Tumor-targeted and pH-controlled delivery of doxorubicin using gold nanorods for lung cancer therapy

An Efficient Strategy for Constructing Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Prolonged and Accurate Tumor Imaging

Activatable near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes possess advantages of high selectivity, sensitivity, and deep imaging depth, holding great potential in the early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of tumors. However, small-molecule fluorescent probes are largely limited due to the rapid diffusion and metabolic clearance of activated fluorophores in vivo. Herein, we propose an efficient and reproducible novel strategy to construct activatable fluorescent nanoprobes through bioorthogonal reactions and the strong gold-sulfur (Au-S) interactions to achieve an enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, thereby achieving prolonged and high-contrast tumor imaging in vivo. To demonstrate the merits of this strategy, we prepared an activatable nanoprobe, hCy-ALP@AuNP, for imaging alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in vivo, whose nanoscale properties facilitate accumulation and long-term retention in tumor lesions. Tumor-overexpressed ALP significantly increased the fluorescence signal of hCy-ALP@AuNP in the NIR region. More importantly, compared with the small-molecule probe hCy-ALP-N3, the nanoprobe hCy-ALP@AuNP significantly improved the distribution and retention time in the tumor, thus improving the imaging window and accuracy. Therefore, this nanoprobe platform has great potential in the efficient construction of biomarker-responsive fluorescent nanoprobes to realize precise tumor diagnosis in vivo.

Inhibiting Multidrug Resistance with Transferrin-Targeted Polymersomes through Optimization of Ligand Density

Transferrin-conjugated polymersomes, transferrin-biotin/avidin/biotin-Pluronic F127-poly(lactic acid) (Tf-F127-PLA), were successfully prepared through a biotin-avidin bridging technique to study their ability to inhibit multidrug resistance of cancer cells. Hydrophilic doxorubicin (DOX) was selected as the model drug to be loaded into Tf-F127-PLA polymersomes. DOX loaded in Tf-F127-PLA polymersomes was released fast initially, followed by a slow release. The effect of the transferrin ligand density of Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes on their targeting properties was studied by both cytotoxicity and cellular uptake assays against A549 lung cancer cells. It was shown that Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes had better targeting ability than nontargeted drug-loaded polymersomes. Furthermore, Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes with 2% Tf molar content have more effective antitumor activity and a higher cellular uptake than those with 4 and 5% Tf molar content. 2% Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes also exhibited better anticancer ability in multidrug resistant cancer cells A549/ADR than nontargeted PLA-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes. It was further proved that the endocytosis of polymersomes by A549/ADR cells was an energy-dependent endocytosis process, which was related to clathrin, macrocytosis, and caveolin. Also, the endocytosis of Tf-F127-PLA/DOX polymersomes was proven to be mediated by the transferrin receptor.

Nanodelivery systems: An efficient and target-specific approach for drug-resistant cancers

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment is still a global health challenge. Nowadays, chemotherapy is widely applied for treating cancer and reducing its burden. However, its application might be in accordance with various adverse effects by exposing the healthy tissues and multidrug resistance (MDR), leading to disease relapse or metastasis. In addition, due to tumor heterogeneity and the varied pharmacokinetic features of prescribed drugs, combination therapy has only shown modestly improved results in MDR malignancies. Nanotechnology has been explored as a potential tool for cancer treatment, due to the efficiency of nanoparticles to function as a vehicle for drug delivery.

METHODS

With this viewpoint, functionalized nanosystems have been investigated as a potential strategy to overcome drug resistance.

RESULTS

This approach aims to improve the efficacy of anticancer medicines while decreasing their associated side effects through a range of mechanisms, such as bypassing drug efflux, controlling drug release, and disrupting metabolism. This review discusses the MDR mechanisms contributing to therapeutic failure, the most cutting-edge approaches used in nanomedicine to create and assess nanocarriers, and designed nanomedicine to counteract MDR with emphasis on recent developments, their potential, and limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies have shown that nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery confers distinct benefits over traditional pharmaceuticals, including improved biocompatibility, stability, permeability, retention effect, and targeting capabilities.

