd, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
| | - Guocheng Fang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Fatima Valdes-Mora
- Cancer Epigenetic Biology and Therapeutics Lab, Children's Cancer Institute, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - David Gallego-Ortega
- Tumour Development Group, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
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17
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Zúñiga A, Camacho M, Chang HJ, Fristot E, Mayonove P, Hani EH, Bonnet J. Engineered l-Lactate Responding Promoter System Operating in Glucose-Rich and Anoxic Environments. ACS Synth Biol 2021; 10:3527-3536. [PMID: 34851606 PMCID: PMC8689689 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria equipped with genetically encoded lactate biosensors are promising tools for biopharmaceutical production, diagnostics, and cellular therapies. However, many applications involve glucose-rich and anoxic environments, in which current whole-cell lactate biosensors show low performance. Here we engineer an optimized, synthetic lactate biosensor system by repurposing the natural LldPRD promoter regulated by the LldR transcriptional regulator. We removed glucose catabolite and anoxic repression by designing a hybrid promoter, containing LldR operators and tuned both regulator and reporter gene expressions to optimize biosensor signal-to-noise ratio. The resulting lactate biosensor, termed ALPaGA (A Lactate Promoter Operating in Glucose and Anoxia), can operate in glucose-rich, aerobic and anoxic conditions. We show that ALPaGA works reliably in the probiotic chassisEscherichia coliNissle 1917 and can detect endogenous l-lactate produced by 3D tumor spheroids with an improved dynamic range. In the future, the ALPaGA system could be used to monitor bioproduction processes and improve the specificity of engineered bacterial cancer therapies by restricting their activity to the lactate-rich microenvironment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Zúñiga
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Miguel Camacho
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Hung-Ju Chang
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Elsa Fristot
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Pauline Mayonove
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - El-Habib Hani
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
| | - Jerome Bonnet
- Centre de Biologie Structurale (CBS),
INSERM U1054, CNRS UMR5048, University of
Montpellier, 29 Rue de Navacelles, Montpellier 34090, France
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18
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McNerney MP, Doiron KE, Ng TL, Chang TZ, Silver PA. Theranostic cells: emerging clinical applications of synthetic biology. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:730-746. [PMID: 34234299 PMCID: PMC8261392 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-021-00383-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic biology seeks to redesign biological systems to perform novel functions in a predictable manner. Recent advances in bacterial and mammalian cell engineering include the development of cells that function in biological samples or within the body as minimally invasive diagnostics or theranostics for the real-time regulation of complex diseased states. Ex vivo and in vivo cell-based biosensors and therapeutics have been developed to target a wide range of diseases including cancer, microbiome dysbiosis and autoimmune and metabolic diseases. While probiotic therapies have advanced to clinical trials, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies have received regulatory approval, exemplifying the clinical potential of cellular therapies. This Review discusses preclinical and clinical applications of bacterial and mammalian sensing and drug delivery platforms as well as the underlying biological designs that could enable new classes of cell diagnostics and therapeutics. Additionally, we describe challenges that must be overcome for more rapid and safer clinical use of engineered systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica P McNerney
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kailyn E Doiron
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tai L Ng
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy Z Chang
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pamela A Silver
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA.
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19
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Mukundan S, Singh P, Shah A, Kumar R, O’Neill KC, Carter CL, Russell DG, Subbian S, Parekkadan B. In Vitro Miniaturized Tuberculosis Spheroid Model. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1209. [PMID: 34572395 PMCID: PMC8470281 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) is a public health concern that impacts 10 million people around the world. Current in vitro models are low throughput and/or lack caseation, which impairs drug effectiveness in humans. Here, we report the generation of THP-1 human monocyte/macrophage spheroids housing mycobacteria (TB spheroids). These TB spheroids have a central core of dead cells co-localized with mycobacteria and are hypoxic. TB spheroids exhibit higher levels of pro-inflammatory factor TNFα and growth factors G-CSF and VEGF when compared to non-infected control. TB spheroids show high levels of lipid deposition, characterized by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. TB spheroids infected with strains of differential virulence, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) HN878 and CDC1551 vary in response to Isoniazid and Rifampicin. Finally, we adapt the spheroid model to form peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and lung fibroblasts (NHLF) 3D co-cultures. These results pave the way for the development of new strategies for disease modeling and therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpaa Mukundan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 08854, USA; (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Pooja Singh
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 07103, USA; (P.S.); (R.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Aditi Shah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 08854, USA; (S.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 07103, USA; (P.S.); (R.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Kelly C. O’Neill
- Department Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Neptune, NJ 07110, USA; (K.C.O.); (C.L.C.)
| | - Claire L. Carter
- Department Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Neptune, NJ 07110, USA; (K.C.O.); (C.L.C.)
| | - David G. Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
| | - Selvakumar Subbian
- Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 07103, USA; (P.S.); (R.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Biju Parekkadan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 08854, USA; (S.M.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Jersey City, NJ 08854, USA
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20
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Enhancing the tropism of bacteria via genetically programmed biosensors. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 6:94-104. [PMID: 34326488 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Engineered bacteria for therapeutic applications would benefit from control mechanisms that confine the growth of the bacteria within specific tissues or regions in the body. Here we show that the tropism of engineered bacteria can be enhanced by coupling bacterial growth with genetic circuits that sense oxygen, pH or lactate through the control of the expression of essential genes. Bacteria that were engineered with pH or oxygen sensors showed preferential growth in physiologically relevant acidic or oxygen conditions, and reduced growth outside the permissive environments when orally delivered to mice. In syngeneic mice bearing subcutaneous tumours, bacteria engineered with both hypoxia and lactate biosensors coupled through an AND gate showed increased tumour specificity. The multiplexing of genetic circuits may be more broadly applicable for enhancing the localization of bacteria to specified niches.