Surface Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles for Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment to Improve Antitumor Efficiency

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have undergone significant research for their use in the treatment of cancer. Numerous researchers have established their potent antitumor properties, which have greatly impacted the treatment of cancer. AuNPs have been used in four primary anticancer treatment modalities, namely radiation, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and chemotherapy. However, the ability of AuNPs to destroy cancer is lacking and can even harm healthy cells without the right direction to transport them to the tumor microenvironment. Consequently, a suitable targeting technique is needed. Based on the distinct features of the human tumor microenvironment, this review discusses four different targeting strategies that target the four key features of the tumor microenvironment, including abnormal vasculature, overexpression of specific receptors, an acidic microenvironment, and a hypoxic microenvironment, to direct surface-functionalized AuNPs to the tumor microenvironment and increase antitumor efficacies. In addition, some current completed or ongoing clinical trials of AuNPs will also be discussed below to further reinforce the concept of using AuNPs in anticancer therapy.

Gold nanoparticles and gold nanorods in the landscape of cancer therapy

Cancer is a grievous disease whose treatment requires a more efficient, non-invasive therapy, associated with minimal side effects. Gold nanoparticles possessing greatly impressive optical properties have been a forerunner in bioengineered cancer therapy. This theranostic system has gained immense popularity and finds its application in the field of molecular detection, biological imaging, cancer cell targeting, etc. The photothermal property of nanoparticles, especially of gold nanorods, causes absorption of the light incident by the light source, and transforms it into heat, resulting in tumor cell destruction. This review describes the different optical features of gold nanoparticles and summarizes the advance research done for the application of gold nanoparticles and precisely gold nanorods for combating various cancers including breast, lung, colon, oral, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.

Transferrin-Modified Mangiferin-Loaded SLNs: Preparation, Characterization, and Application in A549 Lung Cancer Cell

Introduction

Mangiferin is a plant antitumor compound with poor water solubility and low bioavailability. In this study, transferrin-modified mangiferin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Tf-modified MGF-SLNs) were prepared to overcome the above defects.

Methods

Tf-modified MGF-SLNs were prepared by the emulsification-solvent evaporation method. The physicochemical properties of Tf-MGF-SLNs such as particle size, zeta potential and in vitro drug release were investigated. We also demonstrated the effect of Tf-MGF-SLNs in lung cancer.

Results

The mean hydrodynamic diameter of the Tf-MGF-SLNs was 121.8±2.9 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.134±0.03. According to TEM micrographs, Tf-MGF-SLNs are spherical and uniform, and the EE% was found to be 72.5±2.4%. In vitro release, we identified an initial burst effect release, followed by controlled release, in SLNs at both pHs and the Tf-MGF-SLNs drug accumulation release percentages reached over 68% at pH 4.0 and 72% at pH 7.4 in 6 hours, respectively. In vivo studies showed that depending on surface modification, Tf-MGF-SLNs, which suggested that cell internalization was changed and more drugs entered the cells successfully.

Discussion

Tf-MGF-SLNs were highly efficient in suppressing the tumor growth in xenograft tumor model. Sustained release of the drug delivery system and Tf-modified MGF-SLNs played a major role. Tf-MGF-SLNs would be a promising formulation for the treatment of lung cancer.

Multifunctional Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, behind only cardiovascular diseases, and is one of the most serious diseases threatening human health nowadays. Cancer patients’ lives are being extended by the use of contemporary medical technologies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, these treatments are not always effective in extending cancer patients’ lives. Simultaneously, these approaches are often accompanied with a series of negative consequences, such as the occurrence of adverse effects and an increased risk of relapse. As a result, the development of a novel cancer-eradication strategy is still required. The emergence of nanomedicine as a promising technology brings a new avenue for the circumvention of limitations of conventional cancer therapies. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), in particular, have garnered extensive attention due to their many specific advantages, including customizable size and shape, multiple and useful physicochemical properties, and ease of functionalization. Based on these characteristics, many therapeutic and diagnostic applications of AuNPs have been exploited, particularly for malignant tumors, such as drug and nucleic acid delivery, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and X-ray-based computed tomography imaging. To leverage the potential of AuNPs, these applications demand a comprehensive and in-depth overview. As a result, we discussed current achievements in AuNPs in anticancer applications in a more methodical manner in this review. Also addressed in depth are the present status of clinical trials, as well as the difficulties that may be encountered when translating some basic findings into the clinic, in order to serve as a reference for future studies.

Nanoparticles for Cancer Therapy: Current Progress and Challenges

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity with a complex pathophysiology. Traditional cancer therapies include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, limitations such as lack of specificity, cytotoxicity, and multi-drug resistance pose a substantial challenge for favorable cancer treatment. The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized the arena of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles (1-100 nm) can be used to treat cancer due to their specific advantages such as biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, more excellent stability, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. Nanoparticles are classified into several main categories. The nanoparticle drug delivery system is particular and utilizes tumor and tumor environment characteristics. Nanoparticles not only solve the limitations of conventional cancer treatment but also overcome multidrug resistance. Additionally, as new multidrug resistance mechanisms are unraveled and studied, nanoparticles are being investigated more vigorously. Various therapeutic implications of nanoformulations have created brand new perspectives for cancer treatment. However, most of the research is limited to in vivo and in vitro studies, and the number of approved nanodrugs has not much amplified over the years. This review discusses numerous types of nanoparticles, targeting mechanisms, and approved nanotherapeutics for oncological implications in cancer treatment. Further, we also summarize the current perspective, advantages, and challenges in clinical translation.

Delivery of miR-320a-3p by gold nanoparticles combined with photothermal therapy for directly targeting Sp1 in lung cancer

Lung cancer is the second most common tumor and has the highest mortality rate. Both novel therapeutic targets and approaches are needed to improve the overall survival of patients with lung cancer. MicroRNA-320a-3p belongs to the miR-320a family and has been reported as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers. However, its definitive role and precise mechanism in the progression of lung cancer remain unclear. In this study, we developed a new type of gold nanorod modified with polyethyleneimine that targets cancer-specific nanoparticles by RGD peptide, which could condense miRNA to self-assemble supramolecular nanoparticles. The designed nanoparticles can achieve integrin αvβ3-targeted cancer therapy, realize photosensitive therapy by laser irradiation and attain gene-targeted therapy by miRNAs. These nanoparticles could deliver miR-320a into lung cancer cells specifically and efficiently. Moreover, we demonstrated that Au-RGD-miR-320a nanoparticles combined with laser irradiation dramatically inhibited the proliferation and metastasis, and enhanced the apoptosis of lung cancer, both in vitro and in vivo. In terms of the mechanism, miR-320a inhibits Sp1 expression by directly binding to the 3'UTR of Sp1, and it eventually enhanced the expression of PTEN and inhibited the expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9). These findings provide a new and promising anticancer strategy via the use of Au-RGD-miR-320a nanoparticles, and identify miR-320a/Sp1 as a potential target for future systemic therapy against lung cancer.

Targeted Delivery of Doxorubicin Using Transferrin-Conjugated Carbon Dots for Cancer Therapy

A transferrin receptor (TfR)-targeted nanodrug [green fluorescence emission carbon dot (GCD)-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-transferrin (Tf)@doxorubicin (Dox)] for cancer therapy was developed by functionalizing GCDs with PEG, Tf, and Dox. GCDs were synthesized by the one-step hydrothermal method, followed by conjugating PEG and Tf by covalent bonds and loading Dox by electrostatic interactions. The nanodrug exhibits high stability under neutral conditions and effectively releases Dox at pH of 5.5. GCD-PEG-Tf@Dox can be selectively internalized by TfR-overexpressed tumor cells (MCF-7 and K150) via receptor-mediated endocytosis and further release Dox to the nuclei. As a result, GCD-PEG-Tf@Dox exhibits significant lethality to tumor cells (MCF-7 and K150) but greatly reduced toxicity to normal cells [Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO)] compared with free Dox. In vivo studies have confirmed that GCD-PEG-Tf@Dox can effectively inhibit tumor proliferation with negligible side effects.