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21
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Menghini S, Ho PS, Gwisai T, Schuerle S. Magnetospirillum magneticum as a Living Iron Chelator Induces TfR1 Upregulation and Decreases Cell Viability in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020498. [PMID: 33419059 PMCID: PMC7825404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest has grown in harnessing biological agents for cancer treatment as dynamic vectors with enhanced tumor targeting. While bacterial traits such as proliferation in tumors, modulation of an immune response, and local secretion of toxins have been well studied, less is known about bacteria as competitors for nutrients. Here, we investigated the use of a bacterial strain as a living iron chelator, competing for this nutrient vital to tumor growth and progression. We established an in vitro co-culture system consisting of the magnetotactic strain Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 incubated under hypoxic conditions with human melanoma cells. Siderophore production by 108 AMB-1/mL in human transferrin (Tf)-supplemented media was quantified and found to be equivalent to a concentration of 3.78 µM ± 0.117 µM deferoxamine (DFO), a potent drug used in iron chelation therapy. Our experiments revealed an increased expression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) and a significant decrease of cancer cell viability, indicating the bacteria’s ability to alter iron homeostasis in human melanoma cells. Our results show the potential of a bacterial strain acting as a self-replicating iron-chelating agent, which could serve as an additional mechanism reinforcing current bacterial cancer therapies.
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22
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Engineering microbial diagnostics and therapeutics with smart control. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 66:11-17. [PMID: 32563763 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Microbes have become an increasingly powerful chassis for developing diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. While many of the earlier engineering efforts used microbes that expressed relevant proteins constitutively, more microbes are being engineered to express them with region-selectivity and disease-responsiveness through biosensors. Such 'smart' microbes have been developed to diagnose and treat a wide range of disorders and diseases, including bacterial infections, cancers, inflammatory disorders, and metabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss synthetic biology technologies that have been applied to engineer microbes for biomedical applications, focusing on recent reports that demonstrate microbial sensing by using animal models or clinical samples. Advances in synthetic biology will enable engineered microbes to significantly improve the medical field.
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23
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Kasper SH, Morell-Perez C, Wyche TP, Sana TR, Lieberman LA, Hett EC. Colorectal cancer-associated anaerobic bacteria proliferate in tumor spheroids and alter the microenvironment. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5321. [PMID: 32210258 PMCID: PMC7093526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports show that colorectal tumors contain microbiota that are distinct from those that reside in a 'normal' colon environment, and that these microbiota can contribute to cancer progression. Fusobacterium nucleatum is the most commonly observed species in the colorectal tumor microenvironment and reportedly influences disease progression through numerous mechanisms. However, a detailed understanding of the role of this organism in cancer progression is limited, in part due to challenges in maintaining F. nucleatum viability under standard aerobic cell culture conditions. Herein we describe the development of a 3-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroid model that can harbor and promote the growth of anaerobic bacteria. Bacteria-tumor cell interactions and metabolic crosstalk were extensively studied by measuring the kinetics of bacterial growth, cell morphology and lysis, cancer-related gene expression, and metabolomics. We observed that viable F. nucleatum assembles biofilm-like structures in the tumor spheroid microenvironment, whereas heat-killed F. nucleatum is internalized and sequestered in the cancer cells. Lastly, we use the model to co-culture 28 Fusobacterium clinical isolates and demonstrate that the model successfully supports co-culture with diverse fusobacterial species. This bacteria-spheroid co-culture model enables mechanistic investigation of the role of anaerobic bacteria in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Kasper
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | - Thomas P Wyche
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theodore R Sana
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Linda A Lieberman
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erik C Hett
- Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
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24
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Abstract
The engineering of living cells and microbes is ushering in a new era of cancer therapy. Due to recent microbiome studies indicating the prevalence of bacteria within the human body and specifically in tumor tissue, bacteria have generated significant interest as potential targets for cancer therapy. Notably, a multitude of empirical studies over the past decades have demonstrated that administered bacteria home and grow in tumors due to reduced immune surveillance of tumor necrotic cores. Given their specificity for tumors, bacteria present a unique opportunity to be engineered as intelligent delivery vehicles for cancer therapy with synthetic biology techniques. In this review, we discuss the history, current state, and future challenges associated with using bacteria as a cancer therapy.
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25
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Targeting Programmed Fusobacterium nucleatum Fap2 for Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101592. [PMID: 31635333 PMCID: PMC6827134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal patients generally have the maximum counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) in tumors and elevate colorectal adenomas and carcinomas, which show the lowest rate of human survival. Hence, F. nucleatum is a diagnostic marker of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies demonstrated that targeting fusobacterial Fap2 or polysaccharide of the host epithelium may decrease fusobacteria count in the CRC. Attenuated F. nucleatum-Fap2 prevents transmembrane signals and inhibits tumorigenesis inducing mechanisms. Hence, in this review, we hypothesized that application of genetically programmed fusobacterium can be skillful and thus reduce fusobacterium in the CRC. Genetically programmed F. nucleatum is a promising antitumor strategy.
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