A Theranostic Cellulose Nanocrystal-Based Drug Delivery System with Enhanced Retention in Pulmonary Metastasis of Melanoma

Metastatic melanoma can be difficult to detect until at the advanced state that decreases the survival rate of patients. Several FDA-approved BRAF inhibitors have been used for treatment of metastatic melanoma, but overall therapeutic efficacy has been limited. Lutetium-177 (177 Lu) enables simultaneous tracking of tracer accumulation with single-photon emission computed tomography and radiotherapy. Therefore, the codelivery of 177 Lu alongside chemotherapeutic agents using nanoparticles (NPs) might improve the therapeutic outcome in metastatic melanoma. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC NPs) can particularly deliver payloads to lung capillaries in vivo. Herein, 177 Lu-labeled CNC NPs loaded with vemurafenib ([177 Lu]Lu-CNC-V NPs) is developed and the therapeutic effect in BRAF V600E mutation-harboring YUMM1.G1 murine model of lung metastatic melanoma is investigated. The [177 Lu]Lu-CNC-V NPs demonstrate favorable radiolabel stability, drug release profile, cellular uptake, and cell growth inhibition in vitro. In vivo biodistribution reveals significant retention of the [177 Lu]Lu-CNC-V NPs in the lung, liver, and spleen. Ultimately, the median survival time of animals is doubly increased after treatment with [177 Lu]Lu-CNC-V NPs compared to control groups. The enhanced therapeutic efficacy of [177 Lu]Lu-CNC-V NPs in the lung metastatic melanoma animal model provides convincing evidence for the potential of clinical translation for theranostic CNC NP-based drug delivery systems after intravenous administration.

Doxorubicin (DOX) Gadolinium-Gold-Complex: A New Way to Tune Hybrid Nanorods as Theranostic Agent

INTRODUCTION

In this paper, we have designed and formulated, a novel synthesis of doxorubicin (DOX) loaded bimetallic gold nanorods in which gold salt (HAuCl4) is chelated with anthracycline (DOX), diacid polyethylene-glycol (PEG-COOH) and gadolinium salt (GdCl3 * 6 H2O) to form DOX IN-Gd-AuNRs compared with DOX ON-Gd-AuNRs in which the drug was grafted onto the bimetallic pegylated nanoparticle surface by electrostatic adsorption.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The physical and chemical evaluation was performed by spectroscopic analytical techniques (Raman spectroscopy, UV-Visible and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)). Magnetic features at 7T were also measured. Photothermal abilities were assessed. Cytotoxicity studies on MIA PaCa-2, human pancreatic carcinoma and TIB-75 hepatocytes cell lines were carried out to evaluate their biocompatibility and showed a 320 fold higher efficiency for DOX after encapsulation.

RESULTS

Exhaustive physicochemical characterization studies were conducted showing a mid size of 20 to 40 nm diameters obtained with low polydispersity, efficient synthesis using seed mediated synthesis with chelation reaction with high scale-up, long duration stability, specific doxorubicin release with acidic pH, strong photothermal abilities at 808 nm in the NIR transparency window, strong magnetic r1 relaxivities for positive MRI, well adapted for image guided therapy and therapeutical purpose in biological tissues.

CONCLUSION

In this paper, we have developed a novel theranostic nanoparticle composed of gadolinium complexes to gold ions, with a PEG biopolymer matrix conjugated with antitumoral doxorubicin, providing multifunctional therapeutic features. Particularly, these nano conjugates enhanced the cytotoxicity toward tumoral MIAPaCa-2 cells by a factor of 320 compared to doxorubicin alone. Moreover, MRI T1 features at 7T enables interesting positive contrast for bioimaging and their adapted size for potential passive targeting to tumors by Enhanced Permeability Retention. Given these encouraging antitumoral and imaging properties, this bimetallic theranostic nanomaterial system represents a veritable promise as a therapeutic entity in the field of medicinal applications.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy and Its Role in Overcoming Drug Resistance

Nanotechnology has been extensively studied and exploited for cancer treatment as nanoparticles can play a significant role as a drug delivery system. Compared to conventional drugs, nanoparticle-based drug delivery has specific advantages, such as improved stability and biocompatibility, enhanced permeability and retention effect, and precise targeting. The application and development of hybrid nanoparticles, which incorporates the combined properties of different nanoparticles, has led this type of drug-carrier system to the next level. In addition, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have been shown to play a role in overcoming cancer-related drug resistance. The mechanisms of cancer drug resistance include overexpression of drug efflux transporters, defective apoptotic pathways, and hypoxic environment. Nanoparticles targeting these mechanisms can lead to an improvement in the reversal of multidrug resistance. Furthermore, as more tumor drug resistance mechanisms are revealed, nanoparticles are increasingly being developed to target these mechanisms. Moreover, scientists have recently started to investigate the role of nanoparticles in immunotherapy, which plays a more important role in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the roles of nanoparticles and hybrid nanoparticles for drug delivery in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and describe the targeting mechanism of nanoparticle-based drug delivery as well as its function on reversing drug resistance.

Development of anisamide-targeted PEGylated gold nanorods to deliver epirubicin for chemo-photothermal therapy in tumor-bearing mice

BACKGROUND

Gold nanorods (AuNRs), due to the optical and electronic properties namely the surface plasma resonance, have been developed to achieve the light-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer. However, PTT alone may suffer from inefficient tumor killing. Recently, the combination of PTT and chemotherapy has been utilized to achieve synergistic anticancer effects.

METHODS

In this study, AuNRs capped with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and PEGylated anisamide (a ligand known to target the sigma receptor) have been developed to produce a range of negatively charged anisamide-targeted PEGylated AuNRs (namely Au-CTAB-PAA-PEG-AA) for the combination of PTT and chemotherapy (termed as chemo-photothermal therapy [CPTT]). Epirubicin (EPI, an anthracycline drug) was efficiently loaded onto the surface of Au800-CTAB-PAA-PEG-AA via the electrostatic interaction forming Au800-CTAB-PAA-PEG-AA.EPI complex.

RESULTS

The resultant complex demonstrated pH-dependent drug release, facilitated nucleus trafficking of EPI, and induced antiproliferative effects in human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. When Au800-CTAB-PAA-PEG-AA.EPI complex was further stimulated with desired laser irradiation, the synergistic outcome was evident in PC-3 xenograft mice.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate a promising strategy for clinical application of CPTT in cancer.

Evaluation of MUC1-Aptamer Functionalized Hybrid Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of miRNA-29b to Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacokinetic study of mucin1-aptamer functionalized miRNA-29b-loaded hybrid nanoparticles (MAFMILHNs) in lung tumor-bearing SCID mice. MAFMILHNs were manufactured using an isoelectric point based nanotechnology. They were then fully characterized for particle size, loading capacity, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The ability of MAFMILHNs to downregulate oncoprotein DNMT3B both at the cellular level and in vivo was monitored using Western blot, while the effect of the downregulation of DNMT3B on tumor growth was assessed using bioluminescence. Results indicate that the presence of MUC1-aptamer conjugated to the surface of the nanoparticles enhanced the selective delivery of miRNA-29b to tumor cells and tissues. Further, the downregulation of DNMT3B by MAFMILHNs resulted in the inhibition of tumor growth in mouse models.

Chemo-biologic combinatorial drug delivery using folate receptor-targeted dendrimer nanoparticles for lung cancer treatment

Co-administration of functionally distinct anti-cancer agents has emerged as an efficient strategy in lung cancer treatment. However, a specially designed drug delivery system is required to co-encapsulate functionally different agents, such as a combination of siRNA and chemotherapy, for targeted delivery. We developed a folic acid (FA)-conjugated polyamidoamine dendrimer (Den)-based nanoparticle (NP) system for co-delivery of siRNA against HuR mRNA (HuR siRNA) and cis-diamine platinum (CDDP) to folate receptor-α (FRA) -overexpressing H1299 lung cancer cells. The co-delivery of HuR siRNA and CDDP using the FRA-targeted NP had a significantly greater therapeutic effect than did individual therapeutics. Further, the FRA-targeted NP exhibited improved cytotoxicity compared to non-targeted NP against lung cancer cells. Finally, the NP showed negligible toxicity towards normal MRC9 lung fibroblast cells. Thus, the present study demonstrates FRA-targeted Den nanoparticle system as a suitable carrier for targeted co-delivery of siRNA and chemotherapy agents in lung cancer cells.

Chemodrug delivery using integrin-targeted PLGA-Chitosan nanoparticle for lung cancer therapy

In this study, we report the efficacy of RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) peptide-modified polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-Chitosan nanoparticle (CSNP) for integrin α_vβ₃ receptor targeted paclitaxel (PTX) delivery in lung cancer cells and its impact on normal cells. RGD peptide-modified chitosan was synthesized and then coated onto PTX-PLGA nanoparticles prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation. PTX-PLGA-CSNP-RGD displayed favorable physicochemical properties for a targeted drug delivery system. The PTX-PLGA-CSNP-RGD system showed increased uptake via integrin receptor mediated endocytosis, triggered enhanced apoptosis, and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and more overall cytotoxicity than its non-targeted counterpart in cancer cells. PTX-PLGA-CSNP-RGD showed less toxicity in lung fibroblasts than in cancer cells, may be attributed to low drug sensitivity, nevertheless the study invited close attention to their transient overexpression of integrin α_vβ₃ and cautioned against corresponding uptake of toxic drugs, if any at all. Whereas, normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells with poor integrin α_vβ₃ expression showed negligible toxicity to PTX-PLGA-CSNP-RGD, at equivalent drug concentrations used in cancer cells. Further, the nanoparticle demonstrated its capacity in targeted delivery of Cisplatin (CDDP), a drug having physicochemical properties different to PTX. Taken together, our study demonstrates that PLGA-CSNP-RGD is a promising nanoplatform for integrin targeted chemotherapeutic delivery to lung cancer.

HuR-targeted small molecule inhibitor exhibits cytotoxicity towards human lung cancer cells

Human antigen (Hu) R is an RNA-binding protein whose overexpression in human cancer correlates with aggressive disease, drug resistance, and poor prognosis. HuR inhibition has profound anticancer activity. Pharmacologic inhibitors can overcome the limitations of genetic inhibition. In this study, we examined the antitumor activity of CMLD-2, a small-molecule inhibitor directed against HuR, using non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as a model. CMLD-2 efficacy was tested in vitro using H1299, A549, HCC827, and H1975 NSCLC cells and MRC-9 and CCD-16 normal human fibroblasts. Treatment of NSCLC cells with CMLD-2 produced dose-dependent cytotoxicity, caused a G1 phase cell-cycle arrest and induced apoptosis. CMLD-2 decreased HuR mRNA and the mRNAs of HuR-regulated proteins (Bcl2 and p27) in tumor cells. Additionally, reduction in the expression of HuR, Bcl2, cyclin E, and Bcl-XL with increased expression of Bax and p27 in CMLD-2-treated NSCLC cells were observed. CMLD-2-treated normal cells, HuR-regulated mRNAs and proteins albeit showed some reduction were less compared to tumor cells. Finally, CMLD-2 treatment resulted in greater mitochondrial perturbation, activation of caspase-9 and -3 and cleavage of PARP in tumor cells compared to normal cells. Our proof-of concept study results demonstrate CMLD-2 represents a promising HuR-targeted therapeutic class that with further development could lead to advanced preclinical studied and ultimately for lung cancer treatment.

Tumor-targeted Nanoparticle Delivery of HuR siRNA Inhibits Lung Tumor Growth In Vitro and In Vivo By Disrupting the Oncogenic Activity of the RNA-binding Protein HuR

Selective downregulation of the human antigen R (HuR) protein by siRNA may provide a powerful approach for treating lung cancer. To this end, we investigated the efficacy of transferrin receptor-targeted liposomal nanoparticle-based HuR siRNA (HuR-TfNP) therapy and compared with control siRNA (C)-TfNP therapy both, in vitro and in vivo using lung cancer models. In vitro studies showed HuR-TfNP, but not C-TfNP, efficiently downregulated HuR and HuR-regulated proteins in A549, and HCC827 lung cancer cells, resulting in reduced cell viability, inhibition of cell migration and invasion, and induction of G₁ cell-cycle arrest culminating in apoptosis. However, HuR-TfNP activity in normal MRC-9 lung fibroblasts was negligible. In vivo biodistribution study demonstrated that fluorescently labeled HuR-siRNA or ICG dye-loaded TfNP localized in tumor tissues. Efficacy studies showed intratumoral or intravenous administration of HuR-TfNP significantly inhibited A549 (>55% inhibition) and HCC827 (>45% inhibition) subcutaneous tumor growth compared with C-TfNP. Furthermore, HuR-TfNP treatment reduced HuR, Ki67, and CD31 expression and increased caspase-9 and PARP cleavage and TUNEL-positive staining indicative of apoptotic cell death in tumor tissues compared with C-TfNP treatment. The antitumor activity of HuR-TfNP was also observed in an A549-luc lung metastatic model, as significantly fewer tumor nodules (9.5 ± 3.1; P < 0.001; 88% inhibition) were observed in HuR-TfNP-treated group compared with the C-TfNP-treated group (77.7 ± 20.1). Significant reduction in HuR, Ki67, and CD31 expression was also observed in the tumor tissues of HuR-TfNP-treatment compared with C-TfNP treatment. Our findings highlight HuR-TfNP as a promising nanotherapeutic system for lung cancer treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(8); 1470-86. ©2017 AACR.

Protein Corona around Gold Nanorods as a Drug Carrier for Multimodal Cancer Therapy

A single nanodevice based on gold nanorods (NRs) coloaded with a photosensitizer, Chlorin e6 (Ce6), and a chemotherapeutic, Doxorubicin (Dox), on its endogenously formed human serum (HS) protein corona, i.e., NR-HS-Ce6-Dox was developed with the aim of performing multimodal cancer therapy: photodynamic (PDT), photothermal (PTT) and chemotherapy (CTX) simultaneously upon irradiation with a single 665 nm laser. Here, the excitation of NRs and Ce6 resulted in photothermal ablation (PTT), and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to kill Cal 27 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells by oxidative stress (PDT) respectively, while the laser-triggered release of Dox intercalated into the DNA of cancer cells to result in DNA damage and cell death (CTX). High laser-triggered Dox release efficiency of 71.5% and strong plasmonic enhancement of ROS production by Ce6 (4.8-fold increase compared to free Ce6) was observed. Uptake of both Ce6 and Dox by Cal 27 cells was greatly enhanced, with 3.3 and 52 times higher intracellular Dox and Ce6 fluorescence observed, respectively, 6 h after dosing with NR-HS-Ce6-Dox compared to free drugs. The simultaneous trimodal therapy achieved a near complete eradication of cancer cells (98.7% cell death) with an extremely low dose of 15 pM NR-HS-Ce6-Dox loaded with just 1.26 nM Ce6 and 12.5 nM Dox due to strong synergistic enhancement in cancer cell kill compared to individual therapies performed separately. No dark toxicities were observed. These drug concentrations were far lower than any previously reported in vitro, thus eliminating any potential systemic toxicity of these agents.

Polymeric Nanoparticle-Mediated Gene Delivery for Lung Cancer Treatment

In recent years, researchers have focused on targeted gene therapy for lung cancer, using nanoparticle carriers to overcome the limitations of conventional treatment methods. The main goal of targeted gene therapy is to develop more efficient therapeutic strategies by improving the bioavailability, stability, and target specificity of gene therapeutics and to reduce off-target effects. Polymer-based nanoparticles, an alternative to lipid and inorganic nanoparticles, efficiently carry nucleic acid therapeutics and are stable in vivo. Receptor-targeted delivery is a promising approach that can limit non-specific gene delivery and can be achieved by modifying the polymer nanoparticle surface with specific receptor ligands or antibodies. This review highlights the recent developments in gene delivery using synthetic and natural polymer-based nucleic acid carriers for lung cancer treatment. Various nanoparticle systems based on polymers and polymer combinations are discussed. Further, examples of targeting ligands or moieties used in targeted, polymer-based gene delivery to lung cancer are reviewed.

Nanomaterials in Targeting Cancer Stem Cells for Cancer Therapy

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified in almost all cancers and give rise to metastases and can also act as a reservoir of cancer cells that may cause a relapse after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Thus they are obvious targets in therapeutic approaches and also a great challenge in cancer treatment. The threat presented by CSCs lies in their unlimited proliferative ability and multidrug resistance. These findings have necessitated an effective novel strategy to target CSCs for cancer treatment. Nanomaterials are on the route to providing novel methods in cancer therapies. Although, there have been a large number of excellent work in the field of targeted cancer therapy, it remains an open question how nanomaterials can meet future demands for targeting and eradicating of CSCs. In this review, we summarized recent and highlighted future prospects for targeting CSCs for cancer therapies by using a variety of nanomaterials.

Nanosomes carrying doxorubicin exhibit potent anticancer activity against human lung cancer cells

Successful chemotherapeutic intervention for management of lung cancer requires an efficient drug delivery system. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) can incorporate various therapeutics; however, GNPs have limitations as drug carriers. Nano-sized cellular vesicles like exosomes (Exo) can ferry GNP-therapeutic complexes without causing any particle aggregation or immune response. In the present study, we describe the development and testing of a novel Exo-GNP-based therapeutic delivery system -'nanosomes'- for lung cancer therapy. This system consists of GNPs conjugated to anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) by a pH-cleavable bond that is physically loaded onto the exosomes (Exo-GNP-Dox). The therapeutic efficacy of Dox in nanosomes was assessed in H1299 and A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells, normal MRC9 lung fibroblasts, and Dox-sensitive human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASM). The enhanced rate of drug release under acidic conditions, successful uptake of the nanosomes by the recipient cells and the cell viability assays demonstrated that nanosomes exhibit preferential cytotoxicity towards cancer cells and have minimal activity on non-cancerous cells. Finally, the underlying mechanism of cytotoxicity involved ROS-mediated DNA damage. Results from this study mark the establishment of an amenable drug delivery vehicle and highlight the advantages of a natural drug carrier that demonstrates reduced cellular toxicity and efficient delivery of therapeutics to cancer cells.

Codelivery of thioridazine and doxorubicin using nanoparticles for effective breast cancer therapy

Cancer chemotherapy can benefit from the combination of different anticancer drugs. Here, we prepared doxorubicin (Dox)- and thioridazine (Thio)-coloaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactic acid) (MPEG-PLA) nanoparticles (NPs) for breast cancer therapy. These NPs have an average particle size of 27 nm. The drug loading efficiencies of Thio and Dox are 4.71% and 1.98%, respectively. Compared to the treatment of Thio or Dox alone, the combination of Thio and Dox exhibited a synergistic effect in inhibiting the growth of 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro. In addition, the Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs could efficiently suppress the growth of breast cancer cells in vivo. This study suggests that Thio- and Dox-coloaded MPEG-PLA NPs might have potential applications in breast cancer treatment.

Folate receptor-targeted nanoparticle delivery of HuR-RNAi suppresses lung cancer cell proliferation and migration

BACKGROUND

Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA binding protein that is overexpressed in many human cancers, including lung cancer, and has been shown to regulate the expression of several oncoproteins. Further, HuR overexpression in cancer cells has been associated with poor-prognosis and therapy resistance. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeted inhibition of HuR in cancer cells should suppress several HuR-regulated oncoproteins resulting in an effective anticancer efficacy. To test our hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the efficacy of folate receptor-α (FRA)-targeted DOTAP:Cholesterol lipid nanoparticles carrying HuR siRNA (HuR-FNP) against human lung cancer cells.

RESULTS

The therapeutic efficacy of HuR-FNP was tested in FRA overexpressing human H1299 lung cancer cell line and compared to normal lung fibroblast (CCD16) cells that had low to no FRA expression. Physico-chemical characterization studies showed HuR-FNP particle size was 303.3 nm in diameter and had a positive surface charge (+4.3 mV). Gel retardation and serum stability assays showed that the FNPs were efficiently protected siRNA from rapid degradation. FNP uptake was significantly higher in H1299 cells compared to CCD16 cells indicating a receptor-dose effect. The results of competitive inhibition studies in H1299 cells demonstrated that HuR-FNPs were efficiently internalized via FRA-mediated endocytosis. Biologic studies demonstrated HuR-FNP but not C-FNP (control siRNA) induced G1 phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in H1299 cells resulting in significant growth inhibition. Further, HuR-FNP exhibited significantly higher cytotoxicity against H1299 cells than it did against CCD16 cells. The reduction in H1299 cell viability was correlated with a marked decrease in HuR mRNA and protein expression. Further, reduced expression of HuR-regulated oncoproteins (cyclin D1, cyclin E, and Bcl-2) and increased p27 tumor suppressor protein were observed in HuR-FNP-treated H1299 cells but not in C-FNP-treated cells. Finally, cell migration was significantly inhibited in HuR-FNP-treated H1299 cells compared to C-FNP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that HuR is a molecular target for lung cancer therapy and its suppression using HuR-FNP produced significant therapeutic efficacy in vitro.